Women in Project Management Conference 2023

21 September 2023 | etc.venues, 133 Houndsditch, London

Programme and streams

Choosing from two streams of ‘Strategies for progressing your career’ and ‘Think Differently: Project success from the inside out' you will hear from a range of speakers from the profession and beyond, sharing their own stories and the skills and behaviours needed for your personal and professional advancement.

We look forward to welcoming you.

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Programme subject to change

Plenary session

Hear from our opening and closing keynotes as they open the conference and round up after a full day of inspiring debate and discussion.

Stream 1 - Strategies for progressing your career

Hear from project management practitioners - case studies and lessons learned, sharing insights gained on their career journeys.

Stream sponsor: Smartsheet
Stream host: Jennifer Swimley, Senior Regional Director, Smartsheet

Stream 2 - Think Differently: Project success from the inside out

Interactive sessions to support personal and professional development and progression.

Stream sponsor: CITI Ltd
Stream host: Kay Sanders, CEO, CITI Ltd

🕑 08:00-09:25 \| Registration and welcome breakfast
🕑 09:30-09:45 \| Welcome remarks Adam Boddison, CEO, APM Caroline Ojo, Programme/Project Delivery Manager, DMDTS Strategic Solutions Ltd, and APM WiPM SIG Committee Chair
🕑 09:45-10:30 \| Opening keynote: It’s your life, your career – tips and tricks for owning it Dame Inga Beale took over the helm of the 330-year-old City financial institution Lloyd’s of London in 2014, after working in senior leadership roles in some of the world’s largest insurance companies. With over three decades of global business experience she was awarded her Damehood in 2017 for services to the UK economy. Inga Beale now has a portfolio of non-executive director roles for a variety of multinational companies and is an Ambassador for Stonewall – the UK LGBTQ+ charity. Dame Inga Beale, Portfolio Director and Workplace Equality Advocate Host: Adam Boddison, CEO, APM
🕑 10:30-10:50 \| Morning refreshments
🕑 10:55-11:55 \| Sector insights to support your career plans Insights from project management professionals in different sectors for a comparative view of their differences and needs. Each panellist will briefly present their perspectives, followed by discussion amongst the panel and Q&A with attendees. How do they differ in working environment and culture (equity vs. equality) Where do they see new roles emerging? What are their skills needs? What are their capabilities challenges? What are the transferable skills across sectors Panellists: Hayley Burnell, Senior Portfolio Manager, Versus Arthritis Victoria Richards, Head of Profession for Project Management, Jacobs Ruqaiya Isa, Programme Manager, HMRC	🕑 10:55-11:55 \| What can you do to build your emotional intelligence? This activity-led session will discuss this undeniably important set of skills for effective leadership and successful project outcomes. Join to learn more about developing these skills, critical to navigating social interactions, making informed decisions, and building positive relationships to support your personal and professional successes. Session facilitator: Kay Sanders, CEO, CITI Ltd
🕑 12:00-13:15 \| Lunch break
🕑 12:30-13:15 \| Networking activities Facilitated topic tables: 1. How to move on up the ladder 2. Why soft skills are hard to acquire Jessica McHattie, Project Management Consultant at MI-GSO \| PCUBED Marion Thomas, Chief Trailblazer, ExtraordinaryPM 3. Leadership coaching taster Shireen Ali-Khan, Intersectionality Lead, Women in Transport Ruth Nichols, BAE APM Stand Membership, qualifications inc ChPP, volunteering, mentoring - your questions answered
🕑 13:20-14:20 \| Strategizing your career: How to move on up the ladder? A discussion around career journey options and skills needed for established project professionals wishing to move the next step up into a more senior or leadership position, or progress into another area of the profession. Top tips for how to progress irrespective of the level at which you are working Thinking tactically about your next steps Harnessing your skills and strengths for potentially different fields of specialisation. Chair: Adeshola Cole, CEO, Tritek Consulting Ltd Panellist: Ewelina Kruk, Transformation Director, The Instant Group Bel French, Project Manager, Gleeds Cost Management Ltd Dr Anne McCann, Whitehall Campus Programme Director	🕑 13:20-14:20 \| Thinking differently about change Creating ‘fear free’ zones for change by focusing on neuroscience and behaviours to ensure successful delivery. Why are some people afraid of change? By understanding the neuroscience of fear and the impact that has on your body and behaviours you can start to shift how you perceive change, moving from a fear state towards seeing change as an opportunity for change. If you understand your own feelings, emotions and behaviours when faced with a potentially fearful change you can start to use this knowledge as a resource to help others, especially those who may not be quite as excited about your project as you. Another key element to leading successful change is to understand the type of change you are delivering. This is essential to keep both your team, and your stakeholders in the ‘fear free’ zone and will ensure your team stay motivated and energised to deliver successful outcomes. Focus on people, not process, for leading successful change. Recognising the behaviours associated with the fear state and how to shift it for yourselves and others Understanding the different types of leadership needed for different types of change to keep everyone in the motivated brain friendly state. Session facilitator: Dr Tammy Watchorn, Author, The Change Ninja Handbook Host: Kay Sanders, CEO, CITI Ltd
🕑 14:25-15:15 \| How to adapt and adopt to embrace change and agility In today's rapidly changing world, it is widely accepted that agility has become a crucial skill for professionals in almost every field - not least those working in a project management environment. The ability to adapt, learn quickly, and effectively respond to new challenges is essential for success. Fireside chat with Beth Rylatt, Head of Business Change, Air Sector, BAE Systems Interviewer: Deborah Feakins, Founder, Marlowe Consulting	🕑 14:25-15:15 \| How can you better navigate brave conversations? Join this interactive session to learn some of the key tools and management techniques useful for the 'not-so-easy' conversations with internal and external project stakeholders. Decisiveness and confidence Conflict - negative and positive Session facilitator: Marion Thomas, Chief Trailblazer, ExtraordinaryPM Host: Kay Sanders, CEO, CITI Ltd
🕑 15:15-15:35 \| Afternoon refreshments
🕑 15:35-16:35 \| Women in leadership A panel of senior project professionals will share their learnings from their career journeys. Chair: Shireen Ali-Khan, Intersectionality Lead, Women in Transport, and Specialist Consultant Panellists: Emma Burrows, Associate Partner, PA Consulting Martina Blake, Head of the office for Project and Programme Management, UK Space Agency Heloise Douglas, Project Delivery Capability Development Lead, British Army Programmes	🕑 15:35-16:35 \| How to manage stress in a project management environment Learn the findings of recent research on well-being related issues in project-based organisations, including gender bias and burnout. Stress management for project management professionals. Organisational cultures and the menopause. Chair: Sarah Outterson, Project Manager, Babcock International Group Panellists: Sara Hajikazemi, Associate Professor of Project Management, University of the West of Scotland, and Committee Member, APM WiPM SIG Rachel Jackson, Lead Planner, Anglo American, and Committee Member, APM WiPM SIG Sunchana Johnston, Freelance Consultant, and Author of upcoming book, How to Successfully Manage Stress for Project Managers Host: Kay Sanders, CEO, CITI Ltd
🕑 16:40-17:25 \| Closing keynote: Addressing the biggest leadership challenges PMs face - Lessons learned from the Executive Coach Susanne is known for developing leadership development programmes globally and has worked with many high-profile companies such as JP Morgan, Citigroup, Philips, BAM and NXP to name just a few. In addition, Susanne is a popular key note speaker on the topic of leadership, emotional intelligence and stress. She is a fully qualified Corporate and Executive coach, an NLP Practitioner and is DISC accredited. Susanne Madsen, Project Leadership Coach, and Award-winning Author of 'The Power of Project Leadership'
🕑 17:25-17:40 \| Closing remarks Host: Milla Mazilu, Principal Programme Controls Manager, Network Rail, Wales and Western Region, and Chair, APM Adam Boddison, CEO, APM Irene Maposa, APM WiPM SIG Committee Member
🕑 17:40-18:40 \| Drinks reception All welcome

🕑 08:00-09:25 \| Registration and welcome breakfast
🕑 09:30-09:45 \| Welcome remarks Adam Boddison, CEO, APM Caroline Ojo, Programme/Project Delivery Manager, DMDTS Strategic Solutions Ltd, and APM WiPM SIG Committee Chair
🕑 09:45-10:30 \| Opening keynote: It’s your life, your career – tips and tricks for owning it Dame Inga Beale took over the helm of the 330-year-old City financial institution Lloyd’s of London in 2014, after working in senior leadership roles in some of the world’s largest insurance companies. With over three decades of global business experience she was awarded her Damehood in 2017 for services to the UK economy. Inga Beale now has a portfolio of non-executive director roles for a variety of multinational companies and is an Ambassador for Stonewall – the UK LGBTQ+ charity. Dame Inga Beale, Portfolio Director and Workplace Equality Advocate Host: Adam Boddison, CEO, APM
🕑 10:30-10:50 \| Morning refreshments
🕑 10:55-11:55 \| Sector insights to support your career plans Insights from project management professionals in different sectors for a comparative view of their differences and needs. Each panellist will briefly present their perspectives, followed by discussion amongst the panel and Q&A with attendees. How do they differ in working environment and culture (equity vs. equality) Where do they see new roles emerging? What are their skills needs? What are their capabilities challenges? What are the transferable skills across sectors Panellists: Hayley Burnell, Senior Portfolio Manager, Versus Arthritis Victoria Richards, Head of Profession for Project Management, Jacobs Ruqaiya Isa, Programme Manager, HMRC	🕑 10:55-11:55 \| What can you do to build your emotional intelligence? This activity-led session will discuss this undeniably important set of skills for effective leadership and successful project outcomes. Join to learn more about developing these skills, critical to navigating social interactions, making informed decisions, and building positive relationships to support your personal and professional successes. Session facilitator: Kay Sanders, CEO, CITI Ltd
🕑 12:00-13:15 \| Lunch break
🕑 12:30-13:15 \| Networking activities Facilitated topic tables: 1. How to move on up the ladder 2. Why soft skills are hard to acquire Jessica McHattie, Project Management Consultant at MI-GSO \| PCUBED Marion Thomas, Chief Trailblazer, ExtraordinaryPM 3. Leadership coaching taster Shireen Ali-Khan, Intersectionality Lead, Women in Transport Ruth Nichols, BAE APM Stand Membership, qualifications inc ChPP, volunteering, mentoring - your questions answered
🕑 13:20-14:20 \| Strategizing your career: How to move on up the ladder? A discussion around career journey options and skills needed for established project professionals wishing to move the next step up into a more senior or leadership position, or progress into another area of the profession. Top tips for how to progress irrespective of the level at which you are working Thinking tactically about your next steps Harnessing your skills and strengths for potentially different fields of specialisation. Chair: Adeshola Cole, CEO, Tritek Consulting Ltd Panellist: Ewelina Kruk, Transformation Director, The Instant Group Bel French, Project Manager, Gleeds Cost Management Ltd Dr Anne McCann, Whitehall Campus Programme Director	🕑 13:20-14:20 \| Thinking differently about change Creating ‘fear free’ zones for change by focusing on neuroscience and behaviours to ensure successful delivery. Why are some people afraid of change? By understanding the neuroscience of fear and the impact that has on your body and behaviours you can start to shift how you perceive change, moving from a fear state towards seeing change as an opportunity for change. If you understand your own feelings, emotions and behaviours when faced with a potentially fearful change you can start to use this knowledge as a resource to help others, especially those who may not be quite as excited about your project as you. Another key element to leading successful change is to understand the type of change you are delivering. This is essential to keep both your team, and your stakeholders in the ‘fear free’ zone and will ensure your team stay motivated and energised to deliver successful outcomes. Focus on people, not process, for leading successful change. Recognising the behaviours associated with the fear state and how to shift it for yourselves and others Understanding the different types of leadership needed for different types of change to keep everyone in the motivated brain friendly state. Session facilitator: Dr Tammy Watchorn, Author, The Change Ninja Handbook Host: Kay Sanders, CEO, CITI Ltd
🕑 14:25-15:15 \| How to adapt and adopt to embrace change and agility In today's rapidly changing world, it is widely accepted that agility has become a crucial skill for professionals in almost every field - not least those working in a project management environment. The ability to adapt, learn quickly, and effectively respond to new challenges is essential for success. Fireside chat with Beth Rylatt, Head of Business Change, Air Sector, BAE Systems Interviewer: Deborah Feakins, Founder, Marlowe Consulting	🕑 14:25-15:15 \| How can you better navigate brave conversations? Join this interactive session to learn some of the key tools and management techniques useful for the 'not-so-easy' conversations with internal and external project stakeholders. Decisiveness and confidence Conflict - negative and positive Session facilitator: Marion Thomas, Chief Trailblazer, ExtraordinaryPM Host: Kay Sanders, CEO, CITI Ltd
🕑 15:15-15:35 \| Afternoon refreshments
🕑 15:35-16:35 \| Women in leadership A panel of senior project professionals will share their learnings from their career journeys. Chair: Shireen Ali-Khan, Intersectionality Lead, Women in Transport, and Specialist Consultant Panellists: Emma Burrows, Associate Partner, PA Consulting Martina Blake, Head of the office for Project and Programme Management, UK Space Agency Heloise Douglas, Project Delivery Capability Development Lead, British Army Programmes	🕑 15:35-16:35 \| How to manage stress in a project management environment Learn the findings of recent research on well-being related issues in project-based organisations, including gender bias and burnout. Stress management for project management professionals. Organisational cultures and the menopause. Chair: Sarah Outterson, Project Manager, Babcock International Group Panellists: Sara Hajikazemi, Associate Professor of Project Management, University of the West of Scotland, and Committee Member, APM WiPM SIG Rachel Jackson, Lead Planner, Anglo American, and Committee Member, APM WiPM SIG Sunchana Johnston, Freelance Consultant, and Author of upcoming book, How to Successfully Manage Stress for Project Managers Host: Kay Sanders, CEO, CITI Ltd
🕑 16:40-17:25 \| Closing keynote: Addressing the biggest leadership challenges PMs face - Lessons learned from the Executive Coach Susanne is known for developing leadership development programmes globally and has worked with many high-profile companies such as JP Morgan, Citigroup, Philips, BAM and NXP to name just a few. In addition, Susanne is a popular key note speaker on the topic of leadership, emotional intelligence and stress. She is a fully qualified Corporate and Executive coach, an NLP Practitioner and is DISC accredited. Susanne Madsen, Project Leadership Coach, and Award-winning Author of 'The Power of Project Leadership'
🕑 17:25-17:40 \| Closing remarks Host: Milla Mazilu, Principal Programme Controls Manager, Network Rail, Wales and Western Region, and Chair, APM Adam Boddison, CEO, APM Irene Maposa, APM WiPM SIG Committee Member
🕑 17:40-18:40 \| Drinks reception All welcome