Presentation: Lead Bigger: A Project Manager’s Guide to Strategic Leadership
Abstract: Many project managers excel at delivering scope, managing risk, and keeping teams on track but struggle to break through to the next level of leadership. What does it take to move from tactical execution to strategic influence?
In this engaging and practical session, Kim Hobson, Group Lead for Systems Management at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, shares her journey from technical project manager to trusted strategic advisor and organizational leader. Drawing from over 30 years of experience in federal programs, IT transformation, and cross-functional leadership, Kim offers a roadmap for PMs who are ready to lead bigger.
You’ll explore the mindset shifts and skillsets needed to evolve beyond task management and into roles that shape vision, drive change, and influence outcomes across the enterprise. Whether you’re managing multimillion-dollar programs or mentoring future leaders, this session will help you unlock your leadership potential, regardless of your title.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn how to shift from tactical project execution to strategic thinking and influence
- Discover practical strategies for leading without formal authority
- Identify actionable steps to grow your leadership presence and career impact
PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills
Biography: Kim Hobson is a mission-driven leader with over 30 years of experience delivering impactful IT and project management solutions across national security, federal, and commercial sectors. As Group Lead for Systems Management at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, she leads a multidisciplinary team delivering award-winning systems in support of the Department of Energy and the National Nuclear Security Administration.
A certified PMP with an MBA in Strategic Leadership, Kim has built her career at the intersection of technology, leadership, and transformation. She has led numerous high-stakes initiatives and earned recognition including the PMI Distinguished Project Award and multiple NNSA Team Excellence Awards.
A sought-after speaker and facilitator, Kim is known for translating complex challenges into strategic opportunities. In her talk, “Lead Bigger: A Project Manager’s Guide to Strategic Leadership,” she shares practical strategies for expanding leadership influence, aligning execution with vision, and leading with clarity and courage in complex environments.
