After presenting the results of our PM Survey the room shifted toward a deeper conversation – one that revealed what project managers and PMO leaders are genuinely concerned about today.
The discussion quickly became an honest exchange of experiences: what works, what doesn’t, and where the profession is heading. Below is a summary of the themes that resonated most strongly during the session.
The Skills Challenge: It’s Not About Certificates Anymore
One of the first topics that surfaced was the ongoing struggle to identify and nurture the right skills. Participants agreed that soft skills — communication, leadership presence, adaptability — are increasingly becoming the true differentiators among PMs.
But recognizing these skills isn’t easy.
Several approaches were mentioned:
External recruiters, however, often fall short in understanding PM profiles deeply enough. And while senior external contractors can provide quick relief, they come with a high price tag.
This leads many companies toward internal solutions: upskilling programs, homegrown certifications, mentorship, and a stronger focus on attitude over credentials. As one participant noted, “Certification is nice — but attitude is what keeps a project alive.”
Meanwhile, international competition for strong PM talent is pushing salaries upward, creating tension around internal equity and retention.
Change Management: From ‘Nice-to-Have’ to Non-Negotiable
If there was one topic everyone agreed on, it was this: change management is no longer optional.
Participants emphasized that complex projects simply cannot succeed without structured change management embedded from the start. This includes:
Tools matter — but mindset matters even more. And above all, organizations need to shift towards a people-centric approach to change, not just a procedural one.
The Broader Picture: What Today’s PMs Need
Beyond the main topics, several recurring themes emerged:
These conversations reminded everyone why community moments like this matter. They create space for collective learning, for comparing experiences, and for acknowledging the capability gaps we must address together.
Where We Go From Here
Perhaps the strongest message from the room was simple:
Let’s keep talking.
The PM community clearly values open, honest dialogue — not just about frameworks and methodologies, but about real-world challenges and the human skills needed to navigate them.
We also identified a list of interests, which can be a great direction for any conversation in the future:
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