Leadership, AI, and Transformation at PMI LIM 2026

A Journey from Challenge to Clarity

The month of May began with my participation in the Leadership Institute Meeting (LIM 2026) in Lisbon. I arrived with a heavy heart and a mind occupied by ongoing challenges within the leadership of our chapter. Initially, I was reluctant to attend. It felt difficult to step away from pressing concerns, and I questioned whether I would truly benefit from the experience.

However, as the days unfolded, the atmosphere of collaboration and shared purpose gradually shifted my perspective. Being surrounded by fellow leaders facing similar challenges created space for reflection, exchange, and renewed clarity. What began as hesitation slowly turned into engagement, and eventually into motivation to rethink how we approach leadership within our chapter.

The Power of Community

Our community is a SuperPower, and at its heart are its volunteers. This message was beautifully highlighted by Mariami, Head of Community, who expressed deep gratitude toward us. We dedicate our free time to connect with other chapter leaders across Europe and North Africa, strengthening a shared sense of purpose and commitment.

M.O.R.E Principles and R.e.S.E.T Thinking

During the sessions, we explored the M.O.R.E principles in depth and were introduced to a new concept: R.e.S.E.T. I immediately noticed the small “e” next to the capital letters. Although subtle, it carries significant meaning. As Pierre Le Manh emphasized, we should eliminate activities that do not create sufficient value.

Reflecting on recent challenges and shifts in chapter leadership, I found myself agreeing with this approach. We need to reassess our activities and remove those that no longer deliver meaningful value. Delivering value was a central theme of LIM. The key questions we were encouraged to reflect on were: How do we create real impact? And how do we determine what value we are expected to deliver?

The LIM was not only about listening to speakers, but also about actively practicing the M.O.R.E principles. It encouraged us to use these principles to clarify the impact of our projects and better understand what stakeholders expect from our outcomes and services.

Throughout the event, I had the opportunity to engage with passionate volunteers, chapter leaders, and industry professionals from around the world. The exchange of ideas, experiences, and best practices reinforced the strength of our PMI community and our collective commitment to advancing the profession and creating meaningful impact.

Transforming AI into Awareness & Identity

The second day of PMI LIM 2026 offered a powerful and thought-provoking session led by Jon Sanei on transforming AI into Awareness & Identity. The discussion went beyond technology, focusing instead on the deeper human implications of artificial intelligence in leadership, work, and personal growth.

One of the most impactful messages was that AI should not only be viewed as a tool for automation or efficiency, but also as a catalyst for greater self-awareness and transformation. Jon Sanei challenged participants to rethink their relationship with technology, emphasizing that the future will belong to leaders who can balance technological advancement with emotional intelligence, adaptability, and human connection.

The session highlighted how rapidly evolving AI technologies are reshaping identity, decision-making, and the future of leadership. Rather than resisting change, participants were encouraged to embrace uncertainty and continuously evolve their mindset. This perspective felt especially relevant in today’s fast-changing professional environment, where traditional leadership approaches are often no longer sufficient.

A key takeaway was the importance of remaining intentional and conscious in an AI-driven world. While AI can enhance productivity and provide valuable insights, human awareness, creativity, empathy, and purpose remain irreplaceable. Leadership in the future will require not only technical understanding but also the ability to inspire trust, authenticity, and meaningful collaboration.

On a personal level, the session prompted deep reflection on how I approach change, learning, and leadership. It reinforced the importance of staying curious, open-minded, and proactive in adapting to emerging technologies, while remaining grounded in personal values and human-centered leadership principles.

 

With smiling greetings,

 

Anja Vandenbergh , PMP
President, PMI Belgium Chapter