Episode 514: Redefining Leadership
Categories:
PDUs: Power Skills
Categories: PDUs: Power Skills
|
Episode SummaryDrew Dudley, one of the world’s most dynamic keynote speakers and leadership advocates, joins us to redefine what it means to be a leader. Recognized for his TEDx talk, "Leading with Lollipops," Drew emphasizes that leadership is not reserved for the extraordinary. Instead, it’s about creating moments of impact through consistent daily actions. In this conversation, Drew shares his journey from a life-changing TEDx moment to becoming a global thought leader, highlighting the transformative power of recognizing everyday leadership. The discussion examines Drew’s "Day One" leadership process, which empowers individuals to surface their core values and operationalize them into actionable daily behaviors. Drew also introduces his "leadership test," a set of questions to ensure alignment with personal values. This conversation offers actionable advice on bridging the gap between the values we believe in and those we practice, making leadership accessible to all. (This interview was originally published on The Project Management Podcast.) |
Episode 512: Real-World Change Management: Practical Insights Beyond the Textbooks
Categories:
PDUs: Power Skills
Categories: PDUs: Power Skills
|
Episode SummaryIn this premium episode, we break down how OSP International approaches change management in a way that balances the theoretical with the practical. From handling large-scale changes like PMP exam updates to smaller, partial updates, the discussion highlights the importance of tailoring strategies to fit the specific needs of each initiative. By sharing real-world experiences, this episode provides actionable insights into managing changes that resonate with stakeholders and align with project goals. The episode also explores the role of flexibility in change management, showing how adaptability can drive success in fast-moving environments. Whether it’s evolving onboarding processes, transitioning to agile methodologies, or leveraging tools like GitLab for development, the insights presented offer a varied look at how to approach change thoughtfully and iteratively. If you’re a project manager seeking practical tips for navigating change in your organization, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways. (This interview was originally published on The Project Management Podcast.) |
Episode 511: Managing Stakeholders - Building Trust for Project Success
Categories:
PDUs: Power Skills
Categories: PDUs: Power Skills
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Episode SummaryEffective stakeholder management is critical to project success. This episode features Barbara Kephart, a UC Berkeley-certified project manager, who shares her expertise in building trust and navigating complex stakeholder dynamics. With decades of experience and a reputation as the "C-Suite Whisperer," Barbara provides insights into understanding stakeholder needs, managing their influence, and fostering collaboration for smoother project execution. Barbara discusses the human element of stakeholder engagement, emphasizing the importance of communication, empathy, and trust-building. Listeners will learn to balance stakeholder power dynamics, use tools like power-interest grids effectively, and tailor communication to different audiences. Through real-world anecdotes, Barbara illustrates how even small gestures can transform relationships, reduce conflicts, and drive better project outcomes. This episode equips project managers with the tools to turn stakeholders into allies. (This interview was originally published on The Project Management Podcast.) |
Episode 510: Stress-Free Project Success
Categories:
PDUs: Power Skills
Categories: PDUs: Power Skills
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Episode SummaryProject management can be a high-stress profession filled with tight deadlines, scope changes, and budget pressures. James Louttit, a project management leader and former CIO, joins us to share his insights into reducing stress in project management and leading teams more effectively. Drawing from his personal experiences with burnout and recovery, James has developed practical, human-centered approaches that prioritize team well-being while achieving project goals. This episode explores the roots of project stress and provides actionable solutions for creating healthier project environments. James discusses his journey through high-stress projects, the turning point in his career, and his innovative strategies for creating low-stress success. From using transparency in prioritization to implementing agile tools across project types, he explains how to adapt these approaches to suit unique team needs. James also explores common pitfalls in project management, such as bureaucratic processes that can detract from team effectiveness, and offers methods to empower teams through tools like prioritized backlogs, contingency planning, and collaborative decision-making. This episode is packed with valuable insights for project managers looking to foster resilience and well-being within their teams. (This interview was originally published on The Project Management Podcast.) |
Episode 509: Project Success Starts with the Right Project Team
Categories:
PDUs: Power Skills
Categories: PDUs: Power Skills
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Episode SummaryAchieving project success involves more than managing timelines and deliverables; it starts with assembling the right team. In this episode, award-winning project management consultant and speaker, Dawn Mahan, shares her expertise on creating cohesive, effective project teams and maximizing the impact of each role. With her extensive experience advising senior leaders, Dawn brings a wealth of practical insights to help project managers make the best use of their team members’ skills and ensure everyone is aligned with the project’s objectives. Drawing from her book, "Meet the Players in Project Land," Dawn discusses essential project roles, including the sponsor, steering team, project manager, and team leads. She highlights the challenges of pre-assigned team members, aligning sponsor expectations, and fostering a team culture that transcends traditional hierarchies. Dawn also reveals practical strategies for managing stakeholders, including handling challenging personalities who may impact the project. (This interview was originally published on The Project Management Podcast.) |





