Every Big Adventure Starts With a Plan!

Michael Staubly

Michael Staubly is a project management and technology leader with more than 20 years of experience turning ideas into successful projects and helping teams achieve meaningful results. Throughout his career, he has led complex projects, large-scale programs, and global project management teams, developing a deep appreciation for the role that planning, teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and leadership play in bringing great ideas to life.

Michael earned his Master of Science in Project Management from the University of Southern California (USC). While at USC, he received the prestigious Order of Arête, which recognizes graduate students who distinguish themselves through exceptional leadership and service beyond the requirements of their academic programs. USC Bovard College has also featured Michael and his people-focused approach to project management.

Through the adventures of Penny, Duke, and Atlas, Michael introduces young readers to project management, STEM, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving in a way that is fun, approachable, and easy to understand. Instead of complicated terminology, the series helps children learn how to turn big ideas into manageable steps, work together, solve problems, adapt when plans change, and celebrate what they accomplish.

Michael believes project management is much more than a profession. It is a collection of practical life skills. Learning how to plan, communicate, collaborate, make decisions, overcome challenges, and lead with confidence can benefit children in school, at home, and eventually in their careers.

His goal for Penny the Project Manager is to inspire the next generation of thinkers, creators, problem-solvers, teammates, and leaders—and to show children that even the biggest adventures can begin with one small idea and a plan.