Speakers of the 2026 Symposium

The presence of renowned speakers at the Symposium plays a key role. Their recognized expertise and credibility not only bring intellectual depth to the discussions but also add significant value that elevates the entire event.

 

Beyond prestige, their contribution helps to:

🔹 Inspire through exemplary career paths and achievements
🔹 Illuminate discussions with strategic insight and advanced knowledge
🔹 Enrich conversations by opening new perspectives and fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue

The hidden side of project management: how power dynamics contribute to or hinder projects

Grand Rendez-vous | Leadership Conference

PIERRE LAINEY | DBA, MBA, Adm.A., F.C.M.C., CRHA, Senior Lecturer in Management at HEC Montréal

Wednesday, March 11

 

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