SPEAKER UPDATE - PMI Houston Galleria: "The Leadership Side of Stakeholder Engagement"
Pre-Dinner Presentation "The Deliberate Disruptor: Why Elite Organizations Institutionalize Scepticism"
JIM BENVIE, PMP - "THE HISTORY PM" Jim Benvie transforms historical wisdom and critical thinking techniques into powerful leadership tools for today's business professionals. With 40+ years managing multi-million-dollar projects across multiple continents, "The History PM" delivers thought-provoking presentations on pivotal historical events, structured skepticism for excellence, and the evolving nature of leadership. A recognized industry leader whose exceptional expertise earned him an L1 visa—reserved for professionals with specialized skill. Throughout his career, he was specifically recruited for key leadership positions, including the Martin Decker Totco Service Manager (Europe) role, based on his outstanding reputation. Jim served on the PMI Houston board for 6 years, maintained his PMP certification for over 20 years, and earned the Distinguished Toastmaster Award.
Jim's presentations have earned enthusiastic praise from audiences at conferences nationwide:
- "Should be on the History Channel"
- "This was my favorite presentation of the day!"
- "You made me a history lover today!"
As a speaker with TyauvinOn Solutions and dedicated PMI Houston volunteer for over two decades, Jim challenges conventional thinking by connecting historical insights with contemporary challenges. His philosophy of "Some assembly required" encourages leaders to think deeply rather than seeking simplistic solutions. Invite Jim to deliver a presentation that will inspire your audience while providing actionable insights drawn from history's great leadership and decision-making lessons.
Topic Synopsis:
In today's high-stakes business environment, conventional thinking may be your greatest vulnerability. While organizations value consensus and alignment, these same qualities often lead to costly blind spots, missed opportunities, and avoidable mistakes.
What if your organization's competitive edge lies in systematically challenging your own assumptions?
Join Jim Benvie, "The History PM," as he reveals why today's elite organizations are deliberately institutionalizing scepticism as a strategic advantage. Drawing from historical case studies and contemporary business examples, Jim demonstrates how structured challenge transforms decision quality and exposes hidden risks before they become costly missteps.
The "Deliberate Disruptor" methodology isn't about creating conflict—it's about implementing a disciplined framework for critical thinking that:
• Prevents groupthink and assumption-based errors that plague even the most experienced leadership teams
• Reveals blind spots in strategy that competitors are waiting to exploit
• Stress-tests critical decisions before significant resources are committed
• Creates psychological safety for authentic discussion without undermining team cohesion
• Builds organizational resilience in today's volatile business landscape
As businesses navigate increasingly complex challenges, from digital transformation to market disruption, the ability to systematically question assumptions provides an essential safeguard against failure.
Discover how historical wisdom and contemporary leadership techniques combine to create a powerful framework for superior decision-making that elite organizations already employ.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the concept of institutionalized scepticism and its proven value in high-performing organizations
- Implement critical thinking frameworks that expose dangerous assumptions while maintaining team unity
- Experience practical techniques for stress-testing important decisions before resources are committed
PDU Triangle:
1.0 Power Skills PDU
Dinner Presentation "The Leadership Side of Stakeholder Engagement"
Gabriela Gutierrez is a Project Management and Leadership professional with over a decade of experience across the U.S., Canada, Latin America, and Europe. She currently serves in the PMO of a major student transportation company in the U.S. In 2025, she was recognized as the # 6 Project Management Creator on LinkedIn in the United States.
She holds an MBA from a European business school and top industry credentials, including the Project Management Professional (PMP®), Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and Prosci® Change Management certifications.
As a Certified Coach and Speaker, Gabriela is enthusiastic about bringing fresh perspectives and valuable insights, drawn from her project management experience and from the teachings of her mentor, John C. Maxwell, a globally recognized leadership expert.
Recognized in the corporate world, on LinkedIn, and in her community for her engaging and uplifting presence, Gabriela delivers inspiring, practical insights. She is ready to equip you as a professional and leader, so you can engage in ways that not only achieve results but also positively impact the people who bring your projects to life.
Topic Synopsis:
What if Stakeholder Engagement were more than a process?
What if it were one of your best opportunities to lead (and to lead well)?
Too often, Stakeholder Engagement is reduced to updates and checklists. But projects don’t succeed because boxes are ticked. They succeed because people are engaged, aligned, and inspired to contribute.
In this session, Gabriela Gutierrez, PMP®, MBA, and Maxwell Leadership Certified Coach & Speaker, shares practical ways to approach Stakeholder Engagement through the lens of leadership. The valuable insights from this session are drawn from Gabriela’s Project Management experience and timeless leadership principles from the influential author, John C. Maxwell.
Join this session ready to leave equipped and inspired to effectively engage the people who impact your projects most.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand how Stakeholder Engagement is a form of leadership.
- Learn how leadership traits make Stakeholder Engagement more effective.
- Gain practical insights to engage the people who impact your projects most.
PDU Triangle:
1.0 Power Skills PDU
Event Information
| Event Date | 05-13-2026 5:00 pm |
| Event End Date | 05-13-2026 8:00 pm |
| Cut Off Date | 05-13-2026 8:00 pm |
| Capacity | Unlimited |
| Registered | 6 |
| Individual Price | $30 Members / $40 Guests / $20 Student/Unemployed |
| Location | Home2 Suites by Hilton at the Galleria |