Communications and Public Speaking: Mastering Communication with Complicated People

Virtual Meeting

Title of Speech: Mastering Communication with Complicated People

Speech Abstract:

Drawing from Ryan Leak’s How to Work with Complicated People and John Maxwell’s Everyone Communicates, Few Connect. This keynote explores why people on the same project can interpret the same information in completely different ways. Attendees will learn how internal biases, unspoken expectations, and differing perspectives make people seem “complicated,” and why reacting instead of connecting often slows projects down.

By the end of this session, project managers will gain practical strategies to enhance collaboration, reduce conflict, and foster clarity and trust, even when communication feels most challenging.

Learning Objectives (3 bullets)

Explain why everyone communicates, but few connect—especially under project pressure.

Distinguish between difficult behavior and complicated dynamics in project environments.

Apply practical strategies, including curiosity and driven questions, to improve clarity and collaboration with complicated team members.

Speaker:  Mary D. McKenzie, Ph.D.

Speaker Bio:

Mary D. McKenzie, Ph.D., is a certified coach, trainer, speaker, and the founder of Mary Universal LLC. She is the author of The Transformational Power of Forgiveness and a passionate Biblical scholar. With over 23 years of experience in public accounting firms, Mary combines deep expertise in technology and leadership to help organizations optimize systems, drive operational excellence, and achieve sustainable growth. Today, she brings the same strategic mindset to coaching, mentoring, and training, guiding individuals and teams through transitions, uncovering purpose, and unlocking their highest potential.

Project Managers Across Diverse Industries

NC State University - Fitts-Woolard Hall

Kari Wicker, PMP® — Project Manager, One Source
Kari is a PMP-certified project manager with a background in English Literature and Philosophy, proof that the path to PM doesn't have to be linear. She has led projects across wireless technology, real estate M&A, marketing, and service delivery, and is currently pursuing her Program Management Professional (PgMP) credential.

Taylor Carey, PE, MBA — Project Manager, Arcadis
Taylor is a licensed Professional Engineer and NC State alum who manages capital projects in the life sciences and biotechnology space — including gene therapy and biomanufacturing. With degrees in Mechanical Engineering (BS and MS) and an MBA, all from NC State, he bridges deep technical expertise with strategic project execution at Arcadis.

Megha Ben — Project Management Team Lead, Siemens
Megha is a systems PM at Siemens and the youngest person ever elected to the IEEE Computer Society Board of Governors. Originally from Kerala, India, she holds a BTech in Electronics and Instrumentation and a Master's in Engineering Management from Duke University. She currently oversees 20+ simultaneous client projects and leads a student-industry engagement program she built from the ground up.

Damien Perez, MSM, PMP® — Founder & CEO, Total School Operations
Damien is a 20-year US Air Force veteran, PMP-certified project manager, and founder of Total School Operations — a veteran- and minority-owned business improving operational efficiency in public charter schools. A certified PMP instructor who has trained other project managers, he brings one of the most distinctive career arcs of any PM professional: from aircraft maintenance to classroom teacher to charter school operations director to entrepreneur.

Study Group Session

Virtual Meeting

Join us for our upcoming Study Group! This is a collaborative space where members can review key concepts, share resources, and support each other in reaching their academic and professional goals. All skill levels are welcome.