Manage This - The Project Management Podcast

Ben Lamorte talks with us about the power of OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) as a transformative tool for project leaders. He introduces a simple framework: define the destination, articulate its importance, set measurable key results, and outline an action plan. Hear about the impact of strong OKRs, and how tracking progress fosters motivation through small wins and helps teams maintain focus.

Dave Garrett, Senior Advisor to the CEO, discusses the PMI Project Success Initiative, a 2023 research project by the Project Management Institute. The initiative redefines project success and offers actionable insights for project professionals. Dave describes shifting the focus and accountability beyond project management success to overall project success as he talks about the three key measurement factors crucial for project success and the Net Project Success Score, a tool used to evaluate a project’s success.

If you’re dealing with an overdue project or looking to prevent delays before they happen, listen to Mark Woeppel as he shares real-world examples, hard-earned lessons, and practical frameworks to help organizations get struggling initiatives back on track—and what leaders can do to prevent delays from happening in the first place. Hear how poor schedule and risk reserve management can lead to delays and learn early warning signs to identify minor versus systemic issues.

Join Adam Boddison, Chief Executive of the Association for Project Management, as he reshapes the landscape of project management. He discusses the Golden Thread research and the need to reframe stereotypes, emphasizing the importance of people skills over processes. Adam dives into the role of effective sponsorship and how project managers can elevate their strategic importance in organizations. He also explores the societal benefits of successful projects and advocates for diversity and ESG principles as key to delivering impactful results.

As the workforce evolves, so does the opportunity to harness the power of a blended approach. In this episode, author and researcher Sara Daw, MBA, joins us to discuss the increasingly relevant topic of the blended workforce. Sara discusses how combining full-time employees with fractional, freelance, or contract team members can drive innovation, increase flexibility, and provide access to specialized expertise when and where it’s needed.

Volunteering: A pathway to improving leadership skills, broadening networks, and exploring new fields. In this episode, we explore how volunteering can shape project management careers, with our guests, Yasmina Khelifi and Mayte Mata Sivera. They share how volunteering has been a cornerstone in their professional journeys, enriching their experiences, opening new doors, and helping them grow as leaders.

Staying updated on innovative methodologies empowers project managers to tackle challenges and spark creativity. In this episode, Arash Parsania introduces HYPERID, a flexible hybrid new methodology for project management. Arash shares the innovative project estimation techniques HYPERID incorporates, what sets it apart from other methodologies, and his "person-day" estimation method.

Focus on what truly matters while maintaining balance and reducing stress. This episode is packed with practical advice for building resilient teams, preventing burnout, and aligning efforts with meaningful goals. James Louttit shares his journey from managing intense stress to adopting approaches that reduce strain, foster balance, and maximize value. Hear about strategies for setting boundaries, tackling "HiPPo" influences, and maintaining focus on high-value, low-effort tasks.

Desmond Lomax, a clinical mental health therapist with over 20 years in law enforcement, dives into how mindsets can cripple team dynamics. He highlights the destructive nature of self-deception and its impact on trust and collaboration. By advocating for a shift from 'me' to 'we', he shares practical strategies for fostering empathy and accountability. Desmond narrates his transformative journey from a correctional officer to a motivational leader, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and open communication in nurturing healthy team environments.

Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing project management, including risk management, by significantly enhancing efficiency. Karanveer Anand, a Technical Program Management Leader at Google, offers practical advice on integrating AI into workflows. He emphasizes three key pillars where AI impacts project management, including identifying risks using accurate historical data and ensuring data security.