

The Digital Project Manager
Galen Low and Kelsey Alpaio
The Digital Project Manager is the home of digital project management inspiration, how-to guides, tips, tricks, tools, funnies, and jobs. We provide project management guidance for the digital wild west where demanding stakeholders, tiny budgets and stupid deadlines reign supreme.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 1, 2025 • 21min
The Retro: How to Transition into a Project Management Role
Breaking into project management can feel overwhelming, but the biggest challenge isn’t lack of experience—it’s learning to translate your skills effectively.In this episode, host Kelsey Alpaio speaks with Ogaga Johnson, founder and CEO of Verisult, about how professionals can position themselves for their first PM role. Ogaga emphasizes the importance of a strategic job search, focusing on industries where your background provides a natural entry point. Whether you’re transitioning careers or formalizing your PM skills, this episode provides actionable steps to land your first role.Resources from this episode:Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Ogaga on LinkedIn and InstagramCheck out Verisult

Mar 25, 2025 • 29min
How to Master the Delicate Art of Not Knowing Everything as a Technical PM
How technical do you really need to be as a technical project manager in 2025? Host Galen Low sits down with Kayla Keizer, Team Lead and Senior Technical PM at Plank, to explore the balance between technical know-how and leadership skills.They discuss how PMs can thrive without mastering every technology their teams use, and how leaders can foster high-impact project managers without requiring a DevOps degree. Tune in for insights on mentoring, growth, and navigating the evolving role of technical PMs.Resources from this episode:Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Kayla on LinkedInCheck out Plank

Mar 18, 2025 • 18min
What’s Coming Up for The Digital Project Manager and The DPM Podcast
Can playing The Sims help people build career skills? For Kelsey Alpaio, Executive Editor of The Digital Project Manager and new co-host of the DPM Podcast, the answer is yes. In this episode, we introduce Kelsey and discuss how she’s bringing fresh perspectives on industry trends, career navigation, and professional growth to the DPM community.Host Galen Low gives listeners a sneak peek into the exciting new directions for the podcast and beyond. From career storytelling to industry insights, get ready for a revamped DPM experience with Kelsey on board!Resources from this episode:Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Kelsey on LinkedIn

Mar 11, 2025 • 31min
How to Create a Policy and Process for Ending Toxic Client Relationships
Dealing with a toxic client can drain your team, hurt your business, and feel impossible to escape. But what if the problem isn’t you—it’s them? If you’re stuck in a difficult client relationship and unsure what to do next, this episode is for you.Host Galen Low is joined by agency expert Melissa Morris to discuss when and how to fire a client, along with strategies for protecting your team and business. Tune in to learn how to navigate tough client dynamics and set your agency up for success.Resources from this episode:Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Melissa on LinkedInCheck out Agency AuthorityBook a free discovery call with Melissa

Mar 4, 2025 • 41min
Beyond Prompts: How to Use AI for Smarter Project Management
Generative AI is everywhere—transforming industries, dominating conversations, and yet, for many, it’s still just a tool for note-taking and meal planning. If you’re a project professional feeling stuck in a GenAI rut, this episode is for you.Host Galen Low sits down with AI expert Kathleen Walch to explore how project managers can move beyond basic chatbot use, rethink their AI approach, and unlock new career opportunities. Tune in to discover what GenAI truly has to offer beyond prompt engineering.Resources from this episode:Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Kathleen on LinkedInCheck out The Project Management Institute and AI Today Podcast

Feb 25, 2025 • 38min
How to Build Impactful Rapport With Your Clients
Trust isn’t free—especially when you inherit a project that's completely off the rails. But instead of going in guns blazing, what if you could build trust with authenticity and strategic partnership?Galen Low sits down with Melissa Morris, founder of Agency Authority, to discuss practical strategies for establishing trust, improving collaboration, and proving your value as a strategic partner. Whether you’re struggling with client rapport or looking to refine your approach, this conversation will give you the tools to strengthen relationships and keep your projects on track.Resources from this episode:Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Melissa on LinkedInCheck out Agency AuthorityBook a free discovery call with Melissa

Feb 19, 2025 • 48min
How To Help Project Teams Embrace And Ace Project Presentations
Join presentation expert Renaud Taburiaux, who coaches professionals across various levels, as he shares insights on transforming project presentations. He dives into the 'think, build, and deliver' framework for clear communication and emphasizes rehearsals for team confidence. Renaud highlights the importance of engaging storytelling through effective transitions and frames presentations as valuable interactions rather than mere tasks. Learn techniques to empower team members and embrace the concept of a 'presentation sprint' for impactful delivery!

Feb 11, 2025 • 48min
The New Purpose of the PMO & Why Your Org Still Needs One
To some folks, a Project Management Office sounds like a stale concept more than a hotbed of innovation. But in a world where non-PM roles are increasingly expected to deliver projects and emerging tech is aggressively forcing us to change the way we work, the PMO may actually be the key to unlocking the future of project management.Galen Low is joined by Olivia Montgomery (Associate Principal Analyst at Gartner), Bruno Morgante (Board Member at The PMO Leader), and Lauren Selley (Director of Program Management at Code and Theory) to delve into the challenges faced by PMOs, the importance of dynamic leadership, and the integration of innovative strategies like artificial intelligence to enhance project success.Resources from this episode:Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Olivia, Bruno, & Lauren on LinkedInCheck out Gartner, The PMO Leader, and Code and Theory

7 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 39min
Top Traits of High-Performing Project Managers & How to Cultivate Them
In this discussion, Ben Willmott, founder of The PPM Academy and seasoned project delivery leader, shares insights into what makes top-tier project managers stand out. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability, communication, and empathy in project management. The conversation also highlights 'neutral thinking' as a vital skill, allowing managers to detach emotionally during tough times. Additionally, the role of collaboration and a flexible approach to problem-solving is explored, encouraging personal growth and community engagement for ongoing development.

Jan 21, 2025 • 43min
How To Transition From Project Management To Consulting (And Alternatives)
What do you do when you top out as a project manager? More and more Senior PMs are turning to coaching and consulting. But what's really driving that trend, and do PMs have what it takes to be an entrepreneur?Galen Low is joined by Stephanie Best—Managing Director at Greannmhar—to delve into the transition from project management to consulting and how ageism and hustle culture are influencing such career choices.Resources from this episode:Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Stephanie on LinkedInCheck out Greannmhar