As 2025 wraps up, we’re taking a moment to reflect on a year rich in dialogue, innovation, and growth -even as we intentionally scaled back our delivery work. Our reflections fall into two broad categories: the activities we led and contributed to throughout the year, and the core themes that emerged as central to our conversations and learning.
Our 2025 Activities: Engaging, Sharing, and Building
More Conversations, More Stages
We found ourselves sharing insights across countries, industries, and platforms:
– Spoke at conferences in the US, Europe, and the Asia Pacific
– Won Best Paper Award for our U.S. submission
– Facilitated tracks at three major events Spoke at conferences in the US, Europe, and the Asia Pacific
– Participated in three expert panels on trending topics
– Delivered talks at:
- PMI Madrid, PMI Darmstadt (virtual)
- PMI APAC in Manila, PMI Heidelberg (onsite)
- Webinars on our own platform
- A virtual conference on AI
Publishing & Knowledge Sharing
This year wasn’t just about presenting, we also published:
– Two book chapters on emerging project practices
– Open-access conference papers on AI and agile project frameworks
– Three articles entered peer review (which may or may not see the light of day)
Fewer Projects, but Deeper Impact
While we worked on a single project this year, it was one of depth and purpose. It reminded us of the impact meaningful work can have—and we already miss it. After years of fast-paced delivery work, slowing down gave us time to reflect, recharge, and rethink what we want to build next.
Focus Topics That Defined the Year
AI: The Unmistakable Topic of the Year
If one theme dominated 2025, it was without question Artificial Intelligence. From certifications and webinars to regulatory debates and tool launches, AI was everywhere. We joined this expanding conversation with a balanced, critical voice grounded in both opportunity and responsibility.
To support project professionals navigating this rapidly evolving space, we launched a comprehensive workshop series. It’s designed to equip teams with the knowledge, tools, and ethical mindset needed to manage AI-driven projects effectively. Topics include AI literacy, stakeholder engagement, and how ethical principles shape project success.
In our workshops, talks, and publications, we consistently emphasize two dimensions:
1) On understanding AI:
– Prompt engineering isn’t real engineering—there’s more to AI than clever questions.
– Transparency and governance are non-negotiable—we strongly support the principles behind the EU AI Act.
2) On leadership responsibility:
– AI requires strategy, not just tools -executives must lead with intent to stay competitive.
– AI projects don’t fall from the sky -we are morally responsible for their impacts.
We believe project leaders must become AI-literate, not just to keep up with the technology, but also to guide its responsible and effective use.
Evolving Standards: PMBOK® Edition 8
We’ve incorporated key updates from the newly released PMBOK® Guide – Edition 8 into our AI literacy workshop, having reviewed early drafts during its development. The shift toward value delivery, systems thinking, and principle-based practices aligns strongly with our focus on managing uncertainty in AI and agile projects. We welcome this evolution as a timely and necessary progression for the profession.
Real Options
At the PMI Asia Pacific Conference in Manila, we presented how the Real Options framework can be applied to high-uncertainty project environments, particularly in agile and AI-driven initiatives. This method uses option-based financial thinking to value flexibility in project decisions. During the session, we demonstrated its practical application and sparked a lively discussion with the audience. That engagement led to the formation of a small expert group that helped us:
– Rebrand the “Abandon” option to fit with modern project language
– Extend the Real Options framework for broader, real-world use
Serious Games
Serious games like The Project Win Game™ continue to gain momentum as innovative tools for learning and engagement in project management. By immersing participants in high-stakes, scenario-based challenges, the game allows them to experience the consequences of complex project decisions in real time. While universities have been the early adopters, we believe their value extends far beyond academia. In our presentation at PMI Madrid, we demonstrated how serious games can help practitioners navigate agile dilemmas and bring fresh energy to learning and reflection in project environments.
Looking Ahead
If 2025 was about voice, visibility, and vision, 2026 might just be about execution and exploration. With so many new tools, ideas, and challenges on the horizon, we’ll keep championing AI literacy and project success practices.
Thank you to our clients, collaborators, and community for another inspiring year. Here’s to making more of what matters -and less of what doesn’t- in 2026.
Let’s make 2026 the year of smarter decisions, deeper learning, and more responsible AI.
Want to Collaborate?
Interested in Real Options, AI strategy, or serious games for your team? Get in touch with us – let’s do something great together.
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