

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

Jan 27, 2020 • 29min
033: The Culture Made Me Do It!
PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills (Leadership)
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
This episode is sponsored by Project Management for Change.
Show Notes:
Hey there, IMPACT Driver! Before we dive into today's podcast, I'd like to tell you a little about our sponsor, Project Management for Change. This organization is near and dear to my heart because I'm one of the Founders of this fabulous team. This episode is sponsored by Project Management for Change. Project Management for Change is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to unleash the boundless potential of the project management profession to empower and transform communities around the world. They do this through pro bono support provided by professional project managers to address nonprofit organizations most pressing world-changing initiatives. They provide this support at the signature event called the Project Management Day of Service (PMDoS)®. It's a community outreach event of unprecedented scale, enabling pro bono project management services for nonprofits and social organizations, and through continuous delivery programs, ensuring focus on the right projects and seeing those projects through to completion. If you want to learn more about theProject Management Day of Service (PMDoS)® events happening around the world, how you can get involved or how your organization could sponsor this fabulous nonprofit, just go to PM4change.org and as we like to say, "Join us in changing the world one project at a time!"
Okay. Let's dive into today's episode.
Today we're talking about what happens when the culture seems to be standing in the way of your changes, projects, or PMO. Let's face it, it's hard enough to do a lot of the work you do to bring about change in your organization. It doesn't help when you feel like you're hitting resistance at every turn. You know what I'm talking about... "Yeah, but that doesn't work in ." "Yeah, but we have to follow these 50 steps to get something done." "Yeah, but we don't do things that way." "Yeah, but that doesn't work in our culture." That "Yeah, but..." monster rears their ugly head and you hear all the excuses for why someone cannot change from their inefficient way to something better. I've totally been there. BUT, it doesn't have to be that way. Check out this week's podcast episode to learn: · the best strategy to start climbing the mountain of bringing in change · the connection between human evolution and the changes you're making · what to do when it all feels like there's been no movement · how to handle the "we've always done it this way" argument · when it's OK to be a disruptor · and what to do when the pace of change is driving you crazy (my favorite) Take it from me, you CAN influence culture, create effective and sustainable change, and make a big IMPACT even in the most "change-resistant cultures." It may not be easy, but it's certainly possible! I can't wait to hear what happens when you apply what you've learned in this episode to the big shifts you want to make! Leave a comment below! And if you love this podcast, please leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast player!
Read the TranscriptThis episode is sponsored by: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 20, 2020 • 41min
032: Sneak Peek into PMBoK 7 with Jesse Fewell
PMI Talent Triangle: Ways of Working (Technical)
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
This episode is sponsored by KeyedIn.
Show Notes:
Hey there, IMPACT Driver! Before we dive into today's podcast, I'd like to tell you a little about our sponsor, KeyedIn. They are a generous sponsor of our free event, the PMO IMPACT Summit, helping us bring high-quality, relevant, and IMPACTful content to as many PMO leaders and PMs around the world as possible. KeyedIn is a project and portfolio management software provider that is leading the way when it comes to Agile for the portfolio. They have purpose-built their software solution to help PMOs to place the right bets meaning invest in the projects and programs that have the best chance of success and the biggest impact on the organization. To turn quickly by helping them identify ways to pivot their org when priorities or processes change without slowing down. And to deliver faster through continuous improvement and optimization of projects and resources. Definitely check them out by clicking here to learn more about how KeyedIn is helping PMO leaders and PMs implement Agile practices across the entire portfolio. Today we are talking about the latest version of the PMBoK that's being developed right now for release early 2021, how it's changing, the role of Agile in this latest version, AND how you can get involved and give your input.
Check out this week's podcast episode to find out more about:
what happened with PMBoK 6 and the Agile add on.
the deal with PMI acquiring a few Agile organizations lately.
what all of this means for Agile and the PMBoK.
the radical changes coming with PMBoK 7.
the shift from projects to products and what that means for you.
how you can get a sneak peek and give your feedback on PMBoK 7.
I can't wait to hear what you think about this week's episode!
Links referenced in today's episode:
Official 10 minute video on what is and what is not changing in the PMBoK 7.
Get a sneak peek into PMBoK 7 and give your feedback.

Jan 13, 2020 • 22min
031: Are you making sure your PMO stays relevant?
PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen (Strategic and Business Management)
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
This episode is sponsored by my upcoming workshops designed to jump start your 2020 career success. Show Notes: Hey there, IMPACT Driver!I hope you're having a super productive and high-IMPACT January!This week's podcast episode will help you ensure your PMO or program you're supporting continues to stay relevant. You don't want to be caught solving last year's business problem that's no longer important to the business!Check out this week's podcast episode to learn:
why the key to PMO relevance is easier than you think
the mistakes PMO leaders make that lead to PMO avoidance
the secrets to staying relevant that your peers are using
my step-by-step assessment framework that guarantees success
the ways stakeholders will circumvent the PMO and how to stop it
where to spend your precious time and energy for the biggest IMPACT
where to get help with your PMO assessment and planning
I can't wait to hear what you think about this week's episode! Make sure to SUBSCRIBE and download to listen on the go and if you love it, let us know in a rating and review!
Read the TranscriptThis episode is sponsored by: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 6, 2020 • 35min
030: The Career Limiting Mistake You Might Be Making
PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills (Leadership)
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
This episode is sponsored by my upcoming workshops designed to jump start your 2020 career success. Show Notes: This episode is a perfect way to start the new year because we're talking about the biggest career limiter that might be holding you back in your career, your ultimate satisfaction with your job, and your personal success and progress in your organization. We're going to hit the reset button and cover the new year's resolution you should be focusing on if you want the career of your dreams.
No matter where you stand on resolutions, making a personal commitment to yourself and your career on a regular basis is paramount to accomplishing your career goals. Yet, so many of your peers are making one HUGE mistake that's limiting their career progression, visibility, and recognition at work. Check out this week's podcast episode to learn more about this critical mistake, and:
How to know if you're falling into this career trap
What the data is telling us about your career development
How you can take back control of your career
Ways you can gather the knowledge you need to boost your career
What many companies are expecting their employees to know
and so much more...
I hope you take the time to listen to this episode and the smidge of tough love I give you today because your career success matters to me!
Read the TranscriptThis episode is sponsored by: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 23, 2019 • 37min
029: Women of Project Management with Asya Watkins
PMI Talent Triangle: Leadership
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
This episode is sponsored by my upcoming workshops available to jump start your 2020. Show Notes: Today we are talking with Asya Watkins, a new but becoming a dear friend of mine in the project management community. Asya is the founder of Women of Project Management, the only global network connecting women and women of color in the project management industry. Don't tune out if you aren't female! This is for men too! Check out this today's episode to learn how you can:
Ensure you are invite women, and women of color to the strategy table
Where you can find community as a woman in the industry
How to support each other as women in the industry
How men can support women in project management too
Read the TranscriptThis episode is sponsored by: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 16, 2019 • 41min
028: Finding the Right PMO Talent
PMI Talent Triangle: Ways of Working (Technical)
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
This episode is sponsored by my upcoming workshops available to jump start your 2020. Show Notes: What if I told you that your PMP Certification was just table stakes? It's true. In today's episode we are learning why the best talent for your PMO may not be the most obvious. Check out this today's episode where you'll learn:
Why experience shouldn’t be your top priority in your talent search
Where the best talent might be hiding (it’s not in the most obvious places)
Why a PMP certification isn’t the most important attribute for a project manager
What to do once you have found good talent
Read the TranscriptThis episode is sponsored by: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 9, 2019 • 27min
027: What to Look for When Hiring A PMO Consultant
PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills (Leadership)
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
Show Notes:
You're looking to build or elevate a PMO or strategy delivery organization and you know you need help. Excellent!
But where do you start? There are so many organizations out there that provide these services using a wide range or pricing models and approaches. You have limited time and your financial resources are not endless, so how do you know the consultant you are talking to is going to be able to help you achieve your goals and leave you with a solution that is manageable internally and sustainable for the long run?
You want a partner by your side that will help you create a customized solution that is right-sized to fit your organization's needs.
In this episode, you'll learn the common mistakes and pitfalls you must avoid and how to get the most out of the consultant you do choose to guide you on this journey.
Click here to learn more about how PMO Strategies supports clients across industries and around the world achieve more than they ever thought possible and faster than anyone expected.
Read the TranscriptThis episode is sponsored by: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 2, 2019 • 43min
026: Why You Shouldn’t Outsource Your PMO
PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills (Leadership)
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
This episode is sponsored by my upcoming workshop: PMO Health Assessment and Plan Show Notes: Think outsourcing your PMO is the dream situation (or maybe your C-suite does)? Think again! In today's episode - I will tell you WHY I am against it. While there is certainly more revenue for a consulting firm in being able to hire all of the staff for the PMO and run the organization, there are far greater risks to the organization (and eventually the consultant), ultimately making it a lose-lose situation. We’ll cover:
Things to consider before making the decision to outsource your PMO
Outsourcing your PMO from the consultant's perspective
What areas consultants are best for helping your PMO
Read the TranscriptThis episode is sponsored by: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 25, 2019 • 49min
025: Burnout Solutions with Beth Genly
PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills (Leadership)
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
This episode is sponsored by my free masterclass: The Gamechanging PMO Strategy Show Notes: Today we are talking about a very important topic that applies to every single one of us at some point or another. We're talking about how to avoid burnout or recover from it if you're already experiencing burnout while achieving your goals, especially your big, scary audacious goals as we start getting closer to the end of the year. There is no one better to talk about this topic with us today, then my dear friend Beth Genly. Beth is a Yale-educated coach and speaker and the heart of her company Burnout Solutions. She's co-author of the groundbreaking book, Save Yourself from Burnout: A System to Get Your Life Back. Beth supports hardworking professionals who are really killing it and nearly killing themselves in the process to build a life that optimizes their careers and their wellbeing. Beth, thank you so much for being here. We’ll cover:
How to recognize burnout
Can you get good sleep and still be burned out?
When are big hairy audacious goals the wrong move?
5 components to recognizing and recovering from burnout
Links mentioned: Download Beth's Burnout Shield at https://burnout-solutions.com/stretchgoals/
Read the TranscriptThis episode is sponsored by: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 18, 2019 • 46min
024: Making the PMO Sustainable
PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen (Strategic and Business Management)
Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!
This episode is sponsored by my free masterclass: The Gamechanging PMO Strategy Show Notes: This episode is jam packed with information for you to you continue to evolve and create a sustainable PMO. Tune in to find out:
how to make sure your PMO is NOT a one-trick pony
how to ensure sustainability and longevity of your PMO
why monitoring IMPACT is critical to your success
the 4 simple questions you should be asking your stakeholders
how to become the strategy navigator for your organization
Remember, you are starting evolution, not revolution.
Read the TranscriptThis episode is sponsored by: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


