Insights and inspiration for project professionals

During my years in consultancy, I grew from Project Manager to Project Integration Leader, and eventually to Project Management Office (PMO) Lead. I became increasingly fascinated by helping organizations establish and optimize their PMOs. After all, the core question is always: what does the client want to achieve with their PMO? Just as there are different levels of project managers, PMOs also operate at varying levels of maturity and strategic influence.

A Collaboration with PwC

When I became President of the PMI Belgium Chapter, I never expected that PwC would reach out to collaborate on a white paper about the future of the Project Management Office. Our connection started at the GSK Event, R&D PPM Cross-sharing & Development Day. Shortly after, we had a follow-up call to set the timeline and define the approach. The concept of the white paper was presented, along with a list of thought-provoking questions for me to reflect on.

These questions were both challenging and inspiring. They made me consider how PMOs will evolve within organizations, especially with the growing influence of artificial intelligence. To gain deeper insights, I discussed the topic with fellow PMO professionals, exploring different perspectives on how the role might transform in the years ahead. Eventually, the interview took place via Teams, with a marketing specialist and a professional writer, who skillfully transformed my insights into clear and compelling language.

From Belgium to a Global Audience

These insights were brought together in a five-page report on the future of the Project Management Office. Once the report was finalized, the next question naturally arose: how would it be distributed? PwC decided to share the white paper across its global network. That’s when it truly hit me: this was not just a Belgian initiative; it would be distributed worldwide.

Adding to the excitement, a PwC representative was also set to host a workshop at the PMI BeNeLux Summit 2025, where the white paper would be discussed. I felt deeply honored to see our collaboration reach such a broad and international audience.

Looking Ahead: The PMO BeNeLux Awards

This partnership marks the first step in a series of upcoming initiatives with PwC, including the launch of the PMO BeNeLux Awards. While the PMI PMO Awards already exists at the international level, this new award brings the recognition closer to home, celebrating excellence in PMO across the Benelux region.

The project will be led by Asier Eibar, a passionate PMO professional and jury member of the PMI PMO Awards, together with Paolo Alagna, our Director of Professional Development at the chapter.

But first, I invite you to explore the white paper and discover the key insights shaping the future of the PMO.

 

Anja Vandenbergh, PMP
President, PMI Belgium Chapter
president@pmi-belgium.be