Project Management Paradise

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 Carl Bernie, an Operations Director with DPS Group with extensive KAM, project management and commercial experience on global semi-conductor mega construction projects.    Carl shares his experience in dealing with project fatigue in complex projects. He discusses his journey into the world of project management, which began in the 1990s, and today entails managing multi-year projects with budgets of billions of euro.     Carl explores how large, complex projects differ from more traditional projects, including initiation, execution, delivery and project close-out.      Key Highlights:  ●      Introduction to Carl Bernie and mega projects  ●      Agile, iterative approaches to project execution  ●      Diversity in project teams and creating a team dynamic   ●      Traits for a good project manager  ●      Essence, expe

In this episode, we're joined by Pamela Ann Sinclair, a training specialist for Cora Systems and change management expert, who shares her expertise in change management preparation. Pamela discusses her journey into the world of change management, highlighting its increasing relevance in project management over the past decade. She emphasizes the pivotal role of change management in successful project execution and provides a practical checklist of industry best-practices to ensure smooth transitions. Pamela also explores common pitfalls in change management based on her extensive experience, offering insights on how to avoid them. Connect with Pamela on LinkedIn here Bonus Learn the keys to effective change management by accessing a complimentary copy at www.corasystems.com/changeguide

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of renewable energy and solar power, and how it's transforming our planet. Our guest today is Jeremiah Broz, CEO and founder of Energy Advantage Roof and Solar, and a renewable energy expert with a passion for sustainable solutions. We start the conversation by getting to know Jeremiah and exploring his journey into the world of renewable energy. He shares his background and the fascinating story of how he found his way into this field. We then tackle the burning question on everyone's mind: Is solar power worth the switch for individuals and corporations? Intriguingly, we ask Jeremiah why we haven't retired fossil fuels overnight. And finally, Jeremiah provides key insights on accessing tax credits and government incentives for those transitioning to sustainable energy.   Learn More About Jeremiah Broz here or visit his website:https://www.yourenergyadvantage.com/ Bonus Find out how grid modernization can facilitate decarbonizing of the energy sector by accessing

In this episode, Aaron Murphy discusses leadership skills with guest Pat D'Amico, a leadership expert and CEO of About-Face Development. Pat's military background informs his insights on leadership. He talks about how important it is for leaders to deal with their own stress, become more self-aware, and learn how to coach. They also talk about how important mentorship is, what the most common reasons are for people to quit their jobs, and why leaders need to keep learning. The conversation touches on the effects of tools for learning from a distance, and it ends by pointing out that coaching and hiring skills are important leadership skills. Pat's contact information is given so that you can get in touch with him. Listen to the episode to learn more! Important Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:23 - Who Is Our Guest For Today? 05:12 - Being Aware Of Your Emotion 06:09 - Having A Mentor Is Important 07:06 - Why Are People Leaving Their Jobs? 07:56 - Manager's Role in Job Losses 08:30 - Lack Of Development 08

In this episode, Brian Jackson, Director of Project Management and Third Party Governance at Centennial Bank, shares his 47-year journey in the banking industry, witnessing the incredible transformation from manual operations to today's digital marvels. He discusses the importance of contractual compliance in the banking sector and how Centennial Bank adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling remote work. They explore the impact of digital transformation on modern banks, including real-time payments like FedNow. Tune in for valuable insights and inspiring stories. Important Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 00:23 – Brian’s background 02:30 - Banking Through the Decades 06:15 - Banking's Unstoppable Technological Journey 08:20 - Time-Saving, Compliance Crucial, Pandemic Impact 11:10 - Revolutionizing the Post-COVID Workplace 15:01 - Reach Out To Brian!   Connect with Brian on LinkedIn here Or email Brian at BJackson@my100bank.com   Bonus Learn the keys to effective “digital transformation” by accessing a com

In this episode of the Project Management Paradise podcast, Aaron Murphy interviews Dr. Barry Devereux, an expert in artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics. Dr. Devereux discusses his background in cognitive science and his research on natural language processing. He explains that AI has become a hot topic due to the development of chatbots like ChatGPT, which are intuitive and easy to use. Deep learning, a type of machine learning that uses neural network models, has greatly contributed to the success of AI systems. Dr. Devereux predicts that AI will become increasingly integrated into everyday life and professional work, with applications in areas like synthetic media generation. He also highlights the advantages of AI, including increased productivity and economic efficiency. Learn more by listening to this episode! Important Timestamps: ●      00:00 - Introduction ●      00:27 - Who Is Dr. Barry Devereux? ●      03:23 - Why Is AI Such A Hot Topic Nowadays? ●      08:18 - What Is Natural Lang

Today, we are talking with Jessica Rivard, a senior business analyst at Cora Systems, and previously she worked at Fin Canary Marine Group, where she spent over 15 years working in the defense sector in a range of roles, including senior corporate applications manager and both as a business and systems analyst. We discuss the increasing concern over cybersecurity threats from actors like China and North Korea, the importance of competitiveness and innovation in the defense space, and the use of AI in areas such as virtual reality simulations and data analysis. Jessica also highlights the significance of adhering to earned value management techniques and the challenges faced by the industry, including the longer product life cycles caused by factors like knowledge loss and resource demand. Overall, the podcast emphasizes the need for organizations to stay updated, comply with regulations, and leverage technological advancements to address industry challenges effectively. Important Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduc

Today, we are talking with LaRae Quy, an undercover counterintelligence agent for the FBI for 24 years, and now she’s an author. In this episode, we will discuss mental toughness and how it can be developed over time. We will also look at some examples of mental toughness. We will get to know LaRae’s thoughts on resilience and how to gain good values. Is it truly necessary to have a good understanding of oneself? This and more questions will be answered as we go along with the episode! 00:00 - Introduction00:21 - Who is LaRae Quy? 03:54 - Mental toughness is something you develop 05:18 - Tips on developing mental toughness 08:08 - What is resilience? 10:39 - Values in mental toughness13:39 - Source of good values 15:32 - Responding to failure 20:56 - Mental toughness is the same for men and women 22:40 - The importance of self-awareness25:15 - How to be self-aware?   Connect with LaRae Quy LinkedIn: LaRae Quy Website: https://laraequy.com/ Twitter: @LaRaeQuy   Bonus Access a complimentary guidebook, Empow

For today’s episode, we are talking with Patti Viri-Cruz, the Director of PT Portfolio, Design and Construction at Genentech. A professional in project management who has built processes and programs from the ground up, putting the business's needs first. In this episode, we'll talk about diversity and how it's important for running a group or team. How does Patti get the most out of what each team member is good at? Is it through inspiration? Also, we'll find out what project managements role is in the biotech sector and how the Cora software solution has helped to streamline a global corporation like Genentech and its sister companies around the world. Important Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction01:01 - Who is Patti Viri-Cruz? 01:38 - Diversity in a nutshell 02:48 - Patti’s fun experiment with Aaron 06:56 - Maximizing team performance10:11 - The importance of leading by example 12:15 - Pandemic and post-pandemic comparison 15:57 - Project management in biotech24:00 - How did Cora Systems help Genentech?  Con

The Project Foundry, founded by Declan Ryan, helps business and technology leaders deliver business-driven technology change and realize value by bridging strategy and execution. He is also the CEO and today, he is our guest for this episode. Today, we are going to talk to him about the ways in which the company makes its clients’ lives better. Was Declan surprised by how companies managed their strategies? Did he notice a recurring set of fears? What impact do certain issues have on government and business? Also, where does leadership in a company reside? How do businesses actually put their strategies into action?  In this episode, we will also learn how an individual can assist the leadership team of a company with the goals that they have set for themselves. Is it really as simple as outlining a route that can lead to success? Learn more as you listen to this episode. Important Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction00:14 - Introducing Declan Ryan 00:47 - Declan Ryan’s story 02:55 - How does The Project Foundry

Josh Lee is the co-founder of Rev Technologies, a company that specializes in SAP implementation and technology strategy for heavy manufacturing and project-centric firms. In this episode, we discuss the major trends that are affecting the aerospace and defense industries, as well as the ways in which these trends impact the line of business. In addition to this, we will find out whether or not the industry will experience the impending shifts that we have been speculating about. What kinds of issues could come up in the future, and how do you think we should handle them if they do? Lastly, we will talk about how adjusting to new circumstances can be the most effective strategy for this company. Important Timestamps: 00:00 - Introducing Josh Lee 00:48 - Who is Josh Lee and does he do? 02:50 - The major trends affecting the aerospace and defense industry 11:04 - Will there be a future change in the industry? 14:51 - How will this change look from an executive perspective and how will it help? 15:34 - What is

Ron Schmelzer and Kathleen Walch are the managing partners of Cognilytica, an AI research and advisory firm. Ron is also a judge for the South by Southwest Innovation Awards and started and runs the Tech Breakfast. Kathleen is a serial entrepreneur, an expert in AI and machine learning, a savvy marketer, and a tech industry connector. The birth of Cognilytica is when they both realized that the world is taking a huge leap in technology as AI is becoming more popular. The drive for them to create these podcast episodes came when they realized that people were still surprisingly thirsty for knowledge. In this episode, they debunk the idea that technology is really the problem; in fact, it’s the challenge of getting people to understand technology. Ron also stated that the world of AI has a much higher overlap than people might have thought. Together, they describe the phases and actions they take whenever they run into a technological issue, outlining the procedure for resolving such issues. Listen to this epis

Jeff Hopkins is Honeywell's global program management office leader and is responsible for their end-to-end project solutions processes. He also serves as the program management office leader for Honeywell Integrated. Prior to joining Honeywell, Jeff held R&D roles at Procter & Gamble Company across multiple regions and business segments. He is the industry leader in enterprise-wide digitally enabled work process transformation. In this episode, Jeff Hopkins is going to discuss: “5 Tips To Accelerate Digital Transformation”.

Joe Stalder has over 10 years of experience managing drug development projects in a variety of company sizes and cultures, including Pfizer, Roche, and AstraZeneca. Joe is a regular speaker at biopharma project and portfolio management conferences and he’s the author of an upcoming book on managing drug development projects. In this episode, Joe Stalder is going to discuss: “Keys to Effective Project Prioritization in Biopharma”. Learn the keys to effective “project prioritization in biopharma” by accessing a complimentary guidebook by Joe Stalder at https://corasystems.com/prioritizationguide Tune in to a bonus webinar by Joe Stalder on “project prioritization in biopharma” by visiting https://corasystems.com/effectivewebinar

Dr. Alexia Nalewaik has over 25 years of experience in audit, estimating, and cost/risk management. She is a Fellow of the RICS, AACE International, the Guild of Project Controls, and ICEC. Alexia is a member of the Governing Council for the RICS, representing the US Market Seat. She is also a Past President of AACE International, and Past Chair of the International Cost Engineering Council. She has published two books, on performance audit and reporting. In this episode, Dr Alexia Nalewaik is going to discuss: “Why Cost Indices Are Important for Project Management”. *Bonus* This year’s Project Controls Expo USA takes place in Washington D.C. at the Nationals Park, between October 4-6th. Cora will be at Stand 37 and they have 10 tickets to give away. Enter now  

This is Project Management Paradise episode 145. Kris Sprague is the Head of Program and Project Planning at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. He is an executive-level professional with extensive experience building and leading project management organizations and PMOs that assist business leaders in achieving their strategy. In 2021, he was recognized by the PMO Global Alliance (PMOGA) as one of the Top 4 PMO Leaders in the Americas and one of the world’s top sixteen. Kris has over a dozen professional certifications from organizations such as the Project Management Institute (PMI), the PMOGA, and Prosci. In this episode, Kris is going to discuss: “How to Improve Forecasting by 98% in Life Sciences”.

This is Project Management Paradise episode 144. Michael Calkins is Senior VP of Professional Services at Cora Systems. Michael has over 30 years of consulting experience in the public and private sectors. He has previously worked with global brands such as NetSuite, Teracore, IBM, and Dell. In this episode, Michael is going to discuss: “Is Your Manager Causing You To Leave?” Show Notes Connect with Michael on LinkedIn here Bonus Access a complimentary guidebook, Empowering Strategy Realization Using OKRs, at corasystems.com/okrguide

Sachin Raje is Director, Strategy Realization Office, MRL Global Medical and Scientific Affairs at Merck. He is an expert in mentoring on Project Management, complex program management, setting up PMOs, and establishing and managing Strategy Realization Offices. He has deep sector-wide experience, with a solid record of delivering value to a number of companies in the Life Sciences, Financial Services, Insurance, Retail, and Manufacturing industries. In this episode, Sachin Raje discusses: “How to Lead a Strategy Realization Office in Life Sciences”. Show Notes Connect with Sachin on LinkedIn here *Bonus* Project Management Paradise is brought to you by Cora Systems. Learn why Cora has been named in Gartner’s Magic Quadrant for Strategic Portfolio Management by accessing a complimentary copy at corasystems.com/magicpmpp

Lou Adler is “The Sherlock Holmes of Recruitment”, CEO, and founder of The Adler Group, a consulting and training firm that uses his performance-based hiring℠ system for finding and hiring exceptional talent.  Lou has over 1.4 million followers on Linkedin. His articles and research have also been featured in Inc. Magazine, Business Insider, Bloomberg, SHRM, and The Wall Street Journal. Lou is the author of ‘The Essential Guide for Hiring & Getting Hired’ and the Amazon top-10 best-seller, ‘Hire With Your Head - Performance-Based Hiring to Build Outstanding Diverse Teams’. In this episode, Lou Adler is going to discuss: “The key to performance-based hiring”. Show Notes Learn more about the Lou Adler Group at louadlergroup.com Connect with Lou on LinkedIn here Follow Lou on Twitter here here Get "The Essential Guide for Hiring & Getting Hired" on Amazon Bonus Project Management Paradise is brought to you by Cora Systems. Learn why Cora was recently recognized in the 2022 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for St

Nills Vinje is a Leadership Coach, 3X Top 25 Customer Success Influencer, Speaker and Consultant. He is the only certified coach in the field of customer service who is exclusively focused on the growth and development of CS professionals and the author of the best-selling book the 30-Day Leadership Playbook. In this episode, Nils Vinje is going to discuss: “How To Create A High-Performing Team”. Show Notes Connect with Nils on LinkedIn *Bonus* Learn about best-practice OKRs by downloading a complimentary guidebook at corasystems.com/okrguide