Presentation Title

 Understanding Business Acumen and Decision Performance

Presentation Speaker

 Derick Brownell, PMP, SAFe, PMI-ACP

Presentation Abstract

Join us for an engaging session on Business Acumen and Decision Performance. Derick Brownell, PMP, SAFe, PMI-ACP, will guide us through an interactive program that explores the value of measuring decision performance and its impact on day-to-day decision-making. This event will provide valuable insights into how we can improve our business decision-making. Learning Objectives include
• Learning how to help your teams realize their potential and avoid their pitfalls by rethinking the work foundation.
• Taking small steps, learning from them, and adjusting your direction, instead of planning and executing a big transformation.
• Understanding the importance of identifying work value streams and their flow and adaptability.

Speaker Biography

Derick Brownell became a Phoenix Chapter member in 2007 and has been a Director on the Phoenix Chapter Board of Directors over the past five years, focused on Programs, Partnership, and Sponsorship. He has worked in Project Management, PMO Director, Lead Consultant, Sales, and Owner/President roles, attributing success to the continuous improvement fostered by the project management community. Currently, Derick is a Senior Account Executive at Axway Software, headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona. His focus is on Healthcare and Life Sciences Compliance and Security software and services. In his spare time, Derick Owns and Invests in an Executive Coaching firm and actively coaches in the Arizona Youth Olympic Development Program (ODP). To learn more about Derick, please check out his LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derickbrownell

NEW/PROSPECTIVE MEMBER ORIENTATION & NETWORKING

PMICIE LIVE! IN-PERSON! FREE 

1.0 PDU PRESENTATION

Join us on at Mimi's Cafe in Corona, CA.
This event is for all new, prospective, and current members.
We'll also have a random drawing for a $25 Amazon eCard - be sure to reserve your seat.
If you have any questions, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Mimi's Cafe
2230 Griffin Way
Corona, CA 92879
Phone: (951) 734-2073
https://www.mimiscafe.com/locations/corona/

Presentation Title

 The Strength Within: Building Resiliency in Projects and People

Presentation Speaker

 Parmjit Kaur

Presentation Abstract

 In today’s complex and ever-changing project environments, success is no longer defined solely by schedules, scope, and budgets — it is defined by our ability to adapt, recover, and move forward with purpose. The Strength Within: Building Resiliency in Projects and People explores resiliency as both a professional capability and a deeply human skill.

Through real-world project scenarios, reflective storytelling, and practical frameworks, this session reframes challenges not as failures, but as opportunities for growth and renewed strength. Participants will examine how resiliency shows up in projects when plans break down, and in people when life inevitably intersects with delivery. Rather than “pushing through,” the session emphasizes recovery, flexibility, and compassionate leadership as essential components of sustainable success.

Attendees will walk away with actionable tools to build resilient plans, lead with calm and intention, and support the human side of project delivery — creating environments where both projects and people can thrive, even in uncertainty.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1) Reframe project challenges as opportunities for learning, adaptation, and long-term strength using a Reflect → Reset → Rise mindset.

2) Apply resilient leadership behaviors that promote calm, clarity, and compassion during periods of uncertainty or disruption.

3) Support resilient teams and individuals by recognizing the human realities that influence performance and engagement.

4) Identify simple, practical takeaways that can be applied immediately to improve both project outcomes and personal well-being.

Speaker Bio

Parmjit Kaur is a dynamic leader at the intersection of project management, podcasting, and international speaking. Born in the U.K. to Indian parents, her multicultural upbringing shaped her global perspective, resilience, and people-first leadership style. She is the host of the Your Life Projectized podcast and a sought-after speaker, known for engaging audiences with her signature CPR framework—Communication, Project Management, and Resiliency. Her talks explore how clear communication drives alignment, how project management principles apply to both business & life, and how resilience enables individuals and organizations to navigate complexity & change with confidence. Her speaking engagements include PMI chapters worldwide, Health 2.0, PA eHealth Initiative, TUMHAA, NJ-HITEC, and CXO’s Leadership Conference in Dubai. Through her consultancy, Parmjit Kaur, LLC, and her speaking work, Parmjit continues to inspire meaningful, resilient, and human-centered change. 

Presentation Title

My Life with Alex; AI for Project Management and Beyond

Presentation Speaker

Tammo Wilkens

Presentation Abstract

This presentation will focus on using AI immediately in our daily tasks and in managing projects. It is based on the author's experience in adopting AI every day and especially in the author's project management courses at Cal State Dominguez Hills.
Attendees will be given an opportunity to actually apply AI right there in the meeting.
The attendees will be able to overcome any resistance or apprehension regarding the coming of AI.
One of the highlights will be an example of how the author is creating his own, focused GPTs to augment his live courses.
And, the mystery of "Alex" will be disclosed.

Speaker Bio

Tammo T. Wilkens, MBA, P.E., PMP, CSM has 46 years of experience, including 31 years of experience in project management. He has managed various projects in software development, engineering and construction industries, for both contractors and owners and both in the private and public sectors. He has lectured and presented papers in multiple areas of project management and is a recognized subject matter expert in planning & scheduling and earned value management. His experience includes professional development and mentoring of employees, training students in scheduling software systems, as well as developing and delivering PMP exam preparation courses. Tammo currently teaches the Certificate in Project Management” and “Microsoft Project 2019 Scheduling” courses at Cal State Dominguez Hills. He is the author of the MS Project Training Manual and "Project Management Maturity, Back to the Basics"