The Project Chatter Podcast

In this episode the boys talk to Sarah Crawley about the barriers to technology adoption on construction projects. Organisations play a really big part in the sense of they need to recognise that they need multiple stakeholders to input their knowledge and there needs to be a movement in capturing data that really matters not to keep other people in jobs or it's a tick box exercise according to Sarah. A senior project manager with varied construction management experience. Sarah specialised in mechanical and electrical healthcare projects, most recently at Mace.Sarah began developing software in 2019, working to build a tool that eliminated WhatsApp, email and paper. Initially working with Google for StartUps, she raised funding in 2022 with some of the largest investors in the built environment including Pi Labs, Nemetshcek, Samaipata and Accel. SymTerra launched in 2022 and is currently operational across over 300 Europe-wide construction, utilities and infrastructure projects for over 125 companies including Thames Water, MTREL, Kier, and Transport for London – from major platform extensions for Crossrail, to maintenance Rail Lines across the country, from a refurbishment of a caravan park in North Wales to a castle in the Scottish Highlands. Sarah was recognised by Construction News in 2023 as one of the top leading women in construction technical excellence. Proudly Sponsored By: InEight.com

In this episode the fellas talk about the role and future of the newPM and explore how Project Managers will move toward a data-centric project environment and just what does that men for project delivery? Donne and Jonathan are approaching this differently, they are focusing on the human centred approach, and in a world of tech, gadgets and information, perhaps this is what projects really need? Donnie MacNicol is the founder of Team Animation which works across multiple sectors energising leaders and teams delivering complex change to maximise value and certainty of success through a focus on the human dimension. Donnie acts as a catalyst to support organisations to improve their collaboration and productivity – aspects that will be critical to tackling the many challenges we face today including climate change and in particular in meeting the NetZero target Jonathan Norman was a business publisher for 26 years, specialising in topics including project and programme management. Following six years as Knowledge Manager at the Major Projects Association, he now works freelance as project strategy and knowledge consultant, specialising in communities of practice, as as a freelance development editor for business book authors. A big thanks to our sponsor for making our podcast happen. InEight.com

In this episode, Dale and (Martin) stepped in to talk with long-time colleague Joe Little about the value and importance of the project management approach for major signalling rail programs. Unlike other fields of project management CBTC or Communication Based Train Control systems present unique challenges for project managers, often dealing with the pressure of fixed and digital asset delivery within very time-sensitive areas which have major implications for safety, quality, cost and schedule. Joe leads CPC’s railway systems management division, focussed on delivering technical advice and performance enhancements for signalling systems on rail networks around the world. Joe is an experienced and accomplished Director with extensive rail project management capability gained in a highly regulated industry. He is a Project Management Professional from the Chartered body, APM. He manages a specialist team of engineers, operators and project managers who are embracing the latest technologies to interrogate rail systems and provide customised and innovative solutions to deliver capacity and reliability improvements and desired client outcomes. Joe has been instrumental in developing a range of diagnostic and modelling tools capable of being tailored to specific railway networks. This has included the introduction of Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) for multiple mass transit Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) railways in North America, Asia and the Middle East.

In this episode, Dale and Val talk to Rob about the hidden methods, approaches and systems of a post-production world. Whilst it's not our normal 'bread and butter' the amazing world of production is opened up and the synergies between our world and theirs. Rob started his career in Media, like so many others, as a Runner. He moved into project managing the Post Production of films after a few years, his first feature film credit was on the Bond film "Quantum of Solace". Over the subsequent 15 years, he has amassed over 200 film and TV show credits including OSCAR and BAFTA-winning titles such as Belfast and The Banshees of Inshrine. As Director of Post Production, he oversees a world-renowned Post Facility in Soho, London which offers high-end picture and sound services to the industry's biggest studios and streamers. Thanks to our sponsor InEight.com

In this episode Dale and Val talk with Rupert about the next generation of PMO, how important the facets of PMO are and why we need to continue to build out these particular skills on projects. Rupert has over 35 years immersed in the leadership of change programmes and portfolios. Rupert founded Kivue Limited in 2013 responding to the need for a simple to use, outcome focussed PPM tool for optimising portfolios. Rupert specialises in working with executive teams to support more effective collective and individual leadership of transformation projects, programmes and portfolios and his mantra is to 'keep it simple' in order to increase chances of success. Rupert lives in Oxford with his wife Susie, has 3 grown up (sometimes!) children and his 'a bit different' fact is that he took 2 years off in 2003, bought an olive farm and lived up a mountain in Andalusia, Spain with his family having an adventure with olives! Special thanks to our sponsor: InEight.com

In this week’s pod, we were joined by Richard Medcalf to discuss making time for strategy.Richard Medcalf describes himself as "what you get if you were to put a McKinsey consultant, a slightly unorthodox pastor and an entrepreneur into a blender".He is the founder of Xquadrant and a trusted advisor to exceptional CEOs and entrepreneurs, and their leadership teams.The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: Find your rocket fuel! Having a sense of purpose will help to drive you during your career Make investments to create a better future We live in a world of infinity – emails / books / communications. Try to beat with productivity Think about TIME: Tactics Influence Mindset Environment Check your personal values and mindset. What do you do that creates value for your stakeholders? Aim to create “strategic time”. Start with achievable and small blocks and see the benefit of the ability to focus on a particular project Making Time for Strategy: How to be less busy and more successful – Richard Medcalf: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Making-TIME-Strategy-less-successful/dp/1915036747/ XQuadrant - Discover your strategy score: https://xquadrant.aidaform.com/makingtime Here are links to some of the topics we discussed:Join us next time when we’re joined by Rupert Taylor to discuss Swimming against the tide - next-generation PMO.For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.comIf you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website.You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast.Proudly sponsored by: InEight - https://ineight.com/Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it!#ProjectManagement #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership

In this episode Dale and Val talk to the infamous Greg Lawton about the impact of AI and how it may be used, abused and help enhance our cognitive abilities for real-world practical application. Greg does an incredible job of making us understand the simplicities and subtle notions that may provide the biggest increase in service support, innovation and climate. How might AI be the driver of the car or in Project Controls AI might be the interpreter looking for endless ways to improve the project to achieve the outcomes. Where is AI going to hit first (disruption has already begun)? Greg shares his views and the landscape of AI in project-related fields. For those that are looking at how AI may be taken advantage of in the workplace, Greg will have you thinking broadly and more specifically about where it can really make a positive difference. Greg has a vast knowledge of generative AI and project technology. The biggest innovation was not a technological one it was a productive one with the advent of an accessible, easy-to-use human interface. The start of usability to much larger capability within the deeper AI capability. Listen to various approaches and discussions around ChatGPT, Bard, CoPilot and others breaking into this era of AI-supported project transformation. What you need to know is about AI and how Role, Job and Career - insightful stuff Greg! A little bit about Greg... Greg Lawton is the CEO and co-founder of Nodes & Links, a project intelligence and analysis platform that applies machine learning and automation to project data. The software outputs actionable insights to help teams tame project complexity. Prior to founding Nodes & Links, Greg was an astrophysicist working for BAE Systems, managing large defence programmes and advising the board of directors on international strategy. It was during his time at BAE that he realised there was a need for a tool that could simplify the lives of project control professionals by reducing manual tasks. Greg is focused on building a world-class product and ambitious team who are committed to driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible with technology. He lives in Zurich with his wonderful wife, Anina, and his adorable puppy, Dippy. Proudly brought to you by InEight www.InEight.com For more information visit www.ProjectChatterPodcast.com. #ProjectControls #ProjectPlanning #AiProjects #AIConstruction

Welcome to another exciting episode! In this edition, Dale engages in a captivating conversation with Michael Lepage & Chirag Shah, discussing the fascinating realm of planning, both in its current state and its future trajectory. While Val sadly couldn't be present, the discussion with Michael provides a wealth of insights on the disruptive nature of technology in the industry and the essential competencies required to thrive in this space. The conversation is further enriched by Chirag Shah, although some technical difficulties impacted the clarity of his microphone. Nevertheless, valuable snippets of Chirag's thoughts on recruitment, necessary skills for the present and future, and more can still be gleaned. As always, Michael shares his unique perspective on the current state of planning, particularly from his perspectives from North America to the UK. The profound impact of technology, particularly AI, on the planning profession is thoroughly explored. The privilege of meeting Michael face-to-face in person is gratefully acknowledged, and the absence of Val, as usual, is lamented. In conclusion, listeners are encouraged to stay tuned for more engaging episodes, showing their support by continuing to listen, like, and share the podcast with others. Keep the momentum going and let's pay it forward! Don't miss out on this enlightening episode filled with valuable insights into the world of planning and the transformative power of technology! Proudly brought to you by InEight www.InEight.com For more information visit www.ProjectChatterPodcast.com. #ProjectControls #ProjectPlanning

In this episode Dale speaks to Steve Wake, Christine McLean and Eddie Obeng to bring you a bitesize episode from the EVA28 conference. The key themes emerging from the various presenters were on how we actively seek to change the way we deliver projects. The mindset we need to apply rather than the toolset, and also the fact that we should think about what problems our solutions are creating. Proudly brought to you by InEight - www.InEight.com

In this episode, Dale, Martin and Val explore the hype and ethics of such technology as Chat GPT. How can we use this for leveraging in projects, or are we all doomed? We explore the exciting times now and ahead related to AI and associated technologies. There has been a lot of signs and outreach by known people in the field that we should be careful and even slow down our race towards AI. is this justified? should we be more aware or what is happening or are we too far gone? All that and more on the podcast. Thanks to our sponsor: InEight.com