12 April 2026 at 03:00PM
A Day of Leadership, Learning, and Community at the Aquarium | Event Recap
PMI-LA recently brought members together for a unique full-day experience at the Aquarium of the Pacific, combining our Flagship Program and Book Club into one immersive event focused on leadership, communication, and connection.
Set against an inspiring backdrop, the day created space for meaningful conversations, shared learning, and a deeper sense of community.
Starting the Day with Radical Candor
The morning began with an engaging discussion of Radical Candor by Kim Scott, where participants explored the balance between challenging directly and caring personally.
Through open dialogue and shared perspectives, attendees reflected on how honest communication and trust-building play a critical role in effective leadership. The session set a thoughtful tone for the rest of the day — one centered on growth, self-awareness, and connection.
Strengthening Communication and Presence
Following the Book Club, participants took part in an interactive session led by Toastmasters, focused on communication and leadership presence.
The session offered practical tools to help project professionals:
- communicate with clarity and confidence
- engage their audience more effectively
- strengthen their leadership voice
It served as a strong bridge between ideas and application — reinforcing that how we communicate is just as important as what we communicate.
A Dynamic Afternoon Flagship Experience
The afternoon Flagship program opened with Phoebe, who helped set the stage for the sessions ahead, followed by remarks from Tim Boyd, representing Caltech’s continued support and partnership.
Dr. Nate Crews then led an engaging and interactive session exploring Agile, leadership, and the future of work. Through breakout discussions and group engagement, participants had the opportunity to reflect, share perspectives, and apply ideas in real time.
The session brought energy into the room and encouraged attendees to think beyond traditional approaches — focusing on adaptability, innovation, and leadership in complex environments.
More Than a Program — A Shared Experience
Throughout the day, one theme remained consistent:
The value of coming together as a community.
From thoughtful discussions to informal conversations over lunch, the event created opportunities not just to learn, but to connect.
It’s these shared experiences — where ideas turn into dialogue and connections grow — that continue to shape the PMI-LA community.
Looking Ahead
PMI-LA remains committed to creating experiences that go beyond traditional programming — bringing together learning, leadership, and community in ways that are both practical and impactful.
Thank you to our speakers, partners, and volunteers — including Trevas and the Programs team — for bringing this event to life, and to everyone who joined us for such a meaningful day.
