ProjectBites LIVE! – How Project Professionals Can Stop Fearing AI and Start Using It

ProjectBites LIVE! (Virtual)

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

6-7pm ET, 5-6pm CT, 4-5pm MT, 3-4pm PT

details and registration
https://projectbites.com/projectbites-live-january-20-2026/

Panel Discussion:

How Project Professionals Can Stop Fearing AI and Start Using It

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a future trend, it’s a working partner that’s already reshaping how projects are delivered. In this dynamic one-hour panel discussion, experienced project professionals and AI adopters will share practical ways to shift from uncertainty and fear to confidence and capability. Attendees will learn where AI genuinely adds value, how to integrate it into day-to-day project work, and what skills today’s PMs must develop to stay relevant. You’ll walk away with clear, actionable ideas you can apply immediately – no technical expertise required.

Panel Members

• Aina Alive, PMP,PSM | MBA
• Jeff Manhardt, MOL, PMP®, DASSM®, SAFe® SPC, CSM®, SFC™
• Ori Schibi, PMP

Aina Alive, PMP,PSM | MBA

Aina Alive has over 10 years of experience leading projects and teams in Agile and Waterfall environments. She founded Bee Agile, a boutique company, in 2019,  to share her passion for agile transformation, coaching leaders and organizing a “perfect marriage” for innovative enterprises and aspiring leaders.  Bee Agile provides agile transformation strategy & execution, consulting and training to B2B and B2C clients globally. 
Aina is a keynote speaker and thought leader. She is regularly featured in the industry and business press, contributes as an International Correspondent to PM World Journal and is invited as a podcast guest. Her publications are on project management, agile, and leadership topics. She also creates fun and easy sketches to explain business, Agile & project management in an easy way for those who have just started exploring these fields.

In 2022 Aina published her first book “It Starts with YOU” to assist with a career change, resume writing, communication with HR and recruiters and making sure that you can keep your dream job after you’ve got the offer.
Aina is one of the leads of a Canadian PMO Community. Her dream is to create a comfortable world for all habitats by supporting innovative projects

https://www.linkedin.com/company/pmo-community

Jeff Manhardt, MOL, PMP®, DASSM®, SAFe® SPC, CSM®, SFC™

Jeff Manhardt is from Buffalo, N.Y., and recently promoted from Director of Project Management to Senior Director, 3rd Party AI & Citizen Development for Compass Group – a global food service company based in North Carolina with a curiosity for what is possible and over 18 years of success achieving project, program & Portfolio management objectives while utilizing situational leadership to manage international teams. He has led 3 PMOs, dozens of projects & programs and is an acquisition specialist. Jeff’s award-winning, results-oriented, people-driven leadership approach has culminated with projects, programs & portfolios delivering real business value.

Jeff received his Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership (MOL) from Medaille University, is a 2013 LIMC graduate, frequent conference speaker, and former adjunct professor at the University of Buffalo, Canisius College, Daemen College & Medaille University.

Jeff has served as the President of the PMI Buffalo chapter from 2017-2021 after serving in positions of VP of Programs, VP of Professional Development, VP of Technology & Business Services, and VP of Finance.

During his free time, Jeff enjoys triathlons, reading, and watching football.  Jeff has also served on the boards of the Buffalo Chapter of the IIBA, BA/PMWorld Toronto Board of Advisors, Graycliff Conservancy, and is currently serving on the Habitat Buffalo Board.

Ori Schibi, PMP

Ori Schibi, has over 25 years’ experience providing practical new ways of leading sustainable change through ambiguous conditions, managing projects and programs and helping organizations maximize the benefits from agile. As a visionary thought leader, Ori introduces practical ideas in areas related to project sponsorship, project management offices, connecting change initiatives to projects, and collaboration — within and across — projects. Ori has been engaged in ensuring that agile rollouts take place in the context of the organizational change they introduce — to ensure alignment and success.
Large to mid-sized organizations (including telecoms, financial services, pharmaceuticals, entertainment and aerospace) have benefited from Ori’s innovative approach to value creation, efficiencies, collaboration and focusing on customer satisfaction (including Disney, Marriott, Phillips, and Amex). Ori also has extensive international public service experience at multiple level (such as levels of government in Canada, the United States and UNHCR).
Ori is the author of four books. He has developed a line of dynamic and innovative workshops and programs and has led sessions, delivered keynotes and taught thousands of participants in multiple settings. He is known for his unique, dynamic and capturing style, and for his high impact, real life, easy to understand examples.