Rising to the Top:
Becoming a Chief Project Officer
Theme: Human-centric and strategic skills for the future and for becoming a Chief Project Officer
Event Date: January 19, 2024
Event Time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM U.S. E.T.
Watch the CEO’s Invitation Message
Re-watch and purchase the CPO Summit Recorded Sessions:
Learn from experts
This virtual summit is a transformative opportunity to gain the knowledge, skills, and insights needed to excel in the dynamic and competitive world of project management leadership.
Earn PDUs
Earning PDUs allows you to adapt to changes in industry standards, regulations, and practices, ensuring that your skills remain relevant and applicable.
Rise to the top
Gain the knowledge, skills, and insights needed to excel in the dynamic and competitive world of project management leadership.
ABOUT THE EVENT:
Organizations recognize the criticality of projects to their success. Managing projects well to achieve desirable results is often at the top of the executive agenda. For professionals, one sure path to rise in an organization is through competency and successful delivery. Project management offers a vibrant and exciting career path. Best of all, in the world of technological advances such as artificial intelligence, much of the project management skills that will be taught at this summit can effectively tackle VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity), and resistance to technology replacement.
Yet to date, much of the focus is on the soft and hard project management skills. While these skills are important, they are not sufficient for those who are ambitious and want to rise to the top of the executive suite. This summit series strives to take an integrated approach, discussing not just the soft and hard skills but also the creative, human-centric, and strategic skills. The core is based on a published research article by our CEO, Dr. Te Wu, in the Journal of Business Strategy titled, “The Chief Project Officer: A New Executive Role For Turbulent Times.” This article highlighted 20 key disciplines for those who want to rise to the top.
Until now, there has been no dedicated forum for project professionals to discuss, network, and learn about this essential skill set; skills needed in our moderate age of technology. If you are interested in climbing to the top, whether you just started the climb or are more than mid-way through, the series of topics in this presentation can help you propel toward the top of the project management career ladder – becoming a Chief Project Officer.
WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND THIS SUMMIT?
Who should attend this Summit?
This conference is perfect for project management professionals who are interested in the portfolio management. Specifically:
- Experienced Project Managers: Seasoned project managers who have a strong foundation in project management principles and practices can benefit from this program. It’s an opportunity for them to gain the strategic insights and leadership skills needed to transition from managing individual projects to leading at an executive level.
- Project Leaders and Senior Managers: Professionals who are already leading projects or teams and want to step into more senior leadership roles within their organizations will find value in this program. It equips them with the necessary skills to navigate complex organizational dynamics and drive successful project portfolios.
- Aspiring Chief Project Officers (CPOs): Individuals who have set their sights on the role of Chief Project Officer or similar executive positions will find this program to be a vital stepping stone. It provides them with the knowledge and tools to effectively manage large-scale portfolios, influence decision-making, and align projects with overarching business strategies.
Why should you this Summit?
This summit is tailored for individuals who are looking to achieve the highest levels of success and influence in the field of project management. Here’s why YOU should attend:
- Strategic Leadership Skills: The program focuses on equipping participants with the strategic leadership skills necessary for executive-level roles. It covers areas like aligning projects with organizational goals, influencing decision-makers, and driving business value.
- Human-Centric Acumen: Projects is all about people, from fulfilling goals and benefits as dictated by people to solving complex and nuianced problems that are far beyond the capabilities of artificial intelligence and other technologies.
- Practical Insights: The program offers real-world case studies, practical scenarios, and industry best practices. Participants will gain actionable insights that can be immediately applied to their roles, helping them make a tangible impact.
- Personal and Professional Growth: The program not only enhances technical skills but also focuses on personal growth. Participants will develop their communication, negotiation, and strategic thinking abilities, all of which contribute to their holistic professional development.
SUMMIT AGENDA
PRICING AND REGISTRATION
Recording Access Only
Free for all professionals and students with .org and .edu on their e-mail addresses upon registration.- Starts Oct. 31, 2023
- Inclusions:
- Up to 7 PDUs
- Recording Access of the Event
Early-Bird Special
On-going promotion: 50% Discount from Holiday Promotion- 50% off ends on Jan 5, 2024
- Inclusions:
- Virtual Conference Seat
- Up to 7 PDUs
- Recording Access of the Event
Regular
Free for all professionals and students with .org and .edu on their e-mail addresses upon registration.- To be announced soon
- Inclusions:
- Virtual Conference Seat
- Up to 7 PDUs
- Recording Access of the Event
SPEAKERS AND TOPICS
Organizational Change Management for Project Executives
Presenter: Supreet BainsSharma
Abstract:
Most organizations and people inherently prefer stability over change. However, in the current dynamic environment with rapid technological, political, environmental, and social advances, change is everywhere, and the need to tackle it effectively has intensified.
Yet change remains difficult, and sometimes impossible as organizations remain entrenched in old practices and processes. This inertia affects the project world even more, as projects are drivers of change. How then, can leaders be prepared? What skills do they need to lead large scale organizational change and transformation?
In this interactive webinar, we will take a closer look at the drivers for change and why people resist change. We will aim to understand what Change Leadership is, and why change management is important. We will learn five critical skills essential to successful change management, and how to foster valuable tips on how to reduce resistance to change. This learning will equip current and future leaders to deal with what Peter Drucker calls the only constant in life – change.
Detailed Description
Learning Objectives:
Attendees to the webinar will understand the following:
- Why do organizations change?
- Why do people resist change?
- Understanding how change really happens
- Critical skills for senior leaders
Key Takeaways:
- Five critical change management skills for senior leaders
- How to foster change management skills
About Supreet BainsSharma
Presenter Bio:
Supreet BainsSharma is a management consultant, specializing in helping non-profit C-Suite deliver results through strategic execution change management. Her areas of expertise are people, PMO, L&D and change management. She is an experienced practitioner, independent business owner and adjunct faculty at Montclair State University. She currently works as a strategic partner delivering change and project management to a non-profit organization. Supreet’s certifications include PMP (PMI), SCP (SHRM), APM (APM, UK) and CMP (ProSci).
About Dr. Panos Chatzipanos
Presenter Bio:
Dr. Panos Chatzipanos, civil engineer, PhD in Environmental Hydrodynamics, F.ASCE, Diplomate WRE from AAWRE, is a resourceful and diverse revenue producer with considerable engineering knowledge, extensive construction experience and substantial managerial competencies that span more than 40 years in the construction industry, which include 16 years as a C-level executive of Greek construction companies. He is currently the President of GREEN ATHENS S.A., a Government Agency responsible for the Athens Urban Green and a senior consultant at the World Bank on organizational portfolio management and the management of infrastructure programs and projects.
He is an executive Board Member of the National Council of the Infrastructure and Construction Industry (ESBYK) in Greece, the Vice – Chair of ASCE Region 10, the ASCE Governor responsible for Europe, and the President (2011 – 2023) of the ASCE – Hellenic Section. He is the Chair for the Development of the 5th edition of the Standard for Portfolio Management by PMI, a member of the PMI Standards Consensus Committee, and a past President and Honorary President of PMI-Greece (2014-2021). Panos is a published author in the U.S. and Greece and the co-author of four PMI Project Management Global Standards, namely the PMI PMBoK-Construction Extension, the Complexity Practice Guide, and the ANSI/PMI Standards for Project Portfolio Management and Earned Value Management. Contact with him at https://www.linkedin.com/in/chatzipanos/.
Highlights of a 40+ Years Professional Journey – A Project Manager’s Journey of Becoming a CEO in corporate and public organizations
Presenter: Dr. Panos Chatzipanos
Abstract:
This session highlights forty years of my journey, starting from engineering design to becoming site engineer to managing large-scale construction projects and programs, to establishing portfolio management, and eventually moving to the CEO position. The discussion will include topics such as the lessons learned at each stage, the changes in the management framework the significant challenges of implementing them in organizations including confronting opposition against these changes and tackling significant issues and problems. Then, a discussion on what executives expect from project managers, what project managers hope from Executives, and the required maturity of the organization to embrace a new C-Suite executive role for all project-based work will follow.
Detailed Description
My professional journey will be briefly presented – from engineering design and the role of a site engineer to managing construction projects and programs and from portfolio management and the C-Suite to the CEO and shareholder position. I will also highlight the lessons learned at each stage: the actual change task, the opposition to these changes, the encountered significant issues and problems, and the good practices. I will be following, in parallel, the evolution and the changes in disciplined Project Management Standards and practices during these years.
Then, a discussion on what executives expect from project managers, on what project managers expect from executives and on their respective pivotal roles will follow. Topics such as speaking the language of executives, understanding primary values and priorities of executives, the evolvement of PM as a strategic competency for the organization, the required maturity of the organization to embrace a new C-Suite executive role and the lessons learned from elevating the direction of all project-based work to the C-suite, will be presented.
Exigencies and good practices for the successful interaction between executives and project managers, C-suite perceptions, and the apprehension of the value of disciplined project management during the last forty years, understanding primary values and priorities of Executives, the evolvement of PM as a strategic competency for the organization, and the paramount importance of developing and maintaining the appropriate performance metrics, will also be discussed. Finally, the discussion will move to the context-related competencies in managing project-based work that executives look for, the Chief Project Officer’s (CPO) requisite skills and the required organizational structure and culture changes.
Learning Objectives:
- The benefits that the C-Suite gets from the endorsement of disciplined project management.
- Recommendations for building and elevating one’s skills to become a C-level executive focused on the management of projects.
- Selling Project Management to Executives: Establishing and following the moves that matter.
- Embracing the evolution of Project Management during a professional lifetime.
Key Takeaways:
- Lessons learned from a career path in project-based work.
- What Executives expect from Project Managers – What Project Manages expect from Executives.
- The cultural and structural shifts required for elevating disciplined Project Management to the C-Suite.
How the Chief Transformation Officer Creates An Innovative Ecosystem Beyond the Boardroom
Presenter: Lissa Muncer, MSc, PMP, PfMP
Abstract:
Meet the new role : The Chief Transformation Officer.
Transformation and perpetual innovation is always occurring.
Organisations continue to navigate uncertainty, constantly evolving external trends and complex competing internal strategic priorities. Organisations who have already adopted the emerging Chief Transformation Officer role are realising significant value and experiencing project and transformation success.
Detailed Description
Learning Objectives:
- Creating and adopting the vision and North Star
- Setting and executing mission critical strategic priorities
- Success Factors of the Transformation Office
- Key attributes and skills of a Chief Transformation Officer
- A benevolent approach to change and complexity
- How to build and maintain resilience
- An aspirational career path towards the Chief Transformation Officer role
Key Takeaways:
- The ‘superpowers’ of a Chief Transformation Officer : ‘specialist generalists’
- Understanding a benevolent approach to change and transformation
About Lissa Muncer, MSc, PMP, PfMP
Presenter Bio:
Lissa Muncer is a global Project and Transformation Executive and currently a Chief Transformation Officer for a global organisation.
Her greatest professional achievements have been leading portfolios and projects at Natura & Co, Vodafone and Unilever, where she had the responsibility of ensuring strategic execution and sustainable transformation, as well as empowering people and promoting a positive work-life balance. This has been accomplished through the creation of strategic project management offices, solid change management capability and board-level stakeholder engagement, and data-driven decision-making.
Lissa founded the first ‘Chief Transformation Officer’ special interest group in the UK, as this role emerges and is passionate about mentoring and coaching professionals as they rise. Lissa has spoken at conferences around the world and is a panelist and keynote speaker on successful strategic transformations.
Lissa is a Board of Director of the Project Management Institute (PMI) and a global volunteer for 15 years.
Lissa holds a master’s degree in environmental science as well as Portfolio Management Professional (PfMP)®, Project Management Professional (PMP)® and SAFe® Lean Portfolio Management certifications.
Lissa lives in the United Kingdom with her husband and is active in squash, tennis, swimming and nature walking. She enjoys photography, baking and being involved in her local community.
About Susan Parente
Presenter Bio:
Susan Parente is a Principal Consultant at S3 Technologies LLC, an Associate Professor teaching project and risk management, and an instructor at PMO Advisory. S3 Technologies, LLC is a company focused on revitalizing projects through the use of risk management. PMO Advisory is a consulting and training specializing in strategy implementation and project management. Ms. Parente is also a project engineer, consultant, speaker, author, and mentor focused on project and risk management. She is certified in PMP®, PMI-RMP®, PMI-ACP®, CISSP®, RESILIA®, and ITIL® Foundations with a Master in Engineering Management.
Leading with Agility
Presenter: Susan Parente
Abstract:
In today’s world of fast paced technology and continually changing organizational needs, the demand for Agile Project Management has greatly increased.
What does it take to be a project management executive supporting organizational agility? In this presentation, we will explore Agile Leadership via Servant Leadership and Grateful Leadership and Servant Leadership. These leadership styles work together to support Agile project management and thus will support you in success as a project management executive!
Detailed Description
To be added soon.
Unlock the Power of Purpose-Driven Strategic Decision Making
Presenter: Dr. Brian Williamson
Abstract:
Are you ready to transform your project management skills into a dynamic force for organizational success? Join this session to elevate your career and become a champion of harmonizing your project with the broader purpose and strategic objectives of your company. Elevate your career and become a champion of purpose-driven project management. Together, lets embark on a transformational journey that leads to exceptional project outcomes!
Detailed Description
Learning Objectives:
- Gain a deep understanding of how to align project management activities with the broader strategic objectives of the organization.
- Learn how to infuse purpose and meaning into project management practices to enhance motivation and project success.
- Acquire the necessary skills, tools, and techniques to consistently deliver exceptional project outcomes that positively impact the organization.
- Discover strategies and approaches to advance your career as a project manager who champions the harmonization of projects with the larger purpose and goals of the company.
Area of Discussion:
This workshop will discuss the following:
- Understand the Concept of Purpose-Driven Decision-Making: Define and grasp the essence of purpose-driven decision-making and its significance in organizational strategy.
- Develop Proficiency in Aligning Purpose with Strategy: Learn how to align an organization’s purpose and values with its strategic decisions, ensuring a cohesive and meaningful approach to project management.
- Explore Practical Tools and Models: Familiarize yourself with practical tools and models that can aid in purpose-driven strategic decision making and gain the skills to apply them effectively.
- Cultivate a Culture of Purpose: Discover strategies for fostering a purpose-driven culture within your project team and understand how to engage stakeholders in the pursuit of shared values and goals.
Key Takeaways:
- Purpose-driven decision-making in project management involves ensuring that elements of the project align with the overarching purpose and strategic goals of the organization. This alignment helps prioritize project requirements that contribute meaningfully to the organization’s overall purpose and long-term objectives.
- Familiarizing yourself with practical tools and models that can aid in purpose-driven strategic decision-making. These tools and models are valuable resources for project managers and individuals seeking to make informed decisions that align with their project’s purpose and the broader organizational goals.
- Cultivating a culture of purpose within a project team involves clearly defining the project’s purpose, communicating openly and transparently, setting and tracking meaningful objectives, incorporating purpose into decision-making, and recognizing and celebrating achievements.
About Dr. Brian Williamson
Presenter Bio:
As a management consultant, Dr. Brian Williamson works with clients to translate their strategies into cohesive project portfolios that prioritize all stakeholders and align with their purpose. With over 25 years of experience in strategic planning and goal achievement, Brian offers bespoke mentorship to senior-level practitioners and executives, helping them enhance the human experience within their organizations. Brian leads client engagements by encouraging organizations to challenge neoclassical thinking, fostering an inclusive environment that harmonizes diverse stakeholder interests. Brian is deeply committed to continuous learning, earning dual master’s degrees from the NYU Tandon School of Engineering (formally Polytechnic University) in Management of Technology and Information Systems Engineering. He is certified in PMP, PgMP, PfMP, PMI-ACP, PMI-RMP, PMI-SP, and PMI-PBA. Additionally, he holds a doctorate degree in Leadership and Learning in Organizations from Vanderbilt University.
About Dr. Te Wu
Presenter Bio:
Prof. Dr. Te Wu is CEO of PMO Advisory LLC, a management consulting firm that specializes in Strategic Business Execution including portfolio, program, and project management. He is also a business school professor at Montclair State University and China Europe International Business School (CEIBS). Te has more than 25 years of experience in management consulting, having worked with industry leaders such as KPMG, Accenture, Oracle, Kraft, Standard and Poor’s, Chase Bank, LexisNexis, Lumina Foundation, and Weill Cornell.
As a college professor at Montclair State University, Stevens Institute, and CEIBS, Te has been teaching project management, general management, international business, and organization change since 2003. Te is one of few, estimated at less than 200 in the world, professionals certified in Portfolio (PfMP)®, Program (PgMP)®, Project Management (PMP)®, and Risk Management (PMI-RMP)®. Te served as a core member on PMI standard committees for portfolio and risk management and a team lead representing the United States on the International Standard Organization Technical Committee 258 for Project, Programme, and Portfolio Management. He is also a researcher, author, speaker, and board member of three education institutions. His latest book, Optimizing Project Management (CRC Press, 2020), enables professionals to achieve project success through a consultative approach by tailoring project management processes.
You can also visit collections of his publications here: https://www.pmoadvisory.com/dr-wu-publications/
The Chief Project Officer: A New Executive Role
Presenter: Dr. Te Wu, CEO & CPO of PMO Advisory
Abstract:
The idea of the Chief Project Officer (CPO) has been around for over 20 years, but few organizations have implemented this role in their top management team. CPOs are not only accountable for project results but also accountable to shift the culture and structure of the organizations to be more execution ready. This involves establishing the governance and capabilities for leading projects, programs, and portfolios, working with human resources to identify and adopt the right culture and human-centric processes that guide human behavior. Within the boardroom, CPOs act as a “voice of the projects”, take part in strategic goal development, influence critical decision-making that impacts current and future projects, programs, and portfolios, and instilling a sense of realism during implementation.
Detailed Description
Personal observation: As I have now worked in project management for over 30 days, “growing up” within this field from working at the shop floor level and gradually rising to the top, I am not convinced that the world needs another c-level executive. There is already too many “Cs” around. However, that does not reduce the need for an executive responsible not just for project implementation, but also for the culture and environment of project management. In short, while the title of “chief project officer” may be too idealized for some companies, there is an imminent need for project executives setting the tone at very top.
In this session, we will take a closer look at the role of the CPO (or equivalent). Besides establishing the importance of this role, we will also discuss the specific responsibilities and primary activities, criteria for becoming CPOs, and the top 20 disciplines that serve as essential skills for this important role.
Mastering the Art of C-Suite Communication: A Guide for Project Executives
Presenter: Prof. Gail Yosh
Abstract:
Navigating communication with top executives is crucial for project managers. This session provides tools for clearer, more effective messaging tailored for the C-suite. Learn to understand the goals and concerns of senior leaders, use their preferred language, and get to the point effectively. This session will explore how to shape your message, create compelling stories, and actively listen for more successful two-way understanding. Join us to improve how you engage with your organization’s top decision-makers, ensuring your communications are both impactful and aligned with the broader company vision. By mastering the nuances of C-suite communication, project managers can elevate their projects, foster stronger relationships, and drive organizational success.
Detailed Description
Detailed Description:
- Understanding the C-Suite Mindset
- Unpacking the goals, motivations, and concerns of C-suite executives.
- Understanding the executive lexicon and how to incorporate it.
- The Art of Saying the Right Things the Right Way
- Molding your message to your audience
- Tailoring the structure of your messages to address your audience’s preferred communication style
- Active Listening & Probing Effectively
- Decoding nonverbal communication
- Questioning and clarifying without undermining your message or position.
- Conclusion & Q&A
- Summary of key points
- Q&A
Learning Objectives:
After this session, attendees will know how to:
- Adapt and Tailor Communication Styles: Participants will learn to decipher the C-suite lexicon and adapt their messaging to align with executive communication preferences.
- Effectively Engage with Enhanced Techniques: Participants will develop skills to craft compelling narratives and deliver their messages for maximum impact.
- Deepen Two-Way Communication: Participants will hone their abilities in active listening, interpreting nonverbal cues, and asking clarifying questions, fostering more meaningful and productive interactions with top executives.
Key Takeaways:
- Adapting to your audience – Saying the right things; saying things the right way
- Engaging with your audience – What they need to hear; how they need to hear it
- Enhancing the communication experience – Ensuring clarity and impact; listening and responding effectively
About Prof. Gail Yosh
Presenter Bio:
Gail Yosh is an instructor of business communications at Montclair State University and the founder of Quanta Communications, LLC. Gail has a background in marketing and corporate communications for FORTUNE 500 companies in the financial services, pharmacy benefit management, and entertainment sectors. Her expertise also encompasses presentation skills and effective interpersonal communication. Gail has a B.S. in Marketing, an MBA in International Business, and is working on her dissertation for her doctorate in Marketing at Pace University. Her research interests focus on consumer behavior and the impact of generative AI on business communications.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that circumstances can change, and sometimes cancellations are unavoidable. Please review our cancellation policy for the “Rise To The Top: Becoming a Chief Project Officer Summit” below:
- Cancellation Requests: Cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email to training[@]pmoadvisory.com. Please provide your full name, registration details, and the reason for the cancellation.
- Refund Schedule:
- Cancellations made 5 to 6 weeks before the summit will be eligible for a full refund of the registration fee.
- Cancellations made between 3 to 4 weeks before the summit will be eligible for a 50% refund of the registration fee.
- Cancellations made two weeks or less before the summit will not be eligible for a refund.
- Substitutions: If you are unable to attend the summit, you have the option to substitute another individual in your place. Please inform us of the substitution at least two weeks before the summit.
- Non-Attendance: If you do not attend the summit without prior cancellation or substitution, no refunds will be issued but we will send you the recording of the event.
- Processing Time: Refunds will be processed within 5 business days after the summit concludes.
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