Episodes

4d ago

Gigaprojects aren’t hard to spot: deep complexity, massive stakeholder groups, wildly ambitious scopes and a major boost to national economies. We discuss two gigaprojects with: Ryan Banas, project director for the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel expansion project and VP at HNTB in Norfolk, Virginia, USA; and Chris Hall, district engineer at the Virginia Department of Transportation in Hampton, Virginia, USA: Banas and Hall discuss how their teams prepared for the years-long bridge and tunnel project, how they keep teams aligned across multiple hand-offs, and the clever ways they engage stakeholders—including community members affected by construction. Mohammed Almutlaq, project management office VP at the Royal Commission for AlUla in Riyadh: Almutlaq shares how teams are turning the historical site of AlUla into an archaeological tourism destination. He discusses how the PMO keeps teams across portfolios aligned to a singular strategy, ways teams best communicate and keep track of progress across projects, and builds flexibility into projects through solid change management practices. Key themes 01:42 Managing a multibillion-dollar infrastructure overhaul in Virginia 04:42 How teams collaborate to tackle years-long projects 07:41 Good practices for hand-offs across the project life cycle 10:12 Keeping the community informed—and building buy-in for the long haul 15:44 Transforming the ancient city of AlUla into a tourism hub 18:18 How a PMO keeps multiple teams aligned to one strategic vision 21:19 Building adaptability into projects with change management 25:06 Top challenges: continuous value delivery and retaining the right talent over long timelines

Dec 3

Success is in the eyes of the beholder. For projects, that means winning over the top decision makers in the C-suite. How can project management office leaders best share project progress with executives? How can you better engage the C-suite to manage their POVs? We discuss this with Douglas Pulini, PMP, PMI-PMOCP, head of the strategic management office at SPC Brasil in São Paulo, and Stephan Wohlfahrt, PMI-ACP, DAVSC, PMP, head of the project management office at Bosch Mobility in Stuttgart, Germany. Key themes 00:56 The C-suite’s role in project success 02:33 How PMO leaders decide what information to share with executives 05:24 Ways to engage executives to benefit project success 10:26 Choosing how to best present project updates to the C-suite 14:28 Must-have skills for PMO leaders to effectively manage stakeholder perceptions

Nov 19

Every project—no matter the sector or region—can be led and managed more sustainably. How can project professionals gain executive buy-in for sustainability efforts? How have they put environmental and social responsibility front and center in their work? And how can other project leaders further develop their knowledge of sustainability in their sectors? We discuss this with Pratik Mishra, PMP, senior strategic portfolio manager at Zalando in Berlin, and Michael Mylonas, GPM-b, PMP, director of project management at the Xeni Gwet’in First Nations Government in Tsilhqot’in Title Land, Nemaiah Valley, British Columbia, Canada. Key themes 00:52 Why you should embed sustainability into every project phase 04:29 Gaining stakeholder buy-in for sustainability on projects 08:49 Building environmental and cultural sustainability into a community center project 12:16 How project professionals can develop their sustainability knowledge 15:26 Ways you can boost sustainability in your projects

Nov 5

Project professionals across the globe deliver meaningful work in myriad ways—all with a goal to make the world a better place. So how did two project managers start their careers, one producing concerts across the globe and the other inspiring teams at LEGO? We discuss what makes them proud to be project managers, some of their favorite projects and more. Our guests are Jim Digby, PMP, project manager and tour and production director at Show Makers in Philadelphia, and Liliana Janette Gómez Castrejón, PMP, project manager at The LEGO Group in Herning, Denmark. Key themes 01:03 Delivering projects, from major music tours to LEGO 06:32 The project management skills that help deliver creative projects 08:40 Overcoming challenges with stakeholder management and finding your leadership style 12:39 Bringing creativity into leading creative projects 17:55 Project manager pride: Creating healthy, diverse team environments

Oct 15

Projects and products are becoming increasingly entwined. That ramps up the need to build greater collaboration between project managers and product managers. What’s similar—and different—about the roles? What strategies can you use to boost collaboration? And how does agile help everyone stay aligned? We get insights and tips from Adam Motiwala, a product manager at Google in Irvine, California in the United States, and Meg Sawachi, PMI-ACP, PMP, a senior project manager at GlobalLogic in Lund, Sweden. Key themes 02:14 Today’s must-have skills for product managers and project managers 06:04 The biggest similarities—and differences—between product and project managers 08:29 Building a strong partnership between a project manager and product manager 12:56 How agile helps project and product managers stay aligned 16:51 Words of advice to product and project managers to boost collaboration

Sep 17

Iterating has become the business norm—but project teams are struggling to keep up with the relentless pace of change. How can change management professionals and project leaders help? We discuss this with: Sharon Casey, director, change management, Adobe, Austin, Texas, USA: Casey discusses how the persistent pace of change is affecting project teams and contributes to change fatigue. She also explains how change practitioners can support project professionals and teams going through change—sharing how her team’s “service tiers” offer assistance—and ways to ensure project teams and senior stakeholders buy into change initiatives. Plus, how artificial intelligence is helping leaders at Adobe learn to better manage change. Senkodi Murugesan, CPMAI, PMP, previously a project manager at Howden, a Chart Industries company, Chennai, India: Murugesan discusses how change has evolved through his career, how to find opportunities amid sudden change on a project, and he shares an example of how he led teams through a major tech change. He also explains why an agile mindset is crucial when it comes to leading project teams through change. Key themes [02:08] How the increasing pace of change affects teams [04:02] Building buy-in for change—and avoiding burnout [09:16] How Adobe change practitioners support teams during change [11:18] Using AI to assist project leaders during change initiatives [16:15] A project professional’s perspective on how managing changed has evolved [18:51] Helping teams through major tech changes [21:38] An agile mindset: A must-have for project leaders handling change

Aug 13

As geopolitical volatility reigns, organizations must increasingly anticipate, assess and manage the risks that come in such a complex project environment. How is this turbulence affecting project leaders? How are they incorporating geostrategy into their risk management processes? We discuss this with: Heather Buchanan, PMI-RMP, PMP, supply chain project manager, Canada Goose, Toronto: She discusses how geopolitical volatility’s impact extends beyond the triple constraint. She explains how project teams are handling change with strategic shifts and proactive planning, and how she ensures her teams keep geopolitical considerations at the forefront. Plus, Buchanan talks about how subject matter experts, tech tools and even PMI helps her stay up-to-date on geostrategy. Rosa Gilsanz, PMI-RMP, PMP, project leader, Bayernoil, Munich: Gilsanz shares why geopolitical issues can wreak havoc with energy projects, the importance of a diverse team in risk identification, prioritization and mitigation planning, and how she uses clear communication and knowledge sharing to bolster her team’s resilience and adaptability amid uncertainty. Key themes [01:09] Geostrategy’s impact on project teams’ risk management [03:25] Managing risk and change with flexibility and contingency planning [05:49] Discussing geopolitical considerations—from tariffs to labor laws—with teams [08:10] Identifying and prioritizing risks with AI, subject matter experts and online alerts [12:19] How the energy sector is affected by geopolitical volatility [15:14] Why you need a diverse team for risk management practices [17:03] Improving risk resilience on teams through communication and knowledge sharing

Jul 16

The youngest generations in the workforce don’t just want jobs—they want to deliver impact. What skills do project professionals need to ensure their efforts lead to deep social impact? And how do they build support for these initiatives? We discuss this with: Martin Irungu, founder and executive director, Empower and Serve Kenya (EmpServe), Nairobi: Irungu’s upbringing inspired him to create an organization focused on positive social impact. He shares how EmpServe Kenya is upskilling the next generation of changemakers, and how his teams engage with communities to build trust and support for projects. Nuria Gabriela Soistata Ruiz, innovation and impact programs lead, Makesense Americas, México City: One of her org’s programs helps students build leadership skills while managing positive social impact projects in México City. Soistata Ruiz explains how she and her teams keep partners and program participants engaged and reveals the skills she leans on in her social impact work. Plus, how other project professionals can find opportunities that focus on their passions. Key themes [01:00] Why the next generation wants to deliver positive social impact [04:10] Helping young Kenyans upskill to make change in their communities [07:54] Building buy-in through community ownership and local project champions [13:32] Measuring success through program alumni [15:55] Helping students lead projects to make a difference in México City [22:11] Must-have skills for social impact: Adaptability, empathy and assertive communication [23:39] Finding the right organization to help you deliver positive social impact

Jun 18

Across the globe, employees are leaving their jobs because they are not fulfilled—and it’s costing organizations big time. One way to fix this? Investing in your talent. Our roundtable discussion outlines the benefits of internal talent development, how to identify team members with potential and steps to keep team members engaged when they’re struggling. Guests include: Joe Campa, PMP, PMI-PMOCP, PMI-CP, senior manager, strategic excellence office, Ontario Power Generation, Oshawa, Ontario, Canada; Aimee Cowan, senior manager, human capital practice, Deloitte, London; and Gemma Konrad, career and performance development director, Mars, London. Key themes [02:42] The biggest benefits from internal talent development [07:03] How to identify and cultivate promising talent within your teams [10:24] How companies are upskilling project talent through formal programs, one-on-one discussions and artificial intelligence [20:45] Boosting employee engagement with emotional safety, transparency and flexibility

May 21

In today’s hypercompetitive job market, organizations are looking for change-ready project talent that can add value from the get-go. In a group discussion, three project professionals share which must-have skills and acumen—from artificial intelligence proficiency and data analysis to communication and active listening—have bubbled up in 2025. They also explain how to market your skills, experience and the value you’ve delivered on your résumé or CV and during job interviews. Plus, how you can upskill through certifications and online courses. Our guests include: Fernanda Bertino, PMP, lead project manager, Cirion Technologies, Rio de Janeiro; Mutaz Said, PMP, PgMP, PfMP, project controls manager, AtkinsRéalis, Denver, Colorado, USA; Mohamed Swydan, PMP, head of projects, Gulf Cooperation Council region, Engie Solutions, Dubai. Key themes [02:08] The skills you need: AI acumen, communication and data analysis [06:40] Using online courses and group discussions to upskill [10:11] What hiring managers are looking for in project talent [13:54] How to best market yourself on your résumé or CV [15:45] Ways to stand out in 2025’s job market

Apr 22

With wildlife populations plummeting, conservation teams are fighting back, using cutting-edge technology to track and protect the world’s flora and fauna. We discuss this with: Shannon Dubay, director of conservation technology, Panthera, Cape Town, South Africa: Dubay discusses how teams use camera traps, satellite imagery, AI and other technologies in cat conservation, how teams are analyzing and acting on data faster in Zambia, how tech advancements have changed teams’ success metrics in conservation projects, plus how predictive analytics could transform conservation efforts moving forward. Dave Thau, global data and technology lead scientist, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), San Francisco: Thau talks about how the role of AI has evolved in conservation and helped boost efficiency. He also discusses WWF’s ManglarIA Project, which uses AI and other tech to measure the impact of climate change on mangroves in Mexico. Plus, Thau takes listeners through how the team is leaning into innovation and adaptability as well as working with community members to futureproof their efforts. Key themes [02:33] Using camera traps, drones and AI to conserve cats in the wild [07:41] How teams are analyzing—and acting on—data faster [11:10] Tech’s impact on success metrics for conservation projects [12:02] How predictive analytics could change future conservation projects [14:58] The evolution of AI in conservation projects [17:35] How WWF is using AI to measure the impact of climate change on mangroves in Mexico [20:26] Focusing on innovation, adaptability and community engagement in conservation

Mar 26

More and more project professionals are managing artificial intelligence (AI) projects, but teams are struggling to make sure they deliver real value. What makes AI projects different—and what are some common reasons they fail? What does it take to lead successful AI projects—and how do you build those must-have skills? We discuss the big issues with two experts at PMI Cognilytica: Kathleen Walch, CPMAI, director, and Ron Schmelzer, CPMAI, director and general manager. Both are based in Columbia, Maryland, USA. Key themes [02:37] Common reasons why AI projects fail [07:42] How to make sure your AI project delivers real ROI [09:22] What makes AI projects different than others—and what it takes to manage them [17:05] Ways to keep your AI knowledge up to date [19:30] How to set smart metrics for AI projects and the rise of agentic AI

Feb 26

International Women’s Day is a clarion call for gender equality—and project professionals around the globe are taking bold action to advance the cause. Our guests discuss the projects they’re leading to empower girls and women, how they ensure they’re delivering positive social impact, and how they keep themselves—and their teams—motivated in the face of adversity. Our guests include Cecile Pilot, senior project and capacity building officer at Defence for Children International in Geneva, and Marwa Hammad, head of global gender strategy and the Youth Education and Entrepreneurship program at Schneider Electric Foundation in Cairo. Key themes [02:17] Supporting young women to drive change in their local communities and on the global stage [05:43] Creating Schneider Electric Foundation’s global gender strategy and a program for youth education and entrepreneurship [09:48] Overcoming funding and legal challenges along with battling stereotypes [17:13] How to stay motivated and—resilient—in the face of adversity [21:25] Measuring success and positive social impact [23:48] The vision for greater gender equality in the years ahead

Jan 29

What can project professionals around the globe expect to face in 2025? We talk with project leaders to help you prepare. Sanjukta Ghosh, PMP, data and AI leader at Siemens in Erlangen, Germany, and Alexandra Schutz, PMI-ACP, PMP, director of the program management office at Appfire in Washington, D.C., discuss what’s next for artificial intelligence in the project sphere, the increasing role sustainability and project management offices (PMOs) will play in value delivery and the must-have skills for 2025. They also share what they’re excited for in the new year. Key themes [02:31] How AI will dominate projects in 2025 [11:20] Using AI to elevate sustainability objectives [13:07] PMOs stepping up to drive business transformation and deliver value [16:01] Adaptability, strategic thinking, AI acumen: Skills you need for 2025 [20:40] The biggest surprises from 2024—and takeaways for the year ahead

Dec 4, 2024

To ensure projects deliver real social impact, organizations and their teams need to set clear targets, track progress—and adjust when plans and variables shift. We host a joint discussion with Karlijn Sibbel, innovation director at Notpla in London, and Grzegorz Wach, refugee employment initiative lead at NESsT in Warsaw. They discuss their work on two of the PMI 2024 Most Influential Projects, detailing the metrics used to track progress and measure positive social impact as well as the challenges teams face when aggregating this data. They also share their biggest lessons learned when it comes to measuring social impact. Key themes [02:46] How Notpla uses seaweed and plants to make biodegradable packaging [06:23] How NESsT is empowering refugees and migrants to access quality jobs [08:49] Using multiple metrics to track progress and measure a project’s social impact [15:03] Top challenges teams face when measuring social impact [23:04] Delivering positive social impact in the face of increased scrutiny [27:13] Lessons learned: Embracing partners and pushing industry benchmarks forward

Nov 20, 2024

The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are an urgent call to action to help people and the planet—and projects aligned to those goals require strong collaboration with stakeholders, whether they’re government agencies, teachers or farmers. We discuss this with: Jenny Buccos, CEO of EXPLR and co-director of the National STEM Festival, New York City: Buccos discusses how she and her team worked with the U.S. Department of Education along with corporate and philanthropic partners to bring the National STEM Festival to life. She also talks about the skills she leaned on to build stronger relationships with partners, the festival’s future and how STEM can help make a big impact on UN SDGs. Simon Dyer, CEO, Virtual Irrigation Academy, Sunshine Coast, Australia: Dyer shares VIA’s history and how small-scale farmers, their communities and governments are using VIA’s tech and the data it generates to make informed irrigation decisions. He also talks about the importance of face-to-face conversations with stakeholders, cultivating partners within the communities projects are happening in, and his biggest lessons learned from collaborating with stakeholders. Key themes [02:17] Bringing stakeholders together for the National STEM Festival [07:18] Collaborating with partners without losing sight of a project’s goal [08:42] Leaning on time management and stakeholder engagement to build partnerships [13:25] How STEM can help teams achieve UN SDGs [16:26] How farmers, communities and governments use VIA’s tech to make informed irrigation decisions [22:09] The power of face-to-face interactions with stakeholders—and embracing community partners [26:38] Lessons learned: Don’t assume your stakeholders’ pain points and don’t discount your stakeholders’ knowledge

Nov 6, 2024

Public and private organizations across the globe are taking action to reach net-zero emissions targets—investing heavily in new technology to build resilient and efficient energy systems. Guests discuss the push for cleaner energy, the tech their teams use to develop cleaner energy solutions and the skills project professionals need to lead these projects. Key themes [01:43] What’s behind the global push for a clean energy transition? [04:33] Using new tech and operational practices to reduce carbon emissions in oil and gas production [10:57] The must-have skills to deliver tech-forward clean energy efficiency projects [15:05] Tech that’s helping connect renewable energy sources to the grid [19:02] Executing a tech upgrade to a decades-old binational hydropower plant [24:33] What’s next for a clean energy transition? Greater digitalization in the energy sector

Oct 23, 2024

Today’s creative agencies need to move rapidly, whether they’re executing campaigns, capitalizing on pop culture moments or averting a crisis. Project management helps channel that urgency into strong execution and buzz-worthy results. In a joint discussion, two project leaders at creative agencies discuss which project management skills help teams turn their ideas into reality and reveal how they overcame challenges in high-stakes projects, including a major localization and transcreation initiative and the marketing campaign for Hollywood blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine . Key themes [02:39] The role of project management at creative agencies [07:05] The project management skills and domain expertise that help creative teams thrive [11:05] Agile, predictive or hybrid: Picking the approach that’s right for a project [17:10] How a project manager’s focus on risk identification and tailoring workflows helped a team stay on track [19:42] How communication and collaboration helped Maximum Effort deliver Deadpool & Wolverine —and the film’s marketing plan [21:41] Embracing flexibility and adaptability in creative project life cycles

Oct 9, 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) is making one giant leap in the space industry. In celebration of World Space Week, we’re highlighting how project teams are tapping AI for space exploration and innovation. A project leader from the European Space Agency shares how his team created a “flying laboratory” so that other organizations from across the globe could experiment with new tech—including AI—in space. And NASA’s chief artificial intelligence officer shares how teams are using AI on projects and how the U.S. space agency is ensuring ethical, responsible AI use across teams. Key themes [02:29] Why ESA created a “flying laboratory,” the OPS-SAT Space Lab service [05:41] How to experiment with AI—and use it in the right projects [11:27] Why the space industry views AI with heavy interest—and healthy skepticism [14:32] What NASA’s chief artificial intelligence officer is focused on [16:42] How the U.S. space agency is using AI on projects [22:04] How NASA ensures ethical, responsible AI use across teams [26:58] How AI could transform space projects

Sep 25, 2024

Artificial intelligence is fundamentally shifting how we work, but it’s imperative to use the emerging tech responsibly. Guests explore the major AI ethics concerns for project professionals and recommend good practices teams can employ to use and create ethical AI. They also share examples of how project teams handle AI ethics concerns—and how those concerns can impact companies’ regulatory compliance, reputation, risk management and even innovation. Key themes [03:34] Strategies to create—and implement—AI ethics practices on teams [07:02] How a team handled ethics concerns of biased data [11:44] Keeping your AI ethics policies flexible for the tech’s continued advancement [14:01] AI ethics concerns project professionals are facing today [15:47] How ethical AI impacts organizations’ regulatory compliance, innovation, risk management and even social responsibility [18:20] Meta’s good practices for using or creating ethical AI [22:57] What AI ethics training should include—and how often it should be updated

Sep 11, 2024

Conflict can occur on any project. And project professionals should know how to defuse it. Guests share tips for resolving conflicts on projects, how these strategies shift depending on the source, the must-have skills for effective conflict resolution and how project professionals can strengthen their conflict resolution capabilities. Key themes [01:06] Why conflict management is a must for successful project delivery [04:43] Strategies to manage—and resolve—conflicts resolution on projects [12:39] Why you should change up your strategies depending on who is in conflict [15:55] Ways project professionals can boost their conflict resolution skills [21:51] Resolving a conflict with active listening, increased transparency and consistent communication [27:55] Conflict management strategies for in-person vs. remote team members [29:54] Lessons learned: Understand different perspectives and listen with empathy

Aug 28, 2024

Mistakes happen. It’s how you respond that really matters. In a group discussion, three project professionals share how they turned failure into lessons learned and career maturity. How do you help team members overcome mistakes? And how can project leaders create a culture that accepts mistakes—and spins them into opportunities for greater efficiency and innovation? Key themes [01:58] What is failure—and how has your view of it changed throughout your career? [07:31] Project professionals share their mistakes—and the biggest lessons learned from them [17:29] How failure can fuel innovation and efficiency [22:06] Ways to create a team culture that accepts mistakes with accountability [31:08] Tips on how to bounce back—and grow—from failure

Aug 14, 2024

The agriculture industry will need to feed a projected 10 billion people by 2050. To meet this demand, project teams are transforming production—finding climate-friendly ways to maximize yields. Guests share how they’re helping agriculture giants like Cargill reduce carbon emissions through supply chain operations and farming practices. Plus, how indoor farms are delivering fresh produce year-round in Dubai’s desert climate. Key themes [01:06] What’s spurring innovations in agriculture [04:51] Helping food and ag giant Cargill decarbonize, implement regenerative agriculture practices [09:50] Building buy-in for change when stakeholders have long-held processes [11:37] Tips for managing a project with diverse stakeholder groups [14:24] Growing fresh produce consistently in an arid, desert climate [17:33] Sensors, internet of thing, the cloud: The tech behind sustainable indoor farming [19:51] Collaborating with partners to scale up—and share success

Jul 31, 2024

Project teams behind the biggest events must manage stakeholders and resources to deliver thrilling experiences. But there’s a growing focus on sustainability, too—making sure events mitigate negative impacts on the planet. We speak with project leaders making two major spectacles—the Paris Olympics and Formula 1’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix—more sustainable. Key themes [02:45] The Olympic and Paralympic Games’ growing focus on sustainability [05:57] Using temporary infrastructure at the Paris Olympics [15:03] How others can maximize sustainability in their projects [17:41] Building buy-in for sustainability initiatives in the events sector [21:59] Making the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix better for the planet—and fans [26:11] Managing stakeholders while keeping sustainability at the forefront [28:00] Ways to measure the success of sustainability-focused projects

Jul 17, 2024

A strong innovation culture can transform organizations—seeding a first-mover mindset that empowers teams to discover whole new ways of thinking. Guests discuss strategies to develop mindsets and create spaces where team members feel comfortable to explore, the project management office’s growing role to nurture new ideas, and how to ensure innovation initiatives drive real value. Key themes [02:07] The PMO’s role in fostering a culture of innovation [03:46] Strategies to drive innovation within project teams [08:29] Practices to avoid: What can hinder an innovation culture [10:30] Advice for PMO leaders on how to encourage innovation [12:00] How an innovation culture brings big benefits to organizations [21:09] Ways to create psychologically safe spaces for faster innovation [28:09] Must-have skills for a culture of innovation

Jul 3, 2024

There’s a generational shift in the workforce—and the newest members are bringing new ideas to mentorship. Our joint discussion with a mentor and mentee explores their experience and the shared benefits. The conversation includes strategies for discussing and setting career goals, the biggest lessons they’ve learned from one another, and how those learnings have helped advance their careers. Plus, why project professionals should consider mentorship. Key themes [01:00] Gen Z crave mentors—and the opportunity to share their knowledge [02:34] Mentor and mentee relationship: How Nigel and Joy became mentor and mentee [04:59] Strategies for creating career goals [13:04] Lessons learned: Taking skills gained from mentoring sessions into project management careers [17:52] The benefits of mentee and mentor relationship [20:14] Why project professionals should consider mentorship—as a mentor or mentee

Jun 19, 2024

Startups need to stay lean to deliver results in today’s stagnant global economy. As they reassess how to manage projects, startups are refining how they use agile. Guests discuss how their ways of working have evolved to meet the changing needs of their projects—and the marketplace—and how they’re finding opportunities to incorporate AI into agile. Key themes [01:53] FutureFit AI’s agile journey: Refining ways of working as company maturity increased [07:36] Learning how to tailor agile for each project [10:04] Incorporating AI into agile [14:44] Why agile and startups are a great match [16:25] Embracing agile to pivot fast and meet a changing marketplace and customer needs [20:59] Improving agile to align ways of working across teams [24:02] Tips for startup survival: Be data-driven, willing to learn and ready to navigate complexity and uncertainty

Jun 5, 2024

Artificial intelligence is transforming how project managers work, helping them build schedules, analyze data and identify risks. So what skills and knowledge will help project professionals thrive in the AI era? Guests discuss practical ways to build AI acumen—and how marketing your AI expertise can deliver a career advantage. Key themes [00:50] AI acumen: A career differentiator for project professionals [03:16] How to build AI skills outside of work: Practice prompts and check out courses and webinars [08:52] Ways to market your AI expertise [11:16] AI knowledge sharing and use cases can help set you apart [16:20] How to treat AI tools as “virtual colleagues” [17:29] Why building AI skills will futureproof your project management career

May 22, 2024

Today’s tech-driven ways of working often mean more efficiency and flexibility. But all that hyperconnectivity can be a risk to the well-being of project teams. Guests flag the potential warning signs for digital burnout—and how they set boundaries. They also explain how project leaders can support teams to preserve a healthy relationship with work-related tech. Key themes [02:03] Technology is connecting more people—but with fewer communication limits [03:58] Creating work tech boundaries for your well-being [07:04] Watching out for tech burnout on project teams [10:35] Tech positives for project professionals: Greater flexibility and a productivity boost [13:53] Possible tech negatives: Changing stakeholder expectations and greater complexity in day-to-day work [16:59] How reflection can create more balance

May 8, 2024

A career in project management isn’t always linear. Some people gradually advance from one position to the next, while others come to the profession from a different career path altogether. Guests discuss the moves they’ve made, how they assess when they’re ready for a new role, what they’ve learned from opportunities that didn’t work out, and why you should always invest in yourself—so you’re ready for next opportunity before it arrives. Key themes [02:17] How helping a colleague became a project management career [04:51] Asking managers and colleagues for career advice and support [06:20] Lessons learned from not getting hired—and upskilling for the next opportunity [10:27] Starting a new position? Don’t be afraid to ask for help [13:55] What’s the right time for a career move? [15:54] Taking a job in a new sector—or a new country [19:50] How transparency and vulnerability can help you succeed [22:40] Gauging whether or not you’re ready to take on a new role

Apr 25, 2024

Technology is helping project teams make a positive social impact—an accelerator for addressing everything from the effects of climate change to gender equality. Guests discuss how they’re using tech in two projects: One helps adolescent girls develop skills in STEAM—science, technology, engineering, arts and math—to create future tech leaders and build a more inclusive sector. The other project pairs tech tools with Indigenous knowledge to ensure local communities can more safely travel across Canada’s arctic region. Key themes [01:21] How UNICEF is preparing girls for futures in tech [06:39] Using tech tools to gather feedback from stakeholders across the globe [09:10] Measuring the Game Changers Coalition’s direct and indirect social impact [14:26] Using tech in your project? Ensure it’s making a real difference [16:14] Pairing tech with Indigenous knowledge: How SmartICE works with communities to measure sea ice thickness [21:41] Engaging with stakeholders to create customer-centric project processes [23:14] Embracing continuous improvement to develop better tech and training practices [27:16] How project managers can focus on the social impacts of any project—no matter the sector

Apr 10, 2024

Building sustainable infrastructure doesn’t just protect people and the planet—it boosts the bottom line. Project teams must deliver assets that can withstand the extreme effects of climate change. Guests discuss the growing focus on climate-resilient infrastructure, how to manage stakeholders across project partners and communities, and which skills project professionals need to lead these initiatives. Plus, an in-depth discussion about a major infrastructure overhaul program in Peru, with projects focused on climate resilience and delivering long-term value. Key themes [02:28] Climate change’s systemic effects on infrastructure—and why that’s a challenge for project professionals [07:49] Must-haves for climate resilience projects: Curiosity, communication skills and community engagement [13:49] What trends are next in climate-resilient infrastructure [17:29] The growing momentum for climate-resilient infrastructure [19:53] How Peru is rebuilding after 2017 El Niño, creating climate-resilient infrastructure, education and health centers [25:39] Future-proofing Peru’s reconstruction program through knowledge transfer

Mar 27, 2024

Navigating change is nothing new for project professionals. And this year is no different. How can being flexible and resilient help them seize job opportunities—and deliver value for organizations? Guests in this roundtable discussion talk about sector-specific job trends, the must-have skills needed to navigate challenges and how AI is changing project management now and in the years ahead. Key themes [01:30] Job opportunities for project professionals in IT, renewable energy and construction [07:13] Top challenges project professionals might face for the rest of this year [11:18] Market knowledge, influence, and leadership skills: The must-haves for today’s project professionals [14:27] AI’s effect on project management [18:32] What trends are creating a buzz for project professionals in 2024 and beyond

Mar 15, 2024

In today’s ever-evolving project environment, project professionals need to be flex-ready problem solvers. But how do they learn to choose the right ways of working—or know when to anticipate the need to adapt to change? Guests discuss how they empower project professionals at their organizations to become strategic decision makers—whether it means tailoring ways of working to fit projects and teams or implementing new tech tools. Key themes [02:19] Updating CDW’s PMO for greater collaboration, knowledge sharing and upskilling among project professionals [05:34] How continuous learning encourages greater autonomy [08:21] Empowering project professionals with clear guidelines, expectations and ownership of initiatives [13:13] Delegation and trust: Two must-haves for empowering project and program managers [14:52] How Airbus’ engineering PMO focuses on tailored, empathetic project support [17:42] Why empowerment leads to better engagement and project outcomes [19:56] What you need to know to choose the right ways of working for your team [21:46] How PMO leaders can encourage teams to embrace unknowns in new tech or ways of working

Feb 28, 2024

There’s a glaring gender gap, in both artificial intelligence and project management. But as demand for AI talent surges, there’s an opportunity to close those gaps. Ahead of International Women’s Day, our guests discuss the gender gaps they’ve experienced in their careers in tech, how greater team diversity helps minimize algorithmic biases in AI projects, what they’ve learned from leading AI initiatives and building their AI expertise, and ways to help more women pursue careers in AI. Key themes [02:36] Bridging the gender gap: How diversity benefits AI initiatives [05:21] Identifying and mitigating risks in generative AI projects [07:52] Top advice to women in tech: Know your worth, be yourself and continue to learn [12:55] Building AI knowledge in a changing business landscape [16:15] Minimizing AI algorithmic biases with multiple perspectives [19:08] Ways to help more women kickstart their careers in AI

Feb 14, 2024

Continuous learning helps project professionals keep up with the skills they need to excel in the profession—but it has to be done strategically. Guests discuss how to create a flexible and durable continuous learning strategy, how to balance upskilling with day-to-day project and personal responsibilities, which skills they see as must-haves for project professionals—today and in the future—and how PMO leaders can help project professionals in their continuous learning journeys. Our guests include Alfred Maina, PMO-CP, PMI-ACP, PMP, technical project manager, Thunes, Nairobi; and Americo Pinto, PMO-CC, PMO-CP , PMP, managing director, PMO Global Alliance at PMI, Rio de Janeiro. Key themes [02:13] How to craft a continuous learning strategy [06:12] Where to find upskilling opportunities [07:19] Balancing work, personal time and continued learning [10:20] Top skills to improve: technical and power skills, plus artificial intelligence know-how [15:33] Why your continuous learning strategy should be flexible [18:18] Using formal and informal education opportunities to upskill [20:17] How to determine which skills to improve—and how much organizational objectives should be a factor [24:27] Ways PMO leaders can help project professionals create and meet their continuous learning goals

Nov 29, 2023

Volunteering helps communities and organizations. But it also helps the volunteers who donate their time and skills. In a roundtable discussion, guests share how they started volunteering, how it has affected their careers and helped them grow as project professionals, the different ways they have taught project management skills to make initiatives run more efficiently and their advice to others looking to start their own community volunteering journey. Our guests include Lebogang Ngoato, PMP, program manager, Absa Group, Johannesburg; Priya Patra, PMP, director, Capgemini, Mumbai, India; and Silvana Tovar, international trade coordinator, Kenvue, São Paulo. Key themes [01:52] Why start volunteering? Three professionals share their stories [06:57] How volunteering can boost project professionals’ careers [11:25] The value of sharing your project management skills [14:07] How volunteering can help professionals upskill [18:20] Keeping volunteers motivated to work on outside projects [20:44] Advice for potential volunteers: share your knowledge, be honest about your availability and keep an open mind

Nov 15, 2023

Artificial intelligence is now a mainstay for organizations. But given the lack of widespread use across enterprises, there’s room for growth. And project teams are leading the way, developing AI solutions that deliver value to their companies and customers. We discuss this with: Mohammed Nabtiti, PMI-RMP, PMP, project management office and governance manager, Beeah Group, Dubai: Nabtiti discusses how his company created its “Office of the Future” with sustainability, AI and smart office technologies as the driving forces, how the team mitigated and managed risks to integrate several AI systems, how the organization determines accountability for AI outputs, and how he’s taking lessons learned about scoping and planning into future AI projects. Sanjukta Ghosh, PMP, data and AI leader, Siemens AG, Munich: Ghosh discusses how she started her AI journey by solving customer problems, the knowledge project professionals need to manage AI initiatives and how she’s working to standardize AI projects across Siemens’ business units. Plus, Ghosh talks about a project to create digital twins for assets in the process industry using AI and engineering documents. Key themes [02:01] Creating a sustainable, AI-driven “Office of the Future” [04:49] From smart meeting rooms to a digital concierge: Building the business case for which AI tech to use in the workplace [07:44] Identifying and managing risks when integrating multiple AI systems [10:43] Determining who is accountable for AI systems’ decisions [14:08] How scoping and planning affect AI projects [17:34] Skills and knowledge project professionals need to lead AI initiatives [18:33] Standardizing AI projects across an enterprise [22:05] Creating digital twins from AI tech and documentation [26:52] Project professionals must stay up-to-date on tech advancements

Nov 1, 2023

We know that projects drive change, and today, more and more project professionals are managing initiatives to deliver positive impacts across the globe. Two 2023 PMI Future 50 leaders—Johnnie Stark, PMP, a project manager at BP in London, and Nuha Hashem, co-founder and CTO at Zywa in Dubai—discuss why the world needs project professionals, what sparked their passion to lead the innovative projects they’re managing today and their top advice for future project professionals. Key themes [01:59] Igniting a passion for project leadership [04:33] Developing a low-carbon energy solution to help the U.K. decarbonize its electricity grid [07:11] Creating a payment platform to boost financial literacy for Gen Z in the Middle East and North Africa [10:20] How project management is changing—and how project professionals can adapt [11:47] Advice for future project leaders: Be flexible, be willing to dive right in and care for team members’ well-being

Oct 18, 2023

Space projects push boundaries, aiming to give teams a better understanding of our own planet and to explore what’s beyond. But these efforts are full of complexity, with evolving risks, new innovations, long timelines and fluctuations in funding. We discuss this with: Kenneth Harris II, PhD, senior project engineer, The Aerospace Corporation, Upper Marlboro, Maryland, USA: The 2020 Future 50 leader discusses how the increasing number of crewed missions—and missions closer to Earth’s orbit—have changed the risk landscape for space projects, how he and his teams manage fast-paced change and tech innovations throughout years-long initiatives, what he sees as the top project management challenge for project professionals in the space sector, and how impact, curiosity and exposure have driven him throughout his career as a space project leader. Kay Lingenauber, project manager and system engineer, Institute of Planetary Research at the German Aerospace Center, Berlin: Lingenauber discusses how he and an international team created the Ganymede Laser Altimeter, or GALA, over 15 years, how he and the team managed changing resources and technology with a fixed launch date, good practices for collaborating with institutes and agencies across the globe, and his advice for other project professionals managing initiatives with plenty of complexity. Key themes [02:30] More crewed missions—and more missions closer to Earth—are changing the risk landscape [05:51] Managing fast-paced change and innovation with years-long timelines [09:56] Top project management challenges in space projects: Collaboration with new and established agencies and contending with tight budgets [14:17] Creating GALA, an instrument now headed for Jupiter’s moons [16:34] Leaning into adaptability and problem-solving in space projects [18:21] Boosting collaboration through requirements management, trust-building and transparency

Oct 4, 2023

Diversity and inclusion are now mainstay focuses for organizations—but it can be challenging to find the right strategies to achieve diverse and inclusive team environments. We discuss this with: Victoria Toney-Robinson, PMP, senior program manager at Google in Hamburg: Toney-Robinson discusses how a team’s diversity and inclusion affect not only the team environment but also the solutions the team develops, which strategies and practices she’s found are the most effective for building diversity and inclusion into team culture, and how the Black Googler Network, which she co-chairs, helps create not only better products but also a more inclusive environment at Google. Nikky Chen, PMI-ACP, PMP, previously a group manager in the project management department at Rakuten in Tokyo: A 2023 Future 50 leader, Chen discusses why project professionals should promote diverse and inclusive team environments, how a diverse team improved communication on a project, how active listening and empathy can boost inclusivity and why she’s passionate about DE&I. Key themes [02:01] How team diversity affects products’ inclusivity [04:43] Strategies to create diverse and inclusive team environments [06:32] The role of the Black Googler Network [09:43] How project professionals can advocate for diverse teams [14:48] What is at risk if project teams lack diversity [16:32] How team diversity boosted communication on a project [18:11] Boosting inclusion with active listening and empathy

Sep 20, 2023

Project professionals can help promote well-being in the workplace, making a positive impact on not only their own and their team members’ performance but also their overall mental health. We discuss this with: Marilena Koliavasili, PMP, project manager, Intracom Telecom, Athens: Koliavasili discusses how she defines employee well-being, practices she uses to maintain her own and her team members’ well-being, and how emotional intelligence, empathy and psychological safety can help people better promote well-being for teams. Plus, she shares how project professionals can support team members who are struggling with wellness and well-being. Jonas Ng, PMP, project coordinator, Exos, Singapore: Ng discusses how each project team member faces different challenges to maintain their well-being, ways he boosts his own and his team members’ wellness and well-being, why project professionals should prioritize their teams’ health and strategies to do so. In addition, he explains how to balance getting project work done with caring for his and his team’s well-being. Key Themes [00:52] Employee well-being’s impact on performance and overall mental health [02:03] What is employee well-being—and what elements can make it difficult to maintain it? [05:02] Practices to promote positive well-being on project teams [10:10] How emotional intelligence, empathy and psychological safety help build strong relationships with team members [13:37] Ways to support team members struggling with well-being [16:08] Well-being challenges are different for each project team member [18:13] How leaders can boost their own well-being [20:08] Why project professionals should prioritize well-being for their teams [23:17] Ways to help remote team members [24:05] Balancing project deadlines and deliverables with team well-being

Sep 6, 2023

Teams are delivering projects no matter their location. As team members continue working in remote and hybrid environments, project professionals must find ways to develop their skills and grow their careers outside of an office. We talk about this in a joint discussion with Adriana Pavón Navarrete, PMP, a project manager at Hitachi Vantara in México City, and Meena Nandelli, CAPM, a master’s student who at the time we spoke was a project manager at Microsoft in Hyderabad, India. Key Themes [02:00] Adapting leadership styles to manage projects remotely [04:18] Leaning into adaptability, flexibility and empathy to lead remote teams [06:25] Top power skills when leading remote teams: Communication, collaborative leadership and strategic thinking [08:38] Upskilling outside an office? Use online trainings, free resources and self-reflection of on-the-job challenges [13:42] Tips to resolve conflicts in remote and hybrid work environments [19:12] Top challenges to remote upskilling—and strategies to overcome them [22:03] Networking while remote: Join project management communities and organizations, or reach out to other project professionals

Aug 23, 2023

Generative artificial intelligence tools, from ChatGPT to Bard, are changing the way people work—including how people lead teams and manage projects. We discuss this with: Kristian Bainey, PMP, CEO, K-Pic Systems Inc., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada: Bainey shares his tips to help project managers write ChatGPT prompts that will return strong answers, how project professionals are using generative AI tools to craft project charters and format project documentation, how to build support for integrating generative AI tools into workflows, and how tools like ChatGPT will change project management in the near future. Higor Prado, PMP, project manager and software engineer, Softfocus, Mateus Leme, Brazil: Prado discusses how he’s using generative AI tools such as ChatGPT in his project management to generate reports and assist with negotiating with stakeholders, how these tools are boosting his and his team’s productivity and saving him time, and the privacy and compliance issues project professionals should be aware of before using generative AI tools. Key themes [02:36] Tips to write a strong ChatGPT prompt [04:22] How project managers can use generative AI in their work [09:52] Building support for adding generative AI tools into workflows [11:19] Ways to mitigate the risk of ChatGPT sending back inaccurate information [13:09] How generative AI will change project management moving forward [15:40] Using ChatGPT to assist with project documentation and stakeholder communication [17:13] Benefits of using generative AI tools: consistency, productivity and time [18:41] Keeping privacy and compliance issues in mind when using new tech tools [20:55] New to generative AI? Start experimenting and learn as you go

Aug 9, 2023

A project that doesn’t align with an enterprise’s objectives will never be considered a success. But project managers with a strong understanding of the business landscape and their organization’s goals can execute projects that drive their companies’ priorities—and deliver real benefits. We discuss this with: Ayobamiji Iyiola, PMI-ACP, PMP, senior IT project manager, First Bank of Nigeria, Lagos: Iyiola discusses the processes he uses to determine his organization’s goals, how he created success measures so a project drove the bank’s objectives for increased exposure and customer acquisition, how he manages change on projects when organizational priorities shift and his advice to project professionals on the importance of business acumen. Omar Picone Chiodo, PMP, PgMP, PfMP, senior portfolio management office director, Kenvue, Zug, Switzerland: Picone Chiodo discusses ways project professionals can learn their enterprise’s strategic objectives, how to create processes to better align portfolios with an organization’s goals, ways to engage with stakeholders to create success measures that everyone sticks to, and why clear and concise communication with leaders can have a big effect on what happens to a portfolio when an organization’s goals change. Key themes [01:50] Identifying an organization’s objectives—and using projects to achieve them [05:13] Creating project success measures to drive a bank’s acquisition goals [10:02] Managing change when a company’s priorities shift [13:50] Communicating an organization’s goals through onboarding sessions, knowledge libraries and talks with leadership [15:11] Developing processes to align portfolios with an enterprise’s objectives [16:39] How to keep stakeholders informed—and in line with the same measures of success

Jul 26, 2023

Organizations always look for ways to innovate and improve, but continuous evolution without preparation and strategy can lead to change fatigue and burnout. We discuss this with: Rose James, PMI-ACP, PMP, program leader, Edward Jones, Houston: James discusses the typical signs of burnout, why project teams might feel fatigued by seemingly constant organizational change, strategies project leaders can follow to lead their teams through change effectively, and how leaders can help team members recover from burnout or change fatigue. Mary Tresa Gabriel, PMP, project manager, Dell through SP Software Limited, Bengaluru: Gabriel discusses common causes of change fatigue and burnout and their effects on team members, how she led a team through several client-side changes on a project, the importance of creating a safe space for team members to discuss burnout and change fatigue as well as how project managers and companies can support team members who are feeling burned out. Key themes [02:00] Typical symptoms of burnout [05:08] Why teams might feel burned out by change [07:12] Leading teams through change with clarity and empathy [10:22] Helping project teams recover from change fatigue and burnout [14:59] Project leaders: Keep an eye out for your own burnout [17:05] What causes burnout and change fatigue—and how they affect teams [20:23] Managing a project through continuous client-side changes [22:23] Creating a safe space to discuss burnout and change fatigue [24:10] Building resilience into project teams [25:40] Ways project leaders and organizations can support burned-out teams

Jul 12, 2023

Project professionals are boosting their personal branding—through blogs, speaking engagements and strong social media presences—not only to help them stand out as forward-thinking leaders but also to share their knowledge and give back to the project management community. In a joint discussion, guests discuss how they decided where to focus their personal branding efforts and their top tips for other project professionals looking to elevate their personal brand, plus how strong personal branding helped them gain greater visibility inside and outside their organizations and brought on more career opportunities. Our guests include Fahad Ahmed, PMP, head of IT, Jubilee General Insurance, Karachi, Pakistan, and Yasmina Khelifi, PMI-ACP, PMI-PBA, PMP, senior project manager, Orange, Paris. Key themes [02:04] Sharing expertise, lessons learned and ways to upskill to kickstart personal branding efforts [04:26] Top tips for using LinkedIn to boost your personal brand [08:40] Determining your area of expertise in personal branding [12:46] Ways to stay up to date on project management trends [16:28] The benefits of strong personal branding? Greater recognition and more career opportunities [19:02] How certifications benefit project professionals’ personal brand [20:37] Take your personal branding to the next level with a focused goal and show your strengths

Jun 28, 2023

Introducing new ways of working to teams can be challenging, but they can also bring new insights and solutions that help teams deliver successful projects. We discuss this with: Alexandre Mariano Vieira, AHPP, PMI-ACP, PMP, project manager, SSA México, México City: Mariano Vieira discusses how he evaluates whether a new way of working would be a good fit for his teams or projects, how he introduced agile techniques to create a hybrid approach and how this new way of working improved project delivery timelines. Jessica Montgomery, AHPP, PMP, project manager, CACI, San Antonio, Texas, USA: Montgomery discusses challenges project managers might face when introducing a new way of working when a project is already underway, plus she shares an example of how she built buy-in for agile techniques at a government organization that strictly used a predictive (waterfall) approach for projects. Key themes [02:16] Ways to evaluate whether a new way of working is right for a team or project [03:21] Developing a hybrid approach for pharma projects [05:20] How to garner support and trust from hesitant team members [11:47] Ways to measure if a new way of working is successful [14:18] Challenges to introducing new ways of working mid-project [16:06] Building buy-in for agile techniques at an org that favors predictive approaches [19:08] Utilizing emotional intelligence when introducing new ways of working

Jun 14, 2023

Agile is moving further into the mainstream, and much like its name suggests, these approaches are evolving. We discuss this with: Tammy Ashraf, PMI-ACP, Earth science systems integration manager, NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Maryland, USA: Ashraf discusses the benefits of agile approaches, how traditionally risk-averse organizations are embracing agile techniques, and the skills project professionals need—such as servant leadership and a greater understanding of digital collaboration tools—as agile approaches evolve. Adeyinka Adeniran, PMI-ACP, PMP, PgMP, technical program manager, Quantiphi, London: Adeniran discusses how his use of agile approaches has evolved, starting with scrum and moving to a DevOps environment; how he’s seen greater use of design thinking and artificial intelligence in agile; and why he believes these two trends are growing. Key themes [03:09] Embracing agile in traditionally risk-averse organizations [06:09] Using agile approaches to push research and discovery [09:43] Skills project professionals need as agile evolves [12:39] Utilizing agile approaches in a DevOps environment [14:07] The growth of value streams and design thinking in agile

May 31, 2023

The construction sector is moving toward a more digital and connected future, with new technologies changing how teams are executing projects. We discuss this with: Rami Kaibni, PMI-CP, PgMP, PfMP, senior projects and development manager, Field & Marten Associates, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: Kaibni discusses how new tech, including building information modeling (BIM), is helping boost efficiency in project planning and execution, how his teams decide whether or not to use a specific technology on a construction project, and how the PMI-CP certification can benefit construction professionals. Tim Wark, regional digital director for Australia and New Zealand, AECOM, Brisbane, Australia: Wark discusses how increased data sharing and new tech, such as parametric design, is changing how construction projects are managed and executed, how AECOM is working to embrace digital both internally and in the services it offers clients, and how the organization is working to train, upskill and create a culture of innovation to help further embrace technology in construction. Key themes [02:02] Boosting efficiency in project planning and execution with BIM [03:46] Factors to consider before determining whether to use new tech on construction projects [07:25] The benefits of the PMI-CP certification for construction professionals [09:14] How increased data sharing is accelerating the construction sector’s digital transformation [12:20] Embracing digital in construction through design, data and automation [14:34] Building buy-in for new tech through upskilling, training and creating a culture of innovation

May 17, 2023

Companies across regions and sectors face myriad cyber threats from ransomware and phishing scams to attacks from professional cybercriminals—a growing number of them now using AI. In response, organizations are launching cybersecurity projects to keep their companies’ and customers’ data secure. We discuss this with: Gordon Yan, PMP, vice president, IT project manager, OCBC Bank, Singapore: Yan discusses how Singapore’s banking industry is reacting to more phishing and impersonation scams, artificial intelligence’s growing role—as a potential threat and opportunity—in cybersecurity, how he’s adopting agile practices in his projects and how greater cybersecurity investments and awareness can help build customer trust and confidence. Mateusz Jasny, PMP, cybersecurity director, Comarch, Krakow, Poland: Jasny discusses the biggest cyber threats companies face today and how they’re leading to increased cybersecurity efforts across organizations, along with how his teams use threat modeling to identify potential risks to projects. Plus, he shares why cybersecurity project managers need collaboration and facilitation skills along with cybersecurity literacy. Key themes [00:52] Teams are meeting cyber threats with increased cybersecurity efforts [05:16] Delivering a continuous surveillance cybersecurity project at a financial institution [07:52] Adopting agile practices to improve project delivery [08:52] Investing in cybersecurity efforts and awareness to boost customer confidence and trust [10:30] Responding with agility and flexibility in the face of professional threat actors and advances in AI [13:32] Utilizing threat modeling to determine risks on cybersecurity projects [14:44] Must-haves for cybersecurity project managers: Collaboration and facilitation skills, plus cybersecurity literacy

May 3, 2023

Project professionals are in high demand, but how does someone break into the profession? In a joint discussion, guests share how they started their project management careers—one pursuing it from the start, the other taking the role unexpectedly—the top skills new project managers should develop and how organizations can help project leaders upskill. Plus, they share how certifications from PMI have given their career development a boost. Our guests include Johanna Kolerski-Bezerra, PMP, project manager for forecasting, Euromonitor International, London; and Alisa Vovk, CAPM, consultant in HR global strategic initiatives, CGI, Toronto. Key themes [02:06] Two project leaders share their career journeys [07:51] Four skills new project managers should focus on developing [09:28] Ways organizations can help project professionals upskill [11:53] Never had a project management role? Look for workshops, certifications and volunteer opportunities [14:41] How the PMI community and certifications from PMI have helped two project leaders’ careers [18:05] Looking to break into project management? Learn fast, stay inquisitive and be patient

Apr 19, 2023

More and more businesses are realizing that sustainability projects are not just good for the environment—they also can boost an organization’s bottom line. But project managers need the right skills to get organizational support to deliver successful initiatives. We discuss this with: Brittany Brama, principal sustainability program manager, C.H. Robinson, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, USA: Brama discusses how she prioritizes sustainability-focused projects, how a passion project became a tool that helped customers reduce carbon emissions by 350,000 metric tons in its pilot phase, and ways project managers can build support and a collaborative environment for sustainability projects—plus the different ways her teams measure the impact of these projects. Oladele Iyiola, PMP, program manager for strategic programs, sustainability and ESG, Tawal, Riyadh: Iyiola discusses how his passion drove him to lead sustainability projects, how a recycling and waste management project helped his company re-use assets and better recycle operational waste, and his top advice to other project professionals leading sustainability projects. Key themes [02:01] Prioritizing sustainability projects that share value across an enterprise [02:41] Delivering value to customers through a carbon emissions monitoring tool [05:20] Building collaboration and buy-in for sustainability projects with the C-suite and customers [06:58] Ways to measure a project’s impact: sustainability pledges met, CO2 reduced and stakeholder feedback [08:54] A passion for sustainability: balancing telecom’s energy needs and environmental impact [11:43] Launching a recycling and waste management project to boost the recycling of operational waste [14:28] Must-have skills for sustainability projects: technical skills, collaboration and stakeholder management [15:18] Looking to lead sustainability projects? Be a change agent and increase awareness

Apr 5, 2023

Artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data, collaboration tools—project managers are using a bevy of new technologies to boost efficiency and improve project outcomes. We discuss this with: Niral Rajani, project manager, Aristocrat, Sydney: Rajani discusses how tech tools can increase efficiency and reduce cost and time on projects, and how he uses machine learning to predict risk, complexity and resources on future projects—plus the steps he takes to ensure a smooth implementation for new technologies or tech tools on his teams. Dunola Oladapo, founder of Luton Lights and Generation Connect program lead at the U.N.’s International Telecommunication Union, U.K.: Oladapo discusses how she’s seen an increase in project management and collaboration tools as more people embrace remote work, how she uses collaboration tools to connect with young leaders around the world, and why empathy, equity and creating a safe, collaborative environment are must-haves when leading virtual teams. Key themes [02:07] How tech tools are changing how project managers deliver initiatives [04:14] Training machine learning models to predict risk, resourcing and more [06:10] Steps to ensure a smooth implementation of new technologies [07:22] Ways to build buy-in for next-gen tech tools [11:10] Project managers seeing more tech tools as remote work increases [13:12] Finding collaboration tools that work for your team [16:03] Empathy and compassion: Two must-haves for project managers in a tech-fueled world

Mar 22, 2023

Resilience is a must-have for teams delivering projects in today’s disruptive and volatile world. So how do you build resiliency on teams? We discuss this with: Ray Jones, PMI-ACP, PMP, program manager, SMX Technology, San Antonio, Texas, USA: Jones discusses the new context for resilience in a more complex and ambiguous world, how project leaders can build team resiliency by leaning into a learning mindset, how he helped make a team more resilient by changing their work processes and environment, plus how a diversity of skills and perspectives makes for a more resilient team. Carlos Augusto Fernandes Filho, senior director for commercial aviation programs, Embraer, São José dos Campos, Brazil: Filho shares how resilience can help drive results in an organization and motivate teams, the skills he’s looking for to create—and develop—a resilient team, and how multidisciplinary, collaborative teams help build resilience. Key Themes [01:44] Resiliency’s role in a volatile, uncertain environment [03:33] Building resilience through experiential learning and empathy [08:55] How a diversity of skills boosts team resilience [12:21] The benefits of resiliency—and the pitfalls of lacking it [13:17] Creating teams with resilient members, plus how to help them further develop their resilience [17:37] How division within teams—and organizations—can hinder resilience [21:11] Looking to encourage team resilience? Create a culture of moving forward

Mar 8, 2023

For International Women’s Day, Projectified ® hosts a roundtable with three women project leaders to discuss what it’s currently like for women in project management, how teams benefit from diversity and how organizations can better support women leaders, plus questions they had for one another as fellow project leaders. Our guests include Janete Faustino, PMP, PfMP, portfolio management leader of operations strategy and performance, TAP Air Portugal, Lisbon; Bharti Ochani, PMP, IT project manager, Halian, Dubai; and Maeve O’Brien, project manager, DDB, Chicago. Key themes [02:00] Three women project leaders on the state of women in project management [05:00] The benefits of diverse teams [06:16] Top skills for project managers: stakeholder management, accountability and conviction [09:43] Ways organizations can support women leaders [13:22] How do you keep moving forward in the face of obstacles on projects? [18:54] Advice to women project leaders: Network, be the driver of your own career, be genuine

Jan 18, 2023

Financial services companies—from established giants to new startups—face disruption from all sides. And as organizations explore new innovations to meet evolving customer needs, they must do so while considering risk management. We discuss this with: Ashley Butao, PMI-ACP, PMP, project manager, Capital One, Toronto: Butao discusses the biggest disruptions she’s seeing in the financial services sector, how agile approaches allow her teams to experiment and adapt fast, and how knowing your organization’s risk appetite can help teams balance innovation and risk management. Stanley Jacob, PMP, chief executive at Stanbic IBTC Financial Services Limited, and VP of the Fintech Association of Nigeria, Lagos: Jacob talks about why teams must be constantly encouraged to innovate—and exposed to new innovations—plus the must-have skills for project leaders in financial services: knowledge of regulations and design thinking.

Jan 4, 2023

As we kick off 2023, project leaders are looking ahead to new challenges and opportunities as well as looking back at what they accomplished in 2022. Projectified ® reconnected with previous guests to discuss the biggest changes they have seen in the world of projects over the last year, their top lessons learned, plus what they’re excited about—and the skills project managers need to succeed—in the year ahead. Guests include Elton Soares, PMP, project manager, General Electric, Florianópolis, Brazil; Nontobeko Mathenjwa, project manager, South African National Roads Agency Limited, Johannesburg; Kierstin Gray, PMI-ACP, PMP, program director, Argodesign, Brooklyn, New York, USA; Manuel Segura Pérez, PMP, head of project and construction management, Repsol, Madrid; Malong Dong, PMP, enterprise portfolio manager, Reserve Bank of Australia, Sydney. Key Themes [02:05] Changes in 2022: an increasing focus on delivering value [04:59] How project leaders can adapt to changing stakeholder involvement and expectations [12:32] Tips for 2023: improving communication skills and team agility [17:07] How teams can build resiliency and embrace new tech and ways of working

Nov 30, 2022

To deliver an organization’s strategic objectives, project leaders must be able to look across the portfolio and decide which projects provide value and should be pursued, which go on the back burner and which are abandoned entirely. We discuss this with: Sunando Chaudhuri, PMP, PgMP, PfMP, director of IT, Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company Group, Abu Dhabi: Chaudhuri discusses why project leaders must understand their organizations’ goals to best prioritize projects, the different types of business value projects can deliver—and how that factors into project portfolio decisions—along with ways project managers can keep executive leaders aligned, even in the face of personal agendas and pet projects. B. Firat Dengiz, PMP, PgMP, PfMP, program leader, Turkish Aerospace Industries, Ankara, Turkey: Dengiz discusses the metrics and data he considers when making project portfolio decisions, how he factors stakeholders into his decision-making process and ways to build buy-in from the C-suite. Key themes [02:57] The different ways to calculate business value [04:14] Ways to manage pet projects and personal agendas [07:10] Ensuring project portfolio decisions align with organizational strategy [10:28] Metrics to consider when prioritizing project portfolios [12:01] Engaging stakeholders to build support for decision-making [14:38] Tackling challenges project managers face when prioritizing portfolios [16:36] Determining how to build buy-in with different C-suite leaders

Nov 16, 2022

From feats of engineering and art to exploring the unknown, the 2022 Most Influential Projects showcase innovative and creative efforts from teams across sectors and regions. We discuss two of these projects with: Alicia Tkacz, partner and architect, Stufish, London: Tkacz discusses how producers, animators, architects and pop superstars ABBA collaborated to create the immersive ABBA Voyage show and the bespoke ABBA Arena, how clear decision-making processes kept team members aligned, and how the show and venue could impact the future of entertainment. Steve Hebda, VP of farm development, Crop One Holdings, Newport, Rhode Island, USA: Hebda discusses developing Dubai’s Emirates Crop One, the world’s largest vertical farm, how team members collaborated and built trust with one another from across the globe and how this project will inform future vertical farm efforts. Key themes [01:24] PMI’s 2022 Most Influential Projects [02:16] Creating the ABBA Voyage concert experience and ABBA Arena [06:21] Problem solving to design and build a fully demountable venue [08:40] How ABBA Voyage and its bespoke arena could change entertainment [10:10] Building the world’s largest vertical farm in Dubai [11:46] Creating cohesive teams with clear communication and trust [15:06] Lessons learned for future vertical farms: Scalability and automation

Nov 2, 2022

Project management offices (PMOs) are evolving, taking on a greater strategic role to deliver value. We discuss this with: Fiona Lin, PMI-ACP, PMP, VP of the enterprise PMO, agile PMO and business transformation, Snap Finance, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA: Lin discusses why PMOs must support organizations across projects, programs, portfolios and processes, the importance of including PMOs in strategy planning, and how PMOs can help adopt and encourage new ways of working. R. Rooban Annamalai, PMP, project management and PMO lead, Christie’s, London: Annamalai explains how he’s seen the PMO’s role evolve to include more strategic decision-making, how PMOs can help push teams and organizations forward and his vision for the future of the PMO. Key themes [01:12] The PMO’s evolution: Taking on strategy creation and project execution [02:56] Creating PMOs—and building buy-in—at a fintech company [06:00] Spreading the PMO’s role across projects, programs, portfolios and processes [07:52] 3 ways PMO leaders help teams adopt new ways of working [14:59] How PMOs use lessons learned, business acumen to push organizations forward [16:50] The ROI of PMOs with a strategic role

Oct 26, 2022

Artificial intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept. Project leaders are putting AI to use on everything from automating day-to-day tasks to analyzing risk. We discuss this with: Milie Taing, founder and CEO, Lili.ai, Paris: Taing explains how project leaders’ perspective of AI has changed over the last few years, how AI is helping project leaders deliver more value and what impact a larger AI ecosystem will have on project management moving forward. Syed Ahsan Mustaqeem, PMP, senior engineer, Pakistan Petroleum, Ltd., Karachi, Pakistan: Mustaqeem talks about how AI-driven tools help him automate processes and glean insights from data, how these tools allow team members to reallocate time toward more strategic and problem-solving tasks and challenges project leaders might face using AI on projects. Key themes [02:20] How AI is adding value to projects [04:26] The future of AI: Moving from early use cases to an AI ecosystem [05:23] How AI is changing the role of project leader [11:01] Using AI-driven tools to boost efficiency and glean insights from data [13:45] Why AI is pushing project leaders to further develop power skills [15:24] How AI can help project leaders—not replace them

Oct 12, 2022

It’s time to lean into the power skills—communication, problem-solving, collaborative leadership and strategic thinking—that help project leaders influence stakeholders and deliver successful projects. We discuss this with: Swapna Yadavalli, PMP, PgMP, PfMP, VP of technology program management, Mastercard, Pune, India: Yadavalli discusses how leaders with power skills help their teams succeed, how strong communication and collaboration helped her team deliver a large-scale program and ways fellow project leaders can further develop their own power skills. Manuel Segura Pérez, head of project and construction management, Repsol, Madrid: Segura Pérez shares why communication is a critical power skill for all leaders and how he helped foster greater communication and collaboration on a joint venture. Key themes [02:04] How power skills boost collaboration on cross-functional teams [04:49] Using communication and collaborative leadership to deliver a successful program [06:30] Ways project leaders can develop power skills [08:14] Using empathy to improve power skills within teams [11:00] Selecting future leaders with power skill potential

Sep 28, 2022

In today’s uncertain business landscape, companies must be more agile than ever, embracing new ways of working and nurturing a changemaker mindset across teams. We discuss this with: Anne Cherouny, organizational change management leader, Boeing, Arlington, Virginia, USA: Cherouny discusses the benefits of organizational agility, how a lack of coordination and structured change management can hinder organizations’ agility, and how project leaders can embrace new ways of working on their teams. Amol Pradhan, chief transformation officer, services integration hub cloud advisory and enterprise agility, IBM, Singapore: Pradhan discusses challenges organizations face when building organizational agility into company culture, why it’s important for leaders to communicate and prepare teams for organizational change, and how IBM built agility into its HR teams’ operations. Key themes [02:13] The ROI of organizational agility [04:21] How lack of coordination and collaboration hinders organizational agility [05:56] Boosting agility on teams through a shared vision and new ways of working [12:50] How to communicate with and prepare teams for organizational change [14:20] How IBM built agility into its HR operations

Sep 14, 2022

As urbanization increases worldwide, the public transportation sector is evolving. Teams are launching projects to meet changing consumer demands and employing new technologies with the goal of making public transport systems more sustainable, accessible and efficient. We discuss this with: Graham Currie, director of the Public Transport Research Group and professor of public transport, Monash University, Melbourne: Currie talks about innovations in technology and public transportation infrastructure, how increased governance could affect projects across the sector, and what innovations he’s excited to see next in public transit. Camile Machado, project manager for new mobility, TransLink, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada: Machado discusses how the Shared Mobility Compass Card pilot experimented with new ways to link Vancouver’s various transportation options, how the team plans to use riders’ feedback for the project’s next phase, and the benefits of public-private partnerships in public transportation. Key themes [02:33] Innovations in ICT, infrastructure in public transportation [04:32] How greater governance could impact public transportation projects [08:53] TransLink’s Shared Mobility Compass Card pilot looks at new ways to link multimodal transit options [15:45] Determining project strategy and goals with partners to boost collaboration

Aug 31, 2022

The energy sector is evolving, with organizations and governments alike rethinking their options to push for a more sustainable future. We discuss this with: Meriem Lhammoumi, senior project manager, Jesa, Casablanca, Morocco: Lhammoumi shares how green hydrogen can impact the world’s decarbonization efforts, must-have skills to execute these projects, and the need for innovation in hydrogen storage solutions. Iván Jara, head of engineering, procurement and construction, Atlas Renewable Energy, Santiago, Chile: Jara discusses how Sol del Desierto—one of the largest solar plants in Chile—is essential for the country’s renewable energy strategy, how his team tested and implemented innovative tech to boost the plant’s efficiency, and how the project created positive social impact through increased female employment. Key themes [02:09] Green hydrogen’s impact on the renewable energy sector [04:19] What skills teams need to execute green hydrogen projects [08:06] The Sol del Desierto solar plant’s role in Chile’s renewable energy transition [10:15] Creating positive social impact through women’s training programs [12:06] Testing and implementing new tech in solar projects

Aug 10, 2022

Organizations worldwide are putting greater focus on ESG (environmental, social and governance). As companies ramp up their efforts, leaders are determining how to integrate ESG into their projects. We discuss this with: Mauricio Bolaños, PMP, ESG operations and program manager, VMware, Heredia, Costa Rica: Bolaños discusses how his company’s ESG office works across business units to collaborate with project leaders to integrate and track ESG efforts in their projects, the value of incorporating ESG into risk management, and why he doesn’t see ESG as a competition. Abhay Bhavsar, PMP, head of ESG and safety, Fourth Partner Energy Private Limited, Pune, India: Bhavsar shares how his organization built buy-in for ESG practices across the enterprise, used data and stakeholder engagement to create its ESG agenda, and ensures teams utilize and report ESG processes on projects. Key themes [02:20] Educating and collaborating with teams to integrate ESG into projects [06:47] Factoring ESG into risk management [07:41] Embracing ESG to boost innovation and creativity [10:19] Building enterprise-wide buy-in for ESG [11:04] Using data to create Fourth Partner Energy’s ESG agenda [14:10] Ensuring ESG processes are put into practice—and reported—on projects

Jul 27, 2022

Organizations are facing a massive shift in the workforce as people reevaluate what they want from their jobs. It’s up to project leaders to keep teams on track and to continue to deliver value, even amid high attrition. We discuss this with: Kierstin Gray, PMI-ACP, PMP, program director, Argodesign, Brooklyn, New York, USA: Gray explains how project talent turnover can impact a team’s deliverables and cohesion, and how adopting an agile mindset and strengthening communication and trust can help teams build resilience to resourcing challenges. Vitor Amaral, CTO, Bitz, São Paulo: Amaral shares how people’s shifting relationships with their jobs and the increase in remote work are impacting tech jobs in Latin America, plus how project leaders are using communication and documentation to keep projects on track and team members engaged. Key themes [02:18] How high turnover impacts project teams—financially and emotionally [07:02] Adopting an agile mindset to build resilience [09:39] Ways to include safeguards for turnover in projects [11:30] COVID-19 and remote work’s impact on tech jobs in Latin America [13:15] Using communication, documentation to keep projects running smoothly [17:14] How emphasizing a project’s purpose and a team member’s efforts can aid talent retention

Jul 13, 2022

PMI’s annual Future 50 shines the spotlight on rising project leaders who are creating a better future for all. Projectified â spoke with three 2022 honorees: Kathy Johnston, chief chocolate officer, Mirzam Chocolate Makers, Dubai: Johnston discusses tackling challenges to build the company’s second chocolate factory with hybrid teams, how she’s learned to be a change-ready and flexible leader, and how she’s become more comfortable with her leadership style—and how that’s helped her take more risks. Christian Leke Achaleke, executive director, Local Youth Corner Cameroon, Yaoundé: Achaleke shares how his teams turn policy into real-world change in Cameroon, how his work in peacebuilding and conflict resolution has influenced his leadership style, and how rising leaders are changing how projects are run with technology and daring approaches. Lovy Bhatia, PMP, program lead for product and strategy, Amazon, London: Bhatia discusses how she keeps cross-functional teams and stakeholders aligned to a unified goal, her experience helping Airbnb build its operations and hone its vision in India, and how becoming a problem solver can help project leaders be successful—no matter the industry. Key themes [01:45] Leadership lessons learned: Be change-ready and flexible [06:19] How failure can help project leaders grow [08:48] How teams are turning policy into groundbreaking projects in Cameroon [13:48] Using conflict prevention skills in project leadership [17:30] Aligning stakeholders and team members to a unified goal [19:53] Embracing new opportunities and solving problems as Airbnb developed operations in India

Jun 29, 2022

With omnichannel shopping on the rise, consumer behaviors are changing. This is paving the way for a tech-fueled reset in retail, spanning brick-and-mortar stores and ecommerce alike. We discuss this with: Saad Siddiqui, COO, Veeve, Seattle: Siddiqui shares what inspired his team to create a smart shopping cart, how customer and retailer feedback helped the team iteratively improve the cart’s functions and design, and how the team is handling implementation projects as operations scale up. Simon Molnar, founder and CEO, Flagship, Sydney: Molnar discusses why his team developed tech to give brick-and-mortar retailers real-time data on their products, how customers and in-store staff are responding to this tech in a pilot in Sydney, and why he believes teams should be looking to innovate both in-store and online. Key themes [01:03] How changing customer preferences are fueling innovation in retail [02:22] Taking a customer-centric approach to develop the Veeve smart cart [06:28] Using data, first-hand customer feedback for iterative improvements [10:34] How tech can bridge customers’ in-store and online experiences [12:42] A new way for brick-and-mortar retailers to get real-time data on products [15:22] Merging digital and in-store shopping in the Edit Collection pilot

Jun 15, 2022

The climate crisis is impacting coastlines across the globe, with communities facing threats from rising sea levels and more frequent extreme weather events. In response, teams are launching projects to mitigate risks and build resilience. We discuss this with: Swarna Kazi, senior disaster risk management specialist, World Bank, Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Ignacio Urrutia, senior disaster risk management specialist, World Bank, Bangkok: Kazi and Urrutia discuss a project that aims to bolster sections of Bangladesh’s coastline, how considering risk at all stages of the project helps them create a cohesive strategy, and how the challenges they faced will influence their approaches to future coastal resilience projects. Catherine McCandless, climate change and environmental planning project manager, City of Boston Environment Department, Boston: McCandless talks about leading coastal resilience planning projects for two neighborhoods in Boston, how her team adapted community engagement during the pandemic, and how she and fellow project managers work together to manage not only multidisciplinary stakeholders but also team members. Key themes [01:19] Projects around the world aim to mitigate effects of climate change on coastlines [05:25] Stakeholder management: Using data and community input in project planning [09:26] Tackling a changing environment and futureproofing coastal resilience projects in Bangladesh [13:41] Planning coastal resilience efforts for Boston’s 47-mile shoreline [17:57] Adapting and digitizing community engagement during COVID-19 [19:44] Managing multidisciplinary stakeholders and project team members

Jun 1, 2022

Over the last decade, governments across the globe have launched digital transformation projects, from digitizing services to revamping their online presence for better citizen engagement. We discuss this with: Katrine Maria Krzeminski, program manager, Agency for Digital Government, Copenhagen: Krzeminski discusses her project to create personal pages for each citizen on the country’s public sector portal, how her team builds support from and collaborates with multiple government agencies on the multi-year effort, and how it’s empowering citizens with data and increasing government transparency. Yolanda Martínez, global project lead for the GovStack initiative, International Telecommunications Union, Geneva: Martínez discusses how e-government services are changing how citizens interact with their governments, the challenges governments face when digitizing services as well as how the GovStack initiative is helping countries worldwide accelerate their digital transformation efforts, thanks, in part to an open-source platform. Key themes [01:58] Empowering Denmark’s citizens with data [04:26] Collaborating with and building buy-in from government agencies [06:33] Tackling resourcing challenges, legacy systems when digitizing [11:05] How partners, potential users impact project decisions [14:18] Changing citizens’ experience through e-government services [16:49] Breaking down silos and creating replicable assets to accelerate digitization [19:31] How GovStack aids countries in developing digital government services [23:52] Advice to project leaders: Co-design a vision with partners and set clear priorities

May 18, 2022

The events of the past few years have wreaked havoc on the global supply chain. Organizations are responding with innovative projects to increase their resiliency. We discuss this with: Leefke Grosjean, senior researcher and project manager for 5G-Smart, Ericsson, Stockholm: Grosjean discusses how the 5G-Smart project is testing 5G’s potential in manufacturing, ways the team improved communication and collaboration, and how solutions from the three pilots can be adopted across factories. Peter Grimvall, supply chain design and planning manager, Ikea, Basel, Switzerland: Grimvall discusses the effects of supply chain disruption on organizations, the AI tool he helped create to improve Ikea’s demand forecasting for stores across the globe—and its impact so far—and why teams need to be ready to make mistakes and iterate on innovation projects. Key themes [01:54] Exploring the potential of 5G manufacturing in factories [05:10] Improving collaboration, communication across the 5G-Smart team [07:24] How 5G can boost factory flexibility, efficiency and safety [12:45] Creating an AI tool to improve Ikea’s demand forecasting [17:35] Using tech to predict disruptions—and how to bounce back from them [18:40] Lessons learned: Embrace mistakes and be ready to iterate

May 4, 2022

In the past few years, teams have had to rethink events of all types—conferences, award shows, concerts—to virtual or hybrid formats, innovating to keep attendees and audiences safe as well as engaged. We discuss this with: Nadja Burkhardt, supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, European Broadcasting Union, Geneva: She discusses how her team handles constant change to plan and execute the annual Eurovision Song Contest, how the event adapted during the pandemic, and how her team manages and collaborates with stakeholders across countries. Akseli Aho, CEO, Junction, Helsinki: He discusses his team’s experience hosting in-person, virtual and hybrid hackathons, how they decide which format works best for each event, and the challenge of encouraging people to return to in-person events. Key themes [02:24] New venues, new teams, new cultures: Managing constant change on the Eurovision Song Contest [03:38] Adapting the Eurovision Song Contest during COVID-19 [06:19] Collaborating with partners and managing stakeholders across countries [11:04] Junction’s lessons learned from pivoting to virtual, hybrid hackathons [15:53] How Junction chooses between different event formats [19:34] The challenge ahead: Encouraging people to attend in-person events again

Apr 20, 2022

The time to act on climate change is running out, putting pressure on nations and organizations alike to help heal the plant. Project teams around the world are helping care for our planet. We discuss this with: Karl Campbell, director, Latin American Pacific Islands, Re:wild, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador: Campbell discusses the program he’s leading to rewild 25 islands over the next decade, projects that are underway in the Galápagos, and how teams are collaborating with partners and local communities to build buy-in and ensure long-term success. Margaret Sprug, principal, Miller Hull Partnership, Seattle: Sprug discusses building sustainability practices into her architecture projects, how her team collaborates with partners and stakeholders on sustainable design, and the lessons she and her team learned in making the Bullitt Center in Seattle a net-zero “living building.” Key themes [01:07] Increasing pressures to act on climate change [02:40] Creating a program to rewild Latin American islands [08:28] Building relationships—and buy-in—with local communities [10:57] How rewilding creates resilient ecosystems for people and the environment [13:56] Collaborating with partners, stakeholders on sustainable design in the built environment [16:23] Lessons learned from creating a net-zero “living building” in Seattle [19:04] Measuring—and mitigating—environmental impacts in architecture projects

Mar 23, 2022

Project leaders make decisions on a nearly non-stop basis. But they also have access to a wealth of information that can help them make the right call. We discuss this with: Reuben Oshomah, PMP, regional director, West Africa, Avanti Communications, Lagos: He talks through what kinds of information project leaders should consult, and the role team members and stakeholders play in making smart decisions. Ramyajit Dasgupta, PMP, global analytics manager, Concentrix, Kolkata: He discusses the role of big data and analytics in decision-making and how to take the first steps in building a data-driven culture. Key themes [01:42] Why understanding the project objective can fuel better decisions [02:51] Gathering data: Lessons learned, risk registers and team members [08:17] Using big data, analytics, AI to take the guesswork out of decisions

Mar 9, 2022

Women have faced an uphill battle in the workplace, especially during the pandemic. But they continue to make strides with game-changing projects across sectors and around the globe. We discuss the state of the state for women project leaders with: Nontobeko Mathenjwa, project manager at South African National Roads Agency, Johannesburg: Mathenjwa discusses the challenges she faced early in her career as a project leader in construction, what changes she’d like to see and her advice to women in the early stages of their project careers. Lorraine Ong, PMP, assistant director, advanced cybersecurity capabilities at Government Technology Agency of Singapore: Ong discusses how she’s seen the gender gap improve in IT, how COVID-19 has affected women leaders in her sector, and how professional organizations can help support women—and help them further their careers. Key themes [00:54] Organizations with women leaders perform better, research shows [01:52] Leadership lessons: Know yourself and build relationships [04:28] Women gaining traction in construction [10:16] The pandemic’s impact on women project leaders in IT [11:20] How mentors, professional organizations can support women—and boost their careers

Feb 23, 2022

Even with disruption and economic uncertainty, the job market for project talent is booming—and it doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon. We discuss the changing world of work and career opportunities for project professionals with: Elton Soares, PMP, electrical engineer and project manager at General Electric, Florianópolis, Brazil: Soares discusses the rise of people-centric leaders, the increase in digital transformation and the growth in the energy sector. Malong Dong, PMP, director of the program management office at Westpac Group, Sydney: Dong discusses how the skills shortage is leading to opportunities for project professionals and the must-have skills they’ll need in 2022. Key themes [00:56] The increasing demand for project talent in 2022—and beyond [02:08] The rise of people-centric project leaders [03:43] Developing skills to lead digital transformation projects [07:21] New project possibilities in the energy sector [09:09] What the skills shortage could mean for project leaders [13:33] Leadership skills for the hybrid work environment

Feb 9, 2022

As digital transformation accelerates, companies may be leaving behind some users: the 1 billion people who experience some form of disability. Whether their project is in gaming or financial services, companies must ensure the digital world is an inclusive one. We discuss this with: Brannon Zahand, senior program manager, gaming accessibility at Microsoft, Seattle: He discusses creating the company’s Game Accessibility Testing Service—one of PMI’s 2021 Most Influential Projects—and increasing representation of the disability community in the gaming industry. Christina Papadimitriou, accessibility specialist and senior digital expert at Atos, Athens: She talks about the ways project leaders can embed accessibility into their projects right from the start and what’s next for digital accessibility. Key themes [02:28] Increasing accessibility awareness [03:48] Building accessibility guidelines for Xbox [07:46] Creating a scalable program to test video games for inclusive design [13:47] Integrating accessibility in processes and products [17:23] How project teams can learn about accessibility [19:36] What’s next in digital accessibility

Jan 26, 2022

The pandemic has healthcare providers pursuing innovation like never before—but they must also ensure those cutting-edge ideas and technologies deliver value to patients. We discuss this with: Antoinette de Bont, dean of the Tilburg School of Social & Behavioral Sciences at Tilburg University, the Netherlands: She discusses the BigMedilytics project—an initiative that aims to bring data science and healthcare together—and how project leaders can help team members collaborate. Christine DeVol, PMP, director of the enterprise project management team at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, USA: She shares how her team—the 2021 PMO of the Year Award winner—pivoted and reprioritized its project portfolio as COVID-19 spread. DeVol also discusses a project to help connect new cancer patients to experts quickly and safely. Key themes [01:34] Exploring new ways to use big data in healthcare [04:41] Improving collaboration [07:22] How data science could transform patient care [09:36] How Moffitt Cancer Center adapted during COVID-19 [15:28] Ensuring innovation delivers value to patients

Dec 29, 2021

As 2021 comes to an end, project leaders are looking back at what they’ve accomplished—and ahead to 2022. Projectified[R] reconnects with guests from the last year to discuss the lessons they’ve learned, the biggest changes they’ve seen, the emerging must-have skills and what lies ahead in the new year. Guests include: Sevi Rich, BHP in Perth, Australia; Kris Sprague, PMP, PgMP, PfMP, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in Tarrytown, New York, USA; Alice Chow, Arup in Hong Kong; Leyla Zelaya, United Nations Environment Programme in San Salvador, El Salvador; and Miguel Monteiro, Emaar in Dubai.

Dec 15, 2021

The financial services sector is evolving—using new technologies to meet changing customer preferences. We discuss the future of fintech with: Michal Raczka, PMP, IT director at mBank, Warsaw, Poland: Raczka discusses how shifting demographics and customer habits are pushing digital transformation in the financial services sector, plus how low-code platforms are helping his teams deliver innovative products. Kimwood Mott, project manager, digital currency implementation at Central Bank of the Bahamas, Nassau: Mott discusses creating Sand Dollar, the first government-backed digital currency—that’s number 5 on our Most Influential Projects list. He talks through how the team built buy-in and his advice to other leaders looking to launch similar projects.

Dec 1, 2021

Change is constant in The Project Economy. That means project leaders must adapt and evolve, too. Our guests discuss how leadership strategies are shifting—and offer hands-on advice for bringing out the best in teams. Tim Munden, chief learning officer and head of employee wellbeing at Unilever in London, discusses the move away from a command-and-control leadership model to one characterized by humility and vulnerability. He also offers tips for creating a more inclusive culture by leaders listening to team members and modeling the behavior they want to see. Plus, three project leaders discuss the changing leadership landscape: Jaspreet Dol, CAPM, PMP, DXC Technology in Manila, the Philippines; Geetha Gopal, PMP, Panasonic in Singapore; and Neeraja Ganesh, Aspire For Her in Bengaluru.

Nov 17, 2021

Buckle up—the world is entering a new era of spaceflight as startup commercial ventures join forces with government agencies. We discuss turning cutting-edge innovation into reality with: Jermey Gajadhar, PMP, program manager at Virgin Galactic, Mojave, California: Gajadhar talks about building a project management foundation at Virgin Galactic, mitigating risk and what’s next for commercial spaceflight. Pierrik Vuilleumier, project manager at the European Space Agency, Noordwijk, the Netherlands: Vuilleumier discusses collaborating with established agencies and space startups on the Sentinel-6 project, and why teams must be ready to adapt and problem solve.

Nov 3, 2021

PMI’s 2021 Most Influential Projects highlights nearly 250 initiatives that deliver serious innovation in everything from healthcare to mobility. We discuss two of those projects with: Josh Katz, founder and CEO of YellowHeart, New York City: Katz discusses how his company collaborated with the Kings of Leon to create a first-of-its-kind NFT package—paving the way for other artists to use the emerging tech. Patrick Omondi, PhD, director, Wildlife Research and Training Institute, Naivasha, Kenya: Omondi discusses how the team overcame the challenges it faced conducting Kenya’s first systematic wildlife census and how the data will be used to protect the country’s wildlife—and its tourism sector.

Oct 20, 2021

Infrastructure projects form the bedrock of modern society­—delivering expressways, clean water supplies, internet access and a bevy of other essentials. Yet project leaders must also ensure these initiatives deliver value now—and for decades to come. We discuss this with: Innocentia Mahlangu, PMP, senior civil engineer and project manager at Hatch, Johannesburg: Mahlangu discusses the socioeconomic impact of infrastructure projects, the need for meaningful stakeholder engagement and future-proofing for long-term value. Casey Canfield, PhD, assistant professor, engineering management and systems engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla, Missouri, USA: Canfield discusses how COVID-19 heightened awareness of the need for digital infrastructure, the pilot project she’s leading to expand broadband access in rural areas and how she’s measuring social impact.

Oct 6, 2021

As the world grapples with the effects of climate change, consumers are increasingly interested in electric vehicles (EVs). And that means lots of projects, not just to deliver cool new products, but also the underlying infrastructure that supports them. We discuss e-mobility trends with: Gaurav Batra, global advanced manufacturing and mobility analyst team leader at EY in New Delhi: Batra discusses how the pandemic—and climate change—shifted EV adoption rates, and the role of government leaders in boosting the EV ecosystem. Dan O’Shea, director of utility strategy and business development, EV infrastructure at ABB in Seattle: O’Shea talks about what’s needed to build out EV charging infrastructure and how projects leaders can adapt to the industry’s rapid rate of innovation.

Sep 22, 2021

Data fuels collaboration and innovation—but it can also be a vulnerability. That means project leaders must keep security and risk top of mind—at all times. We discuss this with: Tim Hurley, PMP, cybersecurity project manager, Sempra, San Diego, California: Hurley discusses why teams must address security concerns early—and often—and offers his advice to project leaders on how to keep data secure. Maxine Holt, senior research director, cybersecurity at Omdia, London: Holt talks about the cybersecurity practices organizations should be implementing and why teams need to analyze cyber risks—as well as their potential impact.

Sep 8, 2021

With disruption a near constant, project leaders must be able to solve complex problems in uncertain situations. We discuss this with: Raquel Selem Moreira, design and innovation project manager at Pierre Fabre Group, Rio de Janeiro: Selem Moreira talks about breaking down complexity on projects and using design thinking to deliver innovative solutions. Marianna Sarmiento, assistant director of administration at Riverside County Department of Public Social Services, Riverside, California, USA: Sarmiento shares how she’s using PMI’s Wicked Problem Solving framework to take her team virtual.

Aug 25, 2021

When the pandemic hit, many hallmarks of city life—public transportation, skyscrapers with shared amenities, bustling streets—flipped from pros to cons. But don’t count cities out. We discuss how project teams are reimagining the urban environment with: Jun Huang, partner, Wei Yang & Partners, London: Huang discusses the aspects of urban life most strained during the pandemic—and how cities can change in response. He also shares ways project leaders can best collaborate with multiple stakeholders to keep citizen needs at the forefront. Zhengkai Jiang, PMP, senior project manager, CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co. Ltd., Zhuzhou, China: Jiang discusses rail transit trends and his project to design and manufacture fully autonomous trains. Soo-Jin Kim, head of the urban policies and reviews unit, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Paris: Kim discusses how cities can become more sustainable, walkable and resilient, plus how digital transformation is changing urban life. Key themes [01:13] The growth—and evolution—of cities [03:33] COVID-19’s stress test on urban life [06:15] Urban development trends: creating sustainable, inspiring cities [09:15] Collaborating with stakeholders while keeping citizens’ needs at the forefront [12:18] Next-gen public transit: autonomous rail [17:04] Three steps for a more resilient city [19:15] Urban digital transformations [20:54] Making cities more adaptable, walkable and eco-friendly

Aug 11, 2021

In today’s competitive world of work, career-focused project leaders are learning to set themselves apart from the pack with a strong personal brand story. We discuss branding tips and tricks with: Pascale Sablan, associate at Adjaye Associates, and founder and executive director of Beyond the Built Environment LLC, both in New York City: Sablan shares how she created—and redefined—her personal brand and how it influences her thinking on projects. Jon Michail, founder and group CEO of Image Group International, Melbourne: Michail offers advice for project leaders on building and marketing their personal brand—and the ROI they can expect. Key themes [00:21] Everyone has a personal brand—and can market it [01:46] Conveying your mission and values in personal branding [05:25] Using your personal brand as a guidepost [10:03] Showcasing your value in a changing world of work [11:55] Personal branding tips for project leaders

Jul 28, 2021

The pandemic has drastically changed the way many people live and work—and also brought a new focus on mental health. What does that mean for project teams? We discuss the issue with: Carrie Fletcher, PMP, vice president, people and experience at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto: She discusses how a healthy staff can boost company performance, the signs a team member may be struggling with mental health issues, and the challenges and rewards of her own organization’s initiative to support employee well-being. Aga Swiatowa, PMP, vice president, technology and innovation at Discovery Inc., Wrocław, Poland: She discusses how project leaders can improve their teams’—and their own—mental health, connect with virtual and hybrid teams, and help team members returning to work after mental health leave. Key themes [00:17] The growing focus on mental health in the workplace [04:30] How a healthy staff improves company performance [07:10] Rolling out a mental health program across an enterprise [15:05] Signs a team member may be struggling with mental health issues [18:46] Check-ins with virtual or hybrid teams [20:03] Supporting a team member returning from mental health leave

Jul 14, 2021

Fueled by bold thinking and a deep commitment to social impact, a new generation of leaders is out to build a better world. PMI Future 50 leaders both past and present discuss how young people are changing the world of projects. The episode includes a conversation between Ackeem Ngwenya, co-founder of Reframd in Berlin, and Julissa Mateo Abad, PMP, digital transformation manager at Distribuidora Corripio in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The two discuss social impact, inclusion and other shifts they see on the project landscape. Teen inventor Gitanjali Rao also drops by to discuss her iterative process of innovation, building credibility as a young woman in STEM and her advice on how people can create positive change—no matter their age. Key themes [01:13] Future 50: Young project leaders making their mark [05:05] Driving change and inclusion [08:13] A new, more collaborative leadership style [16:50] Taking an iterative approach to innovation [18:10] Age versus ability: Proving leaders can make a difference at any age

Jun 30, 2021

From digital twins to 3D printing, cutting-edge tech is disrupting the construction industry. Guests are: Miguel Monteiro, project director, Besix, Dubai: Monteiro discusses how technology is helping improve efficiency and safety on the Uptown Tower project. He also talks about how project leaders can encourage teams to try out new tech and how to measure ROI. Matt Gough, director of innovation, Mace, London: Gough discusses how changing government regulations and COVID-19 accelerated the growth of tech in construction. He also talks about the importance of creating a culture that’s open to technology and innovation. Key themes [01:16] Increased investment in tech on construction projects [02:24] How tech is improving efficiency on Uptown Tower [05:43] Helping project teams accept, adopt new tech in construction [09:24] Measuring the ROI of tech [12:41] New government regulations accelerate digitization in construction [16:39] Using tech to minimize the need to be on-site [19:09] How to encourage tech innovation on construction teams

Jun 16, 2021

On Projectified ®’s 100th episode, we hit the fast-forward button to see what The Project Economy might look like over the next decade. One thing is clear: Our changing world demands a new kind of leader. Guests are: Marcelo Tocci, PMP, commercial aviation, program management office and deputy program director, Embraer, São Paulo: Tocci discusses the need for future-focused project leaders to concentrate on innovation and delivering value to society as well as the bottom line. He also talks about adapting to change with hybrid—using the right approach for the right project. Kris Sprague, PMP, PgMP, PfMP, head of clinical project planning and scheduling at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, New York, USA: Sprague discusses the increased demand for project talent, and how he sees remote work, artificial intelligence and automation shifting traditional ways of working. He also shares how he sees next-gen leaders putting a greater focus on a project’s social and environmental impact. Key themes [01:11] High demand for project talent [02:20] Project leaders to be more digital, innovative and outcome-focused [04:12] A changing world of work demands adaptability and agility [10:32] Trends to watch: Remote work, artificial intelligence [18:07] How younger people are changing how projects are led

Jun 9, 2021

Few project leaders saw COVID-19 coming. That points to a new mindset required to identify, manage and mitigate risks throughout the project life cycle. Gone are the days of a risk register dutifully filled out and then tucked away in a desk drawer. Guests are: Michael O’Connor, PhD, PMP, PgMP, director, strategy and project management at Medtronic, Minneapolis: O’Connor talks about building risk management into projects from the start and communicating risk across the enterprise. Ernest Seto, PMI-RMP, PMP, project manager, Linde Engineering, Munich: Seto discusses emerging risks teams should consider as well as how companies can create a culture of risk resilience. Key themes [00:56] The new risk landscape [01:50] Mitigating risk with leadership and planning [05:57] Creating a culture of always-on risk awareness [10:16] Building risk resilience [11:49] Establishing processes to track and manage risk [14:52] Making project teams more resilient to risk

May 26, 2021

More than a year ago, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. Today, vaccines are rolling out, and it’s up to governments working with project teams to get shots into arms quickly, safely, efficiently and equitably. Our guest is Kate Elder from Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF). She discusses how the group’s teams are working with governments to administer COVID-19 vaccines, pushing for global vaccine equity and diversifying vaccine production. Key themes [01:19] COVID-19 vaccine campaigns are underway—but there’s still work to do [03:52] How MSF works around the challenges of vaccine distribution [05:55] Advocating for COVID-19 vaccine equity [08:41] Diversifying vaccine manufacturing [10:49] Pushing for innovation and knowledge sharing

May 12, 2021

Artificial intelligence is officially part of the mainstream, sparking big changes across industries. But do companies have the talent they need to truly make the most of the technology? Guests are: Manolis Koubarakis, project coordinator, ExtremeEarth, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece: Koubarakis discusses building the team behind the environmental tracking project and the challenges of executing large-scale AI. Snehanshu Mitra, CEO, center of excellence, data science and AI, NASSCOM, Bengaluru: Mitra discusses the must-have skills for project leaders working with AI and how companies are working to solve the AI talent gap. Key themes [01:50] Building the ExtremeEarth project team [04:23] Aligning skills to projects [06:49] Challenges: Finding the right data and project talent [10:23] Must-have skills for AI project leaders [11:49] The AI talent gap and how to solve it [16:06] Starting small and preparing data

Apr 21, 2021

The climate crisis is one of the world’s greatest threats—and project leaders around the globe are stepping in, helping mitigate its effects with ambitious and innovative initiatives. Guests are: Dan Balaban, co-founder, president and CEO, Greengate Power, Calgary, Alberta, Canada: Balaban discusses the Travers Solar Project—one of the world’s largest solar-power initiatives—and why teams must be nimble, innovative and forward-looking in the fast-changing renewable energy sector, and how battery storage could be a gamechanger for the industry. Leyla Zelaya, national coordinator, CityAdapt, U.N. Environment Programme, San Salvador, El Salvador: Zelaya discusses how nature-based solutions can help cities reduce the damage of climate change, the importance of involving local stakeholders and why project leaders should consider climate change on every initiative. Key themes [00:59] How project leaders are fighting climate change [02:01] Developing one of the world’s largest solar-power projects [05:38] Building flexibility into the Travers Solar Project [09:01] The next gamechanger in renewable energy? Battery storage [10:04] Using nature-based solutions to mitigate effects of climate change [12:23] Collaborating with local stakeholders [15:45] Why climate change should be considered on any project

Apr 7, 2021

COVID-19 has forever changed how—and where—people work. Some people are returning to the office, while others are remaining remote or adopting a new hybrid style. And it’s up to designers to reimagine offices in ways that encourage collaboration and innovation, no matter where team members are. Guests are: Todd Heiser, principal and co-managing director, Gensler Chicago: Heiser discusses designing offices as places where people come together, the growing focus on health and well-being in workplaces, and integrating technology. Kahn Yoon, director, international projects, M Moser Associates, Singapore: Yoon discusses how companies are using office design to drive cultural change. He also talks about how the pandemic fueled interest in biophilia, air quality and touchless tech. Key themes [01:10] COVID-19’s impact on where and how people work [02:35] Designing offices with choice and health in mind [05:30] Creating workspaces where both in-person and virtual work can thrive [14:49] Driving cultural change through design [18:07] The lasting focus on well-being, from air quality to biophilic design [20:23] The ROI of office design

Mar 24, 2021

As many people head back to the office, they’ll return to a different world: one where remote work—at least part of the time—could be business as usual for many teams. Project leaders discuss how they led virtual teams during the COVID crisis and how they’ll adapt lessons learned to the new work ecosystem. Guests are: Marco De Santis, PMP, project management office digital transformation manager, Telecom Italia Mobile, Rome: De Santis discusses how he’s tried to lead with empathy and flexibility during the pandemic and how leaders can adjust to a hybrid model of remote work. Kush Dhillon, senior engagement manager, Capgemini, London: Dhillon talks about how leaders and team members should collaborate to create their own vision for the future of work—whether teams are in the office, working from home or both. Darrian White, vice president, IT, PFU America Inc., Sunnyvale, California, USA: White discusses how working with PMTraining.com prior to the pandemic helped set him—and his team—up for success. Key themes [01:07] Returning to the office in a changing world of work [02:51] Leading teams with empathy, flexibility and creativity [07:33] Hybrid models of work [09:38] Leaning on—and improving—power skills [15:41] Leaders and team members creating the future of work together [17:06] Understanding project responsibilities, expectations can help virtual teams

Mar 10, 2021

As the world marks International Women’s Day this week, Projectified ® spoke with two women project leaders making their mark in traditionally male-dominated sectors: cybersecurity and mining. Guests are: Kat Megas, PMP, cybersecurity for Internet of Things program manager, National Institute of Standards and Technology, McLean, Virginia, USA: Megas discusses leading projects in cybersecurity, how women communicate differently—but no less decisively—than men and her hope that different leadership styles are recognized rather than females having to fit an existing mold. Sevi Rich, senior portfolio manager, project development, BHP, Perth, Australia: Rich discusses the ways companies can improve gender equity and how she’s helping BHP recruit and retain women in mining. She also discusses solutions for working women, such as seeking out both male and female mentors, and companies offering more flexible work schedules. Key themes [01:14] COVID-19’s toll on working women [03:47] Male versus female communication styles [06:48] Supporting future women leaders in cybersecurity [10:51] Recruiting and retaining women leaders in mining [13:28] The value of having male and female mentors

Feb 24, 2021

When project management office (PMO) leaders help define strategy, they can deliver more value. Guests include: Katitja Molele, PMP, strategy and innovation PMO manager, Africa operating unit for The Coca-Cola Co., Johannesburg, South Africa: Molele talks about how PMOs are evolving and how actively engaging PMO leaders in crafting strategy helps companies turn ideas into reality. Tom Kuczynski, vice president, IT, DC Water, Washington, D.C., USA: Kuczynski discusses how he helped build—and evolve—the organization’s IT PMO, winner of the 2020 PMO of the Year Award. He also outlines how he and the team look beyond basic on-time and on-budget metrics to whether the project achieved its intended benefits. Key themes [00:58] PMOs helping craft strategy can deliver more value [02:02] The PMO’s role in turning ideas into reality [03:40] Defining value to better meet business goals [06:33] Building DC Water’s IT PMO [11:53] Measuring success

Feb 10, 2021

Five megatrends are reshaping The Project Economy, fundamentally altering how we live, work and play. We talk to project leaders taking on these trends through projects: Farhad Abdollahyan, PMI-RMP, PMP, head of the project management office at the U.N. Office for Project Services in Niger, discusses the group’s infrastructure projects aimed at bolstering the country’s economy. He talks though how the organization measures these projects’ outputs and impact, and how it engages with partners to increase efficiency. Rob Wilhite, senior vice president and director of global distributed energy at U.S. construction giant Black & Veatch, shares how he’s seen COVID-19 accelerate projects to battle climate change in the energy sector as well as AI’s growing role in infrastructure and engineering projects. Key themes [02:21] Investing in infrastructure to bolster Niger’s economy [06:23] Measuring project outputs as well as outcomes and impact [08:51] How partners contribute to success [11:18] How COVID-19 is fueling projects to address climate change in the energy sector [12:55] AI’s role in infrastructure, engineering projects

Jan 27, 2021

The citizen development revolution has arrived. With low- and no-code platforms, more people can quickly learn how to build apps—without waiting for the IT department. Arjun Jamnadass, managing director at FTI Consulting in London, discusses how citizen development can reduce the burden on IT teams and deliver the solutions teams need more quickly. Christian Peverelli, co-founder of WeAreNoCode in Los Angeles, talks about empowering citizen developers and how organizations can make the most of the movement. Key themes [01:05] The growth of citizen development [03:26] Delivering value by quickly creating solutions [06:08] Recognizing citizen development as another way to deliver projects [07:59] Empowering nontechnical team members [11:08] Rethinking agile with low- or no-code platforms [13:19] Training citizen developers

Jan 13, 2021

The pandemic has fundamentally shifted how people work. While some sectors and regions struggle, others are full of activity. So what does that mean for project leaders and their careers in 2021? Alice Chow, a director at engineering giant Arup in Hong Kong, China, discusses what she’s seeing on the post-COVID jobs landscape. She also explains why project leaders should strengthen their listening skills. Lindsay Scott, co-founder of Arras People in London, shares her outlook on job hot spots for this year. The career columnist for PM Network also talks about how project leaders can align their personal risk appetite with career opportunities. Key themes [01:04] Uncertainty and opportunity in 2021 [02:32] The 2021 outlook [04:38] Improving listening skills to better address clients’ needs [07:46] Analyzing personal risk: Seeking safety or new opportunities in adversity [12:08] The world of work post-COVID-19

Jan 4, 2021

Wildfires are a devastating, natural phenomenon. But as climate change makes the world hotter and drier, the threat has intensified. Following megafires on Australia’s Kangaroo Island and in the Pantanal in Brazil, project teams got to work helping animals and looking at ways to future-proof their increasingly fragile ecosystems. Rafael Hoogesteijn, jaguar program conflict director at Panthera in Porto Jofre, Brazil, discusses how teams collaborated with the government and local community stakeholders to help the jaguar population as wildfires raged in the Pantanal. Pat Hodgens, fauna ecologist at Kangaroo Island Land for Wildlife in Kingscote, Australia, talks about how teams are collaborating on the Kangaroo Island recovery, an effort that made PMI’s 2020 list of Most Influential Projects. He shares details on his team’s efforts to aid a small marsupial native to the island after its habitat was burned in the bushfires. Key themes [01:12] Wildfires: A growing threat around the globe [03:08] Teams, firefighters & military work together to fight Pantanal wildfires [07:04] Partnering with the community to help jaguars [12:10] Initiatives to help the Kangaroo Island dunnart [16:29] Lessons Learned: Act fast and put resources toward wildfire prevention

Dec 16, 2020

Virtual learning was already a high-growth sector, but that was nothing compared to skyrocketing usage among children shut out of schools by the pandemic in 2020. While there have been promising results, there’s still plenty of room for improvement. Mac Glovinsky, global program manager at UNICEF, talks about how his team accelerated the growth of Learning Passport, a virtual education program that’s ranked number 3 on PMI’s 2020 list of Most Influential Projects. He also shares how despite increased digitalization, there’s still a need for humans to be involved in online learning. Boye Oshinaga, co-founder and CEO at Gradely, discusses the project to create the online learning platform and how the team blends virtual learning with in-person instruction. And virtual learning isn't just for students—project leaders can use online tools and classes to upskill, too. Tony Byrnes, PMP, director of program management at Altice USA, discusses how PMTraining.com’s live online training classes helped prepare him and his team for the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification exam. Key themes [00:58] Virtual learning: Promising results with room to grow [02:19] Accelerating and expanding UNICEF’s Learning Passport [07:50] The future of edtech: Delivering access as well as learning [12:19] Working with teachers to create online lessons [15:39] Blending virtual learning and in-person instruction [19:00] Using online learning for professional development

Dec 2, 2020

Projects have the power to not only benefit business but society as a whole. But to achieve positive social impact, the same strategic mindset behind the drive for bottom-line results must be applied to ensure projects create a better world. TED@PMI speaker and marketing consultant Khulan Batkhuyag discusses how keeping things simple can help teams be agile and how her visits with Mongolian nomads changed her views on sustainability and her approach to projects. Okka Phyo Maung, co-founder, CFO and CMO at RecyGlo, shares how the Myanmar startup is using tech to reduce pollution in waterways through better waste management and data analytics. He also talks about how his company is helping make the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals a reality. Key themes [01:10] Seeking positive social impact isn’t just the right thing—it’s also the smart thing to do [03:36] Keeping things simple to increase agility [06:28] Sustainability: Developing something that’s resilient [09:54] Consider the social impact of your work [12:43] Pursuing positive social impact through data [14:44] Why the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals are so important Projects have the power to not only benefit business but society as a whole. But to achieve positive social impact, the same strategic mindset behind the drive for bottom-line results must be applied to ensure projects create a better world. TED@PMI speaker and marketing consultant Khulan Batkhuyag discusses how keeping things simple can help teams be agile and how her visits with Mongolian nomads changed her views on sustainability and her approach to projects. Okka Phyo Maung, co-founder, CFO and CMO at RecyGlo, shares how the Myanmar startup is using tech to reduce pollution in waterways through better waste management and data analytics. He also talks about how his company is helping make the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals a reality. Key themes [01:10] Seeking positive social impact isn’t just the right thing—it’s also the smart thing to do [03:36] Keeping things simple to increase agility [06:28] Sustainability: Developing something that’s resilient [09:54] Consider the social impact of your work [12:43] Pursuing positive social impact through data [14:44] Why the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals are so important

Nov 18, 2020

PMI’s 2020 Most Influential Projects highlights more than 250 bold, breakthrough efforts—spanning sectors and continents. Guests discuss three of those initiatives: Hugh Lawson, project director at Sydney Metro in Sydney, discusses how the massive project will transform transportation in the city and how COVID-19 created opportunities to challenge long-held assumptions. César García Marirrodriga, project manager at the European Space Agency in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, shares what scientists hope to learn about the heliosphere from the Solar Orbiter’s seven-year mission. Rob Wright, of Public Services and Procurement Canada, talks about how the project team created a long-term vision with built-in flexibility for a multiyear restoration of Parliament Hill in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Key themes [00:56] PMI’s 2020 Most Influential Projects [02:24] Sydney Metro to bring new ways to move around the city [04:43] Challenging long-held assumptions and finding opportunities in COVID-19 [07:00] Sydney Metro transforming transportation for years to come [09:31] Solar Orbiter: Unlocking secrets of the sun [12:25] Creating a long-term vision with built-in flexibility for Parliament Hill Rehabilitation [15:03] Using Centre Block as an apex project to drive strategy [17:37] Lesson learned: Bring construction and design together on day one

Nov 4, 2020

Command and control leadership is losing ground to a new style—one that emphasizes creativity, resilience, authenticity and a willingness to reach out for help. Two TED@PMI speakers discuss the must-have skills of the modern leader. Billy Samuel Mwape, PMP, assistant information and communications technology manager at Development Bank of Zambia in Lusaka, discusses resilience and letting team members make mistakes. He also talks about a very personal project: unifying a team of therapists in response to his son’s diagnosis of cerebral palsy. Chiwuike Amaechi, PMP, principal subsea intervention engineer at Shell Nigeria Exploration & Production Co. in Lagos, Nigeria, discusses the power of storytelling and shares how he uses the skill to drive home the points he wants to make to his team. Key themes [01:17] Leaders wielding creativity, empathy and resilience [02:46] Traits of resilience: Know the roadmap and be transparent [07:01] How uncertainty drives creativity [12:19] Using storytelling to unite teams [14:20] The role of listening for storytellers [16:06] When crafting stories, reflect and be deliberate

Oct 21, 2020

Innovation in the healthcare sector takes time—with companies devoting long hours to research and clinical trials while adapting to regulatory changes along the way. Leo Rapallini at Medtronic in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA discusses how his team upgraded the world’s smallest pacemaker for a bigger share of the market. He talks about how company culture and a passionate, multidisciplinary team helped the organization deliver disruptive innovation. Andy Molnar at UVD Robots in Boston, Massachusetts, USA shares how the company scaled up to meet a global increase in demand for its autonomous disinfection robot. He also discusses how he sees bots helping humans do more strategic work in healthcare. Key themes [02:16] Staging development: Starting pacemaker innovation with the Micra VR [06:08] Micra AV: Giving a tiny pacemaker an upgrade [08:25] Company culture, passionate team key to disruptive innovation [12:07] COVID-19 shines spotlight on sanitation across industries [14:13] How UVD Robots scaled up to meet spike in demand [19:06] Robots not taking over—helping humans do value-added work in healthcare

Oct 7, 2020

India is at a crossroads, a moment that may determine whether its economy can grow fast enough to support its rising population. To survive—and thrive—will require new ways of thinking. Rachna Singh, IT deployment program manager at Amazon in Bengaluru, discusses how the IT business has changed in India over the course of her career, what lies ahead—and the skills project professionals need to succeed in the sector. Ankur Jain, founder and CEO at Bira 91 in New Delhi, talks about some of the challenges he’s faced while scaling up his craft brewery and how cross-functional teams are helping his company innovate. Key themes [01:14] A time of growth in India [03:03] Change of mindset and innovation in IT [05:40] Focusing on communication, risk and technical skills [08:06] Bringing craft brewing to India [13:43] How cross-functional teams help Bira 91 innovate

Sep 29, 2020

There’s a lot riding on the future of food—our personal health, the health of our environment and the growing issue of food security. One potentially promising solution? Plant-based foods. Giulia Braghieri, head of growth and expansion at NotCo, discusses how the Chilean company uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to create plant-based versions of food staples like mayonnaise, milk and more. She also talks about how NotCo uses agile to turn the founder’s ideas into reality. Troy Swope, co-founder and CEO of Footprint, discusses plant-based packaging for food. He shares how each project pushes the U.S. company to innovate and iterate its products. Key Themes [00:56] The plant revolution in the food industry [03:00] Using AI, machine learning to create plant-based food [07:26] Using agile to turn ideas into reality [10:45] Effect of consumer climate awareness on the food industry [12:51] From microprocessors to food: Creating plant-based food packaging [15:48] Focusing on customers and their products

Sep 9, 2020

Innovation separates the leaders from the laggards. While there’s no surefire path to the kind of breakthrough creative thinking that leads to the next big thing, organizations are on the prowl for ways to spark innovation. Vidhya Abhijith is the co-founder of Codewave Technologies in Bengaluru, India. The PMI Future 50 leader talks about the link between design thinking and innovation, and how team members can push one another to think differently. Yuri Bartzis, innovation manager at Pomerleau in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, discusses how the company’s innovation teams seek out new technologies and working processes. He also talks about one of the innovation team’s pilot projects with Spot, an autonomous robotic canine. Key themes [00:42] Building cultures to spark innovation [03:19] How design thinking can help deliver innovative solutions [04:06] Stakeholders, team members, customers—all can share innovative ideas [08:10] Innovation initiatives to embrace new tech, work processes [10:48] Testing Spot, the autonomous robot, on a project site [12:26] Buy-in from upper management key to embrace innovation

Aug 26, 2020

The World Bank estimates 1 billion people experience some form of disability. That means accessibility must be built into how teams approach every project—helping them deliver more value to everyone. Kathryn Rutkowski, PMP, senior program manager, Atlassian, Sydney, Australia, discusses how bringing in experts can help bring an accessibility sensibility to project teams. She also talks about designing projects with accessibility customers in mind to create a better experience for everyone. Matt Ligas, principal, Michael Graves Architecture & Design, Washington, D.C., USA, discusses a project to build accessible homes for military families and how feedback from the homes’ occupants has influenced design decisions. He also shares how architects play a key role in keeping an accessibility focus on projects. Key themes [00:57] Increased awareness, legislation for accessibility [02:36] Building accessible sensibility into project teams [06:01] Design thinking: Think of accessibility customers as people with difficulties, not disabilities [08:07] Pushing Atlassian’s accessibility program forward [10:02] Making accessibility standard on projects, products [11:34] Personal experience puts focus on accessible design [13:29] Customer-focused design on Accessible Military Housing project [17:21] State of accessibility: We’re doing better than ever, but there’s still work to be done

Aug 12, 2020

Without a permanent physical office, digital nomads are leading projects as they travel the world. Ott Vatter, managing director of the e-Residency program in the Republic of Estonia in Tallinn, Estonia, discusses how the project helped create a community for digital nomads. Christina Nguyen, PMP, strategy practice leader for Global Professional & Field Services, Dell Technologies, Austin, Texas, USA, talks about leading a project portfolio as a digital nomad. She also shares the lessons she learned and how the experience changed how she leads projects and teams. Plus, the value of online upskilling. Matt Koch, PMP, vice president and director of operations for the federal business unit at Atkins North America, shares how his team benefited from the online courses at PMTraining.com Key themes [03:28] The need for community among digital nomads [07:29] Discovering the “new normal” of the digital nomad lifestyle [10:17] Building connections through empathy [11:54] New challenges of remote working during COVID-19 [15:21] Remote upskilling through PMTraining.com

Jul 29, 2020

The world’s historic and cultural sites connect us to human history. Projects to preserve or restore these sites must be handled with care. Ray Pepi, president and founder of Building Conservation Associates in New York, New York, USA, talks about managing priorities of preserving a building’s cultural and historical significance while also setting it up for continued use. He also discusses how he sees structural conservation changing in the future. Kacey Hadick, director of project development at CyArk in Oakland, California, USA, talks about working with teams around the world to digitally document cultural heritage sites under their care, the challenges these teams face and how they can use the data in the short term as well as in the future. Key themes [02:40] Preserving history with the future in mind [03:58] Importance of research in restoring or conserving cultural properties [08:14] Future of historic preservation and sustainability [09:24] Digitally documenting cultural heritage sites and on-site problem-solving [11:43] Using data to call for action in Rapa Nui [15:13] How teams can use digital documentation now and in the future

Jul 15, 2020

A new generation of leaders is creating, transforming and defining The Project Economy. Meet a few members of PMI’s Future 50, a group of rising project leaders who are making their mark with bold thinking—and innovative projects. Kenneth Harris II, senior satellite engineer, Joint Polar Satellite System, NASA, Greenbelt, Maryland, USA, talks about his career journey and the future of project teams and STEM talent. Geetha Gopal, PMP, senior infrastructure projects manager, Panasonic Asia Pacific, Singapore, discusses the value of data, embracing AI and machine learning, and creating change within organizations. Miishe Addy, co-founder and CEO, Jetstream Africa, Accra, Ghana, shares how her organization focused on customers while digitizing logistics and connecting African supply chains. And PM Network® writer Tegan Jones discusses how this youthquake is reshaping the future and accelerating innovation in the project world. Key themes [00:50] The Future 50: Rising young project leaders transforming The Project Economy [02:52] Passion for the cutting-edge and family inspiration at NASA [05:32] All leaders are different [06:30] Focus on the future: More specialized project teams and the next generation of STEM talent [08:09] AI, machine learning and their value to organizations [10:30] Create change by gaining management support, evaluating resistance and listening [12:27] Taking the entrepreneurial spirit from the U.S. to Ghana [14:13] Customer focus in digitizing logistics, creating supply chains [17:27] Organizations moving from perfection to continuous learning and innovation [21:06] Putting the focus on results, not ego

Jul 1, 2020

What skills will help project leaders succeed in times of uncertainty? As organizations pivot and deploy virtual teams, collaborative, engaging leaders are steering their teams to success. Penny Pullan, PhD, PMP, founder, Making Projects Work Ltd., Loughborough, England, says when you’re working virtually, command and control doesn’t work. She shares the value of facilitative leadership and the importance of building a team culture and relationships when leading virtual teams. Luiz Dias, PMP, PgMP, head of digital, portfolio transformation, Department for Work and Pensions in the United Kingdom, Newcastle, England, discusses how he and his teams have added daily standups and opened more lines of communication during COVID-19. He also shares how keeping a calm, positive attitude can help when leading teams in uncertain times. Key Themes [02:08] Leading virtual teams with facilitative leadership [04:02] Creating a culture for virtual teams [05:28] Building relationships with your team members [08:43] Communication more important than ever in COVID-19 [11:39] Being open to reinvention and keeping a calm, positive attitude [13:25] Characteristics of a great leader: compassionate, concerned for team members and confident

Jun 17, 2020

Diverse project teams deliver value. A team that offers a wide variety of mindsets and skill sets will outperform the competition, as members challenge one another and approach problems from new angles. That often leads to innovation. Blair Taylor, partner, Workforce of the Future, PwC, Seattle, Washington, USA, says diversity unlocks potential. It yields better business results, and diverse teams create personal connections between people. He also discusses how he believes empathy—associative and acquired—is the missing ingredient to see more progress in diversity, equity and inclusion. Annice Joseph, co-lead, Inclusive Career Journeys, SAP, Bengaluru, India, shares how cross-generational teams bring innovation, creativity and group wisdom to projects. She also talks about how SAP’s cross-generation mentoring initiative has helped managers learn and change their behavior on their own teams. Key Themes [02:27] Diversity yields better business results, sends a message about an organization’s values and stimulates personal connections [06:16] Empathy—associative and acquired—is often a missing ingredient [11:05] Fostering a diverse environment and recruiting diverse talent [13:36] Multigenerational teams bring innovation, creativity and group wisdom [15:04] Changing behavior through SAP’s cross-generation mentoring initiative [17:02] Creating teams with skills and talent from across an organization

Jun 3, 2020

In the coronavirus pandemic, following the wrong information could be a fatal error. That’s why fact-checking organizations are delivering projects to separate truth from rumors. Silvia Cavasola, project manager, Pagella Politica, Milan, Italy, shares how teams from multiple organizations are working together to create a chatbot to answer COVID-19 questions. She also talks about the chatbot’s potential to create a closer relationship between readers and fact-checking platforms. Itziar Bernaola, director, Newtral Educación, Madrid, Spain, says her organization is facing an increasing number of fact verification requests due to COVID-19. Bernaola shares how she’s leading her team through a stressful time and discusses an automation project to help fact-checkers verify coronavirus information faster. Key Themes [02:05] Expanding fact-checking beyond the political world to include nonpolitical, coronavirus misinformation [03:50] Project of necessity: A chatbot for COVID-19 queries [07:27] Creating a relationship between readers and fact-checking platforms [09:27] Leading a team with an increased workload in a stressful time [12:46] Using automation to verify information

May 20, 2020

The world of business will look different after COVID-19, setting the stage for project professionals to lead the way into the next normal. Lindsay Scott, PM Network career columnist and co-founder of Arras People, London, England, shares how skills development—including certifications and specialized training—and maintaining your professional network can help project professionals prepare for the competitive job market to come. She also talks about how young project leaders can find their voices and bring their perspectives to help create change. Mike DePrisco, vice president, global experience & solutions, PMI, Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, USA, talks about the online version of the Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification exam. Also: three free courses from PMI to help project leaders continue their professional development from home. Key themes [01:58] Prepare for competitive job market by developing skills, maintaining professional network [08:34] Using certifications, specialized training to stand out from other applicants [11:58] The value of servant leadership [15:40] Young project professionals finding their voice, bringing their perspectives to create change [17:56] PMP certification exam now available online [23:22] Free courses, digital resources from PMI to upskill while working from home [25:26] Project professionals can help world recover after COVID-19

May 6, 2020

The coronavirus pandemic has highlighted the importance of risk management. David Hillson, PhD, PMI Fellow, founder of The Risk Doctor Partnership, Petersfield, England, discusses identifying and analyzing risk in innovative and novel situations. Dr. Hillson says COVID-19 isn’t currently a risk—it’s a problem—and the risk management task is to look at the uncertainties that could come next. Mohamad ElHelaly, PMI-PBA, PMI-RMP, PMP, assistant project manager at Orascom Construction, Cairo, Egypt, shares his top lesson learned from previous projects: Change is inevitable. He also talks about how risk management shouldn’t work in a silo and should be integrated into project processes and decisions. Key themes [02:11] Identifying, analyzing risk in innovative scenarios [03:39] Risk’s effect on objectives, managing threats and opportunities [06:00] Look for uncertainties to come from COVID-19 [11:35] Flexibility, resilience in society, organizations, projects and people [13:36] Lesson learned: Change is inevitable; you must adapt [16:23] Integrating risk management into all project processes

Apr 22, 2020

On Earth Day, ProjectifiedTM looks at projects to preserve the planet. Devan Wardwell, director of growth at Forest Carbon in Jakarta, Indonesia, discusses a project to restore peatlands. He also talks about using satellite data and sensors to monitor the project’s progress and make data-driven decisions. Michael Sweet, PhD, a researcher at the University of Derby in Derby, England, and an officer of the International Coral Reef Society, discusses two projects aimed at restoring coral reefs—one focused on abandoned fishing gear, the other, a physical restoration project. He also shares the challenges facing coral rehabilitation projects, including disease and rising sea temperatures. Key themes [03:03] Restoring peatlands in Indonesia [06:30] Satellite data, sensors help project teams make data-driven decisions [11:34] Helping coral reefs by removing abandoned fishing gear and physical restoration projects [14:36] Challenges to coral rehabilitation projects

Apr 15, 2020

The Project Economy calls for a new look at the structure and dynamics of project teams. Ingrid Smith, head of PMI’s Thought Leadership in London, England, shares the power skills that will help teams succeed. She also discusses the importance of empathy while working on virtual teams and how ready-for-anything teams are agile, collaborative and put the customer first. Peter Moutsatsos, PMP, chief project officer at Telstra in Melbourne, Australia, shares how the organization’s shift to agile at scale has improved team flexibility and changed the focus to measuring outcomes. He also says teams should be created to fit a particular project challenge. Key themes [01:53] Using power skills to succeed in The Project Economy [05:22] Ready-for-anything teams are agile, collaborative and put the customer first [07:12] Empathy’s importance in virtual teams [09:42] Creating greater team flexibility through agile at scale at Telstra [13:56] Shifting sponsors to drive teams [19:30] Building the right teams for particular project challenges

Apr 8, 2020

With arenas being built across the world and industry revenues on the rise, esports is leveling up. Joe Marsh, CEO of T1 Entertainment & Sports in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA, discusses two major esports construction projects. The first is the headquarters for T1 Entertainment & Sports in Seoul, South Korea, which will be a space for the organization, gamers and fans. The second is the Fusion Arena, which is being built specifically for esports in Philadelphia. TL Frasqueri-Molina, PMP, project management office lead and lead project manager in the broadcast technology group, esports, at Activision Blizzard in Pasadena, California, USA, talks about the growth of the esports industry, with larger companies entering the space and wider audience reach. She also shares how collaboration and clear communication across multiple teams is critical in launching esports leagues. Key themes [03:31] Creating a facility for an org, gamers and fans [06:50] Building an esports arena from the ground up [12:03] Esports industry growth and wider audience reach [13:34] Launching esports leagues takes collaboration and communication

Apr 1, 2020

5G networks are coming online around the world, bringing new, innovative project opportunities. Will Townsend, senior analyst, networking infrastructure and carrier services at Moor Insights and Strategy in Austin, Texas, USA, discusses how latency reduction will drive innovation on projects. He also shares early 5G use cases involving edge computing. Odianosen Peter Ebhabha, PMP, project director at Huawei in Lagos, Nigeria, talks about how infrastructure, politics and funding can affect 5G launches in emerging markets. He also talks about 5G’s impact on the internet of things, remote medical support and education in remote areas. Key themes [01:42] Latency’s role in innovative 5G projects [05:17] Challenges in emerging markets: infrastructure, politics and funding [08:51] Potential innovations to IoT, healthcare and education [12:39] 5G brings big data and need for skills in data analytics

Mar 25, 2020

The COVID-19 outbreak is affecting countries, people and projects around the globe. It’s one of several deadly diseases the world has faced in recent years. Dr. Ranu Dhillon, a faculty member at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, served as the special adviser to the president of Guinea during the 2014 Ebola outbreak. He discusses creating strategies to control the Ebola epidemic in West Africa, collaborating with organizations in other countries to adapt strategies and the toll fighting an epidemic can take. Dr. Dhillon also talks about the value of early detection and how that can be applied to the coronavirus. Key themes [02:55] Strategizing to fight the Ebola outbreak in Guinea [06:49] The emotional and physical toll of fighting an epidemic [10:22] Lesson learned: The value of early detection [13:23] Testing challenges for the coronavirus

Mar 18, 2020

Can government interactions ever be smooth? Nations around the world are working on upgrading these citizen services. Anne Petersen, director of experience design at 18F in Chicago, Illinois, USA, says there are multiple barriers to success in customer experience, such as a lack of money, time or in-house expertise. Anne also shares how to help organizations instill a customer-focused approach and how feedback—and your response to it—can increase people’s trust in government. Key themes [00:34] Governments striving for better customer experiences [01:59] Barriers to customer experience success: Money, time, in-house expertise [04:24] Establishing a customer-focused approach [08:46] Using design thinking to find failure points faster [09:44] Being open, human-centered and iterative to gain a better understanding

Mar 11, 2020

Home to some of the world’s fastest-growing cities, Africa is poised to become a hub for projects—and talent. Bulla Boma, PMP, head of the commercial project management office at MIC Tanzania PLC in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, discusses the increasing number of infrastructure projects in the country. She also talks about raising awareness of project management and the value project professionals can add. Sheillah Karimi, senior program coordinator—water, sanitation and transport at KfW Development Bank in Nairobi, Kenya, discusses leading a water supply project and how she’ll apply lessons learned to future projects. She also says sustainability will become central to infrastructure investments due to climate change. Key themes [01:02] Africa’s growth, rapid urbanization are leading to more projects [02:09] Projects promoting industrialization in Tanzania [05:39] Increasing awareness of project management and its value [09:32] Organizations striving for innovative, data-driven projects [11:08] Coordination and engagement key in Nairobi water supply project [14:57] Reconciling theory and practical knowledge

Mar 4, 2020

Ahead of International Women’s Day, ProjectifiedTM hosted a roundtable with three women to discuss their experiences leading projects and programs and their hopes for the next generation of women in the profession. Varsha Advani, PMP, senior technical program manager at Akamai Technologies in Bengaluru, India, talks about the importance of mentorship and how company-structured programs can help build a culture of learning. She also hopes to see more women in management roles moving forward. Selenne Berthely, PMP, project manager, Banco de México, Mexico City, Mexico, discusses how leaders need both technical and people skills and shares her advice to other women in the profession—remain true to yourself and focus on your team. Asya Watkins, PMP, manager of pharmaceutical implementations at EnvisionRxOptions and founder of Women Of Project Management in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, discusses how mentorship helped her career and the lessons she learned from being the only woman on some of her teams. She also shares ways men can advocate and support women on project teams. Anna Tavis, PhD, academic director of human capital management, New York University, New York, New York, USA, shares how organizations can use data-driven metrics and better measurements of collaboration to help gender equity. Key themes [01:25] Creativity, empathy and freedom make projects challenging and fulfilling [03:33] What leaders need: People skills, relationship building, communication [06:23] Sharing experiences and learning through mentorship [13:58] Advocating for women through partnership on projects, speaking up [17:07] Hopes for the future: More women in management roles [20:49] Measuring performance and impact of an individual on a team

Feb 26, 2020

As expectations for financial services change, legacy institutions and startups alike have to innovate. Andreas Madjari, PMP, project management governance specialist at Erste Group in Vienna, Austria, discusses agile’s role in creating the group’s internet banking platform, George. He also shares a look at the future—from stabilization to more online services. Alicia Levine, the COO of Chipper Cash based in London, England, discusses the growing investment in fintech in Africa. She also talks about mobile money removing barriers for people who don’t use traditional banks and how new methods of transferring money can help people build digital financial histories. Key themes [03:11] Empowering teams for agile development [06:47] Innovating to meet customers’ needs with reliability [10:15] Fintech’s growth in Africa [12:20] How mobile money opened the door for new currency transfer options, digital financial identity [16:10] Fintech in Africa going digital—from banking to currencies

Feb 12, 2020

From air taxis to bullet trains, what was once thought of as futuristic transportation is now closer to becoming a reality. François-Joseph Van Audenhove, a partner at Arthur D. Little and head of the Future of Mobility Lab in Brussels, Belgium, talks about changing mobility demands—for both people and goods—and the challenges to integrating self-driving cars into the current mobility landscape. Mike Goodrich, executive director—corporate development and global mergers & acquisitions at General Motors in Detroit, Michigan, USA, led the electric and autonomous vehicle program at GM for several years. He shares how creative problem solving helps project teams working on new tech like autonomous vehicles and the challenges organizations face to gain people’s trust. Key themes: [05:40] Increasing demand in passenger—and goods—mobility [06:59] Self-driving cars’ effects on mobility systems [11:24] Facing project challenges with collaboration and accountability [12:46] Creative problem solving’s role in first-of-its-kind projects [15:02] Consumer skepticism in the tech—and trust—race

Jan 29, 2020

What does the 2020 jobs scene look like for project professionals? In the season 3 opener of ProjectifiedTM , we get the scoop from Lindsay Scott, PM Network career columnist and co-founder of Arras People in London, England. She discusses the state of the job market as a potential recession looms and how a strong network and working across sectors can help project professionals in times of economic uncertainty. She also talks people skills— including a new focus on empathy and mental health among project leaders. David Paré, PMP, CTO for healthcare business at DXC Technology in Perth, Australia, discusses how AI will change work. He also offers tips for using champions to sell tech projects. Key themes: [02:51] Project opportunities during economic uncertainty [08:23] A stronger focus on empathy and mental health [12:36] Understand what you need to learn—and unlearn [15:40] Must-have skills for healthcare projects [16:43] How the AI upheaval will change work [18:46] Managing tech, change and stakeholders

Dec 12, 2019

There’s a lot of change happening in project management. At PMI’s Global Conference, we talked with project leaders about what’s new and next for 2020—and beyond. They discussed new ways of thinking and what next-gen project professionals mean for the future of work. Narasimha Acharya, PMP, assistant director in the client technology practice at Ernst & Young in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, talked about adapting to evolving trends and advocating for change. Mike Palladino, PMP, head of the Agile Center of Excellence at Bristol-Myers Squibb in Paoli, Pennsylvania, USA, discussed how teaching needs to change and encouraged new project managers to accept ambiguity. Fernando Antonio Oliveira, E2 program director for Embraer in São José dos Campos, Brazil, proposed new ways of working—from how we use data to finding ways to change the world. Kaustuv Bagchi, head of India operations for oil and gas offshore projects for LT Hydrocarbon Engineering in Mumbai, India, talked about how disruptive technology can help younger project managers learn different skills. Olivier Schmitt, CEO of The Project Group France SAS in Lyon, discussed how organizations struggle to integrate emerging points of view from up-and-coming project professionals entering the workforce. Key themes [00:58] Positioning yourself for success in a time of change [02:10] Honing new ways of thinking and adjusting to change [04:56] Using data for prevention instead of reaction [06:28] Disruptive technology as a teaching tool [08:47] Bringing together new and established ways of working [09:48] Why you should seek a mentor—even if it takes time [12:44] Avoiding the right versus wrong mentality [13:56] How do you want to change the world?

Dec 4, 2019

As technology evolves, so does the way we work. At PMI Global Conference, Bob Safian, founder of The Flux Group and former editor-in-chief of Fast Company , talked about how technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning present project leaders with new opportunities—as well as new risks. He also discussed the factors fueling The Project Economy—and why as the world of work continues to shift, the most important skill is the ability to keep learning. Key themes: [01:01] Why we’re moving to The Project Economy [03:17] Technology’s effect on business [06:51] Risks project leaders face as the world of work evolves [10:08] New opportunities coming from The Project Economy [12:13] The new needed skill: Continue learning new skills [13:28] How projects can leave a lasting legacy

Nov 20, 2019

Almost every executive is talking transformation. But the real test is whether project leaders can make it a reality. Two leaders from the Brightline Initiative discuss why successful transformations are really about bringing people together—and winning over their hearts and minds. Ricardo Vargas, PMI-RMP, PMI-SP, PMP, executive director of the Brightline Initiative, discussed how organizations need to focus on people and culture—not just technology—during transformations. And that starts with getting executives and project teams on the same page. Tahirou Assane, PMP, director of operations for the Brightline Initiative, shared how finding internal champions to back transformation initiatives will help keep things on track and build more buy-in. He also discussed how organizations need to prepare employees to accept, adopt and embrace change as the new normal. Key themes: [00:22] Challenges to transformation [01:22] Putting people, culture at the center of transformations [03:00] How internal champions can increase buy-in [04:17] Accepting and embracing transformations as the new standard [07:25] Getting executives and project teams on the same page

Nov 6, 2019

As the business world changes, so too does project management. At PMI’s Global Conference 2019, project and program leaders shared how the profession has evolved, discussed the must-have skills and looked back at some of the projects that inspired them. Fernando Antonio Oliveira, of Embraer in São José dos Campos, Brazil, and Shobhna Raghupathy, PMP, with Proficient Project Consulting Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, shared how Apollo 11 and the World Wide Web influenced them. Laila Faridoon with the PMI UAE chapter in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and Vinod Kumar Paidakula, PMI-ACP, PMP, PgMP, with KLC Consulting in Tallahassee, Florida, USA, discussed how project management has evolved with the mainstreaming of agile and the introduction of disruptive technologies. Narasimha Acharya, PMP, of Ernst & Young in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, talked about how technologies like artificial intelligence can change the profession—he believes for the better. Marc Lahmann with PwC Switzerland in Zurich shared how organizations are using simple AI, such as automation or chat bots, as well as advanced AI, like machine learning, predictive and fully autonomous project management. Taiwo Abraham, PMP, with Horizant and Algonquin College in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, discussed the new must-have skills like strategic thinking and how volunteering can help project professionals gain experience. Key themes [00:22] Highlights from PMI’s Global Conference 2019 [01:43] Inspirational and influential projects [05:32] Agile going mainstream [08:23] Technology’s impact: Transformation, tools and more [10:14] AI—both simple and complex—in project management [13:01] Broader roles lead to skill shift for project leaders

Oct 23, 2019

Are you ready for The Project Economy? At PMI Global Conference 2019, PMI President and CEO Sunil Prashara discussed how global trends like population growth and alternative energy are driving The Project Economy, the new opportunities coming from AI and other disruptive technologies, and how project and program managers can prepare themselves for the future. Key Themes [01:47] Global trends influencing project work [04:30] Work is changing: From lifelong careers to project-based roles [06:00] Needed skill sets in a shifting project landscape [06:52] How automation, AI can lead to opportunities in project management [07:45] Preparing for the future of The Project Economy

Oct 9, 2019

As PMI celebrates its 50th anniversary, we look back at some of the most influential projects of the past 50 years. Guests discuss how these projects led to new ways of thinking, new technologies and how they changed the world. Ahmed Bouzid, the former head of product on Amazon’s Alexa team, shares what inspired the project. Plus, he talks about how focusing on a minimum viable product helped the team gain feedback from customers—and ultimately deliver a mega-successful product. Antti Heinonen, former director of banknotes at the European Central Bank, discusses how the team made the largest currency changeover of all time happen—without a glitch. Aristides Patrinos, former director of biological and environmental research at the U.S. Department of Energy, talks about the inspiration for the Human Genome Project and what it could mean for medicine in the future. Ilya Marotta, the Panama Canal’s chief operating officer, shares why the project to expand the canal was so important to the country, and how clear structure and strong leadership helped keep team members on track. Key themes [00:23] Most influential projects of the past 50 years [03:12] Q&A with Amazon’s voice assistant Alexa [05:41] Focusing on minimum viable product and customer feedback [07:46] Hopes for Alexa—and her role in human interaction [09:39] How the euro was launched [11:23] Taking exceptional measures to prepare billions of coins and banknotes [14:29] The euro’s role in cultural change [16:03] Inspiration for the Human Genome Project [17:47] A new approach and specific roles for scientific researchers [19:59] A completed genome sequence: what followed and what’s to come [21:26] The importance of the Panama Canal expansion to the country’s economy [22:42] Building a project team that could deliver on time

Sep 25, 2019

We live in an era of instant gratification—and it’s redefined the customer experience. Guests discuss how technology has changed customer expectations and the innovations that are helping organizations provide faster, more personalized service. Sindhu Joseph, CEO and founder of CogniCor Technologies in San Francisco, California, USA, outlines how artificial intelligence can help organizations deliver on-demand customer service. Members of the PMO team at Triglav Group in Ljubljana, Slovenia explain how digitizing and centralizing customer data helped transform Triglav’s customer experience. Borislav Tadić, PMP, vice president responsible for transformation and board member support for data protection, legal and compliance at Deutsche Telekom in Bonn, Germany, discusses how taking a more holistic approach—and getting every department involved—can help an organization offer a better customer experience. Key Themes: [00:23] Evolving customer expectations [02:46] How AI can enhance customer service [06:13] Creating more customized customer interactions [08:14] Case study: Triglav’s digital transformation [12:57] Delivering transparency, personalization, simplicity [15:03] Taking a holistic approach to customer experience [17:48] Simplifying processes creates better customer experiences

Sep 11, 2019

The world is changing fast. And big changes come with new risks—and new security vulnerabilities. Guests discuss emerging threats, what projects introduce the most security risk and how organizations can protect themselves. Albert Torres, PMP, cybersecurity program manager at Lockheed Martin in San Antonio, Texas, USA, outlines how to keep cloud-based projects secure. Kimberly Valentine, program manager for the office of the chief information security officer (CISO) and senior manager overseeing cybersecurity operations at Brunswick Corp., based in Denver, Colorado, USA, shares how she’s integrating cybersecurity reviews into the organization’s project planning process. Retired Air Force Brigadier Gen. Greg Touhill, president of Cyxtera Federal Group in Washington, D.C., was the United States’ first CISO during the Obama administration. He discusses what he learned during his time in public service and the greatest threats organizations need to defend against. Key Themes: [00:22] Cybersecurity risks—and potential costs [03:14] Securing cloud-based projects [05:39] Creating a unified front [07:13] Building a cybersecurity culture [10:27] Lessons from the United States’ first CISO [14:15] Organizations face threats from outside and within [19:11] Strategies to succeed in security-focused projects

Aug 28, 2019

Predictive modeling. Augmented reality. Digital twin. Disruptive tech is changing the game for construction projects. Guests discuss how technology has helped them work more efficiently, create safer job sites and make better business decisions. Colin Cagney, PMP, director in KPMG’s major projects advisory practice in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, discusses how data analytics can help organizations prevent accidents and improve project outcomes. Monica Sosa, senior associate and project manager at Corgan in Culver City, California, USA, outlines how her organization used 3D cameras and augmented reality glasses to spot potential design flaws on an airport expansion project. Arsen Safaryan, head of building information modeling and digital construction at ALEC in Dubai, UAE, talks about what it takes to get new technology adopted across an organization—and what innovations are delivering the most value. Key themes: [00:22] Trends in construction technology [04:13] Using data to inform project decisions [05:24] How data analysis can make job sites safer [08:36] Piloting disruptive technology [13:17] Top innovations influencing construction projects [15:29] Adopting new tech across an organization [18:41] In-demand skills for the future

Aug 14, 2019

Digital transformations aren’t just technology projects. They’re people projects. Guests discuss the skills and tactics that can help bring an entire organization together around a common vision—and keep everyone focused on the end goal. Jan Olesen, PMP, head of agile transformation for Manulife in Hong Kong, China, outlines how agile principles and approaches can help teams navigate change efficiently—and help them move forward when there is resistance to change. Seema Sadhu, PMP, senior project manager at PVH in Bridgewater, New Jersey, USA, shares how breaking transformations into smaller projects make them more tangible and easier to manage. Rob Loader, PMP, the executive in charge of capital management at Telstra in Melbourne, Australia, discusses Telstra’s digital transformation and how his team has delivered strategic outcomes. Key Themes: [00:23] What defines a digital transformation? [03:50] How to overcome resistance to change [07:21] One transformation, many projects [08:57] From vision to reality [10:32] Building consensus for a better future [11:58] Leading with purpose [16:32] From a telco to a tech company [19:06] Mapping a digital transformation

Jul 31, 2019

Looking to land your next big promotion? Learn how to showcase your skills and stand out from the crowd. Guests discuss how project and program managers can climb the career ladder by showing they have what it takes to get the job done. Moira Alexander, PMP, founder of PMWorld 360 Magazine in Langley, British Columbia, Canada, outlines four steps that will help project professionals prepare themselves to take the next big step in their careers. Amber Simonsen, PMP, director of guest product development and delivery for Alaska Airlines in Seattle, Washington, USA, shares how crafting a plan to improve project delivery inspired her boss to create a new leadership role—and give her a promotion. Diane Hatton, director of the Brookhaven National Laboratory Nuclear and Particle Physics Directorate Office of Project Planning and Oversight—accelerator projects in Brookhaven, New York, USA, discusses how to identify skill gaps and invest in professional development that will advance your career. Key Themes: [00:23] What does it take to get a promotion? [03:09] 4 tips for landing a promotion [06:42] Seeing the big picture [09:34] How to market yourself [12:00] Climbing the career ladder [14:59] Invest in professional development [17:27] Crafting your personal career path

Jul 17, 2019

There’s no “right way” to run a successful project. Producing better results is all about finding the best way to get the job done. Guests discuss the value of different project management approaches—and how building a broader knowledge base can help boost your career. Andy Kaufman, PMP, PMI-ACP, president of the Institute for Leadership Excellence & Development Inc. in Lake Zurich, Illinois, USA, discusses how understanding an organization’s culture can help you choose the best project approach. Emily Luijbregts, PMP, project manager at Siemens PLM Software in 's-Hertogenbosch, or Den Bosch, in the Netherlands, shares how understanding multiple project approaches can open the door to new career opportunities. Nelson Rosamilha, PMP, PMI-ACP, head of project management at Ericsson in Sao Paulo, Brazil, outlines how project managers can take the lead to build buy-in for the best delivery method. Key Themes: [00:23] What drives project success? [03:22] The value of pulling from different approaches [04:48] How culture impacts the right approach [07:50] How a broader skillset can boost your career [08:50] Building buy-in with business benefits [11:17] Customizing your leadership style [14:47] Setting expectations with stakeholders [18:16] Becoming more customer-centric

Jul 3, 2019

Digitization. Decentralization. De-carbonization. Global trends are disrupting the energy sector—and organizations are reshaping their project portfolios to adapt. Guests discuss what it takes to innovate in this competitive market and how project leaders can stay ahead of the curve.

Jun 19, 2019

Cities are growing—and fast. By 2030, two-thirds of the world’s population is expected to live in urban areas. Guests discuss how development projects can boost economies and spur job creation while preserving the natural resources communities rely on. Hassan Aboelnga, PMP, is an urban water security researcher at Koln University of Applied Sciences, and a management committee member of specialist groups at the International Water Association, based in Cologne, Germany. He outlines how taking a systems approach can help project managers deliver more sustainable water infrastructure projects. Kaustubh Tamaskar is a senior urban planner and designer with Beca and an urban resilience consultant for the World Bank based in Auckland, New Zealand. Kaustubh discussed how teams can keep sustainability front and center on development projects—even when they need to move quickly. Suresh Kotla, PMP, director of sustainable manufacturing for the Institute for Sustainable Communities in Mumbai, India, shares how his organization helps drive investment in sustainable development projects by fostering public-private partnerships. Key Themes: [00:29] Effects of rapid urban population growth [02:33] Bringing sustainability within reach [04:46] Future-proofing sustainability projects [08:01] Managing water scarcity [10:50] A systems approach to sustainability [13:11] Roadblocks to sustainable development [14:54] Balancing economic and environmental needs [18:52] How to scale up adoption of new models

Jun 5, 2019

It’s true: time is money. Productivity drives profitability—and organizations rely on project professionals to get more done in a day. Guests discuss how they improve efficiency and reduce downtime without pushing teams to the breaking point. Kiersten Huddleston, PMP, program manager at Salesforce in Seattle, Washington, USA offers tips for reducing digital distractions on project teams. Michael Janzen, PMP, PMO director for MedStar Health in Washington D.C., shares how he ensures the organization is committing the right resources to the right projects across the board. Marcio Amadeu, PMP, senior project portfolio manager for Nestlé USA in Arlington, Virginia, USA, outlines how he manages team workload to keep everyone firing on all cylinders. Key Themes: [00:31] Boosting team productivity [03:35] How to reduce the drain from digital distractions [08:03] Smart capacity planning [09:42] What’s driving the deadline? [12:10] Prioritizing the right projects [13:47] Data-driven workload management [16:21] Efficiently managing multiple projects [17:32] How to avoid team downtime

May 22, 2019

Your professional network is a gold mine. But how can you get more from your connections without asking too much? Guests share how joining communities, volunteering professional services and building stronger relationships have helped them advance their careers. Nina Scarnici, PMP, associate director of project management for Publicis Seattle, in Washington, USA, offers tips to help you build authentic relationships across your professional network. Krishna Mohan, PMP, division head for program management, quality and tools for Nexteer Automotive, in Bengaluru, India, and Rick Knaggs, PMP, director of the global IT PMO for ICU Medical in San Clemente, California, USA, discuss how they bring value to others in their professional networks. James Brady, PMP, CIO for the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services shares how his professional network helped him move up the ladder and reach his career goals. We hope you’ve enjoyed our podcast series, Projectified™ with PMI. To join the conversation online, we ask you to use #Projectified and @PMInstitute. We also encourage you to subscribe and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Google Play Music by clicking on the links below. Thank you very much, and stay tuned as we release more episodes of Projectified™ with PMI. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified™ with PMI, subscribe to our podcast at: Apple Podcast, Google Play Music, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or PMI.org/podcast. Key Themes: [00:32] Get more from your professional network [02:20] Building relationships with new contacts [05:40] How to give back to your network [07:58] Asking for an introduction [10:30] Tapping your network for new opportunities [15:00] Strengthening connections with coworkers [17:32] How to ask for career advice

May 8, 2019

With business moving at breakneck speeds, there’s no time to waste on persistent problems. Guests discuss how they find quick fixes under pressure and what it takes to attack complex issues at the source. Christine Lee, PMP, associate director of project management at S&P Global in London, outlines how she empowers her team to solve problems quickly while working within a strict regulatory framework. Roman Baranovsky, PMP, services quality assurance lead for the Europe, Middle East and Africa region at Microsoft in Moscow, outlines how he gets to the root of problems before they push his projects off track. Chandra Shekar, PMP, general manager of IT for Schneider Electric in Bengaluru, India, shared how organizations can rethink the way project teams work to help them address issues more efficiently. We hope you’ve enjoyed our podcast series, Projectified™ with PMI. To join the conversation online, we ask you to use #Projectified and @PMInstitute. We also encourage you to subscribe and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Google Play Music by clicking on the links below. Thank you very much, and stay tuned as we release more episodes of Projectified™ with PMI. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified™ with PMI, subscribe to our podcast at: Apple Podcast, Google Play Music, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or PMI.org/podcast. Key Themes: [00:38] The need for speed [02:25] Finding quick fixes in a regulated environment [06:15] AI-supported problem solving [07:35] Getting to the root of the problem [09:35] The power of knowledge sharing [12:50] Building a culture of communication and transparency [16:48] The three E’s of problem solving

Apr 26, 2019

Industry 4.0 technology is pushing manufacturers to disrupt—or be disrupted. Guests discuss the trends and technologies transforming the sector. Plus, the global head of IoT Services at Siemens outlines the key skills project professionals need to navigate organizational change. Jerid Hayward, PMP, automation and robotics project manager for Stanley Black & Decker in Hartford, Connecticut shares his thoughts on how project and program managers can keep their skills sharp as digital manufacturing evolves. Sanjoy Paul, chief digital officer for the manufacturing business unit at Wipro in Houston, Texas, USA, discusses what it takes to make cutting-edge manufacturing projects a success. Siddharth Verma, PMP, global head and VP of IoT Services at Siemens in San Francisco, California, USA talks how project leaders can develop the talent they need to manage digital transformation projects. We hope you’ve enjoyed our podcast series, Projectified™ with PMI. To join the conversation online, we ask you to use #Projectified and @PMInstitute. We also encourage you to subscribe and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Google Play Music by clicking on the links below. Thank you very much, and stay tuned as we release more episodes of Projectified™ with PMI. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified™ with PMI, subscribe to our podcast at: Apple Podcast, Google Play Music, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or PMI.org/podcast. Key Themes: [00:25] Manufacturing in the digital age [02:25] Tech breakthroughs reshaping the sector [05:07] Connected factories of the future [07:40] Getting more from big data and IoT [9:43] Industry 4.0 innovations [12:53] The manufacturing talent gap [16:50] In-demand skills for the future

Apr 10, 2019

Long Description Global markets are shifting rapidly, creating new career opportunities for those willing to make big moves. Guests discuss how to prepare for the transition—and Amtrak’s EPMO head shares why project talent is well suited to make this type of leap. Phil Pavitt, consultant executive vice president of business transformation for Safelite AutoGlass, outlines the skills project professionals need to succeed in a new sector. Narasimha Acharya, PMP, assistant director for Ernst & Young in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, explains how his experience working across sectors helped him land his current role Sarina Arcari, PMP, vice president in charge of the EPMO at Amtrak in Washington, D.C., discusses her hesitation to switch sectors—and the opportunities that inspired her to take on an executive-level position in a new industry. We hope you’ve enjoyed our podcast series, Projectified™ with PMI. To join the conversation online, we ask you to use #Projectified and @PMInstitute. We also encourage you to subscribe and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Google Play Music by clicking on the links below. Thank you very much, and stay tuned as we release more episodes of Projectified™ with PMI. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified™ with PMI, subscribe to our podcast at: Apple Podcast, Google Play Music, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or PMI.org/podcast. Key Themes: [00:30] Hot sectors for project talent [02:50] Skills to succeed in a new sector [05:45] The risk of “job hopping” [06:55] The value of cross-sector experience [10:35] Managing projects in a new industry [14:40] Communicating with execs in a new organization [16:25] When to make a big career move

Mar 27, 2019

The next generation of project managers isn’t satisfied with the status quo—and leaders must be ready to adapt. Guests discuss how they encourage collaboration across age groups, and a PMO director from Slack outlines how to recruit and retain young talent. Ilinca Rolea, a junior project manager for the IT firm Cameo Global in Brussels, Belgium outlines the type of professional support she wants her managers to provide. Andy Almenara, the PMO head for Australia’s Special Broadcasting Service in Sydney explains how proactive planning keep his multigenerational team firing on all cylinders. Manny Ventura, PMP, the director of the business operations PMO at Slack in San Francisco, California, USA, discusses how organizations can encourage team members from different generations to build on each others’ strengths. We hope you’ve enjoyed our podcast series, Projectified™ with PMI. To join the conversation online, we ask you to use #Projectified and @PMInstitute. We also encourage you to subscribe and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Google Play Music by clicking on the links below. Thank you very much, and stay tuned as we release more episodes of Projectified™ with PMI. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified™ with PMI, subscribe to our podcast at: Apple Podcast, Google Play Music, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or PMI.org/podcast. Key Themes: [00:30] The multigenerational workforce [02:30] The art of communication [04:19] Setting clear expectations [06:30] Reverse mentoring [08:50] A Gen Z perspective [12:23] Competing for young project talent [16:00] Accommodating different work styles [18:56] How to spark collaboration across age groups

Mar 13, 2019

The World Economic Forum predicts it will take 108 years for women to achieve equal status globally. Guests discuss how organizations can level the playing field—and the manager of global programs for UN Women shares recent project wins. Adam Simpson, manager of global programs for UN Women in New York discussed the role gender equality plays in reaching the United Nation’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals—and what it will take to reach these ambitious targets. Anne Steinhardt, a systems engineering manager with Cisco Systems’ global virtual engineering organization in Washington, D.C. explains how Cisco’s Connected Women is encouraging more women to join the technical workforce. Kush Dhillon, engagement manager for Capgemini in London, shares how she helps her female colleagues set clear career goals—and build the confidence they need to reach them. We hope you’ve enjoyed our podcast series, Projectified™ with PMI. To join the conversation online, we ask you to use #Projectified and @PMInstitute. We also encourage you to subscribe and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Google Play Music by clicking on the links below. Thank you very much, and stay tuned as we release more episodes of Projectified™ with PMI. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified™ with PMI, subscribe to our podcast at: Apple Podcast, Google Play Music, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or PMI.org/podcast. Key Themes: [00:34] The state of gender equality [02:59] Empowering women in the workplace [05:52] Fighting imposter syndrome [06:45] How to fill the future talent pipeline [09:20] Sponsoring women in STEM fields [11:29] The mission of UN Women [14:09] Prioritizing high-impact projects [17:31] Recent wins for equality

Feb 27, 2019

Predictive analysis. Machine learning. Robotic automation. AI technologies are coming of age—and it’s time for them to start earning their keep. Learn how organizations are turning the hype into hard numbers. Oliver Broom, program director for artificial intelligence and data and analytics for Virgin Media in London discusses how AI is transforming the customer experience. Sindhu Joseph, co-founder and CEO of CogniCor Technologies in San Francisco, talks what it takes to define and deliver clear ROI as an organization integrates AI technology. Veronika Sokolova, an intelligent automation program manager for British Telecom in London, shares how robotic automation is streamlining global operations. We hope you’ve enjoyed our podcast series, Projectified™ with PMI. To join the conversation online, we ask you to use #Projectified and @PMInstitute. We also encourage you to subscribe and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Google Play Music by clicking on the links below. Thank you very much, and stay tuned as we release more episodes of Projectified™ with PMI. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified™ with PMI, subscribe to our podcast at: Apple Podcast, Google Play Music, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or PMI.org/podcast. Key Themes: [00:30] Trends in artificial intelligence [02:45] The business case for robots [04:43] End-to-end automation [06:56] Defining and delivering AI ROI [11:35] Transforming the customer experience [14:55] The future AI roadmap [17:55] AI’s impact on the workforce

Feb 13, 2019

Seismic market shifts have reshaped entire sectors and shaken up the project landscape. Learn how global business trends are impacting the job market for project and program managers—and what skills will help future-proof your career. Barnali Sahoo, PMO head for the Americas division of Flight Centre Travel Group, based in Montreal, New Jersey, USA, outlines the skills project managers need to respond to shifting customer demands. Jens Wilken, executive director for the thermal power plant, desalination, solar thermal, and oil and gas division of Fichtner Consulting Engineers in Stuttgart, Germany explains why project and program managers need to up their business acumen. Edgar Bonilla Torres, a project manager for Heliosolar, based in Bogotá, Colombia, discusses what’s next for renewable energy projects in Latin America. Alarka Purkayastha, an engagement manager for Accenture in Bengaluru, India, shares his perspective on how the country’s IT services sector is evolving—and what skills will help project and program managers stay competitive. We hope you’ve enjoyed our podcast series, Projectified™ with PMI. To join the conversation online, we ask you to use #Projectified and @PMInstitute. We also encourage you to subscribe and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Google Play Music by clicking on the links below. Thank you very much, and stay tuned as we release more episodes of Projectified™ with PMI. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified™ with PMI, subscribe to our podcast at: Apple Podcast, Google Play Music, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or PMI.org/podcast. Key Themes: [00:30] Trends shaping the job market [01:45] New career opportunities in India [04:18] Delivering a better customer journey [06:20] CX: What’s at stake [09:30] The value of project management education [11:00] Renewable energy trends in Latin America [12:30] The demand for business acumen

Jan 30, 2019

Creativity is the spark behind every bright idea—but it needs the right environment to flourish. Learn how leaders can give their teams both the structure and inspiration they need to think outside the box. Plus, Nickelodeon’s senior director of creative project management shares three creativity killers to avoid. Ahmed Bahaa, PMP, managing director for Hive Studio in Cairo, Egypt, offers tips to cultivate an “always-on” creative culture that helps team produce high-quality work on a tight timeline. Todd Henry, host of The Accidental Creative podcast and author of the book Herding Tigers in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA, discusses how project leaders can encourage project team members to leave their comfort zones. Mike Tenney, senior director of creative project management for Nickelodeon in New York, New York, USA, outlines how he minimizes the risk of last-minute surprises. We hope you’ve enjoyed our podcast series, Projectified™ with PMI. To join the conversation online, we ask you to use #Projectified and @PMInstitute. We also encourage you to subscribe and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Google Play Music by clicking on the links below. Thank you very much, and stay tuned as we release more episodes of Projectified™ with PMI. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified™ with PMI, subscribe to our podcast at: Apple Podcast, Google Play Music, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or PMI.org/podcast. Key Themes: [00:30] Sparking and sustaining creativity [02:25] What sets creative companies apart [05:05] How to foster a creative workplace [08:22] The key to better brainstorming [10:15] Encouraging risk-taking [12:38] What makes creative project management different? [15:30] Keeping surprises at bay [18:40] Creativity killers to avoid

Jan 16, 2019

Mergers and acquisitions can take years—and they don’t always deliver the intended value. Learn how program and project managers on the front lines can ensure the success of mission-critical integrations. Plus, one of Google’s M&A program managers shares his industry expertise. Stephanie Blanco, VP of M&A integration and program management for Sound Physicians in Washington, D.C., USA discusses how to balance transparency and confidentiality on sensitive M&A projects. Kash Ahuja, a mergers and acquisitions program manager for Google in Seattle, Washington, USA, outlines how his team overcomes change and uncertainty on fast-moving M&A initiatives. We hope you’ve enjoyed our podcast series, Projectified™ with PMI. To join the conversation online, we ask you to use #Projectified and @PMInstitute. We also encourage you to subscribe and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Google Play Music by clicking on the links below. Thank you very much, and stay tuned as we release more episodes of Projectified™ with PMI. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified™ with PMI, subscribe to our podcast at: Apple Podcast, Google Play Music, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or PMI.org/podcast. Key Themes: [00:30] 2019 M&A trends [02:40] The M&A project roadmap [04:35] Transparency vs. confidentiality [06:15] Lessons from the Whole Foods buyout [08:30] Unique M&A project challenges [13:00] Unifying systems and processes [17:30] Delivering the intended value

Jan 2, 2019

Talent turnover is unavoidable. Brain drain is not. Global experts discuss how effective knowledge transfer keeps organizations firing on all cylinders. Mustafa Hafızoğlu, PMP, program director for Space & Defence Technologies in Ankara, Turkey, explains how his company has transformed project knowledge into a reusable commodity. Betsy Mathew, PMP, director of organizational development and talent management for Dark Matter in Abu Dhabi, UAE, offers her take on how organizations can create an environment where knowledge flows freely. Roger Forsgren, chief knowledge officer for NASA in Washington D.C., USA, shares how the agency’s breakthrough innovations are made possible by effective (and mandatory) knowledge management. We hope you’ve enjoyed our podcast series, Projectified™ with PMI. To join the conversation online, we ask you to use #Projectified and @PMInstitute. We also encourage you to subscribe and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Google Play Music by clicking on the links below. Thank you very much, and stay tuned as we release more episodes of Projectified™ with PMI. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified™ with PMI, subscribe to our podcast at: Apple Podcast, Google Play Music, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or PMI.org/podcast. Key Themes: [00:25] The business value of knowledge transfer [03:00] Building a formal knowledge bank [06:00] Retaining expertise amidst employee turnover [08:10] How to collect meaningful lessons learned [09:22] Facilitating knowledge sharing [11:05] How knowledge transfer reduces costs [14:10] Gathering and disseminating knowledge at NASA [16:30] Lessons learned for engineers [19:00] Securing top-down support

Dec 12, 2018

The competition for top project talent is heating up. Global business leaders discuss how they’re attracting top performers and building their project management bench. Frederic Casagrande, the PMO manager for Nawah Energy Company in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates shares how he’s leveraged PMI’s standards and best practices to develop a training program that helps experts in nuclear energy up their project management skills. Thokozani Skaka, the PMO head for MTN, in Johannesburg, South Africa discusses project management talent trends in the Middle East and Africa, including the skills gaps he sees and what organizations are doing to attract top performers. Chris Hiltbrand, the division vice president of human resources for General Dynamics Information Technology in Washington, D.C., USA, outlines which skills the company hires for—and which skills it is willing to help people develop on the job. We hope you’ve enjoyed our podcast series, Projectified™ with PMI. To join the conversation online, we ask you to use #Projectified and @PMInstitute. We also encourage you to subscribe and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Google Play Music by clicking on the links below. Thank you very much, and stay tuned as we release more episodes of Projectified™ with PMI. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified™ with PMI, subscribe to our podcast at: Apple Podcast, Google Play Music, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or PMI.org/podcast. Key Themes: [00:33] Project management talent gap data [02:37] Developing talent for nuclear energy projects [06:58] In-demand skills in the Middle East and Africa [08:50] How culture attracts top talent [10:29] Recruiting and retaining top talent [14:12] Developing soft skills on project teams [16:47] Measuring the success of training

Nov 28, 2018

Innovation, uncertainty, rapid change—the defining factors of the modern marketplace are making projects increasingly complicated. Guests discuss how they’re overcoming complexity to deliver transformative projects. The PMO team from Telstra, Australia’s largest telecom company and this year’s PMO of the Year Award winner, explains how PMO oversight helped get the company’s capital investment portfolio back on track. Mohammed Fakhri, AVP of global project delivery at Standard Chartered Global Business Services in Malaysia, discusses how he manages change across an interconnected project portfolio. Wale Elegbede, PMO manager for the Mayo Clinic’s Center for Regenerative Medicine, shares how project teams navigate uncertainty on innovative healthcare projects—while also complying with strict regulations. We hope you’ve enjoyed our podcast series, Projectified™ with PMI. To join the conversation online, we ask you to use #Projectified and @PMInstitute. We also encourage you to subscribe and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Google Play Music by clicking on the links below. Thank you very much, and stay tuned as we release more episodes of Projectified™ with PMI. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified™ with PMI, subscribe to our podcast at: Apple Podcast, Google Play Music, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or PMI.org/podcast. Key Themes: [00:30] Defining project complexity [03:40] Telstra case study: 2018 PMO of the Year [05:30] Facilitating strategic innovation [08:00] Navigating interdependencies [10:45] What is regenerative medicine? [14:55] Planning for uncertainty [16:45] Understanding stakeholder priorities

Nov 14, 2018

What does it takes to be an effective leader in a rapidly shifting business environment? Guests discuss in-demand leadership skills—and how to keep fast-moving projects on track. Barry Draskovich, PMP, vice president of program and contract management at Parker Aerospace in Irvine, California, USA, shares four skills project professionals should develop if they want to rise up in the ranks Robert Safian, the founder of The Flux Group and former editor of Fast Company, discusses his research on leadership in the age of flux, how to maintain a strategic mindset when the market is shifting fast and the skills that set the best leaders apart. We hope you’ve enjoyed our podcast series, Projectified™ with PMI. To join the conversation online, we ask you to use #Projectified and @PMInstitute. We also encourage you to subscribe and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Google Play Music by clicking on the links below. Thank you very much, and stay tuned as we release more episodes of Projectified™ with PMI. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified™ with PMI, subscribe to our podcast at: Apple Podcast, Google Play Music, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or PMI.org/podcast. Key Themes: [00:30] How leadership is evolving [04:30] In-demand skills to sharpen [08:10] Leading in the age of flux [14:28] Reshaping the talent pool [16:13] Outside-in vs. inside-out leadership [18:18] What sets the best leaders apart

Oct 31, 2018

Bleeding edge projects have the potential to disrupt the marketplace and reshape entire sectors—if they can make it across the finish line. Project leaders share how they shepherd and support extreme innovation in the face of increasing uncertainty. Michael O’Connor, director of strategy and project management at Medtronic in Minnesota, USA, talks about what it took to develop the world’s smallest pacemaker in a highly regulated environment. Medtronic is a member of PMI’s Global Executive Council. James Stewart, vice chair at KPMG in London, England, describes how a combination of flexibility and independent assurance can drive success on first-of-its-kind projects. Marc Lahmann, director of the transformation assurance division for PwC Switzerland in Zurich, shares how leading organizations are adopting artificial intelligence—and what’s needed for this tech to deliver real business value. We hope you’ve enjoyed our podcast series, Projectified™ with PMI. To join the conversation online, we ask you to use #Projectified and @PMInstitute. We also encourage you to subscribe and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Google Play Music by clicking on the links below. Thank you very much, and stay tuned as we release more episodes of Projectified™ with PMI. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified™ with PMI, subscribe to our podcast at: Apple Podcast, Google Play Music, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or PMI.org/podcast. Key Themes: [00:30] Navigating risks on bleeding edge projects [04:25] Case Study: Revolutionizing the pacemaker [08:30] Flexing the project plan [13:00] Integrating artificial intelligence [15:26] How to spur cultural change [17:23] Getting early wins with AI

Oct 17, 2018

From hurricanes to hunger, global disasters are increasing—and intensifying. The costs of these events are also multiplying, and the risks are becoming increasingly difficult to manage. Project leaders from around the world explain how this new disaster era is forcing teams to adjust their risk management strategies and priorities. Mahamoudou Guimbayara, emergency team leader for the Development Food Assistance Program at CARE Mali, discusses how he and his team emphasize risk reduction and recovery in the midst of a long-term, national food scarcity crisis. Victor Orellana Acuña, PMP, former deputy national director of Chile’s National Emergency Office, talks about the impact of standardization and simplification on emergency management in the immediate post-disaster landscape. And members of the project team from Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, winner of the 2018 PMI® Project of the Year Award, discuss how they were able to rebuild a massive, state-of-the-art medical facility and demonstrate resiliency after Hurricane Katrina devastated the city of New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. We hope you’ve enjoyed our podcast series, Projectified™ with PMI. To join the conversation online, we ask you to use #Projectified and @PMInstitute. We also encourage you to subscribe and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Google Play Music by clicking on the links below. Thank you very much, and stay tuned as we release more episodes of Projectified™ with PMI. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified with PMI, subscribe to our podcast at: Apple Podcast, Google Play Music, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or PMI.org/podcast. Key Themes: [00:37] The growing impact—and cost—of natural disasters [03:52] Committing to risk mitigation in a long-term crisis [08:24] Establishing a common language for recovery [10:31] Developing a simplified model of emergency management [13:01] Winning stakeholder buy-in despite devastation [15:03] Gathering insight via rigorous testing [16:57] Staying flexible in the face of setbacks

Oct 3, 2018

Long Description Making the world a better place is no simple task. Especially when funding is in short supply. Leaders from government agencies and NGOs share how transparency and accountability help them do more with less on their projects and programs. Riaan Husselmann, director of enterprise portfolio management for the New South Wales Electoral Commission in Australia, shares how increased transparency can improve project delivery—and restore the public’s trust in its elected officials. Danny Scott-Rockel, a senior program manager at Nesta, outlines how clear communication on social innovation projects helps his U.K.-based NGO maintain support from donors and grant providers. Lori Tanner, senior director for the IT project management office and services for the American Red Cross in Washington, D.C., discusses how project leaders can respond to the need for greater transparency and reporting in the NGO space. We hope you’ve enjoyed our podcast series, Projectified ™ with PMI . To join the conversation online, we ask you to use #Projectified and @PMInstitute. We also encourage you to subscribe and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Google Play Music by clicking on the links below. Thank you very much, and stay tuned as we release more episodes of Projectified ™ with PMI . For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified with PMI, subscribe to our podcast at: Apple Podcast , Google Play Music , SoundCloud , Stitcher , or PMI . org / podcast . Key Themes: [00:48] The global trust deficit [03:45] Projects to deliver democracy [06:43] How project tracking drives transparency [11:56] The case for accountability within NGOs [13:42] Responding appropriately to risk [15:18] How the PMO navigates volatility [17:40] Building a culture of transparency Transcript Narrator The future of project management is changing fast. On Projectified ™ with PMI , we’ll help you stay on top of the trends and see what’s really ahead for the profession—and your career. For an easy way to stay up to date on Projectified ™ with PMI , go to iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play Music or PMI.org/podcast. Stephen W. Maye Hello, I'm Stephen Maye, and this is Projectified ™ with PMI . I'm here with my co-host, Tegan Jones, and in this episode we're talking about how governments and NGOs can run projects that will make a bigger impact in the world. You know, there are so many different types of needs that governments and NGOs have to address—economic development, healthcare, affordable housing. But the funding never quite matches the need. There’s always more to be done. Tegan Jones That’s so true. And it leaves organizations with really two options. You can either raise more money or try to cut costs. And obviously, project management can help organizations be more efficient, save some money, but there’s only so far you can go down that path. You can’t save your way to zero. So to do more work, you eventually are go

Sep 19, 2018

A rapidly shifting business landscape is forcing project teams to be more flexible. Global project leaders share how they deliver fast-paced results—without sacrificing quality. The PMO team from McDonald’s shares how it successfully delivering a massive digital transformation project that touched 20,000 global restaurants in just nine months. Dev Ramcharan, a program director at TD Bank in Toronto, Canada, explains how the full spectrum of project management approaches can help project teams deliver expected outcomes on an expedited schedule. Everaldo de Souza Alves Jr., PMO manager for Latin America at Equifax, discusses how a strong understanding of business strategy can help teams run innovative projects quickly and effectively We hope you’ve enjoyed our podcast series, ProjectifiedTM with PMI . To join the conversation online, we ask you to use #Projectified and @PMInstitute. We also encourage you to subscribe and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Google Play Music by clicking on the links below. Thank you very much, and stay tuned as we release more episodes of ProjectifiedTM with PMI . For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified with PMI, subscribe to our podcast at: Apple Podcast , Google Play Music , SoundCloud , Stitcher , or PMI . org / podcast . Key Themes: [00:39] Understanding the need for speed [03:24] McDonald’s Digital Transformation [07:45] How to define a quality outcome [08:56] Using the right approach for the job [12:42] Innovation as a survival mechanism [15:16] Short-term vs long-term project impact [17:26] Rapid response in a regulatory environment [20:29] Keeping an eye on strategy

Sep 5, 2018

Smart tech investments in infrastructure take center stage in our discussions with project leaders. They discuss how they’re helping communities meet needs that last for the long haul. Frank Vieveen, program manager for the City of Rotterdam in the Netherlands, shares how he selects smart city and digital economy projects that streamline city life. Sarah Hoban, a global project manager and lead associate for Booz Allen Hamilton in Washington D.C., discusses how project teams can prioritize the right infrastructure technology investments in developing countries. Ed Blayney, innovation project manager for the Office of Performance Improvement and Innovation in Louisville, Kentucky, talks about how smaller cities can run innovative projects while still being careful stewards of taxpayer funds. We hope you’ve enjoyed our podcast series, ProjectifiedTM with PMI . To join the conversation online, we ask you to use #Projectified and @PMInstitute. We also encourage you to subscribe and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Google Play Music by clicking on the links below. Thank you very much, and stay tuned as we release more episodes of ProjectifiedTM with PMI . For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified with PMI, subscribe to our podcast at: Apple Podcast , Google Play Music , SoundCloud, Stitcher, or PMI . org / podcast . Key Themes: [0:45] The impact of population growth on infrastructure [2:20] Innovation tips for small cities [3:45] Community-sourced innovation [6:30] Capacity-building in developing countries [11:15] Trends disrupting urban infrastructure projects [15:00] How Rotterdam is planning for the future

Aug 22, 2018

Insights from global experts for how project and program teams can respond to shifting priorities, when to pull the plug on an outdated project—and what it takes to deliver real strategic value. Felipe Daguila, the chief digital officer for Ooredoo Qatar, explains how increasing collaboration between the teams that create and execute on strategy improves the quality of project delivery. Dev Ramcharan, a program director for TD in Toronto, offer tips to help teams deliver successful projects when an organization’s strategy changes midstream. Amruta Oak, executive director of program management services for Kaiser Permanente in San Francisco, and Heather van Wyk, business program manager for Engen Petroleum in Cape Town talk about how focusing on the business case helps teams deliver programs and projects that drive the strategy forward. We hope you’ve enjoyed our podcast series, ProjectifiedTM with PMI . To join the conversation online, we ask you to use #Projectified and @PMInstitute. We also encourage you to subscribe and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Google Play Music by clicking on the links below. Thank you very much, and stay tuned as we release more episodes of ProjectifiedTM with PMI . For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified with PMI, subscribe to our podcast at: Apple Podcast , Google Play Music , SoundCloud , Stitcher , or PMI . org / podcast . Key Themes: [0:38] The cost of poor project delivery [2:40] Aligning projects to strategy [4:04] How the business case helps projects deliver value [5:25] Tying individual performance to strategy [7:02] Responding to strategic shifts [10:50] Key drivers of successful strategy delivery [13:43] Building buy-in for strategic initiatives [16:47] When to cancel a project

Aug 8, 2018

In this episode, global project and program leaders discuss how they deal with disruption and navigate uncertainty in a constantly shifting landscape. About Our Guests: Jennifer Mercer, program manager for arctic research support and logistics with the National Science Foundation in Washington, D.C. talks what it takes to manage projects in some of the world’s most extreme environments. James Stewart, vice chair for KPMG in London, discusses how project managers need to adapt their skill sets to better manage uncertainty. John Donohoe, director of change management and the program management office for Star Alliance Services GMBH in Frankfurt, Germany, shares how his company has evolved its product development process to quickly adapt to changing customer demands. We hope you’ve enjoyed our podcast series, ProjectifiedTM with PMI . To join the conversation online, we ask you to use #Projectified and @PMInstitute. We also encourage you to subscribe and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Google Play Music by clicking on the links below. Thank you very much, and stay tuned as we release more episodes of ProjectifiedTM with PMI . For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified with PMI, subscribe to our podcast at: Apple Podcast , Google Play Music , SoundCloud , Stitcher , or PMI . org / podcast . Key Themes: [0:40] Dealing with disruption [2:45] How The Star Alliance Network navigates change [5:25] Planning for volatility on projects and programs [8:40] Anticipating change and managing risk [9:55] Data-driven decision-making [11:50] Managing projects in extreme environments [15:35] Dealing with project disruptions [17:15] Lessons learned from Arctic projects

Jul 25, 2018

Global experts discuss how to ace an interview, landing your next big promotion and the skills that set top-performing project professionals apart. In this episode, you'll hear from career experts ... Manuel Salero Coca, managing director for PIN Technologies in Mexico City, about what it takes to become a project leader in a global company—and even start your own business. Lindsay Scott, director of program and project management recruitment for Arras People in London, shares some of the hiring trends she’s seen taking shape in the U.K. Deepa Kalangi, senior project manager at Magellan Health in Portland, Oregon, USA, offers tips to help job seekers answer the toughest project management interview questions. We hope you’ve enjoyed our podcast series, ProjectifiedTM with PMI . To join the conversation online, we ask you to use #Projectified and @PMInstitute. We also encourage you to subscribe and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Google Play Music by clicking on the links below. Thank you very much, and stay tuned as we release more episodes of ProjectifiedTM with PMI . For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified with PMI, subscribe to our podcast at: Apple Podcast , Google Play Music , SoundCloud , Stitcher , or PMI . org / podcast . Key Themes: [1:15] In-demand project management skills [4:53] How to impress a hiring manager [6:59] Answering impossible interview questions [9:47] The project management talent gap [13:48] Becoming your own boss [17:48] What sets top performers apart [19:30] Building trust with your team

Jul 11, 2018

In this episode, global project leaders discuss how to make hyper-innovation happen, the do’s and don’ts of managing virtual teams and navigating an uncertain project landscape. Alice Pollard, chief of staff and innovation architect for Cisco Hyper Innovation Living Labs in San Francisco, shares the success factors that helps some of the world’s largest companies collaborate on game-changing innovations. James Stewart, vice chair for KPMG in London, talks how teams can navigate a new breed of project challenges, from breakneck speeds to real-time reporting requirements. Fiona Charonnat, customer project and program management process owner for Ericsson in Paris, and Ibrahim Dani, director of governance for Optus Australia in Sydney, outline how leaders need to think differently when working with increasingly dispersed teams. We hope you’ve enjoyed our podcast series, Projectified with PMI . To join the conversation online, we ask you to use #Projectified and @PMInstitute. We also encourage you to subscribe and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Google Play Music by clicking on the links below. Thank you very much, and stay tuned as we release more episodes of Projectified with PMI . For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified with PMI, subscribe to our podcast at: Apple Podcast , Google Play Music , SoundCloud , Stitcher , or PMI . org / podcast . Key Themes: [2:10] Defining the skill set of the future [5:00] When to turn to a virtual team [6:59] How to engage dispersed team members [11:28] Future-proofing project plans [12:35] Running a first-of-its-kind project [15:05] How does hyper-innovation work? [20:40] Gaining speed without sacrificing quality [22:55] Innovation on a shoestring

Jun 27, 2018

Jane Canniff and Carrie Fletcher discuss what it takes to be a woman in charge, and Lindsay Scott shares research on gender trends in project management. About our Guests — Carrie Fletcher, Lindsay Scott and Jane Caniff: Carrie Fletcher, PMP, is the senior director of health information management and the enterprise project management office (PMO) for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, Canada. She has nearly 20 years of experience in the healthcare sector. Lindsay Scott is the director of program and project management recruitment for Arras People in London. Jane Canniff, PMP, is a senior IT consultant who spent more than a decade working for nonprofits World Vision International and CARE in the global development sector. We hope you’ve enjoyed our podcast series, Projectified with PMI . To join the conversation online, we ask you to use #Projectified and @PMInstitute. We also encourage you to subscribe and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Google Play Music by clicking on the links below. Thank you very much, and stay tuned as we release more episodes of Projectified with PMI . For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified with PMI, subscribe to our podcast at: Apple Podcast , Google Play Music , SoundCloud , Stitcher , or PMI . org / podcast . Key Themes: [1:40] The gender pay gap in project management [6:10] Challenges female project leaders face (Carrie Fletcher) [8:08] Striking the right work-life balance (Carrie Fletcher) [12:10] Gender trends in the project management profession (Lindsay Scott) [13:45] The future of contract vs. full-time project work (Lindsay Scott) [16:18] How to advance your career (Jane Canniff) [20:50] Advice for female project managers (Jane Canniff) [22:26] The value of diversity in the workforce (Jane Canniff)

Jun 13, 2018

During this conversation, recorded at PMI’s EMEA Congress 2018 in Berlin, John Daly and Henk van Huyssteen discuss how digitization is changing the way projects are run, the benefits project teams can expect to see in the near future— and what skills project and program managers need to develop to stay relevant. About our Guests — John Daly and Henk van Huyssteen: John Daly, PfMP, PgMP, PMP, is a Director in Cisco Advanced Service Global PMO, managing a global team of project and program managers from Jacksonville, Florida, USA. John began his career as an engineer and quickly moved into project and program management, and has been working in that field for over 12 years. Henk van Huyssteen, PMP, delivers complex business technology programs for large organizations and is based in Cape Town, South Africa. He specializes in defining delivery strategies and models to achieve aggressive timelines or to turn around projects in trouble. Over the past three years, he has led a variety of large-scale, digital transformation programs. We hope you’ve enjoyed our podcast series, Projectified with PMI . To join the conversation online, we ask you to use #Projectified and @PMInstitute. We also encourage you to subscribe and leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Google Play Music by clicking on the links below. Thank you very much, and stay tuned as we release more episodes of Projectified with PMI . For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified with PMI, subscribe to our podcast at: Apple Podcast , Google Play Music , SoundCloud , Stitcher , or PMI . org / podcast . Key Takeaways: [1:25] The impact of digitization on project work [3:25] Facilitating faster decision-making [5:50] Innovative problem solving [7:15] Project management skills for a digital world [8:50] How to begin the transformation [12:30] Congress attendees weigh in on the evolving role of project management

May 30, 2018

Jim shares insights on the past, present and future of IBM's PMCoE, including its focus on attracting and developing tomorrow's project leaders, the challenge of balancing traditional methods with agile approaches, and the keys to remaining relevant over two decades. About our Guest: Jim Boland is the leader of IBM's Project Management Center of Excellence (PMCoE), which is celebrating its 21st anniversary as it serves over 350,000 "IBMers" —including dozens of PMOs and 40,000 certified project managers. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified with PMI, follow the podcast at: iTunes , Stitcher , Google Play, or Pmi . org / podcast . Key Takeaways: [01:30] The broad mission of IBM's PMCoE [03:10] Everybody is a project manager [06:15] The difference between a CoE and PMO [09:00] Meeting the pace of change with agility [14:45] Frequent 'sense-checking' to identify red flags [17:00] Internal and external certification programs [20:15] Attracting talent to the PM workforce [22:45] New skills needed for project managers [25:45] Defining/reinforcing culture values/practices [28:40] What's next for the PMCoE [31:45] Get comfortable with change

May 16, 2018

In part two with transformation expert Kevin Murphy, Kevin discusses how project managers serve as big-picture change agents, developing a future mindset, how to instill new behaviors for creating a change-ready culture, and dealing with resistance. About our Guest: Kevin Murphy is a partner in Bain & Company's Washington, D.C. office, and head of its Center of Expertise for Co-Creation. He has more than 30 years of experience across multiple industries in leading large turnarounds and transformations. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified with PMI, follow the podcast at: iTunes , Stitcher , Google Play, or Pmi . org / podcast . Key Takeaways: [01:00] Building and maintaining transformation momentum [05:30] The relationship between transformation and culture [07:30] Defining culture and the three levels of change [11:00] Creating a mindset for the future state [14:30] The importance of feedback from peers and teams [18:40] Project managers as change agents [20:15] A results delivery office: value, execution and people [23:45] Understanding and dealing with resistance [29:20] Less screens and meeting, more time with people

May 2, 2018

Andy defines leadership and teams in this episode; discusses trust, conflict and alignment; touches on agile principles in leading teams; emphasizes the importance of finding meaning in the work; and offers advice on dealing with "bad apples" and bringing out the best in the teams you lead. About our Guest: Speaker, author and executive coach Andy Kaufman has worked with thousands of individuals from hundreds of organization to help them improve their ability to deliver projects and lead teams. He has 25 years of experience in management, technology, team leadership and project management. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified with PMI, follow the podcast at: iTunes , Stitcher , Google Play, or Pmi . org / podcast . Key Takeaways: [03:00] Definitions of leadership, from vision to potential [08:00] The ripple effect of good and bad leadership [10:00] A team is more than a group of individuals [11:40] Trust is the foundation, not artificial harmony [17:45] Team alignment requires understanding the "why" [20:50] Applying agile principles to team leadership [26:00] Shared leadership and meaningful work [31:00] Dealing with "bad apples" on teams

Apr 18, 2018

In this episode Kevin defines transformation, describes what’s different for leaders moving through it, and makes a case that project professionals do their best work when they attend to the physical, mental and emotional space where co-creation can be achieved. About our Guest: Kevin Murphy is a partner in Bain & Company's Washington, D.C. office, and head of its Center of Expertise for Co-Creation. He has more than 30 years of experience across multiple industries in leading large turnarounds and transformations. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified with PMI, follow the podcast at: iTunes , Stitcher , Google Play Music, or Pmi . org / podcast . Key Takeaways: [01:30] Drivers and characteristics of transformation [04:45] Transformation projects are marathons, not sprints [07:45] Transformation lessons and rewards [10:00] Risks and reasons for high failure rates [12:55] Attitude, resolve and top-down commitment [16:25] Engaging in conservations that break down silos [21:15] Creating physical, mental and emotional spaces

Apr 4, 2018

Dana shares insights on building strong work relationships between millennials and managers. With perspectives from both sides, she identifies behaviors and mindsets to foster cross-generational collaboration and understanding. About our Guest: Dana Brownlee has served as project manager and strategy consultant for IBM and AT&T, among other organizations. She is president of Professionalism Matters and the author of the upcoming book The Unwritten Rules of Managing Up: Project Management Techniques from the Trenches . For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified with PMI, follow the podcast at: iTunes , Stitcher , Google Play, or Pmi . org / podcast . Key Takeaways: [02:30] Describing general distinctions of millennials [7:10] Accommodating various communication modes [9:20] Adapting leadership styles, relationship-building [14:10] Work culture adjustments for millennials [18:30] Balancing policies: opportunities vs. privileges [22:00] How millennials are inspiring welcome changes [26:00] Comfort with technology and fresh perspectives [27:45] The value of meeting with people individually [29:10} Project management skills for career success

Mar 21, 2018

Doug shares experiences and insights from managing PMI's 2017 Project of the Year. You’ll learn how the team overcame dangers of the work environment and the technical, talent, and communications challenges of the project. About our Guest: Roland (Doug) Greenwell has led highly complex projects at U.S. Department of Energy sites for more than 30 years, bringing expertise in nuclear waste retrieval, safety-conscious work environments and continuous improvement. Doug shares experiences and insights from managing PMI's 2017 Project of the Year. The project was replacing an underground tank that was leaking radioactive waste in Hanford, Washington, USA. Highlights of the award-winning project includes finishing the project ahead of schedule and US$8.7 under budget, and no safety issues were encountered while transferring nuclear waste. Doug’s conversation details dealing with technical and talent challenges, communicating to diverse stakeholders and negative media, risk management, and the rewards of the job. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified with PMI, follow the podcast at: iTunes , Stitcher , Google Play, or Pmi . org / podcast . Key Takeaways: [2:13] project background and site history [6:56] project begins with an unexpected leak [10:50] dangers of the work environment [13:30] technical challenges, timeline and cost [16:23] the talent challenge, skillsets and training [25:10] the stakeholder communication challenge [28:27] dealing with media and negative coverage [32:38] the shared attributes of complex projects [36:20] risk management is indispensable [39:43] the rewards of the job, the impact on society

Mar 7, 2018

After building a successful IT consulting career in the corporate world, Jane invested a decade leading global development projects and programs for World Vision International and CARE USA. In this episode, Stephen Maye sits down with Jane Canniff who discusses how project management is changing and how it differs between the for-profit and global development sectors. Jane also shares what she's learned about transition, adaptation and finding purpose in work that can save lives. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified with PMI, follow our podcast at: iTunes , Stitcher , Google Play , or Pmi . org / podcast . Key Takeaways: @01:30 — the global development landscape, goals @04:00 — the need for project leadership @05:45 — moving from corporate to development sector @11:45 — building local capability and commitment @15:20 — communication and cultural considerations @19:40 — technology and infrastructure challenges @25:00 — the value of curiosity and encouragement @27:00 — returning to for-profit world with new perspective @28:55 — working with a cross-cultural, global team @31:50 — making the transition to social-good project work

Feb 21, 2018

Picking up our previous conversation on "pitching projects," Oren practices what he preaches — diving right into describing "a path to payoff" to follow when running team meetings or presenting a solution to stakeholders. About our Guest: Oren Klaff is author of Pitch Anything: An Innovative Method for Presenting, Persuading, and Winning the Deal and an investment banker who has raised more than $1 billion for entrepreneurs. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified with PMI, follow the podcast at: iTunes , Stitcher , Google Play, or Pmi . org / podcast . Key Takeaways: [02:46] Describe problems in ways that solutions are valued [10:57] Establish why meeting is important and worth the time [12:35] Build a narrative arc about what's new or changing [18:54] 'Unpack' the solution with facts then 'sell' benefits with emotion [21:30] Only present for as long as you can be compelling [23:13] Remember and believe that YOU are the value Links: Pitch Anything : An Innovative Method for Presenting , Persuading , and Winning the Deal , by Oren Klaff PitchAnything . com

Feb 7, 2018

Anand Swaminathan, a senior partner at McKinsey and Stephen W. Maye continue their conversation about what digital transformation means today, and why it’s important to almost every organization’s future. Real-world business examples of digital transformation enlighten part two of our conversation with Anand, as we dive more deeply into the role of cross-functional teams and discuss the culture challenges that must be addressed. Anand Swaminathan is also one of the authors of Digital @ Scale: The Playbook You Need to Transform Your Company. Anand covers some of topics in the book such as the changes in strategy that happen as part of the digital transformation, changes in culture, the organization model and operating model, as well as the changes in fundamental capabilities. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified with PMI, follow the podcast at: Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or pmi.org/podcast . Key Takeaways: [04:35] Breaking down silos with cross-functional teams [07:05] Examples of digital transformation in healthcare [10:05] Culture change and reinvention are mandatory [12:15] Emerging roles to build bridges, drive transformation [14:08] 'Intentionally temporary' jobs, processes and models [17:00] Preparing for your digital work future Links: McKinsey & Company Digital @ Scale: The Playbook You Need to Transform Your Company , by Anand Swaminathan and Jürgen Meffert

Jan 24, 2018

Best-selling author of The Dance of the Possible, The Year Without Pants and other books, Scott is a former Microsoft project manager, a creative-thinking teacher, and a popular speaker. Episode Description: We return to the oft-neglected role of creativity in project management as Scott shares insights on bringing fresh-thinking and innovative problem-solving to your projects and teams, regardless of the work environment. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified with PMI, follow our podcast at: iTunes , Stitcher , Google Play , or Pmi . org / podcast . Episode Notes: @01:15 — overcoming 'creative block' by lowering the bar @04:26 — keeping a journal to spark ideas and solutions @09:21 — bringing creative thinking to traditional work cultures @12:29 — balancing quick solutions with deeper exploration @16:40 — an idea-generation technique using 'opposites' Links: Making Things Happen : Mastering Project Management , by Scott

Jan 10, 2018

Lauri Bingham, Director of Technology PMO at T-Mobile. Responsible for managing over $100M across a diverse, high-profile portfolio of national programs and projects. Episode Description: Stephen W. Maye is your host for Projectified with PMI . In this episode, Stephen sits down with Lauri Bingham who shares insights and lessons learned on adopting and integrating agile principles and practices into a variety of work environments. Lauri also covers the PMO’s role in supporting teams, hybrid approaches, and dealing with complexity. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified with PMI, follow our podcast at: iTunes , Stitcher , Google Play , or Pmi . org / podcast . Key Takeaways: 2:44 — the importance of 'soft' and 'big-picture' skills @06:15 — moving from waterfall to agile/hybrid methods @08:44 — finding the right fit for right team for right project @11:01 — communicating successes, benefits and lessons @12:20 — the challenges of going first and changing habits @14:40 — a culture shift throughout organization @19:57 — balancing waterfall and agile principles @22:25 — letting the data lead you to the answers @25:43 — listen to your customers, build a relationships @30:30 — the learn-trial-learn process @33:57 — career advice to women and young project managers Links: Lauri Bingham LinkedIn

Dec 15, 2017

Oren Klaff, Pitch Expert and author of Pitch Anything: An Innovative Method for Presenting, Persuading, and Winning the Deal. Stephen W. Maye is your host for Projectified with PMI. In this episode Oren explains why the art of pitching is a crucial skill for project leaders and describes ways to increase buy-in to your ideas, proposals, recommendations, and how to sell your vision of the future to your stakeholders and teams. Oren shines a light on common pitfalls people encounter while working to inform and influence those around them as well as provide solutions to these problems. He also lends his insights into how to formulate an excellent pitch and the neuroscience behind these strategies. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified with PMI, follow the podcast at: iTunes , Stitcher , Google Play, or Pmi . org / podcast . Key Takeaways: [:56] Pitching as a project leader: Presenting, persuading, influencing, and creating a ‘dome.’ [3:39] Under the ‘dome’; projecting the future of a project. [4:15] Selling the future; Creating a strong pitch and following through. [5:51] Establishing the rules under the ‘dome,’ or pitch, and the value of not answering every question. [7:34] The trust connection when pitching a project and replacing trust with credibility and autonomy. [9:06] The importance of autonomy. [11:18] The three major problems Oren sees in every presentation: the information dump, the nothing-burger, and having the right information in the wrong order. [15:23] Answering the right questions and organizing your presentation in a narrative arc: the setup, the path-to-payoff, and the payoff. [16:50] The setup: What’s changing in the world? [19:09] The neuroscience behind the formulas and theories Oren discussed. Links: Pitch Anything : An Innovative Method for Presenting , Persuading , and Winning the Deal , by Oren Klaff PitchAnything . com

Dec 8, 2017

Scott Berkun is a bestselling author, sought after speaker, and former Microsoft project manager. Stephen W. Maye is your host for Projectified with PMI. In this episode Stephen discusses creativity withScott explains creativity’s often misunderstood and neglected role in project work, how to foster and apply creativity in process-oriented environments today, and why it will become even more important in the future of project professionals. Scott describes creativity as a creation and problem-solving process within project roles. He emphasizes that the process of creation and being creative is to not only create something new but to maintain and improve pre-existing ideas. Scott discusses the importance of defining ‘good’ when it comes to creativity, the relevance of creativity in the project management role, the benefits of applying creativity to any role, and where creativity fits in an increasingly automated and digitized world. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified with PMI, follow the podcast at: iTunes , Stitcher , Google Play, or Pmi . org / podcast . Key Takeaways: [:28] Stephen provides some background on Scott and welcomes him to the podcast [1:09] What’s the deal with Scott’s hair? [2:49] Scott’s definition of creativity [5:12] Scott’s early project manager role with Microsoft [6:04] Reflecting back on his role as a project manager: Where was creativity relevant? [7:34] The importance of defining ‘good’ and who gets to define ‘good’ [11:08] Where creativity fits in a world that is becoming increasingly more automated and digitized. [14:14] Who is at greatest risk for losing their job to automation? [16:02] Creativity’s relevancy in projects in an ever-increasing automated world and how project managers can better bring creativity to their job. [20:15] The opportunities and benefits of applying creativity in the role of project management. Links: Making Things Happen : Mastering Project

Oct 19, 2017

Jacqueline Van Pelt, a rising star at BAE systems, recounts her experiences in a number of project management roles and shares the deep insights she’s gained along the way. Jacqueline’s insights will benefit both up-and-coming and mid-career project professionals alike. Stephen W. Maye is your host for Projectified with PMI. Jacqueline is a young professional that has already amassed an impressive level of experience. She started as a consultant in the defence industry doing project management and business development consulting and is now employed with BAE Systems — a leading defence contractor where she has spent the last year immersed in a project management role and has gotten to see project management from a number of perspectives and angles. Jacqueline has a lot to bring to the community of project professionals, project managers, and those involved in PMOs and related work. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified with PMI, follow the podcast at: Itunes, Stitcher, Google Play or pmi.org/podcast . Key Takeaways: [:28] Introduction to Jacqueline and her current work [2:24] Jacqueline’s role in reinvigorating a PMO: The challenges and mission [5:19] The importance of mentorship [6:18] The biggest challenge of reinvigorating a PMO [7:42] Jacqueline’s transition from an engineer-focused mind to focusing on her interactions with people [9:07] The switch to relationship-focused PM [11:25] A window into how building these relationships began [13:19] Valuing your own perspective as a project manager [15:00] Jacqueline’s ‘backstage’ tips [17:01] Jacqueline’s basic principles when it comes to trust and building relationships [19:14] The key to building trust with those that you need to influence [20:43] Learning to ask the awkward questions [23:27] The experiences Jacqueline carried with her as a consultant into her current work [26:35] Jacqueline’s excellent mentors [29:13] Developing a leadership style

Oct 19, 2017

Dr. Michael Chui of the McKinsey Global Institute. Dr. Michael Chui is a technologist by training, a computer and cognitive scientist, author, and frequent speaker at major global conferences. Stephen W. Maye is your host for Projectified with PMI. In this episode, Stephen talks with Michael Chui who has conducted lots of fascinating research around automation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, and digitization. Michael shares research on the impact that artificial intelligence will have on the workforce, why A.I. presents new opportunities in the project world, how it affects work and the future potential of work, and how project professionals can prepare themselves to thrive in an emergent, exciting and uncertain landscape. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified with PMI, follow the podcast at: Itunes, Stitcher, Google Play or pmi.org/podcast . Key Takeaways: [:28] Steven introduces Dr. Michael Chui and he gives us some background into his work [1:40] What Dr. Michael Chui’s research has been about, the motivation behind it and the biggest surprises to come out of it [8:40] Where Michael sees the significant differences in the project world with the adoption of technological automation [12:17] The good news: Emphasis on leadership roles and developing connections with people [14:20] Where Michael anticipates the most significant impacts from automation and digitization [16:25] Where we are from a social acceptance perspective about machines and robotics [19:20] Awareness of robotics and automation adoption across the country and on socioeconomic levels [22:17] How people in professional roles will prepare for a world of increasingly smart technology [24:48] The good news for project management and project leadership: Immense value placed on leadership and motivation skills Links: Michael Chui’s McKinsey & Company Profile

Oct 13, 2017

Anand Swaminathan, a senior partner at McKinsey and Stephen W. Maye talk about what digital transformation means today, why it’s important to almost every organization’s future, the role of project management and realising its benefits, the risks and challenges it introduces, and the changes it can bring to your work culture, teams and customer experiences. Anand Swaminathan is also one of the authors of Digital @ Scale: The Playbook You Need to Transform Your Company. Anand covers some of topics in the book such as the changes in strategy that happen as part of the digital transformation, changes in culture, the organization model and operating model, as well as the changes in fundamental capabilities. For an easy way to stay up-to-date on Projectified with PMI, follow the podcast at: Itunes, Stitcher, Google Play or pmi.org/podcast . Key Takeaways: [1:27] What ‘Digital Transformation’ represents [3:22] What is different today in digitizing processes and the capabilities in technology [5:33] The fundamental difference between ‘strategy’ vs. ‘execution’ [7:07] The breadth of relevance of digital transformation as a modern movement [7:38] Where we should look today to see the most significant impact from an industry perspective [10:01] Going Digital: Embracing the capabilities (John Deere serving as an example) [13:47] Connection to Culture: The culture shift from digital transformation [15:22] The big red flags in digital transformation initiatives [19:36] Tailoring your digital transformation to better suit your customers [21:02] Infusing and not replacing talent; Putting together the organization ‘puzzle’ [22:11] Planning a major digital transformation program vs. Planning a large technology implementation Links: McKinsey & Company Digital @ Scale: The Playbook You Need to Transform Your Company , by Anand Swaminathan and Jürgen Meffert