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Project managers often joke that their projects feel like a movie. In this conversation, that idea becomes the central theme as Cornelius Fichtner welcomes Dawn Mahan and Jerry Manas to discuss their book Projectland Goes to the Movies. Together, they examine how famous films reflect real project management challenges involving leadership, teamwork, risk, stakeholder management, planning, and adaptation under pressure. From Apollo 13 and The Martian to Jurassic Park, Twelve Angry Men, and Ocean’s Eleven, the discussion highlights how storytelling creates memorable examples of project leadership in action. The guests explain why movies resonate so strongly with project managers, how fictional situations often mirror real workplace dynamics, and why stories stick with people more effectively than abstract theory. The conversation also connects several examples back to practical project management concepts such as servant leadership, agile adaptation, collaborative problem-solving, stakeholder influence, and the importance of remaining calm during uncertainty. Several movie examples provide surprisingly practical lessons for modern projects. Apollo 13 demonstrates structured problem-solving under extreme pressure and shows how calm leadership influences team behavior. Jurassic Park becomes a cautionary tale about ignoring warning signs and moving ahead without fully considering consequences. The Martian highlights adaptability and iterative thinking when plans no longer match reality. Meanwhile, Twelve Angry Men illustrates how asking thoughtful questions can influence difficult stakeholders and guide teams toward alignment. Apparently, even dinosaurs and stranded astronauts can improve your stakeholder management skills. Project management textbooks may not feature velociraptors often enough. The discussion also focuses heavily on teamwork and leadership behaviors. Dawn Mahan and Jerry Manas explain how different films show contrasting approaches to team building, from carefully selecting specialized talent in Ocean’s Eleven to working with whatever personalities happen to appear in the room in Twelve Angry Men. Throughout the episode, listeners hear how strong leaders ask questions, encourage collaboration, adapt plans when conditions change, and create confidence during uncertainty. The result is an entertaining conversation that blends Hollywood storytelling with practical lessons project managers can immediately apply to real-world projects. This interview was originally published on The PM Podcast.
