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PMO Leadership + AI Insights: Keeping Project Management Fundamentals Strong


Tuesday Brief: The difference between PMO leaders who succeed in the AI era and those who fail isn't what most people think. While many chase the latest tools and technologies, the most effective leaders maintain relentless focus on the basics. This week, we dive into that fundamental truth.


April 22, 2025

In This Issue:

Featured Article: PMO Leadership - You Can Never Stop!

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, PMO leaders face a fundamental truth: you can never stop learning and adapting. Rich Weller explores why the most effective PMO leaders maintain a growth mindset and embrace relentless improvement in the face of technological disruption.

In this thought-provoking article, you'll discover:

  • Why a growth mindset is essential for today's PMO leaders
  • The distinction between "continuous" and "relentless" improvement
  • Why focusing on core project controls remains critical amid AI advancements

Whether you're an established PMO leader or aspiring to the role, this article provides timely perspective on maintaining effectiveness in an era of constant change.

Interview Insights: Project Controls in an AI-Driven World - Insights from a 30-Year PM Veteran

With nearly 30 years of project management experience, Rich Weller shares candid insights about maintaining focus on what truly matters in project success. In this eye-opening conversation, Rich explains:

  • Why project controls (schedule, cost, risk, and quality management) remain essential regardless of methodology or technology
  • How AI tools are revolutionizing project management while potentially distracting from core fundamentals
  • The reality gap between technological advancement and our ability to keep pace

"Don't get distracted by this shiny thing over here or that shiny thing over there. They're nothing more than a means to the end," notes Rich in this must-watch interview for anyone navigating today's evolving project management landscape.

Community Discussion: Comparing Project Management Certification Value

An MPUG member recently asked about comparing the value and recognition of different project management certifications in the job market. With the proliferation of credentials available today - from traditional PMP to emerging AI and digital transformation certifications - which ones provide the most career value?

Join the conversation to share your experience or gain insights from other professionals about certification ROI, industry recognition, and practical application.

Live Event (4/23): Empowering Your PMO with Cutting-Edge Technology To Improve Processes and Decision-Making

📣 OPEN TO ALL - NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED! Join Rich Weller and Pradip Naik for an essential session on balancing technology advancement with project management fundamentals. This timely discussion will help you navigate the intersection of traditional project controls and emerging AI capabilities.

What You'll Learn:

  • Traditional Project Management fundamentals and Project Controls essentials
  • How to demystify AI and its practical applications in project delivery
  • Strategies for leveraging technology to improve on-time, on-budget project completion

🗓️ Wednesday, April 23

🕛 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

📍 Live on Zoom

🏅 1 PMI PDU: 0.5 Ways of Working, 0.5 Business Acumen

Upcoming Live Events

MPUG host live events with leading experts on Wednesdays from 12:00pm - 1:00pm ET! MPUG members get access to live events where you get direct access to industry leaders, actionable insights, hands-on training, and opportunities to earn PDU's.

Learn more and register for upcoming events:

*OPEN TO ALL! NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED!* 4/23: Empowering Your PMO with Cutting-Edge Technology To Improve Processes and Decision-Making | Learn More / Register Here

4/30: The New PMBOK Guide and Artificial Intelligence – An Introduction | Learn More / Register Here

PM Best Practices: Balance Technology with Fundamentals

When faced with an avalanche of new tools and methodologies, remember what your stakeholders truly care about: delivering scope on time, within budget, and meeting quality expectations.

As Rich Weller notes, "I doubt many executives are saying 'This is the project I need brought to life, and you have to use AI tools on it.'" Stay grounded in project controls fundamentals even as you explore technological enhancements.

Stay grounded this week!

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