The Real Award: Reflections on PMI Global Summit as a Rising Leader Finalist

  Career Development   Leadership  

Being named a Rising Leader finalist and receiving the opportunity to attend PMI Global Summit was an honor I’m deeply grateful for and will never forget. But as meaningful as the nomination itself was, it quickly became clear that the real value of the experience had very little to do with recognition and everything to do with perspective.

One of the biggest takeaways from my experience at the Summit was a reframing of what leadership looks like in practice. I found myself in rooms with titans of project management, from diverse industries and geographies, and I couldn’t help but notice that leadership wasn’t defined by titles, years of experience, or visibility on a stage.

Instead, it showed up in curiosity, generosity, and a willingness to serve the profession and one another. Watching how leaders at every career stage engaged, with humility and curiosity, was both grounding and inspiring.

Being immersed in the project management community at this scale also reinforced the importance of simply being “in the room.” Exposure to new ideas, emerging trends, and candid conversations about challenges facing the profession created a broader view of what’s possible. It was a reminder that growth often comes not from having all the answers, but from being willing to listen and learn alongside others.

Some of the most impactful moments I…

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