Design Thinking for Project Leaders: Creative Solutions for Complex Problems

Agenda   

•    5:00 PM Networking 
•    6:15 PM Dinner 
•    6:45 PM Chapter Updates 
•    7:00 PM Guest Speaker 
•    8:00 PM Event concludes

Description   

Design Thinking is a human-centered approach to problem-solving that focuses on innovation, collaboration, and creativity. Participants will explore how Design Thinking methodologies can be leveraged by project leaders to develop creative solutions for complex project challenges. The session will delve into the principles of empathy, ideation, prototyping, and iterative testing, and demonstrate how these principles can be applied to drive project success in a fast-paced, ever-evolving environment. Participants will leave with practical tools and techniques to incorporate Design Thinking into their project management processes, fostering a culture of innovation and helping teams tackle problems with fresh perspectives.

About the Speaker   

Dr. Pitchiah “Dr. Pitch” Balasubramanian is a seasoned and innovative business technology leader with over 32 years of progressive leadership experience across multiple industries. He currently serves in key leadership roles within the PMI Phoenix Chapter, including Treasurer/CFO (serving his second term) and Board Chair-Elect for 2025. A proud member of PMI since 1999, Dr. Pitch celebrated his 25th anniversary with the organization in November 2024.

He holds multiple professional certifications, including PMP, PgMP, PMO-CP, and ITIL, reflecting his deep expertise and commitment to excellence in project and program management. Dr. Pitch has consistently demonstrated thought leadership and a dedication to advancing the project management profession through decades of volunteer service across both global and local PMI chapters, including PMI Great Lakes (MI), PMI Pittsburgh (PA), PMI Chicagoland (IL), and PMI Phoenix (AZ).

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Pitch is deeply passionate about giving back to the community. He mentors and coaches high school students in STEM-focused robotics competitions, fostering the next generation of innovators and problem solvers. He is also a frequent speaker at local, regional, national, and international conferences, where he shares insights on topics such as artificial intelligence and the future workplace, sustainability in project management, strategic leadership, and design thinking. His presentations are known for engaging diverse audiences and sparking meaningful dialogue around innovation and leadership.

Professional Development Units

All attendees will earn one "Ways of Working" Professional Development Unit (PDU) for use towards the Project Management Professional (PMP) recertification.

Parking

Upon entering the gate to the building, from Patterson Blvd., go to the right and parking in the lot to the right of the building. Walk up to the front of the building, using the pathway in the front of the building. In the building lobby proceed to the registration desk to sign-in and get your name tag.

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