Andrew, I appreciate the broader point that AI governance is becoming an increasingly important capability for project and program leaders. The profession is undoubtedly evolving, and continuous learning is essential.
That said, I disagree with the characterization of many certifications as "legacy badges" or "alphabet soup." As someone who has earned more than 50 professional credentials, I can say that my goal has never been collecting letters after my name. Each certification represented an investment of time, effort, and learning to deepen my understanding of a discipline, strengthen my decision-making, and broaden my perspective.
Professional certifications, when pursued for the right reasons, are not just credentials. They are structured learning experiences that complement real-world experience by providing frameworks, common language, and best practices that help practitioners make better decisions in increasingly complex environments. Experience and education reinforce each other and are not competing forces.
AI governance, data management, and responsible AI are absolutely valuable additions to our profession but advancing one area of knowledge shouldn't require diminishing the value of others. Many of the principles behind successful AI initiatives be it governance, stakeholder engagement, risk management, benefits realization, change management, and strategic alignment have been developed and refined over decades through the very disciplines some now dismiss as "legacy" or "traditional".
Rather than framing this as replacing the old with the new, I believe the strongest leaders build on solid foundations while continuously expanding their capabilities. AI is an important evolution, not a substitute for the professional knowledge that has enabled organizations to deliver complex initiatives successfully for years.
Just my two cents!
Community Champion
