Board Perspectives: Diversity as a Strategic Imperative for Project Success

At PMI, we recognize that the strength of our profession lies in the open dialogue that is leveraging diversity of project teams. Like executive teams and boards, project teams that reflect varied experiences, identities, and perspectives make better decisions and deliver stronger outcomes.

The evidence is compelling. PMI’s Broader Perspectives, Better Results report, published in October 2025, highlights existing research that proves that diverse teams are more innovative, better at identifying risks, and more likely to retain top talent. 

Harvard Business Review research shows companies with higher diversity generate 19% more revenue from innovation. McKinsey finds that the most ethnically diverse teams are 39% more likely to outperform their peers, and organizations with more than 30% women are significantly more likely to outperform financially those with less representation. Diversity is not symbolic; it is strategic.

Yet diversity does not unlock itself. It requires active sponsorship and championship, particularly for women. Research consistently shows that mentorship and sponsorship accelerate career progression, increase engagement, and strengthen retention. When leaders amplify underrepresented voices, create psychological safety, and open doors to opportunity, the impact extends beyond individuals. It shapes culture, improves governance, and elevates the entire profession.

The project profession is evolving. Over the past decade, we have seen a meaningful increase in women entering project management, reflecting broader trends in women's representation. According to McKinsey, women are advancing into senior leadership - the number of women in C-suite positions has increased from 17% in 2015 to 29% in 2024. More women are entering STEM pathways, which is an encouraging signal for the future of project delivery in technology, infrastructure, and innovation-driven sectors. Still, progress remains uneven, particularly in senior technical and executive roles. Continued, intentional support is essential.

Project management offers a powerful value proposition for women entering STEM and business fields alike. It is a career grounded in purpose, delivering transformation, enabling sustainability, and creating social impact, while also providing economic mobility and global opportunity. When we encourage more women to pursue these pathways, we strengthen organizations and contribute to broader societal progress.

As PMI Board of Directors, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering inclusive environments where every project professional can thrive. Diversity is already present across our global community, and we call on you, our valued community members, to help us continue this legacy by inviting and celebrating diverse perspectives. Our shared responsibility, and opportunity, is to ensure it is valued, supported, and fully leveraged to drive better decisions, stronger outcomes, and lasting impact for the world we serve.

With appreciation,
Carla McIntosh Gordon, BA, MSc, PMP, BSP
PMI Board of Directors