A Journey of Growth, Adaptability, and Lifelong Learning: CelebratingDarrell’s 20+ Years with PMI

More than twenty years ago, Darrell earned his PMP certification and joined PMI while living in Victoria, British Columbia. What began as a commitment to professional development evolved into a career marked by leadership, international experience, and entrepreneurship.

Over the years, Darrell progressed from Project Manager to senior leadership roles within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, managing complex multinational clinical research operations, eventually reaching the executive level.

Today, as the Founder and Principal Consultant of Ceros Management and Advisory, he continues to apply decades of project management expertise while helping organizations improve business processes and achieve their goals.

Throughout his journey, PMI has remained a constant source of learning, professional growth, and connection to the evolving project management profession.

So, what lessons has he learned over two decades in project management? And what advice does he have for the next generation of professionals? Darrell’s story offers valuable insights.

Darrell, you’ve been a PMI member for more than twenty years. Take us back to the beginning. What inspired you to join PMI initially?

I earned my PMP certification in 2003 while living in Victoria and joined PMI around the same time. When I relocated to Calgary in 2006, joining the Southern Alberta Chapter felt like a natural way to connect with the local project management community and stay informed about what was happening professionally in the region. I saw it as an opportunity to build connections, stay engaged, and support the local project management community.

Your career has evolved significantly over the last two decades. How has your professional journey developed since becoming a PMI member?

My project management journey began in the pharmaceutical industry, where I spent approximately twenty-five years managing international clinical research trials and operations. Over time, I progressed from Project Manager to Senior Project Manager and eventually into an executive leadership role with a Vancouver-based biotechnology company.

One unique aspect of that experience was that I was able to remain based in Calgary while working for a company headquartered in Vancouver. Many of the clinical trials I managed for that company were conducted across Europe, making Calgary an ideal location from a time-zone perspective.

What are some key milestones or achievements you are most proud of?

I am most proud of progressing from Project Manager to an executive leadership position and having the opportunity to lead complex international clinical trials involving teams and stakeholders across the world. Reaching the executive level was a significant milestone and it provided the foundation for my next chapter as an entrepreneur. When the biotechnology company concluded its operations, I leveraged the experience and leadership skills I had gained to transition into independent consulting and ultimately found Ceros Management and Advisory. Today, I work with businesses and organizations to improve processes, enhance operational effectiveness, and support successful project delivery.

Looking back across more than two decades, what is the single greatest professional benefit that has come from being part of PMI? What has kept you engaged with PMI-SAC for so many years?

The greatest benefit was the opportunity to stay current within the project management profession. PMI has provided continuous exposure to new and emerging practices, evolving methodologies, and industry developments. Beyond maintaining my credential and earning PDUs, it has helped me stay connected to the profession and continue learning throughout my career.

What advice would you give to newer members and young professionals entering the field?

Stay current, stay connected, and stay involved.

The relationships you build throughout your career are incredibly important. The people you work alongside today could become the people who help open doors for you tomorrow. Even in today’s AI-driven world, there is no substitute for meaningful professional relationships.

I encourage professionals to network, build genuine connections, remain interested in what others are doing, and continually stay informed about emerging industry trends and project management methodologies. Strong relationships and continuous learning create opportunities that can have a lasting impact on your career.

What skills do you believe are most important for success in project management today?

Adaptability is one of the most important skills a project manager can have. The way I managed projects in 2003 is very different from how projects are managed today. Advances in technology, software platforms, and artificial intelligence have transformed the profession and created new opportunities to work more effectively.

Project managers must be able to adapt to change, navigate challenges, and remain resilient during difficult situations. I also believe it is important not to take adversity personally and to remain open to learning. Humility, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous improvement are qualities that will always be valuable, regardless of how the profession evolves.

Finally, after more than twenty years as a PMI member, what message would you like to share with the PMI-SAC community?

Stay adaptable, stay connected, stay humble, and don’t give up. Be tenacious in pursuing what you want to achieve but remember that success is about more than advancing your career or reaching a particular goal. Focus on building the life you want along the way. After all,

“Success isn’t just about reaching the summit- it’s about creating a great journey along the way.”
— Darrell Panich

Thank you, Darrell, for your more than twenty years of commitment to PMI and for sharing your experiences, insights, and advice with the PMI Southern Alberta Chapter community.