In Memory of James R. Snyder (1938-2024): Honoring a Pioneer in Project Management

Author: David Puippe, PMP, PMI-ACP, PMI-PBA

Dear friends,

Following a communication from PMI to all members, the Switzerland Chapter would also like to honour the man affectionately known as "The Father of PMI", Mr. James “Jim” R. Snyder, in the April Newsletter.

James R. Snyder was one of the visionaries who shaped the landscape of project management as we know it today. Jim was the first to fulfil the role of CEO, and one of the last living co-founders, of the Project Management Institute (PMI), founded in 1969. As such, he left an indelible mark on our profession through his unwavering dedication, innovative spirit, and profound leadership, propelling PMI to the premier global organization for project management professionals.

Throughout his illustrious career, James Snyder remained committed to fostering excellence in project management. His contributions extended far beyond the boardroom, in his tireless advocacy for standards, best practices, and professional development opportunities in the profession. His passion for empowering individuals and organizations to achieve their goals resonated deeply within the PMI community and beyond.

James Snyder's legacy is not only defined by his professional achievements, but also by the lives he touched, and the relationships he cultivated. He was known for his generosity, willingness to mentor people, and kindness. His integrity will continue to inspire generations of project management professionals.

In honour of James R. Snyder's memory, let us recommit ourselves to upholding the principles of excellence, integrity, and collaboration that he exemplified throughout his life. As we carry forward his vision, may we continue to strive for greatness in our profession, and make a difference in the world, just as he did.

Rest in peace, James, and thank you for everything you have given us.

Learn more: In Memory of James R. Snyder

Annual Members Meeting (AMM 2024) Reflections

Author: Florian Pushmann, PMP

On the evening of March 14th, I headed towards the Annual Members Meeting (AMM 2024), looking forward to gaining insights into the PMI year ahead. After having arrived at Bürkliplatz on this sunny evening, I embarked on a stroll towards the Swiss Re Building at Mythenquai, taking in the picturesque scenery along the lakeshore, with the snowcapped Alps in the background.

Navigating to the auditorium, I was greeted by fellow PMI Switzerland volunteers, who guided me to the foyer of the auditorium, which was already filled with event attendees awaiting the start of the event. Stefan Vesenmeier, the 2023 President of the Board, walked through the Chapter's 2023 accomplishments, accompanied by slides depicting the scenic Swiss Alps. Highlights included a series of successful events, culminating in the 2023 PMI Switzerland conference, which was made possible through the dedication and hard work of both board members and volunteers. Membership numbers reached a new high, exceeding 1840 PMI members, 4000 LinkedIn followers and 1500 Newsletter subscribers. Supported by stable finances and the steadfast key sponsors PwC, STS, and AdEx Partners, the chapter has been able to provide value to its members whilst maintaining and upgrading the IT infrastructure as needed.

In recognition for his unwavering dedication and consistent contributions, Aristeidis Matsokis was awarded the President's Award for 2023, receiving appreciation and thanks directly from the 2023 Board President, Stefan Vesenmeier. (Pictured below)

Valerie Pierre was recognized as the 2023 Volunteer of the Year, specifically for her leadership and enthusiasm as the Zurich Events Director. Further, both Mafalda Amaro and Daniel Rollendar were celebrated as runners up for their leadership roles as the Social Impact and Youth Coordinator and Newsletter Director respectively. Martin Härri's receipt of the PMI Global, Eric Jenett Person Award for Volunteer of the Year, was a moment of particular pride for the PMI Switzerland Chapter. The award was in acknowledgement of his invaluable, and longstanding, volunteer contributions, including the initiation and management of the Swiss Corporate Network Group (SNCG).

Under the leadership of the newly-elected Chapter President, Nikola Goran Čutura, the 2024 Board, comprised of Philippe Soupart (VP Operations), Joachim Dehais (VP Volunteers), David Puippe (VP Communications and Marketing), Agustín Díaz Salvadores (VP Finance), Ala Lutz (VP Membership), Paula Armoa (VP Strategic initiatives) and Thando Dube (VP Events) outlines three strategic areas:

1. Enhancing member benefits
2. Amplifying corporate engagement
3. Aligning to PMI's global Next Strategy, including the integration of PMO GA.

The keynote address, presented by Claudia Alcelay, PMI Global's Product Manager for Gen AI, captivated the audience with the ever so hot topic of global Gen AI adoption in project management.

A key finding within Europe was a faster adoption rate in smaller European nations, such as Denmark, Portugal, Finland, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands, as well as within data-intensive sectors such as finance, government, and IT. If “Data is the new oil” (Clive Humby), Gen AI has the potential to support project managers to “refine it”, which means to automate, assist and augment their work depending on the nature of the task at hand.

This holds especially true for unstructured data, for which there is no shortage across all areas of project management. Claudia Alcelay views the role of the Project Manager as that of an 'Influencer', ensuring appropriate data flow. “Data doesn’t drive anything – people do” (Marcus Glowasz).

As AI continues to redefine project management, adaptability emerges as most in-demand skill in 2024 as surveyed by LinkedIn, and it is expected that 65% of on the job skills will change by 2030.

Florian Ivan of Rolf Consulting, Onur Yildirim of Swiss Re and Adrian Stierli of PwC joined Claudia Alcelay in a panel discussion that followed the keynote presentation. The panel topics and discussion delved into the nuances of managing AI-related risks, along with the imperative of trust and transparency in AI models.

Looking ahead, PMI's Next Strategy is a commitment to empower and equip project managers in navigating the evolving technological landscape. PMI Infinity, PMI’s developed Gen AI solution, supports project managers in navigating the ever-growing and evolving knowledge base of PMI. Unlike front-runner Generative AI applications, such as ChatGPT, Infiinity provides additional functionality for project managers in respect to source information assessment and evaluation, along with suggested prompts as recommendations to delve deeper into desired topics.

As customary, the Annual Members Meeting 2024 concluded with an elegant and enthusiastic networking apéro.

Whilst future may be uncertain, one thing is clear... by harnessing the power of technology and embracing change, project managers can continue to lead with confidence.

Author: PM Conference team 2024

Save the date - PM Conference “Innovation in Project Management - Risks and Opportunities” 2024

The game is changing. ️

The future of project management demands adaptability, resilience, and innovative thinking.

Are you ready to shape the future of project management?

Join us for the PM Conference “Innovation in Project Management - Risks and Opportunities” where we’ll explore the exciting intersection of innovation, risks, and opportunities.

23 September 2024 in Lausanne: https://pmi-switzerland.ch/pm-conference

Gain insights on:

• Transforming your project methods with innovative tools and techniques.
• Turning challenges into triumphs by understanding and mitigating emerging risks.
• Becoming an unstoppable agent of change in your organization.
• Navigating the risks associated with fresh approaches and methodologies.
• Developing the skills you need to thrive in this ever-changing landscape.

Network:

• Connect with like-minded professionals from diverse backgrounds and industries.
• Share your experiences and build lasting connections.
• Explore potential collaborations and partnerships.

Don’t miss out! Save the date and join us for an unforgettable experience.

Stay tuned for more details!

PM Conference team

Author: Mafalda Amaro, VP Sponsors & Partners

🌟 PM Talks 2024: Celebrating a Successful Debut!

Dear PMI Switzerland Community,

We're excited to share the success of our first-ever PM Talks event, held in February 2024. It was an inspiring session filled with invaluable insights, real talks, and some serious "Aha!" moments. 

Our guest speaker Alkistis Petropakis covered a range of insights, offering practical advice and sharing Advance experience in the field of Gender Diversity in the Swiss Workplace.

Check out the presentation here.

We're grateful to our speaker, sponsors, volunteers, and attendees for their support in making PM Talks 2024 a success. 

🏆 A big shout out to our Social Impact volunteers Johanna Keller and Isabelle Noverraz for driving this PM Talk!

🚀 PM Talks series aims to cultivate a vibrant community of project management enthusiasts by offering insightful webinars on Social Impact, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Sustainability. 

💼 Led by industry experts, these sessions cover a wide range of topics, empowering both aspiring and seasoned project managers to thrive in their endeavors. 

🔄 By sharing experiences, knowledge, and insights from various industries, backgrounds, and expertise, PM Talks fosters community engagement and enhances the skills of project professionals, enabling them to navigate the dynamic landscape of project management with confidence and make a meaningful impact in their respective fields.

We're already looking forward to planning future events that continue to foster learning, collaboration, and growth within our project management community.

Best regards,

Mafalda Amaro