Keeping People Engaged Through Stories
This engaging keynote explores how to manage value perception, outcome ownership, and continuously reassess shifting project realities. Blending practical insight with compelling storytelling, this session equips professionals to minimize waste, maximize value, and deliver results that resonate.
Learning Objectives:
- Apply PMI’s M.O.R.E. framework to enhance stakeholder value and perception
- Reassess project parameters continuously to adapt to change and optimize outcomes
- Expand perspective to align projects with broader organizational goals
Nicholas traces the evolution of Artificial Intelligence from its theoretical roots to today's Agentic AI systems, drawing vivid parallels to Hollywood predictions in War Games, Terminator, and Total Recall. Delivered by a 30-year industry veteran and holder of all 17 PMI certifications, the session demystifies how a "perfect storm" of converging forces — non-rule-based learning algorithms, parallel programming, GPU hardware evolution, high-speed GPU inter-networking, cloud infrastructure, and AI-as-a-Service delivery models — ignited the AI revolution we are living through today. Attendees will explore the rise of Agentic AI (systems that perceive, reason, plan, and act autonomously), learn why matching the right architecture to the right problem is critical, and discover why AI doesn't replace leaders — it demands them.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the technologies that enable modern AI
- Architect Agentic AI & Workflows appropriately
- Embrace the role that AI demands of Project Leaders
This revolutionary framework unlocks the secret to increasing Customer Value and Service Provider Revenue, creating an unbeatable WIN/WIN scenario. Through his dynamic approach, teams consistently achieve higher project delivery rates, soaring customer satisfaction, and enhanced strategic positioning.
What sets this experience apart is Nicholas's unique ability to weave entertainment with education. Get ready for a journey filled with compelling stories - from Miami misunderstandings to SpongeBob wisdom, to lessons from the Methodic Squirrel.
What can a dog and two boys teach you about metrics? Ever wonder if the system is fair? How do swans get more work? Ever feel like you are asked to go left, but paid to go right? Metrics drive behavior, sometimes, in conflict with goals. Let’s explore funny “non-business” metrics gone wrong, and similar issues in services organizations. We will examine corporate home theaters, and SpongeBob, and it will be relevant!
*** Previous Keynote *** We don't need more project managers. We need project leaders! Take a journey as we discover what being a leader truly means! What is the transition to leadership we must all make? How might a magical fairy steal the show? Or a beautiful swan? Why does business need us? What is success? How can you convey your value? Are you a doer, director, or leader? What's the difference? What are hidden moments of truth? Understand the WIFM as well as the squirrel’s fate. Join me as we take an ironic, humorous, relevant, storybook adventure about the Leadership of Tomorrow. *** Previous Keynote ***
Why do project managers really have jobs? What is success? Are you a status reporter, fire fighter, psychic, or even a swan? Wondering what those are? Join me as we take an ironic look at scheduling in practice. We will discuss how you can make those difficult schedule delay conversations disappear. After my session, you will have it all under control. Better watch, someone may want to “steal some cycles” after we are done.
*** Previous Keynote *** Risk Leadership is so much more than Risk Registers, Impacts, Probabilities, and Risk Response Planning. Why do project managers really have jobs? What is success? Are you a status reporter, fire fighter, psychic, or even a swan? Wondering what those are? What risk could a swan bring forth? Why does SpongeBob appear where there is a lack of shared risk? What makes the cashew nut deadly? Join me as we take an ironic look at risk. Who says we can’t make a talk on risk…fun? *** Previous Keynote ***
*** Previous Keynote *** What is the transition to leadership we must all make? What does the term “technical PM” really mean? Why is it that 70% of projects fail? What if 70% of surgeries failed? Why do project managers really have jobs? What is success? What is your leadership style, and is it effective? Come learn about “Hidden Moments of Truth.” Learn about why you might be cold if you were born in Miami. How may a magical fairy help with innovation? Learn about the Jedi mind trick, the WIFM, and the fate of the squirrel. Join me as we take an ironic, humorous, relevant, storybook adventure. *** Previous Keynote ***
Do you think artists are born gifted? Yes, some are. But maybe we just need to redefine art? Project Management is both an Art and a Science. You can learn how to perform the calculations, to calculate the critical path. But, how do you learn the art? What is the art? What makes some project managers gifted? Some things you can only learn from being in the field. Why do project managers really have jobs? What is success? Are you a status reporter, fire fighter, psychic, or even a swan? Wondering what those are? What makes the cashew nut deadly? Pick up your brush, join me as we blend education, stories, and humor to explore the Art of Project Management.