Jan 2026 Virtual Kickoff Meeting with Keynote "Cultivating Resilience: Leadership that Lasts" by Amber McMillan

 

January 13, 2026
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
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Online Meeting Only


Directions

Abstract:

In an era where disruption has become the new normal, resilience is no longer a “nice-to-have” — it’s a leadership necessity. Yet resilience isn’t about being unshakable; it’s about being adaptable. It’s the ability to stay grounded in your purpose while navigating shifting priorities, people dynamics, and constant change.

In this engaging and practical session, The Feisty PM — Amber McMillan — explores what it truly means to lead with steadiness when the ground keeps moving. Drawing from decades of experience in project management, change leadership, and human development, Amber unpacks how leaders can build emotional agility, create psychological safety, and foster teams that bend without breaking.

Participants will leave with tangible strategies for:

  • Reframing disruption as a catalyst for growth
  • Strengthening emotional intelligence as the foundation of resilience
  • Leading through uncertainty with authenticity and composure
  • Creating conditions where teams can recover quickly and refocus purposefully


Whether you’re leading projects, people, or organizational transformation, this session will help you cultivate the kind of leadership that lasts — calm under pressure, clear in purpose, and courageous in action.

Bio

Amber McMillan, also known as 'The Feisty PM,' is an impact coach, project management thought leader, and champion for change with over 30 years of experience across profit and non-profit sectors. Specializing in the people side of projects—communication, change, and conflict management—Amber empowers individuals to leverage their unique strengths to overcome challenges. A passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, she fosters environments where every voice drives innovation. Amber is currently the Region 1 Mentor for PMI and teaches at institutions like York University and UVic. Guided by Maya Angelou’s words, Amber inspires others to embrace growth and exceed expectations.

Meeting Details:

Pre-registration Expires:  Day of event @1P. Registration is capped at 100 attendees.

Cancellation Policy: Event will be cancelled if we do not have a minimum of (6) or for other reasons out of our control. All attempts will be made to re-schedule it.

PDUs: 1.5 ( 1 Power Skills + .05 Business Acumen)

Meeting Agenda and Times: 

  • Announcements/Business Update - 5:30PM-6PM CST
  • Presentation and Q&A - 6:05P-7P CST

Note:  Registrants will receive an MS Teams link via the confirmation email after registration.  Those using employer issued machines at home and connecting VPN may need to use phone for audio and a Smart device (table, PC or Smartphone) to view slides and video.  To increase engagement on an online event, we sincerely encourage you to enable your camera.  Use a Smartphone if your PC or MacBook does not have a camera.  

Substitution Policy: 

Substitutions will be allowed. Alternate Attendee will need to notify us who they are replacing. Contact [email protected] for any cancellations or Substitutions.

Video/Photo Release:

With the permission of our speaker/presenter, the Chapter reserves the right to record and share this session on its official platforms (e.g., YouTube Channel) in full or in part within 4–8 weeks after the event. By registering/attending this event, I understand the PMI Central Illinois Chapter or its representatives may take video/photographs of attendees at the above-identified event. I agree that the PMI Central Illinois Chapter may use such video/photographs of me with or without my name and for any lawful purpose, including, for example, such purposes as publicity, illustration, advertising, and Web content. (Note: "If I do not wish to be photographed, I understand it is my responsibility to notify chapter representatives at the event.")

Questions?

For technical registration questions, email [email protected].

For any other questions, email [email protected] and/or [email protected].

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Tickets

$0.00 Member

$15.00 Non Member