Episode 508: The Three Pillars of a High-Performing Project Manager
Categories:
PDUs: Ways of Working
Categories: PDUs: Ways of Working
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Episode SummaryEvery project manager faces the complex challenge of balancing priorities across multiple dimensions, from tracking budgets and deadlines to nurturing productive teams. In this episode, Ben Willmott, founder of PPM Academy, joins us to break down his three fundamental pillars for achieving consistent project success. With over 20 years of industry experience, Ben shares insights on how these pillars – project health, financial health, and team health – can simplify the path to effective project management. His focus on practical, adaptable methods empowers project managers to navigate project complexities and drive high-impact outcomes. Ben emphasizes that mastering these pillars isn’t just about adhering to strict methodologies; it’s about equipping project managers to make informed, timely decisions that align with project goals. Through real-world examples, Ben demonstrates the versatility of his three-pillar approach across industries and project types, showing how any project manager can implement these foundational principles. Watch and gain actionable advice on effectively monitoring these critical aspects and ensuring your projects are successful and sustainable. (This interview was originally published on The Project Management Podcast.) |
Episode 507: Mastering Remote Leadership - Strategies for Project Managers
Categories:
PDUs: Power Skills
Categories: PDUs: Power Skills
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Episode SummaryRemote leadership has become an essential skill in today’s project-driven environment, and mastering it can give you a distinct competitive advantage. In this episode, Cornelius Fichtner welcomes Wayne Turmel, an expert in remote work and leadership, to discuss how project managers can adapt their leadership styles to meet the demands of virtual teams. Wayne shares practical strategies and tools managers can use to build trust, communicate effectively, and foster engagement in remote work. Listeners will learn actionable techniques to ensure their teams stay productive and motivated, despite the challenges of physical distance. Wayne explains how communication and leadership styles must evolve when managing virtual teams, emphasizing the importance of clarity, empathy, and consistency. Whether you're leading a fully remote team or managing hybrid work environments, the insights shared in this episode will help you take your leadership skills to the next level. (This interview was originally published on The Project Management Podcast.) |
Episode 506: Project Management Volunteering as a Leadership Career Boost
Categories:
PDUs: Power Skills
Categories: PDUs: Power Skills
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Episode SummaryVolunteering in project management is much more than just lending a hand. It's a powerful personal and professional growth tool, particularly in honing leadership abilities. In this episode, we’re joined by Mayte Mata Sivera and Yasmina Khelifi, co-authors of the book The Volunteering Journey to Project Leadership, who share their experiences and insights into how project managers can leverage volunteering opportunities to develop critical skills. Mayte, a PMO Director with a background in chemical engineering, shares how her involvement with TEDx Salt Lake City opened doors to new networks and industries. She explains how leading volunteer projects teaches essential skills such as delegation, adaptability, and networking, which translate seamlessly into the workplace. Yasmina, a global project manager in the telecom industry, discusses her experiences volunteering for multiple PMI chapters and how it helped her improve her communication skills and work with diverse, international teams. (This interview was originally published on The Project Management Podcast.) |
Episode 505: Rescue Your Project Meetings
Categories:
Project Manager Skills
Categories: Project Manager Skills
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Episode SummaryThis discussion focuses on the crucial topic of project meetings, featuring insights from expert guests Rich Maltzman and Jim Stewart. Rich and Jim, both seasoned project management professionals, share their extensive experience in transforming inefficient and unproductive meetings into powerful tools that drive project success. With decades of experience between them, they reveal actionable tips and strategies that every project manager can apply to rescue their meetings from the brink of chaos. Rich Maltzman, a respected consultant and author, and Jim Stewart, a seasoned project management expert, bring unique insights into why meetings often go off track and how to get them back to focus. They discuss the importance of setting clear objectives, managing stakeholder expectations, and ensuring that every meeting has a purpose. Additionally, they emphasize the role of leadership in maintaining meeting discipline and share practical techniques for keeping discussions productive and on-point. (This interview was originally published on The Project Management Podcast.) |
Episode 504: Project Success Beyond the Gantt Chart
Categories:
PDUs: Ways of Working
Categories: PDUs: Ways of Working
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Episode SummaryWe explore the intricate balance between the art and science of project management with Shannon Keenan, co-founder and partner at ArtemisFactor.com. Shannon, with over 25 years of expertise in the pharmaceutical and biotech sectors, shares her profound insights into how project managers can navigate the complexities of their field. From managing scope creep and overwhelming communication to mitigating risks and leading people through change, this conversation sheds light on the practical realities of managing projects in today's dynamic environments. Shannon emphasizes the importance of flexibility and innovation, particularly in highly regulated and global industries like pharma and biotech. She discusses the challenges of large-scale projects involving hundreds of stakeholders across multiple business areas. This episode delivers critical insights and actionable lessons on using Agile and Waterfall methodologies effectively while keeping the human element at the forefront to ensure project success. Shannon also highlights the significance of tailoring communication strategies to meet the needs of different stakeholders, avoiding the pitfalls of both over-communication and under-communication. This episode is a must-listen for project managers seeking to enhance their skills and drive successful outcomes in complex projects. (This interview was originally published on The Project Management Podcast.) |





