The Project Chatter Podcast

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

In this week’s pod, we were joined by Micah Piippo to discuss Planning Projects: Past, Present & Future. Micah has spent the last 14 years in Project Controls. While he's performed a wide variety of roles, his passion and main focus is Planning and Scheduling. During his career he's tore down nuclear facilities, built large ferries, built data centers all over the world and more recently is helping Intel deliver state of the art fab capabilities. In December 2022, Micah started writing his Zero Float newsletter. In the newsletter Micah explores his favorite topics that he doesn't see getting enough attention. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: Whilst there are certifications available for schedulers. There is no degree programme that would allow students to learn the fundamentals of construction management, people management, how to use data and learning the project ecosystem. Most planners simply fall into the role The consequence of the lack of certification is a lack of respect for the skills that a good planner can bring to the organization by utilizing their experience A top level planner should have a breadth of experience as well as strong communication skills when dealing upwards and sideways within an organization Technology can help planners and project managers by having finite and usable as-built data Automated capture has helped companies to better define progress and productivity on projects. This was previously a highly subjective area There is a danger that Machine Learning / AI does not capture some of the politics around project schedules. This may affect the quality of data in future There is no mandate for government funded projects to share data despite being funded by taxpayers. This hampers the level of data available to be harnessed by machine learning technology Here are links to some of the topics we discussed: Problems with Construction Project Scheduling - https://www.plannersplace.com/blog/problems-with-construction-projects-scheduling Why Construction Scheduling is Stuck in the 1980s - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-construction-scheduling-stuck-1980s-micah-piippo/ Plan Rich – How to become a Senior Scheduler - https://planrich.beehiiv.com/p/beginner-winner Join us next time when we’re joined by Parveen Sharma to discuss BIM and Virtual Design - disrupting the Design and Construction industry. For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If 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 #AI Planners' Place Problems with Construction Projects Scheduling Ever wondered why it seems that not much has changed in construction projects scheduling in the last two to three decades? According to Micah Piippo, the poor state of construction projects schedules can be attributed to the six problems he sees with scheduling. linkedin.com Why Construction Scheduling is Stuck in the 1980s TL;DR – The construction industry should be embracing the power of technology to help schedulers build accurate and sophisticated project schedules. Unfortunately, the lack of innovation and motivation has left the construction field decades behind other industries. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-construction-scheduling-stuck-1980s-micah-piippo/ Plan Rich Beginner to Winner Learn, grow, and get rich with a career in Construction Scheduling. (70 kB) https://planrich.beehiiv.com/p/beginner-winner InEight InEight Construction Project Management Software InEight is the leader in construction project management software. Our project management solutions give you the data you need to make better decisions. (422 kB)

In this week’s pod, we were joined by Ellen Mellington to discuss Streamlining Operations with Agile Controls: The Key to Business-As-Usual Performance. As a transformation and governance leader Ellen has delivered change portfolios and major projects in transport, healthcare and environment sectors. Having direct exposure to the challenges faced financially, culturally and commercially in delivering Public Services she has applied the right blend of governance and controls to achieve integration and collaboration. The aspect that she enjoys the most is supporting businesses to design successful operating models by connecting the dots between people, process, organisation and technology. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: - Agile processes are applicable to all projects, not just IT projects - Using waterfall processes can limit innovation within businesses - The main challenge around implementing agile controls is convincing businesses that Project Controls are a core function and not an optional extra - One of the challenges in convincing business leaders to adopt an agile mentality is that they are too reactive to change - Every organization should have a change management function Join us next time when we’re joined by Micah Piippo to discuss Planning Projects: Past, Present & Future For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If 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 #Culture

In this week’s pod, we were joined by Shane Forth to discuss Navigating the Project Control Landscape: A Journey Through the Decades and Beyond. Shane’s project controls career began on Phillips Petroleum Teesside Oil Terminal, a 1970s mega-project. Aged 20, he learnt the fundamentals of scheduling using manual techniques. Career progression followed with three further mega-projects worth tens of billions of pounds in today’s terms. This was interspersed with UK construction projects for leading mechanical contractors. In 1992, as Planning Manager for a major EPC contractor, he quickly learned two important lessons. His enthusiasm to introduce effective project controls integrating cost and schedule was out of step with senior management and a discovery of a skills gap and shortage of project controls resource. His industry leadership, uniting groups and individuals to create project controls standards, occupational certifications, career paths, competency frameworks, higher professional recognition, and especially apprenticeship programmes, may Shane’s my most enduring legacy. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: The main evolutions in Project Controls are a realization around the importance of data to major projects and having a dedicated resource pool Ask the right questions, get the right answers When delivering bad news as a Project Controller, always try to de-personalise the updates Project Controllers should aim to engage the experts if they are not sure on a subject New starters to the Project Controls function should try to work on their literacy and presentational skills as these are two key competencies that will be used throughout your career Project Controls is now seen as a core function and not just an optional extra on major projects Here are links to some of the topics we discussed: Human Resource Skills for the Project Manager: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1880410419/ref=ppx_od_dt_b_asin_title_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Handbook of People in Project Management: https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/140943785X?ref_=dbs_m_mng_rwt_calw_thcv_0&storeType=ebooks&asin=140943785X&revisionId=&format=4&depth=1 Join us next time when we’re joined by Ellen Mellington to discuss Streamlining Operations with Agile Controls: The Key to Business-As-Usual Performance. For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If 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/

In this week’s pod, we were re-joined by Hezron Ricketts to discuss Box to Box: the 'Black' boxes of Controls and Systems. Director of PMO Services at CPC Project Services, Hezron has 19 years working in Projects and Programmes as well as building a consultancy business and business units. Working across the construction, rail, defence to name a few, he enjoys the challenge of delivery and the importance of setting up projects and organisations for success. Hezron has a passion for bringing technological and cultural change in addition to improving diversity within the project profession. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: The annual timetabling of trains is more complex than people give it credit for due to the number of competing priorities to maintain and upgrade existing assets Railway systems need to be engaged up to 20 years before a new train system goes live The building and maintenance of a railway system forms part of an overall national strategy. The new High Speed Rail line in the UK is about freight and capacity as well as improving journey times. Railways are cheaper to maintain than roads although rail asset maintenance costs increase every year the asset diminishes In countries like Australia, it has become easier to create flight paths instead of high speed rail because of the geographical considerations of the country where the majority of people live near the coast The testing and commissioning phase of major rail projects can rarely be shortened. Projects often try to shorten this when the earlier stages start to become delayed. Major rail projects are often backwards looking in their management reporting. There needs to be a step change to use forward looking indicators Join us next time when we’re joined by Shane Forth to discuss Navigating the Project Control Landscape: A Journey Through the Decades and Beyond. For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If 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