Tony McMurray

CFO Ingram Micro Benelux

Tomasz Grochowski

PMI Region Mentor for Central Europe

Entrepreneur, Transformation Consultant; PMP®, SAFe® 6 Agilist; PMI Region Mentor for Central Europe Workshop summary: Are you facing a tough decision or tackling a complex problem? Learn how generative AI tools can simplify your work. In this hands-on session, we’ll explore how to boost your customer segment research, integrate valuable insights from academic studies and industry reports, and efficiently summarize information from extensive PDFs. Plus, we’ll demonstrate how to quickly create a Project Scope of Work (SoW) or Solution Pitch and streamline project scope management. Using real-world examples, we’ll dive into tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, NotebookLM, Scite.ai, and Baigiel to empower your project workflows. What You’ll Learn: Build your unique workflow with a series of AI tools, optimizing each step for efficient, insightful project execution.

Teodora Bozheva

Head of Professional Services at Businessmap

Teodor Panayotov

Co-Founder at Ethermind and Coursedot

Teodor Panayotov is a Co-Founder at Ethermind. Ethermind creates AI Personas in various areas of expertise. Powered by the best-in-class LLMs, proprietary data science and knowledge that is not publicly available. EM leverages a vast network of human experts to improve the product continuously. Teodor is also a Co-founder at Coursedot. Coursedot provides bespoke training solutions to businesses worldwide with a global pool of 4400+ Expert tech and management trainers. Customers include multinational corporations, intelligence and government agencies. One of the very few Bulgarians who graduated Singularity University`s program @ NASA Ames, focusing on AI, exponential technologies, and the transformation of business and society. Passionate about education and breakthrough technologies (just got the first patent on emissions reduction in heavy industry). Currently focused on AI – leveraged Subject-Matter Experts in corporates which help in upskilling and consulting. Heavily involved with the TUES Alumni Association, the best IT-focused high-school in Bulgaria, supported by Bosch, Software AG and others. Father of 3 wonderful kids. Loves Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, skiing and kitesurfing.

Rich Maltzman

Master Lecturer at Boston University

Rich Maltzman is a seasoned project management professional with a four-decade career in telecommunications, primarily focused on engineering and project management offices (PMO). This extensive experience, coupled with his academic role as a Master Lecturer at Boston University, positions him as a unique "pracademic" who bridges theory with practical application.

Rich is a leading authority on the integration of sustainability into project management, co-founding EarthPM, LLC to advance this critical area. His holistic approach to project management, encompassing people, planet, and profit, has led to international consulting and speaking engagements (Costa Rica, South Africa, Malaysia, China, Mexico, Canada, India, Italy, The Netherlands). He is also a prolific author, co-writing eight books on project leadership, including the Cleland Award-winning Green Project Management.

With a strong commitment to professional development, Rich has served as VP of Professional Development for PMI Mass Bay and contributed to the 7th Edition PMBOK® Guide, helping to assure that sustainability thinking finally made it into the Standard and the Body of Knowledge.

His popular blog People, Planet, Profits & Projects at ProjectManagement.com, his podcast B’yond Project Management, and speaking engagements demonstrate his passion on improving projects’ long-term and holistic success by helping project managers think beyond traditional boundaries.

Plamen Staikov

Global Executive Director - Multivendor organization at IBM

He has 25 years of experience as a Business Leader, IT Specialist, Software Engineer, Software and IT Project Manager, Information Technology and Leadership Teacher, Lego Serious Play Coach and Instructor, IT Consultant, Quantum Enthusiast and Artificial Intelligence Specialist. Head of a number of transformational and innovation programs and teams in several international corporations. Plamen has won numerous corporate and international awards for innovation and excellence in the field of high technology, education and engagement. Currently, Plamen holds the position of Global Executive Director in IBM's Multivendor organization, whose teams are engaged in the provision of technical services.

Matthias Zeitler

Chairman at Coliving Semkovo

Matthias is a visionary entrepreneur transforming a historic mountain resort in Semkovo into a 17,000m² coliving space, positioning it as a hub for remote work. He previously put Bansko, Bulgaria on the map as a digital nomad hotspot with initiatives like Coworking Bansko and Bansko Nomad Fest. A frequent speaker and mentor in the tech and coworking scenes, Matthias is also featured in an upcoming 2025 documentary on his projects. He holds an MBA from Santa Clara University and an engineering diploma from the Polytechnical University of Salzburg.   Coliving Semkovo: A Project Management Blueprint for Building the Future of Remote Work In the heart of Bulgaria’s Rila Mountains, an ambitious project is transforming a historic hotel into Coliving Semkovo—a 17,000m² hub for remote work and community living. This session explores the challenges and innovative project management techniques behind revitalizing this large-scale property, aligning sustainability with business objectives. Discover how effective leadership, adaptive planning, and stakeholder collaboration are driving this unique coliving space forward. Learn key takeaways that can be applied to any next-gen project revitalizing underutilized buildings.

Marta Krafta

Global project manager at Red Novius

Graduated in Biology with master’s degree in business administration and MBA in project management, Marta has 15 years of experience in Project Management. With a background in environmental, construction and technology projects, worked during the reconstruction of the Brazilian Antarctic Station named “Estação Antártica Comandante Ferraz”. Born in England and raised in Brazil, Marta has always enjoyed exploring the world and after living and working in Brazil, England, China, Antarctica, Qatar and Slovakia, moved to Portugal in Nov/2021. In Portugal, after working in environmental licensing for the renewable energy sector, Marta is now working as a global project manager for Red Novius, a digital marketing company specialized in the pharmaceutical industry. Marta has a PMP certification since 2018 and is an active member of the PMI community. Her hobbies include growing vegetables in the small farm she lives in in Portugal, travelling and cooking.

Lukas Zenk

Professor for Innovation and Network Research. Founder of the Lightbox Network

Lukas is a true “worlds-wanderer,” seamlessly blending science, practice, spirituality, and art to create innovative approaches to leadership and collaboration. As a Professor of Innovation and Network Research at the Department of Knowledge and Communication Management, Danube University Krems, Austria, Lukas explores how people work together to solve complex problems and supports creative and innovative processes through his research. Beyond academia, he is the founder of The Lightbox Network, a collaborative company that brings together experts from various fields to inspire to innovate and provide cutting-edge consulting for organizations (www.lightbox.at). In the arts, Lukas co-founded the improvisational theater company Quintessenz in Vienna and served on the executive board of the global Applied Improvisation Network. He draws on these creative roots to fuel new perspectives in his workshops and keynotes. Currently, Lukas is developing the Radical Leadership Education, an initiative designed to challenge and inspire the leaders of tomorrow. His visionary lectures and dynamic presentations in the areas of Networks, Innovation, and Improvisation have earned him recognition as a thought leader who thrives at the intersection of disciplines.

Lloyd Skinner

Founder | CEO of greyfly.ai

Lloyd Skinner is the Founder | CEO of greyfly.ai, an experienced AI in Project Management international speaker and non-executive director at 3 companies. For over 6 years he and his team have been investigating the use of AI in project management and developing a suite of Intelligent Project Predictions (IPP) tools. IPP recently made finalists in both the Technology and Innovation categories for APM 2024 project of the year. He has 25+ years’ experience in programme management and led best in class, award winning, full life cycle, multi-year, multi £millions transformation projects.

Kim Essendrup

PMP, TEDx speaker, author and trainer

Kim Essendrup is a PMP, TEDx speaker, author and trainer with over 20 years of experience managing projects, programs and PMO’s. Kim is co-host of the popular Project Management Happy Hour podcast, and has been a leader in project RAID management as CEO of RAIDLOG.com, and the author of The Ultimate Guide to RAID Logs.

RAID Log Quick-Start Workshop: Transform Your Project Management in Just 1 Hour!

Nearly all projects run into challenges at some point. The way that we manage those challenges means the difference between project success and failure. That’s while for decades, experienced and successful project leaders have been using RAID Logs to keep their projects on track and course-correct when challenges arise. And now you can too!

Join Kim Essendrup, author of, “The Ultimate Guide to RAID Logs,” for this 1 hour, hands-on workshop to get started with your RAID Log. Whether you're new to the RAID methodology or an experienced professional, this session will give you practical tools to boost your project success immediately.

Each attendee will receive a 6 month paid license for RAIDLOG.com; the only dedicated RAID log software available. This tool is reinventing RAID management by integrating artificial intelligence, best practices, and integration with other business applications.

What is a RAID Log?

A RAID Log is a project manager's essential tool for keeping projects on track. It helps you organize and manage:

• Risks: Potential problems you want to avoid
• Actions: Important tasks that need to be done
• Issues: Current problems that need solutions
• Decisions: Choices made that affect the project
• Plus Dependencies, Opportunities, Changes and Lessons learned

Much more than the sum of its parts, a RAID log is a methodology for project resilience.

 Why Should You Attend?

 For newer project leaders:

• Receive an easy to understand introduction to RAID Logs
• Learn how to avoid common project problems
• Start using RAID Logs for your own project during the workshop

For experienced leaders:

• Discover new techniques to use RAID Logs more effectively
• Learn how to leverage AI to proactively identify threats and opportunities
• Make more efficient use of your time
• More effectively manage stakeholders, sponsors and your team

 Course Outline:

1. What is a RAID log and how can it help my project delivery?
2. Logging in and setting up your first project
3. Hands-on walk through to setup your: Risks, Actions, Issues, Decisions +Lessons Learned
4. Demonstrate using your RAID log to
   1. Manage your project (or multiple projects) day-to-day
   2. Manage “up” to management
   3. Manage “out” to your team
   4. Run a meeting – and not take meeting minutes
   5. Recover a broken project

 By the End of This Workshop, You Will Have:

• A new tool to keep your projects on track and course-correct when challenges arise
• 6 months license for the best RAID log tool available
• Skills to manage projects more effectively.

Invest one hour in learning RAID Logs, and see the difference in all your future projects. Take this opportunity to become a more effective project leader!

Kalin Ivanov

CEO of Siemens Mobility Bulgaria

Kalin Ivanov, the CEO of Siemens Mobility Bulgaria, is a graduate of the Technical University - Sofia and holds a postgraduate qualification in management and business administration from top universities in Paris, France. With over 30 years of diverse business experience, including senior management roles across various sectors, Kalin has adeptly steered Siemens Mobility Bulgaria through challenging times. His distinguished leadership emphasizes sustainability by implementing cutting-edge innovative solutions in Bulgaria's rail and public transport sectors, ensuring the company's continued success and growth.

Ivan Vaptsarov

PM Consultant, Founder of Pmpeer.com

Gergana Markova

Professional trainer and certified coach

Gergana Markova is a personal and business effectiveness consultant and trainer with more than 28-year experience. She helps the managers’ teams of middle and large scale companies to build unbeatable leadership and high efficiency skills. She has studied different systems of leadership and personal development, including the development of thinking by well-known authors and consultants. Professional trainer and certified coach. Expert in the following areas: effective leadership; effective communication; time and goals management; stress management; motivation; influence skills; sales; team efficiency and more. Many of the more than 20 000 hours of training have been aimed at increasing the efficiency of company employees, building an approach to developing and retaining top talents in organizations, and improving the interaction of companies with their counterparts and partners.

Diana Stefanova

Managing Partner at BrightCap Ventures

Diana Stefanova is a Managing Partner at the venture capital fund BrightCap Ventures, an early stage fund, investing and supporting startups from the Southeast European region. Prior to joining Brightcap, Diana spent 16 years at VMware, responsible for establishing and developing its presence in Bulgaria. Under her leadership, VMware was recognized as the largest software company in Bulgaria and as one of the most strategic R&D centers for VMware globally. At VMware, Diana held different  regional and global leadership roles while being responsible for VMware’s R&D centers in EMEA and VMware’s Global Sites Strategy. Diana has over 25 years of professional experience in a variety of areas like, supporting the startup ecosystem, general management, corporate and business development, business operations, as well as finance. She brings significant industry experience with a deep focus in high-tech, from start-ups all the way to well-established corporations, both in the Silicon Valley, USA and in Europe, specifically in Bulgaria and Germany, where she lived and worked. Over the years, Diana actively works on improving the business climate in Bulgaria and establishing the image of the Bulgarian IT sector as a destination attractive for foreign investments. She is passionate about a number of causes, some of which are: more successful women in the technology sector, the return of Bulgarians from abroad to Bulgaria and education as the engine of Bulgaria's success. She is currently a board member of “Teach for Bulgaria”, which has the mission of providing access to equal education for every child in Bulgaria.

Chris Cashell

Principal Change Architect at Marbral Advisory

Chris works for Marbral Advisory as a Principal Change Architect where he is expanding the team’s presence in Ireland with its unique approach to implementing change and ensuring it sticks. A career that spans multiple industries, including insurance, manufacturing and service, healthcare, finance, local government and utilities. He is renowned for possessing stellar technical, project management, and interpersonal skills. A proven motivational leader with a talent for developing highly effective and successful individuals and teams, and a strong belief that the right team building and leadership skills can add value to any organization. When it comes to building out a Project Management discipline within an organization Chris has a reputation for driving change within organizations and in doing so creating a successful pattern to be followed in future projects. Over the years Chris has been involved in a multitude of large successful implementations and presented at conferences about those implementations and the change involved. The recent presentations have involved How to Future Proof your PMO at the Future PMO conference in London in October 2023 plus facilitation of a session on change in Sofia in Bulgaria in March 2023.

Anelia Miteva

Founder of CATRO Bulgaria

Anelia Miteva is the founder of CATRO Bulgaria, Senior consultant and Neuro Agility Master trainer, an empowering leader with a mission, vision and strong drive for constant development. An alumnus of both Sheffield University and the University of Heidelberg, Anelia skillfully combines her MBA in Human Resource management with a Master in Political science, Economics and International law. Her passion at CATRO is developing and implementing innovative, science-based programmes for Neuro Agility, Conscious Leadership, Performance Management, Employer Branding and Employee Engagement in different industries. She believes in the unlimited potential of every human being and supports organisations to create an empowering and nurturing environment to reveal and boost this potential. Along with her business work, Anelia puts inspirational efforts in a number of CSR activities, such as being the Deputy Board President of SOS Children’s Villages Bulgaria as well as a devoted mentor, inspirational lecturer and Board member of the EMPROVE foundation, dedicated to womens’ empowerment. Her newest personal mission is devoted to raise awareness about Neurodiversity@work.

Andrey Mitrev

Global Transformation Lead - Technology Lifecycle Services at IBM

He has over 18 years of experience in the IT industry and the field of outsourced services. In his professional career, he has held the positions of IT consultant, Head of global teams, Operations manager, Head of many IT and transformation projects, lecturer in Project Management and IT Service Management, Chairman of the Architectural Board for Automation and Artificial Intelligence. In addition, he is also a certified specialist in project management in various disciplines, as well as a "Lego Serious Play" coach and instructor. Andrey Mitrev is currently the Global Transformation and Operational Leader of IBM's Strategic Technical Services Centers.

Andon Simeonov

VP, Country Manager at SoftServe

He has held this position for 10 years since the establishment of the Bulgarian company and leads a team of 500 people. He is responsible for the strategic and operational direction of the company in Bulgaria, overseeing the business and financial aspects, as well as those of the organization's human resources. Andon has 20 years of experience in managing people and projects in a dynamically changing environment. With a MBA from Vienna University of Economics and Business Administration, and a European Business Competence License, Andon has a strong background in global executive management, business process modeling and improvement, and economic knowledge. He has gained practical experience occupying Senior and Director roles in different technology companies.