Project management has evolved significantly beyond its traditional foundation of Gantt charts and structured planning approaches. Digital transformation, remote work capabilities, and increasingly complex business demands have reshaped this critical discipline. Modern project managers face challenges that extend far beyond scheduling and resource allocation, taking on strategic roles that directly impact business outcomes.
Leading this transformation is a generation of innovative professionals who bring fresh perspectives to project delivery methods. Their approach combines proven fundamentals with adaptive techniques, ensuring organizations can respond effectively to rapid market changes. As businesses navigate uncertain markets and digital transformation initiatives, strong project management has become essential for maintaining competitive advantage and driving sustainable growth.
This article presents the top 25 project management influencers who have distinguished themselves through visionary thinking, practical expertise, and an unwavering commitment to advancing the profession. These individuals do more than simply adapt to change; they anticipate and shape it, offering insights that resonate across industries and methodologies.
What distinguishes these influencers in the landscape of project management thought leadership?
Visionary Thinking: They consistently identify and articulate emerging trends, preparing practitioners for future challenges.
Practical Expertise: Their advice is grounded in real-world experience, offering strategies proven effective in diverse project environments.
Interdisciplinary Approach: By integrating insights from various fields, they bring fresh perspectives to persistent project management challenges.
Accessibility: Complex concepts are distilled into actionable insights, making advanced strategies accessible to professionals at all levels.
Continuous Innovation: From Agile methodologies to change management, these influencers are at the forefront of evolving project delivery practices.
The following list represents a diverse cross-section of expertise, from seasoned consultants to pioneering academics. Each influencer brings a unique perspective to the table, contributing to a rich tapestry of knowledge that defines excellence in project management today.
Top 25 Project Management Influencers
Elizabeth Harrin
With over 20 years of experience as a seasoned project manager, Elizabeth Harrin has made a name for herself as both a project leader and an educator, lending her expertise to prominent technology companies. In 2020, she founded RebelsGuideToPM.com, a platform aimed at assisting clients in the IT, education, and Web3 industries. Elizabeth is also a prolific author, having published seven books on project and change management. Her book, Shortcuts to Success: Project Management in the Real World, was shortlisted for the prestigious Management Book of the Year Award in 2014, further cementing her status as an influential voice in the field.
Christina Sookram
Christina Sookram brings more than 15 years of corporate experience as a project leader and subject matter expert in both waterfall and agile methodologies. She has led projects at some of Canada’s largest technology companies and is the founder of CNS Project Consulting Inc. Additionally, Christina is an instructor at Wilfrid Laurier University and OCAD University, where she shares her knowledge of Scrum, Kanban, SAFe® methodologies, and product management. She is also a contributing writer for popular PM blog sites, where she discusses project management theory and best practices. A strong advocate for women in tech, Christina continues to mentor young professionals while facilitating the delivery of exceptional products and services.
Jim Highsmith
Jim Highsmith is a pioneer in the agile software development space, having co-authored the Agile Manifesto, the founding document of agile software development. With over 60 years of experience across IT management, product development, and consulting, Jim has earned a reputation as an adventurer, catalyst, and storyteller in the industry. His work with ThoughtWorks as an executive consultant and his contributions to initiatives like Business Agility and Agile-Adaptive Leadership showcase his ability to bridge gaps between technology and management teams. Jim’s latest book, Wild West to Agile (2023), continues to inspire the agile community, and in August 2024, he joined the Advisory Council of Harvard Business Review.
Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez
Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez is a globally recognized leader in project management and a champion for the discipline’s role in driving business transformation. A Thinkers50 award winner, PMI Fellow, and former chair of the Project Management Institute, Antonio has made significant contributions to advancing the field. As a professor, executive coach, and HBR author, he shares his expertise on turning strategy into action through effective project management. He is the CEO and Founder of a consulting firm that helps organizations navigate complex transformations, making him a go-to authority for project management excellence worldwide.
Jean Kang
Jean Kang is a seven-time career pivoter and a trailblazer in program management and career coaching. Having worked with leading companies like Meta, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and Figma, Jean has proven that career success doesn’t require a PMP certification. As the founder of Path to PM, she helps aspiring professionals break into program management with actionable advice, while her content-packed newsletter and guide continue to empower the next generation of PMs. Jean’s mission is clear—empower career pivoters to build successful program management careers. She has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider Fast Company and many more.
Galen Low
Galen Low, a client services professional and agile project delivery specialist, has over 13 years of experience shaping human-centered digital transformations across sectors like government, healthcare, and retail. As the co-founder of The Digital Project Manager and host of the DPM Podcast, Galen shares his expertise in digital strategy, agile web development, and project management. His passion for digital transformation and his ability to coach professionals to lead teams make him a respected figure in the project management space.
Ricardo Viana Vargas
Ricardo Viana Vargas is a renowned global leader in project management and a pioneer in applying AI to project management. As the founder of PMOtto.ai and Macrosolutions, he’s at the forefront of integrating technology into project execution and strategy. A past chairman of PMI and PMI Fellow, Ricardo has significantly shaped the field with his leadership and innovative approaches. He is also a board member, venture capitalist, and prolific author, combining his expertise in business strategy with a deep understanding of project management to drive success in organizations worldwide.
Ben Aston
With more than 15 years of experience at top digital agencies like FCV, Wunderman, and DDB, Ben Aston brings a blend of strategic thinking and tactical execution to the project management world. As a certified scrum master and PRINCE2 practitioner, Ben has successfully managed projects across various industries, including e-commerce, automotive, financial services, and public sector organizations. Ben co-founded The Digital Project Manager, where he continues to share his insights and experiences on digital project management.
Annie MacLeod
Annie is a project management coach and mentor with over 30 years of experience in managing projects and ensuring client success. Starting her career in the tech sector during the 80s, Annie founded her own consulting firm nearly 25 years ago. She is now a Miro expert and an advocate for the power of collaboration in project teams. Co-founder of the Project Management GameBoard, she focuses on improving project performance and building confidence in project management. Annie is also an author for, Lead then Learn: Powering Project Teams with Collaboration in April 2024.
Bill Dominguez
Bill Dominguez, is a systems thinker, project leader, success facilitator, coach, and trainer providing subject matter expertise in the areas of value innovation, solution identification, program management, team building, organizational alignment, and removing the ‘dis’ from diseased ecosystems. Bill has helped over 20 companies from startups to Fortune 10. He has successfully led transformations, mergers, and acquisitions, products from ideation to development, marketing, business development, high-performance sales, professional services, and customer service organizations, delivering consistently high quality and value. Bill’s favorite quote comes from John P. Imlay, the father of the ERP market. Founder and CEO of Management Science America “People are the Key”.
Kelly Vega
Kelly is a Delivery Manager at Smart Solutions, LLC, specializing in evolving processes, delivery, and documentation. With expertise in projects ranging from custom e-commerce builds to digital strategy and custom applications, Kelly is also a certified scrum master.
Susanne Madsen
Susanne has led large-scale change programs valued up to $30 million for organizations like JP Morgan and Citigroup over her 17-year career. A qualified executive coach and NLP practitioner, she is the author of The Project Management Coaching Workbook and The Power of Project Leadership. In addition to coaching and training, Susanne is a sought-after speaker, sharing her insights into project leadership and stress management.
Brad Egeland
Brad is a Business Solution Designer and IT/PM consultant with over 25 years of experience. He has written more than 8,000 articles, eBooks, and white papers on project management. Named #1 in the “100 Most Inspiring People in Project Management,” Brad is known for his focus on “Real World Project Management” and believes, “You’re only as successful as your last customer thinks you are.” His work spans industries like healthcare, gaming, and aviation.
Bill Dow
With over 25 years in IT and 23 focused on project management, Bill has built six project management offices (PMOs) from scratch. He is the co-author of The Project Management Communications Bible and The Tactical Guide for Building a PMO. As the Director of Enterprise PMO at UW Medicine and a part-time Adjunct Professor at Bellevue College, Bill aims to improve project delivery through strategic leadership and process maturation.
Robyn Birkedal
Robyn is a Senior Technical Producer at BASIC/DEPT, bringing over 10 years of experience in digital project management. She has led digital projects, including UX/UI, websites, and social campaigns, across industries like athletics and quick service restaurants.
Margaret Meloni
Margaret has more than 18 years of corporate experience and is the President of Meloni Coaching Solutions Inc. She teaches project management at UCLA and UC Irvine Extensions. Margaret is passionate about helping project managers succeed, combining her corporate expertise with her Ph.D. in Buddhist Studies. She speaks and writes about compassion, empathy, and project management, offering courses and workshops at pmstudent.com and margaretmeloni.com.
Anne Gabrillagues
Anne is an agile coach at Essensei, specializing in helping teams sustainably adopt agile practices and improve work processes. She is a tech activist with Code4Change and a member of FlowCon France. Anne’s approach is pragmatic, guiding organizations and teams through complex contexts by implementing tailored agile methodologies. With expertise in agile transformation, she helps teams adopt practices like Scrum, ScrumBan, Kanban, and Lean IT. She also coaches managers to excel in agile environments and supports product management transitions, working closely with Product Owners on roadmaps and backlog management. Her technical background further enhances her coaching, providing comprehensive support in development practices, application architecture, and IS security.
Yonelly Gutierrez
Yonelly Gutierrez is an IT project management expert with a specialization in IT infrastructure projects. She brings valuable insights on project management tools and has built a personal brand that inspires others with her career transition story. Yonelly offers ghostwriting services for professionals looking to grow their authority on LinkedIn and frequently shares advice on career development and project management. She emphasizes the power of consistent, value-driven content for boosting visibility and unlocking career opportunities.
Cornelius Fichtner
Cornelius Fichtner, President of OSP International LLC, has been a project manager since 1990, working across Switzerland, Germany, and the USA. As the host of PM Podcasts, Cornelius is a key voice in the project management community, helping professionals maintain PMI credentials through webinars and online tools. His flagship product, The PM PrepCast, has helped over 27,000 managers prepare for their PMP exams. A passionate advocate for agile methodologies and PMOs, Cornelius is recognized for his extensive experience in the field and his contributions to the global project management landscape.
Mashhood Ahmed
Mashhood Ahmed is a project manager, researcher, and AI advocate with over 20 years of experience. In 2023 alone, he spoke at over 40 global events, sharing his expertise with more than 40,000 project managers. A mentor and practitioner, Mashhood excels in executing multimillion-dollar enterprise-scale programs and managing cross-functional teams. He also coaches PMOs, providing customized solutions to help them scale and deliver high-value projects. Currently, Mashhood is writing “Unwritten Rules of Successful Project Delivery,” aimed at addressing critical project management challenges and empowering future leaders in the field.
Bob Sutton
Bob Sutton, a Professor of Management Science and Engineering at Stanford, is a renowned organizational psychologist and New York Times bestselling author. He has co-founded the Stanford Technology Ventures Program and the Institute of Design, contributing to the study of leadership, organizational change, and workplace dynamics. Bob’s research has earned him numerous awards, and his books, including Good Boss, Bad Boss and The No Asshole Rule, are widely recognized for their insights into leadership and organizational behavior. His most recent project, The Friction Project, explores how leaders can create conditions that foster productivity and innovation while minimizing obstacles.
Bill Moroz
Bill Moroz is a seasoned delivery champion with over 22 years of experience in leading complex enterprise-wide programs across the banking, financial services, and telecommunications sectors. He specializes in promoting and delivering projects on time and within budget, while also recovering and migrating complex initiatives. Bill is multilingual and currently involved in digital transformation projects for health services and medical supply chains, leveraging technologies like Microsoft Power Platform and SAP S/4 HANA. What sets him apart is his passion for fostering strong team dynamics, celebrating wins, and using data-driven storytelling to enhance project delivery. His proven track record in stakeholder communication, risk mitigation, and virtual resource management, combined with his human-centric approach, makes him a respected figure in digital project management.
Pam Butkowski
Pam Butkowski is a serial PMO builder with a career spanning the agency and consulting world. Currently serving as Vice President of Delivery Management at Hero Digital, Pam has previously led teams at organizations like Wunderman Thompson, Nerdery, and AIM Consulting. A self-proclaimed process junkie, Pam excels at team leadership, agile methodologies, and process improvement. Her deep expertise in digital project management makes her a sought-after expert in The DPM’s membership community, where she shares her knowledge with others in the industry.
Courtney Johnston
Courtney Johnston brings over 20 years of experience in project and account management, working with top agencies like Critical Mass, Wunderman, and Y&R Interactive. She has delivered digital initiatives across industries such as financial services, automotive, and communications. At her core, Courtney is a connector and storyteller, specializing in product management, delivery leadership, and service design. Her creative problem-solving approach, coupled with her deep understanding of client services and growth marketing, has earned her a reputation as a MacGyver of digital project management.
Sarah Hoban
Sarah Hoban is a Senior Director in the project management office at Aura, a digital security company, with 15 years of experience in executing high-risk, high-budget projects. With a background in strategy consulting, Sarah excels at diagnosing and solving operational challenges while building strong cross-functional relationships. Her specialties include product operations, strategic planning, and operations management. Sarah’s passion for leadership and productivity shines through in her writing, which can be found on her personal website Sarahmhoban.com.
Sonaya Williams
Sonaya Williams is the founder of The CEO Partner, a boutique agency that helps businesses unlock new growth opportunities through digital products. With over a decade of experience in financial systems analysis, Sonaya specializes in systems, productivity, and online business management. Her mission extends beyond her agency work, as she also founded “Success Has No Deadline,” a platform dedicated to exploring the multifaceted lives of high-achieving women. Through her podcast and resources, Sonaya inspires women to redefine success and thrive in both their professional and personal lives.
Summary:
These top 25 project management influencers are shaping the future of how teams collaborate, execute, and deliver results. By sharing their insights, best practices, and innovative approaches, they’re helping to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the project management field. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, expert advice, or fresh perspectives, following these leaders can empower you to stay ahead of industry trends and elevate your own project management skills. Stay connected with their work to continue driving success in your projects and career.
Is Someone Missing From The List?
Do you know someone making a significant impact in the project management field who isn’t on this list? Mail us at “[email protected]” with their details, we will review and include them in the list.
