Biography

davidson laura 2015Laura’s first job title was “Dream Merchant” working as a travel agent specializing in destination event planning – the innate skills she already had formed the foundation to apply the skills she later acquired to become the successful Program Manager she is today. She used her skills in relationship building and working with teams to gain success in creative problem solving. Her professional expertise is strongly rooted in the Supply Chain industry covering Distribution/Warehousing and all modes of domestic and international logistics and associated systems. Laura is a graduate of the 2013 PMI Leadership Institute Masters class and serves as Chair leading the PMI Atlanta Chapter. Laura is a Program Manager, currently working as a consultant managing Digital Asset projects at the world headquarters of Intercontinental Hotels in Atlanta.

Laura is an excellent communicator and team builder often using humor to reduce stress and stabilize group dynamics. Her reliable history of performance, makes her a highly sought after team leader who is comfortable in both technical and operations environments. Laura has the unique ability to bridge the all too frequent language barrier that exists between these business areas to foster project success.

Passionate about learning and education, she seeks opportunities to stretch her personal limits; Laura is most gratified from mentoring and training others, relishing in their success before her own.

Laura has worked in numerous volunteer roles including 17 years as a tour-guide sharing the history, art and architecture of Atlanta; and, is also a charter volunteer at the Georgia Aquarium. Her volunteerism compliments her extensive experience managing a wide range of individuals, which results in increased community participation, awareness and support of the arts, marine life and the project management profession.

Laura has been a contributing volunteer to PMI Atlanta since 2006. She is a 2013 graduate of the Global PMI Leadership Institute Masters Class (LIMC). The LIMC program is a year long initiative that provides intensive training, development and support for a select group of volunteer leaders. The LIMC program included participants from across the globe, with meetings held in Marseilles, France; Marrakech, Morocco; and Istanbul, Turkey. The opportunity proved life changing and provided a unique immersive and diverse leadership learning experience. These cultural experiences and understanding translate into a greater ability to deliver unique solutions leveraging Laura’s relationships around the world with other Project Management professionals.

Laura delivers a unique combination of ‘edu-tainment’ blending humor and information. When she is on your team – you will laugh, and you will learn.

A challenging experience is not lost on Laura, but seen as an opportunity to learn, grow, teach, collaborate, and foster new relationships. She is especially passionate about increasing the knowledge of those around her to help them better understand and contribute to their career and elevate their profession.

Recent Speaking Engagements:
Mar. 2015, PMI Atlanta Chapter, “Hope is Not a Career Strategy”
Mar. 2015, PM Summit/BA World, “Unleash Your Super Powers to Build a Super Team”
Nov. 2014,Tampa PMI Chapter, “Use Your PM Skills So Your Next Job Finds You!”
Jun. 2014 Key Note, Commencement for American Intercontinental University, “Never Forget This Feeling”
May 2014 Project Management Institute (PMI) Regional Leadership Conference, “Volunteers: Manage or Motivate?”
Apr. 2014 Emcee, Project Management Institute (PMI) Volunteer Appreciation Event
Mar. 2014 International Institute of Business Analysts (IIBA) Business Analyst World, “Team Building for Success and Succession”
Feb. 2014 America SAP Users Group (ASUG) Quarterly Conference, “Project Management Tips & Tricks”
Oct. 2013 Project Management Institute (PMI) North America Leadership Institute, “Building Effective Teams with Volunteers”
Oct. 2013 The Home Depot Women’s Leadership Event, “You Can’t Have a Positive Life With A Negative Mind”