APMG International

In this episode, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, speaks with Jessica Crow, founder of Apogy, about the keys to making change stick.Too often, organisations invest in change initiatives that fail to take root. Jessica shares her insights on why traditional approaches fall short and what leaders can do to drive real, lasting adoption.Drawing from her extensive experience in change management, Jessica explains the psychology behind resistance, the role of leadership in fostering buy-in, and practical strategies to ensure that new ways of working become the norm. She emphasises the importance of engagement, communication, and aligning change with organisational culture to create meaningful impact.Whether you're leading a transformation, implementing a new system, or simply looking to influence positive change in your organization, this conversation will give you the tools to turn ideas into sustained action.Listen in to discover how to move beyond implementation and make change that lasts.LINKS: 

In this episode, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, speaks with Stephen Jenner, a globally recognised expert in benefits and portfolio management. Dubbed the “Rottweiler of Benefits Management,” Steve has built a career transforming how organisations approach project portfolios. From his time in the UK government—where his benefits-led approach won the prestigious Civil Service Finance Award—to his work as a consultant, keynote speaker, and author, Steve has seen it all.Steve shares candid insights on the crucial role of portfolio management in today's complex business environment. He explains the importance of "doing the right projects, at the right time, in the right way," and why organisations often fail to prioritise effectively. We dive deep into challenges like managing resource constraints, competing priorities, and the phenomenon of "ghost" and "zombie" projects that refuse to end.Steve also introduces the concept of "strategic buckets" to compare seemingly incomparable projects, from IT systems to new buildings. This conversation is packed with practical advice for anyone looking to optimise their project portfolios and align them with broader organisational strategies. Tune in to this exciting episode for valuable insights from one of the field's leading authorities.LINKS: 

In this episode, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, speaks with Mike Battistella, President and CTO of Solutions3, an award-winning consulting and training organisation.They discuss the critical misconceptions organisations have about cybersecurity, particularly the belief that passing a compliance audit equates to long-term security. Mike emphasises that compliance is merely the baseline, not the end goal. He highlights the importance of continuous improvement in cybersecurity practices, noting that organisations often neglect ongoing security measures once they pass an audit, leaving them vulnerable to breaches.Richard asks Mike about the challenges of integrating cybersecurity in a fast-paced business environment driven by innovation and agility. Mike acknowledges the tension between speed and security, stressing the need for leadership to view cybersecurity as essential for business survival rather than just another cost. He also discusses the CPD (Create, Protect, and Deliver) model developed by the DVMS Institute, which aims to embed security into the entire lifecycle of digital business value.The conversation touches on the need for executive sponsorship to ensure the success of cybersecurity initiatives. Mike advocates for a cultural shift within organisations, where cybersecurity is seen as integral to their operations, not just a technical requirement. This shift, he argues, is essential for protecting digital assets and maintaining customer trust in an increasingly risky digital landscape.Listen in to discover why cybersecurity is more than just compliance.LINKS: 

In this episode, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, engages in a comprehensive discussion with Terry Neal, distinguished expert in AI and cybersecurity training.Richard opens the conversation by asking Terry for a simple definition of AI; Terry responds by explaining AI is a machine's ability to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence.Richard and Terry delve into the AI Practitioner Program, with Richard inquiring about its structure and objectives. Terry elaborates on how the program combines courses for AI prompt engineers and AI marketeers, culminating in a professional qualification. This program, rapidly adopted worldwide, aims to fill a critical gap in AI training and certification.Richard also probes the societal implications of AI, questioning whether AI will replace human jobs. Terry asserts that AI will reshape rather than replace the workforce, enhancing productivity and creating new job opportunities. He underscores the importance of acquiring new skills in an AI-augmented world, including prompt engineering, data analysis, and human-AI collaboration.The conversation further explores the potential risks of generative AI, with Richard asking about concerns like cybercrime and deep fakes. Terry acknowledges these risks, and stresses the need for governance and standards to manage AI's impact responsibly.This episode provides valuable insights into the evolving landscape of AI and its profound implications for the future of work and society.Tune in to learn about the transformative power of AI and how individuals and organisations can navigate this evolving industry.LINKS:

In this episode, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, is joined by Robert den Broeder, managing director of OBM Dynamics B.V. and a seasoned coach and trainer. Robert shares his journey from teaching service management to exploring the critical role of human behaviour in achieving management excellence. Through his extensive research and practical experience, Robert unveils how Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) can address common business challenges such as improving safety, compliance, quality, and productivity.In our conversation, Robert discusses the significance of understanding and influencing behaviour to foster a positive organisational culture. He emphasises the importance of leaders recognising behavioural motivations and implementing simple yet effective interventions to drive desired outcomes. We explore the concepts of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Service Level Agreements (SLAs), and the emerging Experience Level Agreements (XLAs), and their impact on performance and customer satisfaction.Robert demonstrates how OBM principles can transform leadership practices, enhance employee engagement, and ultimately lead to better customer experiences; he shares practical insights on developing leadership skills, setting precise behavioural expectations, and reinforcing positive actions to create a more motivated and productive workforce.Tune in to learn how understanding and managing human behaviour can unlock the full potential of your organisation, making a significant difference in both employee and customer satisfaction.LINKS:

In this episode, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, speaks with Karla Micallef, a veteran in leading enterprise-wide transformations. Karla brings over 20 years of experience across various industries, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, organisational model redesigns, and digital transformations. Recently elected as the global president chair of the board for the Change Management Institute, Karla is passionate about elevating the strategic importance of change management and believes that true organisational agility stems from building change capability and maturity at all levels.Karla underscores the critical role of leadership in successful change initiatives. She points out that leaders often underestimate their influence on change outcomes, which can make or break the effectiveness of these initiatives. Training for leaders, she notes, is essential to help them understand and fulfil their pivotal roles in driving and supporting change.The conversation further explores the evolving prospect of change management training. Karla highlights current trends such as microlearning, remote training, and the integration of agile methodologies. She emphasises that for organisations to move up the maturity scale in change management, training must be comprehensive and practical, involving real-life scenarios to ensure immediate applicability.Tune in to gain pragmatic insights on how organisations can better navigate the complexities of change management in today's dynamic environment.LINKS:

In this episode, renowned ITSM expert Anthony Orr joins Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, for an insightful discussion on the intricacies of service level agreements (SLAs) and the evolution towards experience level agreements (XLAs). They delve into the impact of SLAs on organisational behaviour, exploring both their benefits and shortcomings. Through thought-provoking questions, Richard prompts Anthony towards the broader implications of service excellence and the importance of understanding service value from a customer-centric perspective.Anthony explores the industry shift from service level agreements (SLAs) to experience level agreements (XLAs), and the profound impact of customer-focus on organisational success.As the conversation unfolds, they unpack strategic outsourcing in the post-COVID era, contemplating the shift towards prioritising quality over cost in supplier relationships.Throughout the episode, they dive deeper into the intricacies of IT service management, leaving listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape and the imperative of placing the customer at the forefront of service delivery. Tune in to gain invaluable insights into the complexities of ITSM and customer engagement.LINKS:

In this episode, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, speaks to Sarah Hills, Change expert and Founder of Carpe Omnia Training.They explore the intricacies of organisational change and the challenges of introducing best practices. Richard prompts Sarah about the behavioural shifts required for successful implementation, to which Sarah stresses the importance of establishing trust and openness with clients.She elaborates on her consulting approach, emphasising the need to understand current organisational behaviours before delivering training solutions. The conversation takes a deep dive into the concept of agility within organisations, with Sarah highlighting the need for mindset shifts and effective governance.Richard and Sarah discuss the role of sponsorship in driving successful projects and programs, shedding light on the delicate balance between agility and anarchy. The conversation moves to the STAR® Program, a management training initiative aimed at fostering employee engagement through assessment-based approaches.Throughout the episode, Richard and Sarah explore the transformative potential of empowering managers to enable their teams and navigating the complexities of organisational change.Listen in to actionable insights on manoeuvering organisational change and fostering agility.LINKS:

In this episode, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, speaks with Tibisay Vera, neuroscientist, and creator of the PEPE model – Neuroscience for Change. Delving into Tibi's wealth of experience spanning over two decades in change and leadership, this episode uncovers the profound impact of neuroscience on managerial effectiveness and team motivation amidst the backdrop of today's dynamic work environments.Tibi probes into the ways understanding neuroscience can empower leaders to navigate the complexities of modern workplaces. From unravelling the mysteries of the brain's response to stress and reward, to exploring the concept of authenticity through a neuroscientific lens, we're provided illuminating insights that challenge conventional leadership paradigms.The spotlight turns to practical tools for managers, with Tibi unveiling the ground-breaking PEPE model - a neuroscience-based framework designed to help individuals embrace change positively. With each domain – “Pain, Energy, Peaks and Valleys", Tibi elucidates a deeper understanding of how the brain processes and adapts to change.Finishing the episode, Richard and Tibi discuss the nuanced terrain of organisational culture, psychological safety, and the age-old question of resilience across generations. Listen in to gain invaluable insights and revolutionise your approach to leadership and change management.LINKS:

In this episode, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, speaks to Eileen Roden, Director and Co-Founder of House of PMO.Delving into the heart of modern project management, this episode navigates the intricate terrain of PMOs' vital role in today's dynamic business environment.On the implications of transitioning into a project economy, Eileen explains how PMOs can facilitate successful project delivery while ensuring benefits realisation. Through the lens of optimism bias, we explore how PMOs can serve as guardians of professional judgment, challenging assumptions and promoting evidence-based decision-making.The conversation extends to the realm of integrated PMO models within government settings, as Richard references recent UK public sector project failures and the indispensable role of senior management support, in enhancing PMO effectiveness. Eileen shares profound insights into the emergence of PMO directors at Board level, highlighting their pivotal role in strategic project prioritisation and resource allocation.Finishing the episode, Richard and Eileen discuss the imperative for PMO directors to strike a delicate balance between project demands and business-as-usual operations.Listen in to gain invaluable insights and elevate your proficiency in modern project management practices.LINKS:

In this episode, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, welcomes Liz Herman, elected Vice President of the Society for Technical Communication and a Senior Manager in knowledge content training with Accenture Federal Services.Richard and Liz discuss the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on technical communicators and how the Society is leveraging support to its members throughout shifts in technology. Liz advocates for the importance of human collaboration with AI, referring to technical writers as "co-pilots" and emphasising the need for creative thinking skills, particularly those demonstrated by individuals with backgrounds in English, literature, or philosophy.The discussion extends to how the Society is supporting members' professional development, especially amid emerging trends and challenges like remote work. Liz mentions the importance of in-person conferences, providing a platform for members to connect, share insights, and discuss challenges faced amongst members.Touching on the Society's 70th anniversary, Liz further expresses a focus on sustainability and stability for the organization. Richard and Liz further discuss the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Liz accentuating the need for ongoing support to help members navigate remote and hybrid work environments.Richard suggests that like the dotcom boom, there will likely be shakeout of the AI industry, “…It's not going to replace us any more than the high streets or the shopping malls weren't replaced overnight by online shopping”.As the podcast concludes, Liz reflects on the Society's role in fostering a sense of solidarity among technical communicators, championing the importance of human connections, and expressing optimism for the Society's future.Join Richard and Liz on this compelling journey through the evolving realm of technical communication and the delicate balance between human ingenuity and artificial intelligence.LINKS:

In this episode, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, speaks to thought leaders Melanie Franklin and Andrew Craddock as they delve into the evolution of Agile Project Management, discussing its impact on businesses and the broader context of cultural transformation.Melanie Franklin, a seasoned expert in Change Management, and Andrew Craddock, a prominent figure in Agile methodologies, share their extensive experience, offering valuable advice and guidance for organisations navigating the complexities of delivering projects and fostering agility.From the origins of Agile to its expansion beyond IT into various business domains, this conversation delves into the core concepts and principles behind Agile methodologies. Explore the importance of cultural change, the significance of Agile certifications, and the crucial role of collaboration and communication within teams implementing Agile frameworks.Furthermore, gain insights into the integration of Scrum teams in non-software development projects, the impact of AI on Agile Change Management, and the evolving roles of individuals and teams in an AI-driven work environment.Discover how Agile and Change Management converge to drive innovation and how they intertwine with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, reshaping the future of work and organisational dynamics.Tune in for a compelling discussion that offers actionable insights, expert advice, and a glimpse into the future of Agile methodologies, Change Management, and the transformative impact they hold for businesses worldwide.LINKS:

In this episode, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, speaks to Neil Keating, founder of Experience Collab, to delve into the world of Experience Level Agreements (XLAs) and their significance in the IT industry. To begin, Neil distinguishes XLA's and SLA's and outlines how they can help improve the overall experience for IT customers, consumers and employees.Neil then emphasises the importance our emotions play in consumer and employee experience. He explains Affective Science; how emotions are a physical factor that can be measured, for example experiencing a faster heartbeat, hairs standing up on your arms etc. However, feelings (which derive immediately from the initial emotion) are more logical and are the pinnacle factor that drive us to reach certain conclusions about an experience.Neil emphasises that our experiences with a service are usually cumulative; our feelings and beliefs often build up over time. Next, Richard and Neil discuss how such beliefs can often establish loyalty to a particular brand, or conversely, can cause customers to stray. Neil stresses that this is why creating a comfortable customer experience is paramount to the success of a business and is what will keep customers returning.Richard and Neil further discuss the rise of AI & automated services, and the impact this has on user experience. They discuss how AI has created a new demand to balance efficiency with personalised experiences, particularly because some people may prefer human interaction over automation, and vice versa. By understanding how people feel about their experience as a user - customer or employee - organisations can drive productivity and create a supportive work environment.Listen in to discover how XLA's can positively impact your network's experience, as this week's episode delves into the ever-evolving landscape of customer experience.LINKS:

In this episode, we hear Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, speak to Christina Sejr Pedersen, Executive Director of The Half Double Institute in Denmark.Christina begins the episode by explaining the business problem Half Double embarks to resolve. Expanding on her 15 year-long career in Project Management, Christina highlights the pattern she observed from feedback given by the Project Management community. Often, colleagues would approach her announcing “I can't do the project quite like our model says, but the next one I promise you I'll get it to fit”. Christina states it dawned on her that perhaps the models themselves were the issue; “what if we're trying to get something round to fit into something square?”Christina then suggests that no other industry could live with a 35% success rate, and how she was driven to improve the tragic statistic. Further, Richard enquires how Christina synthesises the aforementioned problems within the PM industry, and how Half Double settled on impact, flow and leadership as central themes. Christina discloses the fascinating research that was conducted to pinpoint exactly what makes a project run successfully; by inviting 30 of the best Project Managers to be interviewed on what it is they do that makes a difference.When asked about the origin of the Half Double name, Christina responds by stating they wanted the framework to be a “guiding star” and the importance of doing projects in half the time, with double the impact. Richard and Christina then discuss the conscious decision to exclude much of the traditional project management guidance within the Half Double framework, and how Half Double's mission was also to be a hybrid methodology.Finally, Richard and Christina discuss whether the Half Double guidance is dogmatic and end the episode contemplating how Christina would categorise success as her return of a Half Double Director; “one of the areas where I'm dreaming this will have a huge impact is the Green transition. We don't have a lot of time to reach our targets […] we need double the impact. My big dream is that this model could help us in the transition to a cleaner world.”Listen in to discover how you can use Half Double to improve project success in your organisation.LINKS:

In this episode we speak to Eileen Roden, Director and Co-Founder of House of PMO and all-around PMO enthusiast - with a tattoo to prove it.Eileen begins by discussing the history of House of PMO. She then shares how she defines the PMO role itself, and we learn that PMO's can now be considered a career in its own right - or at minimum, a development opportunity. Eileen suggests that PMOs provide “incremental delivery of value into organizations.” She discusses how the role of PMO has moved from its original function as project support; and that in some organizations, PMOs operate at a strategic level. In Eileen's words the role is about “establishing best practice, and working with senior executives to ensure organizations are working on the right projects.”Eileen further addresses some of the common challenges PMO'ers face. She reveals that one reoccurring challenge is the clarity of language across the industry, which she feels might be due to the varying nature of the role. Additionally, Eileen discusses the absence of discourse and training for all levels of PMO roles, which the House of PMO have resolved with their essentials suite of courses that range from Administrator to Director levels. We also consider whether PMOs are only relevant to larger organizations. Eileen suggests that in today's climate, it's arguably difficult to find organizations that aren't working on projects, and as a result, the role of PMO is highly sought after in all organizations - both large and small.Finally, Eileen reveals what she would've liked to have known when starting out in her career. Eileen states that “all PMOs have a half-life;” and that you cannot rely on the same approach in every organization.Listen in to find out more tips from Eileen Roden, our leading expert of the week.Links:

In this episode we speak to Rob Lockwood, Cyber Security Expert, about hacking, cybercrime, cryptocurrency, and everything you need to know to secure your systems. We find out the challenges that arise as code and technology continue to grow into more complex networks and ecosystems, as Rob reveals the difficulty in building secure code and technology; secure systems are fruitless if we don't have strong user protocols and accountability.Defining some of the more technical challenges and software capabilities, Rob then tells us about zero-day exploits and the importance of patching.We speak about the balance of technology and user before outlining the most important things that we as users can do to secure our software and virtual identities. Rob discusses the intrusions that make him put his head in his hands. For him, cyber hygiene is built upon the naked foundations - before anything else you "need to do the basics very well” and do them consistently. Mentioning how simple protocols like Instant Response and Multi-factor Authentication can combat the most common issues like phishing emails and human error, Rob further tells us what companies could and should do to secure their data. “It's about trust. Building trust into all the things that we use”. Finally, we talk about diversifying the Cyber Security industry and how university is no longer the sole route into the world of infosec, before finishing up with Rob telling us what he wishes he had known at the beginning of his career in cyber security. Don't miss today's episode if you want to protect your data, find your way into the cyber security industry, or simply feel secure online.

In this episode we speak to Rob Stinton, Charted Project Professional and Senior Program Manager, about the complexity of projects, stakeholder plans, maintaining momentum, and executing project delivery over a long timeline. We begin by defining complexity in projects; Rob speaks from over 20 years of experience on how to recognize and handle a complex environment. For Rob, size isn't what equals complexity; it's the solution that does. He further explains until you get to this solution, the scale of change needed isn't always realized. Next, we ask Rob how he arrives at a manageable stakeholder strategy when there are so many interested parties, as he covers breaking down barriers to stakeholder engagement and constructing the right plan. For Rob, Direct communication is key. “You need to get clear about project objectives from day 1”.We discuss maintaining momentum - Rob highlights understanding where each stakeholder's influence and interests lie is vital in projects with a long lifespan.“How you communicate is part of your stakeholder management plan; to keep the momentum it is your responsibility to constantly remind them why you're doing what you're doing. What's right today might not be right in a year's time, and so it's your job as a Program Manager to check-in, adapt to, and communicate change."Finally, we wrap up the episode by asking Rob what he knows now, that he wishes he had known when initially leading his first major infrastructure project.This episode is a must if you want to level up your stakeholder engagement. 

Anthony Allcock - Chief Information and Digital Officer - British Airways 

Jan Willem Middelburg, Author, Enterprise Big Data Framework

Gintare Geleziunaite "If you want others to change, you have to be your authentic self. "From being challenged to create a Change Management plan from scratch in a company spanning 108 countries worldwide, to ‘providing strategic direction, methodology and tools to a 250,000 people-strong organization' in the Military, Gintare vowed to always stay true to her authentic working style. Gintare Geleziunaite is Head of Change Strategy at Department for International Trade (DIT). Hear her key tips on getting senior leadership teams to engage properly with Change programmes as well as a host of other practical strategies including her recommendation to take Change Management training to improve knowledge and success.Inspiring others and creating space for change in a sector known for its commitment to tradition, upon exiting her role in the military, Gintare had created and grown a change community from 3 to more than 700 people.  When we questioned her on how to create these ripple effects, she cited her critical techniques on creating energy, urgency, enthusiasm, and empowerment; asking us to think outside the box and begging the question “What non-obvious channels are available to spread your message?”. “If we want to remain leaders, we have to develop solutions faster, we've got to experiment more. But you can only do that if you feel empowered.” Now a member of a 22 strong community of government bodies that have rallied together to adapt and standardize Change Management across civil service, we couldn't miss the chance to gain access to Gintare's invaluable insights.  So, we finished up by asking her for three things she wished she had known at the beginning of her journey in #ChangeManagement - the three keys to true Change.  Her advice?  1. “Every meaningful conversation, relationship, personal or professional, starts with listening.” 2. “Peer to peer power is a real thing and it's incredibly powerful.” A good network can help you achieve anything you want.  3. “ Remember to be authentic to yourself. Then try and encourage it wherever you go”.   Links:  

What makes a Project Manager a true craftsman?  In this episode, we hear Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, talk to, Andreas Trautner, Published Author, Project Management craftsman, and lifelong entrepreneur. Starting as a fisherman, Andreas followed his curiosity to his PHD studying Agricultural sciences,  when he got the opportunity to Manage a Project due to his 8 years of experience managing Denmark's largest musical festival.Join us as Andreas recalls the moments that have shaped his career and success, from that first failed university job as a Project Manager, to the moments that stayed with him: like the key to cancelling project ‘noise'.  Andreas goes into detail about how he realised he was part of the problem in his first failed project : In in his own words “Project management is as a craft”, and he was a poor craftsman.The Author of: " The Six: why so many projects fail and how to succeed” Andreas introduces us to the  6 parameters of his book, his guide and the missing pieces of making PM your craft. Hear Andreas break down the lessons from 20 years experience and techniques we've never heard phrased before like: rehearsing your project both on paper, and in your mind, before planning.  We'll finish by hearing Andreas disclose the three things he'd tell his younger self. The key? It's simple: “You've got to want to succeed”. Links: Connect with Andreas  Discover APMG's Project Management certifications   Andreas' Books ; 2021 The Project Excellence Handbook (PEH) at DIS/CREADIS 2020 THE SIX: Why so many projects fail, and how to succeed 2003 On Soil Behaviour During Field Traffic

In this episode we hear Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, talk to Jan Van Bon, Service Management Architecture pioneer, System Thinker, and Published Author/co-author of over 100 books.Jan combines a deep understanding of systems thinking with a passion for original thought and challenging traditional thinking. Join us as we explore how Jan's career led him to a breaking point. Frustrated at the Service Management industry's stagnation and how the “same guys that came up with the old solution, come up with the new solutions” Jan knew there had to be a better way. This realization culminated in him setting up a non-profit initiative, bringing his 40 years of learning to focus on a different way of doing things. Based on principles rather than processes, listen to Jan break down his "road towards the goal” of shaking up Service Management: Unified Service Management (USM).  A transformational approach that focuses on the “value links” and how they “form inter-operable chains within eco-systems”. Listen as he explains why we need to re-write what we've been taught and become ‘Inter-operable' over simply ‘collaborative'. Jan then details the benefits and paradigm-shifting lessons of USM that can apply to any line of business. He's so confident in what he is teaching, that of the 1000 students he's challenged to find a flaw in USM, none have stepped forward to claim their prize.We'll cover everything from how to convince CFO's and HR departments to switch their investments from traditional Best practice, to the main benefits of USM, and finish by asking Jan to distil his message and mission.  Links:→ Discover more about Unified Service Management (USM) → Connect with Jan  Van Bon  

What makes us behave the way we do? How can we identify and influence the way others act? And how should an influential leader really behave?In this episode, we hear Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, talk to Robert den Broeder, a  Coach and guru of behavioral change, to answer all these questions and more. Robert is the Author of: "Organizational Behavior Management (OBM), an introduction" and the Managing Director at OBM Dynamics. Recognized as “The Science of Success”, Robert and Richard discuss everything OBM: from the most common behavioral issues, what triggers them, to how to get to the root of what motivates people. Touching on foundational industry theories like Classical Conditioning and Emotional Bank-accounts, Robert explains the critical keys we need to unlock to “the specific value streams” of individuals and ultimately get to the root of their behaviors.We finish up by asking Robert to divulge his tips for being an impactful, powerful leader and share what his three pieces of advice would be to any new manager wanting to successfully and subtly govern their team.So, If you  have a personal interest in knowing how to spot behavioral issues and want to develop the knowledge and skills to combat them, to become the best leader you can, join us as we extract the actionable secrets of Organizational Behavior Management from Robert. Links:To find out how you can apply the scientifically proven OBM, or “Science of Success”, to your department or team look at our OBM Foundation courseConnect with Robert on LinkedIn Robert's Book: Organizational Behavior Management – An Introduction 

In this episode, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, talks to the knowledgeable and ever-enthusiastic Hannah Cooper, who is a Business Relationship Manager (BRM) in the National Lottery Community Fund.  She started in the beginning and was instrumental in building the role from the ground up.  Shaped by her strong partner-focused style, Hannah explains to us the importance of the BRM role in ensuring Relationship Management isn't just transactional: warning us of the loss of organic conversation, and what that does to the heart of a business. Checking in with people doesn't just strengthen your relations as a manager but provides key holistic insights as to how the organization is doing. We hear her debunk the common misconception that you need to be a subject matter expert to become a BRM: even though Hannah came from a background of IT, she believes in terms of technical skills, they are not compulsory in order to do the job well. It's about knowing who you have around you, knowing how to redirect work, and knowing the context. Hannah's biggest takeaway is; don't throw solutions at people, but listen with the intention of understanding their needs and concerns: ultimately you're the one responsible for seeing where proposals fit into the strategy. Finally, we hear Hannah explain why the BRM role is key in challenging the norm on the crucial topics of today, from Data Management, Environmental, to co-benefits, for her, it's about changing the employee mindset. In keeping with this, Hannah ends by giving us her top three bits of advice to anyone starting in the role and tells us the key to having an agile, courageous, mindset is to acknowledge “that you won't and can't always know everything”.To find out more about the thing's discussed in this episode and Hannah herself, follow the links below:More information Business Relationship Management Professional Training and Certification  BRM Institute Hannah Cooper LinkedIn 

In this episode, we hear Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, talk to Liz Herman, the Senior Manager at Knowledge Content Training for the Accenture Federal Services in Washington DC. A skilled technical Communicator who puts people at the heart of what she does, Liz recently won the ‘Winner of the Service to the Citizen award', for her work in transforming complex knowledge (such as federal policies in healthcare and finance) into accessible content, providing services that impact the publics' lives for good.A writing enthusiast and champion of the industry, Liz lets us in on the appeal of working in Technical Communication, and how she both derives, and adds value, through her work. We see her outline the role of a technical communicator, from the diversity of the role, what she loves in the community to the work/life balance of the job.‘The guardian of transactions' we delve into how Liz sees the relationship between AI intensifying and the role of Technical Communicators. In her words, there's no reason to be scared of her job being taken over as there's “always a technical communicator behind the curtain” feeding content into AI. We'll ask Liz where young technical communicators should start in terms of their career and what they should aim for…as unfortunately, the job of a Chief Writing Officer doesn't exist yet.We finish up by asking Liz to divulge her tips for improving writing for clarity and to finally explain what the actual definition of Knowledge management is. A must-listen for anyone already in, or wanting to discover the role of technical communication or Knowledge Management. Discover more about CPTC - Certified Technical Communication Professional Training and CertificationDiscover more about STC Society for Technical CommunicationConnect with Liz Herman on LinkedInFind out more Service to the Citizen award

You can't handle the truth!  In this episode, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG talks to Stacey Barr, The Performance Measure Specialist and founder of PuMP training and certification as she talks through how to 'measure the immeasurable' (intangible, qualitative and vague goals).If you create KPIs or are developing your Evidence Based Leadership and Delivery - this is a must-listen episode.Stacey is a pioneer in performance leadership and her passion is to get leaders to take ownership of the truth, dispensing with woolly, 'weasely' goals that tell the story they want to convey as opposed to the fact-based decision-making and transparent, honest results that are essential to an organisation's success.  She urges leaders to identify clear, simple, understandable KPIs - then stand by the results good or bad.During the interview she gives some superb examples and key takeaways that anyone creating KPIs can start with immediately.She recommends two great books ' Watson's Dictionary of Weasel Words' and 'Hard Facts, Dangerous Half-Truths and Total Nonesense: Profiting from Evidence-Based Management' quoting "Leaders need to make a fundamental decision - Do they want to be told they're always right or do they want to lead organisations that actually perform well?" When Richard asks her if she can demonstrate ROI on her PuMP methodology - she laughs, answering 'It would be ironic if I couldn't' and relays the situation and solution for a one company that was able to measure the reduced time they took to place failed flight controllers into new positions  - the results were an average improvement  of  47 days (from 67 to 20) and the savings totalled $500,000 over 7 months using PuMP . They had invested $12k over that period to determine what had initially seemed immeasurable - and this equated to a hugely impressive 4,000% ROI!Stacey also shares examples of hard-to-deliver KPIs vs measurable metrics and provides 3 practical tips to get started in creating - as well as details of a free video and 10 further top tips to get you started.More information on PuMP Training and Certification

Implementing Best Practice In Business PodcastHow Public Private Partnerships PPP help with innovation in healthcareIn this episode, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International is joined by two guests - Natalia Korchakova-Heeb, Global Lead for PPPs and Greenfield Hospitals and Renas Rechid Global Head of Sales Enterprise Services at Siemens Healthineers.They discuss sustainable healthcare and highlight the key ingredients that need to be considered to make projects successful; Value for Money, Value for People and Value for Innovations.00:00 Introductions02:45 There are two global challenges; UN17 sustainable goals and the fact that the global public sector can't afford all the infrastructure it needs - One solution is to engage the private sector using PPPs - Is this a long term sustainable equitable solution or a short term stimulus?05:23 How are Siemens Healthineers responding to the SDG agenda and PPPs?07:45 Do you think the goals were realistic when they were set or were they always too ambitious?09:00 You mentioned to a carbon neutral piece of technology (carbon neutral radiology imaging service). How do you assess the carbon usage - How far down the supply chain do you go?10:18 With this new technology, can existing medical professionals just adopt it or do they need training to maximise the benefits - How do you implement this globally?12:12 Do you think the benefits and risks of PPPs are understood by project promoters generally or are more education programs needed? 16:35 They talk about best value in construction, but it always comes down to best price. How do you value someone's expertise and track record against someone with less expertise at a lower price? How do you judge the value for money?19:24 I have read a lot about project data analytics and digital twins, with Siemen's technical expertise are you bringing these leading edge techniques to your PPP and greenfield hospital projects? 21:09 So it is like building a prototype of a hospital before you have to commit to putting any physical infrastructure or buildings   a digital virtual reality twin of a hospital?21:32 How long does it take to build a digital twin of a new hospital?22:10 Within a calendar quarter, you could engage with a client you could build a representation of  the key elements of what they are trying to procure and let them walk around it?22:40 Do you run into the dreaded GDPR laws on the information you can and can't hold on a patient?  Is that a challenge for you?24 What would success look like for you at Siemens Healthineers - What attracted you to the role - what would you be most proud of achieving in 2025?More information:Siemens Healthineers PPP Public Private Partnerships training and certification Connect with Natalia Korchakova-Heeb on LinkedIn Connect with Renas Rechid on LinkedIn PPP Training and Certification 

Implementing Best Practice in Business Podcast is hosted Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International Our guest in this episode is Timothy Esposito, who talks about implementing best practice Technical Communication at Oracle. Timothy is the Manager of Logistics Documentation at Oracle Corporation where he supervises an international team of technical writers. He's been a member of the Society for Technical Communication since 2005 and has held various roles including Chapter President in Philadelphia, and currently serves on the Board of Directors as the Secretary.Timothy is a strong advocate of personal organization in life and work. He promotes the need for thoughtful design of interfaces and process simplification based on detailed analysis.  Away from work, he advocates the adoption of retired Greyhounds.Questions00:53     Why Greyhounds? (Why do you choose to adopt Greyhounds specifically?)01:51      How has the role of a technical communicator changed as we move from what was                     an  analogue world into a digital one?03:40     How do you manage consistency within the organization, what approach to                   governance   do you take? How do you make sure the advice is up to date and                   accurate in such a fast-moving world?08:55 How important are fonts in the current digital age?10:18 How is AI going to affect what you do and how you serve the consumer?12:52 How can you track shipments so accurately? At what point is the tag read?14:19 Professional bodies have always played a very important role in disseminating                 knowledge   – but as information becomes more freely available, how will STC maintain                and enhance  the value proposition to the members?17:57   You have over 3000 documents (topics) that you and your team look after, is that                 correct?20:42  With your career in technical writing, what are the three things you know now that you                 wish you had known at the start of your career?More information: Society for Technical Communication stc.org Certified Professional Technical Communicator Training and Certification CPTCConnect with Timothy Esposito on LinkedIn  

In this episode of Implementing Best Practice in Business, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, chats to Jesper Schreiner.  Jesper has over 25 years' experience in programme and project management. During his career he became fascinated by the uncertainties in projects and management and completed a master's thesis on the subject. Prior to his innovative work with the Half Double institute, he was the managing director of the Danish Project Management Association. In this episode, as well as discussing with Richard uncertainties in projects, they talk about: 1.      The motivation for creating the Half Double methodology, when there is already a considerable amount of Project Management guidance2.      The three guiding principles of this methodology - Impact, Flow and Leadership3.      The research that has proven that Half Double projects are as much as twice as likely to succeed4.      How Half Double can co-exist with other Bodies of Knowledge5.      What three things Jesper would have loved to have known at the start of his career in Project Management Discover more about Half Double training and certification -> https://apmg-international.com/product/half-double-certification

In this episode, Richard Pharro speaks to Kamil Mroz, who has been listed as a PMI Future 50 honouree - a group of leaders who are transforming the workplace through collaboration, inclusion, and purposeHear his thoughts on future trends in Project Management and what he hopes to learn from the speed of major projects that have been delivered during the Pandemic.Kamil ‘s experience in people management and project leadership has involved leading of multicultural, diverse, and technical teams composed of both direct reports and cross-functional matrix teams. He is now focussed  on creating value through agile project/program management excellence in the field of immunology and neurology to serve patients in need.  Which he achieves through Coaching, and mentoring, to help people reach their full potential.Kamil considers himself to be a servant leader honed while  working on several high-impact philanthropic projects in Europe.His  services to the profession include  chairing the inter-regional ISPE  (International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering)  BeNeLux Steerco on Project Management.He has been  recognised for  Outstanding leadership, communication and project management excellence by both the IPMA, and PMI. A truly global PPM professionalQuestions1. Antonio Rodriguez talks about the project economy and the importance of strategy execution through projects. He believes this so strongly, he has established the strategy Implementation Institute, is this link already embedded in your thoughts about the next generation?2.There is a lot of interest in project data analytics how will this impact the PM tools we have been using  for 50 years?3. How can next generation project managers support the urgent need for more sustainable projects?4.. understand you started  a PhD last year exploring how project management capabilities can be exploited  in a VUCA world?More information ->-> AgilePM Training and Certification  https://apmg-international.com/product/agilepm-> Half Double Training and Certification https://apmg-international.com/product/half-      double-certification-> Strategy Implementation Professional https://apmg-international.com/product/strategy-implementation-professional-sip-> Kamil Mroz on LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamil-mroz-pmp-31b37621/-> #NextGenPM https://www.pmfair.org/nextgenpm-lead-the-way-in-the-project-economy/Margaret Heffernan Book - Unchartered - How to Map the Future Together https://www.amazon.co.uk/Future-Imperfect-Ha-Margaret-Heffernan/dp/1471179788

In this episode, Richard Pharro talks to John Humphries, who  provides advice  across a number of disciplines including  Risk,  Agile PM and BA, Change Management, Proposal Management and Better Business Cases.He is a consultant, Trainer and Author and has co-authored and contributed to a number of publications . John works at the centre of Government as a risk management facilitator and instructor with the Houses of Parliament.Following the launch of Better Business Cases, John jumped at the chance to become an accredited trainer to help clients carefully consider and manage risks associated with their initiatives earlier rather than later as is so often the case. Over the past 21 months, virtual classes for Better Business Cases have been much in demand. John has risen to the challenge of  virtual events , has adjusted his style to  an environment conducive to participant engagement, so that everyone gets value from the sessions.QUESTIONSDeveloping a good business case is fundamental to ensuring value for money and benefits delivery but I don't think this is common practice, would you agree?What type of people attend your courses; project managers; business analysts?What do you think are the main strengths of the 5 case model?If you only had half a day to draft a business case what would you focus on? Can you measure the RoI of a quality business case?MORE INFORMATIONMore about Better Business Cases Training and Certification -> https://apmg-international.com/product/better-business-casesJohn is an accredited trainer for Training Bytesize - Visit their website here -> https://www.trainingbytesize.com/Connect with John Humphries on LinkedIn -> https://www.linkedin.com/in/humphriesjohn/FREE BBC Programme and Project Flowchart Download -> https://apmg-international.com/files/document/bbc-project-and-programme-flowchart-training-bytesize

In this episode  Richard Pharro  talks to Milvio Di Bartolomeo, the first person globally to concurrently hold the Strategy Implementation Professional, Managing Benefits and Better Business Cases Practitioner certifications.  As a Delivery Office Manager in the Queensland Public Sector in Australia  providing assurance, benefits, governance and risk management advice for a portfolio of programmes and projects, Milvio's role involves providing advice to a plethora of portfolio projects. He is a prolific student and avid writer and blogger on strategy execution. Join us in listening to Milvio explain what motivates him to  take on so much work, constantly take on new projects, exams and innovate. Just  listening to Milvio you can tell how embedded his knowledge is, however for Milvio knowledge alone is redundant – it's about applied knowledge. He believes you have to have ‘skin in the game' to be an effective sponsor and the right culture to drive projects successfully.Resources mentioned:Connect with Milvio on Linkedin; https://www.linkedin.com/in/milvio-d-b37b4113/Check out one of Milvio's many articles; https://apmg-international.com/article/top-tips-managing-benefitsBooks mentioned; The Project rots from the head, by Colin D. Ellis and The Lean Start-up Audiobook - By Eric Ries Praxis framework  https://www.praxisframework.org/Managing Benefits https://apmg-international.com/product/managing-benefitsEconomic world forum Milvio mentioned - https://www.weforum.org/focus/skills-for-your-future

In this episode, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International listens back to series one of Implementing Best Practice in Business and recalls some of the moments that resonated with him.This is a must-listen for anyone in the project, programme, portfolio or change disciplines Hear a wealth of knowledge, expertise, key learnings and experience from thought leaders and practitioners amongst our incredible community.Ep1  Mark Thomas - Governance and leadershipEp2  Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez - Project Economy and StrategyEp3  Joseph Lowe - Better Business CasesEp4  Pez Kooner -   Business Relationship ManagementEp5  Melanie Franklin  - Agile Change ManagementEp6  Eddie Obeng - Change Management, Project Management and QUBEEp7  Ricardo Santos - Programme, Project and Change ManagementEp8  Eddie Borup  -  Leading remote teamsEp9  Sergey Samolis - Public Private PartnershipsEp10 Jo Stanford -  Change and Project Management in the NHSListen to the full series on SpotifyDiscover APMG Accredited Training and Certifications

In this episode of Implementing Best Practice in business, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG talks to Jo Stanford who has a wealth of experience leading teams through projects, change and the educational development of those within the NHS (which Jo reminds us is not just one organisation but hundreds of individual organisations that it is made up of).Jo is a Chartered Project Professional and Fellow of the Association for Project Management Jo is currently Head of the Corporate Portfolio Office and Project Profession at Health Education England. Having worked in project, programme, and portfolio, in the NHS, government, private sector and in the arts over 25 years. With a driving passion to make the NHS sustainable for current and future generations, Jo has been leading a collaborative network in the development of the project profession for the NHS; joining professionals and practitioners across organisational and regional boundaries to share, learn, collaborate, and improve capability across the sector. More on Change Management training and certification Connect with Jo Stanford on LinkedIn

Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, and special guest Sergey Samolis, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of PPP Expertise Eurasia, discuss how to change a country's infrastructure for the better, the real world impact of the CP3P course and how private funding isn't just synonymous with money, but efficiency.In this conversation, we follow Sergey's journey from a simple Economic degree to now, where he lets us in on industry secrets and talks about the only globally acknowledged body of knowledge for PPP; CP3P.  A course taken by Deputy Ministers, Sectorial Ministries, and consequently entire Countries. With incredible anecdotes, he details the course's real life transformational impact, and how, in one case, high ranking CP3P participants were called upon by their own country's Head of Public Private Partnerships after every lesson, comparing what they had learnt to the current framework in place. The positive impact of CP3P was almost instant. Richard and Sergey discuss why this impact and real-life application is more relevant than ever if we are even to begin closing the 5.5 trillion Infrastructure gap.Sergey then explains what 3 golden pieces of advice from CP3P he would give a country's Minister of Infrastructure if he only had 5 minutes, revealing the importance of the background 3rd party behind PPP – the Lender, and how this is the key for moving your tender from proposal to approval. To conclude, Sergey talks about the importance of building resilience, and more crucially; dynamic adaptability within a project, leaving us all with the secret keys to ensuring trust and gaining private investment.  LINKS>> Find out more about CP3P Framework training and certification:  https://apmg-international.com/product/cp3p-apmg-public-private-partnerships-ppp-certification-program >>Sergey Samolis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergey-samolis-9a78b116/?originalSubdomain=uk >>McKinsey link referenced on bridging the infrastructure gap; https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/operations/our-insights/bridging-infrastructure-gaps-has-the-world-made-progress