By Markus Kopko
May 21, 2025
I’ll admit it: These days, I approach AI conferences with a healthy dose of skepticism. Too often, we’re promised “revolutions” and left with recycled buzzwords and yet another pitch deck.
But the AI Frontiers Conference by IIL genuinely stood out — not just in content, but in the conversations it sparked and the realities it acknowledged.
Here’s what hit home for me:
First, AI isn’t coming — it’s already here, shaping the way we manage projects, programs, and portfolios.
What struck me was the shift in tone. It wasn’t about chasing the next shiny tool, but about embedding AI into the daily grind: decision-making, stakeholder management, even governance. We’re not talking about automating busywork just for efficiency’s sake. We’re talking about augmenting human judgment, freeing up brain space for the work that truly matters.
Second, 2025 will be the year of the AI Agent — and the year we get honest about adoption.
The conversations around agentic AI — those autonomous agents that don’t just execute, but actually initiate and orchestrate workflows — were refreshing in their realism.
No more magic-wand thinking. Instead: Let’s experiment. Let’s accept the inevitable learning curve. And let’s talk openly about the organizational (and very human) hurdles: trust, change management, and, yes, a little healthy fear of the unknown.
Third, the leadership mindset needs to shift.
The most valuable takeaway? AI isn’t here to replace us as project or program managers. It’s here to challenge us. The role is evolving — from taskmaster to orchestrator, from gatekeeper to strategic coach. The tools are powerful, but it’s our willingness to lead with empathy, empower our teams, and stay curious that will determine if AI becomes a differentiator or just another line item in the tech stack.
A personal highlight:
The “AI in Action” panel cut through the hype and showed the messy, human side of transformation. No fairy tales, just real leaders wrestling with real complexity — and sharing wins, setbacks, and learnings in equal measure. That kind of candor is rare, and desperately needed as we all navigate this new frontier.
So, what’s next?
For me, the real call to action is to keep experimenting — and to do it together, across silos and hierarchies. There are no templates for this journey. But there is enormous potential if we lean in, stay humble, and keep the dialogue alive.
I left the conference with my curiosity (and optimism) fully recharged. AI isn’t a distant future for project management — it’s the present, if we’re willing to show up, ask hard questions, and help shape what comes next.
Markus Kopko is a seasoned expert in project, program, and portfolio management with over two decades of experience in shaping strategic transformation across industries. As Principal Consultant, founder of „MP4PM – Method Power for Project Management“ – (www.mp4pm.club ) – and content creator, he has supported countless professionals on their journey toward PMI certification (e.g. PMP, PgMP) and practical excellence in applying global standards (e.g. PMBoK Guide, ITIL etc.) in their daily work.
A trusted advisor and international speaker, Markus served on the PMI Review Team for the PMBOK® Guide – 7th Edition, contributes to the Core Development Team of the upcoming PMI Standard on AI in Project, Program, and Portfolio Management, and regularly publishes thought leadership content on integrating modern methodologies with real-world delivery.
Markus specializes in strategic program management, lifecycle governance, stakeholder alignment, and benefits realization. He is widely recognized for translating complex frameworks into actionable practices, helping organizations align execution with strategic intent – especially in AI-driven environments.
He holds certifications including PMP®, PgMP®, and is also a Certified AI Transformation Lead (C-AITL by USAII). Markus shares his expertise through global PMI communities, keynote contributions, and coaching – always with one core principle: Lead with empathy. Empower with trust. Show up human — every single day.“
