Opening
Hi all, and welcome to my new blog!
Recently, while searching for my next position—or as we now say, my next challenge—I took a step back to reflect on my career. My CV told the story of 20+ years in project management and operational roles. But years before that, my journey began not in boardrooms or dashboards, but with actual wood boards in a small kibbutz in the south of Israel, where I was a carpenter.
Starting at the age of 12 and working until I was drafted at 18, I repaired countless screens and windows, built everything from play boxes for kids to wardrobes for new homes. I wouldn’t say I enjoyed every minute of it (work started at 6 AM, after coffee), but I loved the feeling of creating something tangible—something that started as raw material and became useful and real through my own hands.
Through the years, I’ve contributed to exciting, meaningful projects. But the mental checkbox of building something physical—of taking a raw branch, a plywood sheet, or a block of wood and crafting it into something entirely new—remained unchecked.
Returning to Woodwork—With a Plan
Between jobs, I took some much-needed time off and decided to return to woodworking. It’s a vast and fascinating world, stretching from modern furniture making to traditional carpentry, including the intricate art of Sashimono—a Japanese technique of assembling furniture without nails, using complex wood joints.
So, where to start? Being an operations person, I naturally defined my goals and KPIs:
✅ Handwork only (no power tools)
✅ Minimal tools (so I could work at home)
✅ Easy to start but with room to grow
✅ Minimal dirt and sawdust (thanks, Shiri! 😊)
Before committing, I explored different options. My first POC (proof of concept) was spoon carving. It was fun but required a log and an axe—less than ideal for a Tel Aviv apartment. So, I pivoted to whittling small faces and decorative carvings. And I loved it.
The Aha Moment: Finding the Link Between Wood and Work
One morning, I was sitting in the dog park on a sunny winter day, a sharp Kirschen carving knife in one hand and a small basswood block in the other. Tiny curls of wood fell around me as I carved, and my thoughts drifted toward work—what I was looking for, what fit me best, and where I fit best.
As I shaped the wood, I began to notice the parallels between whittling and project management. Each cut had to be intentional. Each decision built upon the last. There was a balance between control and adaptability. And then, while working on a hollow spiral ornament, it hit me:
This wasn’t just a loose similarity. There was so much to learn.
And since experience in woodcarving often comes faster (and cheaper!) than in cross-company projects, I realized there were insights worth sharing.
What to Expect from This Blog
In the upcoming posts, I’ll share lessons and insights I’ve gained from whittling that apply directly to project management. Whether you’re a hobbyist carver, a seasoned project manager, or just an interested reader, I hope you’ll enjoy the journey.
And I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you ever found unexpected connections between work and a hobby? Drop a comment and let’s start the conversation.
