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Thursday, September 25, 2025
5:00 pm

Chapter Meeting – September 2025 - What I Learned Taking the Bar Exam (That PMs May Want to Know Too)

NC State - Engineering Building II

(HYBRID MEETING) What I Learned Taking the Bar Exam (That PMs May Want to Know Too)

This is a hybrid meeting. If you will attend virtually, select "virtual" check box on the registration page.

Non-Members $25, Members $10, Volunteers $0.   No refunds for No Show / Cancellations.

College Tailgate Themed Chapter Meeting!

Show your school spirit! Wear gear from your alma mater, favorite university, or the college your family roots for. Come ready to learn, connect, and enjoy a fun tailgate-themed menu!

Date & Time

Thursday, September 25, 2025
5:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location

NC State University

 

Agenda

  • 5:00 – 6:00 PM: Social & Networking Hour (outdoors, games, networking, Location: )

  • 6:30 – 7:00 PM: Chapter Announcements

  • 7:00 – 8:00 PM: Speaker Presentation & Close

 

Additional Event Details:

Parking:

All public parking on Centennial campus is free after 5pm. The closest public garage to Engineering Building 2 (EB2) is the Partner's Way Deck. (please see map below)

Partner's Way Deck:

851 Partners Way, Raleigh, NC 27606

Outdoor Networking and Games:

We will gather on the North side of the Oval green area (also marked on map) ahead of the meeting for the field games, and then make our way inside to the meeting room. 

Meeting Room:

Our chapter meeting will take place in room 1231 in EB2, this room is on the ground floor.

Location of Room:

Engineering Building II:

890 Oval Dr, Raleigh, NC 27606

Room 1231 in EB2 - Ground Floor

sept location

 

Abstract

Taking the bar exam was more than a test of knowledge—it was a test of preparation, resilience, and adaptability under extreme pressure. As project managers, you’ll rarely face a single two-day event that defines your professional future, but you will face moments where the pressure is high, uncertainty is real, and success depends on how you show up.
 
From that experience, here are three lessons that translate directly to project management:
  1. Preparation and Planning are Only Half the Story – Like studying for months before the exam, project planning is essential. But when the unexpected happens (fatigue, anxiety, surprises), resilience and adaptability become just as critical as the plan itself.
  2. Sustainable Performance Requires Managing Energy, Not Just Time – The bar exam is a marathon, not a sprint. Success came from managing breaks, pacing effort, and maintaining focus. Similarly, PMs must guide their teams to protect energy, reduce burnout, and build stamina for long projects.
  3. Mindset Shifts Change Outcomes – On test day, shifting from fear of failure to curiosity and hope made all the difference. For PMs, reframing challenges, building psychological safety, and leaning into strengths can unlock higher performance and stronger collaboration.

Objectives

Learning Objectives for PMs
By the end of this session, project managers will be able to:
  1. Recognize the parallels between professional “crucible” moments (like the bar exam) and high-stakes project challenges.
  2. Apply strategies for managing energy, resilience, and mindset to sustain themselves and their teams under pressure.
  3. Leverage character strengths and reframing techniques to transform fear and uncertainty into motivation and focus.

Presenter:

ruth pearce headshots rb suggested 31

Ruth Pearce, JD, PCC, PMP, is a leadership coach, author, and speaker who helps legal professionals build resilience, strengthen wellbeing, and lead with confidence. With expertise in project management, behavioral science, and positive psychology, she brings practical tools that support ethical decision-making and sustainable success.

Ruth is the author of Be a Project Motivator and Be Hopeful, Be Strong, Be Brave, Be Curious, and her five LinkedIn Learning courses have been viewed by more than 165,000 learners worldwide. As a Professional Certified Coach and member of the International Coaching Federation’s AI Coaching Coalition, she is shaping ethical, human-centered approaches to leadership and coaching in an AI-enabled world.

By participating in this event, attendees acknowledge and accept that NCPMI (North Carolina Project Management Institute) is not responsible for any injuries, accidents, or damages that may occur as a result of participation. Attendees voluntarily assume all risks associated with the nature of the activities involved.