Monthly Newsletter October 2025: Leadership, Charisma, and Personal Branding

05/12/2026

October is all about stepping into your power

Whether that means leading with confidence, refining your communication, or defining your personal brand. This month’s PMI Portland events are designed to help you grow your influence and connect more deeply with your peers.

We’ll kick things off with Leadership Skills and Overcoming the Pressure Myth, a thought-provoking session that redefines what it means to lead without burning out. Then, join us for our Annual Chapter Meeting and a special presentation from Demet Tuncer, the “Queen of Charisma,” as she shares how small shifts in communication can make a big impact.

Looking to expand your network and stand out in your field? Don’t miss our Personal Branding and Networking Workshop at the end of the month, an in-person opportunity to connect with peers, get expert feedback, and sharpen your brand story.

And before you dive in, take a moment to cast your vote in the Chapter Bylaws Update. Your participation helps shape the future of our chapter and ensures every member’s voice is heard.

ANNOUCEMENT

Bylaws Update

The Chapter is updating its bylaws, and we need YOUR vote.
Check your email for details on the proposed changes and your personalized voting link.

Voting opens: September 22
Voting closes: November 7

Be sure to cast your vote and help shape the future of PMI Portland!

THIS WEEK

Leadership Skills and Overcoming the Pressure Myth

Is leadership really about carrying the weight of the world? Or is that just a myth?

In this engaging workshop, Arliss Dudley-Cash, MA, MBA—best-selling author, business consultant, and award-winning speaker—will challenge the traditional notions of leadership as a pressure-filled role. Instead, she’ll share a refreshing perspective: leadership as a skill you can grow with balance, authenticity, and confidence.

You’ll walk away with practical tools to strengthen your leadership abilities while avoiding burnout, stress, and the “pressure myth” that often holds professionals back.

Three Key Takeaways:

Reframing Leadership: See leadership as an evolving skill and opportunity for growth.
Practical Tools: Build sustainable, adaptable techniques for effective leadership.
Stress-Free Success: Learn to manage expectations and lead with clarity and balance.

Event Details:

Date/Time: Wednesday, October 15 | 12:00–1:00 PM PT
Location: Virtual
PDUs: 1.0 Power Skills
Cost: $15 Members | $10 Students & Veterans | $25 Non-Members

Don’t miss this chance to gain a new perspective on leadership and take away tools you can put into practice immediately.

REGISTER NOW!

THIS MONTH

PMI Portland Annual Chapter Meeting

Annual Business Meeting

The first 15 minutes of this event will be the PMI Portland Annual Meeting.
Join us as we reflect on the past year, share key updates, and look ahead at what’s next for our chapter.

After the annual meeting, stay for a dynamic one-hour session with Demet Tuncer, the “Queen of Charisma”, as she shows project managers how to elevate their presence and influence.

In today’s fast-paced environment, people decide in just seven seconds whether they trust and connect with you. This session reveals how small shifts in communication and energy can dramatically improve how you lead projects, motivate teams, and inspire action.

You’ll learn how to:

Recognize and shift the signals you send before you even speak.
Command a room in the first seven seconds with presence and confidence.
Apply practical tools to elevate body language, tone, and delivery.

Whether you’re leading a sprint review or influencing executives, this workshop will help you turn your presence into your most strategic leadership advantage.

Event Details:

Annual Meeting + Session: Tuesday, October 21 | 6:30–8:30 PM PT
Location: Old Market Pub and Brewery, Portland, OR
PDUs: 1.0 Power Skills
Cost: $10 Members | $15 Non-Members

Don’t miss the chance to take part in the Annual Chapter Meeting and walk away with new tools to lead with authentic charisma.

REGISTER NOW!

Improve Your Personal Brand and Expand Your Network

What’s your personal brand saying about you? Join PMI Portland’s Outreach team for an interactive, in-person workshop on Thursday, October 30, where you’ll learn how to express your value with clarity and confidence.

You’ll collaborate in small groups, practice communicating your brand story, and receive feedback from branding professionals. Walk away with new connections and a refined approach to presenting yourself in person and online.

Event Details:
Date/Time: Thursday, October 30 | 5:30–7:30 PM (Doors open at 5:15 PM)
Location: 2130 SW Fifth Ave, Portland, OR

REGISTER NOW!

LATER THIS FALL

Team Chemistry: How to Use Interaction Styles to Move from Friction to Flow

Professional Development Webinar Ever wonder why even great project teams sometimes clash? In today’s diverse and distributed work environments, understanding how people interact can make the difference between dysfunction and dynamic success.

In this engaging virtual session, Jeff Oltmann, principal consultant at Synergy Professional Services and graduate faculty member at OHSU, will unpack the key interaction styles that shape how we communicate, collaborate, and lead. You’ll learn to recognize different styles, bridge communication gaps, and transform team friction into productive flow.

Whether you manage a small team or a global program, you’ll walk away with practical tools to improve collaboration, reduce conflict, and build stronger, more adaptable teams.

Learning Objectives:

Recognize common interaction styles and their impact on team dynamics
Apply complementary strengths to improve communication and cohesion
Lead with versatility by adapting your style to your team’s preferences

Event Details:
Date/Time: Tuesday, November 4 | 12:00–1:00 PM PT
Location: Virtual
PDUs: 1.0 Power Skills
Cost: $10 Students & Veterans | $15 Members | $25 Non-Members

Don’t miss this chance to learn how to turn team tension into teamwork that flows.

LEARN MORE!

Feeling stuck on a project challenge? Need fresh perspectives from peers who get it? Our Roundtables offer just that—and more!

Each month, project managers from all over the Portland-Vancouver area come together to share, learn, and problem-solve in an open, welcoming environment. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, you’ll find the conversations engaging and insightful, with topics chosen by you and your peers. No two meetings are ever the same, and you’ll gain new tips, strategies, and perspectives to tackle your toughest challenges.

Here’s why you should join us:

It’s Real Talk: No scripted presentations. Just real discussions about what’s happening in your day-to-day projects.
No Membership Required: Anyone can attend! Whether you're a Chapter member or not, you’re welcome.
Earn 1 PDU: Yep, you read that right. Get 1 Professional Development Unit just for participating.
All Levels Welcome: We have a mix of junior and senior PMs, so no matter where you are in your career, you’ll fit right in.
Dynamic Discussions: From troubleshooting specific project issues to diving into prearranged topics, our format keeps things fresh and engaging.

Want to be in the loop? Subscribe below to stay updated on Roundtable schedules, changes, and special events. You won’t want to miss these monthly meetups!

I'M INTERESTED!

PMI Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer with Us: Make a Difference and Grow Your Career!

Looking to level up your career while making a real impact? Volunteering with PMI Portland is your perfect opportunity to do both! Whether you want to gain leadership experience, expand your network, or just give back to our incredible community, there’s a role for you.

Why Volunteer?

Boost Your Resume: Gain hands-on leadership and project management experience.
Expand Your Network: Connect with other passionate professionals across industries.
Make a Difference: Help shape the future of our chapter and make a lasting impact in our community.
Earn PDUs: Stay on top of your certifications while doing meaningful work.

No matter your skill set or availability, there’s a spot for you to shine! Ready to take the next step? Click below to explore our open roles and get involved.

Let’s work together to build a stronger, more connected PMI Portland community!

BROWSE OPENINGS

Speaker Opportunities

Want to Speak at a PMI Portland Event?

We’re looking for dynamic speakers to lead Chapter meetings, & workshops. If you’ve got insights to share and a passion for project management, we want to hear from you!

Why speak?

Boost your professional profile
Connect with a network of PM pros
Get invited to speak at other PMI events

We handle the logistics, you bring the knowledge. Topics should offer real value and focus on the hard and soft skills project professionals need to thrive.

Ready to take the mic?