People and Projects Podcast: Project Management Podcast

Summary In this candid live-stream conversation, Andy chats with content creator and project leader Stuart Taylor, the mind behind the Influential PMO platform and the Stuart Taylor Project YouTube channel. They dig into the difference between influencers and thought leaders, how to choose topics that genuinely help practitioners, and what to do when metrics don’t match the effort. Stuart shares practical strategies for building professional visibility on LinkedIn and YouTube, including how to craft resonant messages, handle trolls, and focus on service over self-promotion. The discussion also explores Stuart’s experiment asking whether AI could manage a project. Spoiler: AI is a strong team member for first drafts and research, but a weak project manager. They wrap with career advice for today’s shifting job market, including why to think like an internal consultant and how to future-proof your career by learning in public. If you’re looking for insights on personal branding, creator tactics, and AI’s real role in project work, this episode is for you! Sound Bites Regarding AI: "It cannot be the project manager. It's spineless. It is a weakling leader." "There is no such thing as a permanent job anymore." “Share what you know and people will be drawn to you for what you are sharing.” “Learn to make a resonating message. Learn how to share value.” “I never did this to become internet famous… What problem do I want to solve? That’s it.” “Because you don't understand how the algorithm works. You think your whole network's ignoring you, and in fact, all that's happened is maybe less than 10% of your network has seen the message before the algorithm realized that your message wasn't resonating.” “It will be the penny pinching execs who want to save a few dollars, who will take your job, and they'll replace it with a machine that can do 50% of your job for a fraction of your price, and they'll live with the 50% they can't do.” Chapters 00:00 Start of Live Stream 02:13 Thoughts on Influencers and Thought Leaders 05:28 Deciding on Video Content 07:34 Views and Metrics 14:41 The Creative Process and Challenges 18:28 Sharing Knowledge and Building a Community 18:49 Navigating Social Media: The Good, The Bad, and The Trolls 19:18 Handling Criticism and Building Connections 24:37 The Role of AI in Project Management 29:10 The Future of Work: AI, Automation, and Adaptation 36:24 Staying Curious and Embracing Change Learn More You can learn more about Stuart and his work here: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/skt Website: InfluentialPMO.com YouTube: Stuart Taylor Project Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Business Acumen Topics: Leadership, Project Management, Content Strategy, Personal Branding, Career Development, LinkedIn, Artificial Intelligence, Communication, Influence, Stakeholder Engagement, Future Of Work, Creator Economy 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

Summary In this episode, Andy welcomes Jeffrey Hull and Margaret Moore, co-authors of The Science of Leadership: Nine Ways to Expand Your Impact. Drawing from over 50 years of leadership research and tens of thousands of studies, Jeff and Meg offer an accessible roadmap for leaders who want to grow in meaningful, evidence-based ways. As coaches and leaders at the Institute of Coaching, they distill complex research into nine practical leadership capacities that help you expand your impact while staying grounded. In this conversation, they unpack what it means to be a conscious leader and why self-awareness is essential. You’ll hear how cultural context affects leadership perceptions, what it takes to be ready to grow, and how to quiet the "ego noise" that can derail your effectiveness. Whether you're managing a team across time zones or parenting in today’s high-pressure environment, the insights from this episode are deeply practical and immediately usable. If you're looking for insights on how to lead with more clarity, authenticity, and impact, this episode is for you! Sound Bites "Leadership isn’t about you as much as it is about your impact on others." "Motivation and confidence are twin engines that power real growth." "Quieting your ego doesn’t make you less effective. It gives you clarity." "Cultural norms can shape how leadership is perceived, but respect always translates." "Transformational leadership isn’t about having a vision. It’s about co-creating one." "Parenting is leadership. And it’s one of the best places to practice these capacities." "The book is a self-coaching tool for everyday leaders who want to grow with intention." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:49 Start of Interview 02:00 What From Your Early Life Influenced How You Think About Leadership? 08:00 What Types of Leadership Books Make You Shake Your Head? 11:08 What Do You Mean by Leadership? 17:30 How Do We Know If We're Ready to Grow as Leaders? 21:00 How Do Cultural Norms Affect the Practice of These Capacities? 25:45 What Does It Mean to Be a Conscious Leader? 35:00 What Is a Quiet Ego, and How Do You Quiet Ego Noise? 38:30 What Does Transformational Leadership Look Like in Practice? 40:30 A Practical Way to Develop This Capacity 45:28 What Can Parents Learn From This Book to Lead Better at Home? 48:46 End of Interview 49:20 Andy Comments After the Interview 53:00 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Jeff, Meg, and their work at ScienceOfLeadership.com. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 344 with Peter Bregman about how you can change other people by setting the conditions under which they’re willing to change. Episode 416 with Jim Kouzes. He’s been with us four times, each episode exploring research-driven insights on leadership. Episode 252 with Marcus Buckingham about the Nine Lies we believe about work and leadership, and what to do about them. Pass the PMP Exam This Year If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we’ve put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We’ve helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we’d love to help you too. It's totally free, and it's a great way to get a head start. Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I’d love to help you get your PMP this year! Join Us for LEAD52 I know you want to be a more confident leader–that’s why you listen to this podcast. LEAD52 is a global community of people like you who are committed to transforming their ability to lead and deliver. It’s 52 weeks of leadership learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than 5 minutes a week. And it’s all for free. Learn more and sign up at GetLEAD52.com. Thanks! Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Leadership, Self-Awareness, Coaching, Organizational Behavior, Servant Leadership, Team Culture, Feedback, Psychological Safety, Confidence, Change Readiness, Authenticity, Conscious Leadership, Project Management The following music was used for this episode: Music: Echo by Alexander Nakarada 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

Mark Reich, a former leader at Toyota and current Chief Engineer for Strategy at the Lean Enterprise Institute, shares invaluable insights on lean thinking. He explains the importance of hoshin kanri in aligning purpose within organizations. Reich emphasizes that lean is more than just tools; it's about developing people and engagement. He discusses escaping the firefighting trap and why metrics alone can't secure strategic clarity. Interestingly, he even applies lean principles to parenting, illustrating its versatility beyond the workplace.

Summary When you hear the word negotiation, what comes to mind? A boardroom showdown? A salary discussion? In this episode, Andy welcomes back Dr. Mike Clayton, author of How to Negotiate: Practical and Proven Skills to Help You Strike Better Deals to unpack the truth about negotiating. Mike brings clarity, wisdom, and practicality to a skill that project managers and frontline leaders use more often than they might realize. In this conversation, you'll learn why negotiation is not a talent you're born with. Rather, it's a skill you can build. Mike explains how to prepare effectively, how to open conversations the right way, and how to bargain in ways that foster agreement, not conflict. You'll discover surprising examples of everyday negotiations, phrases that help (and hurt) rapport, and even ideas to help your kids become more confident negotiators. If you're looking for insights on how to lead through conversations that matter, this episode is for you! Sound Bites “Negotiation is a process of searching for an agreement that satisfies both parties.” “You can become a good negotiator the same way you become a good leader: by learning and practicing.” “Building agreement on agreement is easier than building agreement on disagreement.” "What will you get when you’ve got it? Because that’s the motivator." “If we respect each other and follow a process, we can negotiate even in tough situations.” “The phrases that are best for building rapport are questions.” “Signposting the junction means alerting our counterparty that we think we’re coming to the point where we need to stop.” “Your credibility is currency. Character and trust are foundational in negotiation.” “Almost every conversation where two people want different things is a negotiation.” “It's okay to negotiate. It's okay to walk away. And it's okay to not always win.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:50 Start of Interview 01:04 Understanding Negotiation as a Skill 02:01 Common Myths About Negotiation 05:39 The Process of Negotiation 12:31 Preparing for a Negotiation 16:12 Opening a Negotiation 23:05 Introduction to Feedback and Negotiation 23:43 Breaking Down Feedback 24:42 The Yes Mindset in Negotiation 25:56 Building Rapport in Negotiation 27:40 The Light and Dark Sides of Language 29:08 Signposting the Junction in Negotiation 31:47 Establishing Character in Negotiation 34:21 Teaching Kids to Negotiate 38:34 End of Interview 39:01 Andy Comments After the Interview 42:09 Outtakes Learn More You can find Mike’s content and negotiation advice at his YouTube channel: OnlinePMCourses. For more learning on negotiation, check out these episodes: Episode 444 with Rick Czaplewski, who provides negotiating secrets for project managers Episode 412 with Scott Walker, who provides insights from a former hostage negotiator Episode 148 with Dan Shapiro: High-stakes negotiation from a Harvard expert Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Leadership, Negotiation, Communication, Emotional Intelligence, Project Management, Influence, Rapport Building, Conflict Resolution, Trust, Team Collaboration, Process Thinking, Parenting The following music was used for this episode: Music: Summer Awakening by Frank Schroeter 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

Jon Harper, author of *Rebuild! Don't Repair*, emphasizes the courage needed to move beyond temporary fixes in life and leadership. He discusses the importance of rebuilding on solid foundations rather than relying on quick fixes like duct tape. Harper shares personal stories, including quitting alcohol, and highlights how evaluating our surroundings can facilitate transformation. He advocates for daily habits to help children—and teams—process their experiences, stressing that true growth lies in continuous learning and embracing authenticity.

Phil Wilson, a leadership coach and author of The Leader-Shift Playbook, shares his transformative journey in leadership. He discusses his "Mount Stupid" moment, realizing he was the biggest obstacle to his team's success. The conversation delves into four critical shifts for leaders, emphasizing the power of belief and the importance of small habits in team culture. Phil highlights how to cultivate trust in remote teams and how positive leadership perspectives can turn team members into heroes. Practical insights on feedback, self-awareness, and impactful conversations are also featured.

In this engaging conversation, James Turk, an executive coach and author of The Giving Game, shares his wisdom on navigating the leap from individual contributor to team leader. He emphasizes that expertise doesn’t guarantee effective leadership and outlines why the first 45 days are crucial. Listeners can expect practical tips on fostering team climate, the importance of clarity, and effective feedback. James also shares personal anecdotes on how emotional intelligence enhances leadership, making this a must-listen for new managers.

Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Sabina Nawaz, global CEO coach and former Microsoft executive, about her new book You're the Boss: Become the Manager You Want to Be and Others Need. With authenticity and insight, Sabina shares what no one tells you about stepping into management, from the strange emptiness that can follow a promotion to how pressure can quietly bring out the worst in us. They discuss why even successful leaders can feel like imposters, how power and pressure distort our perceptions, and what it means to be an “innocent saboteur.” Sabina also offers practical advice, such as developing your “shut up muscle,” asking better questions, and making small habit changes that stick. The conversation covers everything from leadership in the workplace to parenting, making this one of those rare episodes with takeaways for every area of life. If you're looking for insights on how to grow as a leader without losing yourself in the process, this episode is for you! Sound Bites “It’s not power that corrupts. It’s pressure that corrupts.” “If nobody’s giving you the full truth, what are the ways you might be going off track?” “When you're under pressure, do nothing. That’s counterintuitive but that’s where insight lives.” “The more righteous you feel, the more you need to consider alternative stories.” “Use 'Say more' when you're curious—and especially when you're judgmental.” “The only way to overachieve is to underachieve—start with micro habits.” “You’re not the only one with imposter syndrome—CEOs have it too.” Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:15 Start of Interview 02:24 “Can you think of anything from your family culture or experiences growing up that may have influenced how you think about leadership?” 05:08 “You describe getting promoted as a strange emptiness—what were the signs it came with unexpected costs?” 07:17 “Do you see imposter syndrome even in top-level leaders you coach?” 08:21 “How does embracing the complexity of leadership change how we view our own leaders?” 10:04 “How do we unknowingly sabotage ourselves as leaders?” 12:09 “What are some of the signs that you're veering off track as a boss?” 13:10 “What specific things do you personally do to manage pressure situations so you don’t become a monster?” 17:13 “You say, ‘stay small longer than you think you need to.' What does that mean and how do you apply it?” 21:07 “What is a singular story and how do we rescue ourselves from believing them?” 26:20 “What’s the ‘shut up muscle’ and how do you develop it?” 29:02 “Can you think of ideas from the book that apply to parenting as well?” 31:44 End of Interview 32:09 Andy Comments After the Interview 37:40 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Sabina and her work at SabinaNawaz.com/book. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 455 with Janet Polach. It’s a great follow-on to what we talked with Sabina here today. Episode 456 with Kevin Eikenberry. Leading at the next level up comes with a lot of ambiguity that can shake our confidence. Kevin hits that topic head on—I think you’ll get value out of it. Episode 391 with Adam Bryant about his book The Leap to Leader. Pass the PMP Exam This Year If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we’ve put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We’ve helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we’d love to help you too. It's totally free, and it's a great way to get a head start. Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I’d love to help you get your PMP this year! Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Leadership, Management, Power Dynamics, Self-Awareness, Feedback, Emotional Intelligence, Coaching, Communication, Organizational Culture, Habits, Imposter Syndrome, Pressure, Stress The following music was used for this episode: Music: Brooklyn Nights 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

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.