Sam Pedram: leading projects in the national interest
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Sam Pedram sees project management as a far bigger job than simply delivering schedules and budgets of major builds – “you are shaping outcomes that affect communities, industries, and the nation’s future”.
As the newly appointed Chair of the Board of Directors for the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM™) Sam hopes to use her tenure not just to reinforce the Institute’s leadership position as the national peak body for the project profession, but to inspire future leaders and bring innovative projects to life in the nation’s interest.
Bringing a distinguished background in leadership and strategic capability to the role, and having delivered major projects for the ACT Government and the Department of Defence as well as leading the Program Delivery Branch of the Water Infrastructure Division within the federal Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, Sam has spent the past three years as a Board Director with the institute, reflecting a deep commitment to advancing the profession and strengthening the Institute’s global influence.
“As project professionals, we play a defining role in shaping Australia’s future, from major infrastructure to social impact and innovation. It is an honour to lead AIPM at such a pivotal time for our profession. Together with our members, partners, and stakeholders, I am committed to strengthening AIPM’s voice, advancing excellence, and ensuring project leadership drives meaningful national and global outcomes.”
According to Sam, every major advancement in society—whether it’s transport infrastructure, hospitals, renewable energy, housing, or digital services—exists because a project team made it happen.
“Project professionals turn policy into practice and vision into reality. What is often overlooked is the responsibility that comes with this role. Project decisions influence economic outcomes, community wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and intergenerational equity. That is why professionalism, ethical standards, and competency matter so deeply.
“When projects are well led, they leave a positive legacy. When they are not, the consequences can be significant and long-lasting.
Sam accepts the role as Chair of the Board of Directors at a time when project environments are increasingly complex and “characterised by uncertainty, rapid change, and competing stakeholder expectations. In this context, leaders must be able to think systemically, make evidence-based decisions, and remain anchored to purpose.”
She says effective leadership today is less about hierarchy and more about influence, judgement, and integrity.
“Strong project leaders combine technical competence with emotional intelligence. They create clarity where ambiguity exists, empower diverse teams to perform at their best, and maintain accountability without stifling innovation. Ultimately, leadership is about trust—earning it, sustaining it, and using it responsibly to deliver outcomes that matter.”
Sam believes project management skills are highly transferable and vital for the modern workforce.
“Core project management capabilities—such as planning, risk management, stakeholder engagement, governance, and benefits realisation—are applicable across sectors, industries, and geographies.
“In a labour market shaped by transformation, migration, and evolving skill needs, this transferability provides both resilience and opportunity. Project professionals can move between infrastructure, digital transformation, health, energy, defence, and social impact projects while continuing to add value. That adaptability is critical not only for individual careers, but for Australia’s broader economic productivity and workforce mobility,” she says.
Major projects are also the primary vehicle through which investment is translated into economic and social value where a professional project workforce improves productivity, reduces waste, strengthens governance, and increases the likelihood that investments deliver their intended benefits.
“In that sense, project professionals are not just delivery experts; they are value creators. Strengthening project capability at a national level is therefore a strategic economic priority.”
She believes that having a strong and independent peak body plays a critical role in setting professional standards, advancing capability frameworks, accrediting learning pathways, and advocating for the profession in policy and industry forums. In turn, members could take pride in the fact that through projects, they are helping to build the world we live in.
