Redefining PMO Leadership for a Value-Driven Future
An exclusive interview with co-authors of
The Evolution of the PMO: The Rise
of the Chief Project Officer – Part 4
(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 book brings together insights from 40 global authors, each offering unique perspectives on modern project management complexities.
This article follows part three published in the June 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.
This round of conversations features Dr. Christoph Hirnle, Dr. Tony Prensa, Massimo Pirozzi, and Milan Dordevic. Together, they challenge the outdated separation between strategy and execution, offering bold insights on how modern PMOs can lead from the middle, deliver measurable value, and overcome resistance with adaptive leadership.
Each of them stands as a voice of transformation—not just in frameworks, but in mindsets.
Note that backgrounds of the interviewees can be found at the end of this set of interviews.
Updated and Expanded Interviews
Aina: Christoph, you argue that PMOs can operate as strategy-execution catalysts. What do they need to do differently to earn that role?
Christoph: They need to stop trying to prove their value through operational efficiency alone. PMOs often boast about how well they execute—but executing the wrong thing efficiently still leads you to the wrong airport, as I like to say. The real contribution comes when the PMO asks: “Are we doing the right things at the right time, with the right resources?” That’s strategy.
More…
To read entire interview, click here
How to cite this interview: Aliieva, A. (2025). From Structure to Strategy: Redefining PMO Leadership for a Value-Driven Future; An exclusive interview with co-authors of The Evolution of the PMO: The Rise of the Chief Project Officer – Part 4; PM World Journal, Vol. XIV, Issue VII, July. Available online at: https://pmworldlibrary.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/pmwj154-Jul2025-Aliieva-From-Structure-to-Strategy-Part-4-Interviews.pdf
About the Interviewer
Aina Aliieva
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Aina Aliieva (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/
To view other works by Aina Aliieva, visit her author showcase in the PM World Library at https://pmworldlibrary.net/authors/aina-aliieva/
