In this episode of AI Today, host Kathleen Walch welcomes Islam Tanas, who is a PMI Authorized Training Partner, founder of PASS‑PM Academy, an AI ambassador at PMI, and PMI-CPMAI certified. With 20+ years of experience, Islam enthusiastically shares how the CPMAI methodology reshaped his approach to AI projects, moving from traditional project management to structured, business‑first strategies.

He explains that AI projects introduce unique challenges, such as data quality, model validation, ethics, bias, and governance, that demand a disciplined methodology. CPMAI helps project managers start with the business problem, ask the right questions, and validate outcomes before making technology decisions. A case study from his learning platform illustrates how AI can personalize exam preparation responsibly when guided by CPMAI.

Key insights include:

• Understand AI limits: what it can and cannot do
• Update skills through practice and professional communities
• Avoid stalled pilots with governance and ownership
• Build confidence through transparency, not just accuracy
• Scale AI responsibly with project managers at the center

Islam’s message is clear: AI is not magic—it’s a decision support system. Project managers remain essential in bridging business, data, and technology, ensuring AI delivers measurable outcomes.