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Mentor Spotlight: My Journey with PMI Mentoring

Maria Anghileri Alexandre Donose  

 

 

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.

PMI Switzerland Chapter Elections – Your Opportunity to Lead!

 

Marina Satapathy Velan Thangavelu  
 
Authors: Marina Satapathy, PMP & Velan Thangavelu, PMP  

 

PMI Switzerland Chapter Elections – Your Opportunity to Lead!

Dear PMI Switzerland Chapter Members,

As we approach the 2026-2027 election term, we want to remind you of the ongoing opportunity to shape the future of our chapter. Our community thrives because of members like you — dedicated professionals who are not only committed to the principles of PMI but also eager to grow, lead, and make a difference.

Key Roles Open for Election:

  • Board of Directors: Lead our chapter by guiding strategy, overseeing operations, and ensuring we meet our goals.
  • Election Committee Member: Play a crucial role in the election process by ensuring transparency and fairness.
  • Financial Auditor Committee Member: Help maintain the financial integrity of our chapter by reviewing and auditing our finances.

Why Stand for Election? Joining the PMI Switzerland Chapter Board is more than just a volunteer position — it's an opportunity to

  • Influence the direction of PMI Switzerland.
  • Collaborate with passionate peers.
  • Gain invaluable leadership experience.
  • Contribute to the growth and success of our chapter.

Application Timeline: The official application process has just begun and you have time to apply until September 30th 2025. If you’re ready to take on a leadership role, please review the information about the eligibility criteria and follow the application process on our elections page, or reach out to any of our Board of Directors members and the elections committee directly at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Together, let's continue empowering professionals to transform ideas into reality.

We look forward to receiving your applications and working together to advance the project management profession!

Your Election Committee,

Velan Thangavelu, PMP & Marina Satapathy, PMP

The PMI Official mobile app helps you maintain your PMI certification and deepen your project management expertise

Mirjam Nufer Author: Daniel Rodellar, PMP

The PMI Official mobile app helps you maintain your PMI certification and deepen your project management expertise

PMI

PMI provides a mobile app that allows certified project professionals to manage their certifications and track track Professional Development Units (PDUs) accrual. Built for PMI-certified Project Professionals, this first release of the PMI Official mobile app lets you track and report PDUs to maintain your PMI certification, as well as find PDU-earning opportunities that support your career goals and learning style.

PMI mobile app

https://www.pmi.org/official-mobile-app 

PMI Official Mobile App - This app is designed for PMI-certified professionals to manage their certifications, track PDUs, and find opportunities to earn more PDUs. It is available on both Android (Google Play) and iPhone (App Store) and users can log in with their existing PMI account to streamline the certification management process.

Here’s a complete list of everything you can accomplish with the new app:

  • Check your certification’s renewal status
  • Get certification renewal reminders
  • Track and report PDUs
  • Learn more about PDUs and certification maintenance
  • Search and filter courses that match your career goals and learning preferences
  • Save courses for future exploration
  • Explore a personalized dashboard
  • Provide feedback to shape future releases of the app

 

Editorial - PMI Switzerland Newsletter, July-August 2025

Daniel Rodellar

Author: Daniel Rodellar, PMP

Harnessing the Power of Community, Innovation, and Purpose in Project Management

Dear PMI Switzerland Community and newsletter readers,

As summer brings new energy and opportunities, PMI Switzerland stands at the forefront of a dynamic transformation in the world of project management. This edition of our newsletter reflects the collective spirit, curiosity, and commitment of our members. From pioneering AI resources to driving social impact and from celebrating volunteer leadership to championing lifelong learning, our chapter continues to lead with purpose and innovation.

This year, we proudly launch the Members’ Choice banner, reflecting your top event topics and making our sessions truly member-driven. AI is rapidly transforming the field of project management. Our Curator’s Pick spotlights PMI’s AI Resource Hub, featuring publications, eLearning, and the exclusive PMI Infinity™ AI-powered coach. At PMI Switzerland, we see project management as a force for positive change beyond business. Our partnerships with PMWB, Homeless Entrepreneur, Bevel ON, Engineers Without Borders, and Doctors Without Borders show our commitment to social impact. These initiatives provide tangible benefits to communities in need. We invite every member to join us in making a difference—together, we amplify the power of projects to transform lives. Supporting initiatives like the Bevel ON Capacity Building Programme, we offer free training to professionals in transition, investing in human potential and community resilience. With over 220 graduates, this program shows how knowledge and coaching drive progress.

With the 2026-2027 elections on the horizon, we invite passionate members to step up and lead. If you live PMI values and are ready to commit, stand for election and help shape our future. Continuous learning is now easier with the PMI Official mobile app—track PDUs, manage certifications, and find learning opportunities on the go. Finally, our review of Robert Cialdini’s "Influence: New and Expanded" offers insight into the art of persuasion. The book is full of practical advice, but an abridged version may serve you best. In project management, understanding influence is essential.

Leading together with purpose !

This summer, we celebrate the vibrant, values-driven community that makes them possible. Whether you are exploring new technologies, volunteering for social good, or stepping into leadership, remember: at PMI Switzerland, your passion and participation are the driving force behind our impact. Let’s continue to learn, lead, and make a difference—together.

Warm regards,

Daniel Rodellar, PMP. Publications Director.
PMI Switzerland Newsletter Team