REPORT
By Ipek Sahra Ozguler
Istanbul, Turkey
PMI’s PMO unCon 2024 was held in Istanbul, Turkey between 09-10 December 2024. This is a short report, prepared during and after I attended the conference.
About the Keynote Presentation
The keynote presentation, delivered by Peter Taylor, VP Global PMO at Dayforce, at the PMOunCon 2024 in Istanbul, Turkey[1], outlined a number of key principles for developing an effective, customer-centric PMO.
Based on his own PMO model of ‘Projects: Methods: Outcomes’[2] and rooted in his passion for simplicity, the “KISS” model (Keep It Simple and Smart) serves as the foundation for understanding the project world. The central theme emphasizes aligning PMO practices with organizational goals while maintaining flexibility and efficiency.
Attributes of the Best PMOs:
Consistency: High-performing PMOs standardize project management practices across the enterprise. They ensure uniformity in project execution, set clear success metrics, and eliminate redundant bureaucratic processes.
Transparency: These PMOs provide clear visibility into project progress, costs, and resource allocation. Sharing this data with stakeholders fosters trust and accountability.
Flexibility: The best PMOs are adaptable, aligning their structure and focus with the organization’s strategic objectives while navigating corporate culture effectively.
Educational Role: They prioritize continuous learning by offering training programs and creating communities of practice. These platforms encourage knowledge sharing and the promotion of best practices among project managers.
Methodology: A robust PMO maintains a dynamic framework of processes, templates, and guidance to support project delivery.
Assurance: They ensure that quality assurance delivers tangible, high-quality outcomes.
Customer Centric: And the best PMOs are truly customer-centric in their thinking and action.
More…
To read entire report, click here
How to cite this interview: Ozguler, I.S. (2025). After PMO unCon 2024, Istanbul, report; PM World Journal, Vol. XIV, Issue II, February. Available online at https://pmworldlibrary.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/pmwj149-Feb2025-Ozguler-After-PMO-unCon-2024-Istanbul-report.pdf
About the Interviewer
Ipek Sahra Ozguler
Istanbul, Turkey
Ipek Sahra Ozguler graduated from the Istanbul University, Turkey with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Engineering and from Middle East Technical University, Turkey with an MSc degree in Software Management. As a project manager, she has more than 13 years of experience in various areas such as portfolio management, program management, project management, software management, business analysis. She became a certified PMP in 2012 and a certified SCRUM Master in 2014.
She has gained broader insights in a variety of projects across manufacturing, defence, FMCG (Cola Cola), insurance (Euler Hermes), audit (Deloitte), telecommunication, aviation and finance sectors. In addition, she has been working as an international correspondent for the PM World Journal since 2014.
Ipek is the creator and editor of the highly acclaimed book, The Perspective of Women Project Management Professionals, interviews with leading female PM experts and professionals around the world. The book was published in March 2020 and is available here.
Ipek is based in Istanbul, Turkey and can be contacted at ipeksahra@gmail.com. Her portfolio is published at the http://ipeksahra.strikingly.com/ and https://pmworldlibrary.net/authors/ipek-sahra-ozguler/.
[1] The PMOunCon is hosted by PMI and the PMO Global Alliance (PMOGA) https://www.pmi.org/events/pmi-pmo-uncon-2024
[2] Projects-Methods-Outcomes Projects: Methods: Outcomes: The New PMO Model for True Project and Change Success (Routledge)