Alpha Ziman

Author: Alpha Ziman, PMP, PMI-PBA

Event Recap: Skilling up human side to navigate complexity


On April 9, PMI Switzerland hosted an evening of insight and inspiration at the isolutions office in Zurich.

This wasn’t just another talk about project tools or timelines—instead, we explored something deeper: how to lead with more humanity in today’s complex project environments.

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In a world where uncertainty is the new normal, the event challenged attendees to rethink leadership—not as a checklist of tasks, but as a personal practice rooted in self-awareness, adaptability, and emotional intelligence.

 

From Breath-Hold to Breakthrough: A Leadership Metaphor in Action

Facilitated by Camille Caclin, this segment guided participants through a unique breath-hold exercise designed to simulate pressure scenarios in project settings. From this experience, three distinctive mindset profiles emerged:

  • The Challenger – Confident and driven, but may over-control when stressed.
  • The Self-Doubter – Risk-averse and hesitant, sometimes missing key opportunities.
  • The Explorer – Grounded, curious, and adaptive, even in the face of stress.


The key insight? Our mindset under stress impacts how we lead. Recognizing these patterns can help project managers shift from reactive habits to more adaptive, effective leadership.

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Resilience Over Reaction

Many project challenges stem not from poor planning, but from how people respond under pressure. This session encouraged a new approach to setbacks—one focused on:

  • Equalization – Making intuitive adjustments to restore balance.
  • Mutation – Embracing deep, strategic change in response to high-pressure or systemic issues.

By reframing setbacks as moments for growth rather than obstacles, project professionals can build true resilience and deliver more sustainable outcomes.

 

Redefining Success in Project Leadership

As expectations for project managers continue to grow, the pressure to be expert, manager, and leader all at once can feel overwhelming. The session highlighted a more realistic and effective model: one that centers on:

  • Leading yourself first
  • Thinking systemically
  • Building relational strength with teams and stakeholders

These competencies equip leaders to meet today’s challenges with clarity, empathy, and adaptability.

 

Soft Skills as Strategic Strengths

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This insightful segment was led by Jan A. Eckert, PhD, who emphasized that what we learned in school won't sustain us throughout our careers. Drawing on insights from the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report, he explored soft skills such as:

  • Emotional awareness
  • Assertiveness
  • Cognitive dissonance management
  • Relational agility


These are the skills that foster psychological safety, build trust, and enable meaningful collaboration—skills that, increasingly, define successful project leadership in complex settings.

A Night of Insight and Connection

The evening concluded with a relaxed apéro and networking session, where attendees had the chance to share reflections, connect with peers, and exchange ideas sparked by the session.
“I never realized how much my own stress response shapes the way I lead. This session was a real eye- opener” – Event participant

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We extend our heartfelt thanks to isolutions Zurich for generously hosting this event and supporting our shared commitment to meaningful professional development.


Stay Connected

Explore what's next! Don’t miss out—check out our upcoming events on the PMI Switzerland Events Calendar and continue your professional growth journey with us.
Let’s keep learning—and leading—with heart and intention.