How PMOs Are Evolving into Strategic Powerhouses
An exclusive interview with co-authors of
The Evolution of the PMO: The Rise
of the Chief Project Officer
(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DY5VY4KV)
by Aina Aliieva (Alive)
International Correspondent, PM World Journal
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
General Introduction
A year ago, we set out to redefine project management leadership through a collaborative writing challenge. Earlier this year, we were thrilled to announce the release of “The Evolution of the PMO: The Rise of the Chief Project Officer,” now an Amazon bestseller. This groundbreaking work brings together insights from 40 global authors, each offering unique perspectives on modern project management complexities.
This article follows part one published in the April PMWJ. It captures more of the essence of our year-long collaboration and invites you to engage with the dynamic conversations driving innovation in project management
Interviews
Introduction
The traditional Project Management Office (PMO) has long been a critical function within organizations, but in recent years, its role has evolved beyond governance and compliance. Organizations are increasingly recognizing that project execution is not just about delivery; it’s about ensuring strategic alignment, business transformation, and value creation. This shift has led to the emergence of the Chief Project Officer (CPO)—an executive-level role that bridges strategy and execution, enabling organizations to drive innovation, agility, and measurable impact.
To explore the future of PMOs, I had the opportunity to speak with five industry thought leaders: Nataliia Zarudnieva, Massimo Santarelli, Sheeba Hasnain, Žydra Tubelytė, and Demi Anderson. Each of them contributed to The Evolution of the PMO: The Rise of the Chief Project Officer and has provided unique insights into how PMOs must adapt to remain relevant, strategic, and influential in the modern business landscape.
Note that backgrounds of the interviewees can be found at the end of this set of interviews.
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Aina Aliieva (AA): PMOs are shifting from administrative oversight to strategic execution. What are the biggest forces driving this change?
Nataliia Zarudnieva (NZ): The Role of Gen Z and AI in PMO Transformation
The biggest force behind this change is the generational shift. Gen Z project managers are entering the workforce, and they have an entirely different approach to leadership, decision-making, and project execution. Unlike previous generations, they are highly technology-driven, data-oriented, and value speed over hierarchy. They’re not waiting years to climb the corporate ladder; they’re making an impact now, using AI, automation, and agile methodologies to increase efficiency.
AI is another major driver of change. Traditional PMOs relied heavily on manual reporting, rigid governance structures, and hierarchical decision-making, which slowed down project execution. Now, AI tools are automating reporting, predicting risks, and optimizing resource allocation in real-time. This shift requires PMOs to move beyond administrative functions and become AI-driven decision-making centers.
Furthermore, sustainability is becoming a top priority for businesses, and Gen Z is leading this charge. Modern PMOs must integrate sustainability metrics into their decision-making frameworks, ensuring that project portfolios align with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. Organizations that fail to do so risk losing credibility and long-term relevance.
PMOs also need to adapt to the way Gen Z collaborates and communicates. Digital-first strategies, real-time data access, and seamless remote work capabilities are no longer optional—they are expected. Organizations that invest in these aspects will gain a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining the next generation of project leaders.
Gen Z also demands a different leadership style. Unlike older generations, they prefer servant leadership, collaboration over hierarchy, and continuous feedback loops. PMO leaders must adjust their leadership strategies to embrace a more flexible, inclusive, and purpose-driven approach.
Massimo Santarelli (MS): PMOs as Strategic Business Enablers
For decades, PMOs have been seen as cost centers—a necessary function for project governance but not necessarily a driver of value. However, that perception is changing as organizations realize that projects are the backbone of strategic execution. The rise of portfolio-driven decision-making is one of the biggest forces behind this transformation.
Organizations can no longer afford to run projects in silos or treat the PMO as a reporting unit. Instead, they need a Chief Project Officer (CPO) who can sit at the executive table and ensure projects align with long-term business goals. The companies that recognize this early will have a competitive advantage, as they can respond to market shifts faster and turn projects into profit-generating assets.
More…
To read entire interview, click here
How to cite this interview: Aliieva, A. (2025). Beyond Governance: How PMOs Are Evolving into Strategic Powerhouses; An exclusive interview with co-authors of The Evolution of the PMO: The Rise of the Chief Project Officer; PM World Journal, Vol. XIV, Issue V, May. Available online at: https://pmworldlibrary.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/pmwj152-May2025-Aliieva-Beyond-Governance-PMO-Interviews-part-2.pdf
About the Interviewer
Aina Aliieva
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Aina Aliieve (Alive) is an experienced Agile Coach and a Business Consultant with 20 years of experience in different industries, from hospitality and tourism to banking and engineering, a Founder & CEO at Bee Agile and a CEO & VP of Marketing at The PMO Strategy and Execution Hub.
She is a keynote speaker on Agile, Project Management, Negotiation, People Management, and Soft Skills topics. She was a guest instructor at NASA in 2022 & 2023 with topics on Conflict Resolution & Negotiation and Facilitation Techniques.
Her book, “It Starts with YOU. 40 Letters to My Younger Self on How to Get Going in Your Career,” hit the #1 position in the #jobhunting category on Amazon and is featured in a Forbes Councils Executive Library.
She also contributed to the books “Mastering Solution Delivery: Practical Insights and Lessons from Thought Leaders in a Post-Pandemic Era”, “Green PMO: Sustainability through Project Management Lens” and “Agile Coaching and Transformation: The Journey to Enterprise Agility”.
Aina was also a Finalist in the Immigrant Entrepreneur of the Year category in 2021 by the Canadian SME National Business Award
She can be contacted at https://www.linkedin.com/in/aina-aliieva/
