The Digital Project Manager

Michael Gold, a fractional project management expert and founder of The Fractional Hub, discusses the rise of fractional roles, offering professionals the freedom to escape traditional work structures. He highlights how these positions provide strategic oversight without full-time commitments, adapting to evolving workplace dynamics. Gold also explores how COVID-19 and AI are reshaping work culture, emphasizing the importance of effective communication and community. Listeners gain valuable insights on time management and personal branding to thrive in a fractional career.

Getting laid off as a project manager can feel like more than just a job loss—it brings up uncertainty, self-doubt, and tough career questions. This episode features a live panel with three PMs who’ve been through it and come out stronger, offering real talk and practical advice for navigating career transitions.Nicolassa Galvez, Thako Harris, and Nadaa Baqui share their personal layoff stories, lessons learned, and what helped them rebuild. From freelancing to career pivots, they offer insights for anyone facing a layoff or looking to future-proof their career in a volatile job market.Resources from this episode:Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Nadaa, Nicolassa, and Thako on LinkedInCheck out Chingona Coach, 3MBET, and Skillshare

Carsten Ley, a project management consultant and OKR coach, shares his expertise on aligning project goals with broader business strategies. He explains how using Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) can enhance motivation and keep teams focused on impactful outcomes. Ley details the integration of OKRs in agile project management, stressing the importance of collaboration and customer feedback. He underscores the need for continuous improvement and transparency across teams, advocating for an inclusive approach to drive success in projects.

Landing a new project manager role is a huge achievement, but before you accept the offer, don’t skip the crucial step of negotiating your salary. Failing to negotiate can cost you millions over your career, yet many find the process intimidating and awkward.Yonelly Gutierrez, Senior Project Manager at Palo Alto Networks and Founder of Velvet Vision, joins us to share her expert advice on negotiating with confidence. With her experience coaching women into $100K+ project management roles, she offers practical strategies for securing the compensation you deserve without the stress.Resources from this episode:Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Yonelly on LinkedInCheck out Palo Alto Networks

AI projects aren’t just another trend—they’re already reshaping workplaces in ways big and small. From HR to finance, employees are integrating AI into daily tasks, often without formal initiatives. Yet many organizations are still struggling to align teams and create a clear strategy for AI adoption. So, how can companies move from scattered, anxiety-driven adoption to a cohesive, strategic approach?In this episode, host Galen Low sits down with Ron Schmelzer, Global Head of AI Partnerships at PMI, to explore how organizations can better support AI-driven projects. They discuss what it takes to get teams on the same page, manage AI’s impact on workflows, and create a mindset shift that ensures businesses thrive in this new wave of digital transformation.Resources from this episode:Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Ron on LinkedInCheck out Project Management Institute

Looking to land a senior project manager role but feeling stuck? You’re not alone. The path to senior PM isn’t always clear, and setbacks can be frustrating. In this episode, we break down what might be holding you back and how to position yourself for that next big opportunity.Host Kelsey Alpaio sits down with Logan Langin, Senior Project Manager at Sanford Health, to discuss the mindset shifts and strategies that helped him make the leap. With experience running the “30 Days to PM” program, Logan shares practical insights to help you level up your career.Resources from this episode:Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Logan on LinkedInCheck out Sanford Health

Thinking about pivoting into project management but feeling lost in a sea of acronyms and conflicting advice? You’re not alone. The path to becoming a PM can seem unclear, with vague skill requirements and misleading job descriptions making it even harder to break in.Host Galen Low sits down with Barbara Kephart, founder of Projects Pivot, to cut through the confusion. They dive into what it really takes to transition into project management, how to decode industry jargon, and why community support is key to navigating this rewarding career shift.Resources from this episode:Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsThe PM Coffee Spot — the community for new and aspiring project peopleConnect with Barbara on LinkedInCheck out Projects PivotProjects Practice — learning management system 

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

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

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