Faculty Feature: Davood Bakhtnia

Davood Bakhtnia, known as David, is a multifaceted leader with a rich background in project, program, portfolio, and product management. With a technical background spanning a decade, he has played a key role in developing large-scale SaaS, PaaS, and multi-nodal products, serving over 400 clients worldwide. His work is deeply rooted in adaptive leadership, a philosophy that guides every project he undertakes. 

David holds a Master of Science in Engineering Management (MSEM) from Santa Clara University and a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) with a focus on Communications and Electronics from Concordia University.  

Mr. Bakhtnia wears many hats, engaging in multiple roles where his expertise adds value. As the co-founder of Agile and Scaled-Value Project Management (ASVPM), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, David is pioneering a transformative leadership framework that is immersive, experiential, and highly adaptive. “We help project leaders cultivate a collaborative mindset to drive impact within organizations and communities,” he explains. ASVPM fosters leaders who thrive in dynamic environments by building a global community of Agile-minded professionals. Through periodic meetups, the organization provides a forum for Agile practitioners, project and program leaders, enterprise coaches, volunteers, and students. These gatherings feature renowned Agile experts as guest speakers, facilitating knowledge-sharing and networking. For example, an upcoming April 2025 meetup, “Building High-Performing Teams with AI-Enhanced Talent Management,” will explore how AI can optimize productivity, ensure meritocracy, and foster self-sustaining teams. 

In academia, David is shaping the next generation of project leaders. As an adjunct instructor at Northeastern University’s College of Professional Studies, he integrates real-world case studies into his teaching, demonstrating how scientific project leadership drives success across industries. He also teaches at UC Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Extension, where he developed and leads courses on project and product management, Agile frameworks, and principle-based leadership. He credits Christopher Bolick, Associate Dean of Graduate Programs at Northeastern University, for introducing him to university teaching. 

Beyond academia, David is actively engaged with eSolutionLab, Inc., a member-owned professional services provider focused on technical and leadership consulting. He is also part of the Technical Consultants Association (PATCA), providing training and coaching for Agile teams using frameworks like SAFe and Scrum. Additionally, he contributes to PMI Silicon Valley (PMISV), where he hosts monthly meetings. “I am most energized when I hear about my colleagues’ success, see our new grads landing challenging positions, and think about how I can help them succeed beyond my generation,” he shares. 

As an Agile coach and Certified Technical and Professional Consultant, David has extensive experience in developing high-value, customer-centric organizations. He has guided corporate leaders, department managers, and enterprise teams through workshops and training sessions, employing Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and other Agile frameworks. 

For David, leadership is both a challenge and a reward. “Life is full of opportunities and rewards! My current roles involve serving my community, my colleagues, and our next-generation leaders,” he says. His greatest fulfillment comes from witnessing the growth and success of those he mentors. Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledges that failure has been one of his best teachers. “My most rewarding experiences are lessons learned from failure! Sharing our experiential lessons with the next generation of leaders can help them avoid mistakes, plan for risks, and turn challenges into opportunities.” 

Looking ahead, David is passionate about evolving leadership models. He is currently developing Empirical Leadership, an approach that uses mathematical modeling to demonstrate how leadership can be incrementally adaptive and continuously evolving. “This is possible, and I am exploring venues where I can apply mathematical models to prove the concept of ‘Empirical Leadership!’” With this vision in mind, he invites others to engage in thought leadership through platforms like SVProjectManagement.com and ASVPM’s community blog. He has also published numerous articles on project management and leadership, encouraging others to contribute their insights. 

Despite his professional commitments, David prioritizes personal well-being. “I also exercise (gym, biking, hiking) to keep my body serving my brain — when time permits!” he shares. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, engaging in thought-provoking discussions on political, social, and scientific topics, and, of course, cooking. 

David’s advice for those looking to excel in their careers is simple yet powerful: “Network, collaborate with your colleagues, and build your ‘brand.’” He firmly believes that today’s emerging leaders have the potential to surpass the achievements of his generation. 

When asked about influential resources, Mr. Bakhtnia reflects on The Ascent of Man by Dr. Jacob Bronowski. “The more I learn from it, the better I envision how we can iteratively and collaboratively evolve in our daily lives — if we apply lessons from human history!” 

David is more than a leader, he is a mentor, a visionary, and a catalyst for change. His work reminds us that leadership is not just about personal success but about empowering others to reach their full potential. We are honored to have him as part of our community and look forward to the continued impact of his visionary work.