Speakers of the 2026 Symposium

 

Conference Description |

Delivering projects within organizations inevitably gives rise to power dynamics between those who seek the project’s success and those who may hinder it. These power dynamics influence both how projects are managed and the objectives they pursue. Being blind to this phenomenon is one of the most common causes of project failure. Long overlooked or poorly understood, these power dynamics are now receiving greater attention because, when their dynamics can be influenced, they can actually stimulate projects and contribute to their success. This requires project managers to be able to identify the implicit manifestations of power dynamics and to take action to influence them positively. In fact, many experts in the field argue that recognizing the political behaviors of both project stakeholders and project leaders is an essential competency to develop in today’s organizational environments. This is a skill that can be learned—and this conference aims to demonstrate exactly that.

 

Biography |

After more than 15 years as a manager in both private and public organizations and over 10 years as an organizational development consultant, Pierre Lainey, DBA, MBA, Adm.A., F.C.M.C., CRHA, joined HEC Montréal in 2003 as a Senior Lecturer in Management, where he teaches, among other subjects, political skills.

He holds an MBA and a Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Liverpool (UK). His current research focuses on the political behaviors of individuals undergoing change within large organizations. He has published seven books, including one on political skills (4th edition, 2024). He is a recipient of HEC Montréal’s Teaching Excellence Award and was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025.

 

Objectives |

By the end of this conference, participants will be able to:

• Understand the power dynamics that emerge during project delivery
• Influence these dynamics to support the success of their projects

 

Conference Description |

In this conference, Mark Esposito draws on the research behind his upcoming book, Becoming AI Native: Charting the Next AI Frontier, to propose a critical shift in perspective: moving from isolated AI experimentation to building truly AI-native organizations.

Rather than viewing AI as an additional tool, he explores what changes when AI is embedded at the very core of project design, governance, and delivery. This deep transformation reshapes approaches to risk management, resource allocation, and stakeholder engagement.

Drawing on concrete case studies from his work with governments and organizations around the world, Mark Esposito clearly distinguishes the real capabilities of AI from the surrounding hype. He highlights the skills, mindsets, and strategic capabilities that portfolio and project managers must now develop to operate effectively in environments where AI becomes a structuring force.

 

Biography |

Mark Esposito is a recognized expert in public policy, technology governance, and artificial intelligence. A researcher and social scientist, he is affiliated with the Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society and the Center for International Development at the Harvard Kennedy School, where he leads public policy clinics focused on global technology governance.

Bridging academia, international organizations, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem, Mark Esposito works at the intersection of technological innovation, strategic decision-making, and societal impact. He is the co-founder of several artificial intelligence initiatives, including Nexus FrontierTech, the AI Native Foundation, and The Chart ThinkTank, and also serves as Chief Economist at micro1, a Silicon Valley–based AI lab.

Highly active on the international stage, he is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global AI Alliance, a Senior Advisor at Strategy& (PwC), and a Professorial Fellow at the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government. A prolific author, he has co-authored 14 books on strategy, economics, governance, and organizational transformation.

 

Objectives |

By the end of this conference, participants will be able to:

• Understand the difference between ad hoc AI adoption and a truly AI-native approach;
• Identify the impact of AI on project design, governance, and delivery;
• Better assess the risks, opportunities, and ethical implications of AI integration;
• Apply a clear framework to decide where and how to introduce AI within their project environments.