At the Johnstown Breakfast Club, we gathered for an insightful discussion on the intricacies of meeting facilitation. With a mix of professionals from Concurrent Technologies and Giant Eagle, our breakfast table buzzed with stories, tips, and strategies to turn mundane meetings into productive collaborations. At the Johnstown Breakfast Club, we gathered for an insightful discussion on the intricacies of meeting facilitation. With a mix of professionals from Concurrent Technologies and Giant Eagle, our breakfast table buzzed with stories, tips, and strategies to turn mundane meetings into productive collaborations. Challenges in Meeting Facilitation One of the pressing challenges we tackled was the transition from traditional "waterfall" methodologies to Agile meeting practices. Many experienced team members still cling to the waterfall approach, voicing concerns about an overload of meetings. However, as our discussion revealed, perceptions shift over time. Once team members experience the focused nature and tangible benefits of Agile meetings — like morning stand-ups, backlog reviews, and retrospectives — they begin to appreciate their value. Time zone differences present another layer of complexity in managing co-located and virtual meetings. Flexibility and resilience emerge as vital traits for successful collaboration in today’s global landscape. Setting the Stage for Success A common theme in our discussions was the necessity of providing agendas and relevant materials before meetings. Doing so helps set clear expectations and primes participants for meaningful contributions. Nobody wants to face the dreaded “management by embarrassment” when caught off-guard or unprepared! #### What Makes Meetings Effective? The conversations highlighted the essence of purpose-driven meetings. Clarity about client and meeting priorities promotes effective discussions. Visual aids emerge as powerful tools for simplifying complex ideas and fostering better understanding among team members. Moreover, establishing meeting norms and protocols is key in cultivating an open and respectful team dynamic. Acknowledging and adhering to these norms helps ensure that everyone feels comfortable to contribute. Navigating Challenging Meetings We also explored the trials of participating in disorganized meetings, especially when stepping in as co-leaders. It can be difficult to steer the conversation back on track without disrupting the flow. We recognized the importance of gentleness — nudging the group back to the agenda with tact. Kick-off meetings posed their own challenges, particularly when a new organizer suddenly takes the reins. Reinforcing established meeting norms can help ease these transitions and keep discussions productive. Tech Tools for Facilitation Improvement In our tech-driven age, the right tools can dramatically enhance meeting effectiveness. While not every meeting requires documentation, when necessary, AI tools like Co-Pilot are increasingly helpful. However, we also acknowledged the risk of email overload in leveraging these technologies. Teaching our teams to utilize the “delete” button can be just as important as promoting their use! SharePoint and other platforms aid in maintaining version control on documents — a must in software development. Balancing the need for ownership with a structured approach to managing revisions is crucial. Overcoming Technical Hurdles Finally, the group addressed the challenges of interfacing technology among clients and coworkers, especially across government and non-government entities. Navigating these dynamics requires patience and strong communication skills to ensure effective collaboration. Conclusion As we wrapped up the session, the energy in the room was palpable. Thank you to everyone who shared their thoughts and experiences. Your insights are invaluable! We also encourage you to continue sharing ideas for future Breakfast Club discussions. Let’s keep the conversation going as we explore the art of facilitation together! Until next time, happy meeting!   Board and Directors from meeting in April 2025 As we move forward into an exciting new era at PMI Pittsburgh, we are thrilled to introduce our new directors, each bringing a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to the table. Kristin Brehm joins us as the Director of Cross-Chapter Collaboration, bringing her expertise to foster partnerships and share valuable resources with other chapters. Christina Nicassio takes the helm as the Director of the 45th Anniversary celebration, with a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling that will help us commemorate this significant milestone. Lastly, we are eager to welcome Holly Peterman as the incoming co-Director of Women in Project Management, who will drive initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity and empowering women within the industry. Together, these leaders will help us achieve our goals and enhance the member experience.  Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, we are brimming with enthusiasm about the possibilities that lie ahead. These new directors are set to inject fresh ideas into our programming and initiatives, including exciting collaborations with other chapters and local Pittsburgh organizations. Imagine the unique opportunities that could arise from these partnerships, allowing us to broaden our horizons and offer innovative experiences for our members. A key event that we anticipate is our 45th Anniversary celebration, scheduled for October 7, 2025. Mark your calendars for what promises to be an unforgettable evening that will blend fun and the rich history of PMI Pittsburgh. As we strive to elevate our in-person meetings and events, we are actively seeking better venues that can accommodate our growing community. If you have any suggestions or access to spaces that could serve our members, we encourage you to reach out. Your input is invaluable as we work to create a welcoming environment that fosters engagement and collaboration. By enhancing our meeting locations, we aim to make our gatherings more accessible and enjoyable for everyone involved. One recurring question we hear is: What makes PMI Pittsburgh membership so valuable? While we are currently analyzing some numbers to provide a clearer picture, one undeniable benefit is the opportunity to network and engage with over 1,500 project managers across the Pittsburgh region. This extensive network opens doors to mentorship, collaboration, and professional development opportunities that are essential in today’s fast-paced world. As we continue to grow our community and expand our offerings, we remain committed to ensuring that our members reap the full benefits of their membership and feel an integral part of the PMI Pittsburgh family.   Last Friday morning, the PMI Pittsburgh Chapter hosted our Second Quarterly Breakfast Club at the welcoming Panera at McCandless Crossing. With a cozy atmosphere and a group of passionate project managers gathered together, the event was charged with energy and enthusiasm. Last Friday morning, the PMI Pittsburgh Chapter hosted our Second Quarterly Breakfast Club at the welcoming Panera at McCandless Crossing. With a cozy atmosphere and a group of passionate project managers gathered together, the event was charged with energy and enthusiasm. A special highlight was the presence of Rebecca Champagne, who generously shared her expertise on launching a PMP Certification program. Her insights offered a roadmap for attendees to understand the nuances of successfully implementing such programs within their organizations. Rebecca took us on a journey through the intricate process of establishing a PMP program at a Pittsburgh-based company. She highlighted real-world challenges and triumphs that underscored the significance of securing buy-in from sponsors right from the outset. Her experience illustrated the critical need to navigate through HR approvals and budgeting, all while ensuring that candidates receive the ongoing support they need to succeed. This cohesive approach not only streamlines the implementation of a PMP program but also fosters a strong foundation for professional growth in project management. One of the key takeaways from Rebecca’s session was the importance of aligning project goals with broader business strategies. She emphasized that investing in professional development is not just beneficial for individual employees; it brings long-term value to organizations as well. As Rebecca has demonstrated, a well-structured PMP program can be transformative, influencing a company’s project management culture for years to come. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Rebecca for her outstanding work, which continues to resonate within the project management community and inspires others to follow suit.   Have ideas for Breakfast Club topics? director_breakfastclub@pittsburghpmi.org     Co-Directors - Angelique Kim & Celeste Isacco     The Nexus of Project Management: Dynamic Conditions, Technology and Creativity.  Join us on October 21, 2025, to explore the themes that are shaping the future of project management.        Call for Speakers:  We are looking for thought-provoking discussions that align with our theme (below).  We’ll be accepting proposals until June 5, 2025.  Notifications to selected speakers will occur by June 18. Thank you for your interest in speaking at our event. We look forward to reviewing your submission!  Questions may be directed to vp_education@pittsburghpmi.org. Please do not submit a proposal directly via email, as direct submissions outside of the form will not be accepted.     The Nexus of Project Management: Dynamic Conditions, Technology, and Creativity: PMI Pittsburgh PDD 2025  October 21, 2025 PMI Pittsburgh 2025 Professional Development Day will explore the intersection of three pivotal themes that are shaping the future of project management.   Disruptive Technologies and Digitalization As we navigate through an era marked by rapid technological advancements, understanding the impact of disruptive technologies such as cloud solutions, IoT (Internet of Things), AI (artificial intelligence), and voice-driven software is crucial. These technologies are not just transforming project management practices but are also redefining the landscape of industries by enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and connectivity.   Creativity and Innovation In a world where change is the only constant, fostering creativity and innovation is essential for staying ahead. This theme will delve into how project managers can cultivate a culture of innovation, encouraging teams to think outside the box and develop groundbreaking solutions that drive project success and organizational growth.   Complexity and Dynamic Conditions Projects today are more complex and dynamic than ever before. This theme will address the challenges posed by such conditions and explore strategies for managing complexity. It will highlight the importance of project management approaches that can respond to changing environments and stakeholder needs, ensuring successful project outcomes.   Join us We look forward to engaging discussions, thought-provoking sessions, and networking opportunities that will inspire and empower you in your project management journey! We are excited for you to join us on October 21, 2025. More details will be posted soon.   Hello, everyone! My name is Angelique Kim, and I’m excited to share my journey as a Project Manager with SAE International in Strategic Operations. For over 2.5 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with an amazing team dedicated to enhancing the field of project management. Hello, everyone! My name is Angelique Kim, and I’m excited to share my journey as a Project Manager with SAE International in Strategic Operations. For over 2.5 years, I’ve had the privilege of working with an amazing team dedicated to enhancing the field of project management. Before diving into project management and obtaining my PMP certification in April 2021, I spent over a decade in higher education, focusing primarily on student experience. Additionally, I have been an intrapreneur in the non-profit sector for more than 15 years, during which I had the opportunity to build and enhance functions from the ground up.   Originally from Massachusetts, I moved to Pittsburgh with my family in 2017. I have been happily married for almost 12 years, and I’m a proud mom of two energetic kids: an 8-year-old daughter and a 5-year-old son who keep me on my toes! My passion for learning often finds an outlet through travel, and I’ve been fortunate to explore 11 countries and 24 states so far.   My journey with the PMI Pittsburgh Chapter began in 2019, and since then, I’ve been actively involved in various volunteer roles. I started volunteering in 2022, during which I had the opportunity to serve as a speaker at both a Breakfast Talk and a Lunch & Learn, sharing insights on the “Hybrid Burger.” Most recently, I joined a Non-Profit Project Management Panel in June 2024 and am currently serving as the Director of the Breakfast Clubs for the year 2025.   Volunteering is a way for me to give back to my profession while also connecting with like-minded individuals in the project management community. I find joy in learning and embrace the opportunity to serve as a servant leader, always aiming to uplift others along the way. One of my favorite experiences was attending my first Breakfast Talk in June 2022. The energy and engagement inspired me to contribute, leading to my speaking opportunity in September of that same year. When the chance arose to relaunch the Breakfast Clubs, I seized it enthusiastically! These clubs foster a sense of community among our members in a relaxed and informal setting, facilitating engaging conversations on various project management topics. Our goal is to support members in growing their networks and enhancing their professional journeys. We successfully relaunched the Breakfast Clubs this January, and I’m thrilled to announce that our next event will be on April 25th, hosted at both the North Hills and Johnstown locations in the East. I invite you to come join us for a morning of collaboration, conversation, and community building! Thank you for allowing me to share my journey. I look forward to connecting with fellow enthusiasts in project management as we continue to learn and grow together! Come join us! Did you miss Wednesday's mentor kickoff? Register by Sunday, April 6 at noon to join the program!  Are you ready to take your project management skills to the next level? If you didn’t get a chance to register for our PMI mentoring kickoff, don’t worry—there’s still time! However, you’ll need to act fast as registration closes soon. We are thrilled to announce the launch of our first cohort of mentors and mentees this Monday, April 7th. This mentoring program is a groundbreaking initiative for PMI Pittsburgh and is designed to foster professional growth and knowledge-sharing among members. What’s even better? This invaluable program, valued at $125, is entirely free for our members! It's a fantastic opportunity to gain insights from experienced mentors, enhance your skills, and network with fellow project management professionals. Registration will remain open until Sunday night, so don’t miss out! To secure your spot in this exciting new program, please use the following link to register by Sunday. Join us on this journey of growth and learning. We can’t wait to welcome you to the PMI mentoring program! REGISTER NOW Let’s make this a transformative experience together! Community Outreach Director Josh Dilly spent the day with PMI Pittsburgh members at The Market at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank.    Project management is everywhere - including in giving back.    7 members of our Pittsburgh PMI chapter volunteered at The Market at the Greater Pittsburgh Community Foodbank, helping dozens of local community members in need. It was a great opportunity to connect with others while giving back and observing and discussing project management practices at a local nonprofit!   According to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Foodbank's website: The Market, our onsite pantry, is a place where there is no judgement, and everyone is treated with dignity and respect. All eligible neighbors can shop for grocery items at no cost. https://pittsburghfoodbank.org/get-involved/volunteer/the-market/   Keep an eye out for future outreach events! More to come in the near future.  Mario Cinnamon Crunch Nachos Sharing Your LinkedIn Profile via QR Code Tools to Optimize Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems   Mario Cinnamon Crunch Nachos Sharing Your LinkedIn Profile via QR Code Tools to Optimize Your Resume for Applicant Tracking Systems   In honor of Mario Day (MAR10), on March 11 (Mario +1?), PMI Pittsburgh Members met up at Baxter's R Cade in Cannonsburg. We got to talk to our VP of Education, Julianne Wolfe, and VP of Marketing, Stephanie Pedersen, to discuss what's going with our chapter and Project Management careers in general. Topics included: Missing Scrabble Tiles Project Management in Theater Using HireFlow.net to check your resume for fit against an Applicant Tracking System How Share Your LinkedIn Profile via QR Code ...and much more We'll try to post a few blog entries soon to share some of this knowledge. Watch for more updates in the next few weeks.               Julianne has been volunteering for over 10 years with PMI Pittsburgh and has done everything from door greeter to being on the Board of Directors. There's no volunteer opportunity too small! Julianne Wolfe is a certified PMP and a seasoned project management professional with roots in analytical chemistry, laboratory management, and criminal forensics. After graduating with a Chemistry degree from The Pennsylvania State University, Julianne focused her early career on analytical chemistry working from bench chemist to various laboratory management positions.  She discovered the tenets of project management while exploring better ways to lead large research projects.  Since then, Julianne has focused on project, program, and portfolio management in scientific research, manufacturing, information technology, and healthcare industries. She has applied her project management skills from small process improvement projects to large-scale, global transformations.  Julianne has become a power skills expert through these experiences and is a passionate leader who helps others hone these skills.  She has been a member and active volunteer of PMI Pittsburgh since 2014.  In her free time, Julianne enjoys spending time with her family and fur babies hiking and boating in the summer. Dean Brandt, a native Pittsburgher currently residing in the East End, is not only a passionate lifelong learner and adventurer but also a seasoned project management professional. Throughout his career, Dean has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to delivering projects that drive real business value. With certifications like PMP and PSM under his belt, he’s proven his ability to navigate complex, fast-paced environments—whether he was leading cutting-edge initiatives at major tech companies or mentoring emerging talent in his leadership role at PMI Pittsburgh. Dean Brandt, a native Pittsburgher currently residing in the East End, is not only a passionate lifelong learner and adventurer but also a seasoned project management professional. Throughout his career, Dean has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to delivering projects that drive real business value. With certifications like PMP and PSM under his belt, he’s proven his ability to navigate complex, fast-paced environments—whether he was leading cutting-edge initiatives at major tech companies or mentoring emerging talent in his leadership role at PMI Pittsburgh.   Dean’s career is a blend of strategic vision and hands-on execution. He’s known for his adaptability and for turning challenges into opportunities. While working on Google Shopping, he excelled in dynamic teams, consistently adapting to rapid changes and harnessing new technologies to streamline processes and deliver results on time and within budget. Outside the boardroom, Dean’s enthusiasm spills into his pursuits. His unexpected foray into board gaming in 2013 led him to organize his annual convention—Splotter Con—and embark on a quest to collect every Splotter Spellen game he can find. When he’s not strategizing over game nights, Dean’s passion for cycling has taken him from cyclocross and road racing to triathlons, including a century-long bike ride in 2023. His first marathon and 50k ultra trail race in 2024 further highlights his dedication to endurance and personal growth.   Balancing his energetic lifestyle, Dean finds calm in meditation after having discovered Sam Harris’s Waking Up app in 2021. A devoted coffee enthusiast—further inspired by a 10-day professional tour in Costa Rica—he turns every cup into a mindful ritual. At home, he cherishes the company of his two rescue Chihuahuas, Luna, and Costello, and treasures the deep family bonds that have grown even stronger following personal challenges in 2023.   Whether he’s steering a high-stakes project, organizing a board game convention, or conquering a century-long ride, Dean Brandt brings curiosity, commitment, and a genuine love for life to everything he does—a quality that shines through both in his professional achievements and his passions. Croque Monsieurs and Avocado Toast.  Psychology Research and Tech.  Cappucino and Drip.     Croque Monsieurs and Avocado Toast.  Psychology Research and Tech.  Cappucino and Drip.     Several members of the PMI Pittsburgh chapter met with chapter leaders for breakfast at Margaux in East Liberty on Friday February 7 for Breakfast with the Board. The nine of us discussed PMP study approaches and topics for future chapter meetings. We also talked about what we can do to help the chapter thrive in our 45th year.     Register for our next events at PittsburghPMI.org  Thursday, Feb 13, 2025 | The Smart Lazy: Achieving More by Doing Less  Wednesday, Feb 19, 2025 | Measuring Project Management Maturity for Performance Excellence  Thursday, Feb 20, 2025 | Failing to Enlist Allies (WiPM)  PMI Pittsburgh kicked off our Breakfast Club today at Panera at Waterworks! Nine members gathered for coffee, good food, and conversations.   Through introductions, we learned about each other's favorite projects and found commonalities in how the most challenging projects along with passion lead to fulfilling project work. Angelique Kim, MA, PMP shared general pitfalls and best practices along the facilitation roadmap from the starting point to preparation leading to outcomes at our destination. The group then engaged in a discussion on the most challenging and best facilitation scenarios and shared tips. It was a wonderful opportunity to gather together in a casual atmosphere and find opportunities for future collaboration. The Breakfast Club will be hosted once a quarter with the next one being held at the McCandless Crossing Panera on Friday, April 25th at 7:30 am ET. We will be alternating between two locations in the North Hills. Be on the lookout for an announcement on our next topic. We look forward to having you join us! Angelique Kim & Celeste Isacco are excited to head this program for 2025 and can't wait for more. Please reach out if you have any feedback, questions or speakers to be featured!  Stephanie has always been a planner/ project manager and her friends can attest to it. Only makes sense she decided to make a career out of it with her passion for marketing.      Stephanie lives in Canonsburg, PA with her Boston Terrier, Vito. She enjoys traveling, going to Broadway musicals, seeing comedies, and cheering on the black & gold (regardless of the team).  Stephanie has been a PMI Pittsburgh member since 2018 after realizing that project management isn't just for engineers. She quickly decided based on her experience as an international conference manager, she could take the CAPM.  In 2018, she passed her CAPM and worked for GNC as a Customer Experience Marketing Program Manager. She did everything from building emails to implementing a multi-million dollar in-store initiative. She decided she was ready to take the PMP and passed it in April 2021.  She moved on to Ansys in July 2022 and created workflows, automation, and project plans using Monday.com for the 200+ member marketing organization. She is currently searching for her next opportunity but is excited to help PMI Pittsburgh's engagement grow through marketing.    On January 8, PMI Pittsburgh gathered project management professionals to kick off the new year with an exciting focus on mentorship. National Mentoring Month set the stage for a dynamic session led by Pete Schramm, author of Pathfinders: Navigating Your Career Map with a Personal Board of Advisors and founder of Lattitude (software for mentorship and career mapping). This wasn’t just another presentation—it was an interactive deep dive into modern mentorship, career mapping, and creating meaningful professional connections (quite fun too). For those who couldn’t join the ~30 of us, here’s a recap of key takeaways, some of the questions and answers that enriched the discussion, and a sneak peek at what’s coming next.Reimagining Mentorship: From One Mentor to Many Traditionally, mentorship programs pair individuals with a single mentor. While this approach works, it doesn’t always address the varied needs of today’s professionals. Pete introduced us to the concept of a Personal Board of Advisors (PBA), which encourages individuals to build a team of mentors, each serving a unique role.   Some key roles outlined included: Buddy: A peer-level guide for tactical support. Champion: A senior advocate who champions your career growth. Functional Mentor: A mentor with deep expertise in your specific field. Cross-Functional Mentor: A mentor from outside your discipline, offering fresh perspectives. Accountability Partner: Someone to keep you focused and on track. Coach: Typically external and paid, offering project-based guidance. Successor: A reverse mentor who learns from and partners with you. By diversifying mentorship through a PBA, professionals gain a well-rounded support system, access to broader insights, and ongoing accountability.   Career Mapping: A Roadmap for Growth Pete also shared a valuable tool to guide mentoring conversations: the 5-dimensional career map. This framework helps professionals outline: Roles & Jobs: Past and current positions and future aspirations. Skills & Tools: The competencies you’ve developed and those you want to grow. Education & Certifications: Training that supports your goals. Accomplishments: Milestones that define your career journey. Fun & Personal Goals: Non-work ambitions that contribute to balance. We worked through the first steps of our own career maps during the session, creating a foundation for more productive mentoring relationships.   Our Questions, Answered During the session, participants asked thoughtful and practical questions about implementing mentorship programs and career mapping. Here are some highlights: Q: How do I start building my personal board of advisors? A: Start small. Identify two to three roles you need most right now, such as a buddy or a functional mentor. Reach out to people in your network who fit those roles and ask for an exploratory conversation. Q: What if I feel unqualified to be a mentor? A: Mentorship doesn’t require a badge or certification. Start by sharing your experiences and lessons learned. Ask questions, and let the relationship grow organically. Q: How do I introduce career mapping into my mentoring conversations? A: Begin with a draft career map that includes your past roles and future aspirations. Share it with your mentor, ask for feedback, and adjust as you go. Remember, career maps evolve over time. Q: What if I don’t have a formal mentorship program at work? A: Use informal conversations to build your board of advisors. Many successful mentorship relationships start with a simple coffee chat or LinkedIn message.   What’s Next for PMI Pittsburgh Mentorship? This session was just the beginning. PMI Pittsburgh is planning exciting new mentorship initiatives for 2025, including updates to our existing mentoring program. Get excited for a more dynamic and tailored approach that incorporates tools like career mapping and personal boards of advisors. Stay tuned for updates in your inbox, as we’ll be rolling out these initiatives in February. Our goal is to help you connect, grow, and thrive in your project management journey.   More Resources to Explore Looking to dive deeper into mentorship? Check out Pete Schramm’s book, Pathfinders, for actionable insights and tools to map your career and build your personal board of advisors: Pathfinders Book. Connect with Pete on LinkedIn for more ideas and updates: Pete Schramm on LinkedIn. Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, connection, and success—for PMI Pittsburgh and all of our members.