Dr. C.J. Walker Waite is a highly accomplished executive leader, strategist, and transformation expert with over 30 years of experience in organizational change, project management, and business strategy. As the Executive Vice President of ThePraxisEdge.com, she has played a pivotal role in guiding organizations through large-scale digital transformations, optimizing operational efficiency, and implementing strategic business initiatives that drive sustainable performance. Her expertise spans across over 11 industries and multiple global markets, where she has been instrumental in leading change management, governance structures, and business transformation efforts for Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and multinational corporations.
With an approach that integrates strategy, project delivery, and organizational agility, Dr. Walker Waite specializes in helping organizations navigate complex change landscapes. She has led enterprise-wide initiatives for prominent organizations, including Saab, The State of Connecticut, NJDOT, ABC/Disney, MTVN, Discovery, IBM, BlueShield of CA, Astra Zeneca, Varian, Bechtel, Panasonic, First Energy, ONCOR, Bechtel, Con-way, Nortel, etc. Her work in digital and technology transformation, including the deployment of SAP, Salesforce, AI-driven solutions (Chatbot), and PMO structures, has significantly improved performance and business adaptation rates. She recognizes that the deployment of technology as a potential displacement of the human equation is a significant concern. As such, Dr. Walker Waite is playing a key role in leadership coaching and executive mentoring, ensuring that organizations deploy AI in a responsible manner to enable people (rather than replace them). As this is one of the most significant paradigms shifts we have seen in business over several decades, the ability to harness AI technology and implement this business change will be imperative for sustainable and long-term strategic growth.
A distinguished thought leader in her field, Dr. Walker Waite has an extensive background in governance and board leadership. She served as a Director on the International Board of the Project Management Institute (PMI) from 2013 to 2015, shaping the future of project management on a global scale. Additionally, she served on the PMI’s Global Accreditation Council (GAC) from 2016 to 2018, ensuring the highest standards in professional education and accreditation of universities in their program and project management programs. Throughout her extensive tenure with PMI, she held various leadership roles, including President and Executive Vice President of the Washington, DC Chapter, Chair of the Volunteer Advisory Committee, and the first Regional Advocate for PMI Region Five. Her contributions have been recognized through multiple accolades for outstanding service and leadership within the project management community.
Dr. Walker Waite is also a highly sought-after speaker and published author. She has been a featured presenter at numerous international conferences, including PMI Symposiums, Agile Conferences, and corporate leadership forums. Her keynote presentations have addressed critical topics such as enterprise agility, strategic project leadership, and the evolving role of project management in business transformation. In addition, her academic and professional publications have significantly contributed to the advancement of global project and change delivery in a world in transition and include:
Dance of the Project Leader (2018)
“Transformative PPM: The Project Portfolio Manager’s Entrepreneurial Role” (2018)
Sustainability of Performance for Technology Innovator Firms in Business Environments Exhibiting Turbulence. (2006)
“The Cross-Applicability of Project Management: A Vehicle for Organizational Transition in the Implementation of Multi-Media Business Communications Platforms” (2005)
Dr. Walker Waite’s academic credentials are equally impressive. She earned her Ph.D. from The George Washington University, specializing in Organizational Behavior and Development with a focus on Strategic Innovation and Entrepreneurship. She also holds an MBA in International Business from The George Washington University and a BA in Industrial Relations Psychology and Global Studies from Pacific Lutheran University. She is an advocate of continually learning and professional development, having attained multiple certifications, including the Project Management Professional (PMP)®, Certified Change Agent (CCA), Certified Agile Hybrid Project Pro, Certified Scrum Master (CSM), and various certifications in AI, strategic foresight and leadership methodologies. She also expects to earn the Certified Change Management Professional (CCMP) designation through the ACMP in 2025.
Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Walker Waite is passionate about mentoring and giving back to the business community. She believes in fostering a culture of learning, adaptability, and strategic foresight, ensuring that businesses not only keep up with industry trends but proactively shape their future. Her leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that success is built on a foundation of innovation, integrity, and the ability to navigate change with confidence. Inspired by the words of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, she embraces the idea that “as for the future, your task is not to foresee it but to enable it.”
Dr. Walker Waite has a love of travel, culture & heritage and brings a global perspective to her work, enriched by her experience in North America and Europe. Her dedication to strategic excellence, business transformation, and leadership development continues to make her a sought-after advisor for boards, executives, and organizations looking to thrive in an ever-evolving business landscape.
Character: Dr. C.J. Walker Waite is a principled and visionary leader, known for her integrity, resilience, and commitment to driving sustainable organizational transformation.
Knowledge: With over 30 years of expertise, she possesses deep knowledge in organizational change, business strategy, project management, and governance, applying best practices across multiple industries globally.
Strategic: She excels in designing and executing transformative business strategies, leveraging innovation, agility, and enterprise-wide change to enhance performance and long-term growth.
Communication: As a seasoned speaker, author, and mentor, she effectively conveys complex ideas, inspires executive leadership, and fosters collaboration across diverse teams and stakeholders.