Presentation: Unity, Purpose, and Prosperity: The Ubuntu Approach to Successful Project Management
Abstract: Our world today holds a multitude of new complexities for project managers. The pace of change, new technologies, increasing interconnectedness (global and more culturally diverse teams), and paradoxically simultaneous disconnectedness (remote and dispersed workers) are all driving the need to innovate how we lead and rally teams to success. There are many routes to achieving our project goals but drawing from an alternate source of wisdom, like Ubuntu, significantly enhances our ability to deliver successful and sustainable project outcomes, and increases the likelihood of repeatedly achieving this level of effectiveness.
This presentation explores how the principles of Ubuntu – a philosophy rooted in Southern African traditions – can significantly enhance a project manager’s effectiveness. Whether attendees are new or senior project managers, they will gain practical insights into how to apply Ubuntu in their own projects to enhance team cohesion, stakeholder engagement, and long-term success through sustainable outcomes.
This presentation will:
- Unpack the key elements of Ubuntu philosophy in an easy-to-understand way,
- Demonstrate how adopting even a few of these principles can transform leadership styles, build stronger relationships
- Outline strategies that can ultimately drive more sustainable and impactful project outcomes
PMI Talent Triangle: Ways of Working
Biography: Keshni Naicker Washington (Project manager | Writer | Strategist | Technologist)
Having lived in Washington D.C. for over a decade now, Keshni has almost gotten used to Orion being the right way up in the northern hemisphere sky. As a senior project manager and strategist she leverages her PMP credentials, and her 20+ years of experience in executing business transformation initiatives, to not only lead complex projects, but to find new roads through ambiguity, especially when defining and establishing project management and change management frameworks that support an organization’s mission of mobilizing diverse stakeholders to take action.
Her core competencies include program and project management, human-centered design, ideation, innovation, and storytelling, which she has applied across various domains, in South Africa, the UK and the USA, from private sector banking and financial services (Standard Bank of South Africa, Development Bank of Southern Africa) to international development (IMF) and now in climate change work (at the non-profit founded by former Vice President Al Gore). With her strong focus on sustainable solutions, she thrives in the spaces where she can find creative and effective solutions to complex and urgent problems. She prioritizes team coherence, and open communication as vital keys to unlock project success. A writer and speaker, she has appeared on stage at Story District DC and Kama DC events.
