Project Management Paradise

In this episode, we speak with Courtney Weiss, an expert dedicated to providing simple and effective strategic Change Management solutions. Courtney's focus is on what she calls "the people side of change," ensuring that organizations navigate transitions smoothly and successfully. Join us as Courtney shares her background and explains how she became a leader in the field of change management. We'll delve into a crucial distinction: the difference between business transformation and change management. Courtney will also reveal her three keys to effective change management and offer insights on how to overcome common barriers to organizational change. As the conversation evolves, we'll explore the significant impact of AI on change management initiatives and discuss big trends Courtney is observing in the industry. Finally, Courtney shares the most important piece of advice she's ever received and how it has shaped her career. Tune in for practical strategies and a fresh perspective on managing change in today

In this episode, we speak with Dave Garrett, Senior Advisor to the CEO at the Project Management Institute (PMI). With decades of experience driving innovation in project management, Dave is a thought leader in strategy, growth, and value delivery. As a co-founder of ProjectManagement.com and former Chief Strategy & Growth Officer at PMI, he has played a pivotal role in shaping how organizations around the world define and measure project success.  Join us as Dave shares his journey from tech entrepreneur to senior leadership at PMI, and explains how his work is helping redefine success beyond traditional metrics. He introduces PMI’s MORE philosophy, a modern approach to measuring outcomes, value, and stakeholder perception, and reveals why managing perceptions is just as important as hitting milestones. We explore the limitations of the “triple constraint” model, discuss why clearly defining value is essential to project outcomes, and unpack how performance should be measured in today’s complex, fast-mov

In this episode, we speak with Lauri Accardi, Founder and Chief Vision Officer of CataPoint Consulting. With over 25 years of experience in technology, Lauri is a trusted expert in program and portfolio management (PPM), agile methodologies, and business transformation. Through her work, she has helped countless organizations streamline operations, optimize processes, and implement agile frameworks that drive measurable results. Join us as Lauri shares her journey into the world of program management and reveals how she became a leader in helping businesses navigate complex transformations. She defines the critical role a strong Program Management Office (PMO) plays, outlines the key pain points that an effective PPM solution can solve, and provides real-world examples of successful transformation initiatives. We also dive into the major shifts she’s witnessed in the PPM space over the past two decades and the biggest lessons learned along the way. Lauri offers practical advice for organizations evaluating PP

In this episode, we speak with Ben LaMorte, a leading expert in helping businesses define their most critical objectives and achieve measurable results. As the founder of OKRs.com in 2014, Ben has personally guided over 100 organizations, including industry giants like eBay, Adobe, and Capital One, in successfully implementing Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). Join us as Ben shares his journey into the world of OKRs and provides a clear definition of this powerful goal-setting framework. He elaborates on how OKRs help teams stay focused on their ultimate destination and offers practical examples tailored for project leaders. We'll also explore the fascinating science and human biology that underpin the effectiveness of OKRs and uncover the telltale signs that indicate a team could benefit from this approach. Ben also sheds light on common pitfalls leaders face when defining OKRs and shares invaluable lessons learned from real-world examples of projects that initially struggled with OKR implementation but ult

In this episode, we sit down with Richard Carson, consultant, author, and researcher in Organizational Change Management. As CEO & President of Carson & Associates, Richard has spent his career advising public and private organizations on change management, strategic planning, and performance improvement. With deep expertise in driving transformation, Richard shares insights from his book The Book of Change and reveals the key factors that make or break organizational change. We’ll explore what change management really means, the biggest obstacles organizations face, and the essential ingredients for success. Richard also dives into lessons learned from his research, real-world examples of change initiatives—both successful and failed—and the most valuable career advice he's ever received. Contact Richard via his website Check out "The Book of Change" by Richard here Thanks for listening to the Project Management Paradise Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on your favorit

In this episode, we sit down with Martina Huemann, Professor of Project Leadership and Society at UCL and WU Vienna. With over 20 years of experience, Martina is a leading voice in empowering project leaders and advancing impactful scholarship. Martina connects academic insights with practical strategies, inspiring global leaders and organizations to achieve sustainable project success. Martina delves into the critical role of sustainability in project management. We'll explore how to translate corporate sustainability strategies into impactful projects, the key to selecting the right projects for a sustainable future, and the vital role of the PMO in supporting sustainable project delivery. Martina will also share valuable insights on avoiding common pitfalls in strategy and sustainability, and offer invaluable career advice gleaned from years of experience.  Chapters: 00:00 - 04:19 Introduction to Martina  04:20 - 09:54 What is sustainability and why is it important? 10:33 - 13:41 Corporate sustainability s

This is a bonus episode of Project Management Paradise where we listened back through some of the key points from our interviews over 2024. Highlights include hand-picked insights into empathetic leadership, organizational change, time management skills and how to deal with a narcissist in the workplace. Thanks for listening to the Project Management Paradise Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite platform. Stay tuned for more episodes where we bring you the latest insights from industry leaders. We’d love to hear your guest suggestions! Feel free to email us at hello@projectmanagementparadise.com Bonus Access a complimentary guidebook, Empowering Strategy Realization Using OKRs, at corasystems.com/okrguide

In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Hartman, founder of Time Boss. With over 20 years of experience in marketing tech and software startups, Andrew has perfected the balance between productivity and mental well-being. Andrew debunks the myth of "hustle culture" and shares his own experience of juggling 12 projects simultaneously, which led to the alarming loss of his sense of smell. Learn how to prioritize tasks, avoid burnout, and implement simple habits to boost productivity. Uncover surprising insights into the psychology of time and learn valuable career advice from a seasoned expert. Take control of your time and achieve more, without sacrificing your health and well-being. Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn Thanks for listening to the Project Management Paradise Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite platform. Stay tuned for more episodes where we bring you the latest insights from industry leaders. Bonus Access a complimentary guidebook, Empowering Strategy

In this episode, we sit down with Richard Minney, a seasoned expert with over 20 years in the Aerospace & Defense (A&D) and business software industries. Richard is the founder of Twenty5, a company that delivers specialized SAP software solutions tailored for large manufacturers and government contractors. With a strong focus on program management, costing, and pricing, Twenty5 effectively addresses critical gaps within SAP’s ERP suite. Richard shares his journey from a career in business software to founding his own company, driven by a passion for helping organizations manage complex project pricing and estimation. Tune in as Richard dives into the fundamentals of project pricing and estimation, shedding light on the differences between these two concepts and the keys to getting them right. He shares common pitfalls that organizations face, insights into why construction projects often exceed budgets, and what might surprise listeners about project estimation. Richard also explains how Twenty5’s in

In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Wilson, a seasoned expert in scheduling and project management within the aerospace and defense industry. With extensive experience at leading companies like Northrop Grumman and Honeywell, Jessica specializes in Department of Defense contracts, earned value management, and integrated master schedules. Over the course of her career, she’s tackled complex scheduling issues, compliance demands, and reporting challenges in the aerospace and defense space. Jessica shares how she got started in the industry and offers her perspective on how technology is transforming scheduling and earned value management. She also discusses why IPMDAR is such a hot topic and how tools and processes have changed over the past decade. Tune in to hear valuable lessons she’s learned and gain insights into overcoming the unique challenges faced in this highly regulated and demanding industry. Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn Thanks for listening to the Project Management Paradise Podcast. Don'

In this episode, we sit down with Carol Cone, a trailblazer in the purpose movement with over 35 years of experience. Carol currently leads Carol Cone ON PURPOSE (CCOP), dedicated to advancing purpose strategies for corporations, brands, nonprofits, and professionals worldwide. She shares insights from her journey, starting with the founding of Cone Inc., the first and largest social impact agency, through her leadership roles at Omnicom and Edelman, to establishing CCOP and the Purpose Collaborative, a global network of purpose-driven firms. Carol discusses how she became an expert in corporate culture and leadership, emphasizing the importance of a company’s purpose and how to approach it effectively. Join us as Carol reveals the secrets of good corporate leadership, traits to be wary of in leaders, and how transparency afforded by the internet has transformed the work environment. She also explains the importance of viewing suppliers as partners and shares the most valuable piece of advice she has received

In this episode, we explore the fascinating career of Steve Kershaw, the Global Government Defense Leader for PwC. Steve shares his unique journey from serving as a submariner in the Royal Navy for 21 years to leading global defence strategies at PwC. He provides captivating insights into life in a submarine, including how submariners maintain physical fitness and the critical importance of controlling noise. These experiences have significantly influenced his meticulous approach to program management in the aerospace and defense (A&D) sector. Steve discusses the substantial changes in programme management over the past 15-20 years, emphasizing the impact of digitization. He addresses the challenges of digitizing program development and the strategies to overcome them, highlighting the importance of ROI in transformation programs and how benefits are measured. Steve also explains the tangible advantages PwC has gained through using Cora’s platform for program management. Looking ahead, he predicts signifi

Today, we are thrilled to have Rebecca Zung, a renowned conflict resolution specialist and bestselling author, as our guest. Rebecca has written extensively on corporate and social themes, including her latest USA Today bestseller, "SLAY the Bully: How to Negotiate with a Narcissist and Win." In this episode, we dive into "How to Outsmart a Narcissist in a High-Conflict Situation." Join us as Rebecca shares her journey to becoming an expert in conflict resolution. She defines what a narcissist is and reveals the keys to negotiating effectively with them. Learn how to handle narcissists who don’t respond to logic and discover practical strategies to prevent and minimize bullying in the workplace. Rebecca also discusses the most important piece of advice she has received in her career and how it has shaped her approach to conflict resolution. Whether you're managing complex projects or navigating personal relationships, Rebecca’s insights will equip you with the tools to succeed. Tune in to Project Management P

Join us as we explore digital transformation in aerospace and defense with Nils Herzberg, a seasoned business leader with over 35 years of experience, primarily at SAP. Key Points: Defining Digital Transformation: Nils explains what digital transformation means for aerospace and defense, highlighting its importance for modernization and efficiency. The Why Behind It: Discover the strategic reasons driving organizations to embark on digital transformation programs, as explained by Nils. Avoiding Pitfalls: Nils shares common pitfalls to watch out for during a digital transformation journey and offers practical advice to navigate them successfully. Tips for Success: Learn three actionable tips for planning and executing a digital transformation program, based on Nils's extensive experience. Sectoral Differences: Understand how digital transformation varies across industries and gain insights into its unique challenges in aerospace and defense compared to other sectors. PPM & ERP Systems: Nils exp

In this episode of the Project Management Paradise podcast, special guest host Pamela Sinclair talks with the Associate Director of Digital Portfolio Management Office for Queensland University of Technology (QUT) about the implementation of Cora Systems' project and portfolio management solution at QUT. The guest details the benefits of Cora's portfolio management capabilities, reporting functionality, and user-friendly interface. They highlight the significant time and resource savings achieved since implementing Cora, with streamlined reporting processes and increased user adoption. Key Highlights: • Accidental project management career path.  • Tech careers and project management at Queensland University of Technology. • Digital transformation and project management at a university. • Digital transformation and PPM tool challenges at a university. • Selecting a project management tool and its benefits. • Using a PPM tool to streamline project management processes. • Implementing a project management tool.

In this episode of Project Management Paradise, host Aaron Murphy engages in a deep dive with Dr. Randy Ross, CEO of Remarkable and bestselling author, exploring the essence of corporate culture, employee engagement, and navigating challenging times in the workplace. Dr. Ross shares invaluable insights on fostering positive work environments, enhancing employee happiness, and addressing toxic elements within organizations.   Key Highlights: ●      00:23 - Introduction and background to the guest Dr. Randy Ross ●      04:52 - The Silent Killer ●      07:17 - Navigating VUCA ●      12:48 - Investing in People ●      15:28 - Building Relationally Rich Environments ●      16:12 - Creating a Relationally Rich Environment ●      16:30 - Embracing Feedback ●      21:59 - Axiology in Practice ●      23:01 - Passion, Strengths, and Problem-Solving ●      30:13 - Purpose-Driven Business   This episode serves as an engaging discussion on the importance of renewable energy and how it can positively impact indiv

In this episode of the Project Management Paradise podcast, host Aaron Murphy is joined by Neal Frick, a leadership guru and author, to explore the topic of empathetic leadership. Neil shares insights into the definition of empathetic leadership, common misconceptions, and the keys to successful implementation. He emphasizes transparency, trust, active listening, and logical decision-making as crucial elements. Neil also discusses the return on investment (ROI) of empathetic leadership, highlighting its impact on effort, productivity, and customer relations. Key Highlights: ●      00:23 - Introduction to Neal Frick and Empathy in leadership ●      00:57 - Neal’s Background and Journey to Empathy to Leadership ●      02:33 - Empathetic Leadership ●      07:50 - Trust and Listening in Empathetic Leadership ●      08:14 - Empathy and Sympathy, Underlining the Need for Setting Boundaries ●      09:23 - Emotional Connections Affected Decision-Making ●      10:13 - Explores Return on Investment (ROI) in Empa

In this episode, we're joined by Paul Gill, who has spent over eight years at PayPal as a program manager.   Paul shares his experiences and tips for successfully developing cross-functional teams and managing company strategy.  Key Highlights:  Introduction to Paul Gill and program management within business operations   Why good ideas require good execution   Definition of cross-functional teams  Definition of Agile and adaptability in project management   How effective diverse, cross-functional teams can be a competitive advantage   Why is corporate culture and collaboration important to successful project execution Connect with Paul on LinkedIn here Bonus Access a complimentary guidebook, Empowering Strategy Realization Using OKRs, at corasystems.com/okrguide  

In this episode, we're joined by Lauren C. Ayers, whose most recent role has been as a director of program analysis and business transformation for the deputy assistant secretary of the U.S. Navy.   Lauren shares her experiences and learnings for successful change transformation, in particular in the area of acquisition and procurement.      Key Highlights:  Introduction to Lauren C. Ayers and business transformation in mega projects  Strategic advice for efficient procurement and maintenance of military hardware   How best to work in a team environment   Skills for negotiating, contract management and future planning  How to navigate DCMA and GovCon processes   Tips for how to effectively communicate with multiple stakeholders    Bonus Learn how software can combat 8 headaches keeping PMOs in the aerospace & defense sector awake at night by accessing a complimentary copy at corasystems.com/defensesoft 

This episode of The Project Management Paradise Podcast is the part of a unique limited series called "Unlocking Project Success with Professor John McGrath”. In this episode, we're joined by Hardeep Kaur, a Global Director – Operational Excellence, Strategy, Transformation, Change Management and Communications, at Merck, with over 25 years’ experience in Pharmaceutical Operations and General Management.  Hardeep shares her experience and advice for successful change and transformation, in particular in the area of strategy execution.   Key Highlights:  Introduction to Hardeep Kaur and change management  The difference between change and transformation  Misconceptions about the role of the project sponsor and their importance to project success   Tips for improving stakeholder communication  3 lessons learned for successful execution of change  Agility and how to make your organization change ready  Connect with Hardeep on LinkedIn here Bonus Learn the keys to effective “digital transformation” by accessing