Speakers
William Kohnen, President, CEO – Hydrospace Group
Keynote Speaker
In the complex technological landscape of today, prioritizing management skills over technical competence can lead to significant challenges and ethical dilemmas in innovative project management. Organizations must recognize the importance of technical expertise in program management and ensure training programs balance both technical and managerial skills. Cross-functional training and exposure to various aspects of project management are crucial for developing competent program managers. With over three decades of experience in aerospace and hydrospace projects, the author emphasizes that effective project management requires a deep understanding of all project facets, including leadership, creativity, resourcefulness, adaptability, diplomacy, and extensive knowledge.
Early experiences in aerospace engineering and managing a small private company highlighted the importance of customer communication, technical collaboration, contract negotiations, regulatory compliance, and vendor management. The evolving project management landscape, influenced by changing norms, work standards, and technology, adds layers of complexity, emphasizing trust, good faith, and proper conduct. Public disasters, such as the Oceangate incident, underscore the need for transparent communication and trust-building.
Successful project management extends beyond technical acumen to include financial foresight, ethical integrity, cultural sensitivity, and interpersonal skills. It involves balancing schedule and cost trade-offs, prioritizing customer needs, and managing workforce cohesion. Regulatory compliance, customer education, and vendor relationships are pivotal for ensuring project success and public trust. Navigating cultural and generational differences is essential, particularly in the diverse environment of the USA.
In conclusion, high-tech project management demands a harmonious blend of technical expertise and interpersonal skills. Mastering these diverse elements is crucial for project success and organizational growth, with trust, adaptability, and effective communication at the core. Click here to see the complete abstract.
William Kohnen is president and Chief Executive Officer of HYDROSPACE Group Inc., a California company expert in manned submersibles and a wide spectrum of pressure vessels for human occupancy. Mr. Kohnen has 30 years of engineering experience in engineering serving the aerospace, medical and subsea industries with a primary mission to promote new technologies for the management of world oceans and industrial infrastructure. He leads as the Chairman of the Marine Technology Society (MTS) Submarine committee, a role he has fulfilled for 20+ years. Under his guidance, the committee has played a pivotal role in shaping industry standards and fostering collaboration among experts worldwide. He was made MTS Fellow in 2014 and has published multiple papers and articles on the state of the submarine industry. Mr. Kohnen founded the World Submarine Organization in 2023 to gather the world of submarines experts around the world in a mission of stewardship for the development of a new industry. He is a member of the ASME PVHO (Pressure Vessels for Human Occupancy) Safety Standards Committee, a member of the ABS Special Committee on Rules for Underwater Vehicles, Industry representative for DNVGL Underwater Technology Rules review, member of the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society (UHMS), the Aerospace Medical Society and was member of the Deep Submersible Pilot association. Mr. Kohnen is Co-Founder of SEAmagine Hydrospace Corp which designs and produces manned submersibles since 1995, with fifteen vehicles distributed around the globe. Kohnen was born in Germany and grew up in Quebec on a milk farm. He moved to California in 1986 to seek engineering wonders. He completed a bachelor’s and master’s degree in electrical engineering at McGill University, in Montreal, Canada. He speaks six languages, has many stories to tell, is married for 35 years and has two children.
See the CNN interview with William here.
Edivandro Conforto, PhD
Edivandro is the Global Director of Thought Leadership (TL) at the Project Management Institute (PMI). At PMI he leads a multidisciplinary team of subject matter experts, experienced leaders and researchers dedicated to creating and disseminating innovative and thought-provoking research and content in several areas and topics. He served as the global executive advisor and thought leader, between 2017 and 2020 responsible for the Brightline Initiative, a PMI Think Tank in partnership with Multinational Leading Organizations. Prior to PMI, he was a Technology Managing Director (partner) at Accenture, where he led the Latin America Business Transformation and Business Agility practice and operation. Edivandro is a seasoned Global Leader, Foresight Strategist and Advisor to C-Level with over 17 years of experience in driving innovative and strategic business transformation programs for large-sized and multinational organizations from different industry sectors. He co-authored 10 books and over 50 articles, including several thought leadership reports on business agility, business transformation, strategy, innovation, and emerging technologies. Edivandro is a former MIT Research Fellow and was a Post-Doctorate at MIT from 2013-2015. He holds a PhD and a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the University of São Paulo.
Evelyn Chao
Evelyn Chao is a high school freshman from Sidwell Friends School in Washington, DC. She earned the Project Management Ready™ Certification from the Project Management Institute at the age of 13. Since then, she has channeled her social service enthusiasm into empowering youth with project management education, inspiring young individuals of all backgrounds to achieve their full potential and make positive impacts.
Believing in the transformative power of education and the unity of knowledge and action, Evelyn
established PM Ready, a national 501(c)3 nonprofit organization accessible at
www.pmready.org. PM Ready makes project management learning engaging and accessible to
everyone and fosters intergenerational conversations about leadership.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Evelyn is a sea cadet, a varsity rower, an award-winning artist and skater, and a seasoned violinist. In her leisure time, Evelyn enjoys reading, watching movies, and hanging out with her family and friends.
Evelyn is a loving older sister to two siblings and takes pleasure in nurturing their inquisitiveness by engaging them in enjoyable small-scale projects.
To learn more about Evelyn, visit: www.evelyn-chao.com
Dr. Luigi Morsa
Aerospace Engineer & Space Fluid Dynamics PhD with experience in Aerospace Structures, Avionics, Aerothermodynamics, Flight Mechanics, Project Management, and Innovation Management Software.
Career highlights include serving as Project Manager, team leader and experienced engineer for challenging and demanding programs for a big group of Aerospace Industry and consultant companies. Additionally, Luigi has collaborated with other authors, publishing articles on “Chess and Business Strategy” and “People Innovation: A New Vision to Innovate” for the International Institute for Learning (IIL) Blog. Further, the speaker contributed a chapter on “Innovation Management Software” to the book “Innovation Project Management” published by John Wiley & Sons in 2019.
The speaker has significant speaking experience, having presented at the Project Management Institute (PMI) Conference – Europe Middle East Africa (EMEA) 2018 in Berlin on the complexity of the aircraft industry market and the relationship between product and customer needs. Their published work includes a case study on “The Airbus A380” in the book “Project Management Case Studies Fifth Edition” published by John Wiley & Sons in 2017.
Luigi´s passion for project management has led him to contribute to two books by Dr. Harold Kerzner, the pioneer and globally recognized expert in project management. Luigi wrote two case studies about the Aircraft industry for Project Management Case Studies, 5th and 6th Editions (Wiley, 2017, 2022), two sections (Open Innovation in Action; The Project Manager’s Role in Developing Innovation Skills and Ideas in People) and the chapter “Innovation Management Software” for Innovation Project Management 1st and 2nd editions (Wiley, 2019, 2023).He recently co-authored with Richard Maltzman, a chapter “10 Lessons Learnt from Irresponsibility in Project Management” for the book De Gruyter Handbook of Responsible Project Management (De Gruyter, 2023). Luigi is a contributor for the International Institute for Learning blog; he is the author of “Artificial Intelligence and Project Management: The First Step ” (2023); “Avoiding Mistakes: The Great Challenge” (2022); “Team Management: The Key to Success” (2022); “Agile. Creativity. Innovation.” (2022); “Reduce the Risk – Share the Success” (2022), “Managing Conflicts in Projects” (2021); “Chess and Business Strategy” (2020); “People Innovation: A New Vision to Innovate” (2019).
Dr. Anil Sawhney
With over 25 years of experience in the construction and infrastructure sector, the speaker is passionate about advancing the professional development, standards, and knowledge of this critical field. As the Head of Sustainability at RICS, they lead a portfolio of global activities designed to ensure that RICS achieves its strategic objective to lead and influence on sustainability.
In addition to their leadership role, the speaker is also an educator and a researcher. They teach project management at the University of Southern California and Boston University, and have published multiple papers and reports on digitalization, decarbonization, Building Information Modeling (BIM), alternate technologies, and digital model-based delivery. The speaker’s academic and professional contributions have been recognized with several honors and certifications, including the 7th CIDC Vishwakarma Achievement Award and the 2014 Distinguished Scholar Award.
The speaker is always keen to learn and explore new technologies and innovations that can enhance the construction and infrastructure sector’s efficiency, quality, and sustainability. With their extensive experience, expertise, and passion for the industry, they are well-positioned to contribute to the advancement of the construction and infrastructure field.
Dennis Carlberg
Dennis Carlberg is the Chief Sustainability Officer & Associate Vice President for Climate Action at Boston University where he focuses on building the programs necessary for mitigating BU’s impacts on climate change, preparing its campuses for climate change, and supporting the integration of sustainability into the curriculum including the creation and administration of the BU Campus Climate Lab. Prior to joining BU in 2009, Dennis was a principal at Arrowstreet, a Boston-based architectural firm where he focused on sustainable design. He began his career at the Solar Energy Research Institute (now the National Renewable Energy Lab) conducting daylighting research to reduce building energy consumption and improve the indoor environment.
Dennis co-chairs the Boston Green Ribbon Commission Higher Ed Working Group Executive Committee with Jacob Glickel from Northeastern University. He is the University’s Liaison to the University Climate Change Coalition, a group of 23 of the world’s leading research universities and university systems committed to accelerating climate action on campus, in communities, and at a global scale. Dennis co-chaired the Urban Land Institute Climate Resilience Committee in Boston for a decade. He served on many sustainability committees for ULI and Technical Advisory Groups for the City of Boston, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the Association for the Advancement in Higher Education.
At BU, he served on the Antiracism Working Group, the Climate Action Plan Task Force, and the advisory boards of the Institute for Sustainable Energy, City Planning and Urban Affairs, BU URBAN. He led the development of the Sustainable Operations section of the BU Strategic Plan.
He received his Master of Architecture from MIT and his Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from UC Berkeley.
Loredana Abramo
Dr. Loredana Abramo is a global citizen, who has lived and worked in several international locations, across 4 continents. She has over 30 years of experience delivering large telecommunications networks and leading global programs in the corporate program office. Loredana is a Doctor in Electrical Engineering, a certified Professional Engineer in Italy and has a Certificate in Advanced Project Management from DePaul University. She is a PMP®, a member of PMI, a senior member of IEEE, and a TIA Convergence Technologies Professional.
Always committed to sharing her experience in project management, Loredana has written and presented multiple papers in support of IEEE, PMI, and IPMA. She has co-authored a book on Project Management competency development (Bridging the PM Competency Gap – 2017), a book on Responsible Project Management (The Responsible Project Manager Handbook – 2023) and is adjunct professor at Boston University Metropolitan College.
Location: Greater Chicago Area
Industries: Telecom, Infrastructure, IT, Engineering
Sandeep Singh
Currently leading the global business development efforts for IFC’s Green Building Market Transformation Program. I advise leading global organizations in their decarbonization journey and have also led the development of a portfolio decarbonization tool that works on the EDGE platform. As a member of SBTi’s Expert Advisory Group for the buildings sector, I have contributed towards the development of SBTi’s Buildings Guidance.
Before IFC, I had over two decades of experience in the real estate sector, in India and the US, with 13+ years in CXO roles spanning both – real estate investments and real estate development. I have worked with leading companies such as CBRE, Cushman & Wakefield, BNP Paribas Real Estate, and Mahindra Lifespaces.
I hold an MBA degree from the University of Georgia, Terry College of Business, Georgia, USA, and a Bachelor of Architecture from the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi.
I have been invited as an expert speaker at several International conferences such as PERE, MIPIM, GRI Club, GLG, FICCI, CII, etc.
Eva Agapaki
With over 8 years at the forefront of AI and machine learning innovation, I’ve carved a niche as a product leader, contributing to large corporations like PTC and AVEVA. I’m the driving force behind TENET TWIN, a startup I incubated from a mere idea to a beacon of applied research. My deep technical expertise is rooted in a Ph.D. in Computer Vision from the University of Cambridge and MIT, complemented by my role as an AI and Product Management Professor at the University of Florida.
My journey is marked by a series of product evolutions from conception to market dominance. I’ve architected SaaS solutions that empower oil & gas clients to champion sustainability through Digital Twinning and AI. My portfolio spans two industry pilots with leading oil & gas magnates and mentorship to deep tech founders navigating product-market fit. I’ve also steered product development across regulated sectors, from AdTech to aviation, always with a focus on user-centric products.
I am a passionate leader and collaborator. At the University of Florida, I conceptualized and led the Digital Twinning research lab, nurturing a team of 11 researchers and engineers. During my tenure at PTC, I championed and secured funding for an innovation product team, which I scaled to 32 members, directly liaising with the CEO and C-suite across diverse tech segments.
My unique perspective, earned through my career journey in academia, startups and corporate organizations, allows me to give you an AI Product accelerator launchpad with my Hatch Labs programs.
Topics/Expertise:
◉ Generative AI (technical, strategic & product management)
◉ Product Strategy
◉ Keynote speaking
◉ Training AI leaders
Markus Halonen
As the Chief Operating Officer at Keto Software Oy, Markus Halonen is a vital part of the Board and Management Team. In this role, Markus leverages decades of expertise to develop value-creating, customized solutions in Project Portfolio Management (PPM) and Strategic Portfolio Management (SPM) for large organizations.
Markus’ comprehensive background in software development, spanning hands-on programming to leading diverse teams, enables him to deeply engage with technical challenges and innovate on operational strategies. Markus is dedicated to setting high standards for himself and his team, driving continuous advancements in productivity and strategic alignment.
Markus’ role extensively involves nurturing strong, lasting relationships with customer executives, delivering practical solutions that address complex organizational needs with professionalism and a client-focused approach. With a long-standing commitment to enhancing enterprise capabilities through effective portfolio management, Markus ensures that strategic initiatives are well-aligned with clients’ long-term business objectives, facilitating sustained growth and success. Markus welcomes the opportunity to discuss how he can collaboratively advance strategic and operational goals with proven PPM and SPM expertise.
Kim Essendrup
Kim is CEO of Raidlog. He believes that data is the best foundation for business decision-making. Hunches, and intuition just don’t cut it in today’s agile business model; executives, leaders, and teams need to make educated, data-decisions in order to successfully navigate the complex and ever-changing business landscape. This is one of the reasons he created AI-energized Raidlog to help project, program, and portfolio leaders identify, analyze, respond to, and communicate about risks.
Kim has also published books and is the co-host of the Project Management Happy Hour Podcast – a place for frank and honest discussion about real world issues in project management. We do it in a way that’s not too dry, though it may get a bit salty from time to time. Each episode covers a problem faced by Project Managers today, and share practical advice, real-life examples and the occasional project horror story.
Jack Mackin
(in Memoriam)
We will have a moment of silence at the beginning of our session for Jack Mackin, who passed away 21-May, you may pay your respects at a tribute wall here: https://www.everettfuneral.com/obituary/JohnJack-Mackin
James Walker
James Walker has spent over a decade of his career assisting global organizations with their digital transformation initiatives. Known for his focus and commitment to achieving results, he helps organizations expand their modern work management practices to drive more efficiency and support the corporate objectives for those that he serves.
As the SVP of Global Sales at Proggio, James is responsible for revenue, operations, and consulting practices globally. He takes great pride in investing in those around him, understanding that leadership is about getting results while developing people and being motivated by their success. James is focused on helping organizations leverage digital tools and best practices to improve efficiency and better align their operations with broader corporate objectives. His expertise in this area has made him a trusted advisor to many large enterprises navigating complex digital transformation challenges.In his role at Proggio, James leverages his deep experience to lead the company’s global sales efforts, oversee consulting services, and ensure smooth operations across the organization. He is driven by a passion for developing high-performing teams and fostering an environment where both the company and its people can thrive.
Jacques Goupil
Jacques Goupil is a dynamic, high-energy professional with extensive experience in work management, strategy planning, solution development, and implementation. He is a Microsoft Certified (MCP) and Professional Management Professional (PMP)™, focused on exceeding client expectations, developing solid customer relationships, and providing effective communication and challenge resolution.
Jacques’ key areas of expertise include work management solutions with Microsoft365. He holds an impressive array of certifications, including the PMI Project Management Professional™, Microsoft Certified Professional, Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist, and Microsoft Specialist. These credentials demonstrate Jacques’ deep technical knowledge and proficiency in leveraging Microsoft technologies to develop and implement effective work management strategies for his clients. Known for his energetic and collaborative approach, Jacques is skilled at bringing cross-functional teams together to tackle complex challenges. His ability to provide clear communication and effective problem-solving has earned him a reputation as a trusted advisor to the clients he serves.
Ramesh Razdan
Ramesh Razdan is an accomplished board member, thought leader, and operating executive with close to 30 years of experience. He has a strong track record of delivering exceptional results through tech-enabled transformations to drive business growth, profitability, and innovation.
Ramesh has partnered with CEOs and Boards to assess the impact of technology and to build strategies to evolve businesses and business models. He has significant experience in leading technology organizations for complex global companies in the professional services, technology, and consumer products industries. Ramesh combines strategic thinking and execution skills with exceptional organizational and strategic leadership abilities to deliver business value.
He is recognized as a highly strategic executive committed to developing and motivating high-performing teams. Ramesh is also recognized as an industry expert, thought leader, and noted public speaker on wide-ranging technology topics, including AI and Analytics, Cloud, Cyber Risk, Product Management / Agile, and leadership in the modern era.
Barbara Trautlein
Barbara A. Trautlein, PhD, is the author of “Change Intelligence” and the principal of Change Catalysts. She is also the creator of the CQ System for Developing Change Intelligence. With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Trautlein has facilitated transformational initiatives, certified change agents, and coached leaders, resulting in powerful leadership and bottom-line business results.
Dr. Trautlein is a sought-after speaker and trainer, gifted at sharing real-world, actionable strategies. Her clients include well-known organizations such as Abbott, BP, Cisco, Ford, and ThyssenKrupp.In addition to her consulting and training work, Dr. Trautlein has been a frequent guest lecturer for Boston University. She has also co-presented with Professor Rich Maltzman at the United Nations and the Association of Change Management Professionals.Through her expertise, publications, and speaking engagements, Dr. Trautlein has established herself as a leading authority on change management and organizational transformation. Her innovative approaches and passion for empowering individuals and teams have made her a trusted advisor to executives and practitioners across diverse industries.
James Garner
James Garner is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor who joined Gleeds in 1998. He graduated from Leeds Metropolitan University with a First Class Honours Degree. Currently, James works as the Global Head of Data and Insights & Analytics at Gleeds, holding the position of Senior Director, primarily based out of the London Office, although he has the benefit of Gleeds’ large network of offices around the UK.
James is a Fellow of the RICS and also serves as a chairman for the RICS Assessment of Professional Competence. He is the technical author for RICS, having recently published the technical guidance for cashflow forecasting in the construction industry. James is passionate about data in the construction industry, believing that the proper use of data can allow the industry to continue moving forward and breaking boundaries. He specializes in the Cost Management and Procurement of Student Accommodation and has successfully completed schemes for many Oxford Colleges, as well as London Colleges. His experience includes work on listed buildings, phased buildings, and restricted sites.
Eman Deabil
Eman Deabil is a Senior Manager at BBK, leading the Transformation Management Office (TMO) and Business Process Re-engineering (BPR). She has over 15 years of experience in leading and facilitating strategy design and execution, performance management, and PMO activities across various sectors and industries. Eman holds multiple credentials in project and portfolio management, such as PfMP, PMP, IPMO-P, PRINCE2, Strategy Implementation Professional (SIP), and Certified Balanced Scorecard Practitioner (CBSCP). She also holds a diploma in ESG from the Corporate Governance Institute (CGI).
Eman’s mission is to help organizations achieve their strategic objectives and optimize their processes and performance through evidence-based frameworks, methodologies, and tools. Throughout her career, she has successfully led the implementation of the Balanced Scorecard, the portfolio of projects, and the performance management dashboards at different organizations. Eman has also delivered in-house, tailor-made training and knowledge transfer to relevant stakeholders at different levels. Eman is passionate about innovation, problem-solving, and collaboration. She always strives to deliver high-quality outcomes while leading projects, with the empowerment granted from senior management and the help given from cross-functional teams.
Boston University Project Management Faculty Participants
Bio is hyperlinked to the name of the project management faculty shown below.
Denise Arruda
Dave Silberman
Dave Silberman, PhD, writes, researches, trains, and speaks to help change the stories of working life. Guided by a passionate concern for unleashing human potentiality, Dave taps into the relational dynamics between people, places, and the ways of the business to humanize and harmonize people and organizational performance.
Dave holds a PhD in Human Resources Development and has unique expertise in the human side of the business. Daves’s experience spans over 20 years working in the government, hi-tech startup, healthcare, and venture capital sectors. Additionally, Dave is a graduate-level lecturer at Boston University. His research interests include human factors and behavioral strategies related to human and entrepreneurial performance. He has authored scholarly literature and practitioner-based articles published in places like Forbes and is a best-selling author.
Pamela Campbell
Pamela Campbell has been a lecturer at Boston University since 1999. After years of work with psychiatric patients, including running an Outward Bound-inspired group therapy program at the McLean Hospital, she transitioned to computer work while working on her Masters degree at Bentley University in CIS. Early in her career she participated in the development of the first computerized databases and information systems at the McLean Hospital. Later, she worked with the US and Canadian governments through MITRE, where she developed a Maturity Matrix for use in evaluating large database development efforts.
She has 30 years of work experience in software development, large database design, and eventually many years as a manager developing and implementing training programs for technical instructors for BEA Systems (now ORACLE).
One of her most rewarding assignments was to design and develop the project to upgrade the AMVER system (amver.com). AMVER, sponsored by the United States Coast Guard, is a unique, computer-based, and voluntary global ship reporting system used worldwide by search and rescue authorities to arrange for assistance to vessels in distress at sea.
She also conducts training and development with the remote-work company Bridging Distance, addressing the needs and interest of public and private entities in helping managers to develop skills in directing diverse teams, especially those with hybrid work arrangements. Her goal is to assist leaders and potential leaders in addressing the often conflicting needs expressed by those in hybrid environments. When not teaching or consulting she is happy breeding and handling her Nubian dairy goats and Suffolk Punch draft horses on her farm.
Oduwa Osagiede
Oduwa Osagiede is an enterprising leader, currently steering the helm as Owner/President at Adaptive HVAC Company. Renowned for its expertise in providing cutting-edge heating solutions for commercial and industrial HVAC applications. With a sharp focus on cultivating the service arm of the business and broadening its product range, Oduwa is driving forward its expansion and growth trajectory.
Before venturing into entrepreneurship, Oduwa garnered invaluable experience with esteemed multinational corporations like United Technologies Corporation, Carrier, and Schneider Electric. His dynamic career path spans various domains including management, engineering, marketing, sales, and project management, a testament to his relentless drive and insatiable curiosity.
An esteemed alumnus of Boston University Metropolitan College (MSPM), Oduwa holds a master’s degree in Computer Systems Engineering and a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University. He is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP®) accredited by the Project Management Institute. Currently, he shares his wealth of knowledge and experience as an adjunct professor at Boston University Metropolitan College.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Oduwa is deeply passionate about energy efficiency and sustainability, with a particular focus on project value realization and stakeholder engagement. In his leisure time, Oduwa cherishes quality time with his extensive family and finds solace in exploring new destinations through travel.
Scott Lynde
Virginia Greiman
Rich Maltzman
As a Master Lecturer at Boston University, Rich specializes in developing and delivering impactful courses tailored to graduate students, including and especially current practitioners. These courses empower them to drive positive change within their careers and make a meaningful impact on the world. With over 40 years of industry experience, including a substantial 30-year tenure in Project Leadership, including serving as a Director of the global PMO at Nokia, Rich brings extensive knowledge and expertise to the field. Rich holds a PMP(R) certification and has a deep-seated passion for integrating sustainability into project management.
In addition to his role writing and teaching a suite of Graduate courses at Boston University, Rich is also the co-founder and principal of EarthPM, LLC, a dynamic consulting and training company that excels at the intersection of project management and sustainability. Rich has had the privilege of working with diverse clients spanning various sectors and countries, including prestigious organizations such as the US Department of Energy, The United Nations, Massachusetts General Hospital, Eink, Omega Therapeutics, Beacon Construction Products, and Watermark Environmental. His commitment to this field is further reflected in my co-authorship of eight books on project leadership and numerous publications, all centered on project management and related topics. Rich is an active blogger on PMI’s projectmanagement.com, sharing his insights and experiences to benefit the project management community.
Vijay Kanabar
