Manage This - The Project Management Podcast
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Welcome to Manage This, the podcast by project managers for project managers. Every first and third Tuesday of the month we have a conversation about what matters to you as a professional project manager. Andy Crowe and Bill Yates, both well respected thought leaders in the project management industry, cover subjects such as project management certification and doing the job of project management, as well as get inside the brains of some of the leaders in the industry and also hear your stories. Subject Matter Experts join the cast to discuss topics ranging from advice for someone just starting in project management, leadership tips, to how to manage the unexpected, manage project teams, and much more. Whether you’re a professional project manager, a PMP, or on the road to becoming one, tune in to hear real advice and relevant information on all things Project Management. If you have questions, we have the project management experts to answer them! Claim 0.5 free PDUs per episode.
Episodes
Mentioned books
4 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 45min
Episode 234 – Lead Smarter: EQ Strategies of Top Performers
Dr. Robin Hills, a business psychologist and director of EI for Change, shares his insights on emotional intelligence (EI) in leadership. He discusses how EI fosters resilience, empathy, and stress management in teams. Robin highlights that kindness in leadership can require difficult conversations, emphasizing EI as a crucial 'power skill.' He offers practical strategies to recognize burnout and transform setbacks into growth. With the rise of AI, he argues the irreplaceable value of human empathy in leadership.
22 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 45min
Episode 233 – De-Risking for Impact: Spot Risks Before They Derail Strategy
Susan Schramm, founder of GoToMarketImpact, shares invaluable insights from her extensive experience with Fortune 500 companies and non-profits. Discover why risks are often overlooked in projects and how a clear purpose helps teams navigate challenges. Susan highlights the dangers of reactive risk management and offers proactive strategies like regular risk scanning and involving key participants. She also shares lessons from a costly product launch, emphasizing the need for early risk discussions. Her De-Risk System for Impact provides practical advice for project managers aiming to foster open communication about risks.
11 snips
Sep 2, 2025 • 34min
Episode 232 – Before You Speak: Why Better Listening Changes Everything
Stanford Slovin, an author and wealth management expert, emphasizes the transformative power of listening in leadership and personal connections. He shares insights from his research, revealing how poor listening leads to client attrition and suggests a simple process: Pause, Reflect, Clarify, and Empathize. Slovin addresses common barriers to effective listening, such as multitasking, and provides strategies to foster empathy in the workplace. Open-ended questions and recognizing signs of distraction can greatly improve communication and engagement.
11 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 34min
Episode 231 – The No-Nonsense Guide to Pursuing Project Excellence
Bob Jewell, an author and founder of the Omega Leadership Group, shares his four-decade journey in project management, working with giants like GE and Toyota. He unpacks the essence of 'excellence' in projects, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and collaboration. Bob challenges traditional scheduling methods and rethinks the work breakdown structure while highlighting the significance of smooth transitions and client relationships. His no-nonsense approach offers fresh perspectives on avoiding common pitfalls in the quest for project success.
Aug 4, 2025 • 36min
Episode 230 – Hoshin Kanri: Delivering Continuous Improvement
Mark Reich, a Lean management and strategy expert with 23 years at Toyota, discusses the transformative power of Hoshin Kanri. He explains how this strategic management system aligns organizational goals and enhances execution. Mark highlights challenges like misalignment and siloed metrics that disrupt progress. He shares insights on applying Hoshin beyond manufacturing, with success stories from various industries. Emphasizing leadership development, he encourages starting small to build momentum for broader adoption.
Jul 14, 2025 • 47min
Episode 229 – Reimagining Leadership: Human Wisdom and Machine Intelligence
Rich Maltzman, a project management expert and master lecturer at Boston University, shares insights on the evolving role of leadership in an AI-driven landscape. He promotes a collaborative "both/and" approach, harmonizing human judgment with machine intelligence. Maltzman discusses the ethical implications and biases in AI decision-making, the innovations in projects like the Narendra Modi Stadium, and practical AI applications in education. He urges project managers to embrace AI's potential while being cautious of its limitations and inaccuracies.
13 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 40min
Episode 228 – Empowering Teams: The Smart Way to Get the Job Done
In this engaging discussion, Kevin Torf, a seasoned IT leader with over 40 years of experience, shares his insights on team empowerment and productivity. He explains how shifting from policing to enabling accountability fosters ownership. Kevin contrasts 'pull' versus 'push' methods for gaining team commitment and emphasizes the importance of coaching and collaboration. He also discusses sustaining empowerment throughout projects, recognizing disengagement, and the value of negotiation. Lastly, he highlights learning from failure and protecting team members from burnout.
Jun 16, 2025 • 45min
Episode 227 – Navigating Innovation: The Grain de Sail Story
We explore the intersection of adventure, innovation, and sustainability with Jacques Barreau, co-founder of Grain de Sail. This pioneering project is transforming maritime shipping with wind-powered cargo vessels, carrying organic chocolate and coffee across the Atlantic. Jacques shares how he and his twin brother, Olivier, turned their passion for eco-friendly transport into managing this complex project, which spans food production, shipping logistics, and international partnerships.
17 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 45min
Episode 226 – Bringing Workshop Culture to Everyday Project Teams
Alison Coward shares insights on Workshop Culture, as she introduces her five-pillar framework for building strong team culture. Hear how teams can infuse their everyday collaboration with the energy and effectiveness of workshops. By adopting a "workshop mindset," teams can transform meetings, improve communication, and achieve stronger alignment around shared values, ultimately avoiding common pitfalls that lead to unproductive habits.
4 snips
May 19, 2025 • 35min
Episode 225 – Building Capacity: The Blueprint for Healthy Teams
Explore what sets thriving teams apart from dysfunctional ones; and how project leaders can build a culture of energy, engagement, and sustainable success. Hear about a capacity-building framework: spiritual, intellectual, physical, and emotional, and how strengthening these four dimensions drives performance and boosts team productivity.
