Weekly PM Networking: IC vs. People Leader — Choosing the Right Path (DPMC)

Overview
The Denver Project Management Collaborative (DPMC) hosts this weekly, practitioner-led forum for project, program, and change professionals who want real conversations about real work.

Each week we focus on a specific topic shaping the project management profession—combining structured discussion, peer learning, and intentional networking.

January focus: Career and Capability
This Week’s Focus: Individual Contributor vs. People Leader — Choosing the Right Path

Description
As project managers advance in their careers, many reach a critical inflection point: continue growing as a senior individual contributor, or move into people leadership.

This decision is rarely straightforward—and too often it’s driven by title inflation, external pressure, or incomplete information.

This session is designed for experienced PMs who want to think clearly about:

• The real differences between senior IC and people leader roles
• How success is measured in each path
• The tradeoffs in scope, influence, stress, and fulfillment
• Common missteps when transitioning between the two
• How to align career direction with strengths, values, and market demand

This is not a career ladder pitch and not a leadership hype session. It’s a grounded, peer-driven discussion focused on judgment, self-awareness, and long-term career sustainability.

What to Expect
• Structured introductions (no awkward open mingling)
• Small-group discussion with rotating prompts
• A practical takeaway you can use immediately
• A professional, welcoming environment for experienced PMs and leaders

Whether you’re actively job searching, reassessing your path, or supporting others in their growth—this session is designed to be worth your time.

AGENDA
0–5 min | Welcome & Framing
• What DPMC is (and is not)
• Topic framing: why this decision matters now

5–15 min | Structured Introductions
This week’s introduction:
• Intro: Name, role, and reason for attending
• Question: When you think about your next role, do you currently lean more toward IC or people leadership—and why?

15–45 min | Facilitated Breakout Discussions
Prompts and discussion topics:

• How do senior IC and people leader roles differ in practice—not on paper?
• What capabilities are required to succeed long-term in each path?
• What warning signs suggest someone moved into leadership too early—or too late?
• How does organizational maturity affect the IC vs. leader experience?
• How do you reposition yourself if you want to switch paths?

(Groups rotate once midway to broaden perspectives.)

45–55 min | Group Synthesis
• One insight per group
• Patterns you’re seeing across roles and industries

55–60 min | Close & Forward Signal
• Next week’s topic: PMO Maturity — What Actually Works
• Upcoming relevant partner events
• Wrap up

60–90 min | Open / Networking
• Mingle and continue conversations
• Grab food or drinks from the food court

This event is part of a weekly series hosted by Denver Project Management Collaborative, with rotating topics focused on modern project leadership, delivery excellence, and career growth.