2024 Virtual Sessions Speakers
There are two ways to participate in PD Days 2024: 1) Virtually - there will be thirteen virtual sessions (1 hour each) spread over the month of May, including two virtual keynote speakers; 2) In-person: there will also be an in-person full-day workshop held in Moncton on May 21st, followed by an in-person networking event.
Mostapha Helou
Decoding Project Failure: A One-Hour Exploration
Thursday, May 2 at 12 pm
Abstract:
Embark on a compelling journey into the heart of project management as we unravel the intricate reasons behind project failure in this one-hour introductory session. Projects fail for a myriad of reasons, ranging from inadequate planning to miscommunication, budget overruns, scope creep, and beyond. Understanding these root causes is essential for any project manager or team member striving for success.
By the end of this session, participants will leave with a deeper understanding of why projects fail and a toolkit of strategies to enhance project success rates in their own organizations. Don't miss this opportunity to uncover the secrets of project failure and empower yourself to lead projects to triumph. Join us for this illuminating exploration into the anatomy of project failure.
Bio:
Mostapha I. Helou is a seasoned senior project manager with extensive experience in IT, telecom, and project management across various industries. He holds PMP® and Scrum certifications, leading both Agile and traditional teams. With a background in technology training and adult education, Mostapha is well-equipped to provide technical direction and strategy development. He founded a North-American training and consultancy firm Mindset Holistic Training Inc. which has been a partner with the Academy of Continuing Education of the Lebanese American University for the past year and a half. Also, Mindset Holistic Training Inc. is an approved vendor with the Project Management Institute (PMI®) in the United States of America.
He has worked with renowned international corporations and possesses a diverse skill set, including IT infrastructure design, business analysis, and project leadership. Mostapha is known for his effective communication, stakeholder management, and mentorship abilities, contributing significantly to project success and organizational growth. He is committed to promoting global management standards and has delivered numerous project management courses, training over 1000 delegates. Additionally, Mostapha emphasizes continuous learning and skill development to stay abreast of industry trends and best practices.
1 PDU (0.5 - Ways of Working, 0.25 - Business Acumen, 0.25 - Power Skills)
Kevin McGowan
Bleeding Edge Project Management
Thursday, May 2 at 7 pm
Abstract:
That’s so Web 2.0!” my new boss joked as I started drafting my first project charter and trying to get my head around my role. Blockchain and web3 were new concepts to me, but I know Project Management. This company hired me to help their team learn Agile principles and start delivering their work on a more sprint-like cadence.
The evolution of the web has meant a considerable shift in how tools are developed, how teams work, and how the projects are managed. The days of waterfall are long over, and the stringent rules of Scrum and Kanban don’t necessarily apply either. For a team working in the collaborative web3 space, we needed something new.
In this talk, I will explain my approach to managing teams and projects in the web3 universe. I’ll explain how deeply ‘iterative development’ has impacted the teams, but also the planning process. Buckle up!
Bio:
As a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Advanced Certified Scrum Master (A-CSM), Kevin McGowan has guided non-profits and high-tech firms to enhance their organizational and delivery capabilities. Kevin currently serves as a Program Manager at Pinax and serving as the Board Chair for Voice Found, an Ottawa-based non-profit, and is also a founder of Project 180, a project management podcast.
1 PDU (Ways of Working)
Paul Williams
Employees vs Entrepreneurs
Wednesday, May 8 at 12 pm
Abstract:
The journey of a project manager takes various routes, and understanding the distinctions between being an employee and an entrepreneur is pivotal. This event offers a comprehensive analysis of both pathways, shedding light on the unique challenges, opportunities, and skill sets required for success in each domain.
Bio:
Paul is a dynamic entrepreneur with a robust background in IT Operations and a passion for driving innovation within the technology landscape. With a strong foundation in project management, enterprise architecture, and ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) practices, Paul brings a wealth of expertise to the table.
He is a certified professional in project management committed to delivering high-quality solutions while effectively managing resources, timelines, and budgets.
In the realm of enterprise architecture, Paul possesses a comprehensive understanding of aligning business objectives with technology solutions, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and adaptability within complex organizational structures. His ability to architect and design systems that optimize performance and functionality has been instrumental in his career journey.
Furthermore, Paul's proficiency in ITIL methodologies underscores his dedication to maintaining service excellence and operational efficiency within IT environments. Leveraging best practices in ITIL, he has consistently streamlined processes and enhanced service delivery to meet and exceed client expectations.
As a visionary leader, Paul has successfully navigated the intersection of technology and business, spearheading initiatives that drive growth, foster innovation, and achieve operational excellence. His entrepreneurial spirit, combined with his technical acumen, continues to pave the way for transformative solutions in the ever-evolving landscape of IT.
1 PDU (Ways of Working)
Neelima Chakara
Inspire Accountability in Project Teams
Thursday, May 9 at 12 pm
Important! This session won't be recorded.
Abstract:
Project managers need to get things done from not only their team but people across the organization who are often peers or seniors. This session addresses how project managers can inspire accountability across the spectrum in the interest of the project. At the end of this session, participants will be able to identify the elements that are necessary to build accountability and apply them in their everyday life towards the success of their projects and their career.
Bio:
Neelima Chakara is an executive coach. She works with executives globally to increase their impact and fast-track their careers. She helps them enhance their capacity and effectiveness by managing themselves and others better. She has coached more than 100 executives and helped them be the leaders they want to become. Her clients come from organizations like Google, Microsoft, Capgemini, Accenture, TCS (Tata Consultancy Services), EY, BCG, Bain, Dell, Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Schlumberger, Barclays, HSBC, Citibank, Walmart, Costco, Ooredoo, Guardian Life, etc. She has been listed among the top 100 coaches by the World HRD Congress, two years in a row ( 2023 and 2024).
In addition to coaching, she serves on the Board of PMI North India Chapter and is a gold tier facilitator for the global initiative 'I am Remarkable' to empower everyone to speak confidently about their work.
Before becoming a coach, Neelima worked in various roles for 23+ years with global organizations like KPMG, EY GDS, Infosys, etc. She led large teams, represented her organization in global transformation projects, and coached and mentored many.
1 PDU (Power Skills)
Jacqueline Durnford
Providing Peer Feedback
Friday, May 10 at 12 pm
Abstract:
This session will be focused on understanding the three different types of peer feedback, how to identify these types and what causes them, and how to provide relevant and constructive feedback to all character types.
Bio:
Jacqueline Durnford is a Senior Associate delivering Management Consulting with the Porter O'Brien Agency in Fredericton, NB. Jacqueline has extensive experience in change management, stakeholder engagement, and human resources. She has worked on projects for organizational and management strategy with a variety of clients including municipalities, Indigenous organizations, and private organizations. Outside of client work, Jacqueline acts as the Director of Operations within the Porter O’Brien agency. Her internal responsibilities include creation, upkeep and distribution of all HR policies and procedures, performance management framework creation and facilitation, recruitment and retention, employee work plans, strategic plan reporting, business continuity, and succession planning.
Jacqueline brings years of management experience in small and medium size enterprises as well as international organizations. She brings a solid foundation of business procedures, operating protocols and staff-vendor relationships required for expansion into new markets and organization restructures. She currently is a candidate for CPHR designation and an association member of the International Association of Certified Management Consultants, Canada.
Jacqueline has held roles in Customer Success and/or Operations ranging from Manager to Vice President and has worked within a range of organization types from startup to international software organizations. She holds two Bachelor degrees from UNB - BSc and BEd and has been a presenter at the International Summit of Microsoft Mixed Reality Partner Program and at the Electric Power Research Institute Incubate-Energy Labs Challenge. She has participated in thought leadership in Women in Technology podcasts and has been an advocate for gender parity in management and government roles.
1 PDU (Power Skills)
Mark Hehl
How Projects & Organizations Fall Short
Monday, May 13 at 7 pm
Abstract:
Most organizations approach running their enterprises’, and resultant projects both brilliantly and poorly. This presentation addresses the items that work against excellence in both project execution and operational success. These conclusions and recommendations are based upon the presenter’s 50+ years of experience in the international corporate world as an employee, executive and consultant.
Bio:
Mark Hehl is a project manager, consultant, and public speaker. He is former corporate executive and author of the book Amusing Confessions of an International Consultant which chronicles his project management experiences at various worldwide locations. He is also the author of the soon to be released book How Organizations Fall Short.
His efforts have helped companies successfully set up and improve operations in various countries including India, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand, China, Taiwan, Korea, The Philippines, France, Germany, Brazil, Mexico, The Dominican Republic, The USA and Ecuador. These projects have resulted in significant reductions in operating costs along with improved schedule performance, service levels and quality.
In recognition of his contributions, the Timex suppliers in China honored him with the award of the Chinese name: Ho Man Kai. Mr. Hehl holds a BS Degree in Electrical Engineering from the New York Institute of Technology and a MS Degree in Management and Behavioral Science from the Polytechnic Institute of New York. He has taught management, behavioral science and international business courses at Harper College. Mark is a frequent keynote speaker and presenter at various worldwide locations.
He has conducted multiple webinars for Industry Week. Mark is a frequent guest on National Public Radio and is listed in the United Who’s Who Executive Directory.
1 PDU (Business Acumen)
Carlos Penteado
Lean and Six Sigma methodologies applied to Digital Projects
Tuesday, May 14 at 12 pm
Abstract:
In today's world, the speed with which technology evolves casts challenges to traditional process improvement methodologies (TPIM), such as Lean and Six Sigma (LSS). Normally decoupled from the necessity to implement technologies, LSS must reshape and reinvent itself becoming more fluid to tackle problems posed by everchanging technologies. An apparent antagonism between Digitization and LSS can be reversed into unidirectional forces towards delivery of intended results.
Bio:
Academic: Industrial Engineer (2009) from Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos (Brazil), Six Sigma Black Belt from American Society of Quality (ASQ), and Design Thinking professional from Cornell University.
Professional trajectory: Over 14 years of experience concentrated in delivering Lean, Six Sigma, Business Transformation projects and training in organizations of all sizes in the Healthcare/Biomedical, Banking, Management Consulting, Consumer Goods, and Telco sectors.
Interests: Reading, Learning, and Teaching ; Problem Solving, Organizational Behaviorism, Process Improvement, Critical Systems Thinking, and Philosophy.
Hobbies: Family, Rugby, Coffee, Drawing, and Cooking
1 PDU (Business Acumen)
Mashhood Ahmed
The Rise of AI - How AI will is Revolutionizing Project Management
Wednesday, May 15 at 7 pm
Abstract:
Since the launch of ChatGPT Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transitioned from an academic topic to a tangible reality, particularly evident the proliferation of AI Apps. This significant development is poised to revolutionize the field of Project Management as we speak.
Join our presenter as he unravels AI’s immense potential in project management. From optimizing mundane administrative tasks to boosting team performance and project outcomes, AI is the key to staying ahead of the curve. Let AI take the reins while you focus on delivering unparalleled value and groundbreaking solutions.
Discover how AI will reshape each facet of project management knowledge areas, with real-life applications you can start leveraging immediately. Unleash your soft skills as a human project manager, partnering with AI to conquer routine tasks.
Prepare for the future—relearn, motivate, build trust, negotiate, ideate, empathize, and rely on intuition.
Later, our presenter will show in live demo how to super enhance human capabilities by putting meeting transcription into AI and leverage the power of AI for every project manager to have a personal Assistant.
Are you ready to seize the future?
Bio:
Mashhood Ahmed started his research into AI and Project Management in 2017, since then he has spoken around the world, from New Zealand to Singapore, Africa to North America, at various conferences, and global events.
In the year 2023, he spoke at over 15 events, shared his research, knowledge and expertise with over 10,000 project managers around the globe, some of major highlights from 2023 were PMI Global Summit in Atlanta, Closing Keynote Speech at North Carolina PMI, AI Masterclass at PMI New York (Binghamton) and ProjectManagement.com webinar, along with several in-person and virtual talks.
Mashhood has over 20 years of project-program management experience leading multi-million-dollar projects around the globe. Currently, he runs a boutique consulting firm in Edmonton, Canada, and he is founding director of PMassistant.ai where is leading a team to design and develop next generation project management solution leveraging AI.
He also teaches at Grant MacEwan University. Besides, all of this he also volunteers his time for PMI and ISACA for various initiatives.
He holds Master’s degree from University of Waterloo, along with PMP, PMI-RMP,
SAFe Agilist, CISA, Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, ITIL and various other industry certifications.
1 PDU (Ways of Working)
Elena Dorkina
AI Project Management Tools: All You Need to Know
Thursday, May 16 at 12 pm
Abstract:
This session will delve into the fundamental shift brought about by the floodgates of AI applications. The focus will be on not just adapting to this change but proactively leveraging AI to enhance project management practices. By drawing parallels with the latest AI advancements, particularly the advent of ChatGPT and Google Gemini, we will uncover practical strategies for project managers to stay ahead of the curve.
Bio:
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Managing Director, FED TECHNOLOGY (www.fedtech.ca)
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Specialized in IT Management Consulting and organizational transformations
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Agile transformation Leader, Conference Speaker
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IT background: System Analytics and Data Analytics
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Certified Scrum Professional, PMI PMP, PMI - ACP
1 PDU (Power Skills)
Dr. Errol Wirasinghe
Decision-making in the Age of Big Data
Thursday, May 16 at 7 pm
Abstract:
This virtual session has been specifically designed for analysts, specialists, CXOs, industry professionals, etc., to make validated decisions. Most importantly, it will give participants the necessary knowledge, tools, and techniques, to make decisions that are timely, consistent, optimal, and defensible, in the today's world of information and choice overload.
Bio:
Dr. Wirasinghe is the author of the books on Decisions-Making and on Negotiating. He is an internationally recognized expert on Decision-Making.
He has trained several Fortune 500 companies, in the USA, including reputable entities such as the USNavy; Wal-Mart; Hyatt Hotels, Starbucks, etc. He is also a guest lecturer at the University of Houston's MBA program.
He started life as an Apprentice Mechanic, and went on to become an Oil & Gas Engineer, Research Scientist University Professor, Management Consultant, and Director of a Public Utility.
Graduating as Valedictorian at Teesside University, U.K. in Mechanical Engineering, he went on to obtain hi Ph.D. in Fluid Mechanics, having won a scholarship from the prestigious "Confederation of British Industries
He has lived, worked and trained professionals in Asia, Mid-East, Europe, North America and South America has worked for some of the largest companies in the world: Abu Dhabi National Oil Co., Petroleos de Venezuela, British Gas, Enron Corp., and the University of Zulia, where he lectured in Spanish.
1 PDU (Power Skills)
Tom St.Onge
Project Leadership Lessons Learned: From basic training to boardroom
Friday, May 17 at 12 pm
Abstract:
In this session, we will distill down 20+ years of lessons learned from a career in leadership and project management. With a focus on the development of an effective project manager, the session will cover:
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The Principles of Leadership and how they support effective project management;
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Crisis management and how deliberate planning can enable project teams in all environments;
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The language challenge – the importance of clear, concise, communication; and
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De-centralizing of decision making and how to make it work for you.
Bio:
Tom St.Onge is a decorated military veteran, professional engineer, and seasoned project manager. Tom spent 22 years in progressive assignments as a military engineering officer in the Canadian Armed Forces where he had the honour to lead small and large teams through challenging projects both here in Canada and abroad. More recently, Tom has been practicing project leadership through his own small business where he is leading capital projects on behalf of private companies.
Tom is a graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada with both a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering and Masters of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering, a graduate of the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a degree in Construction Engineering Management, and finally a graduate of the United States Marine Corps Command and Staff Program for senior leaders.
Tom is currently the Executive Director of Operations for the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure at the Government of New Brunswick.
1 PDU (0.25 - Ways of Working, 0.75 - Power Skills)