Leading by Learning

How has the Champion program helped you as an individual?
PMI Champion program has helped me grow my LEARN (Leadership, Empathy, Adaptability, Recognition, Networking) skills. It has enhanced my leadership skills by giving me opportunities to lead across PMI projects , and also the training that helped me grow as a leader in my organization. I also got opportunities to interact with non-government organizations (NGOs), which built my empathy skills by helping me realize how grateful we are for what we have. New toolkits like Disciplined Agile and sessions on new technologies and concepts have further augmented my adaptability skills to survive in the post-COVID normal. Recognition comes as a reward for being part of this program as the world sees you as an expert in project management and your organization appreciates you more for your capabilities. Networking is the greatest asset as we grow in an industry, and I feel great that I have a family of fellow champions who are there to help me in times of need.

My learning has increased a lot since I joined this program. I had been looking forward to it since I entered the project management world. It has given me opportunities to work on projects with the government and NGOs, and also to interact with industries beyond IT.

Why would you recommend the Champion program to a new volunteer?
This program is ideal for anyone who wants to learn new skills, and get opportunities beyond their organization to contribute to project management areas. It helps you get visibility inside and outside your organization. It helps you get project management news and updates before most of the world gets to know about it. It is also a wonderful platform to help society.

How have the PMI membership and certifications helped you and your organization or team?
Being associated with PMI has helped us stay ahead in the project management activities. We have been collaborating with PMI Hyderabad Chapter for quite some time to get our associates trained on PMI’s Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification. I can help my colleagues with the latest project management trends and create a community where we actively collaborate to face challenges. As a PMI member, I have access to vast resources on project management, which helps me stay ahead in the competition.

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Contributions to Community

How has the Champion program helped you as an individual?
The PMI India Champions program has helped me rediscover myself. It has given me networking opportunities to meet talented people in the industry who have inspired me.

Why would you recommend the Champion program to a new volunteer?
It gives practitioners an opportunity to guide and mentor others, while being on a continuous learning path themselves. It is hugely satisfying when you are able to contribute toward another person’s development goals.

How have the PMI membership and certifications helped you and your organization or team?
First of all, through my association with PMI, I have been able to stay in touch with market changes. Being associated with PMI chapters also opens up opportunities in professional networking.

I also treasure the access I have to knowledge building through PMI resources such as A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide), Agile Practice Guide, The Risk Guide, and ProjectManagement.com.

I have conducted training programs for aspirants of PMI’s Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification, and I have often heard attendees say that it has helped them increase their understanding on project management. As part of the Champion program, we recently conducted an agile prioritization workshop, following which a few attendees have started implementing agile techniques in their projects. I get a great sense of satisfaction from seeing the impact of these initiatives on the lives of project managers.