For representing and advancing project management among Portuguese-speaking Africans

Strategic PMO at BFA - Banco de Fomento Angola | Luanda, Angola

Bernardo Martins says lighting the way for others by teaching, mentoring, and leading projects with a people-oriented approach is what most revs him up about work. In 2010, during the early stages of his career, Bernardo was working in consulting when he realized that to do his job well, he had to “deliver projects that correctly diagnosed and effectively transformed client needs through workable and usable solutions,” he explains. “As a project professional, I had to apply the information, resources, and processes to transform ideas into reality, and it shaped my path as a project professional.”

This foundation was crucial as he stepped more fully into project management roles. In 2012, he joined a team responsible for implementing a Project Management Office (PMO) in the public sector. This experience deepened his connection to the profession, allowing him to deliver a wide range of projects across various organizations, each with unique challenges in taking innovative ideas and making them a reality. In so doing, it not only set his professional path, but it also instilled in him a strong sense of purpose in his work.

Bernardo always strives for excellence, which he believes is a crucial factor in taking his career to the next level. “After years of experience in the field, I felt it was the time to join the PMI community and start something with impact, sharing and learning with others what I’ve learned in the field,” he says. “So, I joined the Angola chapter, completed my certification preparation course, wrote my PMP exam and started my path as chapter leader.”

He first learned about PMI through a close colleague, which sparked his interest in joining the local chapter. Bernardo’s motivation to get involved stemmed from a desire to give back to the community and develop new skills while expanding his global network. He says his involvement with PMI has kept him updated with the latest industry knowledge and has expanded his professional network.

Since becoming a PMI volunteer in 2020, Bernardo has supported PMI Angola in various capacities, including assistant, director, and VP, with a focus on volunteer growth and promoting the ”changemaker mindset”, which energizes volunteers to transform their ideas into reality. Additionally, he volunteers as a mentor for the Angola chapter and has taken on the role of Advisor for the Mozambique Chapter for their first general members assembly. His contributions extend to volunteering for the Latin American PMOGA Brazil Awards 2024 as a Judge Committee Member and providing content for the AI assistant, PMI Infinity, at the Global Headquarters.

Currently, Bernardo serves as a mentor for Portuguese-speaking African countries (PALOP), collaborating with Angola, Mozambique, and Cape Verde under the auspices of PMI Africa. He recently joined the Institute of Directors South Africa (IoDSA) to deepen his understanding of corporate governance, enhancing his ability to support the Angola chapter’s board members and leaders in navigating corporate governance and leadership within a volunteer environment.

The impact of the PMP certification on Bernardo’s career has been significant. He says it boosted his confidence, empowering him to take on mentorship roles and manage complex projects effectively. Through his volunteer work with PMI, he has accumulated the necessary Professional Development Units (PDUs) to maintain his certification while continuously enhancing his skills in various areas, including business acumen and power skills.

This experience has equipped him to navigate the challenges of what he calls a VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous) environment, all while giving back to the community.