The Future of Project Management: AI Takes Center Stage at HIMSS25
LAS VEGAS — In a riveting discussion at the HIMSS25 Executive Summit, Pierre Le Manh, President and CEO of the Project Management Institute (PMI), shared transformative insights on the evolving landscape of project management. Engaging in dialogue with HIMSS President and CEO Hal Wolf, Le Manh heralded Artificial Intelligence (AI) as the driving force behind modern project management methodologies.
Emphasizing Shared Goals for Digital Transformation
The duo underlined the critical importance of aligning teams with shared project objectives. According to Le Manh, a cohesive team is essential for achieving digital transformation—a necessity in today’s fast-evolving business environment. “Without a united front, reaching significant milestones becomes a daunting task,” he emphasized.
A Historic Legacy: PMI’s Role in Project Management
Founded in 1969, PMI has been a stalwart in the realm of project management, offering various certifications that validate professionals’ skills. The organization has recently partnered with Agile to form the PMI Agile Alliance, aiming to enhance collaboration and foster an agile approach to product development.
Growing Demand for Skilled Project Managers
With ongoing changes in healthcare and beyond, the demand for skilled project managers is surging. As Le Manh articulated, “Effective program management hinges on having the right people who understand the organization’s goals.”
Bridging the Skills Gap
Notably, he pointed out that while many tech experts excel in their technical fields, they often lack essential interpersonal skills. Fortunately, these skill gaps can be addressed through targeted training, fostering a more well-rounded skill set.
Project Management’s Volatile History
Recalling the trends from 1998, Wolf noted how project managers were nearly phased out during the rise of Extreme Programming (XP). However, as software complications emerged, the necessity for experienced program managers was reaffirmed, reflecting the profession’s resilience.
Shifting Paradigms: New Leadership Models
Le Manh shared observations of how leaders in various sectors are redefining management structures, especially when traditional approaches are no longer feasible. He cited the aerospace industry—once dominated by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)—now witnessing a surge of innovation driven by entrepreneurs.
Magic in Software and People Development
“There’s magic in the development of software, in the development of people,” Le Manh asserted, highlighting the unique interplay between technology and human resources in driving successful project outcomes.
The Core of Project and Program Management
According to Wolf, portfolio management is the linchpin that brings all components of project and program management together. Le Manh concurred, stating that prioritizing people is fundamental to successful management strategies.
The Need for Sustainability in Business Strategies
Another crucial element discussed was sustainability. Le Manh acknowledged that, while the term has been sidelined in recent discourse, building long-term sustainable business practices remains paramount. Organizations must navigate varying regulations to secure their futures.
Navigating the Technological Landscape
AI’s disruptive influence extends across all sectors, and the discussion naturally turned to how organizations can prepare project managers for leading this AI transformation. Le Manh stressed the necessity of equipping project managers with the skills necessary to draw on AI for strategic advantage.
The Intuitive Human Component
When Wolf probed the importance of the human element in project management, Le Manh focused on the notion of project culture. He posited that empathy, paired with strong business acumen, is vital to inspire colleagues and execute significant organizational change.
A Broader Vision for Project Management
Le Manh emphasized the importance of expanding an organization’s vision to encompass more than just budget and scope management. A project manager’s ability to see the "bigger picture" is crucial, though challenging for many professionals in the field.
Accountability in Unpredictable Contexts
“The reality,” Le Manh stated, “is that sometimes you have to be responsible for outcomes beyond your control.” This acceptance is crucial for professionals navigating the ever-evolving landscape of project management.
Training for Transformation: The Future is Now
To summarize, equipping project managers for the challenges of AI integration is no small feat. Organizations need to proactively invest in training to ensure that their leaders can adeptly navigate this technological shift.
Building the Future Together
As organizations face increasing demands for innovation and efficiency, the insights shared at HIMSS25 provide a vital roadmap. By focusing on collaboration, empathy, and continuous learning, project management can evolve alongside technology to meet future challenges head-on.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Project Management and AI
As highlighted during this insightful conversation, AI is reshaping the foundational structures of project management. Leaders and organizations must embrace this shift, prioritizing skilled personnel and fostering a supportive culture that encourages adaptability and empathy. The future of project management holds significant promise, driven by innovation and a renewed focus on human connection within teams.
