From Chaos to Clarity: How Our Nonprofit Won the Project Management Software Game – Washington
Abstract:
When our nonprofit decided to transition to a new project management platform, we thought it would be a simple “lift and shift.” Instead, it became a full-scale organizational adventure in change management, communication, and creative problem-solving. In this session, I’ll share how our small but mighty matrix team successfully moved every staff member—from tech-savvy to self-proclaimed spreadsheet loyalists—onto a unified project management tool that transformed how we collaborate, plan, and deliver impact.
This presentation dives into the human side of digital transformation: the messy middle where project management meets psychology. I’ll walk attendees through our journey from the first spark of “We need a tool” to full adoption, highlighting both the roadblocks and the breakthroughs. You’ll hear how I navigated resistance, designed hands-on learning experiences, and used storytelling to build excitement rather than anxiety around change.
Whether you’re implementing a new tool or simply trying to improve team adoption of the ones you already have, this session will equip you with practical insights and laughter from the trenches.
Key Takeaways:
- Adoption is an emotional journey, not just a technical one. Learn strategies to turn skeptics into champions and create a sense of shared ownership.
- Communication is your secret superpower. Discover how to frame change in ways that inspire participation and minimize friction.
- Celebrate small wins early and often. Find out how recognizing progress—no matter how small—can accelerate adoption and boost morale.
Join for a fun, relatable, and solution-focused look at what it really takes to implement new project management software in the real world—and bring your own stories of change to share!
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