From Isolation to Inspiration: Unlocking Success in Distributed Project Teams

The business landscape has evolved dramatically, and project teams today look very different than they did just a few years ago. A connected world and a global workforce bring incredible opportunities—but also new challenges. As project leaders, we must adapt to keep our teams productive, motivated, and successful.

Managing distributed teams isn’t always easy. Engagement can slip, communication may falter, and time zones can slow decision-making. Team members can feel disconnected or uninspired. In this session, we’ll explore both the advantages and the hurdles of hybrid and distributed project teams, and uncover practical, creative strategies to bring teams back on track.

Guided by four key principles from the Agile Manifesto, we’ll focus on people over process, building trust, setting realistic expectations, and leveraging tools and techniques that strengthen communication and collaboration. Join us to discover how agile leadership can transform challenges into opportunities for stronger, more resilient teams.

 

Speaker: Dan Dunsworth

Dan Dunsworth is a results-driven project leader with more than 15 years of experience guiding complex initiatives across technology, engineering, and software delivery. Known for his versatility and collaborative approach, Dan has successfully led projects in Agile, Waterfall, and Hybrid approaches, consistently driving outcomes that align with organizational goals while fostering strong team engagement.

Currently serving as Lead Project Manager at World Wide Technology, Dan oversees IT infrastructure and operations projects, ensuring adherence to rigorous standards while balancing scope, risk, and stakeholder expectations. Prior to this role, he spent six years at Perficient, managing IT and software initiatives in both the corporate PMO and client-facing environments. His work included multimillion-dollar global programs and modernization efforts for high-volume FinTech platforms. Within a SAFe framework, he supported multiple teams and release trains by facilitating Scrum ceremonies, guiding distributed collaboration, and resolving impediments to keep delivery on track. Dan is dedicated to inspiring globally dispersed teams and bridging cultural and geographic divides while sustaining productivity and cohesion.

Dan holds a B.S. in Information Technology from Lindenwood University and maintains multiple industry-recognized certifications, including Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified ScrumMaster (CSM), Certified Product Owner (CSPO), and SAFe 6 Agilist. He is an active member of PMI and the PMI Metro St. Louis Chapter, and has contributed to mentoring programs through PMI and through the Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp.

 

Logistics:

Menu: Heavy appetizers, soda, water, coffee, tea - alcoholic beverages available for purchase

Parking: Free parking in lot on site, additional street parking surrounding Schlafly Bottleworks in Maplewood