Pre-Dinner Presentation: The Resilient PM: Overcoming Anxiety for Better Project Outcomes

Nilufar Masimova is a highly accomplished Human Resources professional with deep expertise in strategic HR, organizational transformation, and leadership development. With over a decade of experience, including key roles at SOCAR (State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic), Nilufar has successfully led high-impact HR initiatives in both corporate and consulting environments. At SOCAR, she played a critical role in modernizing HR processes, implementing performance management systems, and driving cultural transformation across the organization.

Currently serving as a Consulting Partner at Formaxed, she collaborates with a global team of experts from the U.S., Canada, and Azerbaijan to deliver cutting-edge solutions in strategy, culture, processes, technology, and ESG. Nilufar brings a unique blend of practical HR experience and academic insight, having developed customized HR tools, competency frameworks, and performance systems tailored to each client’s needs. She has designed and delivered leadership development programs, facilitated 360-degree feedback processes, and advised organizations on strategic talent planning and inclusive culture building.

Her work extends beyond technical expertise — she is known for fostering psychologically safe, high-performing environments and mentoring future HR leaders. Nilufar regularly delivers workshops and trainings on topics such as performance culture, feedback and coaching, and effective communication. She also leads initiatives that promote sustainable and people-first workplace practices, and contributes to recognition programs that celebrate HR excellence.

Educational Background

· MSc, Human Resource Management, (University of East Anglia, UK)

· MSc, Project Management ( Northeastern University, US)

· Certified SHRM-SCP (Society for Human Resource Management – Senior Certified Professional)

0.5 Business Acumen & 0.5 Power Skills PDU

   

 

Dinner Presentation: The Secrets of Facilitation for Project Managers

 

Clients chose Michael for presentations that are dynamic, impactful, and highly interactive! Michael Wilkinson, know around the world as Michael the Facilitator, is the founder and Board Chair of Leadership Strategies, the largest provider of professional facilitators and facilitator-related training in the U.S. He is recognized as a global leader in the facilitation industry and is one of less than 60 Certified Master Facilitators worldwide.

Active in both the private and public sectors, Michael the Facilitator has facilitated over 200 leadership and strategy sessions for major corporations, large government agencies, and a variety of non-profit organizations. He is a much sought-after facilitator, trainer, and speaker, both in the U.S. and around the globe. He has completed international assignments in over 25 international cities. Past participants have commented that his dynamic presentation style, combined with his unique insights, make for highly engaging and results-producing sessions.

Accomplishments
• Author of six books, including The 8 Core Practices of Facilitative Leaders, The Executive
Guide to Facilitating Strategy, and industry best-seller, The Secrets of Facilitation
• Board member of the International Institute for Facilitation
• Member of the International Facilitation Hall of Fame
• Founder of the FindaFacilitator database, with over 600 facilitators under contract

PDU Triangle:

0.5 Ways of Working & 0.5 Power Skills PDU