Author: Miroslava Sedlarova, PMP, PMI-PBA, Networking Events Lead at PMI Switzerland Chapter

AI, Data & Ethics: How Project Managers Can Shape Responsible Innovation (29 September 202, Zurich)

29 September 2025 – Zurich (Altstetten)

AI and data are transforming the way we deliver projects — opening up incredible opportunities, but also raising new questions around transparency, trust, and responsibility. For today’s project leaders, ethics is no longer optional; it’s the foundation for success in the age of intelligent technologies.

At our upcoming PMI Switzerland event, taking place on 29 September 2025 at Bank Julius Bär in Zurich-Altstetten, we’re excited to welcome Sarah Gadd, recently recognized as one of the 2025 Global Top 100 Chief Data Officers (see the full list here).

Sarah will share her know-how in data management, along with practical tips and tricks, and her perspective on how project managers can address the ethical dimensions of AI and data in real project environments.

From frameworks like the Data Ethics Canvas and the EU Trustworthy AI Guidelines to real-life examples in digital banking and analytics, you’ll leave with new tools, fresh perspectives, and plenty of food for thought to apply in your own projects.

And, as always with PMI Switzerland events, it’s not just about learning — it’s also about connecting with other leaders and project managers, exchanging ideas, and expanding your professional network in a collaborative atmosphere.

📍 The event will take place at Bank Julius Bär in Zurich-Altstetten, a conveniently located hub offering easy access for participants from across Switzerland.

👉 Register here – seats are limited, don’t miss it!

We look forward to seeing you there and exploring together how we, as project managers, can shape responsible innovation in the age of intelligent technologies.

Best regards,
Miroslava Sedlarova

on behalf of the PMI Switzerland Chapter

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.