Brett Harned
Brett Harned is a recognized leader in digital project management. As a consultant, coach, and community builder, he helps creative and digital teams solve complex challenges around people, process, and culture. With over 20 years of experience—and a client list that includes Zappos, MTV, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and Harvard—Brett brings a strategic, human-centered approach to improving how teams deliver and collaborate.
He’s the founder of the original Digital PM Summit and has been writing about project management at BrettHarned.com since 2009. His book, Project Management for Humans, and his work with Same Team continue to shape how PMs and creative leaders work smarter—together.
No One’s Coming to Save You: Leading Through Reinvention
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30
3:20 - 4:20 PM PT
What happens when you’ve built a successful career, but something still feels off? What do you do when the playbook no longer works, the roles are blurry, and the job you once loved doesn’t seem to fit anymore?
In this talk, Brett shares the deeply personal and surprisingly universal story of how he rebuilt his career—and his identity—by embracing honesty, imperfection, and reinvention. From walking away from a high-profile role, to losing 100 pounds, to telling the truth that changed everything, Brett will take you behind the scenes of a moment that sparked a professional reawakening, and a viral LinkedIn post.
But this isn’t just a story about one person. It’s a rallying cry for leaders who are tired of the noise, done with pretending, and ready to build something real. Whether you’re leading a team of 10 or just leading yourself, this session will offer a blueprint for navigating change, reconnecting with your purpose, and showing up with more impact—and less bullshit.
You’ll walk away with:
A candid look at what it really means to reinvent yourself as a leader (personally and professionally)
Inspiration for embracing honesty, vulnerability, and authenticity in leadership
Tips for building momentum—whether you’re a team of one or managing others through change
A practical framework for marketing your ideas and voice without a big team or big budget
Permission to stop hiding behind titles, templates, or “perfect” plans—and start leading like a real human
