AI and human leadership are transforming project management, ETEnterpriseai experts weigh in

<p>Artificial intelligence is transforming project management, but human judgment remains central. According to John Dawber, leaders need to inspire people and adapt to changes in technology.</p>
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John Dover, vice president and managing director of Novo Nordisk Global Business Services, said Sunday that while artificial intelligence will transform project management, human judgment and ethical leadership will remain central to the profession.

Speaking after the inauguration of WAVES 2026, the 16th annual project management conference of PMI Kerala Chapter, to be held here, Dover said organizations need leaders who can inspire people across sectors and adapt to the rapidly changing technological landscape, according to a statement on Sunday.

AI can analyze options and speed decision-making, but humans will always be responsible for the final decision, he said, stressing that leadership is built on trust, not authority.

PMI South Asia Regional Community Director Anwesha Majumdar delivered the keynote speech, outlining PMI’s evolving global vision and saying its new strategic framework encourages professionals to go beyond traditional project delivery to create organizational and social impact.

He also announced PMI’s Volunteer Journey System, designed to provide a structured growth path for volunteers, and highlighted the organization’s growing AI ecosystem, including AI-enabled learning resources, certifications, and a digital knowledge-sharing platform.

The conference concluded with the presentation of PMI Kerala Awards 2026.

BPCL won the Project of the Year (Large) award, while Cochin Shipyard and Uralungar Labor Contract Cooperative Society (ULCCS) were the runners-up. UST won the Project of the Year (medium) award, and H&R Block was the runner-up. H&R Block also won the Project of the Year (Small) award.

According to the statement, Aries received the Sustainability Project of the Year Award, ULCCS received the Social Project of the Year Award, H&R Block received the AI Excellence Award in the Service Industries Category, FACT received the Innovative Manufacturing Project Award, and K-DISC received the Green Infrastructure Project Award in the Construction Industry Category.