‍[Upcoming Events]

[Editorial]

Dear readers,

Happy new year, and welcome to your first newsletter of 2025!

To start out the new year, we propose a couple of book reviews from your PMI Switzerland VP Volunteers, Joachim Dehais: One on decision making tools and the other on rhetoric, both offering useful guidance on their relevance to project management.

An article from PMI Switzerland volunteer Oxana Herzog, offers a motivational reflection on volunteering and her aspirations for 2025.

In other news, your PMI Switzerland events team highlights two in-person sessions in Zürich: On 15 January, a hands-on workshop introducing Lego’s SERIOUS PLAY, focused on creativity and team problem-solving, and another on 23 january that proposes real-world AI innovations for PMO Management.

Don't miss introductions to five new members in this newsletter, and once again we encourage you to upgrade your project management skills by signing up today to PMI Switzerland events and following us on social media.

Philip SPRINGUEL,

Newsletter Copy Editor

[Article]

Next-Gen AI PMO: Real-World AI Innovations in Project & PMO Management

On 23 January in Zürich, join us to discover how AI can revolutionize your PMO by automating routine tasks and enhancing decision-making. In this session, Alexandre Rezende will share key insights from over 100 brainstormed ideas, highlighting selected concepts that progressed to Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) and delivered early value.

Through case studies, he will showcase successful AI applications and lessons learned from less successful initiatives. Attendees will gain practical strategies for implementing AI in their PMOs, from Everyday AI to Game-Changing AI solutions.

About the Speaker

Leading the session is Alexandre Rezende, a transformation expert with 18+ years of experience across 40 countries. As a recognized leader in Project Portfolio Management (PPM) and PMO transformations, Alexandre has driven large-scale global initiatives and served as Chief Transformation Officer (CTO). At AdEx Partners, he supports clients in navigating complex transformations.

[Article]

Unlock Creative Potential with LEGO SERIOUS PLAY

Join us for an exciting hands-on workshop, Introduction to LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®, designed to spark creativity, enhance problem-solving, and improve communication within teams. This unique methodology enables participants to approach challenges from fresh perspectives and fosters a deeper shared understanding of project success.

What You’ll Learn: 

• Integrating perspectives: Master techniques to blend diverse viewpoints, unlocking your team’s full potential.
• Creating shared project goals: Build a common vision of project success and align everyone toward the same objectives.
• Designing project landscapes: Use LEGO® models to visualize complex project structures, identify key influencers, and map dynamic interactions.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll have established a foundation for clearer communication, better team coordination, and long-term project success.

[Article]

Support Drives Success: A Reflection on 2024 and Aspirations for 2025

Gratitude

It’s not a word often associated with project management, yet as I reflect on 2024, it’s the one that resonates most deeply. Gratitude for the people I’ve met, the partnerships we are building, and the shared purpose I’ve discovered within the PMI Switzerland community.

As project managers, we focus on outcomes: deliverables, milestones, and transformations. But this year, what stands out is the journey - the collaboration and support that shaped these results. Over the past eight months, my journey with PMI Switzerland has been a time of growth, inspiration, and connection with a network of passionate professionals.

People Are the Heart of Every Project

Behind every success is a team of dedicated individuals who bring the vision to life. My mentors, peers, and colleagues have not only shared their expertise but also motivated me to grow as a volunteer, trainer and team lead. Such a belief and support have been transformative, encouraging me to pursue project management training and explore new horizons.

[Article]

Book Review - Le Pouvoir Rhetorique

Ah, la rhétorique, honie comme elle est souhaitée. Mais comment fonctionne-t-elle, et comment pouvons nous nous emparer, voire, comment pouvons nous nous en servir?

C'est en ces termes que commence l'ouvrage, conséquent, de Clément Viktorovich. En effet, la rhétorique est parfois considérée comme manipulatrice, entre autres parce qu'elle peut l'être, mais aussi car nous vivons une époque technocratique et ‘data-driven’. Mais comme souvent, les outils ne sont que des outils, et savoir s'en servir de manière honnête - comme efficace, n'est pas donné.

En mettant donc de côté les questions les plus épineuses de l'éthique, joignons nous à la question de comment convaincre et ne pas se "laisser" convaincre.

Le modèle grec, ici repris, consiste en trois grands espaces: le logos ou verbal et rationnel, le pathos ou émotionnel, et l'ethos ou relationnel. Jusque là rien de nouveau.

Bien que nous pensions être rationnels, loin de là, il faudra donc savoir jouer des arguments non-verbaux aussi pour les bonnes causes. En effet, le pathos, aussi dénigré soit-il dans nos pensées, y joue un jeu crucial. De même, l'ethos, ou la manière dont nous nous représentons et sommes perçus, influe sur notre audience pour le bon comme le mauvais.

‍Mark Your Calendar: Annual Membership Meeting

We are delighted to invite you to our annual membership meeting, taking place on February 27th at the Philip Morris International premises in Lausanne.

The event will kick off with the official proceedings of the association, followed by an inspiring speaker session. To conclude, we’ll enjoy a networking apéro—a perfect opportunity to connect with fellow members in a relaxed setting.

Don’t miss this chance to engage with our community and gain valuable insights. We look forward to seeing you there!

[Article]

Book Review of "The Decision Book - Fifty Models For Strategic Thinking"

Looking for something short, sweet, and that is a good inventory of decision making tools? The Decision Book - Fifty Models For Strategic Thinking, by Mikael Krogerus, will make you that much happier.

Eminently simple in concept, this book contains 50 different graphical and verbal systems to structure your thoughts and make decisions. The finest and perhaps most logical addition this book gives is a map of other tools, according to whether you are working towards yourself or others, and whether you wish to understand or act.

Based on this, you are free to browse classical tools such as:

- The Eisenhower matrix for prioritisation

- The SWOT analysis for strategy setting

- The prisoner's dilemma to understand conflict and group decisions

- Retrospective tools to avoid repeating mistakes

- The Hershey-Blanchard system to manage collaborators according to experience

- The Uffe-Elbaek and Johari principles to understand ourselves and how others perceive us

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[Community PMI CH]

Members Update

A warm welcome to all new members that joined our Chapter.
Congratulations also to the members who obtained certifications.

The following members provided information about themselves; Andreas (Andy) Paul, Paula Vignola de Marco, Ashima Saxena, Jean-Luc Ingold, Frank Huget.

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‍The PMI Switzerland Chapter is a non-profit professional business organization, and is a chartered chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI), Newtown Square, PA, USA.

Views and opinions expressed in the newsletter are those of the authors and, unless otherwise stated, do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the chapter or PMI or imply partnership.

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