Reflection from a first-time attendee: APM Women in Project Management Conference 2025

What happens when you bring together talented women in project management for a day of learning, networking and collaboration? Synergy. That's the only way to describe my experience at the APM Women in Project Management Conference 2025 (WIPM).

I still remember the buzz as I walked into my first-ever APM WIPM Conference. It was a mix of excitement and curiosity. Having just completed my master’s in international project management, I felt ready to learn, but I was unsure what to expect. The theme, “Transform Tomorrow,” resonated deeply with me. It spoke about the responsibility that comes with being part of this profession. For me, the conference wasn’t just an event; it was the moment I realised I was joining a community of professionals committed to making a real impact.

A day full of activities

One thing that stood out to me was just how much there was to experience throughout the day. The exhibition area was buzzing with activities and full of opportunities to connect, from training providers showcasing professional development opportunities to the APM team sharing advice and resources to support our career journeys. The program itself was dynamic and engaging, alongside the keynote speakers, there were smaller table topic sessions and themed discussions that encouraged honest and open conversation. I found these especially useful because they created a more personal setting where I could engage directly, ask questions and exchange ideas with other professionals.

Moving between the different sessions, I was impressed by how seamlessly the theme “Transform Tomorrow” ran through everything. Whether the focus was on leadership, diversity, or future skills, each activity reinforced the idea that project management is not static; it’s constantly evolving, and we all have a role to play in driving that change.

Energising opening remarks

The conference began with a warm welcome from Irene Maposa, APM WIPM Lead, alongside Adam Boddison, CEO of APM. Their opening remarks set the tone for the entire conference. Their words carried genuine energy and enthusiasm, instantly lifting the atmosphere in the room. They created a sense of excitement and belonging, leaving everyone eager for what the day ahead would bring.

Keynote insights: Winning at work and in life

A standout moment of the conference was Karen Blackett’s keynote speech. She talked about the external factors shaping our success today: living in a VUCA world of volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity, the rapid pace of technological change, the “learning dip” we face when acquiring new skills, and the challenge of “covering,” where individuals feel pressure to hide aspects of themselves to fit in.
Karen also shared seven practical strategies to help professionals in their career journey. These included building a strong personal brand, earning trust through empathy and reliability, adopting a growth mindset, celebrating differences, surrounding ourselves with mentors, adapting communication styles and embracing self-care.

Key sessions and learnings

Presence over process: The hidden science of greater impact in projects

One of the most memorable sessions for me was led by Katharine Williams. She emphasised that leadership isn't just about tasks and strategy, but about the presence we bring into a room. Katharine outlined five factors shaping this “signal”: our nervous system, beliefs, conditioning, past experiences and emotions. She discussed practical tools, such as breathwork, grounding, daily rituals and reflection, that can help leaders manage their state and strengthen their presence.

Stand-out: The core skills that differentiate early career PMs In the AI age

What resonated most with me from Mark Barnett and Sherine Ochieng's session was the reminder that while AI is a powerful tool, it will never replace the human side of a project. Their emphasis on emotional intelligence, creativity and communication really spoke to me because those are the areas where I want to continue growing. I was especially inspired by how Weston College helps apprentices practice these project management skills in real-world settings.

Creating connections and belonging within your team

This session, led by Sarah Hargest, Lee Chambers, Nurjahan Khatun, Lydia Adigun and Rebecca Scott, reminded me that belonging in project teams isn’t fixed; it shifts as projects develop and need ongoing nurturing. The speakers highlighted how psychological safety is vital and how leaders must be approachable and empathetic to promote it. Leaders also need to understand their teams and support their team’s growth.

Key principles that drive transformational change

A valuable session with Laura Ewen, Rachel Baldwin and Sachia Thompson explored what really drives success in large-scale transformation projects. The speakers reminded us that transformation isn’t just about reaching milestones, it’s about delivering meaningful change that people can connect with. They also emphasised that change should be viewed as a social movement, not just a technical process. By following the energy within organisations and focusing on people, leaders can create the momentum needed to sustain transformation.

What I wish I had known as a new project professional

In this session, Penelope D’Souza, Celia Jenkins, Florence Hanlon, Anne Morris and Mitra Arami shared honest advice for early-career professionals. Celia talked about the value of learning from experienced leaders, while Anne spoke on the importance of building a strong support network. I resonated most with Penelope’s words. She said: “Stepping forward, even when it feels daunting, is how we build confidence and the connections that shape our careers.”

Closing reflections

Walking out of the conference, I didn’t just leave with notes; I left with a wealth of knowledge (and maybe too many LinkedIn requests).

Save the date for WIPM International Women’s Day upcoming event happening on March 3rd-6th, 2026. It's another chance to celebrate progress, share experiences and continue these meaningful conversations.

I would love to hear from you: what does “Transform Tomorrow” mean to you, and how are you working towards it in your own career or projects?

I am also open to new opportunities in project management where I can contribute and make an impact.

 

You may also be interested in:

• APM Women in Project Management Interest Network
• Women in projects: Levelling the playing field
• Diverse routes into the profession: career stories from APM's Women in Project Management Interest Network