January 2025 Newsletter 

Welcome to 2025, PMI Madison! We're kicking off the new year with a full slate of chapter updates and opportunities for achieving your professional development goals and for deepening your engagement in our community.


Welcome Message from the President

As we welcome a new year, I’m excited to introduce two new initiatives designed to strengthen our connection with members and enhance the value of your PMI Madison/South Central Wisconsin membership.

President’s Blog

The President’s Blog is a dedicated space on our chapter’s website to share updates, insights, and strategic priorities. This blog is designed to foster transparency, celebrate our achievements, and keep you informed about the latest trends in project management.
In the first post, I’ll outline our vision for 2025, including new initiatives, upcoming opportunities, and how you can engage with our chapter to maximize your membership experience.

President’s Open Office Hour

In addition to the blog, I’m introducing the President’s Open Office Hour—a monthly opportunity for members to meet with me directly. This is your chance to ask questions, share feedback, and discuss ideas for how we can make our chapter even better. Whether you’re looking to get more involved, seeking advice on your professional journey, or simply want to share your perspective, this hour is dedicated to you.

The first Open Office Hour is scheduled for Tuesday, January 7th, at 5:00 PM. This is a virtual event, and members can register to attend on our chapter website.

👉 Click here to register for the January Open Office Hour

Read the full blog post here and discover what’s ahead for PMI Madison/South Central Wisconsin in 2025. Together, let’s make this a year of growth, collaboration, and impact!

-Rodney Wendlandt, PMP


January Chapter Meeting 

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As a project management professional, you know that successful project delivery isn’t just about managing timelines and budgets—it’s also about effectively managing change.

Join us virtually on January 21st for our first Chapter Meeting of 2025 featuring Rachel Breitbach, FarWell's Senior Advisor & Practice Lead, that's designed to help you master the fundamentals of Organizational Change Management (OCM)—a critical skill for any project manager. This session will explore the tools and strategies you need to manage change effectively and drive successful project outcomes.

 

Learn more and secure your spot here!


Get PMP® Certified in 2025 

Project professionals worldwide agree: PMP® is the gold standard project management certification and a career gamechanger. The PMP exam is renowned for its difficulty, testing not just your knowledge but your ability to apply project management principles in real-world scenarios.

At PMI-Madison, we know a thing or two about preparing for the big day. Join our Spring PMP Exam Preparation course to learn the fundamentals of project management and to prepare yourself for the exam.

Our 12-Week Spring Exam Prep Course will begin on Februrary 26, and will meet weekly from 6:00 - 9:00pm. 

Learn more here and secure your spot here. Act now and register before January 31st to lock in early bird pricing! After this date, the course fee will increase from $950 to $1,200!


 Global PMI Updates 

Spotlight on PMI's MORE Framework: Redefining Project Success

As project professionals, we’ve long measured success through traditional metrics: delivering on time, within scope, and on budget. However, in today’s dynamic and complex world, these metrics alone no longer capture the true value and impact of our work. That’s where PMI’s MORE Framework comes in.

Launched in 2024, the MORE Framework challenges project managers to think beyond these constraints and redefine success using four key lenses:

  • Meaningful Outcomes: Are we achieving sustainable and impactful results?
  • Organizational Value: How are we aligning with and advancing broader business goals?
  • Resource Efficiency: Are we optimizing the use of people, time, and tools effectively?
  • Evolving Benefits: Can we adapt to changing needs and continuously deliver value over time?

This forward-thinking approach empowers project professionals to embrace agility, leverage innovative tools like AI, and lead with greater purpose. Whether you’re spearheading a grassroots community initiative or managing a global enterprise project, the MORE Framework equips you to reimagine success in a way that resonates with modern challenges.

Interested in learning more?

Our chapter is here to support you in applying these principles to your own projects. Be on the lookout for upcoming events, workshops, and/ or resources that will help you integrate the MORE Framework into your work and achieve exceptional results.


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Nicole Brey

Rising Star Spotlight: Nicole Brey’s Impact on Revitalizing New Member Orientation

At PMI Madison/South Central Wisconsin, our chapter thrives thanks to the dedication and fresh ideas of members like Nicole Brey. As one of our newer volunteers, Nicole has already made a significant impact by revitalizing our New Member Orientation events, ensuring new members feel welcomed, informed, and inspired.

Nicole’s vision for the orientation was simple but powerful: create an experience that fosters connection, emphasizes the value of PMI membership, and sets the stage for meaningful engagement. To bring this vision to life, Nicole worked tirelessly to redesign the format, integrating interactive sessions, clearer onboarding materials, and opportunities for new members to connect with seasoned professionals.

Her work has breathed new life into these events, with attendees praising the clarity, energy, and welcoming atmosphere she has cultivated. Beyond her organizational skills, Nicole’s genuine enthusiasm and approachable demeanor have made her a standout leader and an inspiration to others.

Q&A With Nicole 

Q: What is your Title?

A: Senior Manager, Enterprise Strategy - IT and Information Security

Q: Where do you work?

A: CapSpecialty

Q: How long have you been a member of PMI Madison?

A: Almost 2 years, since February 2023

Q:How did you initially get involved with PMI Madison?

A: I was researching ways to become better involved with the Madison project management community after deciding to start studying to take the Project Management Professional (PMP) exam. I then came across chapter meetings and volunteer opportunities.

Q:How has your involvement with PMI Madison contributed to your success in your career?

A: I have had the pleasure to meet new people, grow relationships, and hear professionals speak between volunteering, chapter meetings, having a mentor, and the annual Professional Development Day (PDD). PMI Madison has enabled me to be able to learn and grow from these experiences while gaining new perspectives and insights that inspire me in my career each day.

Q: What aspect of your PMI Madison membership is most valuable to you and why?

A: If I must choose, it is volunteering. I was a little nervous at first to join because of the unknown but the entire process of becoming involved was simple and everyone was extremely welcoming. I value volunteering because of the friendly, kind, and intelligent people who I have met and continue to meet. It is important to me to make an impact within the community and give back where I can because one small thing could make a difference!

A Big Thank You

On behalf of the chapter, we thank Nicole for her hard work and dedication. Her contributions not only enhance the New Member Orientation experience but also set a shining example of how one person’s initiative can positively influence the entire chapter.

Get Inspired

Are you inspired by Nicole’s story? The chapter is always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to lead new initiatives and make a difference. Visit Volunteer Opportunities or reach out to our Director of Volunteering at volunteering@pmi-madison.org to learn how you can get involved.


Get Involved in 2025: Networking and Volunteer Opportunities

Make 2025 your year to connect, grow, and give back! Our chapter is excited to offer a variety of opportunities for members to get involved, build their networks, and make an impact:

  • Professional Development Day Planning Committee: Help shape one of our biggest events of the year! Collaborate with fellow members to plan and execute a day filled with learning, networking, and growth.
  • Volunteering Opportunities: Share your skills, meet new people, and make a difference. From event support to leadership roles, there’s something for everyone.
  • Mentorship Programs: Whether you’re looking to mentor or be mentored, this program is a fantastic way to exchange knowledge, build relationships, and develop professionally.

Ready to take the next step? Visit Volunteer Opportunities or reach out to our Director of Volunteering at volunteering@pmi-madison.org to learn how you can get involved.

Let’s make 2025 a year of growth and collaboration!