Since joining PMI in May 2024, Elsa (Yunkai) Hsu has made an immediate and inspiring impact on the Pro-fessional Development team. Stepping into her volunteer role as Project Manager for the Project Man-agement Tool Academy, Elsa quickly became a driving force behind innovative programming. Her journey began at the AZ PM Summit 2024, where after learning more about Project Management, she realized there was an opportunity to get involved and signed up for the speaker team to learn more about project management and to connect with experts in the field. Elsa participated on a panel as part of the day’s Key-note to bring in her project management perspectives as an early career professional. Her team has also partnered with leading project management tool vendors to host sessions that empower members to ex-plore new tools. Now, they’re working to launch a dynamic tool library, giving members on-demand access to learn project management tools anytime.

Elsa’s passion for learning and connecting with others shines through in everything she does. She shares, “The most rewarding part has been meeting and learning from the incredible talents in the field.” A multi-lingual globetrotter who speaks five languages and has visited over 20 countries, Elsa brings a global per-spective and a human-centered approach to her work. Whether she’s playing badminton, diving into sci-fi novels like Percy Jackson, or dreaming of watching the Aurora Borealis, Elsa lives by the motto: “Choose fear over regret” and “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great!” Her advice to new volunteers? Volunteering does take extra time and effort, but the learning and networking are in-valuable. There are so many hidden opportunities within PMI—from experiencing different industries through events to gaining skills outside of your day-to-day work. We’re proud to have Elsa as part of our Chapter and can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next!

How to Spot Networking Events That Are Actually Worth Your Time

You’ve RSVP’d to more events than you can count, only to walk away with a pocketful of name tags and zero real connections. Sound familiar? Most “networking” feels like performative mingling: loud rooms, limp handshakes, and follow-up emails that lead nowhere. But occasionally, you stumble into a gathering where things click—where conversations are real, relevant, and catalytic. That kind of room isn’t found by accident. It’s chosen with intent, filtered with precision, and pursued like a real business investment.

Local legwork matters
Before you dive into sleek platforms and curated lists, look around your own ZIP code. The most fertile conversations often happen through low-key, hyper-local networks you’ve never thought to explore—small business meetups in the back room of a coffee shop, city council–adjacent trade talks, chamber events that aren’t even promoted online, or informal project management roundtables hosted by a local coworking space. These aren't polished; they’re potent. You’re not aiming to “scale” yet—you’re looking to root. And the people in these rooms are often the ones with discretionary power, not just business cards.

Curate your circles online
When the online world feels like a crowd yelling into itself, get ruthless about where you listen. Instead of joining every Slack channel, Facebook group, or MeetUp you stumble across, start by seeking out online communities for entrepreneurs that share both your industry and your stakes. Platforms like LinkedIn or remote business hubs now host highly specific, invite-only circles—think minority-owned e-commerce brands or GenX real estate investors with five years in. These aren’t just filter bubbles; they’re pressure cookers of momentum and generosity, if you pay attention and show up with value.

Seek depth, not breadth
Forget name-dropping marathons. The real goal is repeat contact with people solving similar problems. Instead of blowing a whole afternoon on a 200-person mixer, look for tight formats: recurring founder breakfasts, curated peer dinners, 10-person accountability groups, PMI Arizona Chapter events. The best event isn’t the biggest—it’s the one where you’ll be seen more than once. It’s where someone will remember that you’re pivoting your agency into the field focused on ensuring AI follows laws and ethical standards, and follow up unprompted when they meet a client struggling with that exact issue. That's not serendipity. That's structured proximity.

Bring a better resume
Along with prioritizing intentional networking opportunities, if you're attending an event where conversations might lead to job offers or collaborations, your resume shouldn’t be stale. Refresh it with context: emphasize relevant experience, trim the fluff, and sharpen your language around outcomes. Tools like an AI resume builder can help generate a clean, professional resume in minutes based on prompts you provide. Beyond formatting, they offer smart content suggestions tailored to your goals and answers—making it easier to tell a sharper story. A great resume doesn’t close the deal, but it opens a better door.

Cast a wide net with events platforms
Yes, Eventbrite is full of fluff. But hidden beneath the obvious webinars and crypto talk are access points you’ll miss if you stop scrolling. Use filters aggressively: by intent (learn, meet, pitch), by industry (not just "tech"—think tools and support that help sales teams sell business software more effectively), by host (ignore vague collectives, aim for verified orgs). Event platforms are not magic. They’re marketplaces. The trick is to treat them like supply chains: you’re sourcing formats that match your bandwidth and your style. Most importantly, don’t confuse high production value with high opportunity.

Be the conversation, not the passerby
If you’ve got opinions, frameworks, or even just lessons learned, stop waiting for an invitation and pitch yourself into the programming. Panels, workshops, roundtables—they’re not reserved for experts with TED talks. You become a gravity well when you’re on stage, because people now have a reason to approach you with intention. In fact, many conferences actively solicit new voices from regional or underrepresented groups. Follow the prompts that invite local speakers. Submit even if you're unsure. Once you shift from attendee to contributor, the hallway conversations start writing themselves.

Map your intent to event type
Before you say yes to the next ticketed mixer or trade expo, pause. What do you want this event to do for you—are you looking for prospective clients, operational referrals, or insight into pricing models? Each goal demands a different container. A panel discussion might help you scout collaborators, while a hands-on workshop creates momentum with peers. Picking at random wastes both time and attention—matching event format to your current strategic priority is what separates movement from noise.

Keep your name in their inbox
Networking doesn’t end at the event—it matures in your follow-ups. Three times a year is all it takes: a holiday message, an interesting read, a relevant invite. If you’re generous with signals, you stay in their periphery without being annoying. The professionals who maintain the connections they make are the ones people remember when a referral or opportunity shows up. It’s not about being everywhere—it’s about showing up just enough to be felt.

The best networking event isn’t the one with the highest attendance—it’s the one where people remember your name the next day. You’re not there to collect contacts; you’re there to build resonance. That means sharpening your tools, showing up prepared, and staying connected long after the chairs are folded. If you choose your rooms like you choose your clients, you’ll spend less time hoping something clicks and more time deepening what already works. Good networking is never a sprint—it’s a rhythm, and you’re allowed to set the tempo.

Join the PMI Phoenix Chapter to connect with Arizona’s largest project management community, enhance your skills, and lead with confidence in your career!

We are honored to recognize Sonia Kissel, Social Impact Program Manager, as an Exceptional Chapter Volunteer for her remarkable dedication and leadership within the PMI Phoenix Chapter.

Since joining the Chapter in August 2024, Sonia has consistently demonstrated a passion for service and community engagement. Her initiative in organizing the St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen Prep event not only brought volunteers together but also showcased how project management skills can be applied to real-world challenges. Thanks to her coordination, the team exceeded expectations—preparing a second meal ahead of schedule due to their efficiency. Sonia also contributed her time and energy to Pat’s Run, further reinforcing her commitment to making a meaningful impact through volunteerism.

Sonia’s contributions extend beyond logistics and planning—she brings a thoughtful, inclusive approach to everything she does. Passionate about writing and public health, she believes in seeing the world through multiple perspectives and using her talents to drive change. Her proudest career moment, becoming an entrepreneur and publishing a book, reflects her creativity and determination. With a Korean name that means “bringing people together,” Sonia truly embodies the spirit of unity and collaboration that defines our Chapter. Her colleagues describe her as inclusive and collaborative, and her advocacy for causes like children’s welfare and education makes her a role model for all. Congratulations, Sonia, and thank you for inspiring us with your leadership, heart, and impact!

We are thrilled to recognize Jessica Moure as an Exceptional Chapter Volunteer!

Since joining the PMI Phoenix Chapter just 10 months ago, Jessica has made a remarkable impact through her role as the Women in Project Management Lead within the DEI Committee. Her journey into volunteering began at the Los Angeles PMI Global Summit, where a chance encounter with passionate volunteers sparked a desire to get involved. That moment of connection stayed with her, and she knew she wanted to be part of a community that shared her values and drive. Since then, Jessica has taken on key roles, including recruiting speakers for our Breakfast Meetings, supporting the Board Elections Nominations Committee, and championing initiatives that empower women in project management.

Jessica’s dedication stems from a deep desire to bring the “human touch” back into her professional life—something she missed while working remotely. Volunteering has allowed her to build meaningful relationships and blend her personal warmth with professional excellence. A former university professor in Venezuela, Jessica fondly recalls teaching her younger brother with white chalk on their closet door—an early sign of her natural gift for making complex ideas easy to understand. Her multicultural journey through Venezuela, Mexico, and the U.S., along with her experience working for a Chinese company, has given her a rich global perspective and an ability to connect across cultures. Her motto, “Where there’s a challenge, there’s an opportunity,” perfectly captures her fearless approach to problem-solving and her passion for taking on the seemingly impossible.

Please join us in celebrating Jessica’s outstanding contributions and unwavering commitment to our chapter’s mission. Her story is a powerful reminder of the impact one volunteer can make—and an inspiration to all who are considering getting involved. As Jessica says, “Don’t wait any longer. Go for it. Make the difference. Showcase your talents.” Whether she’s sneaking chocolate away from her kids or building her own project management firm, Jessica brings heart, humor, and hustle to everything she does.

Strategies to Streamline Project Management in Service Businesses

In service-based businesses, project management is not just a back-office function; it’s the operating system that defines how clients experience your work. Efficiency, transparency, and thoughtful coordination often separate a smooth engagement from one riddled with delays and frustration. By deliberately refining the way projects are planned, executed, and delivered, companies can heighten client satisfaction while improving internal alignment. The strategies below explore specific areas where operational upgrades can make a tangible difference, balancing human oversight with well-chosen tools.

Automate Recurring Workflows

Repetition drains energy that could be spent on high-value client interactions. Instead of manually generating the same reports or following the same checklist every week, focus on automating repetitive client tasks. Workflow automation not only eliminates clerical errors but also ensures that critical steps happen on time, every time. For instance, automated reminders can alert teams to upcoming client milestones, while automated invoice generation helps avoid awkward payment delays. When these repetitive cycles run quietly in the background, project managers gain more bandwidth to anticipate potential bottlenecks.

Improve Client Communication

Clients often gauge quality by how quickly and clearly they receive updates. Rather than relying on scattered emails, consider centralizing your updates and building a rhythm of proactive communication across channels. A simple weekly status report, paired with a quick mid-week check-in, can prevent minor issues from turning into major misunderstandings. Use collaborative platforms to document decisions and share real-time progress so clients always have a clear view of what’s happening. When communication is consistent and structured, clients feel more confident in the project’s direction.

Track Time for Accuracy

Time tracking often feels tedious, yet it’s the backbone of accurate billing and realistic forecasting. Tools that provide visibility into billable hours help both teams and clients understand how resources are allocated. When time logs are detailed, managers can spot inefficiencies, identify tasks that take longer than expected, and adjust project timelines accordingly. Clients benefit from this transparency because they can see exactly where their investment is going. Time tracking also creates a dataset for future projects, allowing estimates to become more precise over time.

Strengthen Risk Mitigation

Projects rarely follow a perfectly linear path, so preparing for the unexpected is essential. A robust risk management approach involves spotting potential obstacles early and assigning clear risk response roles to team members. This proactive stance ensures that when issues arise, whether it’s a resource shortage or a sudden scope change, there’s a predefined action plan in place. Building this resilience into your project structure reassures clients that you’re not just reacting to challenges but actively managing them. Risk workshops, scenario planning, and documented contingency plans can all contribute to smoother outcomes.

Boost Team Collaboration

Projects thrive when internal teams operate as a single unit rather than isolated silos. Adopting integrated collaboration platforms built for real-time communication and file sharing can dramatically improve alignment. When everyone from designers to account managers has access to the same conversation threads and resources, decision-making becomes faster and more cohesive. These platforms also create a central knowledge repository, which reduces confusion when team members shift roles or new contributors join mid-project. The best collaboration setups don’t just make life easier for employees; they give clients the sense that they’re working with a tightly coordinated, professional outfit.

Client Contracts and Approvals

Contract management often gets overlooked in the push to deliver services, but it’s foundational to project success. Streamlining how contracts, agreements, and approvals are handled reduces delays and confusion. The ability to sign PDF documents online has transformed this space, offering a fast, secure, and paperless way to finalize agreements. E-signing is widely regarded as the most advanced and secure method of obtaining signatures, ensuring both speed and compliance with modern security standards. By integrating these tools into your workflow, you can cut down on approval cycles and keep projects moving without unnecessary friction.

Close the Feedback Loop

Feedback isn’t a one-time event; it’s an ongoing conversation that shapes the quality of your services. Establishing a routine to gather and continuously act on client feedback demonstrates that you’re responsive and committed to improvement. Whether through quick post-project surveys or informal check-ins, this practice allows you to uncover what’s working and where adjustments are needed. Feedback also helps refine internal processes, revealing hidden inefficiencies or gaps in communication. When clients see their input turning into tangible changes, it builds loyalty and positions your business as a trusted partner rather than a transactional service provider.

True efficiency in service-based project management isn’t measured by speed alone but by the clarity and confidence it creates for both teams and clients. When businesses shift their focus from juggling tasks to designing experiences, every project becomes an opportunity to build trust. The systems and tools we choose are not just operational choices; they’re signals of how seriously we take our clients’ time and goals. Think of every approval, every communication, every handoff as a chance to prove reliability in small but unmistakable ways. In an era where clients expect seamlessness, the firms that thrive will be those that make coordination feel invisible.

Join the PMI Phoenix Chapter to connect with Arizona’s largest project management community, enhance your skills, and lead impactful projects that shape the future!

Ken has been a dedicated member of PMI for over 13 years and began his volunteer journey in 2021 after retiring. Driven by a desire to stay engaged and give back to the project management, STEM, and greater Phoenix communities, Ken took on the role of Director of our new Mentorship Program and was instrumental in the program’s growth and maturation. Particularly rewarding for him is seeing Mentor-Mentee progress highlighted during our Mentorship Graduations, where members celebrate successful connections and progress made by both mentees and mentors during each cohort. Additionally, Ken has found a rewarding role in the Chapter’s Social Impact initiatives, such as collecting coats and donations for the One-Warm-Coat drive and helping at our local food banks. He encourages new members and those considering volunteer work to take advantage of the numerous opportunities offered by our Chapter and grow with us on this journey.

Ken emphasizes the importance of networking with top project managers in the state and improving one's skills and knowledge. He believes in the power of giving back and supporting the profession, quoting, "What we have done for ourselves alone goes with us when we leave this life; what we have done for others, and the world, remains and is immortal." His passion for STEM, leadership, social justice, giving back and personal interests such as cycling, swimming, hiking, and handyman projects on his historic home in mid-town Phoenix, further exemplify his commitment to continuous learning and community involvement. Ken's hidden talent lies in his enthusiasm for STEM, where he has presented science concepts and live demos to middle-school and elementary school classes, judged science fair entries, and attended lectures at Cal-Tech, Mount Wilson Observatory, and the NASA-Jet Propulsion Labs.

Ken's dedication extends beyond his volunteer work. He is passionate about family, faith, leadership, and social justice. During his time off, he enjoys visiting destinations like Bellagio, Italy, Southern Germany, and family in Colorado and on the East Coast. His guilty pleasure is Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream from Tillamook Creamery. Ken's business philosophy revolves around developing a long-term strategy, focusing on quality results, and continuous learning and improvement. He is inspired by his heroes, including his parents, grandparents, and family members who supported him throughout his career and particularly after a near fatal cycling-triathlon accident in 2014. Ken's proudest career moments include saving lives through key pharmaceutical and medical product developments along with manufacturing process developments for biological therapies. He is especially proud of his team winning the United Kingdoms’ - Queen’s Award for Technological Achievement. His personal motto, "Noblesse Oblige," reflects his belief in the responsibility to give back and help others.