2026 Spring ASU/PMI Event

 

Darren Mann, PMP, Prosci, Six Sigma Black Belt, and Maxwell Leadership Certified Coach, Speaker & Trainer, brings over 15 years of experience leading high-risk initiatives across higher education, healthcare IT, and insurance, managing budgets over $2M and projects exceeding $120M. He built a 150-member Project Management Community of Practice recognized with an institutional impact award and now equips professionals to lead with courage, clarity, and consistency. Darren delivers engaging, story-driven sessions—such as Rise Above Routine—that help individuals reframe failure as growth, strengthen communication, and build lasting resilience.

DARREN’S TOPIC:

Rise Above Routine—helping individuals reframe failure as growth, strengthen communication, and build lasting resilience:

· Intro to comfort zones; how to get out of comfort zones

· Importance of being resilient with project management; being able to bounce back from changes/pivots and being consistent with stakeholders with reports/meeting minutes, etc.

· Awareness of emotions we feel when leaving a comfort zone

· The ability to ask for what you want from your stakeholders (PMO, project sponsors, stakeholders, etc)

· I CAN principle (acronym which discusses Inspire, Contact, Always follow up, etc...)

 

Avi develops AI training for the Project Management Institute, helping project managers understand how to practically apply AI in their work. He bridges the gap between emerging AI technology and real-world implementation, enabling the project management community to bring their fresh perspectives and innovation to the industries that need them most. Join Avi to explore how AI is reshaping project management and lead your teams into the future.

AVINASH’S TOPIC:

The PM and AI Landscape

Where PMs are today with AI adoption, and why it matters for emerging professionals

· Current research on AI adoption rates and the "trailblazer" gap

· What the data says about productivity and performance gains

How PMs Are Using AI: Level 1: Competent AI user

Intentional, workflow-integrated AI use—the new baseline for professional PMs

· Custom prompts, document synthesis, meeting prep

· Knowing when to use AI and when not to

· Case studies: real-world examples of workflow integration

How PMs Are Using AI: Level 2: AI Power User

Building systems, not just using tools—creating real leverage

· Custom GPTs, Copilot agents, AI-enabled PM platforms

· Repeatable AI-assisted processes for teams

· Case studies: how PMs are scaling AI across projects

How PMs Are Using AI: Level 3: AI Builder / Strategist

Pushing boundaries with automation, agents, and custom-built solutions

· Workflow automation with Make.com, n8n

· Building tools with no-code + AI

· New opportunities in product and portfolio management

· Case studies: innovative implementations transforming PM practice

Risks and Ethical Considerations of Using AI for Project Management

What can go wrong, and how to use AI responsibly

· Confidentiality, hallucinations, over-reliance