[Flagstaff] Think Like a Designer: Unlocking Project Innovation Through Human-Centered Thinking

Join us in Flagstaff for an engaging session on Unlocking Project Innovation Through Human-Centered Thinking.

In today’s dynamic project environments, traditional problem-solving approaches often fall short. This engaging breakout session introduces Design Thinking—a powerful, human-centered methodology that empowers project leaders to foster innovation, collaboration, and creativity. Through the lens of PMI’s M.O.R.E. values, participants will explore how empathy-driven ideation, rapid prototyping, and iterative testing can reframe complex challenges and elevate project outcomes.

Participants will actively engage in hands-on techniques and walk away with actionable strategies to infuse Design Thinking into their project management practices, sparking team creativity and improving stakeholder relationships. Whether managing change, developing new solutions, or navigating ambiguity, this session equips attendees to lead with curiosity and impact.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the core principles and phases of Design Thinking (Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Test).
• Learn how to apply Design Thinking techniques to real-world project challenges.
• Explore how the PMI M.O.R.E. values align with Design Thinking practices.
• Discover methods to promote a culture of innovation within project teams.

• Thursday, September 18^th
• Location: TBD
• 5:30-6:00 pm Networking and Snacks
• 6:00-7:00 pm Think Like a Designer: Unlocking Project Innovation Through Human-Centered Thinking presented by Dr Pitchiah "Pitch" Balasubramanian

About the Speaker

Dr. Pitchiah “Dr. Pitch” Balasubramanian is a seasoned and innovative business technology leader with over 34 years of progressive leadership experience across multiple industries. He currently serves as an Assistant Teaching Professor at Arizona State University, where he develops courses and teaches in the fields of project management. Dr. Pitch also holds key leadership roles with the PMI Phoenix Chapter, serving as Treasurer/CFO (2nd term) and Board Chair-Elect for 2025. A dedicated member of PMI since 1999, he proudly celebrated 25 years of continuous membership in November 2024. Certified as a PMP, PgMP, PMO-CP, and ITIL professional, Dr. Pitch brings deep expertise and thought leadership to the field of project and program management, including a strong focus on green and sustainable project practices.

His commitment to advancing the profession is demonstrated through decades of volunteer service and leadership across several PMI chapters, including Great Lakes (MI), Pittsburgh (PA), Chicagoland (IL), and Phoenix (AZ). Through education, mentorship, and active community engagement, Dr. Pitch continues to inspire the next generation of project leaders.