What a PM Needs to Know About AI

Power Skills

Rick Hefner

Executive Director

CTME (Caltech Center for Technology & Management Education)

About the Presentation

The rapid ascent of Generative AI has transformed the technology from a curiosity into a strategic necessity for the modern enterprise. However, many project managers find themselves caught in a difficult position: pressured to innovate but lacking a structured framework to do so effectively.

This session moves past the hype of prompt engineering to focus on the skills and infrastructure required to scale AI safely and effectively. Participants will leave with a practical blueprint to demystify AI, use it to safely and efficiently, and position themselves for the next chapter of AI-driven value delivery.

Learning Objectives:

·         Establish ethical standards and guardrails that encourage experimentation while mitigating risks such as AI hallucinations.

·         Identify and integrate AI solutions seamlessly into existing workflows to avoid "tool fatigue".

·         Design a personal roadmap for professional growth in an AI-driven landscape.

About Rick Hefner

Rick Hefner, PhD, is the Executive Director of Caltech’s Center for Technology & Management Education (CTME). With over 50 years of experience and a history of advising more than 50 Fortune 500 companies and government agencies, Dr. Hefner is a leading expert on navigating digital transformation and AI adoption in project management.