Keynote Speaker – Ben Breen

PMI’s Global Director of Construction and Vice President for the APAC region

Ben Breen is the Global Director of Construction and Vice President for the APAC region at PMI. Since joining in 2019, he has led the development of the PMI Construction Professional (PMI-CP)™ certification, equipping professionals with essential skills for the construction industry.

Originally from Australia, Ben moved to Singapore in 1994 and has played a key role in major projects like Marina Bay Sands and Suntec Convention Centre. An entrepreneur, he built his own project management company into a top-tier provider. Ben is PMI-CP certified, reinforcing his dedication to advancing project management in construction.

Karim Teli
Closing Keynote

Karim Teli is a visionary entrepreneur, investor, and creative producer with a dynamic track record of driving innovation across technology and consumer goods. As the founder of Big Shot Technologies, he has built a reputation for transforming bold ideas into thriving businesses, pioneering advancements in both the tech and FMCG sectors. With a sharp instinct for identifying talent and emerging opportunities, Karim has mentored and invested in numerous startups, guiding early-stage entrepreneurs toward scalable success. His leadership has consistently empowered others to think big, act boldly, and create meaningful impact. Karim has delivered compelling talks on influential platforms including TEDx and Shark Tank Pakistan. His work reflects a deep commitment to innovation, creativity, and social responsibility—values that have earned him widespread recognition and multiple accolades. Through his ventures and advocacy, Karim continues to inspire the next generation of leaders and change makers to reimagine what’s possible.

Kathleen Walch

Kathleen is Director of AI Engagement at Project Management Institute (PMI). PMI acquired Cognilytica in September 2024 to continue guiding project professionals in adding more AI capabilities to their skillsets. At Cognilytica, Kathleen co-developed the CPMAI methodology, iterating and evolving prior approaches to AI & data project management given the realities of the rapidly changing AI environment. Adopted by dozens of multinational organizations, dozens of government agencies, and NGOs, CPMAI is quickly becoming the standard methodology for AI project management best practices. Kathleen is CPMAI Certified and is a Lead Instructor on CPMAI courses and training. As an experienced data-focused analyst with a background in marketing, Kathleen’s expertise and experience in project management issues around organizational adoption of data led to the development of the CPMAI methodology. Kathleen is a dynamic presenter, researcher and thought leader on emerging technology best practices. She helped launch the AI-focused working group at ATARC and is the AI working group chair bringing her knowledge, experience, and expertise to help organizations and government agencies apply AI best practices. Kathleen was selected to join OECD’s ONE AI and Expert Group on AI risk and accountability in 2019 at the OECD ONE group launch. She is often invited to present at and keynote industry events. Kathleen is also a co-host of the AI Today podcast, regular Forbes contributor, TechTarget SearchAI columnist, and SXSW Innovation Awards Judge.

Tim Wharton

Experienced Naval Officer with a demonstrated history as a leader in Naval Nuclear Power across multiple platforms. Skilled in Risk Management, Project Management, Operations Management, Team Building, and Personnel Development.

Dr. Anil Sawhney (Co-Chair)

Anil is the co-chair of PMiP conference this year. With over 25 years of experience in the construction and infrastructure sector, the speaker is passionate about advancing the professional development, standards, and knowledge of this critical field. As the Head of Sustainability at RICS, they lead a portfolio of global activities designed to ensure that RICS achieves its strategic objective to lead and influence on sustainability.

In addition to his leadership role, the speaker is also an educator and a researcher. He teaches project management at the University of Southern California and Boston University, and have published multiple papers and reports on digitalization, decarbonization, Building Information Modeling (BIM), alternate technologies, and digital model-based delivery. The speaker’s academic and professional contributions have been recognized with several honors and certifications, including the 7th CIDC Vishwakarma Achievement Award and the 2014 Distinguished Scholar Award.

Professor Sawhney is always keen to learn and explore new technologies and innovations that can enhance the construction and infrastructure sector’s efficiency, quality, and sustainability. With their extensive experience, expertise, and passion for the industry, they are well-positioned to contribut

Ben Awuah

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/Computer Engineer with a strong background in control and embedded systems design, offering a versatile skill set across both hardware and software domains. Proven experience in control systems, customer service, digital and analog electronics, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) layout, test engineering, and system integration.Skilled in hardware and software troubleshooting, project management, and the testing and maintenance of electronic and software-based equipment. Known for being a creative thinker, proactive self-starter, and resourceful problem solver. Equally effective working independently or collaboratively within cross-functional teams.

Luis Argüelles

Luis is the Co-Founder and CEO of COPRISA, a forward-thinking real estate development company specializing in modern, high-value residential projects. With a strong background in construction, project management, and operations, he brings deep expertise in strategic planning, budgeting, and process optimization to ensure the efficient delivery of high-quality developments. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from PUCP and a Master’s in Project Management from Boston University. Luis is also certified in Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) from Stanford, Lean Six Sigma, and holds the CAPM credential from the Project Management Institute (PMI). Passionate about designing smart, functional living spaces, Luis is committed to shaping urban environments that meet the evolving needs of modern city life.

Fabio Mazzocco

Fabio Mazzocco is a project manager with diverse experience spanning IoT, construction, and internet-based solutions. His success is rooted in a steadfast commitment to delivering value, ensuring quality, and empowering people. Fabio thrives in environments where he is entrusted with ownership and guided by a clear vision. Passionate and purpose-driven, he influences others by leading through service and embracing responsibility. His approach consistently fosters collaboration, accountability, and results.

Inthumathi Chandrasekaran

Inthumathi Chandrasekaran is a PMP-certified professional with a Master’s degree in Project Management from Boston University. She brings robust experience in the offshore industry, underpinned by a strong foundation in Electrical Engineering. Her expertise spans the full project lifecycle, including pre-engineering surveys, front-end engineering design (FEED), detailed engineering, installation and methods engineering, and fabrication activities. Inthumathi’s skill set is deeply rooted in offshore installation processes, with a proven track record in design engineering and project management. With a hands-on, detail-oriented approach, she excels at integrating technical knowledge with leadership to drive successful project outcomes in complex engineering environments.

Dr. Luigi Morsa
Research Posters Track Chair

Aerospace Engineer & Space Fluid Dynamics PhD with experience in Aerospace Structures, Avionics, Aerothermodynamics, Flight Mechanics, Project Management, and Innovation Management Software.

Career highlights include serving as Project Manager, team leader and experienced engineer for challenging and demanding programs for a big group of Aerospace Industry and consultant companies. Additionally, Luigi has collaborated with other authors, publishing articles on “Chess and Business Strategy” and “People Innovation: A New Vision to Innovate” for the International Institute for Learning (IIL) Blog. Further, the speaker contributed a chapter on “Innovation Management Software” to the book “Innovation Project Management” published by John Wiley & Sons in 2019.

The speaker has significant speaking experience, having presented at the Project Management Institute (PMI) Conference – Europe Middle East Africa (EMEA) 2018 in Berlin on the complexity of the aircraft industry market and the relationship between product and customer needs. Their published work includes a case study on “The Airbus A380” in the book “Project Management Case Studies Fifth Edition” published by John Wiley & Sons in 2017.

Luigi´s  passion for project management has led him to contribute to two books by Dr. Harold Kerzner, the pioneer and globally recognized expert in project management. Luigi wrote two case studies about the Aircraft industry for Project Management Case Studies, 5th and 6th Editions (Wiley, 2017, 2022), two sections (Open Innovation in Action; The Project Manager’s Role in Developing Innovation Skills and Ideas in People) and the chapter “Innovation Management Software” for Innovation Project Management 1st and 2nd editions (Wiley, 2019, 2023).He recently co-authored with Richard Maltzman, a chapter “10 Lessons Learnt from Irresponsibility in Project Management” for the book De Gruyter Handbook of Responsible Project Management (De Gruyter, 2023). Luigi is a contributor for the International Institute for Learning blog; he is the author of “Artificial Intelligence and Project Management: The First Step ” (2023); “Avoiding Mistakes: The Great Challenge” (2022); “Team Management: The Key to Success” (2022); “Agile. Creativity. Innovation.” (2022); “Reduce the Risk – Share the Success” (2022), “Managing Conflicts in Projects” (2021); “Chess and Business Strategy” (2020); “People Innovation: A New Vision to Innovate” (2019). 

Loredana Abramo
Research Papers Chair

Dr. Loredana Abramo is a global citizen, who has lived and worked in several international locations, across 4 continents.   She has over 30 years of experience delivering large telecommunications networks and leading global programs in the corporate program office. Loredana is a Doctor in Electrical Engineering, a certified Professional Engineer in Italy and has a Certificate in Advanced Project Management from DePaul University. She is a PMP®, a member of PMI, a senior member of IEEE, and a TIA Convergence Technologies Professional.

Always committed to sharing her experience in project management, Loredana has written and presented multiple papers in support of IEEE, PMI, and IPMA. She has co-authored a book on Project Management competency development (Bridging the PM Competency Gap – 2017), a book on Responsible Project Management (The Responsible Project Manager Handbook – 2023) and is adjunct professor at Boston University Metropolitan College. 

Location: Greater Chicago Area

Industries: Telecom, Infrastructure, IT, Engineering

Kim Essendrup, Raidlog (Vendor and Panelist)

Kim is CEO of Raidlog. He believes that data is the best foundation for business decision-making. Hunches, and intuition just don’t cut it in today’s agile business model; executives, leaders, and teams need to make educated, data-decisions in order to successfully navigate the complex and ever-changing business landscape. This is one of the reasons he created AI-energized Raidlog to help project, program, and portfolio leaders identify, analyze, respond to, and communicate about risks.

Kim has also published books and is the co-host of the Project Management Happy Hour Podcast – a place for frank and honest discussion about real world issues in project management. We do it in a way that’s not too dry, though it may get a bit salty from time to time. Each episode covers a problem faced by Project Managers today, and share practical advice, real-life examples and the occasional project horror story.

Denise Arruda

/Dr. Denise Arruda is an adjunct professor of Project Management in Boston University’s Metropolitan College Administrative Sciences program. She received her Doctorate degree in IT, specializing in Project Management, from Capella University in 2019. In 1999, Dr. Arruda started running IT projects and became certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP) in 2004, where she remains in good standing.  In 2018, She extended her knowledge to include Agile practices and obtained a Professional Scrum Master (PSM-1) certification.  In 2023, Dr. Arruda extended her agile certifications to include SAFe for Teams. Dr. Arruda is the Senior Manager of Software for Fire Suppression Products at Johnson Controls Inc. She leads a global high-performance agile software development team. Dr. Arruda is a leader of leaders driving strategy, vision, and priorities by leading, coaching, and motivating her team to deliver on commitments. It is through building trusted relationships with the development team, product management, and leadership that our team and projects can be successful.

Dave Silberman

Dave Silberman, PhD, writes, researches, trains, and speaks to help change the stories of working life. Guided by a passionate concern for unleashing human potentiality, Dave taps into the relational dynamics between people, places, and the ways of the business to humanize and harmonize people and organizational performance.

Dave holds a PhD in Human Resources Development and has unique expertise in the human side of the business. Daves’s experience spans over 20 years working in the government, hi-tech startup, healthcare, and venture capital sectors. Additionally, Dave is a graduate-level lecturer at Boston University. His research interests include human factors and behavioral strategies related to human and entrepreneurial performance. He has authored scholarly literature and practitioner-based articles published in places like Forbes and is a best-selling author.

Scott Lynde

Scott is a creative leader who is passionate about the empowering capabilities of digital technology,
artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics, and organizational leadership. Leads transformative change by building a culture of
innovation, customer-oriented service, disciplined execution, and continuous learning. Has over 25 years of experience managing
high-performance technical teams, leading programs and projects with empathy, developing talent, and growing organizational capability.

Scott has a proven track record of leading people through technology adoption, organizational change, and growth in both development/engineering and production/manufacturing environments. He has extensive experience in
developing plans, tools, processes, and measurement/key performance indicator (KPI) frameworks and leading teams through the planning, executing, and controlling of complex, high-value programs and projects, using both traditional/waterfall and agile/Scrum methodologies. He demonstrates strong communication, data analytics, and finance/business acumen; adept at creating and building relationships with stakeholders. Scott’s been recognized for his ability to lead diverse teams in solving complex problems across multiple disciplines to achieve program success. He has a broad range of information system b(IS)/information technology (IT) leadership experience, including strategy development, program execution, and service management.

Rich Maltzman
Conference-Co-Chair

As a Master Lecturer at Boston University, Rich specializes in developing and delivering impactful courses tailored to graduate students, including and especially current practitioners. These courses empower them to drive positive change within their careers and make a meaningful impact on the world. With over 40 years of industry experience, including a substantial 30-year tenure in Project Leadership, including serving as a Director of the global PMO at Nokia, Rich brings extensive knowledge and expertise to the field. Rich holds a PMP(R) certification and has a deep-seated passion for integrating sustainability into project management.

In addition to his role writing and teaching a suite of Graduate courses at Boston University, Rich is also the co-founder and principal of EarthPM, LLC, a dynamic consulting and training company that excels at the intersection of project management and sustainability. Rich has had the privilege of working with diverse clients spanning various sectors and countries, including prestigious organizations such as the US Department of Energy, The United Nations, Massachusetts General Hospital, Eink, Omega Therapeutics, Beacon Construction Products, and Watermark Environmental. His commitment to this field is further reflected in my co-authorship of eight books on project leadership and numerous publications, all centered on project management and related topics. Rich is an active blogger on PMI’s projectmanagement.com, sharing his insights and experiences to benefit the project management community.

Vijay Kanabar