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…
For those familiar with the prestigious annual Association for Project Management (APM) Industry Awards, it is no understatement that the competition is both fierce and uncompromising. As the best of the best of the UK’s project management industry come together to showcase the cream of the profession. And 2024 is no different! Among this year’s APM Award finalists, is a groundbreaking initiative by MIGSO-PCUBED (MP) and greyfly.ai. Shortlisted for both the “Technology Project of the Year” and “Innovation Project of the Year” categories. The impact of this project has been seismic. Lloyd Skinner is the CEO of greyfly.ai and spoke with PMG to outline some of the workings behind the unique technology, ‘Whilst accurately predicting project outcomes, the Intelligent Project Prediction (IPP) platform analyzes project data, identifying the underlying drivers for success and pinpointing potential risks.’ Harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) the IPP platform uses advanced analytics and machine learning to transform project management by supporting Data-driven decisions and boosting project success. The MP and greyfly.ai team have demonstrated the ability to bridge the gap through the use of AI technology to successfully manage a diverse project portfolio, and increase the consistency in meeting project budgets…
Jean Kang is swiftly becoming one of the most influential voices in project management and personal development. With her straightforward advice rooted in her own journey from sales to program management in the tech industry, Jean offers a wealth of unbiased, practical insights into carving out a successful career in this field. Based in San Francisco, Jean’s impressive resume includes stints at some of the world’s most recognizable tech giants. Remarkably, she didn’t follow the traditional path of acquiring formal qualifications or spending years climbing the corporate ladder. Instead, Jean embodies a new generation of project and program practitioners who prioritize attitude and aptitude over credentials. Her story is a testament to how strategic career pivots and leveraging technology can catapult today’s project practitioners to C-suite positions at record speed. As I sit down to interview Jean, it’s immediately clear why she resonates with so many young professionals. Her warmth and friendliness are matched only by her efficiency. Our meeting was seamlessly arranged through Calendly, her AI assistant joined before she did, and she had already provided thoughtful responses to our preliminary questions. I was already impressed before she even said a word. Curious about her unconventional path, I ask…
Hugh Westcott stands out as one of the new generation of trainee architects making their mark in the built environment sector. Now in his final year of studies at Loughborough University, Hugh has spent the past twelve months immersed in industry, gaining invaluable experience with top architecture and consultancy firms. When we speak via teams, he is currently in his final placement with the international Built Environment firm Buro Happold, which is home to a global community of world-leading engineering, advisory and design professionals. His insights into the sector, his aspirations, and the challenges he faces offer a compelling account of a fledgling professional navigating his way in the industry. Join me as I hear his thoughts on his career journey so far. What made you decide on a career in Architecture? I’ve always aspired to be in a career that impacts the future. Seeing firsthand the societal impact that architecture can have, has only strengthened my excitement about joining the profession. I found out about architecture whilst I was still at school. I had several opportunities when I was quite young to experience working in architectural environments—I remember being around 17 going out on site and collaborating with industry…
In a world where the pace of change is relentless, few professions have the capacity to shape society as profoundly as project management. As we sit down with Algy Ayson for a Teams call, his warm smile and approachable demeanour immediately set the tone for our conversation. Algy, originally from the Philippines, now serves as the Head of Project Delivery Centre of Excellence and Profession at the Enterprise Portfolio Management Office for the UK Parliament. His journey to this pivotal role has been anything but conventional. It is just over 4 months since I first heard Algy speak at an industry association event in London. His passion for project management shone through. And as he spoke to the room of senior project leaders his advocacy and vision for the industry struck a chord. A Chance Start in the Profession Algy’s path into project management was unexpected. He began his career in customer service, with no initial intention of entering into project delivery. Reflecting on his early days working in local government during the leadup to the 2012 London Olympic Games, Algy explains, “It was a key tenet of the London Games that it would deliver a legacy beyond the…
