’Twas the month before year-end, when all through the chapter,Not a project was stirring—well… except everything that matters.Our members were nestled, still juggling deadlines with care,In hopes that the New Year soon would be there… Here at FWPMI, the energy hasn’t slowed for a moment, and I am thrilled to wrap up the year with you—our incredible community of project leaders, innovators, and lifelong learners. ’Twas the month before year-end, when all through the chapter,Not a project was stirring—well… except everything that matters.Our members were nestled, still juggling deadlines with care,In hopes that the New Year soon would be there… Here at FWPMI, the energy hasn’t slowed for a moment, and I am thrilled to wrap up the year with you—our incredible community of project leaders, innovators, and lifelong learners. A Season of Gratitude & Growth As we gather around the final weeks of the year, I want to extend a warm and heartfelt Happy Holidays from our entire FWPMI Leadership Team. This year has brought tremendous engagement, growth, and momentum—thanks to you. From dinner meetings to workshops, PDU-rich sessions to community outreach, you consistently bring curiosity, professionalism, and heart to everything you do. A Nod to Global Summit & LIM — FWPMI Represented! In November, our board had the privilege of attending both the PMI Global Summit and Leadership Institute Meeting (LIM) training. These gatherings reinforced the power of connection, transformation, and the future-forward direction of PMI around the world. We brought back fresh strategies to strengthen member value, new frameworks for engagement and volunteer pathways, a strong network of chapter leaders ready to collaborate, and renewed motivation to build FWPMI into the most vibrant chapter in the region. Our leadership team is energized, aligned, and ready to serve you in the coming year! [Cross-section of Global Summit & LIM attendees] Looking Ahead: A New Project Management Journey Experience As we step into the new year, we’re excited to introduce a new event format designed to take you on a guided project management journey. Think of it as a chapter-long experience—hands-on, story-driven, and deeply aligned with the PMI Talent Triangle. More details are to come in January, but trust me, you’ll want to be part of this adventure. No More Guessing — A Permanent Home for Dinner Meetings Good news! Starting in the new year, FWPMI is securing a permanent location for our monthly dinner meetings. That means no more bouncing venues, no more guesswork, and a consistent, welcoming space where learning and networking can flourish. We’ll announce the official venue soon on FWPMI.org and across our social channels. Volunteer Opportunities Coming in the New Year If your New Year’s resolution includes giving back, building leadership skills, earning PDUs, or getting more involved in FWPMI, then keep an eye out for upcoming volunteer opportunities launching early in the year! We have roles for every interest—from events and outreach to mentoring, membership support, and student engagement. Our chapter thrives because of passionate, purpose-driven members like you, and we can’t wait to welcome even more volunteers into the fold. Upcoming Events – From the FWPMI.org Calendar Here’s a quick look at what’s happening across the chapter: December Holiday Events & Meetings- Visit FWPMI.org for the latest December events, workshops, and chapter activities as they are posted. Looking ahead into the new year, expect monthly dinner meetings at our new permanent home, lunch-and-learns, PMP/CAPM prep sessions, networking socials, and a brand-new workshop track aligned with our Project Management Journey theme. Make sure to visit FWPMI.org regularly to stay updated or register for events. A Closing in True Holiday Spirit… ’Twas the end of the year, and throughout FWPMI,Our members brought brilliance no one could deny.With PDUs earned and connections held tight,We celebrate you—our reason, our light.So rest, recharge, and enjoy every cheer,For bigger things wait in the coming new year. Thank you for being part of our FWPMI family. Thank you for showing up, stepping up, and lifting each other up. And thank you for letting me serve as your chapter president—it is one of my greatest honors. From my family to yours, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, and may all your projects finish bright and clear. Warmly,Kimberly CollinsPresident, Fort Worth PMI Chapter The Fort Worth PMI Chapter (FWPMI) volunteers finished the year strong, bringing the critical skills of project management to students across North Texas. Our dedicated members are not just managing projects in their careers; they are actively investing in the next generation of leaders and problem-solvers. This article highlights three major outreach initiatives where our volunteers made a tangible impact: the Future City Competition volunteer call, a project management workshop at Lone Star Elementary, and our collaboration with the UNT student chapter.The Fort Worth PMI Chapter (FWPMI) volunteers finished the year strong, bringing the critical skills of project management to students across North Texas. Our dedicated members are not just managing projects in their careers; they are actively investing in the next generation of leaders and problem-solvers. This article highlights three major outreach initiatives where our volunteers made a tangible impact: the Future City Competition volunteer call, a project management workshop at Lone Star Elementary, and our collaboration with the UNT student chapter. Call for Volunteers: Future City Competition 2026 FWPMI invites you to volunteer for the exhilarating North Texas Future City Competition in January 2026! The Future City Competition inspires young students by challenging them to solve real-world problems associated with building a livable city of the future. Through a series of fun, hands-on applications, student teams apply the principles of every branch of engineering to address their future cities’ issues. This year’s critical challenge asks students to design a city that eliminates food waste from farm to table and ensures citizens are healthy and safe. Your assistance is crucial! Volunteers are needed to assist as judges or help with other event activities such as check-in, awards, room coordination, or other logistical needs. Key Dates & Location:  In-person: Saturday, January 24, 2026, at Tarrant County College – Trinity River Campus West Virtually: Opportunities available during the month of January 2026 Ready to inspire? Please register to volunteer using the PMI Volunteer Engagement Platform: https://volunteer.pmi.org and search for Opportunity ID 63921.   Empowering Young Leaders: FWPMI Workshop at Lone Star Elementary Fort Worth PMI volunteers partnered with Lone Star Elementary School in Keller on November 7th to provide specialized project management training for campus 4th-grade leaders. Lone Star is distinguished as one of only 14 schools in Texas with the Special Olympics Unified Champion Banner School (UCS) designation—and the only elementary school to hold that honor. The UCS program promotes social inclusion by fostering school climates where all students feel welcome, respected, and challenged. The workshop challenged student teams to create a project plan for nine FIFA World Cup 2026 games being played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Student teams planned and built a mock stadium scenario, focusing on critical project areas: security, transportation, lodging, and food. Collaboration among the teams was strongly encouraged to create an integrated final plan. Students created a project plan, designed components, built their prototype, and then presented their integrated plan to an audience of parents, teachers, and administrators, including the principal, superintendent, school board president, and several school board members. Students learned valuable leadership and project management skills that will shape their futures. Testimonials from the Event: Brynlee Favier – UCS Leader: "The PMI project was a collaboration of all the UCS leaders. Project managers came in to help us learn how to work on a large project together and do it on time... It was a lot of fun, and I think we all learned skills we can use as we get older!" Kelly McCormack – 4th Grade Teacher and UCS Advisor: "Each year, partnering with PMI has become one of my favorite collaborative projects for my UCS leaders. Giving a 10-year-old real management skills... builds habits that stay with them for life. Their creativity, collaboration, and patience with one another truly shined throughout the process!" Chelsea Kelly – Keller ISD Board Trustee: "Lone Star Elementary’s work with the Project Management Institute Fort Worth Chapter gave students a unique real-world experience connected to FIFA’s arrival in Arlington. Their collaboration across food, security, lodging, and transportation teams strengthened key skills..." If you would like to get involved with this or other Fort Worth PMI academic outreach activities, please contact Ben Gonzalez, VP of Outreach, at VPOutreach@fwpmi.org.   Industry Connect: UNT Project Management Student Organization Panel The Project Management Student Organization (PMSO) at the University of North Texas (UNT) hosted a dynamic Industry Panel on October 30th. This event featured professionals from diverse arenas, including aerospace, education, nonprofit, information technology, retail, supply chain, and fulfillment. The panel answered student questions, demonstrating how project management reaches across multiple industries and career paths. Panelists (Photo: Left to Right): Hyon-Chin Keoughan - YPO - Senior Project Manager - Nonprofit Organization/IT Heather Leonard - Callaway Golf - Sporting goods, Retail, Supply chain, Fulfillment, and Manufacturing Alfred Rijkers - Greenpoint Technologies, Inc. - Senior Program Manager - Aerospace Dr. Jeremy Kovach – Asst. Professor, UNT Department of Supply Chain Management The engaging session was moderated by Nikki Duncan (Chief of Staff and Business Consultant) and Terrod Shelton (PMSO Vice President). The event was well-attended by PMSO student officers, UNT students, and members of PMI. Do get involved with this or other university student clubs, please contact Ben Gonzalez, VP of Outreach, at VPOutreach@fwpmi.org.In the season of reflection and giving, and as we start to wrap up another incredible year together, I wanted to share how grateful I am for all our members and volunteers – you are truly what keeps FWPMI thriving. Looking Back to October A huge thank-you goes out to everyone who joined us at our Professional Development Conference—attendees, speakers, and volunteers alike. Your energy brought our "Better Together: Back to Basics" theme to life and made our PDC an absolute success!  The shared knowledge, connections, and inspiration just reiterate that professional  development can be more impactful when we learn and grow together. A special thank you to our sponsor, The Mattress Factory or your support in making  our Professional Development Conference a resounding success!In the season of reflection and giving, and as we start to wrap up another incredible year together, I wanted to share how grateful I am for all our members and volunteers – you are truly what keeps FWPMI thriving. Looking Back to October A huge thank-you goes out to everyone who joined us at our Professional Development Conference—attendees, speakers, and volunteers alike. Your energy brought our "Better Together: Back to Basics" theme to life and made our PDC an absolute success!  The shared knowledge, connections, and inspiration just reiterate that professional  development can be more impactful when we learn and grow together. A special thank you to our sponsor, The Mattress Factory or your support in making  our Professional Development Conference a resounding success! What’s Happening in November PMI Global Summit: This month, several members of our leadership team are heading to Arizona to attend the PMI Leadership Institute Meeting (LIM) and Global Summit! We’re excited to learn from global peers, gain fresh perspectives, and bring back new tools, strategies, and inspiration to share with you.These events remind us that while our work begins locally, our impact stretches across the global PMI community. Don’t miss the last Dinner Meeting of the Year: We will be gathering at Texas Star Conference Centre to hear about PMO Transformation with Victorious Eche on the 20th. Remember to register early to get the better rate. Join the informative Lunch and Learn with our very own Chapter Engagement Specialist, Melissa Bennett who will be taking us on a deep dive of our PMI benefits and tools available to chapter members on November 25th. Volunteer Call As always, we are seeking a few great volunteers to support upcoming special projects and community service initiatives and help the board make the magic happen. Whether you want to lend a few hours or take the lead on a new idea, your contribution matters. Please contact president@fwpmi.org to see how you can get plugged in. Quick Reminder: As the holiday season fills up with family, friends, and festivities, take a moment to check your PMI and FWPMI membership renewals. Make sure subscribe to receive newsletters and jump into free trainings on the PMI.org website! Staying active ensures you’ll receive member benefits, are up-to-date on the latest PM information, locks in event discounts, and gives you access to all the exciting programs we’ve lined up for 2026. Thank you again for continuing to Engage, Equip, and Empower one another. Your enthusiasm and leadership make FWPMI the friendliest chapter around. Here’s to finishing 2025 strong—and building an even brighter 2026 together!   As always please feel free to contact me anytime. Warm regards, Kimberly Colins president@fwpmi.org  President, FWPMI   July's Volunteer Spotlight: Celebrating Victorious Eche – A Force for Leadership and Community! This July, we are thrilled to shine our Volunteer Spotlight on the truly exceptional Victorious Eche! Victorious isn't just a volunteer; she's a dynamic leader, an inspiring speaker, and a passionate community builder whose impact resonates across multiple spheres. Victorious brings a wealth of experience from her impressive track record in finance, transformation, and strategic leadership, honed during her tenure as a former Vice President at Citibank. Currently a graduate student in Business and Women’s Leadership at Texas Woman’s University, she uniquely blends corporate insight with a heart-led approach to empowerment.   This July, we are thrilled to shine our Volunteer Spotlight on the truly exceptional Victorious Eche! Victorious isn't just a volunteer; she's a dynamic leader, an inspiring speaker, and a passionate community builder whose impact resonates across multiple spheres. Victorious brings a wealth of experience from her impressive track record in finance, transformation, and strategic leadership, honed during her tenure as a former Vice President at Citibank. Currently a graduate student in Business and Women’s Leadership at Texas Woman’s University, she uniquely blends corporate insight with a heart-led approach to empowerment. Her commitment to service is evident in her extensive board engagements, including her vital role on the PMI Fort Worth Board itself, as Director Conferences sphere heading the PDC 2025 planning along with her work with Melanin Minds Matter. Victorious is consistently at the forefront of vital conversations around leadership, advocacy, and innovation, always striving to uplift others, particularly women and underrepresented communities. Further demonstrating her dedication to professional development, Victorious was recently appointed Area Director for Toastmasters District 50, where she champions communication and leadership skills—a perfect synergy with our chapter's mission. Victorious embodies the spirit of creating global impact through purposeful networking, mentorship, and thought leadership. Her unwavering commitment not only elevates the FWPMI Chapter but also inspires the broader Project Management Profession. Thank you, Victorious, for your incredible contributions, your inspiring leadership, and for truly being a beacon in our community! The moment you've been waiting for is finally here! We're thrilled to officially announce the theme for our highly anticipated PMI Fort Worth Chapter Professional Development Conference (PDC) 2025: "Better Together - Back to Basics." Mark your calendars, because on October 10, 2025, we're diving deep into the core principles of project management right here in Fort Worth. The moment you've been waiting for is finally here! We're thrilled to officially announce the theme for our highly anticipated PMI Fort Worth Chapter Professional Development Conference (PDC) 2025: "Better Together - Back to Basics." Mark your calendars, because on October 10, 2025, we're diving deep into the core principles of project management right here in Fort Worth. In today's fast-paced world, with new tools and trends emerging constantly, it's easy to get sidetracked. But at FWPMI, we believe that the foundation of every truly great project—and every successful project manager—lies in mastering the fundamentals. "Better Together - Back to Basics" isn't just a theme; it's our vision for this year's conference. We're dedicated to revisiting, strengthening, and celebrating the timeless core principles that genuinely drive project success. Why "Better Together - Back to Basics"? This year, we're putting a spotlight on collaboration and mastery of project management fundamentals. Our goal is to empower you to build stronger teams, foster better communication, and ultimately, deliver outstanding outcomes. Whether you're a seasoned professional looking to refresh your knowledge, or just starting your journey and eager to build a solid foundation, PDC 2025 is designed specifically for you.  You can expect a day packed with: Inspiring Keynotes: Hear from industry leaders on the enduring power of foundational project management. Deep Dive Sessions: Practical workshops covering essential areas like communication, risk management, scheduling, and stakeholder engagement, all with an emphasis on best practices. Real-World Applications: Learn from experienced PMs who will share stories where fundamental skills made all the difference. Dynamic Panel Discussions: Engage with leaders discussing how to balance innovation with core principles. Unparalleled Networking: Connect with a diverse community of fellow project professionals right here in our Fort Worth community. We firmly believe that by reconnecting with these essential skills, tools, and mindsets, we can collectively empower ourselves to deliver immense value, lead with unwavering confidence, and adapt to any challenge thrown our way. Let's get back to what matters most—together! What's Next? Over the coming weeks, we'll be sharing more exciting details, including our incredible lineup of speakers, a sneak peek at the full agenda, and of course, early bird registration opportunities that you won't want to miss! Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for all the updates. We'll be using the hashtags #PDC2025FW and #BackToTheBasicsPM across LinkedIn, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) to keep you in the loop. Get ready to enhance your expertise, expand your network, and reignite your passion for project management. We can't wait to see you there! Watch out for more information and on www.fwpmi.org. On Memorial Day, the PMI Fort Worth Chapter was profoundly moved to be part of the #FlagsForFallenVets initiative. It was a powerful and humbling reminder of the immense love and sacrifice that built the freedoms we cherish today. To every hero we had the honor of remembering, we promise to carry your memory forward. Your legacy is etched in the liberty we experience every single day. On Memorial Day, the PMI Fort Worth Chapter was profoundly moved to be part of the #FlagsForFallenVets initiative. It was a powerful and humbling reminder of the immense love and sacrifice that built the freedoms we cherish today. To every hero we had the honor of remembering, we promise to carry your memory forward. Your legacy is etched in the liberty we experience every single day. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us, whether by placing flags, donating, or simply holding our fallen heroes in your thoughts. Your presence—both physical and in spirit—helped create a truly beautiful moment of remembrance and national gratitude. It's in these collective acts that we truly honor their sacrifice. As Harry S. Truman once said, "Our debt to the heroic men and women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude.” We wholeheartedly agree. A special thank you goes out to Ben Gonzalez, MSPM, our dedicated Director of Military Outreach, for his leadership in making this initiative a reality. His commitment ensures we never forget. June Dinner Meeting was a fantastic success, and we owe a massive thank you to our very special guest speaker, Scott Brown. An Executive business coaching and corporate training, Leadership development, organizational alignment, Data strategy and supply chain management expert from Project Made Easy. June Dinner Meeting was a fantastic success, and we owe a massive thank you to our very special guest speaker, Scott Brown! An Executive business coaching and corporate training, Leadership development, organizational alignment, Data strategy and supply chain management expert from Project Made Easy. His insights on resource management were incredibly valuable, and we're grateful for him sharing his expertise with the FWPMI community. We'd also like to extend our sincere appreciation to everyone who attended. Your engagement and participation made for a lively and enriching learning opportunity. Behind the scenes, our dedicated FWPMI team worked hard to bring this event to life. A special thank you to Kimberly Collins, PMP, CSM, PMO-CP, for her leadership, and to our events coordinator Sarah Miles, MLIS, MA, PMP, and Dionne Guevara, PMP, for their thoughtful connection and unwavering support. Attendees walked away with some fantastic timesaving takeaways for key aspects of resource management, including; Assigning Resources, Determining Resource Availability, Approving Resource Requests, Determining Resource Constraints. We're committed to providing you with practical knowledge and opportunities to enhance your project management skills. The next Dinner meeting is on July 17, 2025.  Watch for more information about the speaker and topic on www.fwpmi.org. You've heard of networking, but have you ever experienced Professional Networking? On November 21st, Jay Arbetter walked us through his format of how to create genuine connections and nurture relationships.The November dinner meeting was very energetic and inspiring from the time that the speaker started presenting!  Jay Arbetter is a Financial Planner and he spoke about Professional Networking.  He did this through a workshop format and he gave a lot of personal examples from both his professional and volunteer work.   Jay started off his presentation by saying that “Your attitude determines your opportunity”!  This was very eye opening and then he encouraged everyone to identify their ambassador/advocate.  This is the person that has your best interest in mind and will help you to get to where you want to go.    You may be asking what is networking?  Jay mentioned that networking is a common interest or common passion that can bring people together and eventually help you professionally.  For example, everyone at the chapter dinner meeting most likely had some kind of common interest in Project Management, so this made it easier to get to know and network with each other.   Jay also explained that networking is about the feelings of the person that you are networking with and trying to get to know better versus your feelings.   You need to learn what you can about them (overtime) and once you feel like you have a better understanding of who they are, let them know why you like them and what a great person they are. He gave some examples of how by doing this, he was able to build trust, and he was able to get some opportunities to help him in his career that he probably would not have had.  He also stressed that if you are not able to tell someone why you like them and that they are great, then it is time to recognize that you probably don’t have anything in common and to move on.  He explained this further by saying that some people just aren’t connectors so it will be more difficult to network and connect with them.  Now that you know what networking is, how do you go about it?  Jay recommended creating a spreadsheet and to start by writing down every person you know.  Think about what you like about them, what you admire about them, how do you reach them, and when is the best time to contact them.   If you are actively looking for a new job opportunity, this is a great opportunity to network with these people and see if they happen to know anyone who works for the top 3 or 4 companies that you are interested in.  They can then help connect you with someone who may be able to help you.  You can also follow this process if you are interested in volunteering, getting more involved with your church, getting more active in your neighborhood, etc.   Think about what types of opportunities you are interested in and then think about how you can connect with someone who might be able to help you.      The 1 ½ hours passed very quickly and Jay summarized his time with everyone by ending with “Be on the offense.  Make something of your life”.  If you would like more information, connect with Jay Arbetter on Linked In and look for his book on Amazon….  The Power Networking Strategy: The Personal Approach to Landing Your Dream Job: Arbetter, Jay: 9781944913137: Amazon.com: Books.    This was a great way to wrap up the 2024 chapter dinner meetings!  The next in person meeting is on January 16, 2025.  Watch for more information about the speaker and topic on www.fwpmi.org. Organizations across the globe have embraced remote work, but it comes with its own set of challenges. One of the most significant threats is reduced innovation and connection. In this article, we'll provide you with five behavior-based activities that you and your team can adopt to help foster the serendipitous spark that is often lost in virtual environments.  1. Virtual Walk and Talks  One of the best things about working in a physical environment was the moments of spontaneous, creative exchanges during casual strolls or water-cooler conversations. These moments led to some of the most innovative advances at organizations, like Google’s AdSense enhancements. To recreate this dynamic remotely, schedule weekly virtual “walk-and-talks” with your cross-functional counterparts or team members. Encourage participants to connect via video call on their mobile devices while taking a walk outdoors or moving around in their homes. These informal, one-on-one sessions, lasting 15–20 minutes, can help build rapport and inspire flow-state brainstorming and problem-solving discussions.   2. Host Connection Corners  In the office setting, impromptu conversations often led to innovative ideas and collaboration. To mimic this in a remote environment, schedule standing 30-minute “Connection Corners,” where team members can join in video without an agenda. Allow them to discuss personal interests, hobbies, or share updates on their lives. This practice not only fosters that sense of community but also promotes deeper relationships and can generate unexpected ideas that benefit the entire team.   3. Begin Meetings with a Check-In  Drawing inspiration from the Ariel Group’s PRESence Model, start each meeting by having team members share their current emotional state, how present they feel, and what is enabling or hindering their full engagement. Additionally, encourage them to reflect on how the meeting will help advance their work. Keeping to one to two minutes per person, this check-in process fosters open communication, promotes mindfulness, and creates a more supportive remote work environment.   4. Encourage Office Hours for Cross-Team Collaboration  Silos seem to be even more prevalent in the remote environment, so to stimulate collaboration, inspire teams to host weekly “office hours.” During these 45–60 minute sessions, members from various teams can discuss ongoing projects, seek advice, or simply network. This can be taken further by administrative functions, setting up breakout or silent rooms, for members to “body double” with someone who can hold them accountable. This practice can enhance information sharing and spark flames of discussion outside the regularly scheduled meetings.   5. Utilize Video Messaging for Personal Updates  Text-based communication can sometimes feel impersonal, and the buttoned-up, scripted, and well-lit video updates feel too out-of-touch. Try taking a tip from TikTok and incorporate short video messages into your communication mix. Instead of sending an email, record a 2–3 minute video update or response. Encourage your team members to do the same, it’s time to shake up the Slack channel!  Leading a remote team presents both challenges and opportunities, but with a spirit of curiosity and optimism, you can create a connected, collaborative, and productive remote environment. By implementing these tips and embracing innovative communication methods, you will foster strong relationships with your team members and reignite that serendipitous spark that seemed to be the backbone of many organizational cultures. Let's get that spark back and ignite some creativity, team! In a day-to-day busy work schedule, juggling multiple projects can be a daunting task, making it challenging to stay organized and focused. However, there are effective tools and strategies available that can help manage multiple projects efficiently. This article aims to provide tips for staying on-track and organized with multiple projects, such as prioritizing tasks, using project management tools, setting realistic deadlines, communicating with team members, minimizing distractions, taking breaks, and remaining flexible. We all know how challenging it can be to manage multiple projects simultaneously, which often leads to feeling overwhelmed and stressed out. It can be tough to stay on track and keep everything organized, but with the right tools and strategies, it is possible to manage multiple projects efficiently. In this article, we will explore some useful tips for staying organized and focused when juggling multiple projects. These tips include prioritizing tasks, using project management tools, setting realistic deadlines, communicating with team members, minimizing distractions, taking breaks, and remaining flexible. By incorporating these tips into your project management routine, you can stay on top of your workload and achieve your goals with ease.     Details:  Use a right Tool:  Project management tools are an excellent way to keep track of multiple projects, tasks, and deadlines. There are many projects management tools available, including Trello, Asana, Basecamp, and Jira. Choose a tool that works best for you and your team and use it to keep track of all the tasks and deadlines for each project.  Be ready with priority list of Tasks:  When you have multiple projects, it's essential to prioritize your tasks. Make a list of all the tasks you need to complete and rank them in order of importance. Focus on the most critical tasks first and then move on to the less urgent ones.  Do you know the committed Deadlines:  Setting realistic deadlines is crucial when managing multiple projects. It's easy to underestimate how long a task will take, so give yourself plenty of time. Break large projects down into smaller, more manageable tasks, and assign deadlines to each one.  Interacting with Your Team:  If you're working on multiple projects with a team, communication is key. Keep everyone informed about the status of each project and make sure everyone is on the same page. Schedule regular check-ins to discuss progress, identify any potential roadblocks, and adjust timelines if necessary.  Minimize Deviations:  Distractions can be a major obstacle when managing multiple projects. Minimize distractions by turning off notifications on your phone and email, closing unnecessary tabs on your computer, and working in a quiet, distraction-free environment.  Encourage team breaks:  Taking breaks is essential when managing multiple projects. Taking short breaks can help you stay focused and avoid burnout. Consider taking a 10–15-minute break every hour or two to recharge your batteries.  Stay Focused result oriented:  Finally, it's essential to stay flexible when managing multiple projects. Unexpected issues and changes can arise, so be prepared to adjust your plans as needed. Stay focused on your goals but be willing to adapt when necessary.  Closing Summary:  In my experience I have learnt that juggling multiple projects may seem like a daunting task, but it's not impossible. With the right approach and tools, you can stay organized and focused while managing multiple projects. Prioritize your tasks, use a project management tool that suits your needs, set realistic deadlines, communicate with your team, minimize distractions, take breaks, and remain flexible. Remember to take care of yourself, avoid burnout, and stay focused on your goals. By implementing these tips, you can successfully manage multiple projects and achieve your objectives In the age of remote work, effective communication has become more crucial than ever before. As teams are geographically dispersed and rely heavily on digital tools, the ability to communicate clearly and efficiently is a key skill for success. In this blog, we will explore practical strategies to help you foster strong connections and enhance collaboration with your remote team members. 🚀💡 Hybrid meetings are essential for in-person and remote attendees to interact face-to-face regardless of location, but they can also be extremely challenging without the right technology and facilitation. Check out this article to learn about the key factors that can make or break a hybrid meeting and how to implement them in your organization.  Effective Communication with Remote Teams:   Embrace a Variety of Communication Channels: 📧💬🎥  Remote teams thrive on diverse communication channels. While email remains a staple, it's important to leverage other platforms such as instant messaging, video conferencing, and project management tools. Each channel serves a different purpose, allowing for quick updates, brainstorming sessions, or detailed discussions. By utilizing multiple channels, you create an environment that supports different communication styles and preferences. 🌈✨    Set Clear Expectations: 📝🔍  Setting clear expectations is essential for remote team collaboration. Clearly define project goals, deadlines, and milestones. Communicate the preferred response times for different channels and establish guidelines for availability. When team members know what's expected of them, it helps eliminate ambiguity and ensures everyone is on the same page. 🗓️🔒    Foster Regular Communication: 📞📢  Consistent communication is vital to keep remote teams connected. Schedule regular team meetings, both individual and group, to discuss progress, challenges, and upcoming tasks. These meetings provide an opportunity to align goals, share updates, and address any concerns. Additionally, encourage open communication through channels like chat groups or dedicated forums where team members can freely exchange ideas and support one another. 💻🌐🗨️    Be Mindful of Time Zones: ⌚🌍  Remote teams often span different time zones, making it essential to be mindful of scheduling. When arranging meetings or requesting feedback, be considerate of everyone's time zones. Rotate meeting times if possible, ensuring that no team member consistently faces inconvenient meeting hours. Respect for time differences fosters inclusivity and demonstrates your commitment to creating an equitable work environment. ⏰🤝    Leverage Visual Communication: 📊🖼️  In a remote setting, visual aids can enhance understanding and engagement. When sharing complex information or ideas, utilize visual communication tools like charts, graphs, or slides. Visuals can help clarify concepts, streamline information, and make it easier for remote team members to absorb and retain knowledge. Use screen sharing during meetings to provide visual context and enhance collaboration. 🖥️🔍🌈    Active Listening and Empathy: 👂🤝❤️  Effective communication involves active listening and empathy, even in a remote setting. Give your full attention during conversations, demonstrating that you value your team members' perspectives. Encourage open dialogue, ask thoughtful questions, and be responsive to their ideas and concerns. By fostering a culture of empathy, you create a safe space where team members feel heard and supported. 🎧💬🌟    Provide Constructive Feedback: ✅🔍📈  Remote teams rely heavily on feedback to improve and grow. When providing feedback, be specific, objective, and constructive. Acknowledge team members' accomplishments and strengths, while also offering suggestions for improvement. Frame feedback in a way that encourages growth and development, promoting a positive and collaborative atmosphere. 🙌👏🚀    Conclusion: 🎉💪  In the world of remote work, effective communication is the cornerstone of successful collaboration. By embracing diverse  #career #jobmarkettrends #employment #employees #professionaldevelopment # Remote work #market #resilience #adaptability #determination #careergrowth #innovation #technology We are thrilled to acknowledge the exceptional accomplishments of several Fort Worth PMI members within the Project Management Institute community. It is with great pride that we formally recognize these individuals for their outstanding contributions. If you happen to encounter them at any of our upcoming events, we encourage you to extend your congratulations! Cindy Vandersleen - FWPMI Past President   We are delighted to share that Cindy Vandersleen has been nominated by her esteemed peers in Region Six of the Project Management Institute Regional Structure. Cindy's unwavering commitment to volunteerism and her proactive efforts in recruiting new members to the Fort Worth PMI Chapter have earned her the prestigious Change Leadership Impact Award. We invite you to learn more about Cindy's remarkable achievements here.   Tristan Martinez - Director of Communications  We are pleased to announce that Tristan Martinez has been selected as one of the distinguished spokespeople for the Project Management Institute. In this role, Tristan will actively promote membership recruitment and engagement on behalf of both PMI and the Fort Worth PMI Chapter. Look forward to seeing her represent our organization in various media opportunities.  Latha Thamma Reddi - Director of Volunteer Management We are excited to share that Latha Thamma Reddi will be a featured speaker at the upcoming PMXPO event on June 15th. Her captivating discussion will inspire, motivate, and equip attendees with practical tools that can be immediately implemented to elevate project outcomes and achieve exceptional results. Register here for this free event and gain valuable insights from Latha and other industry experts.    We extend our warmest congratulations to Cindy, Tristan, Latha, and all the Fort Worth PMI members who continue to make significant strides in the field of project management. Their achievements serve as a testament to their dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence. We are immensely proud to have such remarkable individuals as part of our thriving community.  Stay tuned for more updates on the remarkable accomplishments of our Fort Worth PMI members as we continue to celebrate their ongoing success in shaping the future of project management. A future where ecological infrastructure systems surround and intertwine with our lives presents a counterbalance to a future dominated by constant monitoring and reliance on digital technologies. The rise of smart cities offers a promising solution to tackle the complex challenges posed by urbanization, sustainability, and quality of life. By integrating various technologies and data-driven approaches, smart cities aim to optimize city operations and enhance the well-being of their citizens. Extensive research has been conducted in this field, exploring diverse aspects such as the deployment of sensor networks, Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and big data analytics for urban planning. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current research landscape on smart cities, highlighting the advancements achieved, challenges encountered, and potential future directions. In recent years, cities worldwide have experienced a remarkable transformation driven by the emergence of smart city development technologies. These advancements have unlocked new possibilities for creating urban environments that are more sustainable, efficient, and citizen-centric. Through the adoption of smart technologies and the active involvement of citizens, cities are undergoing significant changes that redefine the very notion of urban living.Challenges in Smart Cities: Despite the progress made, smart cities face several challenges that need to be addressed. One major challenge is the issue of data privacy and security. As cities collect and analyze vast amounts of personal data, ensuring the protection of individual privacy and securing sensitive information becomes critical. Additionally, the interoperability of diverse systems and technologies remains a challenge, as the integration of data and services from multiple sources requires standardized protocols and interfaces. Another challenge is the digital divide, which can exacerbate existing social inequalities if not properly addressed. Ensuring equal access to smart city technologies and services for all citizens is crucial to avoid creating a "digital divide" between different socioeconomic groups. Embracing Smart City Technologies: Smart city technologies are the backbone of this urban revolution. By leveraging the power of Internet of Things (IoT), data analytics, and artificial intelligence, cities are becoming interconnected ecosystems where different systems and services work together seamlessly. Sensor networks are being deployed to monitor traffic, energy consumption, air quality, and other vital parameters in real-time. This wealth of data enables cities to optimize resource allocation, improve infrastructure management, and enhance the overall quality of urban life. Fostering Citizen Engagement: While technology is a crucial component of smart city development, it is equally important to empower and engage citizens in the process. Citizen engagement allows individuals to actively participate in decision-making, voice their concerns, and co-create solutions for their communities. Through participatory platforms, mobile applications, and community forums, citizens can contribute valuable insights, ideas, and feedback. By involving the people who live and breathe the city, urban development becomes more inclusive, responsive, and tailored to the needs of its inhabitants. Advantages of Smart Cities: The advantages of embracing smart city development technologies and fostering citizen engagement are abundant and wide-ranging. Firstly, sustainability takes center stage as cities implement energy-efficient infrastructure, promote clean transportation, and adopt sustainable waste management practices. These initiatives lead to reduced environmental impact and an overall improvement in the quality of life for residents. Secondly, efficiency is greatly enhanced through optimized resource allocation, reduced traffic congestion, and improved service delivery. Smart city technologies enable better urban planning, ensuring that cities are designed to accommodate future growth and adapt to changing demographics. Lastly, citizen engagement fosters social cohesion and community resilience, creating a sense of ownership and belonging among residents. The field of smart cities has witnessed significant advancements in recent years. Firstly, substantial progress has been made in the deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and the establishment of sensor networks, enabling real-time data collection and monitoring. This technological infrastructure has facilitated the development of applications across various domains, including transportation, energy, healthcare, and governance. Secondly, the integration of data analytics and artificial intelligence techniques has revolutionized the ability to extract valuable insights from the vast amounts of data generated by smart city systems. These insights have played a crucial role in optimizing urban planning, resource allocation, and service delivery. Lastly, the emergence of citizen engagement platforms and participatory sensing has empowered individuals to actively contribute to decision-making processes and collaborate in co-creating solutions for their cities. These advancements in smart city development technologies and citizen engagement have paved the way for a more sustainable, efficient, and inclusive urban future. By harnessing the power of technology and actively involving citizens, smart cities continue to push the boundaries of innovation and enhance the well-being of their inhabitants. Successful Case Studies: Numerous cities have already made significant strides in revolutionizing urban living through smart city initiatives. Barcelona, for example, has implemented an extensive network of sensors and data analytics to manage energy consumption, reduce pollution, and improve mobility. Singapore has embraced smart transportation systems, utilizing real-time data to optimize traffic flow and provide seamless public transit options. These success stories demonstrate the tangible benefits of embracing smart city technologies and involving citizens in the process. The Path Ahead: Looking towards the future, the potential for revolutionizing urban living through smart city development technologies and citizen engagement is vast. However, several challenges must be addressed to fully realize this potential. Safeguarding data privacy and security, bridging the digital divide, and managing the ethical implications of emerging technologies are pressing issues. Collaboration among governments, private sector organizations, and citizens is essential to navigate these challenges and shape the future of smart cities. Based on the analysis of existing literature, this review identifies key areas for future research in smart cities. Firstly, comprehensive studies that adopt a holistic approach are needed, considering the socio-technical aspects of smart city development and the intricate interplay between technology, governance, and social dynamics. Secondly, further exploration of the ethical implications of smart city technologies and their impact on individual rights and social justice is crucial. Thirdly, attention should be given to the development of scalable and interoperable smart city solutions that can be replicated in different urban contexts. Lastly, more research is required to assess the long-term sustainability and resilience of smart cities, encompassing the environmental, economic, and social dimensions. To sustain the momentum and unlock the full potential of smart urban living, continued investment in research, policy support, and infrastructure development is of utmost importance. By addressing these challenges and pursuing future research directions, we can pave the way for a future where smart cities thrive, promoting inclusive, sustainable, and resilient urban environments that enhance the well-being and quality of life for all citizens. Conclusion: this review highlights the significant advancements made in smart city research, while acknowledging the challenges that lie ahead. It underscores the need for a multidisciplinary and holistic approach to tackle the complex issues associated with smart city development and implementation. By identifying gaps in current literature, this review aims to inspire future research endeavors that can contribute to the sustainable and inclusive development of smart cities. The revolution in urban living is already in motion, driven by the integration of smart city development technologies and active citizen participation. Through interconnected systems, data-driven decision-making, and inclusive engagement, cities are experiencing transformative changes toward sustainability, efficiency, and people-centricity. This transformation extends beyond technological advancements, aiming to create dynamic and livable communities that prioritize the well-being and aspirations of their residents. By continuing to embrace smart city technologies and fostering citizen engagement, we have the power to shape the cities of tomorrow. In this vision, innovation and inclusivity work hand in hand, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous urban future that benefits all. With ongoing efforts and collaboration, we can create smart cities that enhance quality of life, foster sustainability, and provide equal opportunities for every individual, ensuring a better tomorrow for generations to come.In today's highly competitive business landscape, organizations are constantly seeking ways to enhance productivity and quality in their supply chains. This article explores the powerful combination of Agile project methodologies and Lean Six Sigma, highlighting how their integration can drive maximum efficiency and deliver exceptional results. By unifying these two approaches, businesses can optimize their supply chain processes, improve responsiveness, and achieve operational excellence.Understanding Agile Project Methodologies: A. Principles and Benefits of Agile Methodologies B. Benefits of Agile Methodologies in the Supply Chain C. Agile ‘s Impact on Productivity and Quality A. Principles and Benefits of Agile Methodologies: Agile methodologies have gained significant popularity in project management due to their flexible and iterative approach. They prioritize collaboration, adaptability, and continuous improvement, enabling organizations to effectively respond to changing requirements and deliver high-quality results. Here are the key principles and benefits of Agile methodologies in the context of the supply chain: 1.Customer-Centric Focus: Agile methodologies emphasize understanding and meeting customer needs. By involving stakeholders and end-users throughout the project lifecycle, organizations gain valuable insights, allowing them to align their supply chain activities with customer expectations. This customer-centric approach helps enhance overall satisfaction and loyalty. 2.Iterative Development: Agile methodologies advocate for iterative development and incremental delivery. Instead of waiting for a complete solution, Agile teams deliver valuable functionalities in short iterations called sprints. This iterative approach allows supply chain processes to evolve gradually, reducing the risk of costly errors and enabling faster response to market changes. 3.Cross-Functional Collaboration: Agile methodologies foster cross-functional collaboration by encouraging teams from various departments, such as procurement, logistics, and inventory management, to work together closely. This collaborative environment promotes shared ownership, effective communication, and knowledge sharing, leading to improved coordination and efficiency within the supply chain. 4.Adaptive Planning: Agile methodologies recognize that project requirements and priorities can change over time. Rather than rigidly adhering to a fixed plan, Agile teams embrace adaptive planning. They continuously evaluate and adjust their approach based on real-time feedback and market dynamics. This adaptability enables supply chain processes to swiftly respond to unexpected challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities. 5.Continuous Improvement: Agile methodologies embrace a culture of continuous improvement. They emphasize regular reflection and retrospection to identify areas for enhancement. Through practices like sprint reviews and lessons learned sessions, organizations can identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and waste within the supply chain. By addressing these issues promptly, Agile teams drive continuous improvement and optimize productivity and quality. B. Benefits of Agile Methodologies in the Supply Chain: 1.Enhanced Flexibility: Agile methodologies enable the supply chain to adapt quickly to changes in customer demands, market conditions, and industry trends. The iterative nature of Agile allows for the incorporation of feedback and the ability to make necessary adjustments, ensuring a responsive and flexible supply chain. 2.Improved Time-to-Market: By delivering incremental functionality in short iterations, Agile methodologies help expedite time-to-market. Supply chain activities such as product development, procurement, and distribution can benefit from the accelerated delivery of valuable features, enabling organizations to seize market opportunities faster and gain a competitive edge. 3.Increased Stakeholder Engagement: Agile methodologies foster active stakeholder involvement throughout the project lifecycle. This engagement facilitates better collaboration between supply chain teams, customers, suppliers, and other key stakeholders. By involving stakeholders in decision-making processes and regularly seeking their feedback, organizations can build stronger relationships and ensure alignment with business objectives. 4.Higher Quality Deliverables: Agile methodologies prioritize frequent testing, inspection, and validation of deliverables. This emphasis on quality assurance helps identify and address issues early in the supply chain process, minimizing the risk of defects or errors. The continuous feedback loop and iterative nature of Agile methodologies enable timely adjustments, resulting in higher-quality deliverables. 5.Transparent Communication: Agile methodologies promote transparent and open communication within the supply chain. Through practices such as daily stand-up meetings, backlog refinement sessions, and demonstrations, teams share information, discuss progress, and address any challenges. This transparency facilitates effective coordination, knowledge sharing, and alignment, ultimately leading to improved productivity and quality. In summary, Agile methodologies bring several principles and benefits to supply chain management. By adopting a customer-centric, iterative, and collaborative approach, organizations can enhance flexibility, reduce time-to-market, engage stakeholders, deliver high-quality outcomes, and foster transparent communication within the supply chain. These advantages enable businesses to navigate the complexities of today's rapidly evolving markets and drive operational excellence. C. Agile's Impact on Productivity and Quality: Agile methodologies have a significant impact on productivity and quality within supply chain management. By emphasizing collaboration, iterative development, and continuous improvement, Agile approaches drive efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance overall performance. Here are some key ways Agile impacts productivity and quality in the supply chain: 1.Iterative and Incremental Delivery: Agile methodologies promote iterative development and incremental delivery of value. Supply chain teams work in short sprints, focusing on delivering small, tangible deliverables within a fixed timeframe. This approach accelerates time-to-market, allowing organizations to respond quickly to market demands and customer needs. By delivering incremental improvements regularly, productivity increases as teams continuously add value to the supply chain, driving overall efficiency. 2.Flexibility and Adaptability: Agile methodologies enable supply chain teams to be highly adaptable and responsive to changing circumstances. Agile practices such as adaptive planning and frequent feedback loops ensure that teams can quickly adjust their approach and priorities based on evolving requirements or market conditions. This flexibility allows teams to optimize workflows, eliminate non-value-added activities, and adapt supply chain processes to maximize efficiency and productivity. 3.Enhanced Communication and Collaboration: Agile methodologies emphasize strong communication and collaboration within supply chain teams. Regular stand-up meetings, backlog refinement sessions, and other Agile ceremonies ensure that all team members are aligned and working towards a common goal. Effective communication and collaboration improve coordination, eliminate bottlenecks, and streamline workflows, resulting in improved productivity and quality throughout the supply chain. 4.Continuous Improvement: Agile methodologies foster a culture of continuous improvement within supply chain teams. Through practices such as retrospectives and regular feedback loops, teams identify areas for enhancement and implement iterative changes. Continuous improvement drives productivity gains by identifying and addressing bottlenecks, reducing waste, and streamlining processes. By constantly seeking opportunities for improvement, supply chain teams can optimize efficiency and quality over time. 5.Early Detection of Issues: Agile methodologies emphasize early detection and resolution of issues. Regular testing and frequent inspection of deliverables help identify defects or problems early in the supply chain process. By addressing issues promptly, teams can avoid costly rework, reduce waste, and ensure that high-quality products or services are delivered to customers. Early detection of issues enhances overall quality and productivity by minimizing the impact of potential setbacks. 6.Customer-Centric Focus: Agile methodologies place a strong emphasis on understanding and meeting customer needs. By involving customers and stakeholders throughout the development process, supply chain teams gain valuable insights into customer requirements and preferences. This customer-centric focus ensures that supply chain activities are aligned with customer expectations, resulting in higher-quality outputs and improved customer satisfaction. 7.Data-Driven Decision Making: Agile methodologies encourage the use of metrics and data for decision making. Supply chain teams track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure productivity, quality, and other relevant metrics. Data-driven decision making enables teams to identify areas of improvement, make informed choices, and prioritize efforts based on objective measurements. This approach fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, driving productivity and quality within the supply chain. In summary, Agile methodologies have a transformative impact on productivity and quality within supply chain management. By promoting iterative delivery, flexibility, collaboration, continuous improvement, customer-centricity, and data-driven decision making, Agile approaches drive efficiency, reduce waste, enhance quality, and ultimately improve the overall performance of supply chain operations.Managing and motivating project teams is a critical aspect of project success. Effective leadership and team management are essential to keep members engaged, productive, and focused on achieving project goals. In this article, we will explore various techniques that project managers can employ to manage and motivate their teams effectively, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment. We will also showcase real-world examples where these techniques have been successfully implemented, highlighting the importance of teamwork and setting clear goals.Clear Goal Definition: Setting clear goals is crucial for team motivation and success. A prime example is the Apollo 11 mission, where NASA had a clear goal of landing humans on the moon. The entire team, from engineers to astronauts, had a shared understanding of the objective, which fueled their motivation and dedication to accomplish the mission. Effective Communication: Open and transparent communication is vital for team motivation. A noteworthy example is Google's "Project Aristotle," which studied hundreds of teams to identify the factors that make teams successful. The research revealed that effective communication, where everyone has a voice and feels heard, was a key component of highly productive and motivated teams. Empowerment and Autonomy: Empowering team members and granting them autonomy can significantly enhance motivation. Atlassian, a leading software company, implements "ShipIt Days" where employees have 24 hours to work on any project they choose. This initiative fosters creativity, ownership, and motivation, as individuals are given the freedom to explore their ideas and make an impact. Collaborative Team Environment: Promoting collaboration within teams is essential for motivation and productivity. W.L. Gore, a manufacturing company, encourages a team-based culture where employees work in self-managed teams and have the freedom to pursue innovative ideas. This collaborative environment fosters teamwork, creativity, and motivation among its employees. Recognize and Celebrate Achievements: Recognizing and celebrating achievements is a powerful motivator. The "Foundry Fridays" program at Facebook exemplifies this technique. Every week, teams present their accomplishments, and outstanding achievements are celebrated publicly. This recognition boosts team morale, motivation, and a sense of accomplishment. Supportive Leadership: Supportive leadership is crucial for team motivation. Pixar Animation Studios is known for its supportive and visionary leadership style. The company's president, Ed Catmull, emphasizes the importance of providing a safe environment where team members can take risks, learn from failures, and pursue their passions. This supportive leadership style fosters a culture of motivation, innovation, and trust. Regular Feedback and Performance Evaluation: Regular feedback and performance evaluations play a vital role in team motivation. Netflix, a renowned streaming platform, has implemented a culture of continuous feedback. They conduct "360-degree" reviews, where employees receive feedback not only from their superiors but also from their peers and subordinates. This feedback culture promotes growth, development, and motivation. Training and Development Opportunities: Investing in the training and development of team members is essential for motivation and growth. Google's "20% Time" policy allows employees to dedicate 20% of their workweek to personal projects of interest. This initiative provides learning opportunities, encourages innovation, and keeps employees motivated and engaged. Balance Workload and Manage Expectations: Maintaining a balanced workload and managing expectations is crucial for team motivation. Buffer, a social media management company, implements a transparent and flexible work culture. They encourage employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance by setting clear boundaries and providing remote work options. This approach prevents burnout, enhances motivation, and promotes overall well-being. Foster a Positive Work-Life Balance: Prioritizing work-life balance contributes to team motivation and productivity. Basecamp, a project management software company. Conclusion: Using these methods to effectively manage and support teamwork can bring many benefits to the event. Improved team effectiveness, improved collaboration and communication, higher levels of employee engagement, enhanced accountability, conflict resolution, efficient use of resources and greater stakeholder satisfaction are some of the benefits of using this technology. By investing in effective team management, project managers can increase success and achieve their operational goals.In this article, I will guide you through the complete lifecycle of a Machine Learning product and explain the role of a Product Manager within it. While I won't go into extensive detail about Product Management, I will focus on the specific responsibilities related to AI/ML products, which are outlined in this article. Rather than discussing various applications of ML, this article assumes that the Product Manager or a business leader has already identified an application and intends to apply ML to it. Instead, I will emphasize the importance of identifying a genuine problem, as it is one of the most crucial tasks for a Product Manager in a Machine Learning project. Lastly, I've aimed to make this article comprehensive yet easy to understand, so readers won't just save it and forget about it. Therefore, certain fundamental concepts will not be explicitly defined here. You can easily find definitions through a quick Google search or using the GPT search function.Table of Contents: 1.Understanding Product Management 2.Strategic Approach: Product Management in ML/AI 3.Product Manager's Responsibilities in the Complete ML Lifecycle a. Scoping b. Data c. Modeling d. Validation e. Deployment 4.Additional Considerations 5.Tools and Techniques   Will companies now rush to AI, just as they did with cloud computing? In the race towards cloud computing, many companies, regardless of their size, hastily embraced the trend or were persuaded by tech consulting firms. However, more than 50% of these companies failed to fully capitalize on the promised benefits. One of the contributing factors to this outcome, as stated by David Linthicum, the chief cloud strategy officer at Deloitte Consulting LLP, was the adoption of overly complex infrastructure without adequately considering the operational impact. With the advent of the GPT wave, there is an impending frenzy to implement AI. A competent Product Manager will play a crucial role in ensuring that their company avoids repeating these past mistakes and successfully leverages the potential of AI. Being Strategic: The Role of a Product Manager in AI/ML In the current AI-driven landscape, both companies and individuals are eager to capitalize on the AI wave. Companies are incorporating "AI" into their domain names and product descriptions, while CEOs mention "AI" or "ML" in investor calls to attract investments. Although this may not pose a problem unless the company has no real association with AI and risks facing regulatory consequences from bodies like the FTC. However, when it comes to product development, a Product Manager must adopt a strategic mindset and question the genuine need for AI. Investing in AI simply for the sake of it can lead to a loss in value and a compromised customer experience. For a Product Manager operating in the realm of AI, considering the Return on Investment (ROI) and conducting a thorough Cost-Benefit analysis are crucial steps before embarking on an AI project. The ML product lifecycle is inherently less deterministic than traditional software development, which inherently brings higher risks. Consequently, a higher discount rate should be applied to AI projects. Assessing cost-benefit and calculating ROI in AI projects can be challenging due to the intertwined nature of various components. However, referring to industry case studies and competitor results can be helpful in this regard. To navigate the complexities, it is advisable to develop a hypothesis, make reasonable assumptions, and construct a model. Defining success metrics and envisioning what success will look like are also essential aspects to consider during this process. By approaching AI projects strategically and setting clear objectives, a Product Manager can maximize the chances of achieving successful outcomes. As a Product Manager, it is crucial not to be swayed solely by the novelty or technical sophistication of an ML model, experiment, or product. Instead, the primary focus should be on the significant business impact the product can generate. Making a positive business impact should be the ultimate goal. In various informal conversations and industry conferences, numerous ML Product Managers have shared instances where they achieved greater business impact by strategically declining the implementation of ML. It's important to recognize that integrating ML into a system adds complexity, which comes with associated costs. By carefully evaluating the potential benefits and drawbacks, a Product Manager can make informed decisions regarding the adoption of ML. This includes considering the overall impact on the business, assessing the costs and resources required for implementation, and weighing the potential return on investment. Sometimes, saying "no" to ML can lead to a more streamlined and efficient solution that aligns better with the business objectives. Ultimately, the focus should be on achieving tangible business value rather than chasing technological trends without a clear business rationale. The AI/ML Product Lifecycle: Applying Product Management Tasks The general tasks outlined by McKinsey for product management are valuable but require adaptation when it comes to different stages of an ML project. In the following sections, we will delve into each of the five stages, examine the specific tasks of a Product Manager (PM), and provide additional insights along the way. Product Validation: During the product validation stage, the Product Manager plays a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy and effectiveness of different ML models. A/B testing is a commonly used method for this purpose. However, for more comprehensive testing involving multiple models, advanced techniques like Multi-Armed Bandit and Contextual Bandit should be employed. Collaborating with IT managers, the PM should establish a system capable of testing multiple models, considering that performance on test data may significantly differ from real-world live data. Netflix has described an approach they used to accelerate the testing of numerous recommendation models, which can serve as a valuable reference. It is essential for Product Managers to recognize that models inherit biases present in the data. To mitigate potential negative outcomes, PMs can create negative test cases to assess system performance on specific data segments. ML systems must strive for fairness, accountability, transparency, and explainability. A poorly designed system can result in harmful biases, deny opportunities, disproportionately fail in product recommendations, and cause harm. Translating model metrics into business metrics is a critical task for Product Managers. PMs should continuously analyze the relationship between improvements in model metrics and corresponding business metrics. For instance, a 10% increase in Click Through Rate (CTR) could lead to a 100% improvement in Return on Investment (ROI) for marketing activities. Similarly, a 10% enhancement in product recommendations might drive more traffic to a particular vendor, potentially causing other vendors to lose prominence within the system. To ensure positive business outcomes, PMs need to adopt a holistic view of the system and make informed decisions. One important takeaway is that ML metrics and business metrics are not the same. The relationship between these metrics is complex, and PMs must formulate hypotheses and validate results through experimentation. The establishment of a link between ML metrics and business outcomes is best achieved through experimentation. Aspiring ML Product Managers should develop a deep understanding of ML metrics like Precision, Recall, AUC, F1 score, among others. While these metrics won't be explained here, aspiring PMs are encouraged to delve into them, gaining an intuition for which metrics are relevant to specific problems. Attention to detail is paramount, with particular focus on outliers to prevent potential challenges later on. In scenarios where multiple models exhibit similar performance, the Product Manager may prioritize an inherently explainable model, even if it is slightly inferior to the best-performing model. Both internal and external users are often hesitant to adopt ML models that lack explainability. Managing a black-box ML model with billions of parameters becomes challenging when setting guardrails. While there is no perfect answer, discussing this issue with the team and exploring potential solutions is important.The significant role of Agile methodologies in modern project management. As traditional project management approaches face challenges in meeting the dynamic demands of today's fast-paced business landscape, Agile methodologies have emerged as a powerful alternative. We will learn an in-depth analysis of Agile principles, practices, and frameworks, highlighting their benefits and impact on project management efficiency and success. The adoption and implementation of Agile methodologies, addressing potential challenges and offering recommendations for effective integration into project management practices. Furthermore, it explores the relationship between Agile methodologies and key project management factors such as stakeholder engagement, risk management, and team collaboration. This article concludes with insights into future trends and opportunities for further research in this evolving field.The evolution of project management seems to have mirrored the evolution in general management, starting with a focus on ‘scientific’ (or hard) processes in the early years, moving to a soft skills focus in the 21st century. This trend is clearly demonstrated by analysis of papers published in the International Journal of Project Management which shows a drop from 49% to 12% for task focused papers (scheduling, etc), offset by increases in papers on ‘soft’ subjects such as leadership and stakeholder management. Similarly, many of the new ‘tools’ entering the market in the 21st century are directed towards collaboration, communication and stakeholder management including the innovative Stakeholder Circle system. In the fast-paced world of modern business, keeping up with the ever-changing landscape is crucial for organizations aiming to remain competitive and meet the demands of their customers. To achieve this, digital transformation has emerged as a vital endeavor. Central to the success of digital transformations is the adoption of Agile methodology. This flexible and collaborative approach empowers teams to effectively respond to evolving requirements and deliver value quickly. The Agile "Manifesto" was collectively written by a group of seventeen software development practitioners who met in February 2001 at The Lodge at Snowbird ski resort in Utah, United States. This group, known as the Agile Alliance, consisted of prominent figures in the software industry, including Kent Beck, Mike Beedle, Arie van Bennekum, Alistair Cockburn, Ward Cunningham, Martin Fowler, James Grenning, Jim Highsmith, Andrew Hunt, Ron Jeffries, Jon Kern, Brian Marick, Robert C. Martin, Steve Mellor, Ken Schwaber, Jeff Sutherland, and Dave Thomas. Together, they collaborated and crafted the Agile "Manifesto" as a guiding set of principles for software development that prioritizes iterative and adaptive approaches, customer collaboration, and responding to change. Creating the Profession of ‘Modern Project Management’ Best Practices for Agile-driven Digital Transformation From building a strong Agile team to establishing a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, let’s delve into the key strategies for success. Building a strong Agile team is crucial for the success of digital transformation initiatives. Start by defining clear roles and responsibilities within the team, ensuring that everyone understands their contribution to the project. Look for individuals with diverse skill sets, including technical expertise, domain knowledge, and strong communication skills. Emphasize the importance of collaboration and encourage cross-functional teams to foster synergy and innovation. To drive an Agile-driven digital transformation, it’s essential to establish a culture that embraces collaboration, flexibility, and continuous improvement. Encourage open communication, knowledge sharing, and transparency within the team and across the organization. Embrace a growth mindset that embraces experimentation, risk-taking, and learning from failures. Celebrate successes, recognize achievements, and provide a safe environment for individuals to voice their ideas and concerns. In Agile, the backlog serves as a prioritized list of work items. It’s essential to prioritize and manage the Agile backlog effectively to ensure that the most valuable features and deliverables are addressed first. Regularly engage with stakeholders, gather feedback, and refine the backlog based on changing requirements. Tools like “JIRA Software” and “Trello” can aid in backlog management, making it easier to visualize, prioritize, and track progress. Agile project governance and stakeholder engagement play a crucial role in achieving successful outcomes. Establish a governance framework that provides clear guidelines, ensures accountability, and enables effective decision-making. Engage stakeholders throughout the digital transformation journey, involving them in the planning, review, and feedback cycles. Regularly communicate project progress, address concerns, and align expectations to maintain stakeholder support. By implementing these best practices, Agile practitioners can pave the way for successful digital transformations. In the next section, we will dive into real-life case studies of organizations that have leveraged Agile methodologies to achieve remarkable results. Get ready to be inspired and learn from their experiences! The Four Agile Values: These four values are advocated in the Agile “Manifesto” and form the core of Agile methodology. Let’s analyze them in detail: Individuals and interactions over processes and tools: In the context of Agile software development, this value emphasizes the importance of prioritizing human collaboration and effective communication within a project team. It encourages valuing the expertise, creativity, and contributions of team members over rigid processes and tools. Agile methodologies promote teamwork, active collaboration, and open communication channels to foster innovation, problem-solving, and adaptability. Working software over comprehensive documentation: This value highlights the significance of delivering functional and valuable software over extensive documentation. Agile methodologies emphasize the iterative development of working software in short iterations or sprints, ensuring regular and tangible outputs for stakeholders. While documentation is still important in Agile, the emphasis is on creating just enough documentation to support the development and understanding of the software without excessive bureaucracy. Customer collaboration over contract negotiation: Agile places a strong emphasis on actively involving the customer or end-user throughout the software development process. This value emphasizes the need for continuous collaboration and feedback from customers to ensure that the software meets their evolving needs. Agile methodologies promote close interaction, regular demos, and customer involvement in the development process, allowing for early feedback and the ability to adapt the product based on customer input. Responding to change over following a plan: Agile embraces change and recognizes that requirements and priorities can evolve throughout a project's lifecycle. This value encourages adaptability and flexibility in response to changing customer needs or market dynamics. Agile methodologies promote iterative planning and continuous feedback loops, allowing for adjustments and reprioritization based on new insights and changing circumstances. Agile teams aim to be responsive, enabling them to deliver maximum value even as requirements evolve. While the Agile values are primarily focused on software development, it's important to note that their application may vary in different contexts, such as data science. While certain aspects of Agile may not directly align with the specific characteristics of data science, the underlying principles of collaboration, flexibility, and responsiveness can still be valuable in promoting effective teamwork, adaptability, and customer-centricity within the data science domain. Agile project plans prioritize complete transparency, ensuring that all stakeholders have clear visibility into the project's progress and timelines. It is essential to recognize that project success is not solely reliant on the agency's capacity to deliver outcomes; clients also play a crucial role in providing feedback and information necessary for moving the project forward to the next stage. To maintain realistic timelines, project plans should be openly shared with clients, fostering transparency and trust. This transparency serves multiple purposes: assuring clients of the agency's productivity levels, demonstrating that project outcomes are being met, and following a well-calculated approach. Additionally, transparent project plans help prevent the omission of key elements that could significantly impact the success or failure of the project. By involving clients in the process and keeping them informed, both agencies and clients can work together to achieve the desired results. As organizations undergo continuous evolution, future project managers will face corresponding challenges. With the emergence of large and complex projects, it has become essential for project managers to coordinate diverse knowledge disciplines. To accomplish their tasks effectively, project managers will need to adapt to new technologies and determine which specialized tools are best suited for each project. Filtering through abundant data and capturing the right information will pose another challenge as project managers navigate an overwhelming sea of information. Understanding the big picture and effectively communicating with others will be crucial for future project managers, particularly as they collaborate with individuals from different countries, cultures, and networks. Moreover, project managers must adapt to changing workforce demographics, including the retirement of baby boomers, shifts in immigration flows, and the influx of young professionals entering the workforce. The retirement of baby boomers may result in talent scarcity for vacant positions, granting skilled employees more bargaining power. Furthermore, project managers will need to adjust to evolving organizational structures influenced by factors like globalization, limited resources, stakeholders, competition, and economics. Amidst these transformations, one thing remains certain: project managers of the twenty-first century must embrace adaptability to thrive in a landscape characterized by constant change, uncertainty, and disruptions. Key Takeaways and Lessons Learned: These real-life case studies highlight several key takeaways and lessons for Agile practitioners: A. Agile enables customer-centricity and iterative development, leading to improved customer experiences. B. Embracing Agile fosters innovation, empowers teams, and accelerates speed-to-market. C. Agile practices help organizations overcome challenges and navigate complexities in digital transformations. D. Collaboration, transparency, and continuous improvement are essential elements of Agile success.Project management continues advancing at a remarkable pace. As technology transforms businesses and volatile markets demand agility, project leaders must stay on top of emerging methodologies, skills, and tools shaping the field. What overarching insights indicate where project management is headed in 2024 and beyond? Centralizing Change Management The recently released Project Management Body of Knowledgement, PMBOK ®, Guide 7th Edition, reveals a growing emphasis on change management, with more than 30% more content on communications and stakeholder engagement compared ot the 6th Edition. As projects aim to deliver change across organizations, project managers are increasingly responsible for easing transitions. For more evidence on PMI’s commitment to change management, you can look no further than the fact that it took up more than 24 key sessions at the PMI Global Summit. Change management knowledge paired with soft skills like empathy and influence are now core PM competencies.   Harnessing AI and Automation Artificial intelligence promises to transform project oversight. Although AI currently plays a limited role, its project management applications are rapidly expanding. AI can synthesize real-time status reports, allowing PMs to focus less on administrative work and more on strategies for results. It also enables advanced risk forecasting and automated responses when threats emerge. PMI offers a free AI fundamentals course guiding PMs to capitalize on these emerging capabilities, which you can find at: https://www.pmi.org/shop/p-/elearning/generative-ai-overview-for-project-managers/el083   Centering DEI in Leadership Diversity, equity, and inclusion shape far more than team composition. It encompasses how leaders empower marginalized voices, mitigate bias, and create psychologically safe environments where people feel valued. DEI directly impacts employee retention and performance. Our recent FWPMI speakers, Jessica Atkinson and Kuma Roberts helps PMs improve their awareness in this critical area. By following their LinkedIn pages and reviewing their websites, https://wilbeffect.com/ and https://arrowheadspeakers.com/kuma-roberts/, you can learn more about how to be an inclusive project manager and impactful leader.   The growing focus on these three trends together signal an evolution in the project manager's role. As AI shoulders more administrative burdens, PMs will need elevated stakeholder communication abilities to drive change adoption and guarantee intended ROI is achieved. Without recognizing marginalized influencers, buy-in and usage suffer regardless of technological capabilities. Ultimately, AI affords leaders more capacity to have empathy, earn trust, understand biases, and coach their organizations through transitions. Leaner workflows via automation combined with culturally intelligent leadership produces the stakeholder relationships essential for project implementations to become true organizational transformations rather than abandoned software. The project manager of tomorrow must leverage AI to focus less on tactical oversight and more on enabling people to believe in, contribute to, and champion initiatives transforming the status quo. The technology, methodologies and soft skills must converge for project success rates to improve in volatile times.Networking opens doors to new opportunities.Our very own Director of Academic Outreach Kevin Bast and VP of Professional Development Dionne Beer can attest to that. After connecting with staff from Texas Christian University’s Neeley School of Business at a recent nonprofit roundtable, they secured an invitation to present project management concepts to business students on November 16.   Kevin and Dionne tag-teamed an engaging session covering numerous PM-related topics: - The benefits of membership with the Project Management Institute, our global parent organization - Core project management principles and methods, including waterfall versus agile approaches - Critical skills like risk management and adapting PM strategies in a post-COVID age - Diverse career paths for those pursuing project leadership roles With over 15 students attending in person and virtually, the event sparked great discussion. Students asked thoughtful questions about dealing with conflict on teams, the most in-demand project management certifications, and how industries outside tech implement agile frameworks. Our presenters fielded these inquiries and more with flying colors. Dionne explained how her enterprise risk management background helps quantify threats to timelines and budgets. Kevin outlined smart strategies for adapting workflows to distributed teams while maintaining accountability. Collaborations like this achieve multiple goals. They increase FWPMI’s visibility with soon-to-graduate talent. They educate students on how project management concepts apply across sectors. And they strengthen our relationships with local colleges for future initiatives. We aim to continue engaging with universities across the DFW metro area in 2024. Are you connected with a college program aligned to PM or leadership skills? Consider reaching out about having an FWPMI representative speak to students. Our experts can cover introductory PM methods or niche topics like AI and automation. We also encourage student members and recent graduates to join FWPMI for access to our career development resources. From exam study groups to virtual networking events, we offer affordable options to equip the next generation of project professionals. To get involved with academic outreach in any capacity, contact Kevin Bast at outreach.academic@fwpmi.org. Here’s to more fruitful connections in 2024!Last month, four of our chapter leaders had the opportunity to attend the 2023 PMI Global Summit in Atlanta, Georgia. VP of Professional Development Dionne Beer, Director of Membership Kim Collins, Director of Communication Tristan Martinez, and Past President Cindy Vandersleen networked with over 3,500 fellow project management professionals from around the world. The summit featured over 50 educational sessions focused on hot topics like AI, human-centric leadership, risk management, and emerging workplace trends. Our members were able to bring back key learnings to help prepare our chapter members to lead projects successfully into the future. A highlight for our chapter was seeing Past President Cindy Vandersleen recognized as one of the twelve inaugural recipients of PMI’s Chapter Leader Impact Award. This global honor celebrated her significant contributions to building up both local chapter members and the larger PM field. PMI pulls out all the stops at its annual conference to create top-notch networking and learning opportunities for attendees. A robot barista served up coffee and cocktails between jam-packed days of sessions, renowned vendors like Monday.com hosted exhibits, and attendees made connections certain to last a lifetime. We encourage all FWPMI members to consider joining next year’s global summit. It is truly an unparalleled personal and professional growth experience, critical for any project leader’s continued success. Reach out to any of the attendees mentioned here to learn more about their experiences and how you can get involved!The official PMI Blog   https://community.pmi.org/t5/the-official-pmi-blog/bg-p/official-pmi-blog  Click HERE to go the the official blog site for PMI.