The Everyday PM: Project Management Principles for Your Everyday Life

Your first 90 days in a new PM role? They're kind of a big deal. Whether this is your first project management gig or you're starting fresh at a new company, how you show up in those first three months basically sets the tone for everything that comes after.So I sat down with Mukhtar Kadiri—ranked the #1 PM in Canada, PM career coach with over 67,000 people in his LinkedIn network, and someone who helps companies find PMs who actually get stuff done (not just talk about it).Here's what we dig into:The 2-3 things you absolutely need to nail in your first 30 days (and the biggest mistake new PMs make right out of the gate)How to figure out who actually matters in the organization and build real trust without looking like you're playing politicsWhat "winning" looks like by day 90—and how to talk about it without sounding like you're braggingHow to pick your first battle when everything feels chaotic and there's no obvious quick winBalancing "learning mode" with "proving you can deliver"If you're about to start a new PM role, currently in your first 90 days, or you're hiring PMs and want them to hit the ground running—this one's for you.Connect with Mukhtar on LinkedInDownload the PM Playbook for your first 90 daysAbout The Everyday PM: We connect project management principles to everyday life. Hosted by Ann Campea.Visit anncampea.com

What if the traditional PM career ladder isn't the only way—or even the best way—to make an impact? In this eye-opening conversation with Brian Summons, Enterprise Strategy & Transformation Leader and Senior Internal Consultant - Strategy Activation at CHOC, we explore what happens when you choose to forge your own path.Brian made the bold decision to leave traditional PM roles behind for consulting—and he's here to share the unfiltered truth about what that transition really looks like.In this episode, we dive into:✨ The "aha moment" that sparked Brian's decision to leave the conventional PM path🔍 The biggest myths about PM consulting (and the unexpected challenges nobody warns you about)🎯 How the "outsider-insider" perspective unlocks solutions traditional PMs might miss💡 The secret weapons from PM backgrounds that become superpowers in consulting🤝 Balancing expert authority with the humility to understand each client's unique contextWhether you're a PM feeling boxed in by the traditional career path, curious about consulting, or looking to bring fresh perspective to your current role, this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about PM career trajectories.The corporate ladder isn't broken—it's just not the only way up. Sometimes the most impactful path is the one you build yourself.

Leslie Grandy, global product executive and author focused on innovation and generative AI, shares how to use AI as a creative partner to stress-test plans. Short takes on imagining failure, Stoic premeditation of evils, AI surfacing second- and third-order consequences, and practical techniques like inversion and paradoxical thinking to strengthen resilience.

What does it take to break barriers in one of the most male-dominated industries in the world? And how can one leader use their platform to create systemic change for the next generation?In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with Dr. Vijayeta Malla, PMI Global Construction Ambassador and Co-Vice President of AACE New Jersey Chapter. With 17+ years managing $47B+ infrastructure programs including the Ontario Line Subway and Port of Oakland's E-PMO, Dr. Malla has not only built billion-dollar projects—she's building pathways for women in construction.In this episode, we explore:🌍 The Ambassador Role — What it means to be PMI's Global Construction Ambassador, and how Dr. Malla uses this platform to advance project management excellence while advocating for women in the industry🏗️ Breaking Barriers & Building Belonging — Specific, actionable strategies for creating a sense of belonging for women in construction, and how to leverage leadership positions to drive systemic change (not just surface-level initiatives)👥 Leadership & Mentorship in Action — How to balance advancing your own career while actively championing others, and critical advice for emerging female project managers who feel isolated in their organizations💡 Dual Leadership Insights — What it's like to serve in two major industry leadership roles simultaneously (PMI Global Construction Ambassador + AACE Co-VP), and how to maximize impact across multiple platforms🚀 From Isolation to Impact — Practical guidance for women navigating male-dominated project environments, building professional networks, and finding mentorship when you're the only woman in the roomDr. Malla holds a Ph.D. in Construction Management from IIT Bombay and is a certified PMP and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt. Her research on women in construction and creating inclusive workplaces has been presented at major conferences including AACE International, WTS, and ASC. She's actively working to transform not just individual careers, but the entire industry culture.This conversation goes beyond inspiration—it provides concrete strategies for creating belonging, leveraging leadership platforms for advocacy, and mentoring the next generation while advancing your own career.Whether you're a woman in construction seeking guidance, a leader wanting to create more inclusive teams, or anyone interested in breaking barriers in male-dominated industries, this episode offers both hope and actionable wisdom.#ProjectManagement #WomenInConstruction #Leadership #PMI #AACE #Diversity #Inclusion #TheEverydayPM #Mentorship #BreakingBarriers #ConstructionIndustry

Dr. Vijayeta Malla, a PhD construction management researcher and program controls pro with 17+ years on $47B+ infrastructure programs. She discusses where AI truly adds value in planning and BIM prototyping. She highlights data quality, pattern recognition and scenario testing. She explores accountability, human-in-the-loop governance and practical frameworks for responsible AI adoption.

The U.S. construction industry is facing a crisis that threatens billions in infrastructure projects — and it's not just about labor shortages. It's about skills gaps, diversity challenges, and preparing for an AI-driven future.In this powerful conversation, I sit down with Dr. Vijayeta Malla, a Program/Project Controls Professional with 17+ years of experience managing $47B+ infrastructure programs including the Ontario Line Subway and Port of Oakland projects. As PMI's Global Construction Ambassador and a pioneer in AI-enabled project controls, Dr. Malla brings a unique perspective bridging experience across India, Canada, and the USA.In this episode, we dive deep into:🏗️ The Real Crisis — What the workforce shortage actually looks like on billion-dollar mega-projects and why it should keep every PM up at night🤖 The Technology Paradox — How AI, BIM, and advanced tools can help solve the crisis (or make it worse), and what "building skills from the ground up" means in 2026👷‍♀️ The Diversity Solution — Why tradeswomen are leaving construction, and how addressing inclusion isn't just about fairness — it's about survival⚡ Practical Actions TODAY — What project managers can do right now to address understaffed teams, skills gaps, and high turnover🔮 The Future Vision — What success looks like 5-10 years from now and the one thing every PM needs to understand about this crisisDr. Malla's research has been cited 146+ times, and she's presented at major conferences including AACE, ASC, and PMI Global Summit. Her insights on women in construction, AI applications in AEC, and creating inclusive workplaces are transforming how the industry thinks about its future.Whether you're managing a small renovation or overseeing billion-dollar infrastructure programs, this conversation will change how you think about workforce challenges and your role in solving them.#ProjectManagement #Construction #WorkforceDevelopment #AI #Diversity #TheEverydayPM #Infrastructure #PMI #AACE

In a world drowning in corporate jargon and endless meetings, Rachel Losser brings a refreshingly direct approach to enterprise project management: Get Shit Done.Rachel launched her own consulting firm, Losser Consulting Solutions, in 2024 with a bold mission—helping leaders deliver mission-critical projects where failure simply isn't an option. Her team doesn't just talk about transformation; they drag projects across the finish line when enterprises are stuck in analysis paralysis.In this episode, we dive into:🎯 The 'Get Shit Done' Philosophy - What it actually looks like in practice when you're working with large enterprises that can't seem to make decisions⚙️ Scaling the Right Way - How to simultaneously solve people problems AND technology problems (most consultants only focus on one)🚀 Mission-Critical Stakes - What it really means to work on projects where failure has massive consequences, and how Rachel's approach differs from traditional consulting firms💡 Real-World Examples - Specific stories of cutting through the fluff and delivering results when the pressure is onWhether you're a PM fighting through bureaucracy, a leader trying to build processes that actually scale, or a consultant wondering if there's a better way—this conversation will give you the clarity and courage to cut through the noise.

Join us for an extraordinary conversation with Rahul Chenna, the youngest person in history to obtain the PgMP (Program Management Professional) certification. This groundbreaking achievement showcases his exceptional dedication to the field.In this episode, we explore:Rahul's historic achievement as the youngest PgMP certification holder and what it took to reach this milestoneHis unique transition from computer science and engineering management to program management excellenceHow his Master's in Engineering Management shaped his innovative approach to process optimizationThe significant milestone he achieved in October 2025 marked a pivotal moment in his careerHis active leadership within the Project Management Institute (PMI) and passionate commitment to giving back through pro bono projectsWhat the future holds for this record-breaking professional who balances technical mastery with meaningful community impactPerfect for: Project managers, engineering professionals, PMI members, certification candidates, and anyone inspired by stories of exceptional achievement and professional development in program management.Connect with Rahul

Great leaders don't wait for good culture to happen—they build it. In this powerful conversation with Lisa Even, keynote speaker, corporate leadership expert, and bestselling author, we dive deep into the ripple effect of intentional culture building.Lisa brings over a decade of experience working with Fortune 500 companies, helping them lead with intention and proactively shape culture through growth, chaos, and everything they can't control.In this episode, we explore:✨ What truly defines positive team culture and why it matters🌊 How the ripple effect shapes team dynamics (and how to make it positive)💡 Real-world examples of culture shifts that transformed teams🚀 Actionable steps leaders can take TODAY to build better cultureWhether you're a seasoned PM, team lead, or aspiring leader, this conversation will give you the tools to create the kind of workplace culture that drives results AND makes people want to stay.Don't just manage projects—build the culture that makes great projects possible.Resources:Lisa Even LinkedInAnn Campea LinkedIn

Ever get that sinking feeling that your project is heading off the rails, but you can't quite put your finger on why?In this episode, we sit down with Matthew Oleniuk, former Federal Chief Audit Executive who oversaw billions in government projects. Matthew had a unique vantage point—he wasn't just managing projects, he was auditing them. This gave him an insider's view of what really separates successful initiatives from expensive disasters.In this conversation, we explore:Why project challenges are surprisingly universal across public and private sectorsThe three critical early warning signs every PM should watch for: disengaged stakeholders, vague status updates, and exhausted teamsHow the auditor's perspective reveals patterns that project managers miss when they're too close to the actionPractical strategies for nonprofits and public service organizations with limited resourcesWhether you're managing a small team initiative or overseeing complex capital projects, Matthew's insights could save your next project—and your sanity.Perfect for: Project managers, nonprofit directors, public sector leaders, and anyone who's ever wondered "how did we miss the warning signs?"🎧 Subscribe to The Everyday PM Podcast for real-world project management insights that actually work.Find Matthew at https://theriskinsider.com/