Paper and Presentation: When Humans Run Wild: The Art and Science of Human-Centered Project Governance
Abstract: Behind every successful project or portfolio is a project manager quietly managing people, priorities, and politics. This session explores the human side of project governance, the messy and often overlooked realities of stakeholder management, and how strong governance structures can bring clarity, alignment, and momentum when things start to feel chaotic.
Drawing from real-world examples, we will unpack how to lead with empathy while still enforcing structure. You will learn how to build trust with diverse stakeholder groups, keep lines of communication open, and use governance not as red tape but as a tool to support decision making, transparency, and accountability.
Whether you are managing one project or coordinating an entire portfolio, this session offers practical tools and mindset shifts to help you balance the art of human-centered leadership with the science of structured delivery.
Key Takeaways:
- Learn how to use governance frameworks to manage chaos without stifling collaboration
- Explore practical strategies to align diverse stakeholders and lead through uncertainty
- Walk away with tools to serve as a strong communication hub that manages escalations, drives decisions, and keeps everyone aligned
PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen
Biography: Accomplished project and program management leader with over 10 years of experience delivering complex, enterprise-level initiatives across the education, healthcare, and technology sectors. A trusted advisor to executive stakeholders, Chanda specializes in aligning strategic priorities with operational execution, establishing governance frameworks, and driving cross-functional collaboration in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.
Her work centers on enabling business transformation, operational effectiveness, and enterprise compliance by applying a human-centered approach to governance. Known for her ability to build trust, lead through ambiguity, and translate complexity into clear, actionable outcomes, Chanda consistently delivers high-impact results that support institutional goals and long-term sustainability.
