Written by Ankit Patel, Senior Project Manager, Marie Cavanagh,Project Manager, and Doug Chisholm, Director, based in the Project and Programme Management, Energy Sector, Arup UK For this special feature article, PMG is welcoming the Energy team from the international sustainability firm Arup, as it opens it’s doors on the work that it is leading to create the infrastructure for a new generation of Energy technologies. We hear from those at the centre of a sector that will be delivering the Energy projects that will change our existence on this planet as we know it! The world in which projects are delivered is rapidly evolving. Technological advancements, changing climates, globalisations and geopolitical uncertainty are just some of the backdrops that projects will both emerge from and need to react to. Transition away from fossil fuels towards cleaner energy systems is a critical concern across society. This means that global, national and local energy systems of the future will be different to the past, but how exactly remains to be established. Pathways are being developed and electrification is key. Project management provides valuable and essential vehicles for making changes to our energy systems, putting project professionals at the centre of shaping the future….
Samuel Pownall, as part of the Thought Leadership team in the Project Management Institute (PMI), is at the forefront of a revolution in the way projects are conceived, managed, and delivered. PMI’s Thought Leadership team is tasked with shaping the future of the industry. Working alongside a multi-disciplinary team of researchers and subject matter experts, Samuel’s insights offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolving landscape of project management. As arguably the largest Project Management association in the field, with an overall global membership of 738,000 and its popular chapters, operating in every continent on the globe, those following the PMI’s progress are likely to have seen the recent moves towards a strategic overhaul of the organization as it prepares itself for a new and exciting era of project management. Samuel Pownall is part of that strategic rebrand and his appointment within the Thought-Leadership team, led by Edivandro Conforto and attached to the office of the CEO, provides clear evidence of the stature of his role and the importance of his contribution to the new direction of the PMI. It is an interview that I have eagerly anticipated, having followed Samuel’s research work, since his time working with International Consultancy PwC…
Insight from Odysseas Lekatsas MBA PMP, Consultant and Business Innovation Manager at MENARINI Group When I embarked on the journey to obtain 20 project management (PM) certifications, I wasn’t able to fully understand the impact it would have on my career and personal growth. Now, with that milestone achieved, I can reflect on the lessons I’ve learned—lessons that go far beyond the certifications themselves. This journey wasn’t just about checking boxes or adding more credentials to my resume. It was about continuous learning, growth, and transformation. In many ways, it changed how I approach both my work and life. The Discipline of Continuous Learning One of the most significant takeaways from completing so many certifications is the discipline it takes to stay committed. When you decide to dive into such a challenge, you don’t just need motivation—you need focus, patience, and a strategy. Balancing the demands of a full-time job, family, and these certifications taught me that time management isn’t just a skill; it’s a survival mechanism. Each qualification required a different approach, from understanding Agile frameworks like SAFe to mastering change management with ITIL. This discipline was a double-edged sword. It helped me build a stronger sense of organization…
The demand for data center capacity is only going to increase as more and more businesses and individuals rely on digital services. However this sudden explosion in both infrastructure development and technology delivery, has taken many within the traditional project management industry by surprise. And while this lucrative new market appears to be a well hidden secret, it’s growing list of opportunities is basking in plain sight of those within its global sector niche. However the list of statistics pertaining to the growth of the Data Center market do not lie. And as such, it is unlikely that this secret will be hidden for much longer. According to leading research firm Grand View Research “The global data center market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.7% from 2023 to 2030, reaching a total market value of $764.4 billion by the close of 2030” (Grand View Research, 2024). This astounding statistic, demonstrates the substantial growth anticipated in the data center industry. The proliferation of data has ushered in an era of unprecedented demand for data centers. As businesses, governments, and individuals increasingly rely on digital services, the need for robust infrastructure to store and process…
The recent Women in Project Management (WiPM) Conference in London, hosted by the Association for Project Management (APM), was a resounding success. This gathering of talented female project practitioners and industry allies provided a unique platform for networking, learning, and inspiring each other. The theme for this year was ‘Leadership Unpacked’ and the conference did not disappoint, the over one thousand attendees to the event in central London. The conference, headlined by a litany of powerful female industry and non-industry leaders, including, social entrepreneur and broadcaster, Natalie Campbell MBE, England rugby world cup winner and ‘Face’ of England Rugby Maggie Alphonsi MBE. Fellow of the Association of Project Management and Delivery Director at Thames Water, Roselyn Unegbu and Programme Management Officer at Babcock International, Donna Sinnick to name but a few, covered a range of critical topics, including: Leadership and Career Development, Diversity and Inclusion, Mentorship and Sponsorship, and achieving Work-Life Balance. Speakers shared their insights on navigating their own unique career paths, whilst overcoming challenges, and developing essential leadership skills. Discussions on the day focused on creating more inclusive workplaces and addressing gender bias in the project management profession. The importance of mentorship and sponsorship in supporting female professionals…
James Chimeura, an Associate Director at Arup, has had a journey that’s as distinctive as it is inspiring. From his foundations in Zimbabwe to his current role as a leading voice in the North of England. Paving the way in the development of healthcare and cutting-edge research and development facilities, James’ career has been marked by a deep-rooted passion for innovation, a commitment to community, and a genuine care for the teams and people he works with. Although we are meeting by video conference, James is already relaxed and his charisma is shining through. And whilst I had never worked directly with James, our paths had crossed on many occasions in the past. Tellingly it was often through events supporting the development and growth of colleagues and young people in the industry. It’s a theme that runs through so much of what we are about to discuss. Early Years and a Passion for Engineering James’ love for engineering began at a young age. Growing up at home in Zimbabwe, he was fascinated by the way things worked and how they could be improved. This curiosity led him to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering. After graduating, James joined Arup, the…
The dust has settled on PMI Global Summit 2024, and the echoes of insightful discussions and inspiring presentations still linger. For project managers seeking to elevate their careers, this annual event offers a treasure trove of knowledge, networking opportunities, and professional development. Let’s drill into the highlights from this years annual bonanza and explore how attending such conferences can significantly impact your journey as a project management professional. We also hear from one of this year’s Platinum Sponsors PMTraining, to get a behind the curtain view of what it was like to be at the industry’s premier event. A Hub of Innovation and Inspiration This year’s Global Summit, held in Los Angeles, California, was a testament to the dynamic nature of the project management profession. The event brought together industry leaders, experts, and aspiring professionals from around the world to share insights, discuss emerging trends, and explore the latest advancements in project management methodologies and technologies. From the keynote speeches to the breakout sessions, the conference covered a wide range of topics, including: A host of speakers, thought-leaders, influencers and every-day practitioners shared their insights, expectations and aspirations for the industry. Building Your Professional Network One of the most significant…
In today’s feature article, we continue our series on the innovative products and services which are set to transform the way the project industry is delivered. And with our focus on the specialist discipline of Project Controls. We meet a team that are revolutionizing how project professionals are managing and shaping the future of projects through the application of cutting-edge controls technology. In the pressurized world of major project delivery where, mega projects are routinely the norm, deadlines are tight and resources are limited, effective project controls still function as the backbone of project operations. They serve as the engine room of a project, ensuring that key requirements stay on track, within budget, and deliver the desired outcomes. If you are familiar with the role of project controls in successful projects, you will want to hear more about the technology being developed by this team, based in Toulouse, France. Traditional project control methods, often hindered by manual processes and data silos, have left professionals feeling overwhelmed and underutilized. Recognizing this challenge, MIGSO-PCUBED, a company with a deep-rooted understanding of project management, has launched Clayverest, a groundbreaking SaaS solution designed to transform the way project controls are managed. The Problem Faced…
Insight from Lloyd Skinner, CEO, greyfly.ai Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming a common feature of our everyday lives, and this goes for project and sustainability management too. Companies are now pioneering the use of groundbreaking technology that’s transforming the way they manage projects, reducing costs, and achieving sustainability goals. This new approach enabling a blended solution with the purpose of consistent project delivery coupled with controlled sustainable outcomes is unique. And has the potential to revolutionize the industry. The Future of Project Management with Predictive Analytics In a groundbreaking strategic partnership between GPM and greyfly.ai, we are witnessing the first steps to integrate a sustainability framework with a predictive project model and bespoke platform, creating an AI-based solution that predicts both project and sustainability outcomes. This platform will enable organizations to prioritize sustainable projects, accurately track progress, manage risks, and coordinate resources effectively. By leveraging data-driven insights, organizations can achieve enhanced decision-making, superior risk management, and optimized resource usage, all of which are crucial for long-term success. Introducing Predictive Analytics: The Future of Project Management Predictive analytics, a sophisticated form of artificial intelligence, is revolutionizing the way organizations like Enel, GE, and Unilever are planning, executing, and optimizing their projects. …
Interview by Nicola Benjamin PMG Dr Mike Clayton is a name synonymous with project management in the UK. A pioneer of the project and programme management long before its explosion as an industry in the early 2000s, his career spans traditional project delivery, consultancy, training, mentoring and coaching. With over 100,000 social media followers eager to soak up his wisdom, via his popular YouTube Channel and regular virtual webinars, Mike’s influence in the field is undeniable. But what drives him? What has shaped his journey from a novice consultant finding his feet within the ‘Big Four’ to a revered thought leader? And how has he so successfully re-invented his career multiple times, to capitalize on the waves opportunity presented by the project industry? I recently had the chance to sit down with Mike, and the conversation was as enlightening as it was engaging. Our previous encounter was at a bustling Project Management conference. Mike was effortlessly balancing engaging with his enthusiastic fan-base, whilst discussing the latest trends in AI with me. Despite the constant requests for selfies, he remained unflustered, managing to flash a smile for the camera without missing a beat in our conversation. I was clear that I…
