

PMO Strategies
Laura Barnard
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 12, 2024 • 27min
242: The PMO Perception Gap
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen (Strategic and Business Management)
Hey, IMPACT Driver!
Do your stakeholders really understand the value your PMO brings?
Recent research reveals a startling gap between how PMO leaders, executives, and project managers perceive the role and purpose of the PMO.
The stats:
Only 11% of executives said the PMO is responsible for business improvement
0% of executives said the PMO handles governance and standards
28% of PMO leaders define their role as reporting and tracking
...but 0% of executives see this as the PMO's purpose
What does this misalignment mean? Your PMO's influence and IMPACT suffer if stakeholders don't understand your value.
Listen to the latest episode of the PMO Strategies podcast as I dive into these perception gaps and what you can do to better communicate the vital business IMPACT your PMO drives. You'll get actionable steps to align stakeholder perceptions with the strategic value you provide.
The future of your PMO depends on stakeholder understanding. Don't let misperceptions limit your influence!
Enjoy!
P.S. – Want to bridge the gap between your PMO's perceived value and its actual IMPACT? Check out the IMPACT Engine System! Our comprehensive approach will equip you with the tools and strategies to communicate the true value your PMO brings to the table. Check it out now and take the first step toward maximizing your PMO's effectiveness today!
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 Barnard
GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES
TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN
PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Feb 5, 2024 • 23min
241: Top Executive Complaint
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen (Strategic and Business Management)
Hey, IMPACT Driver!
Today we're talking about the #1 complaint we hear from executives. I wonder if you're hearing this complaint as well, and if you're not...
It might be because you aren't close enough to hear it.
We hear it again and again...
And you need to solve for it.
In this episode, I'm tackling head-on the NUMBER ONE pain point plaguing senior executives worldwide when it comes to enabling organizational strategy.
Discover the root issue hampering strategic progress and PMOs’ ability to drive IMPACT.
Learn:
Execs’ most common strategy delivery frustration
How it cripples planning, resourcing, and priority setting
Key places to start providing business-enabling visibility
If you solve for this, it can elevate your value overnight.
Let me know what you think!
Enjoy!
P.S. – The very best thing you can do to solve this and every complaint your leaders have about delivering on organizational strategy can be found inside the IMPACT Engine System. Check it out now and earn your seat at the table faster than you can say, "We need more resources!"

Jan 29, 2024 • 28min
240: Transform Your PMO into an Organizational Powerhouse
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen (Strategic and Business Management)
Hello, IMPACT Driver!
The data is out, and it's pretty clear. The PMO Outlook Report I just reviewed from Sciforma reveals shifting trends in how PMOs measure success.
In this multi-part series, I'm going to share my thoughts on what this data suggests and give you specific advice on things you can do now to drive more value with your PMO much faster.
First up is this week's episode on how PMOs are measuring success.
The time is NOW for PMOs to transform from narrow execution trackers to powerhouses enabling enterprise agility, innovation, and competitive advantage.
Tune in today and make sure to join us for the PMO Health Assessment workshop later this afternoon!
Enjoy!
P.S. – Last chance to join us for the FREE PMO Health Assessment Workshop live this afternoon! REGISTER NOW.

Jan 22, 2024 • 33min
239: 5 PMO Confidence Killers
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen (Strategic and Business Management)
Hey, IMPACT Driver!
PMO leaders are uniquely vulnerable to confidence crises that sabotage their performance. Even the most seasoned professionals occasionally struggle with uncertainty in their abilities or direction.
In this episode, I uncover the five fundamental reasons even competent PMO leaders second-guess themselves and what to do about it.
I share real-world examples of PMOs questioning their purpose, credibility, and IMPACT due to these confidence drainers. Plus, actionable solutions you can start applying today to restore assurance as you navigate uncertainty.
Listen in now and then make sure you check out our PMO Health Assessment to see where you really are with your PMO and get immediate guidance on what to do across 9 different areas to boost your IMPACT of your PMO and your confidence!
Plus, you can join me live on January 30th to review your results and create your PMO action plan for a high-IMPACT 2024!
Enjoy!
P.S. – Make sure to take our PMO Health Assessment today and then join me live on January 30th to build your high-IMPACT action plan for your best year yet.
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 Barnard
GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES
TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN
PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Jan 15, 2024 • 8min
238: Take Your PMO Health Assessment
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen (Strategic and Business Management)
Hey, IMPACT Driver!
This week, I've got something a little different for you. Instead of giving you something to listen to, I'm going to ask you to take action!
My team and I have spent the last few months working on the ultimate PMO Health Assessment. It's a 20+ page report that measures your PMO health across 9 different categories and then provides you detailed feedback on each of the 9 areas. If you're strong in this area, I'll give you ideas to improve even more. If you're not so strong, I'll let you know how to get started in building the PMO muscle necessary to thrive with your PMO this year.
2023 was a tough year for a lot of companies and executives are going to be searching the organization for the trusted people that can help them achieve their goals this year. I want that trusted advisor to be you, IMPACT Driver!
So, take my comprehensive PMO and project health assessment that evaluates how well you are currently positioned and gives you my best advice on how to take the next steps in elevating your IMPACT in 2024.
We're looking at the nine most important areas you can make an IMPACT right now:
Reputation and Influence
Stakeholder Engagement
Organizational Change Management
Performance Management
Strategic Alignment
Portfolio Management
Governance
Training and Career Development
Project Management
Check out this episode to learn more about this assessment then head over here to take the assessment today. You'll also get an invitation to join me live on January 30th to review your results and help you create your action plan for high-IMPACT success in 2024.
Enjoy!
P.S. – Make sure to take our PMO Health Assessment today and then join me live on January 30th to build your high-IMPACT action plan for your best year yet.
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 Barnard
GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES
TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN
PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Jan 8, 2024 • 28min
237: 10 Reasons Your PMO Needs a Check-up
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen (Strategic and Business Management)
Hey, IMPACT Driver!
As we prepare to kick off another year, it's the perfect time to pause and assess the health of your PMO. An annual check-up enables you to benchmark progress, realign priorities, and set your PMO up for maximum impact in the year ahead.
In this episode, I'll be sharing the top 10 reasons why an annual PMO health assessment is essential and even some signs that you might be in need of some changes in your PMO ASAP.
The new year presents the perfect opening to hit the reset button for your PMO and you need an accurate picture of where you are to figure out how you're going to achieve all your goals in 2024.
Enjoy!
P.S. This episode is sponsored by our annual PMO Health Assessment workshop. Join me in partnership with Sciforma on January 30 for a LIVE workshop to discuss the current state of your PMO and build a plan for high-IMPACT in 2024. Register for FREE today!
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 Barnard
GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES
TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN
PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Jan 1, 2024 • 23min
236: Starting the New Year Right
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen (Strategic and Business Management)
Hey, IMPACT Driver!
As we head into 2024, now is a great time to set your intentions for starting off the new year right.
Whether you love creating New Year's resolutions or not, the start of a new year can be the start of something big for you, but to make that happen, you'll need to have a plan.
In this episode, I'll walk you through a technique that I use to help me reflect on what worked and what didn't work as well as I would have liked, then set some intentions for setting my new year up for success.
I hope you have an absolutely wonderful New Year and I look forward to helping you make an even bigger IMPACT in 2024.
Happy New Year!
Enjoy!
P.S. This episode is sponsored by our annual PMO Health Assessment workshop. Join me in partnership with Sciforma on January 30 for a LIVE workshop to discuss the current state of your PMO and build a plan for high-IMPACT in 2024. Register for FREE today!
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 Barnard
GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES
TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN
PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Dec 25, 2023 • 29min
235: End of Year Recap
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen
Happy holidays, IMPACT Driver!
This time of year many of our listeners take some well-deserved downtime, so we created something special to make your break more productive and insightful. It's a bit of a "meta" episode. 🙂
We've organized all of our 2023 podcast content into useful categories based on the business problems you face and the IMPACT you want to drive.
In this episode, you’ll discover our 2023 episodes bundled into themes like:
PMO Establishment and Justification
Executive Engagement and Alignment
Project Management Techniques
Business Owners
Stakeholder and Client Engagement
Project Culture and Change Management
PMO Best Practices
I've listed the episodes you want to dive into in each of these categories and shared some insight as to why you might find each of the episodes useful.
Whether you want to set up a new PMO, better engage executives, or start thinking about the future, we've got it all covered in this list!
Grab a notepad and jot down the episode numbers to add to your holiday listening playlist.
And don’t forget to download our handy podcast discussion guide by filling out the Podcast Club form (located on the right of this page) to take notes on episodes that catch your attention. It also includes prompts to get you thinking about how to apply the content with your teams when you return to the office.
Wishing you rest, joy, and a little dose of productive inspiration this holiday season! We’ll see you in 2024 with a year jampacked with targeted content to empower you to maximize your IMPACT.
Enjoy!
P.S. – The IMPACT Entrepreneur Mentorship program is starting in January, but now through December 31, you can join for $5,000 off the 2024 price. As of right now, we still have a few seats left. Grab your seat today!
P.P.S. – This episode is sponsored by our annual PMO Health Assessment workshop. Join me in partnership with Sciforma on January 30 for a LIVE workshop to discuss the current state of your PMO and build a plan for high-IMPACT in 2024. Register for FREE today!
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 Barnard
GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES
TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN
PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Dec 18, 2023 • 39min
234: Starting Your Own Business
In this episode, the host shares their personal experience of starting their own business over a decade ago. They discuss the unexpected trigger that led them to take the entrepreneurial leap and how their business has evolved over time. The host also provides advice for anyone interested in starting their own business or getting into consulting, coaching, or training. They emphasize the importance of clarifying motivation, identifying expertise, and building a solid plan for success. The episode concludes with a discussion on investing in oneself when starting a business and the opportunities that can arise. Join the consultant mentorship program to start your own entrepreneurial journey.

Dec 11, 2023 • 31min
233: Mind-Reading Techniques for Project Leaders with Alex Chapman
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills
Hey, IMPACT Driver!
Who wouldn't love a little mind-reading prowess at work, right? 😉 It'd be a game-changer!
For project and PMO people, truly getting to what executives really want (beyond what they say) can feel like a puzzle.
But guess what? Our guest, IMPACT Summit speaker Alex Chapman, has some mind-blowing insights to help you unlock this skill!
With over 40 years of project mastery, Alex has honed her "mind-reading" techniques, starting with asking the right questions. Not only will this turbocharge your PMO's alignment with the big goals, but it'll also set the stage for more meaningful conversations and showcase the immense value you bring to the table.
Ready to dive in and start delivering the results they're craving? Join me in this episode!
Enjoy!
PS - Attention PMO leaders! Say goodbye to being labeled as "administrative overhead." It's time to make a real IMPACT and drive measurable business value. Join our FREE one-hour PMO Advantage training and become the strategic asset your leaders need. Claim your seat at the table for good, and let's elevate your PMO journey together!
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 Barnard
GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES
TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN
PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS


