Project Management Institute

Other

Jul 15

Project Management Institute (PMI) is a global leader in project management certification, education, and professional development

AUDIENCE: 60,000+ project management professionals worldwide

LOCATION: Virtual (PMXPO)

CHALLENGE: Staying updated with the latest project management methodologies and tools while navigating the complexities of managing projects in dynamic, global environments.

CARA BROOKINS’ SOLUTION:

Created a customized keynote specifically for a virtual, global audience
Shared insights on leadership, teamwork, and personal ownership through storytelling
Participated in live Q&A to deepen the experience for attendees
1-hour recorded keynote + 30-minute live Q&A

At a time when team cohesion and remote collaboration were more important than ever, the Project Management Institute hosted PMXPO, its premier annual virtual conference, with more than 60,000 attendees tuning in from around the globe. Originally planned for a much smaller audience, lockdowns during the first weeks of the pandemic inspired them to open the doors to a broader membership—and boy-oh-boy did they show up.

“Cara – absolutely impressed… grit, determination, leadership, and just plain smarts. You’re amazing – as is your family.”
— Jim Ryan, Nashua, NH

As the featured keynote speaker, Cara Brookins presented “Building Cohesive Teams: How a House Built a Family.” Her story of building her own home with her four children, armed only with determination and YouTube tutorials, offered a powerful metaphor for team building, leadership, and problem-solving.

Cara’s message landed squarely with the project management audience, who routinely navigate uncertainty, delegate across silos, and aim to lead with clarity. After the recorded session aired, she joined live for a 30-minute Q&A, where she engaged directly with professionals facing real-world challenges.

The response was overwhelmingly positive. Viewers praised her for her authenticity, energy, and actionable insights. PMI’s decision to feature Cara set a tone of resilience and adaptability that carried throughout the entire event.