The Most Insightful Project Management Speakers in 2026
Project management speakers can offer valuable outside perspective when teams are navigating complex delivery challenges or change. These are my personal picks for the top project management speakers in 2026 — each selected for their real-world experience, thoughtful insights, and ability to speak to how work actually gets done inside organizations.
PMO, Portfolio & Enterprise Delivery Leaders
Laurel Sim
Laurel Sim is a highly experienced project management professional, currently serving as the Vice President of Portfolio Management at Taleo Project Services. With over 20 years in the field, she has transitioned
…Laurel Sim is a highly experienced project management professional, currently serving as the Vice President of Portfolio Management at Taleo Project Services. With over 20 years in the field, she has transitioned from project manager to an executive leader, working with industry giants like KPMG and Fujitsu. Laurel’s expertise is recognized through numerous accolades, including the Project Leader of the Year award from the Project Management Institute. Her strategic insights and leadership have been pivotal in securing strong client relationships, including Fortune 500 companies. As a project management speaker, Laurel is known for her logical approach and her ability to inspire professionals globally.
Bill Dow
Bill Dow is a seasoned project management expert with over 30 years of experience in the industry. He has established and successfully managed 10 Project Management Offices (PMOs) across four diverse companies.
…Bill Dow is a seasoned project management expert with over 30 years of experience in the industry. He has established and successfully managed 10 Project Management Offices (PMOs) across four diverse companies. As a recognized PMO leader, author, coach, and trainer, Bill Dow has made significant contributions to improving project delivery excellence. His unique approach and deep expertise make him a sought-after speaker in the field of project management, offering valuable insights and strategies for project managers looking to enhance their skills and achieve successful project outcomes.
Peter Taylor
Peter Taylor is a distinguished project management speaker and author, currently affiliated with Dayforce. He is known for his engaging speaking style, which offers unique insights and practical advice. With a strong
…Peter Taylor is a distinguished project management speaker and author, currently affiliated with Dayforce. He is known for his engaging speaking style, which offers unique insights and practical advice. With a strong presence in the project management community, he has over 34,000 followers on LinkedIn. His notable works include “The Invisible Project Manager,” which explores the impact of artificial intelligence on project management, and “The Lazy Project Manager,” which advocates for efficiency through “productive laziness.” Taylor has received several accolades, including the PMO Influencer of the Year 2020, highlighting his influence and contributions to the field.
Payal Sipahimalani
Payal Sipahimalani is a senior project management leader with extensive experience directing project portfolios and driving delivery excellence in complex organizational settings. As a seasoned director of project management, she has led
…Payal Sipahimalani is a senior project management leader with extensive experience directing project portfolios and driving delivery excellence in complex organizational settings. As a seasoned director of project management, she has led cross-functional teams, shaped delivery frameworks, and shared insights on strategic execution and leadership, offering valuable perspectives for professionals seeking to improve organizational project outcomes.
Behnaz Mortazavi
Behnaz Mortazavi is a seasoned project management expert with a wealth of experience in leading complex projects across various industries. She has a profound understanding of the intricacies involved in project management,
…Behnaz Mortazavi is a seasoned project management expert with a wealth of experience in leading complex projects across various industries. She has a profound understanding of the intricacies involved in project management, making her a compelling speaker. Her ability to translate complex project management concepts into actionable insights is what sets her apart. If you’re looking to elevate your project management skills, Behnaz’s unique approach and in-depth knowledge make her an invaluable resource.
Gregg Brown
With over 30 years of experience, Gregg Brown is a seasoned project management speaker known for his expertise in leading complex change initiatives and talent development across sectors. He played a key
…With over 30 years of experience, Gregg Brown is a seasoned project management speaker known for his expertise in leading complex change initiatives and talent development across sectors. He played a key role in launching the first Starbucks stores in Canada and is currently pursuing a PhD on AI’s impact on leadership. Gregg’s unique approach combines organizational psychology and behavioral science, emphasizing adaptability and courage. His philosophy promotes practical, science-based skills to navigate workplace change, making him a compelling choice for project managers seeking effective change management strategies.
Nalini Vadivelan
Nalini Vadivelan is a seasoned project management speaker with a robust background in the field, specializing in strategic planning and execution. With over a decade of experience, she has made significant contributions
…Nalini Vadivelan is a seasoned project management speaker with a robust background in the field, specializing in strategic planning and execution. With over a decade of experience, she has made significant contributions to the tech industry, particularly in integrating agile methodologies into traditional project management frameworks. Her unique approach combines a deep understanding of both technical and managerial aspects, making her a sought-after speaker at conferences. Vadivelan’s philosophy centers around adaptability and continuous learning, offering valuable insights for project managers seeking to enhance their effectiveness and innovate in their roles.
Kimberly Sivak, PMP
Kimberly Sivak is an experienced project management professional and consultant with over 15 years of experience leading complex initiatives and supporting strategic project outcomes across industries. Certified as a Project Management Professional
…Kimberly Sivak is an experienced project management professional and consultant with over 15 years of experience leading complex initiatives and supporting strategic project outcomes across industries. Certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP), Kimberly has expertise in program coordination, stakeholder engagement, and applying equity-focused approaches to project leadership, making her a compelling voice for organizations looking to strengthen delivery practices and build inclusive project environments.
Gary Wagner
Gary Wagner is a project management expert currently working with PokerLab, specializing in implementing scaled Agility within organizations. With certifications like PMI-PMP and PMI-ACP, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the
…Gary Wagner is a project management expert currently working with PokerLab, specializing in implementing scaled Agility within organizations. With certifications like PMI-PMP and PMI-ACP, he brings a wealth of knowledge to the field. Wagner’s insights, shared at industry conferences, focus on the benefits and challenges of scaled Agility, offering practical advice for project managers navigating this transition. His extensive network on LinkedIn highlights his influence and reach within the project management community.
Megan Johnston
Megan Johnston is a seasoned project management speaker with a robust background in clinical research and project delivery. With over 17 years of experience, she has established herself in the healthcare sector,
…Megan Johnston is a seasoned project management speaker with a robust background in clinical research and project delivery. With over 17 years of experience, she has established herself in the healthcare sector, notably as the Director of Project Delivery at Syneos Health. Megan’s expertise lies in facilitating complex projects and improving organizational processes. Her unique perspective on project management, coupled with her hands-on experience, makes her a valuable resource for project managers seeking to enhance their strategic approach.
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