PDD 2025
2025 Professional Development Day
Emotional Intelligence - Driving Positive Project Results
Speakers
Karen Schumacher
Owner Crescendo Leadership Development
In the world of project management, schedules slip, scope creeps, and stakeholders change their minds. What separates the project managers who survive from those who thrive? Emotional intelligence (EQ). In this session, Karen will explore how EQ equips project leaders to navigate uncertainty, inspire teams, and deliver results—not by managing tasks alone, but by managing human energy. Through real stories, data insights, and simple practices, Karen will reveal how EQ is the invisible force behind project success.
Brad Baldwin
Founder & CEO of Aperture
Brad will share his journey of growth and resilience, emphasizing the power of mindfulness in leadership. He will discuss how integrating mindfulness into daily practices can lead to a more easeful and productive path forward. Through his story, Brad aims to inspire you to discover the authentic leader within and to embrace a mindful approach to overcome challenges and prevent burnout.
Brenda Meeker
Owner & President of Elevate Consulting
In her interactive session, Brenda will guide us through the often-overlooked but critical components of emotional intelligence: social awareness and relationship management. These skills are essential for building strong project teams, navigating challenges, and driving positive results.
Paul DuBois
This session will deal with the realities of identifying and managing emotional responses to the inundation of professional stressors. The journey of emotional intelligence mastery is fraught with nuance and complexity - unless you see the process as a full spectrum of steps and stages to identify, own, and overcome. This session will engage participants by mapping out emotional response triggers and intervention solutions using storytelling, interactive activities, and a bit of humor.
Sheri Zevenbergen
Speaker, Coach and Consultant; The Dash Mindset
Managing projects isn’t just about timelines and deliverables. It’s about people. And people bring emotions, expectations, and pressures that don’t fit neatly into a project plan. In this practical and engaging session, Sheri Zevenbergen shares 4 essential steps to strengthen your Emotional Intelligence so you can communicate more effectively, navigate challenging situations, and lead with greater clarity and confidence.
