People and Projects Podcast: Project Management Podcast

Josefine Campbell, a leadership coach and author of '12 Tools for Managing a Selfish Leader,' shares valuable insights on navigating toxic workplace dynamics. She offers practical tools like the 'Stress Staircase' for identifying stress in yourself and your team. Josefine emphasizes that while you can't change a selfish boss, you can transform your self-management approach. Learn to recognize manipulative behaviors and reclaim your well-being with techniques like breathing exercises and effective communication strategies.

Kari Mirabal, a networking expert and author of 'You Already Have the No', shares her dynamic strategies for building authentic relationships in challenging career moments. She emphasizes the importance of networking early and often, dispelling fears around asking for help. With practical tips for leveraging LinkedIn and navigating job interviews, Kari also discusses the balance between AI and human connection in job searching. Her expertise empowers listeners to strengthen their personal brands and cultivate confidence.

Dave Garrison, author of The Buy-In Advantage, delves into the roots of employee disengagement and offers strategies to inspire genuine commitment. He highlights the difference between mere engagement and true buy-in, stressing the importance of emotional investment. Garrison critiques traditional management tactics that often fail and underscores the need for leaders to embrace curiosity and clarity. He also discusses how personalized recognition and inclusive decision-making can significantly boost team morale and collaboration.

Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Faisal Hoque, author of Transcend: Unlocking Humanity in the Age of AI. Faisal brings a unique blend of deep philosophical insight, entrepreneurial experience, and technological expertise to the conversation. They explore how leaders can navigate the fast-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence while staying grounded in what makes us human. The discussion explores how to think about AI not just as a tool or collaborator, but as a mirror that reflects our biases and decisions. Faisal introduces the OPEN and CARE frameworks as practical ways to innovate while managing risk, making this conversation highly actionable for project managers and leaders. From detaching from digital noise to preparing the next generation for an AI-shaped world, Faisal offers a thoughtful roadmap for embracing technology without losing our agency. If you're looking for insights on how to thrive in the age of AI with both optimism and responsibility, this episode is for you! Sound Bites “You can be optimistic, but you can also mitigate risk at the same time. One doesn't really work without the other.” “Catastrophizing is not doomism, but it's really a risk management practice.” "AI is not just a tool or collaborator, it's a mirror." “Don't outsource your agency. It's easy to let AI nudge your decisions without even realizing it.” “Just like you don't put a 10-year-old in a car to drive... technology can do a lot of good, but it can also be disastrous.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:33 Start of Interview 02:00 What From Your Background Shaped Your Thinking? 03:54 How Philosophy and Systems Thinking Intersect 06:00 Introducing the OPEN and CARE Frameworks 06:55 What Is the Human Role in an AI World? 09:43 How AI Can Subtly Influence Our Choices 11:40 Sci-Fi's Influence on AI Perception 15:07 What Is an AI Persona and How Do You Use Them? 18:13 Why AI Is Also a Mirror of Us 22:33 Introducing the OPEN Framework for Individuals 25:33 How Emotional Intelligence Applies to AI Partnership 27:02 The Role of Catastrophizing in Risk Management 28:58 The Value of Detaching and Devoting 32:03 How We Can Prepare Our Kids for an AI World 35:31 End of Interview 36:00 Andy Comments After the Interview 40:33 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Faisal and his work at FaisalHoque.com. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 460 with Dr. Joe Sutherland about AI, Data, and Decision Making Episode 454 with Dr. Christie Smith about how AI is changing leadership Episode 437 with Nada Sanders on her book Humachine (Human + Machine) Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Business Acumen Topics: AI, Leadership, Risk Management, Innovation, Digital Transformation, Emotional Intelligence, Strategic Thinking, Project Management, Decision Making, Organizational Change, Technology Ethics, Future of Work The following music was used for this episode: Music: Echo by Alexander Nakarada License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Dr. Margie Warrell, bestselling author and global leadership expert, dives into the intricacies of courage and fear. She reveals that courage isn’t the absence of fear but the ability to act despite it. Margie discusses how personal stories shape our reality and the impact of overachieving on fear. She emphasizes communication's role in overcoming anxiety and practical steps to face difficult conversations. With insights from her book, she empowers listeners to close their 'courage gap' and lead with confidence.

Summary In this episode, Andy welcomes Dr. Patricia Grabarek, co-author of Leading for Wellness: How to Create a Team Culture Where Everyone Thrives. Patricia is an industrial-organizational psychologist and co-founder of Workr Beeing. She brings her expertise in workplace wellness, leadership behavior, and employee engagement to this timely conversation about how leaders can improve not just productivity, but people’s lives. They explore the surprising truth that employee wellness isn’t about perks like step challenges or mindfulness apps--it’s about leadership. Patricia shares the difference between Generator leaders and Extinguisher leaders, how “Struggle Statements” foster psychological safety, and the simple yet powerful behaviors that make a lasting impact on your team’s wellbeing. From practical strategies for setting boundaries to powerful recovery practices, this conversation offers a playbook for leaders who want to create sustainable performance through human-centered leadership. If you’re looking for insights on how to lead with empathy while driving results, this episode is for you! Sound Bites “What we learned is that people think about wellness holistically. It's very individual.” “You can’t yoga your way out of a toxic work environment.” “Most leaders don’t wake up and think, 'I'm going to extinguish my team today.' It happens slowly and unconsciously.” “I don't think anyone's waking up and being like, I wanna make work suck for everybody around me today!” “Leaders are people. They fail at things. They're not always doing well. And when you have this ideal leader, that's the persona you're putting on, then your employees don't trust you.” “Your behavior as a leader is the most powerful wellness intervention you can offer.” “When leaders share their struggles, it creates a ripple effect of trust.” “If you want your team to respect boundaries, you have to model them first.” “Employees don’t leave jobs—they leave leaders who extinguish them.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:59 Start of Interview 02:11 What is Wellness? 04:05 Generators vs. Extinguishers 07:30 When Someone is an Inconsistent Extinguisher 08:57 What are Struggle Statements? 12:50 Recognizing Burnout and Its Signs 15:51 Strategies for Post-Work Recovery 18:12 The Role of Control With Stress 19:57 An Example of Someone Transforming How They Lead for Wellness 22:11 Organizational Wellness: What's Not Working? 23:53 Authenticity and Role Modeling in Leadership 26:20 Balancing Work and Life: Integrators vs. Segmenters 27:06 Fostering Wellness at Home 27:51 End of Interview 28:20 Andy Comments After the Interview 34:35 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Patricia and her work at WorkrBeeing.com/book. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 448 with Marie-Helene Pelletier about her book The Resilience Plan. Episode 398 with Dr. Neha Sangwan about her book on burnout. Episode 324 with Jim Harter from Gallup about building resilient cultures. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Leadership, Employee Wellness, Psychological Safety, Burnout, Team Culture, Vulnerability, Work-Life Balance, Authenticity, Empathy, Boundaries, Recovery, Organizational Health The following music was used for this episode: Music: Summer Morning Full Version by MusicLFiles License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this discussion with Dr. Joe Sutherland, co-author of "Analytics the Right Way" and a leader in AI policy, listeners learn how to navigate the overwhelming world of data. Joe dispels common myths about data collection and emphasizes the importance of causal inference for sound decision-making. He introduces his "two magic questions" to help project managers focus on outcomes, and discusses the latest AI breakthroughs and their challenges in implementation. This conversation is essential for anyone looking to improve leadership through data and AI.

Summary In this episode, Andy interviews Adrian Kelly, author of The Success Complex: Ancient wisdom, the building blocks of life and your path to sustained success. Drawing from history, behavioral science, and personal stories, Adrian offers a compelling redefinition of what it means to succeed. From his humble academic beginnings to building international ventures, Adrian brings a unique perspective on resilience, motivation, and identity. They discuss why IQ may be overrated and how something Adrian calls the “Point Guard Quotient” might better predict success. The conversation dives into increasing your luck, avoiding de-motivation, managing identity through career changes, and maintaining balance in a high-achievement world. They also explore practical lessons from the Challenger disaster and how small changes in communication can shape results. If you’re looking for insights on redefining success, building motivation, and leading with awareness and impact, this episode is for you! Sound Bites “We overestimate talent and underestimate persistence.” “Opportunity doesn’t waste time with the unprepared.” “People want to help people who help themselves.” “You don’t fall off a cliff overnight—you drift one day at a time.” “Avoiding de-motivation is often more important than sustaining motivation.” “Sometimes the drawback isn’t a setback—it’s a setup for a better path.” “Nobody traps us quite like we trap ourselves.”   Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:07 Start of Interview 01:18 What from your early life shaped your view of success? 07:12 How much does IQ influence success and what’s the 'Point Guard Quotient'? 11:52 What can we learn about success from the Challenger disaster? 14:03 What do you mean by avoiding de-motivation to sustain motivation? 18:57 What do you mean by a tangled identity and how has that affected you? 27:05 Is it possible to increase your luck? If so, how? 30:41 How do biases and communication styles affect our opportunities? 33:48 How can we balance the drive to succeed with well-being? 39:34 Why is autonomy and attention so important for success? 43:39 As parents, how can we prepare our children for success? 47:00 End of Interview 47:30 Andy Comments After the Interview 53:49 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Adrian and his work at AskMore.ie. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 458 with Elizabeth Lotardo about finding joy and meaning in your current job. Episode 402 with Eduardo Briceño about developing a growth mindset. Episode 283 with Tom Rath about success, meaning, and legacy. Episode 261 with David Epstein about his book Range and embracing diverse career paths. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Leadership, Project Management, Motivation, Identity, Career Transitions, Communication, Decision Making, Bias, Wellbeing, Autonomy, Attention, Personal Growth, Success The following music was used for this episode: Music: Echo by Alexander Nakarada License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Energetic Drive Indie Rock by WinnieTheMoog License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Summary In this episode, Andy welcomes Elizabeth Lotardo, author of Leading Yourself: Find More Joy, Meaning, and Opportunities in the Job You Already Have. Drawing on insights from her book, Elizabeth shares a practical and empowering framework for navigating the everyday challenges that can drain energy and joy from our work lives--things like imperfect bosses, lethargic coworkers, and overwhelming workloads. The conversation explores how we often start a role with excitement, only to find ourselves disengaged over time--and what we can do about it. You’ll learn the key differences between purpose and passion, how to counteract unhelpful workplace narratives, and what it looks like to reclaim agency in frustrating situations. Whether it’s dealing with difficult stakeholders, receiving feedback, or rethinking your career path, Elizabeth offers tangible strategies for finding value and fulfillment in the job you already have. If you're looking for ways to lead yourself better, rediscover meaning in your work, and take more ownership of your day-to-day experience, this episode is for you! Sound Bites “Purpose has a drastically more significant impact on how we feel about the work than passion does.” “If you're not waking up super hyped about something, that's OK!” “You're always in control of your own response--even in soul-sucking meetings.” “This is my chance. It's a mindset shift to reframe interruptions and annoyances into opportunities.” “Sometimes all you need is 15 seconds of insane courage.” “When we default to negative assumptions at work, we dig ourselves into ruts that are hard to escape.” “Just give your brain a moment to articulate: What if it went awesome?” “Being invaluable means having great value in a variety of situations--not being stuck as the only one who can do a specific task.” “You are never powerless. That's a sentiment I hope stays with my son.”   Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:24 Start of Interview 02:34 What Sucks the Joy Out of Our Jobs? 03:49 The Difference Between Purpose and Passion 05:34 Coaching People to Understand Their Purpose 08:08 What Is a Ripple Effect or Impact Map? 09:23 Workplace Lies and Breaking Out of Mental Ruts 12:17 How Elizabeth Deals With Feeling Trapped in a Rut 13:26 Balancing Risk and Opportunity 15:43 The Power of 15 Seconds of Courage 16:47 Reframing Challenges with “This Is My Chance” 19:21 Handling Difficult Meetings and Draining People 22:59 The Indispensable vs. Invaluable Mindset 24:48 How Our Identity Gets Entangled With Our Job 25:58 What Feedback Taught Elizabeth About Growth 29:19 Lessons About Identity and Self-Worth at Work 30:39 Helping Kids Learn They’re Never Powerless 32:52 End of Interview 33:20 Andy Comments After the Interview 38:52 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Elizabeth and her work at ElizabethLotardo.com. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 437 with Nada Sanders about future prepping your career in the age of AI. Episode 318 with Jon Stepper about his book Working Out Loud. Episode 213 with Christopher Avery about his book The Responsibility Process. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Leadership, Self-Leadership, Motivation, Purpose, Passion, Agency, Feedback, Mindset, Career Development, Meaning at Work, Workplace Culture, Decision-Making, Project Management The following music was used for this episode: Music: Imagefilm 034 by Sascha Ende License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Fashion Corporate by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Andrew Brodsky about his new book, Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication. The discussion covers key topics, such as the impact of typos, the use of emojis and exclamation points, and the importance of timely responses. Andrew highlights the pros and cons of different communication mediums, offering evidence-based recommendations on when to use email versus meetings, and the benefits of cameras on or off during virtual meetings. Practical advice is given on mimicking language to build trust, improving small talk to enhance virtual hallway interactions, and preparing younger generations for successful virtual communication. If you're looking for insights on how to lead and more effectively when you're not face-to-face, this episode is for you! Sound Bites “Regardless of whether you work from home, the office, hybrid, anywhere in between, we're now all virtual communicators.” “When you're writing an email, try to read the message in the opposite tone you intended.” “The shorter meetings are and the fewer participants there are, the more engaging they are.” “If it's a new relationship and you're trying to build trust, you're probably going to want your camera on.” “Sometimes a 30-second text can build more team cohesion than a full hour of meeting time." “We assume the recipient wants a response a lot quicker than they do.” “Typos in angry emails made the person seem angrier, and in happy emails made them seem happier.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:39 Start of Interview 01:56 Andrew's Personal Story and Research 03:16 Defining Virtual Communication 04:53 The P of Ping: Perspective Taking 08:15 In-Person vs. Virtual Communication 11:14 Meeting Dynamics and Camera Use 16:09 Email Urgency and Response Expectations 21:34 Impact of Typos in Virtual Communication 22:58 Understanding Typos and Ambiguity in Virtual Communication 24:42 Using AI and Tools for Effective Communication 25:47 The Rise of Voice Notes and Their Impact 27:40 Emojis, Exclamation Points, and Language Mimicry 30:04 Bringing Small Talk into Virtual Interactions 32:48 Preparing Kids for Virtual Communication 35:13 End of Interview 35:40 Andy's Comments After the Interview 41:42 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Andrew and his book at ABrodsky.com. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 407 with Ben Guttman about his book Simply Put. It's an intriguing book on how to design clear messages. Episode 332 with Kevin Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel about their book on virtual teams. Episode 237 with Nick Morgan about his book on virtual communication. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Virtual Communication, Email Etiquette, Remote Work, Leadership, Team Cohesion, Productivity, Small Talk, Emotional Intelligence, AI Tools, Generational Differences The following music was used for this episode: Music: The Fantastical Ferret by Tim Kulig License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license