

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

May 8, 2023 • 27min
202: A PMO Leader With No PM Experience
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills (Leadership)
Hey, IMPACT Driver!
Are you ready to dive into a hot topic that often sparks debates in the PMO community? I know I am!
Today, I answer the age-old question: Should a PMO leader be required to have project management experience?
It's a controversial topic, with some arguing that experience is crucial for success, while others believe too much experience can hinder a leader's effectiveness.
So, what's the answer? Can a PMO leader without much project management experience still be successful in their role?
Join me in this episode now to explore the pros and cons and hear some tips on what YOU can do to be successful as a PMO leader, regardless of your level of project management experience.
Enjoy!
P.S. - Have you registered to join us for the very first International PMO Day this Tuesday, May 9th, 2023? We want to celebrate with you, IMPACT Driver! I’m going to host a FREE 2-hour workshop 11 AM EDT | 3 PM GMT! Change your life and the trajectory of your PMO to earn your seat at the table, PLUS get a chance to sit in the hot seat with me for some FREE coaching on your toughest pain points. Register now to join us for this chance to get unstuck and move forward in elevating your PMO success.
P.P.S. - Reading this after the live workshop? I have a special gift for you too! Visit the International PMO Day page for all the details.
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

May 1, 2023 • 29min
201: What to Call the PMO
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!
Is the term “PMO” being left in the dust?
It's a big question, but let's be real — the name PMO can carry some serious baggage.
Some business leaders love it, while others have had bad experiences and want nothing to do with it.
That's where the conversation starts - with how prior experiences shape perceptions of PMOs and why executives like to be involved in the process.
But that's just the beginning!
Whether you call it a PMO, strategy delivery office, transformation office, or something else entirely, I’m giving you the tools to ensure you and your team are set up for success in this rapidly changing business environment.
Join me in this episode now to unpack what's happening in the industry, how the PMO is evolving, the mindsets of business leaders, and what it means for YOUR organization.
Enjoy!
P.S. - Have you registered to join us for the very first International PMO Day on May 9th, 2023? We want to celebrate with you, %FIRSTNAME|TITLECASE%! I’m going to host a FREE 2-hour workshop! Change your life and the trajectory of your PMO to earn your seat at the table, PLUS get a chance to sit in the hot seat with me for some FREE coaching on your toughest pain points. Register now to join us for this chance to get unstuck and move forward in elevating your PMO success. Hot seat opportunities are limited, so claim your spot 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

Apr 24, 2023 • 26min
200: IMPACT Engine Book Sneak Peek
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills (Leadership)
Hey, IMPACT Driver!
I am bursting with excitement to share some incredible news with you!
I've been working on something very special and I can’t wait to get it into your hands.
It's going to be a total game-changer for PMO and strategy delivery leaders just like you, IMPACT Driver.
I’m writing a book to help PMO and strategy delivery leaders create powerful IMPACT Engines for their organizations to drive higher business value much faster. This book covers everything from stories and techniques to a step-by-step system framework I use in the IMPACT Engine System™ implementation program. Now, if you know anything about the publishing process, you know it will be a while before it’s in your hands, so I’m finding ways to bring you with me on this journey until it’s published.
Tune in to this episode to get a sneak peek into the upcoming book!
I can't wait for you to listen in and share your thoughts here.
Help me spread the word by sharing your excitement on all your favorite social media platforms and stay tuned for more exciting news and updates to come!
Enjoy!
P.S. - Have you registered to join us for the very first International PMO Day on May 9th, 2023? We want to celebrate with you, IMPACT Driver! I’m going to host a FREE 2-hour workshop! Change your life and the trajectory of your PMO to earn your seat at the table, PLUS get a chance to sit in the hot seat with me for some FREE coaching on your toughest pain points. Register now to join us for this chance to get unstuck and move forward in elevating your PMO success. Hot seat opportunities are limited, so claim your spot 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

Apr 17, 2023 • 29min
199: What Problems to Fix First
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
PMI Talent Triangle: Ways of Working (Technical Project Management)
Hey, IMPACT Driver!
Are you building a new PMO or strategy delivery team, but feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of pain points your stakeholders have shared with you?
How do you figure out where to start when there seem to be so many things you need to fix to make progress?!
Don’t worry. I’ve got you, IMPACT Driver.
You aren’t the only one with this challenge.
On our survey, one of your peers shared this same challenge and asked for help.
So, today we’re diving into exactly how to figure out where to focus first to get your biggest results the fastest. You may be surprised by what you hear!
And if you haven’t filled out our survey yet, please do so here!
When you tell us what’s going on with you and share your pain points, we’re going to send you resources, suggestions, and specific podcast episodes that will help you address your toughest challenges.
Enjoy!
P.S. - The very first International PMO Day is on May 9th, 2023 and we want to celebrate with you! I’m going to host a FREE 2-hour workshop! Change your life and the trajectory of your PMO to earn your seat at the table, PLUS get a chance to sit in the hot seat with me for some FREE coaching on your toughest pain points. Register now to join us for this chance to get unstuck and move forward in elevating your PMO success. Hot seat opportunities are limited, so claim your spot 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

Apr 10, 2023 • 26min
198: Taking Your Seat at the Table
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills (Leadership)
Hey, IMPACT Driver!
I’m sure you’ve heard me talk about the importance of earning your seat at the table. For you to be able to bring your organization through change effectively, they must know you, like you, and trust you, so that you can have the real conversations about what it will take to deliver on their strategy with the help of your team.
That trust part is where this seat at the table comes into play.
Your business leaders need you there to help them drive the right decisions and it’s hard to do when they don’t even know you’re there.
Today, I’m sharing 6 tips to get and keep your seat at the table – and when it’s time to just take it!
You'll learn:
Ways to help the executives see your value
How to earn your business leaders' respect
Strategies for joining the right conversations
Listen to this episode now to learn how to show your business leaders just how well you can help them drive the big strategy plays for your organization.
Enjoy!
P.S. - Attention PMO Leaders! It’s critical that you know how to measure and communicate your PMO value and there are FAR more meaningful metrics than projects being on time and budget. Instead, you need to learn to speak the value language of your business leaders so they WANT you at the table with them helping them set their strategy up for success. Register for my free training to show you how to measure and communicate the real value of your PMO: https://pmostrategies.com/value
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

Apr 3, 2023 • 26min
197: Advice From Your Peers
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills (Leadership)
Recently, I asked my IMPACT Engine System™ and IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind™ program participants to share their journey through what I teach. I asked them to tell me about where they were when they started, their biggest challenges, how the work they have done in the program has changed them, their big "ah ha" moments, and what they would tell their former selves now that they are where they are with what they now know.
Their responses were so powerful that I couldn't help but cry. I saw how much they have grown and was so darn proud.
So, today I am sharing some of the insights that they said they wish they could tell their former selves before starting the journey of building or elevating their PMO or strategy delivery team. I hope you find this helpful in supporting you where you are today and feeling a little less alone in this process.
I'm incredibly proud of them and honored to support them. Building a PMO or strategy delivery team is not easy, but it's worthwhile. Just remember that you don’t have to do it alone.
Enjoy!
P.S. – The work you do in your organization is not just about templates, tools, and process – it's also about YOU as a leader. Join my IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind students in our hands-on support system to help you step-by-step through your journey to build a PMO, strategy, or transformation organization the right way. It’s time to earn (and keep) your seat at the table: https://pmostrategies.com/coaching
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

Mar 27, 2023 • 30min
196: Why Portfolio Management is Critical to Delivering IMPACT with Stuart Easton
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, Stuart Easton, Founder and CEO of TransparentChoice, joins the podcast to discuss why portfolio management is critical to delivering on your organization's strategy effectively.
It’s not enough to get good at ensuring that projects are executed well. There’s a bigger opportunity for PMO leaders – especially if they want to earn the respect of business leaders. You see, projects must be set up for success BEFORE they start and the PMO is the best positioned to make this happen.
Join us for this episode to learn exactly how to play a bigger game while ensuring much higher success rates for your projects and earn your seat at the table in the process.
P.S. – Stuart and I have been friends for a while now and are strongly aligned in our goals to help every PMO and strategy delivery leader have everything they need to thrive. Here’s what we came up with when we put our heads together. Yes, that’s right – it comes with freebies and other goodies: https://pmostrategies.com/transparentchoice
Stuart Easton is a long-time friend and supporter of PMO Strategies and the IMPACT Summit. Founder and CEO of TransparentChoice, he is on a mission to help PMO leaders deliver successful projects. Stuart is a guest lecturer on Project Prioritization at the University of Oxford, and he also speaks at various PMO conferences and events on how PMOs can deliver strategic value, identify waste, and eliminate those pesky pet projects.
Enjoy!
Connect with Stuart:
Download The Ultimate Guide to Project Prioritization: https://www.transparentchoice.com/project-prioritization
Learn More About TransparentChoice: https://transparentchoice.com/
Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eastonstuart/
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

Mar 20, 2023 • 47min
195: Is a Sabbatical Possible? with Susanne Madsen
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills (Leadership)
Hey, IMPACT Driver!
Have you ever dreamed about taking some real time off to hit that reset button?
What would it look like to...
✔️ wash your stress away?
✔️ redefine yourself?
✔️ reinvent yourself?
✔️ get real rest and recovery?
...and I already know what you’re thinking...that’s impossible!
Well, maybe...or maybe we can get creative and be sure not to miss any hidden opportunities.
My guest today, Susanne Madsen, has taken more than one long break, as have I, even back in the employee days.
We’ll share with you some creative ways to take a break when you really need it and the benefits of doing so.
Susanne is an internationally recognized leadership coach, mentor, and author who helps project managers become better leaders in the workplace. She is also an award-winning author of The Power of Project Leadership, which is a must-read for everyone in the project management world.
Join us for this episode so you can start exploring what might be possible for you to plan that break you know you so sorely need.
Enjoy!
Connect with Susanne!
Website: http://www.susannemadsen.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanne-madsen-1134312/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPfV1WRlHMLyCm2HJxuPGVw
The Project Leadership Institute: https://www.theprojectleadershipinstitute.com
The Power of Project Leadership: http://www.powerofprojectleadership.com
Grab Your Copy of Susanne's Book: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Project-Leadership-Transform-Manager/dp/0749493240/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1565264474&sr=8-2
P.S. – If you're building, elevating, or rescuing your PMO, I have the perfect FREE training just for you! Learn my step-by-step system developed from 25+ years of experience to earn your seat at the table and lead your organization through times of crisis and well into a future of endless possibilities! Build an IMPACT Engine PMO for your organization today: https://pmostrategies.com/pmo/
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

Mar 13, 2023 • 19min
194: International PMO Day
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills (Leadership)
Hey, IMPACT Driver!
I have a very exciting announcement for you this week.
I am thrilled to announce the very first International PMO Day!
That's right — we now have our very own International PMO Day.
International PMO Day is all about highlighting, promoting, appreciating, celebrating, and elevating PMOs in organizations around the world.
The inaugural day is Tuesday, May 9th, 2023.
In this episode, I'm going to tell you a little bit about International PMO Day and how you can celebrate in your organization with your own PMO team. Plus, I'll share tips on how to connect with others and celebrate as a global community.
Just click the player button below my video to listen to the full podcast episode!
Enjoy!
P.S. – Learn more about International PMO Day by visiting https://internationalpmoday.com 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

Mar 6, 2023 • 24min
193: Big Stakeholder Mistakes
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills (Leadership)
Hey, IMPACT Driver!
Last week in episode 192, I shared the important way to engage stakeholders so you can get that critical buy-in you need early in the process of determining the right PMO services for your organization.
Now, we need to talk about a few big mistakes PMO leaders make when engaging stakeholders so that we make sure your stakeholder relationships and solid as you deliver PMO value.
Join me for this episode to make sure you know exactly what mistakes you must not make when building and delivering PMO and PM value.
Enjoy!
P.S. – If you're building, elevating, or rescuing your PMO, I have a FREE training just for you! Learn my step-by-step system developed from 25+ years of experience to earn your seat at the table and lead your organization through times of crisis and well into a future of endless possibilities! Build an IMPACT Engine PMO for your organization today: https://pmostrategies.com/pmo/
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


