Unprepared for Change:
Regaining Control After Sudden Disruption

We often don’t have the luxury of a “textbook” approach to implementing change or leading a transformation. Sudden regulatory shifts, unexpected market disruptions, or other circumstances can force an immediate response. There’s no time for detailed planning, stakeholder preparation, or even a well-thought-out communication campaign. Does that mean we have to accept chaos and constant crises as the new normal? Not necessarily!

Grzegorz Szałajko https://www.linkedin.com/in/szalajkog/

Globally recognized expert in project and transformation management. 

Questions? LGDarmstadt@pmi-gc.de 

Welcome to the PMI Book Club – June Edition!
Join us for an empowering session focused on understanding, building, and applying confidence in leadership and professional life. This month, we’re diving into two powerful reads that complement each other in profound ways:

Book 1: The Confidence Gap by Russ Harris
Summary:
Grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), this book offers a science-backed guide to overcoming fear and self-doubt. Harris explains how action, not perfection, builds confidence. By managing unhelpful thoughts and committing to values-based action, readers learn to move forward despite uncertainty or anxiety.

Key Takeaways:
• The myth of needing to “feel confident” before acting
• Practical tools to defuse negative self-talk
• The power of values-led behavior

Access the book:
• Amazon – Print/Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Confidence-Gap-Russ-Harris/dp/1590309235
• Audible – Audiobook
• YouTube Summaries
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=the+confidence+gap+by+russ+harris

Book 2: The Confidence Code by Katty Kay & Claire Shipman
Summary:
This book explores the gender dynamics of confidence, especially how women experience and express it professionally. Combining neuroscience, psychology, and interviews with powerful women leaders, Kay and Shipman provide insight into why confidence matters more than competence—and how to build it intentionally.

Key Takeaways:
• Confidence is more important than we think for career advancement
• Genetics, upbringing, and culture all play a role
• Confidence can be cultivated with action, risk-taking, and mindset shifts

Access the book:
• Amazon – Print/Kindle
https://www.amazon.com/Confidence-Code-Science-Self-Assurance-What-Should/dp/006223062X
• Audible – Audiobook
• YouTube – Talks & Summaries
• https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=the+confidence+code+katty+kay

Meet Your Host – Richa Agrawal
Richa is a seasoned project leader and passionate advocate for personal development, diversity, and inclusive leadership. She brings a wealth of experience and insight to help guide our discussion on confidence, courage, and professional growth.

Please address any questions to martin.bertram@pmi-gc.de

Austausch über Bücher, Podcasts, Artikel, um uns auf die Sommerferien vorzubereiten

Liebe Projektmanagement-Enthusiasten,

wir laden Euch herzlich zum ersten Stammtisch der Local Group Ruhrgebiet des PMI Germany Chapters nach der Sommerpause ein!

Dies ist eine großartige Gelegenheit, gleichgesinnte Projektmanagerinnen und Projektmanager zu treffen, sich zu vernetzen und 2 wertvolle PDUs (Professional Development Units) zu sammeln.

Wir freuen uns auf einen inspirierenden Abend mit Euch!

PMI GC Local group Rheinland Event

✨ Welcome to This Month’s PMI Book Club Session!
We’re excited to welcome you to our July Book Club session, where we’ll explore “Engagement Blueprint: Building a Culture of Commitment” by Konstantinos Apostolopoulos.
Whether you’ve finished the book or are just getting started, come ready to exchange ideas and insights in a dynamic, judgment-free space with fellow project professionals!  This event is Open to all and Free to all.

About the Book
Engagement Blueprint is a practical, research-based guide to fostering employee engagement and building high-performance cultures. Apostolopoulos outlines a clear framework for understanding what drives commitment, motivation, and purpose in the workplace. The book combines psychology, leadership strategy, and organizational design to help leaders create environments where people thrive.

Coach Kon will also join our meeting to discuss his book and answer your questions.

Key takeaways include:
• The 5 Elements of Engagement
• The role of leadership alignment in culture building
• Strategies for measuring and sustaining engagement
• How engagement drives innovation and resilience
This is a must-read for professionals interested in culture transformation, employee motivation, and leading change.

Access the Book
Choose the format that works for you:
• Print / eBook:Get the free downloadable version of this book from the Author provided by going to our Book Club LinkedIn Page
Amazon Link – Engagement Blueprint
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08J4FBY8T
Audible – Engagement Blueprint
• Video Insights:
YouTube – Author Talks / Summaries
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=engagement+blueprint+konstantinos+apostolopoulos

Please address any questions to martin.bertram@pmi-gc.de

Overview:
Join us for an engaging and thought-provoking session focused on closing the gender gap in project leadership and delivery. This “Women in Projects Network” event brings together professionals committed to advancing equity and excellence in project work.

Agenda:

11:30 – 12:00 CET | Networking & Open Discussion
Connect informally with fellow project professionals. Share insights, challenges, and aspirations in a supportive setting.

12:00 – 13:00 CET | Presentation & Guest Speaker Discussion
A dynamic presentation exploring key issues and actionable strategies to reduce the gender gap in projects—followed by a Q&A and discussion with our guest speaker.
(Speaker to be announced soon)

Who Should Attend:
Project professionals, team leaders, change-makers, and anyone passionate about fostering inclusion in project environments.

Please address any questions to martin.bertram@pmi-gc.de

Liebe Projektmanagement-Enthusiasten,

wir laden Euch herzlich zum ersten Stammtisch der Local Group Ruhrgebiet des PMI Germany Chapters nach der Sommerpause ein!

Dies ist eine großartige Gelegenheit, gleichgesinnte Projektmanagerinnen und Projektmanager zu treffen, sich zu vernetzen und 2 wertvolle PDUs (Professional Development Units) zu sammeln.

Wir freuen uns auf einen inspirierenden Abend mit Euch!

Welcome to the PMI Book Club - September Edition
As we continue our fall focus on Business Acumen, this month’s session explores how project professionals can enhance their decision-making by understanding business value and organizational priorities. Whether you’re delivering complex programs or leading a team, the ability to think strategically and act with business insight is key to long-term impact.

Join host Liz Hector as we unpack what it really means to think strategically, understand the business as a whole, and make smart, value-driven decisions.
October Reading List: Coming Soon!
We’re curating a powerful selection of content to guide this conversation, including books, articles, and interviews with thought leaders.

The final reading list will be released in July 2025.

The materials will center on:

• Strategic decision-making in project and portfolio contexts
• Understanding business drivers and trade-offs
• Translating strategy into project-level action

You’ll receive the reading list via email and our PMI Book Club group as soon as it’s available.

Key Questions We’ll Explore:

• What frameworks can guide smarter business decisions in projects?
• How do we identify and prioritize business value?
• How can PMs and leaders communicate trade-offs and ROI effectively?
• What does it mean to be a “strategic partner” in project delivery?

Please address any questions to Martin.Bertram@pmi-gc.de 

Liebe Kolleginnen und Kollegen,
wir laden Sie herzlich zu unserer Veranstaltung „PRINCE2 & PMBOK: Maßgeschneiderte Projektsteuerung für Ihren Erfolg“ bei M-Net ein! Erfahren Sie, warum PRINCE2 in der Organisation und Lenkung von Projekten führend ist, wie PMBOK effektiv in Teilprojektstreams integriert werden kann und warum beide Ansätze an Projektgröße und Unternehmensstruktur angepasst werden müssen.