Author: Lisa Gryzagoridis, PMP, DASM

At the end of a sweltering hot day, and under threat of rain, 15 professionals flocked to Sphéres to enjoy refreshments with fellow project managers and project management enthusiasts.

As always, the venue was cosy and welcoming, and it was not long before all who arrived were deep in conversation. Once again, the Chapter welcomed individuals that spanned a multitude of cultures, roles, and industries, but all sharing in the delight of meeting with both old and new connections.

Like-minded people engaged in a range of conversational topics... from social to professional... from shared to novel experiences... and from failures to successes.

Over too soon, yet eagerly anticipating the next Zurich Networking Apéro.

Be sure to register for this popular event in the coming months!

See you soon!

Author: Lisa Gryzagoridis, PMP, DASM 

Dear Readers,

Welcome to another enriching edition of our monthly newsletter!

As we navigate through July and August 2024, this issue brings you an abundance of expert insights, inspiring stories and valuable opportunities that underline the dynamic world of project management.

With just over half of 2024 behind us, the PMI Switzerland Chapter has prepared to deliver an exciting second half of the year and assures you that 'the best is yet to come'. With less than 2 months until the PM Conference 2024, the volunteers are ramping up to deliver a spectacular event. The team is enthusiastically levelling up across all elements, and I, for one, am extremely excited to participate in this flagship event.

For those eager to connect with peers and leaders, make sure to secure your spot at what promises to be an enlightening gathering of minds, enthusiastic about innovations and trends within the project management field. Should you wish to know more about what's on offer, this edition offers two articles to whet your appetite.

We bring you an exclusive interview with Pia Henzelmann, the PM Conference 2024 Lead, wherein she shares some behind-the-scenes information, along with her insights on what makes this year's conference a must-attend event. Readers can also expect some teasers on some of the ground-breaking ideas that will be showcased.

Further PM Conference information can be gleaned from Joanna Keller's article, in which the conference program is announced, as well as special offers, including an invitation to the PM Conference LinkedIn Networking Group.

Readers will also hear from our VP of Sponsors & Partners, Mafalda Amaro, in this month's Message from the Board. She delves into the strategic vision that continues to steer the Social Impact Team's endeavours towards remarkable achievements in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

To illustrate the nature of the Social Impact Team's influence within the CSR domain, Isabelle Novarrez shares the team's latest initiative. In an impactful feature titled Project Management Mentorship for NGOs - The Project Suicide in Pakistan, she details vital mentorship to address the daunting challenges of NGOs. This piece not only sheds light on the critical need for structured project management in humanitarian efforts, but also highlights the life-changing impacts such projects have on communities.

This edition also showcases a retrospective of the first Agile Community of Practice (CoP) session, hosted as Swissquote. At this session, Antonio Morisco delivered his insights on optimising Value Stream Management, and how leveraging VSM could revolutionise how you run your projects.

Lastly, the chapter announces the initiation of the 2025-2026 election process. We encourage all members to participate actively in this crucial undertaking, as it shapes the future of our institution.

We hope that you find this combined July and August Newsletter stimulating and informative, and that these pages inspire you to create a blueprint for future success. Happy reading!

Best regards,

Lisa

Author: Isabelle Noverraz, PMP

As part of our Social Impact activities, we provide free project management training, mentorship, and coaching to NGOs, based on their specific needs. In June 2024, Mafalda and I had the privilege of conducting 4 hours of project management mentorship for The Project Suicide (Pakistan).

This rewarding experience underscored the transformative impact of our Social Impact Team's initiatives.

The Project Suicide, in Pakistan, is a crucial endeavour aimed at combating the rising suicide rates in the country. The initiative focuses on raising mental health awareness, providing education and resources to students who become ambassadors, and fostering a supportive environment for those facing mental health challenges.

In attendance, were more than 70 dedicated students, from over 10 regions of Pakistan, representing various fields, such as life sciences, humanities, social sciences, and management.

Our training covered foundational project management concepts, agile frameworks, mega trends, the future of work, and AI applications in project management. The Power Skills were also highlighted as essential in mastering project management today.

A few weeks later, we conducted an additional session to tackle the specific challenges faced by the students and provided templates to assist them in organising and managing their activities effectively. This hands-on approach made the training tangible, as it utilised real-life examples. We explored various project management areas, including scheduling; resource management; data collection; and reporting, whilst also addressing some of the human challenges that project management can solve. Drawing from our professional and volunteer experiences, we provided concrete examples to demonstrate the practical application of these techniques in everyday situations.

Supporting an organisation dedicated to the saving of lives infused profound meaning, and the sense of making a positive impact, into our commitment within the Social Impact Team.

To learn more, or to evaluate how your non-profit or humanitarian organisation could benefit from our project management mentorship program, contact us at Social Impact

Author: Joanna Keller  

Dear PMI Members and Friends,

Time is running out... there's only 1 week left to secure your early bird tickets for the PM Conference 2024! Dont' forget to register on or before July 31^st, to benefit from the CHF 50 early bird discount. PMI Switzerland Chapter members receive an additional CHF 50 discount.

Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising the world, transforming industries, and redefining how we approach challenges. As a project manager with over 14 years of experience, I have seen first-hand the incredible impact of AI on project management. It is vital to stay up-to-speed with these changes, to remain competitive and effective. AI can enhance decision-making, optimise resource allocation, and streamline processes. By understanding and leveraging AI, we can elevate our projects to new heights of efficiency and innovation.

If someone asked me why they should attend the PM Conference, I would say that this event is not only an incredible opportunity to deepen your knowledge on how AI is transforming project management, but it is also going to be a lot of fun. For instance, you can join one of the workshops, such as "Elevating Data Literacy to Drive AI Effectiveness in Projects" and discover how improving data literacy can maximise the impact of AI in your projects. Then there's my personal favourite, our exclusive LinkedIn PM Conference Networking Group and "Brain Date" session, which will help you form valuable professional connections before and during the event.

Additionally, you can participate in innovative new formats like:

• Ask me Anything - Engage with a panel of speakers from the event
• Unconference - Bring your own topics for open, dynamic discussions
• PechaKucha - Enjoy rapid-fire presentations on innovative ideas

If you're ready to join us for an event that promises both learning and valuable connections, here's what you need to know:

• Date & Venue: September 23^rd, 2024, at the Aquatis Hotel, Lausanne
• Theme: "AI Unveiled: Transforming Projects and Organisations with Smart Innovation"
• Sessions: 20+ engaging talks, workshops, and panels on AI in project management
• Keynote from Capture (Gold Sponsor): "AI-Driven Transformation: Can AI Replace Traditional Managerial Roles? Shift to Individual Organisation Styles"

Get your Early Bird Tickets before July 31^st here, and for further details on the event's programme, please visit the events programme page.

Best regards,

Joanne Keller

PMI Switzerland Team