PMO Strategies
In this podcast, PMO leaders and those wanting to capitalize on the best of project management to deliver the organization’s strategy,will uncover the hidden secrets of the best PMOs, learn the game-changing techniques that transform any PMO into a value-driven IMPACT Engine, and explore the best ways for the PMO to become an integral part of the fabric and future of an organization. After spending two and a half decades helping organizations deliver change, with 15 of those years in the shoes of PMO leader inside organizations, Laura strongly believes that there is more to making an IMPACT than templates, tools, and process. She’ll show you how to make the shifts necessary to becoming a business focused PMO that will become an invaluable organizational asset. With her guests and insights, we explore the sticky situations and tough challenges PMO leaders face, from sorting through all of the “noise” about what the PMO “should” do to finding the best ways for your PMO to make an IMPACT. Listen in and you can discover how to shift your focus from outputs to outcomes, fundamentally changing the game for your PMO and personal success.
Latest episodes
Apr 20, 2025 • 26min
304: Make Your Pain Their Pain
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Business AcumenAre you carrying the burden of every project challenge and organizational misstep? This episode challenges project leaders and PMO professionals to stop owning all the pain—and start translating it into executive priorities. Learn how to shift from outputs to outcomes and use our five-step IMPACT Communication Framework to finally get leadership buy-in, accelerate decision-making, and unlock real business value. Key Topics Covered: Why outputs ≠ outcomes—and how to stop confusing the two How to make your pain their pain using strategic language Five-step IMPACT Communication Framework in action The danger of wearing project chaos as a badge of honor Moving from being blamed to being a business partner 👉 Press play to stop solving the wrong problems and start making a strategic IMPACT today. P.S. 🚨 You’re Invited to Something Bigger Than Just a Book Club… The IMPACT Insiders Book Club launches April 22 — and it’s not just about reading a book. It’s about stepping into a movement. Together, we’re unpacking The IMPACT Engine and activating what it means to be a true changemaker. This isn’t surface-level stuff — this is about real transformation, real connection, and real IMPACT. ✅ Live sessions + recordings ✅ Behind-the-scenes insights I’ve never shared publicly ✅ A community of driven, purpose-fueled leaders just like you It’s 100% free to join — but the movement kicks off soon. ➡️ Reserve your spot now and don’t miss the very first call. This is your calling. Are you in? 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 BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS
Apr 13, 2025 • 36min
303: Why Executive Decision-Making Fails
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Business AcumenOne of the most frustrating realities of organizational life: delayed decision-making. Whether it's analysis paralysis, decision fatigue, or simply poor communication, I’m revealing the common reasons why executive decisions stall—and what YOU can do to drive clarity, urgency, and results. Learn how to communicate with purpose, frame decisions around business IMPACT, and reduce cognitive load for your leaders. If you're tired of waiting weeks for a simple yes or no, this one’s for you. What You’ll Learn: Why information overload creates decision paralysis How to present the right information in the right way How to align every communication to strategy and business outcomes Tips to reduce decision fatigue and accelerate outcomes How to coach your stakeholders to make better decisions, faster 👉 Press play to start turning indecision into IMPACT. P.S. The IMPACT Insiders Book Club kicks off on April 22, and we’re diving into The IMPACT Engine together—turning powerful ideas into practical action to help you accelerate strategy delivery now. It’s free to join, and you’ll get live access plus recordings, exclusive insights I’m only sharing with Insiders, and a community of changemakers. Don’t miss the first session—sign up for FREE now!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 BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS
Apr 6, 2025 • 34min
302: From Process to Business IMPACT with Stephen Jenner
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Business AcumenMost PMOs fail—not because they aren’t doing enough, but because they aren’t doing the right things. In this episode, Stephen Jenner shares why traditional PMO approaches fall short and how to shift from process obsession to real business outcomes. Key Takeaways: ✔️ Why most PMOs shut down within 18-24 months ✔️ How to engage executives in better decision-making ✔️ The importance of transparency in Portfolio Management ✔️ Why project benefits must align with strategic objectives 👉 Press play to learn how you can stop managing process and start driving IMPACT. Connect with Stephen: Follow on LinkedIn Connect via email P.S. Too many organizations deliver projects without driving real business value. On April 8th at 12 PM EST, I’ll be teaming up with Sciforma to uncover the hidden gaps that derail strategy execution—and show you how to bridge the divide between leadership vision and real results. 🔥 Save your spot for free now! 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 BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS
Mar 30, 2025 • 38min
301: Project Management Meets AI: Are You Prepared? with Tim Goodman
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Business AcumenAI is the shiny new thing that has everyone buzzing. But are we actually solving real problems—or just chasing the hype? Too many companies are diving into AI without considering data readiness, decision-making processes, and real business IMPACT. In this episode, Tim Goodman from Sciforma joins me to explore how AI is transforming portfolio and project management, and what organizations need to do to prepare for AI-driven decision-making. 💡 Key Takeaways: 🔍 The AI Adoption Problem – What happens when companies are implementing AI without fixing their data first 📊 AI’s Role in Decision-Making – How AI can support but not replace human leadership 🚀 How PMO Leaders Can Prepare – Steps to ensure your organization is data-ready before adopting AI ⚡ Why Strategy & AI Must Align – How AI-driven insights can accelerate business IMPACT 👉 Press play to learn how you can adopt AI-driven project management into your own practices.Connect with Tim:Follow on LinkedIn Learn more about SciformaP.S. Too many organizations deliver projects without driving real business value. On April 8th at 12 PM EST, I’ll be teaming up with Sciforma to uncover the hidden gaps that derail strategy execution—and show you how to bridge the divide between leadership vision and real results. 🔥 Save your spot for free now! 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 BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS
Mar 23, 2025 • 23min
300: The IMPACT Insiders Book Club – Join the Movement!
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Ways of WorkingReading The IMPACT Engine is just the first step—real IMPACT happens when you apply what you’ve learned. That’s why we’re launching the IMPACT Insiders Book Club, a free, interactive experience where we’ll break down key takeaways, explore real-world applications, and engage in discussions designed to help you implement these strategies effectively. Each session will guide you through key concepts, provide real-world insights, and help you put these lessons into action. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ How the IMPACT Insiders Book Club can help you apply The IMPACT Engine strategies ✔️ The key benefits of structured discussions, actionable insights, and guided learning ✔️ Why reading isn’t enough—engagement and implementation create real IMPACT 👉 Press play and let’s make an IMPACT together! 🔗 Join the IMPACT Insiders Book Club for FREE! 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 BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS
Mar 16, 2025 • 26min
299: Have We Outgrown Our Project Management Methods? with Jasmine O’Reilly
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Ways of WorkingFor decades, project management has relied on structured methodologies like Agile and Waterfall. But as business evolves, are these methods keeping up? In this episode, I’m working with Jasmine O'Reilly to challenge the status quo and explore whether rigid processes are limiting innovation rather than enabling success. We discuss: ✅ Why our industry resists innovation and what needs to change ✅ How structure and flexibility can coexist in modern project management ✅ The shift from process-driven to people-driven approaches ✅ How project managers can become IMPACT-driven investment managers 🚀 Are your projects delivering real business value? Tune in to learn how to modernize your approach and drive meaningful IMPACT. Connect with Jasmine: Follow on YouTube Connect on LinkedIn P.S. Stop the chaos—start leading with confidence! The IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind gives you expert coaching, hands-on support, and the blueprint to deliver real business value. Ready to accelerate your success? Join us here! 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 BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS
Mar 9, 2025 • 44min
298: Building Resilience: Turning Stress into Strength with Annmarie Curley
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Power SkillsResilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about leading with confidence, even under pressure. In this episode, I’m joined by Annmarie Curley to learn about the science of stress, the heart-brain connection, and practical strategies to help you stay calm, focused, and in control. What You’ll Learn: ✅ How emotional intelligence fuels leadership success ✅ A simple yet powerful breathing technique to reset stress ✅ Why resilience is a game-changer for high-IMPACT leaders Join us as Annmarie Curley shares actionable insights to help you lead with clarity, energy, and purpose—no matter what challenges come your way. Connect with Annmarie: Follow on LinkedIn Learn more about Newgrange IT Consulting P.S. Stop the chaos—start leading with confidence! The IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind gives you expert coaching, hands-on support, and the blueprint to deliver real business value. Ready to accelerate your success? Join us here! 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 BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS
Mar 2, 2025 • 43min
297: The Costly Agile Mistake Holding Your PMO Back with Fatimah Abbouchi
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Ways of WorkingAgile and PMOs—two worlds that many believe can’t coexist. But the truth is, they must. In this episode, Fatimah Abbouchi joins us to break down the biggest mistakes PMOs make when trying to integrate Agile and governance, and what to do instead. We’ll uncover: ✅ Why aligning your PMO too closely with project delivery methods leads to instability ✅ How rigid processes slow down decision-making instead of enabling it ✅ The real role of governance in creating agility at scale This conversation is for you if your PMO is struggling to stay relevant in an Agile-driven organization or you need to know how to not only coexist, but accelerate IMPACT together. Get in touch with Fatimah: Connect on LinkedIn Follow Fatimah on YouTube Check out her website P.S. Stop the chaos—start leading with confidence! The IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind gives you expert coaching, hands-on support, and the blueprint to deliver real business value. Ready to accelerate your success? Join us here! 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 BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS
Feb 23, 2025 • 41min
296: The Hidden Reason Projects Fail (And How to Fix It) with Alexandra Chapman
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Business AcumenExecutives don’t manage projects day-to-day, but they live with the results. What if the key to successful strategy execution isn’t just delivery—but how projects are set up from the start? Most project failures don’t happen during execution—they happen before projects even start. If executives don’t define outcomes, benefits, and value upfront, even the most well-managed project can miss the mark. In this episode, Alexandra Chapman joins us to share how PMOs can shift from order-takers to Strategy Navigators and ensure projects are set up for success from day one. Key Takeaways: ✅ Why most projects fail before they even start ✅ The critical questions executives must ask before approving a project ✅ Why “on time, on budget” isn’t enough to define success 👉 Press play to transform your PMO into a true strategy driver. Connect with Alexandra ChapmanFollow Alexandra on LinkedInVisit Totally Optimized ProjectsP.S. Stop the chaos—start leading with confidence! The IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind gives you expert coaching, hands-on support, and the blueprint to deliver real business value. Ready to accelerate your success? Join us here!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 BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODESTELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARNPDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS
Feb 16, 2025 • 40min
295: How AI is Reshaping Project Management: Insights from Scott Ambler
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Business AcumenAI is no longer a distant future—it’s here, and it’s reshaping how organizations deliver strategy. Some leaders are resisting the change, while others are using AI to gain a competitive edge. The question is: Which side will you be on? In this week’s episode, Scott Ambler and I explore: 🎯 The real IMPACT of AI on white-collar jobs 💡 The hidden risks of AI adoption most leaders overlook 🚀 How PMO leaders can stay ahead and lead AI-driven transformation Don’t wait for AI to reshape your role—take charge now. P.S. Stop the chaos—start leading with confidence! The IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind gives you expert coaching, hands-on support, and the blueprint to deliver real business value. Ready to accelerate your success? Join us here!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 BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS
