Speakers of the 11th Edition

John Al Khateeb is a project and strategic management consultant, university lecturer, and researcher whose work bridges complex project delivery, governance innovation, and systems thinking. Guided by a strong belief that complexity must be governed, not controlled, John has built a career focused on improving decision-making, accountability, and adaptability in high-stakes project environments. 

With over 20 years of experience across defence, engineering, manufacturing, IT, software development, and education and training, John advises organisations on large-scale and complex initiatives where traditional governance models struggle. 

John is currently completing a PhD in Complex Project Governance at the University of Adelaide. His research integrates systems thinking, complexity theory and management cybernetics. He is the creator of the Integrated and Dynamic Complexity Governance Model (IDCGM), which reframes governance tensions as practical signals for emergence, learning, and adaptive governance in complex projects. 

A recognised contributor to global project management practice, John has reviewed and evaluated PMI standards and certification programs and has led two organisations to achieve PMI Authorised Training Partner status. He holds a Master’s in Strategic Planning, a Master’s in Applied Project Management, and multiple professional credentials from the Project Management Institute. 

John is a Co-Chair of two Special Interest Groups with the International Centre of Complex Project Management (ICCPM), focusing on Data Analytics in Complex Projects and Governance in Complex Projects, contributing to industry dialogue, practitioner learning, and capability development in complex project environments. 

As a lecturer and trainer, John delivers programs across universities and professional bodies, covering systems thinking, leadership, risk, stakeholder engagement, and governance for complex projects. His work consistently bridges academic rigour and practical application, with a focus on improving governance effectiveness in large-scale, multi-stakeholder, and high-uncertainty initiatives. 

John is an active member of several professional bodies, including the Australian Institute of Company Directors, the International Centre of Complex Project Management, the Australian Institute of Project Management, the Complex Systems Society, the System Dynamics Society, the American Society for Engineering Management, and the Project Management Institute.