Chapter News

What does it really take to become an AI Champion in today’s evolving landscape?

That was the question at the center of our recent Women in Project Management session, The Heroine’s Journey into AI Leadership. Hosted as a multi-chapter collaboration and led by Lori McDaniel, PMP, the session brought together project leaders from across the PMI community to explore not just the tools shaping our work — but the mindset required to lead through change.

One theme stood out clearly:

This transformation isn’t just technical — it’s personal.

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Moving Beyond Tools

AI continues to reshape how projects are delivered, how teams operate, and how leaders are recognized. But as discussed in the session, becoming an AI Champion isn’t simply about adopting new tools or workflows.

It’s about how you show up.

It’s about how you think.

And ultimately, it’s about how you lead.

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The Leadership Shift

The session introduced a powerful reframing of growth — not as a checklist of skills, but as a shift in identity.

Participants reflected on a series of transitions that define this journey:

• Moving from permission-seeking to executive presence
• Shifting from scarcity to strategic abundance
• Evolving from AI intimidation to AI partnership

These shifts aren’t always visible in job descriptions or certifications, but they are often what separate those who adapt from those who lead.

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A Question That Stuck

One question resonated throughout the session:

“What’s your new story?”

It’s a simple prompt, but a powerful one.

In a time where change is constant, the way we define ourselves as professionals matters more than ever. Are we waiting to be told what’s next? Or are we actively shaping it?

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The Power of Community

Beyond the content itself, what made this session especially impactful was the community behind it.

Seeing project professionals from multiple chapters come together — sharing insights, asking questions, and reflecting on their own journeys — reinforced something important:

We’re not navigating this shift alone.

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Looking Ahead

As AI continues to evolve, so will the expectations placed on project leaders. But sessions like this remind us that the opportunity isn’t just to keep up — it’s to grow into something new.

At PMI-LA, we remain committed to creating spaces where these conversations can happen — where leadership is not just discussed, but developed.