PMI Houston Galleria: "Coaching Tools Every PM Needs &The Power of Data and AI in Modern Project Management"

PMI Houston Galleria: "Coaching Tools Every PM Needs &The Power of Data and AI in Modern Project Management"

Pre-Dinner Presentation: Unstick Your Product Management Career

 

teresa jurgensDevshree Golecha is an award-winning author, data leader, and advocate for responsible AI and early STEM education. Her book Data Made Fun for Kids was named one of the top children’s books in math by DataCamp and earned the Best STEM Children’s Book Award along with a prestigious Kirkus Starred Review.
With over 17 years of experience in data, technology, Six Sigma, and project management, Devshree serves as the Head of Business Intelligence at a major scholarship funding organization, leading reporting, database administration, and analytics strategy to support equitable education funding.
A passionate educator and adjunct professor of Data and Information Management, Devshree champions data literacy from early childhood to executive leadership. Her voice in the tech world has earned her numerous accolades, including Houston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, Responsible AI Leader Award, Extraordinary Women in Tech (Texas), and Global Data Power Woman.
Devshree is a frequent keynote speaker known for blending technical expertise with storytelling, and for driving innovation rooted in empathy and impact. Her work continues to inspire future data leaders and ensure technology is built—and taught—with responsibility and heart.

Topic Synopsis:
In a world where data drives every decision and artificial intelligence is reshaping the business landscape, project managers are uniquely positioned to lead with insight—but only if they can bridge the gap between traditional project execution and emerging technologies.
In this session, Devshree shares how project managers can harness the power of data and AI to improve planning, optimize resources, and make smarter, faster decisions.
Key topics include how to identify and close data gaps in project workflows, practical applications of AI in risk management and forecasting, and the importance of building partnerships with data and analytics teams. Devshree will also share real-world examples of how predictive dashboards and responsible AI practices have transformed outcomes in mission-driven environments.
Attendees will walk away with a clear understanding of how to adopt a data-first mindset, how to apply AI tools ethically and effectively, and how to elevate their role from project executor to strategic innovator. Whether you’re tech-savvy or just starting your data journey, this session will inspire you to lead your next project with intelligence and impact.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the role of data and AI in modern project management – Learn how data-driven insights and emerging AI technologies can enhance project planning, execution, and decision-making.
2. Identify gaps and opportunities in current project workflows – Discover how to assess where data is underutilized and how to close those gaps to drive efficiency and impact.
3. Apply practical strategies for collaborating with BI and data teams – Gain tools to improve cross-functional alignment and leverage analytics effectively within project teams.
4. Explore ethical and responsible use of AI in project settings – Learn key principles and real-world examples of implementing AI in a way that is transparent, equitable, and aligned with project goals.


PDU Triangle:

 0.5 Ways of Working, 0.2 Power Skills, & 0.3 Business Acumen PDU

Ways of Working Technical      

Dinner Presentation: Coaching Tools Every PM Needs & The Power of Data and AI in Modern Project Management

mounir ajamDr. Miguel Lozano, PMP is an accomplished coach, consultant, and educator with over 25 years of leadership experience spanning healthcare, automotive manufacturing, and traffic safety with experience in the areas of quality engineering, project management, process improvement and recently in leadership development. As a certified Associate Coach through the International Coaching Federation (ICF), he specializes in integrating coaching principles into process improvement, project management, and organizational change.
He holds a Doctorate in Public Health from the University of Texas and earned his MBA from UT El Paso, along with a bachelor's in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Instituto Tecnologico de Monterrey. His credentials also include PMP, Six Sigma Black Belt, CQE, and PROSCI certifications.
Dr. Lozano currently coaches leaders at MD Anderson Cancer Center and consults externally, guiding teams through strategic transformation initiatives. He also serves as an adjunct professor, teaching leadership, project management, and process improvement at the University of Houston’s Bauer College, UH-Downtown, and UT School of Public Health.
A CoachRICE graduate of the Doerr Institute at Rice University, Dr. Lozano blends academic rigor with real-world experience. Outside of work, he’s a proud husband and father, a Taekwondo Black Belt, and a golf enthusiast.

Topic Synopsis:
What sets exceptional project managers apart is their ability to truly listen, be curious and connect at a deeper level with people to achieve trust. “Shifting from Telling to Listening: Coaching Tools Every PM Needs” explores how integrating coaching techniques into project management can improve relationships with project team members and stakeholders, resulting in enhanced team dynamics and better outcomes.
This session unpacks the transformative power of coaching: active listening, powerful questioning, and trust-building communication. Participants will discover how coaching skills help PMs shift from directive taskmasters to influential facilitators — encouraging autonomy, accountability, and creative problem-solving within their teams. This interactive session, incorporating scenarios and role-playing, will highlight the difference between telling versus listening by learning how to ask powerful questions and resist the temptation to give advice when not needed or asked for. Participants will walk away with practical coaching methods for handling difficult conversations, fostering accountability within the project team, and getting stakeholder buy-in.
Whether you're a seasoned PM or just beginning your leadership journey, you'll leave with actionable insights, ready-to-use approaches, and a different perspective on leading through listening — not just task direction. Step into a more human-centric model of project success, where listening is not a soft skill—it's a strategic advantage.
 

Learning Objectives: 

  1. Identify and practice key coaching skills—such as active listening, powerful questioning, and trust-building—and reflect on how they enhance project management effectiveness.
  2. Recognize the difference between advising and coaching, and apply techniques to resist giving unsolicited advice in project conversations.
  3. Practice handling challenging project conversations through role-play exercises and peer coaching scenarios.

PDU Triangle:
1.0 Power Skills

Business Acumen Strategic      

Event Information

Event Date 09-10-2025 5:00 pm
Event End Date 09-10-2025 8:00 pm
Cut Off Date 09-10-2025 8:00 pm
Capacity 30
Individual Price $30 Members / $40 Guests
Location Tanishq Jewelers

Speakers

Devshree Golecha

Pre-Dinner Speaker

Devshree Golecha is an award-winning author, data leader, and advocate for responsible AI and early STEM education. Her book Data Made Fun for Kids was named one of the top children’s books in math by DataCamp and earned the Best STEM Children’s Book Award along with a prestigious Kirkus Starred Review. With over 17 years of experience in data, technology, Six Sigma, and project management, Devshree serves as the Head of Business Intelligence at a major scholarship funding organization, leading reporting, database administration, and analytics strategy to support equitable education funding. A passionate educator and adjunct professor of Data and Information Management, Devshree champions data literacy from early childhood to executive leadership. Her voice in the tech world has earned her numerous accolades, including Houston Business Journal’s 40 Under 40, Responsible AI Leader Award, Extraordinary Women in Tech (Texas), and Global Data Power Woman. Devshree is a frequent keynote speaker known for blending technical expertise with storytelling, and for driving innovation rooted in empathy and impact. Her work continues to inspire future data leaders and ensure technology is built—and taught—with responsibility and heart.

Dr. Miguel Lozano, PMP

Dinner Speaker

Dr. Miguel Lozano, PMP is an accomplished coach, consultant, and educator with over 25 years of leadership experience spanning healthcare, automotive manufacturing, and traffic safety with experience in the areas of quality engineering, project management, process improvement and recently in leadership development. As a certified Associate Coach through the International Coaching Federation (ICF), he specializes in integrating coaching principles into process improvement, project management, and organizational change. He holds a Doctorate in Public Health from the University of Texas and earned his MBA from UT El Paso, along with a bachelor's in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Instituto Tecnologico de Monterrey. His credentials also include PMP, Six Sigma Black Belt, CQE, and PROSCI certifications. Dr. Lozano currently coaches leaders at MD Anderson Cancer Center and consults externally, guiding teams through strategic transformation initiatives. He also serves as an adjunct professor, teaching leadership, project management, and process improvement at the University of Houston’s Bauer College, UH-Downtown, and UT School of Public Health. A CoachRICE graduate of the Doerr Institute at Rice University, Dr. Lozano blends academic rigor with real-world experience. Outside of work, he’s a proud husband and father, a Taekwondo Black Belt, and a golf enthusiast.