Recent Events

Feedback from the PMI Syracuse Chapter New York (Mar 09)

"Mark is a masterful educational craftsman who weaves lessons from history into a project management curriculum that is based on historical trials and errors; bringing to life theoretical principles of project management in a presentation that is more like a picture album or a documentary.  His delivery aims at tying factual history to the principles of Project Management demonstrating the application of PMBOK processes in long used practices well before any effort to formalize them into current standards. And as he tells his stories through the eyes and ears of his data sources, real people who were part of that history, we are mesmerized.  He leaves us with questions, challenges, and a yearning to learn more."  

Feedback from the PMI Binghamton Chapter New York (Oct 08)
“Mark Kozak-Holland presented a fascinating seminar to our group.  For thousands of years, the greatest teachers have used stories to effectively illustrate important concepts.  Mark proves that history provides amazing stories with powerful lessons that provide value for today’s world.  His speaking and writing styles are entertaining, educational and effective.  He is always a crowd favorite.” Vince Socci, Professional Activities Chair, IEEE

Feedback from the PMI New York Chapter (NYC) (Oct 08)
“Mark, thank you for a wonderful presentation and answering my questions afterwards. Thanks.” Shirley Wong

“Mark, We met last night at your wonderful PMI presentation.” Liz Schwartz, PMP

Feedback from the Presentation for IT&T SIG (Oct 08)
“Today, I attended your presentation to the PMI group about project management and the Great Escape.  I like the use of examples and relationship to PMBOK knowledge areas.  I teach project management course at Denver University.  I would like to discuss using your idea and material for one of my class modules.” Raymond Kaufman, PMP 

Feedback from the PMI Central Virginia Chapter (CVC) (Sep 08)
“We have had the pleasure of hearing Mark speak at our chapter several times and each time he presented a different aspect of Project Management by placing it in a historical context. Along with his extensive research on historical topics his presentations are thought-provoking and have always been well received by our chapter membership. We look forward to having him speak again soon.” Paul Gilbo, VP Programs, PMI Central Virginia Chapter

“Mark: I just want you to know how much I appreciated your presentation to the PMI Central VA Chapter, and I'm well into the book as well – I already knew quite a bit about the history, but have thoroughly enjoyed the "PM" take on the subject -- great stuff! Thanks, and best wishes!
John K. Sheldon

“Mark, I stopped by the podium/lectern after your presentation tonight to congratulate you on an excellent presentation well-delivered. I've just visited lessons-from-history.com and saw your bio there, or at least the portion that says, "Mark is very passionate about history". It shows. I had the misfortune of studying history in high school under several individuals who were decidedly NOT passionate about it. I've since heard presentations by a number of speakers who are. Passion and the ability to tell a story should be minimum requirements for teaching history. I look forward to hearing you speak again.” Ronald Pierce

Feedback from the CMIT, (MBA program) University of Virginia (Sep 08)
“Personally I’m not that interested in history, but it was amazing to me how relevant the lessons of something that had very little to do with technology could be when applied to the work I do on a daily basis in IT. It just goes to show you how universal the importance of good project management and effective leadership really are.” Christopher J. Husser

Feedback from the PMI Minnesota Chapter, Minneapolis, MN (Sep 08)
Waiting for survey results.

Feedback from the PMO Conference Community of Practice (Jul 08)
“Mark kept the group enthralled all the way though the workshop, linking project management today back to the events of  the Titanic. A great mix of history that we think we know with project management that we should know. A great practical workshop which kept everyone involved and entertained. For our organization it was an excellent day and really added a lot of value to the overall event.” Richard Bradley, Group Programme Management Office, Business Services

 “Mark, many thanks for your efforts. Our post conference survey showed an incredible 96% very good to excellent review of your day. General feedback was very positive, so thanks again.” Colin Smith, Group PMO Leader.

Feedback from the Intel PM Community of Practice (May 08)
"Mark's presentation, at the Practitioner's Forum, Titanic Lessons for IT Projects, was very interesting and well received. Mark has researched specific details regarding the Titanic disaster and identified errors that can be used to illustrate the need to follow proper project discipline. This method makes the presentation interesting. Mark added historical context that peaked the interest of the attendee and reinforced the key project learning. It was a very enjoyable presentation." Garth J Hadley, PMP, CPIM Manager, NWR Engineering/Project Management, Intel Corp