PMO Strategies 312: Your Next Leader Is Already in the Room with Dawn Mahan
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills
Everyone says PMOs manage projects. We say they build leaders.
If you’re only focused on timelines and templates, you're missing your biggest opportunity: using real work to grow real leadership.
In this episode, I’m joined by Dawn Mahan, founder of PMOtraining.com, international speaker, and creator of the award-winning ProjectFlo® Process Learning System. Dawn coined the term Projectland® and is the bestselling author of Meet the Players in Projectland, a game-changing guide to aligning roles and driving project success.
Together, we show exactly how your PMO can become a leadership engine by turning everyday project roles into development opportunities. This isn’t about adding more to your plate — it’s about seeing the work already in motion as a platform for growth.
Whether you're leading a small team or managing a full portfolio, you’ll walk away with clear strategies to build talent while delivering results.
What You'll Learn:
- Why every role in “Projectland” is a chance to lead
- How to spot and support hidden talent across your organization
- Creative ways to build leadership skills in fast-paced environments
- How to frame the PMO as a leadership development partner for executives
- Why rotational roles, peer learning, and project-based growth can outperform traditional training
👉 Press play to discover how your PMO can shape the leaders your organization needs most.
Connect with Dawn:
Access Meet the Players in Projectland
🎧 Companion Episode: Don't miss Episode 250 – How to Build a PMO That Drives Results for deeper insights on this topic.
Receive a confidential sample of Meet the Players in Projectland: Decide the Right Project Roles & Get People on Board
P.S. The IMPACT Insiders Book Club is so much more than reading a book — it's a movement. Join us for live calls, deep conversations, and a behind-the-scenes look at how to create real change with The IMPACT Engine. It’s completely free — grab your seat now and don’t miss what’s next.
Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!
I welcome your feedback and insights!
I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!
Warmly,
Laura Barnard
GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS