[Editorial]

Editorial - PMI Switzerland Newsletter, February 2026

 Dear PMI Switzerland members and friends,

[Interview]

Interview with Dr. Alexander Matthey, Romandie team pioneer dedicated to PMI Switzerland 25th anniversary

‍As PMI Switzerland approaches its 25th anniversary, we’re taking a step back to revisit the very beginning. What sparked the idea to start PMI Switzerland? What hopes drove the early team — and what challenges did they face along the way?

In this article, we speak with Dr. Alexander Matthey, PMP, the Romandie team pioneer, who shares personal memories and insights from those early days and reflects on how it all began.

Alex, what first sparked the idea to join PMI Switzerland and establish the Romandie team?

In 2001, I was already a Project Manager with 17 years of experience, the last 5 or 6 full time, with several diplomas / certificates in PM and related matters. I was hungry to learn more, to do better and apply best practices. 

[Curator’s Pick]

Demonstrating PMO Relevance in an AI-Driven Environment

Every other month, the Curator’s Pick brings you selected learning content from the PMI library. Each article spotlights one key topic drawn from PMI focus areas, PMI Switzerland Member’s Choice, or emerging trends.

This edition focuses on a question many PMO leaders are actively grappling with as we begin the new year: how can PMOs continue to demonstrate relevance as AI reshapes how organizations make decisions and execute strategy?

In a world where AI accelerates the pace of change, the role and positioning of the PMO are becoming harder to classify. Relevance is no longer defined by reporting alone, but by the PMO’s ability to enable decisions, align portfolios to strategy, and deliver measurable value. The PMI offers a wide range of learning resources that explore how PMOs can evolve into a strategic partner, a decision enabler and leverage AI proficiently to deliver value. 

[Article]

Data-driven ou data-slave: les défauts des données dans sa carrière

Cela fait maintenant bien deux décennies que nous parlons de big data, data-driven, data-centric, data-informed, etc. Comme si nous n'étions pas entourées de données, noyés même. Mais les données sont-elles source de décisions ou symptômes de son absence?

Là est le point central de mon argument: l'obnubilée donnée va vous empoisonner.

Se baser uniquement sur les données est certes "scientifique" en apparence, mais en pratique souffre d'un éventail de limitations.

La première est que les mesures sont biaisées et ce biais rarement compris. Comme les KPIs: Il n'est pas donné à n'importe qui de comprendre et formaliser un problème.

La deuxième est que par cotes de mesures, ce qui est mesurable n'est pas toujours ce qui est utile. Par facilité, nous choisissons des mesures simples mais difficilement pertinentes, voire contre-productives.

[Event Recap]

Intellectual Property Challenges in Projects: Useful Tips for Risk Management

On 25 November 2025, the PMI Switzerland Chapter hosted an evening event in Lausanne to explore a vital project asset: Intellectual Property (IP). While often seen as a legal hurdle, the session framed IP as a strategic legal and economic tool that can determine a project's commercial success or failure.

Expert Insights

The keynote was delivered by Saidakhmad (Said) Azimov, Program Officer for the IP for Business Division at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). Drawing on an 18-year career, Mr. Azimov highlighted a staggering shift in the global economy: by 2020, intangible assets, such as IP, accounted for 90% of the S&P 500 market value.

Said Azimov’s Key Quote: “IP is a powerful tool for businesses. IP Rights give you control, deciding who can do what with your invention, creation, or brand.”

[Book Review]

Book Review of Executive Presence by Sylvia Ann Hewlett

It is a brand new year, you have received gifts of calories and material, so why not gift yourself leadership? That is what the book Executive Presence by Sylvia Ann Hewlett, promises.

The work is based on a short survey sent to industry heads about what makes a leader and what are the greatest mistakes. The content is delivered pragmatically, with three axes: communications, appearance and feedback, and for each explanation, examples and advice.

In communications, we find the classical items such as verbal excellence, conscientiousness, assertiveness, and relatability. The key killers to communication excellence lie in attention deficit and nonverbal signs of weakness.

When it comes to appearance, the key to shining is grooming, followed by classical beauty and age appropriateness. The key killers are over/undergrooming and insecurity.

When it comes to feedback, the author recommends - as would I - to gather frequent and constructive feedback. What may be lacking here is recognising destructive feedback, as well as asking about project insecurity.

[Sponsors]

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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: Tom Pulver, Eva Christin Sindermann, Siarhei Milanovich. 

[Social media]

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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.

© Copyright 2022 Project Management Institute Switzerland Chapter. All rights reserved.

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