

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

Dec 19, 2022 • 26min
182: Your Most Important Investment
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills (Leadership)
Hey, IMPACT Driver!
This week's episode was made especially for you, the IMPACT Driver, and you need to hear this.
Why? Because I know you. I am you!
You work so hard to drive yourself and others toward making a big IMPACT.
You're constantly bending over backward for others and finding yourself in situations where you're pushing harder, bringing people through change, and probably doing 100 things at once.
Join me for this episode to look at 3 important ways you can take care of your most important investment if you want to make a big IMPACT and keep that High-IMPACT Engine going into the New Year.
Enjoy!
P.S. – If you are responsible for driving strategy delivery in your organization, managing and delivering projects, and making a high IMPACT, you must be at our annual Health Assessment Workshop on January 24th. Start your New Year out strong & sign up for this FREE event to achieve your 2023 high IMPACT goals: https://pmostrategies.com/workshop/
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 12, 2022 • 19min
181: Missing From Your Status Report
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!
There's something missing from your status report.
Do you know what it is?
In this episode, I'm going to show you what you should and should not include in your status reports for your status reports and in your communication with your business leaders & other stakeholders.
If you are finding that it's taking a long time for decisions to be made, for information to keep moving, or for projects to stay on track, let's see if any of this information is missing from your communications.
You'll learn why these details could be the difference between creating confusion or cohesiveness within your projects.
Join me for this episode to see why including these key pieces of information is a game-changer for all of the conversations you're having with stakeholders and how this simple shift in thinking will earn you even more credibility in the process.
Enjoy!
P.S. – If you are responsible for driving strategy delivery in your organization, managing and delivering projects, and making a high impact, you must be at our annual Health Assessment Workshop on January 24th. Start your New Year out strong & sign up for this FREE event to achieve your 2023 high IMPACT goals: https://pmostrategies.com/workshop/
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 5, 2022 • 21min
180: Lean Into Your Strengths
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills (Leadership)
Hey, IMPACT Driver!
Are you taking full advantage of your strengths?
As a business leader delivering on strategy for your organization, you have an important responsibility to not only know what your strengths are but also to identify how you can leverage them effectively to get BIG results.
If you're struggling to lean into those strengths, there might be some blind spots getting in your way. These could be holding you back from having the kind of career and driving the business value you need as a strategy delivery leader.
Join me for this episode to learn exactly what to do (and what not to do) to be sure you're positioned as the power player your organization needs.
Enjoy!
P.S. – If you are responsible for delivering on strategy, get ready for the exciting changes coming to our IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind & IMPACT Engine programs. BIG changes are being launched to the public in 2023, but I'm giving you early access by joining now. Trust me, you're going to want to get in before everyone else in January! Don't wait to begin working toward your New Year's business resolutions — get a head start today: https://iepmo.com/
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

Nov 28, 2022 • 22min
179: PM vs. PMO Leader
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills (Leadership)
Hey, IMPACT Driver!
Are you moving from a PM role to a PMO leader role? Have you been mostly focused on execution and now you've been asked to level up to a PMO or strategy delivery leader? Or are you in a PMO leadership role already, but feeling like you just haven't quite settled in (or you think your leaders are looking for more)?
If you want to be successful in this new role, you'll need to make some pretty big shifts in mindset and focus - probably more than you expect.
Get ready for a really fun and exhilarating ride, my friend, but don't worry - I've got your back every step of the way.
P.S. Once you finish this episode, you might want to go back and listen to the IMPACT Driver Mindset episodes here.
Enjoy!
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

Nov 21, 2022 • 54min
178: 5 Ways to Shine as a PMO Leader with Gilly Kennedy
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills (Leadership)
Hey, IMPACT Driver!
Today we’re getting real about how hard it is to do the work all of you do as IMPACT Drivers.
We’re looking at why being a PMO leader can be so challenging and often takes every ounce of effort and resilience to create a meaningful, sustainable impact within your organization.
But don’t worry! I’ve got great news.
You’re also going to learn ways that you can turn hard work, stress, and even disappointments into a new way of living where everything flows smoothly, energy is unleashed, and opportunities to shine unfold before your eyes. With over 35 years working internationally in Strategy, Digital Transformation, and PMO, Gilly Kennedy knows first-hand the pressures that can be experienced in this type of setting whilst struggling with life challenges along the way. Following a period of relentless adversity, she achieved a remarkable transformation and successfully created a life with more purpose, balance, fulfillment, and enjoyment. She now dedicates her time to helping tired, busy professionals do the same by making a pivot to what she calls “joyful living."
Special Gift
If you enjoyed this episode and would like to learn more about Lifestyle Pivoting with Gilly Kennedy, check out her website here https://www.lifestylepivoting.com/
Gilly is kindly offering all listeners of the PMO Strategies podcast a fantastic 40% discount off her unique Lifestyle Pivoting App until 31 December 2022. Following Gilly's unique Lifestyle Pivoting Method, the app will take you on an inspiring journey of personal growth leading to greater purpose, fulfilment, balance and joy in your life/work.
Information about the app and sign up instructions are available on the website. To avail of the discount, enter PMO40 at checkout.
Enjoy!
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

Nov 14, 2022 • 17min
177: Check Your Darts
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills (Leadership)
Hey, IMPACT Driver!
Last week, we talked about checking your ego and letting go of the need to be right so that you can achieve the big business results you’re trying to achieve WITH and THROUGH others, instead of doing things TO others…
Now this week, I want to talk about another aspect of self-reflection that will really help boost your impact in leading others through change.
Have you ever felt so stressed, like the walls were closing in on you and causing you to lose sight of the bigger picture?
In your desire to achieve big business results and help others, you may sometimes let things blow up to feel much bigger than they really are.
This can cause you to get lost in the hustle and bustle of the mess you’re in, further preventing you from keeping your eye on the prize.
But the truth is, you have everything you need to navigate your path toward boosting your IMPACT.
So let me shine a little light and guide your way in leading others through change!
Tune into this week’s episode as I walk through how to “check your darts” and why this expression I so thoughtfully stole from my husband has made all the difference in my own problem-solving.
Enjoy!
P.S. – Are you feeling overwhelmed by everything you have to do to get your PMO back on track? Then it’s about time I introduced you to our one-hour training, specifically designed to help you go step-by-step on what to do in the short term so that you HAVE a long term. Whether you just took over a PMO and realized what a hot mess it is or you’ve been in this role and felt you should be getting a lot better results, you NEED to join the 100% FREE How to Rescue Your PMO training program. Get yourself registered today: https://pmostrategies.com/rescue/
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

Nov 7, 2022 • 18min
176: But You’re Right
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills (Leadership)
Hey, IMPACT Driver!
It's so easy to get caught up in being right.
Sometimes you can find yourself in a situation where you know you have the right solution on how to move forward, but nobody seems to be listening to your expert advice.
After all, your organization hired you for a reason, right?
But I'm warning you — do not lose the war by trying to win a battle.
Check your ego and remember what matters most in order to make the biggest IMPACT.
In this episode, I'm explaining how your desire to be right can derail your momentum, destroy your credibility, and have people working around you.
But don't worry; I'm also sharing my top tips on how to get the results you want and leave your ego at the door!
Listen to the full episode to learn how to balance being right with making a difference.
Enjoy!
P.S. - Need a game-changing system for building, up-leveling, or even rescuing your PMO? Save time, money, headaches, and resources by using our step-by-step approach. Watch our 1-hour FREE training on how to create a game-changing PMO for your organization: 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

Oct 31, 2022 • 1h 1min
175: Life of a PM Entrepreneur with Nicole Jones
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills (Leadership)
Hey, IMPACT Driver!
Do you dream of being your own boss?
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go out on your own?
Our guest today left her senior corporate role to start her own business in project consulting and now shares her insights with others doing the same. You’ll hear about the lessons she’s learned along the way and the strategic steps she took to set herself up for success long before leaving her full-time position. We’ll both share tips for success, challenges you may face, and what your day in the life of a PM entrepreneur might look like, should you decide to join the movement of being your own boss!
Nicole Jones, CAPM is the founder of Mediocre to Masterful, a platform that teaches women how to boss up in entrepreneurship, wealth, and wellness. She also owns The PM Suite, an operations project management consulting company supporting entrepreneurs, corporations, and project managers. Nicole worked in Corporate America in project management leadership for a decade until she retired at 33 years old after paying off over $80K in student loans and becoming 100% debt free — all while building her business and substantial savings using the F.I.R.E (Financial Independence, Retire Early) method. Nicole has been featured in Women of Project Management's Masterclass, Project Management Institute, our very own PMO IMPACT Summit, and hosts the tv show Boss Up through The Hope TV Network.
Here are some of the links we discuss in this episode:
Project Management Company
https://www.thepmsuite.com/
Helping PM Entrepreneurs - The C-Suite
Helping Entrepreneurs - Services
Financial Freedom
Unlearn: Ditch Failed Money Habits and Discover Financial Freedom
Enjoy!
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

Oct 24, 2022 • 21min
174: Asking This Question is a Bad Idea (Part 2)
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills (Leadership)
Hi, IMPACT Driver!
How can you act like the valued business leader you want to be?
As I mentioned last week in Episode 173, business leaders don’t ask for permission. They get things done, and the results speak for themselves.
This week, I’m diving further into how waiting for permission is holding you back from making an IMPACT within your role.
It’s time to stop blocking your own success and start taking action NOW.
Are you up for the challenge?
Then tune in to learn how to start getting things done the right way!
And don’t forget to visit Episode 173 for even more discussion on how to stop asking for permission and start elevating your IMPACT.
Enjoy!
P.S. Want access to the tools you need to start making IMPACTful business decisions? It’s time to join the ONLY program of its kind designed to help you build, elevate, or even rescue your PMO — IMPACT Engine PMO (IEPMO). Check out all the value-packed details and register today: https://pmostrategies.com/iepmo/
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

Oct 17, 2022 • 23min
173: Asking This Question is a Bad Idea (Part 1)
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills (Leadership)
Hi, IMPACT Driver!
Are you standing in the way of your own success?
You may be sabotaging your entire career trajectory without even knowing it!
It all boils down to one question you’ve probably asked hundreds of times throughout your life.
But as always, I’m not just here to call you out (with some good ol’ tough love); I want to teach you how to go about elevating your role within your organization.
Want to know the one thing you can change to start seeing much faster results?
Tune into this week’s episode, and start making a difference RIGHT NOW!
Enjoy!
P.S. Ready to start owning your career today? It’s time to join the ONLY program of its kind designed to help you build, elevate, or even rescue your PMO — IMPACT Engine PMO (IEPMO). Check out all the value-packed details and register today: https://pmostrategies.com/iepmo/
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


