Author: Paula Vignola, PMP

Session Recap: “On the Highway to Cloud Security Hell?” with Klaus Haller

On June 12, 2025, PMI Switzerland Chapter hosted an insightful evening session at HWZ Zürich titled “On the Highway to Cloud Security Hell?” The event, led by cloud security expert Klaus Haller (Linkedin Profile), took a closer look at the fast-moving world of cloud transformation and the often-overlooked risks that come with it.

Klaus opened the discussion by challenging a common belief. Many companies jump into the cloud expecting to reduce costs and improve agility, yet few are fully prepared for the new types of risk they face. The session quickly moved beyond the usual buzzwords to focus on practical challenges, such as the issue of machine-to-machine authentication. This area, frequently ignored, can become a major vulnerability, especially in complex hybrid or multi-cloud environments where identity management is fragmented and difficult to control.

Using real-world examples, including the Microsoft Storm-0558 breach, Klaus illustrated how a single misconfiguration or blind spot can lead to significant consequences, both operational and reputational. His message was clear. Cloud security is not just a technical challenge, it is also a cultural and organizational one. Companies need to foster better collaboration between teams and encourage leadership to take an active role in managing risk.

Participants walked away with several practical insights, including how to:

• Identify and manage workload identity risks across IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS
• Navigate the complexity of hybrid and multi-cloud environments
• Communicate more effectively with engineering teams using a shared understanding of risk and resilience

The session also reflected broader industry trends. Klaus highlighted how AI-driven automation, zero trust principles, and API-first security models are changing the way organizations approach cloud protection. As more companies move to the cloud, the attack surface expands, making proactive governance and identity protection more important than ever.

The key takeaway was simple. Cloud security is not a final destination. It is a continuous journey that requires visibility, control, and a clear sense of direction to avoid ending up in “cloud security hell.”

We look forward to welcoming you at future PMI Switzerland Chapter events, where we’ll continue to explore what it means to lead with purpose and clarity in the evolving landscape. From technical risks to cultural shifts, these conversations help us stay prepared, informed, and connected in a rapidly changing digital world.

References:

https://pmi-switzerland.ch/publications/blog/on-the-highway-to-cloud-security-hell

https://pmi-switzerland.ch/events/pmi-evening-event/2025-06-12-highway-to-cloud-security

https://ch.linkedin.com/in/klaushaller

Author: Stefan Isler, PMP

PMI Academia: Building Bridges with the Next Generation of Project Leaders

PMI Switzerland is strengthening its engagement with the academic world through PMI Academia, a program designed to connect students, universities, and our professional community. The initiative bridges the gap between education and practice, ensuring that tomorrow’s leaders in project management are equipped with the skills and mindset they need to succeed.

Objectives:

For our community, PMI Academia represents an opportunity to give back — by mentoring, sharing expertise, and opening doors for students. In turn, we gain fresh perspectives, stronger ties with academic partners, and the chance to shape the profession’s future.

Key Features

• Student Support – Tailored project management training and mentorship for student organisations.
• Discounted Student Membership – Affordable access for students to PMI’s global network and resources.
• Events & Networking – Opportunities for students and institutions to engage at workshops and professional events.
• Academic Partner Benefits – Access to seasoned guest speakers from our community and to our corporate partners.

Planned Activities

To bring these opportunities to life, we are preparing concrete initiatives such as:

• A first national student competition in 2026 based on a project management simulation challenge, offering a hands-on, engaging way for students to apply project management concepts.
• A stronger presence at career fairs, where PMI Switzerland can connect directly with students and showcase the value of project management as a profession.

Our Role

PMI Academia creates meaningful opportunities not only for students but also for professionals. Whether by mentoring students, speaking at universities, or supporting events, everybody can play an active role in making this initiative impactful.

Together, we will ensure that PMI Switzerland continues to inspire and support the next generation of project leaders.

Author: Mirjam Nufer, PMP, DASM

[Curator’s Pick] - Thought Leadership Report „The Project Professional’s GenAI Journey: From Quick Wins to Leading the Transformation”

In the July Newsletter, we talked about PMI’s Resource Hub for AI in Project Management. Today, we want to dive deeper into the question of what Project Managers need to lead the transformation, and draw your attention to PMI's Thought Leadership Report series on the role of GenAI in project management.

The first report, First Movers' Advantage, identified two key groups of GenAI users in project management: Trailblazers and Explorers. The study found that Trailblazers not only automated routine tasks with GenAI but also enhanced complex tasks such as risk management and decision-making, leading to improved productivity, creativity, and problem-solving.

The second report, Pushing the Limits, expanded on these findings and identified project tasks with particularly high potential benefits from GenAI. Leading to rapid efficiency gains and long-term transformation effects.

The new report, The Project Professional’s GenAI Journey, reveals how project managers can leverage GenAI to drive genuine transformation, not just efficiency gains.

Key insights: 

• Quick wins are not enough: initial gains in productivity are valuable, but lasting transformation requires more. 
• Two pillars of GenAI-led transformation: preparedness (having the technical foundation) and initiative (commitment to adoption).
• Self-directed development is crucial (e.g. experimenting, online courses) and the key driver of GenAI competence – often more important than formal training.
• Organizations must provide support: Structural support through governance, learning opportunities, and freedom to experiment increases impact – and retains talent within the company.

Discover now how to integrate GenAI for sustainable project success: The Project Professionals GenAI Journey.

With thanks to PMI Germany, whose July newsletter inspired this translated and adapted version.

Authors: Maria Anghileri and Alexandre Donose, PMP

Mentor Spotlight: My Journey with PMI Mentoring

At PMI Switzerland, we are proud to have a community of passionate professionals who generously dedicate their time and energy to mentoring, and embody the spirit of continuous learning, of  service that lies at the heart of our organization.

Through the Mentoring Program, our members not only guide others—they inspire us all. That’s why we believe it's important to celebrate their stories and share their perspectives, to highlight the power of mentoring and encourage others to get involved.

Today we are pleased to feature one of our dedicated mentors, Alexandre Donose, who shares his personal journey, reflections, and valuable insights gained through mentoring.

Alexandre Donose works in public transport infrastructure as a Project Portfolio and Investments Manager, with prior experience as a Project Manager across multiple industries. He is currently mentoring two participants in the PMI Switzerland Mentoring Program, in addition to supporting two other professionals through his personal network — all on a volunteer basis.

We hope his experience will inspire others to explore the rewarding path of becoming a mentor—or a mentee.

Maria Anghileri

PMI Switzerland Mentoring Program Lead

By Alexandre Donose

Why I Mentor and I decided to participate to the PMI Switzerland Mentoring Program

Mentoring has always been a natural part of my professional and personal life. I’ve guided colleagues and peers throughout my career as well as friends in my personal life, and when I saw the opportunity to contribute through PMI - an organization I deeply value - I didn’t hesitate. Project management is something I truly cherish, and this program allows me to give back and to receive in a meaningful way. I believe in the power of an external, non-judgmental perspective - something I wish I had access to early in my own career. 

What I Gain

This journey has offered me a lot of personal reflection. Hearing diverse experiences and perspectives often challenges my own assumptions and beliefs - which I see as a valuable exercise. I’m someone who embraces introspection, and mentoring reinforces that mindset. On a more personal level, it brings me a great sense of fulfilment. Supporting others - whether by reviewing a CV or navigating a difficult career choice - nurtures something meaningful in me. Positive feedback is of course rewarding, but even constructive disagreement helps me grow and refine my own thinking.

The Biggest Challenge

The biggest challenge is undoubtedly the time. With a full-time workload, mentoring goes beyond the sessions themselves - it involves preparation, follow-ups, reviewing documents, and preparing ahead. It requires real commitment. That said, because I enjoy it so much, I’ve found ways to make it work. The value I get from it makes the time investment worthwhile.

Advice to Fellow Mentors

If I could share a few thoughts with other mentors, it would be these:

• Stay open. Step back from your assumptions and stay open to being challenged. Mentoring is not about offering ready-made answers; it’s about creating space for reflection and dialogue.
• Give without expecting. Don’t expect anything in return - give because you genuinely want to help.
• Let your mentee lead. I encourage mentees to bring up topics they care about. The mentoring relationship should revolve around their needs. At the same time, if I sense something important is being overlooked, I gently suggest exploring it - never impose.
• Build trust. Confidentiality is non-negotiable.  I make it clear that what’s shared stays between us, and I encourage open and honest conversations.
• Be present and be generous with your time. Embrace the experience—for what you offer and what you gain.

Final Thoughts

Mentoring isn’t just a professional activity for me—it’s a personal mission. Through it, I continue to grow, learn, and connect with others in ways that go beyond the technical aspects of project management. If you’ve ever considered becoming a mentor, I can only say: do it. The journey is rewarding in ways you can’t always predict—but will certainly appreciate.