AITP Chicago PMO SIG - Tales from the SWAMP: Navigating the Murky Waters of Project Management

AITP Chicago's PMO SIG invites you to a Virtual meeting and discussion

Date:  October 6, 2026     Time:  5]6:00-7:00 PM

Location:  Virtual Via Zoom

Topic:  Tales from the SWAMP: Navigating the Murky Waters of Project Management

Get ready to experience project management through a unique lens of the mysterious and mystical Louisiana swamps! Just like a daring expedition into the unknown, project management often feels like wading through waist-deep mud, encountering unexpected obstacles at every turn. But fear not! By integrating the timeless structure of the Hero's Journey and the project management knowledge domains, we'll uncover how to emerge victorious from the depths of the swamp, armed with the tools to conquer any project- related challenge that lurks in the shadows. So, grab your virtual mosquito repellent and prepare to go on an unconventional and uproarious expedition! Together, we'll discover that with a dash of humor, a sprinkle of storytelling, and a whole lot of project management prowess, we can emerge from the swamp unscathed and ready to conquer any challenge that slithers our way!

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

• Understand the parallel between project management and the Hero’s Journey
• Understand how practical strategies and empathy can help to navigate project
• challenges
• Embrace humor and storytelling as powerful communication tools

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Embrace creative thinking to overcome project roadblocks
• Build resilient teams that can withstand turbulent waters
• How to turn setbacks into stepping stones for project success

Click Here to Register to Receive a Zoom Meeting Link  You must register by 2 PM on 10/6 to attend!  The meeting link will be sent out the evening of 10/4 to all registrants, with a reminder sent the day of the event.  If you have not received the link by the morning of 10/6, check your spam and promotion folders.  If it is not there, send an email to paul.dittmann@aitpchicago.com and he will email you the link.

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Presenter:  Tanya Boyd

Information to Follow

Tanya Boyd is a dynamic project manager and creative strategist with 20+ years of experience across disaster recovery, healthcare, IT, marketing, and government. As Director of Creative Collaboration at Corbeau and Project Success Academy, she blends imagination, strategy, and storytelling to design bold programs and partnerships that drive measurable results. She also manages a team of PMI certification instructor who teach through PMI’s Authorized Training Program.

She also designed a 3-part, 7-hour self-paced course that covers the essentials of effective communication in projects.

A PMP® since 2014 and PMI-ACP® since 2020, Tanya previously served as President of the PMI Baton Rouge Chapter, where she gained a front-row view of the evolving challenges facing project leaders. She is also a co-author of Projectland Goes to the Movies, linking pop culture to modern leadership lessons and a contributor on the PURE Management Alliance team that created a 60-PDU video series.

She is an in-demand keynote speaker and has delivered high-energy sessions and workshops to 40+ PMI chapters, companies, and at PMI Global Summit.

Tanya believes curiosity and communication unlock creative solutions. Off the clock, she’s often kayaking Louisiana’s swamps, camera in hand, chasing the next wild idea while building her nature photography portfolio.