Episode 538: How to Stay in Control of Multiple Projects
Categories:
Multiple Projects
Categories: Multiple Projects
Episode SummaryManaging more than one project at a time can feel like a constant balancing act, and for many project managers it is part of everyday life. In this conversation, Elizabeth Harrin joins Cornelius Fichtner to discuss the updated second edition of Managing Multiple Projects and the changes it brings. The discussion highlights how Chapter 7 has been reframed as "Practices," offering practical approaches for building sustainable success. Listeners will gain clear advice on where to start, how to set boundaries, and which methods can lighten the workload without sacrificing quality.The conversation covers a range of practical techniques that project managers can apply immediately. These include using checklists and templates to save time, establishing governance structures that provide oversight without overwhelming the team, and applying prioritization practices that help determine what must be done first. Elizabeth also talks about the systems that support day-to-day control, from simple status reports to personal productivity habits that keep everything aligned. The discussion remains firmly rooted in actionable steps that project managers can put to work in their own environments. Alongside structured practices, Elizabeth emphasizes the importance of sustainable habits. Project managers need methods that work not just for the next deadline but over the long term. Topics like managing personal energy, setting realistic expectations, and learning when to say no appear throughout the discussion. While these may sound obvious, they are often overlooked when the pressure is on. The episode leaves listeners with the confidence that managing multiple projects does not have to mean being constantly overwhelmed, but instead can be approached with systems and strategies that truly work. This interview was originally published on The PM Podcast. |
Posted on: January 09, 2026 12:21 AM
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Episode 537: Why Your PMO Isn’t Delivering
Episode SummaryThe most dangerous issue facing a Project Management Office (PMO) is not sudden collapse but a gradual decline in relevance and impact. In this conversation, Mel Bost, author of Understanding Project Practices and Processes, shares his insights from Chapter Four of the book, which focuses on PMOs and project performance. He explains why PMOs often fail to deliver consistent value, even when they are not technically “broken.” He highlights overlooked factors, from alignment with organizational strategy to a lack of meaningful performance measures, that contribute to slow underperformance. The discussion underscores that without proactive adjustments, a PMO can continue to operate while its value to the business quietly diminishes.Mel provides practical perspectives on how PMOs can regain their role as enablers of project success. He emphasizes the importance of clear objectives, measurable outcomes, and integration with business strategy. Along the way, he addresses common misconceptions about PMO responsibilities and why focusing solely on templates and governance often misses the bigger picture. The exchange offers listeners actionable insights that can help strengthen PMO effectiveness and ensure that it does not drift into irrelevance. The conversation is not about blaming the PMO or leadership but about recognizing the early signs of decline. As Mel notes, PMOs need to constantly demonstrate the value they bring to project delivery and organizational performance. Project managers, executives, and PMO leaders will all find guidance in this discussion on how to identify problems early and act before they become entrenched. If your PMO feels like it is “there but not quite delivering,” this episode provides the context and tools to course-correct. This interview was originally published on The PM Podcast. |
Posted on: January 08, 2026 04:38 AM
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Episode 536: PM Master Quest is 30 Days of Project Management Skill Building
Categories:
Project Management Skills
Categories: Project Management Skills
Episode SummaryProject managers know that skill building requires consistency, but finding the right structure can be a challenge. Olivia Pekny introduces PM Master Quest, a program built around 30 days of practical, daily challenges that strengthen core project management capabilities. Instead of long theory-based courses, participants apply short, focused tasks directly to a project storyline, turning everyday actions into learning opportunities. The design is simple yet powerful: take one challenge per day, reflect on the experience, and gradually develop the mindset and behaviors that effective project managers demonstrate. Olivia explains how the program helps professionals at all levels gain traction in areas such as stakeholder communication, decision-making, and team leadership while creating momentum through daily practice.The conversation highlights why joining a structured challenge increases accountability and creates space for incremental improvement. Olivia shares why 30 days is an optimal timeframe: it is short enough to stay focused but long enough to form habits. Through a mix of practical tasks and reflective prompts, participants sharpen both technical and interpersonal skills. As Cornelius notes during the discussion, the approach turns project management learning into something you do rather than something you just read about. This also makes the program flexible, since each participant works with their own real-world projects as the foundation for growth. Listeners also get a sneak peek into specific daily tasks. Examples include mapping a stakeholder influence grid, drafting a risk statement, or practicing concise status updates. Each is intentionally lightweight, but together they add up to a comprehensive training journey. Olivia emphasizes that the design of PM Master Quest supports real application, helping professionals avoid the “course shelf” problem where training is consumed but rarely used. By the end of the 30 days, participants not only expand their toolkit but also create a sustainable practice for continuous learning. For anyone looking to improve their PM capabilities without committing to lengthy study programs, this episode provides a practical path forward. This interview was originally published on The PM Podcast. |
Posted on: January 07, 2026 12:54 AM
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Episode 535: How to Communicate Project Value to Leadership
Episode SummaryProject managers often excel at delivering on scope, schedule, and budget, but struggle when asked to prove the value of their work to senior leadership. Barbara Kephart brings her extensive experience in project, program, and portfolio management to address this common challenge. She outlines a clear approach to bridging the gap between technical project reporting and leadership’s focus on business outcomes. Drawing from her career in both public and private sectors, Barbara explains how understanding the language of leadership and linking project metrics to strategic objectives can transform how executives perceive your contributions.During the conversation, Barbara emphasizes the importance of knowing your audience and aligning your message to their priorities. She discusses the different value dimensions executives care about, from financial returns to customer satisfaction, and shares examples of how project managers can frame updates in ways that resonate. She also highlights the risks of overloading leaders with detail and the need to focus on what directly influences business decisions. Her guidance includes practical tips on how to select metrics that matter, tie them to organizational goals, and present them in a concise and compelling format. Listeners will appreciate the practical nature of Barbara’s advice, as she shares scenarios where reframing project information led to stronger executive engagement and support. Whether you are preparing for a quarterly review, a portfolio prioritization meeting, or an impromptu hallway conversation with a sponsor, her insights provide a repeatable process for keeping leadership informed and invested in your work. This interview was originally published on The PM Podcast. |
Posted on: January 06, 2026 02:32 AM
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Episode 533: Your PMP Covers Scope. My PBP Covers Business.
Categories:
Project Business
Categories: Project Business
Episode SummaryMany project managers are trained to manage scope, schedule, and cost. But what happens when the project itself is the business? In this solo episode, Cornelius Fichtner introduces the Project Business Professional (PBP) certification and explains why it fills a major gap in traditional project management education. Drawing on his own recent experience earning the PBP credential, Cornelius walks through what makes project business fundamentally different from internal project delivery and why nearly half of all project managers are already operating in this external, client-facing space—whether they realize it or not.You’ll hear how external projects introduce legal risk, contract complexity, financial exposure, and reputational stakes that are not typically addressed in PMP, CSM, or PMI-ACP training. Cornelius explains the scope and purpose of the PBP certification, which is designed to support those managing outsourced, client-facing, and cross-corporate projects. He shares his motivation for becoming certified, highlights what he learned, and outlines the value this certification brings to any project manager working at the intersection of business and delivery. If you’ve ever been the prime contractor, the subcontractor, or customer in a multi-party delivery structure, the PBP equips you with the mindset and practical tools to lead confidently. And yes, it really does help when the client suddenly wants to "talk contract terms" and you know exactly what you're doing. This interview was originally published on The PM Podcast. |
Posted on: January 05, 2026 05:24 PM
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