Author: Daniel Rodellar, PMP

Dear readers and members,

As the sunny days of summer are enveloping us in warmth and radiance, it's the perfect time to infuse our professional lives with the same vibrant energy. The season of leisure and exploration offers a unique opportunity to revitalize our project management strategies and adopt fresh approaches. So, let's embark on a journey that combines the essence of summer with the tenets of project management, unlocking a world of productivity and success.

With the same summer spirit, we are preparing for you the 12th PMI Switzerland Conference, "INNOVATIVE PROJECT MANAGEMENT: Power skills for the future", that will be happening on 18th October, at the Roche building (F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG Areal Kaiseraugst) in Basel. You will find in this issue an article giving you an introduction to the full content, plus the interviews with three speakers so that you get a taste of what’s on the menu!

Moreover, this issue also covers managing blockchain Truffle projects, a PMI Swiss Corporate Networking Group article about Sunrise company, the presentation of an event where we'll dive into the capabilities and limitations of AI, with real-world examples of how it can automate tasks, predict risks, and optimize resources, and incorporating the Disciplined Agile toolkit to plan the project.

Do not miss the early bird registration: discount of 50 CHF until the 5th of September (it will be automatically applied at the registration). Full price (non-members): 449.00 CHF and PMI® Switzerland Chapter Member price: 399.00 CHF - Students (up to 25 years): 120.00 CHF (max 20 tickets).

Summer offers full of inspiration, and when composed into the fabric of project management, it creates a harmonious blend of productivity, creativity, and resilience. As the season unfolds before us, let us embrace the essence of summer and apply its valuable lessons to our projects. By doing so, we can elevate our project management practices to new heights, basking in the warmth of success that only a well-managed project can bring.

So, let the summer breeze propel you towards project management excellence, and savor the rewards of the season. As the days grow longer, may your project management expertise shine brighter, illuminating the path to success for your entire team.

Daniel

Author: Daniel Rodellar, PMP

Dear readers and members, on behalf of our Copy Editors’ team, I take the editorial job this month.

We have arranged for the July Edition starting with a retrospective of one of the events in Zürich. It was about giving the tools to strengthen teamwork and foster a collaborative culture. Both things are what we all unquestionably wish for in the workplace (and in private too, I would say).

We also develop in this edition the initiative to create a positive change with the PMI Social Impact initiative.

Besides, we kickoff a series of articles about PMI Swiss Corporate Networking Group (SCNG) companies. Read more on the insightful interview below and learn stimulating information about SIX.

On the "Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging" series, Eric concludes with several very insightful takeaways. Every step forward is progress, he says, and that is so true. Most of the time, done is better than perfect, step by step, one can reach a big objective.

Special thanks to all the ones that proposed to be speakers of the 2023 PMI Switzerland Conference in Basel!

For the upcoming 2024-2025 election term, we are looking for active PMI Switzerland Chapter members. Want to join? Details below.

Enjoy the start of the summer period, long days, and warmer weather.

Daniel

Author: Ala Lutz, PMP

Speakers for the 2023 PMI Conference!

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your applications to become speakers at the upcoming PMI Conference. We appreciate your interest and the valuable insights you have shared with us.

PMI Conference team is waiting for you for in Basel

We are pleased to inform you that the processing of applications is currently in progress. Our team is carefully reviewing each application and evaluating the proposed topics and experiences. We understand the anticipation and excitement surrounding the selection process.

Rest assured, we will be providing updates soon regarding the status of your application. Our goal is to ensure a thorough and fair evaluation process to select the most relevant and impactful speakers for the conference.

Once again, we sincerely thank you for your time, effort, and interest in contributing to the PMI Conference. We truly value the knowledge and expertise you bring to the table. Your willingness to share your experiences will undoubtedly enrich the conference and benefit the project management community.

We look forward to reaching out to you shortly with further information. In the meantime, if you have any questions or require additional assistance, please feel free to contact us.

Thank you for your understanding and patience and forward to seeing you in Basel.

Author: Eric Jelenje, PMP

Retrospective on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging: Helping Enhance Sustainability and Competitiveness in Uncertain Times

Over the past three editions of the Newsletter, we have been talking about all things Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB), and their relevance to modern day organizational and project management.

As a continuation, I was privileged to facilitate an evening of conversation around DEI  and its benefits to organizations needing to thrive amidst immense volatility and uncertainty.

Kickstarting proceedings, Adi Muslic, VP for Sponsors and Partners, provided a background to the event’s organization process and a brief overview of the keynote presentation.

The next highlight, a 3-minute monologue on the power of DEI in the work, was an ideal preamble, reinforcing its relevance in the face of talent shortages and societal upheaval in the project economy. The conversation subsequently shifted to the DEI strategy formulation process, referencing  the USA for Africa project as a case study.

Equally as engaging were the exchanges and debates between participants. One such was around balancing data protection legislative compliance with the need for comprehensive data to support decision-making and strategy formulation. 

Others thoughts shared were around organizations displaying “superficial” commitments to DEI, how meaningful action is important and how embracing DEI should not be forceful but organic.

My shared takeaways? 

Context is important. DEI strategy should reflect the uniqueness of circumstances.

Perfection is unrealistic. Every step forward is progress. 

Embrace and balance the use of quantitative and qualitative data.

Concluding the discussions, Adi talked of the Chapter’s ongoing and pipeline initiatives, upcoming events and the Chapter volunteer experience. 

Participants were then treated to a networking apéro in what was the perfect ending to a wonderful evening of networking and conversations.

Interested in attending a future PMI event? Then access the events listing page on the Chapter website and register for the event of your choice.