2. CONTENTS
03 WORD FROM PMI LEBANON CHAPTER
04 PMI LC NEWS
- PMI LC Lockdown Reflections
- Challenges Faced : A Story to Tell by PMI LC
05 MONTHLY TALKS
April / May / June
06 COMMUNITY THOUGHTS
08 PMI LC STATISTICS
09 INTERVIEW
with Mr. Jimmy Char
11 WELCOMING NEW MEMBERS
12 PMI NEWS
- CEO Corner
- Workforce Ethical Dilemmas in Times of COVID-19
14 PMI EVENTS
SeminarsWorld Virtual: August
PMI LEBANON CHAPTER NEWSLETTER
3. PMI LEBANON CHAPTER NEWSLETTER BACK TO CONTENTS 3
A COMMUNITY THAT DELIVERS VALUE
It has been 6 years since I first heard of PMI when a friend of mine advised me
to take the PMP exam preparation course at the syndicate of Engineers in Beirut.
Since then, project management was totally integrated in my work and life.
I became so passionate about project management to a point that I think
of stakeholders, risks, scope, schedule, budget in anything I deal with during
my work day.
I joined PMI Lebanon Chapter in 2014, a place where knowledge and value meet.
Colleagues from different educational backgrounds and establishments think, plan, monitor and deliver various
projects similarly.
The peak of my journey in project management was in 2019 when I joined the Lebanon Chapter board.
Last but not least, I feel so proud about Lebanon Chapter especially during the unforgettable PMI 50th
anniversary in Philadelphia in 2019 where it was recognized in front of the worldwide PMI community
as one of the 4 leading chapters in launching the website MVP program.
Since then, I experienced and still what Winston Churchill said about volunteering:
"You make a living with what you get. You make a life with what you give"
Hisham Zeinoun, PMP
VP Governance
governance@pmilebanonchapter.org
00961 3 244 369
WORD FROM PMI
LEBANON CHAPTER
4. PMI LC NEWS
PMI LEBANON CHAPTER NEWSLETTER BACK TO CONTENTS 4
PMI LC Lockdown Reflections
Some of PMI Lebanon Chapter members shared their experience and lessons learned on how they have
managed and adapted in the COVID19 lockdown.
Challenges faced : A Story to Tell by PMI LC
PMI LC challenges started way before the COVID19 Crisis, back in October 2019, due to the financial
and economic crisis. As a response to this novel situation, PMILC started by assembling focused group meetups
in order to create a knowledge sharing platform for community members to come up with valuable ideas
and content. The terrible financial situation triggered our first topic "Project Managers in Crisis". PMILC planned
to engulf pessimistic ideas and spread some positivism around. Amazingly, realistic ideas drafted by the
community proved that Lebanon will endure this turbulence, and will be stronger! Then COVID19 reached
Lebanon where measures were taken and obliged people to stay home. However, PMILC board decided
to survive by turning the Virtual Mode on. Our first test was the March 2020 Monthly Talks. It was not difficult
to find the tool to virtualize it. And, following the same procedures as before to make a successful event,
the result was having: an increased number of audience, positive feedback, an international speaker presenting,
lower financial budget. Nevertheless, human contact, which is the main goal of our physical events, was lost.
So for the coming events, we will enhance some features to allow more interaction with participants.
WATCH VIDEO
MORE DETAILS
5. MONTHLY TALKS
Project Management in the Digital Transformation Era
by Mr. Maurice Mouawad
DATE: April 30, 2020 / TIME: 6:30PM
LOCATION: Through zoom videoconferencing
Mr. Maurice Mouawad was the speaker for the month of April 2020
and he presented an interesting topic about Project Management
in the Digital Transformation Era.
MORE INFO
Women in Project Management Leadership.
Promoting Diversity
by Ms. Cecelia Boggi
DATE: June 25, 2020 / TIME: 7:30PM
LOCATION: Through Zoom video communications
Ms. Cecilia Boggi was the speaker for the month of June 2020 and she
talked about " Women in Project Management Leadership.
Promoting Diversity ."
MORE INFO
PMI LEBANON CHAPTER NEWSLETTER BACK TO CONTENTS 5
APR
Courageous Cultures: I.D.E.A Inspirations Summit
by Ms. Karen Hurt and Mr. David Dye
DATE: May 28, 2020 / TIME 6:30PM
LOCATION: Through zoom videoconferencing
Ms. Karin Hurt and Mr. David Dye were the speakers for the month
of May 2020 and they gave a highly interactive program called
"Courageous Cultures: I.D.E.A. Inspiration Summit."
INSPIRING INNOVATION
MAY
JUN
COURAGEOUS CULTURES
OWN THE UGLY I.D.E.A.MODEL
6. PMI LEBANON CHAPTER NEWSLETTER BACK TO CONTENTS 6
COMMUNITY
THOUGHTS
MR. CHADI KALAANI
CURRENT ROLE:
Senior Project Manager – Head of Construction in BeitMisk Development
ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS:
Masters in Architecture, PMP, LEED Green Associate, Chartered Institute
of Civil Engineering Surveyors UK – Technical Member
PMI LC MEMBER SINCE:
2017
DOMAIN / INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE:
Construction & Real Estate Development /Project Management / Large sale developments / Projects Planning
& Integration from Inception through Completion
TESTIMONIAL:
I joined PMI Lebanon Chapter since 2017, and have been actively participating in the periodical events; It has
been a unique journey for continuous learning, professional development, networking with professional peers
and staying up to date with advances in the discipline. The PMILC established an environment for sharing best
practices, and enabling interactions with a broad exposure to current trends in Project Management.
The prompt adaptation to the recent situations imposed by the local Economic Crisis followed by COVID 19
restrictions proved once again the dedication of the Board and Members in excelling as change makers.
Being part of such an exemplary community is nothing but enriching.
NEXT MEMBER
7. COMMUNITY
THOUGHTS
MR. RALPH YAACOUB
CURRENT ROLE:
Project Manager and Deputy Area Manager at World Vision in Lebanon
ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS:
Master in Business Administration, Bachelor of Engineering in Civil
and Environmental Engineering, Project Management Professional
PMI LC MEMBER SINCE:
July 2019
DOMAIN / INDUSTRY KNOWLEDGE:
Water Resource Management, Solid Waste Management, Humanitarian Action and Development
TESTIMONIAL:
Ever since I became a member of the PMI Lebanon Chapter in 2019, I attended every single monthly talk!
Some topics were not interesting at first, or relevant to my area of expertise. However, I easily extracted value
from them, since they were an exceptional opportunity to venture into themes that I would not have otherwise
explored, like banking secrecy in Lebanon, as well as FATCA and CRS regulations. Thank you PMI Lebanon
Chapter for this opportunity and I look forward to participating in the upcoming talks and events!
PMI LEBANON CHAPTER NEWSLETTER BACK TO CONTENTS 7
8. PMI LC STATISTICS
PMI LEBANON CHAPTER NEWSLETTER BACK TO CONTENTS 8
YEAR TOTAL
2004 1
2005 1
2006 2
2007 3
2008 1
2009 4
2010 2
2011 7
2012 10
2013 6
2014 4
2015 14
2016 13
2017 31
2018 49
2019 56
2020 40
Total Number of Members Joining Date till June 2020
CREDENTIAL CREDENTIALCOUNT
PMP® 171
PMI-RMP® 7
PMI-ACP® 7
PMI-PBA® 7
PgMP® 4
PMI-SP® 3
PfMP® 2
CAPM® 1
PMI LC Members Credentials
Other 15.35%
PMP® 84.65%
9. INTERVIEW
1. How do you describe the role of project manager to your friends and family?
I believe that the role of the project manager can be referred to “The Change Agent”, any project nowadays
involves social and technological changes. As part of my project’s delivery; I refer to the project manager as the
“Maestro of the Orchestra”, the project manager is leading (orchestrating) the project team to have a successful
outcome. Beautiful music is produced not only by good players who each knows how to play his part of the
music, but also excellent harmonization and synchronization lead by the maestro put together to produce the
final product.
2. How do you apply and benefit from your management skills in your life?
Life is a complex long-term project with different stages, many deliverables, soft and hard milestones, and a
lot of key decisions that could change everything after. Despite all these, project management helped me be
certain that I can succeed in my life project if I do the right things right from
the start.
3. How did project management credentials help in advancing your career and knowledge?
It all changed with the PMP® certification! After many years of managing and leading projects, on 2000 I was
working for an international IT company on developing the automation project of the operations of the port of
Constantza in Romania and in March of the same year I was informed by my employer that all project managers
would need to get certified. Back then, it was a surprise to me that after all these years of experience in project
management, my employer wants me to acquire a certification!
Nevertheless, I studied, prepared, and passed the PMP® exam by July 2000.
Since that moment, my journey with PMI® started: I joined the board of PMI® Romania Chapter as “Director
at large for training and education”; it was the beginning of an interesting opportunity. I took the initiative
and founded the chapter in Lebanon in 2005 and then the chapter in Bulgaria in 2007 and held the position
of the Chapter President for 5 years.
PMI LEBANON CHAPTER NEWSLETTER BACK TO CONTENTS 9
MR. JIMMY CHAR
CURRENT JOB / TITLE:
Training and Talent Development Director at Sabis Educational Services Sal
Founding Member PMI®Lebanon Chapter (2005)
INDUSTRY / SECTOR EXPERTISE: Education
ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS: PMP®
CONTINUE READING
10. Then I continued my volunteering acts with PMI ®as a Content Editor of PMBOK6th Edition and till today,
I am still enjoying my contribution and commitment with PMI®.
Although the experience is very vital to succeed in my career as project manager, I can confirm now that
certification is this little difference that flavors the whole story, builds your self-confidence and confirms your
self-esteem.
4. Can you share with us a successful project you have worked on and its lessons learned?
I have worked on many projects and succeeded in most of them, but the opening of PMI® Lebanon Chapter and
later PMI® Bulgaria Chapter were not only successful projects but also the most loved ones to me. The success
is not only when you deliver but what happens with the delivery after you leave: these 2 projects are now
running beautifully without my support and will continue for many years to come. Many leaders followed me
and many others will follow and the chapters will continue and grow. This is the real success.
5.Any advice and recommendation you can give to other project managers
As per my continuous and pleasant journey with PMI®; I can proudly say to all project managers:
work collaboratively with your team members (Lead: be responsible and accountable)
use your interpersonal skills to let your team achieve (Motivate and understand)
ensure establishing a happy environment: lead the whole team to focus on the common objectives
and only then, your projects will succeed.
INTERVIEW
PMI LEBANON CHAPTER NEWSLETTER BACK TO CONTENTS 10
11. WELCOMING
NEW MEMBERS
1. Fawzi Chamieh
2. Maya El Achkar
3. Mohammad Iskandarani
4. Sherif Elsaeed
5. Elie Maalouly
6. Lara Kfoury
7. Jean Cordahi
8. Greta Blash
9. Akram Abdullah
10. Mohamad Zouheir Chouman
11. Mariam Kobrosly
12. Yves Saade
13. Ohaness Aramli
Welcoming new members who have joined the chapter in Q2 2020
PMI LEBANON CHAPTER NEWSLETTER BACK TO CONTENTS 11
12. PMI NEWS
WATCH VIDEO WATCH VIDEO
PMI LEBANON CHAPTER NEWSLETTER BACK TO CONTENTS 12
As PMI’s President & CEO, Sunil places a high priority on two-way communications. In addition to providing
information about PMI’s ongoing efforts to provide value to its various stakeholders, this space enables
you to contact Sunil directly with comments and suggestions. We encourage you to check back frequently
for updates and additional information.
Sunil’s communications are available in various formats based on the most expedient way to tell the story
and share the content with you.
READ MORE
CEO CORNER
Episode 8: Creating a more
sustainable world for everyone
Episode 9: The Need
for Gymnastic Organizations
13. PMI NEWS
PMI LEBANON CHAPTER NEWSLETTER BACK TO CONTENTS 13
As Angela started her car, a thought crossed her mind on when she gets home, will she be greeted
by her family?
It was a disturbing thought and so she set it aside trying not to dwell on it. Why would they not?
They have been always ready to greet her with a hug as soon as she arrived from her hectic hospital duty
that almost left her lifeless. What will be different this time? She imagined her two year old Sally hugging her,
and her husband John offering to park her car and make her coffee. She reassured herself nothing would be
different and continued to drive. These are the thoughts and emotions of our healthcare workforce as they
are working on the frontlines in the COVID-19 settings in the hospitals.
READ MORE
Article from Ethics Bistro Blog:
WORKFORCE ETHICAL DILEMMAS
IN TIMES OF COVID-19
14. PMI EVENTS
SEMINARSWORLD VIRTUAL: AUGUST
3 – 6 August 2020 | Live Virtual Workshop
Join our expert SeminarsWorld® instructors virtually to network and learn with your peers in small-group,
topic-intensive seminars aligned with the PMI Talent Triangle® while you earn up to 29.5 PDUs and 2.95
Continuing Education Units. Build your career with these real-time online project management courses.
MORE DETAILS
PMI LEBANON CHAPTER NEWSLETTER BACK TO CONTENTS 14