Laugh, Learn, Lead - The Project Ecosystem

It was a pleasure to spend time with Alison Crabb, founder and principal of Alison Crabb Consulting. She has worked with some of Australia’s most recognised and successful retailers for more than 30 years. We talk about:The story behind "Alison Crabb Consulting" - the journey from retail to authorWhy leadership is so important in work and lifeHer new book "The Essential Guide for Area Leaders in Retail"What she enjoys most about helping your clientsHow she maintains her own energy levelsAlison’s career in the retail industry began as a travel consultant with the Flight Centre Travel Group, where her promotion first to store manager and then to an area leadership role was to eventually see her spend eight years as a global leader in a highly competitive and challenging retail environment. Through these years of learning, development and improvement, Alison continued to push the boundaries and drive improvement year on year. She achieved unprecedented results working with more than 1200 staff across more than 200 retail outlets, generating $1.2 billion in sales annually.Alison’s achievements were recognised when she was awarded Flight Centre’s Directors’ Award for Global Outstanding Achievement in 2010. She was also a finalist in the Telstra Businesswoman of the Year Award in 2012. Alison Crabb is recognised by many to be the industry’s leading expert on retail leadership. She has designed a unique, refreshing, personalised and highly engaging, retail-centric approach to leadership training and development. Her 30 years of experience in consumer led retail has provided her with invaluable insights into the factors influencing retail success and the keys to achieving and delivering them. Discover more about Alison

In this episode my guest is Emma Lovell is a Personal Branding Specialist who helps people to better communicate their message and their mission to have a greater impact, reach more people and really make a difference in the world.We talk about:The story behind "isn't she lovelly"What is a personal brandHow to use your personal brand for career progression or engaging your ideal clientWhat she enjoys most about helping your clientsHer "Lovelly Travels" podcast showEmma is passionate, professional and Lovelly. She believes that each of us has a unique personal brand and by understanding how to share it, you can gain greater clarity, confidence and connections in work and life.Emma also has her own podcast, Lovelly Travels and with her co-host talk about all things travel and adventure. She has a mission to visit all 195 UN recognised countries in the world while raising awareness for mental health.Learn more about Emma and her business Follow her adventures

Inspired by this post by Lisa Messenger (Founder of the Collective Hub) and watching her grand-daughter attempt new things, JC talks through first time moments.Your first video will be awful.Your first podcast will be awful.Your first photo will be awful.Your first blog post will be awful.But you can’t make your 50th without making your 1st.So get it over with and make it.When was the last time you did something for the first time?First time moments can be exciting, yet form a sense of fear. There is anticipation about what it will be like.What is stopping you?If you and your team are stuck in a routine, it is time for a first-time moment.Growth is not in the action; it is in the unpacking of the lessons.Try this process with your team and observe their behavioursAsk the question and record when it wasCapture the ideas of a first-time experiencePlan fast paced actionsWould love to see photos or hear your stories about your “first time”.

Today we explore what is business relationship management with Malini Jayaganesh who is a business engagement and innovation specialist.We talk about:Why organisations are adopting/advancing business relationship management (BRM)What Business Relationship Managers doWhy BRM is sometimes referred to as the CIO’s change agentDoes BRM capability seek to replace business analysts, architects, programme managers or other roles?What she loves most about BRMShe helps organisations improve their strategic partnering capability through executive coaching and certification courses in Business Relationship Management (BRM).Malini is the recipient of 5 Global Excellence Awards from the BRM Institute and has been featured in their global list of top Business Relationship Managers in 2020 and 2019. She has also received a highly commended Service Excellence Award from the Department of Health and Human Services (Victoria, Australia).In her spare time, Malini teaches Indian cooking classes and has written articles about Indian food culture for the Lonely Planet.

In this episode JC's guest is Dr Jenny Brockis - a keynote speaker, trainer, mentor/coach and prolific writer. As a board-certified lifestyle medicine physician and best-selling author her vision is to empower everyone to be a happy, thriving human.We talk aboutHer transition from a GP to Author and Key Note Speaker.Her book "Future Brain" and model - brain savvy, brain safe, brain aware.What is one thing we can do to improve our cognitive (brain) health?Her upcoming book "Thriving Mind - how to cultivate a good life".What is one thing we can all do right now to thrive?How she maintains her own energy levels while helping so many others?As a kid, Jenny’s favourite tale was Rudyard Kipling’s Just-So story ‘How The Elephant Got His Trunk. Like the elephant she was insatiably curious about the world. She wanted to know how things worked, why things were ‘Just So’. It got her into a bit of trouble too, like the time she set fire to the kitchen and the time she caused the ceiling in the family room to collapse after exploring how this new-fangled thing in the bathroom called a bidet worked.Jenny’s curiosity led her to develop a sense of awe and wonder about the human body and why sometimes things went wrong. She spent her life looking after the health and wellbeing of others from being the Principal of a group medical practice, to setting up her workplace-based consultancy Brain Fit in 2009 specialising in brain health, mental wellbeing and social connection.She has presented to and worked with thousands of people to empower them to cultivate a thriving mind, what it takes to stay well, think smart and stay safe. Seeing the spark of insight in someone's face when they 'get' what they can do for themselves, is what gets me out of bed in the morning.When not out and about presenting or training you’ll find her either cuddled up with a book, hiking in nature, or spending time with those who mean the most.Link to Dr Jenny Brockis website https://www.drjennybrockis.com/Email her jenny@drjennybrockis.com

In this episode, JC talks about business change and how individuals will respond to what is happening.“In life, change is inevitable. In business, change is vital” – Warren G Bennis, a pioneer of the contemporary field of leadership studies.Think of a situation where you have experienced a form of loss. Most people will think of death.A sense of loss happens when things change, it could be ending of a relationship or marriage, a tragic accident, compliance to new rules, or the one most familiar in business is system implementations – changing the way we work, the processes we follow and the tools we use.No matter the size or impact of loss everyone goes through these five stages (Grief by Elisabeth Kubler Ross):DenialAngerDepressionBargainingAcceptanceJeanette refers to the Prosci ADKAR® Model to guide individual and organisational change for system implementations.

We both love systems and have a science background. It is a special milestone episode 50 that I share with Hazel Smirlis, the CEO and Founder of Compliance Lab.We talk about:Her love for systems and her business - Compliance Lab;What business owners can do to tackle the health of their systems, processes, standards;The most common issues facing businesses when they attempt to systemise their operations; andHow she is visible on line to share with her clients.Hazel lives, breathes and sleeps systems.She has over 15 years’ experience working in systems compliance with SMEs helping them to develop and implement systems that reduce risk, improve their performance and drive business growth.Hazel wants her clients to feel safe, risk-free and know that their business is structured in a way that will not only give them an edge in their industry but also help them secure future tenders.She is results driven management systems consultant working with a number of clients in the construction and manufacturing industries.

With extensive experience in management consulting across the globe, in today’s episode I explore with Mark Dougall what shapes productivity in the workplace.We talk about:What is behind his business name SPICAEWhat is his version of productivity in the workplace?How can organisations be better prepared to address the productivity challenge?What can team leaders/managers do to help their people be more effective and productive?Is there something an employee can do to make a difference?Mark has over 25 years of international consulting and management experience including general management, project management, business improvement and operations. His work has been across a range of industries including government, defence, utilities, mining, engineering, financial services and manufacturing in Australia, Africa and AsiaMark has worked with a variety of clients to identify and deliver sustainable improvements with verifiable bottom-line benefits. The gains made have included productivity improvement, increased throughput, cost reductions, revenue growth, strategic planning and business / market development. An estimated $500m (annualised) in benefits have been realised by clients through projects that Mark has delivered or overseen over the last 10 years.

It’s wonderful to have with me on this episode award winning CFO and Business Futurist Paula Kensington.She was awarded CFO of the Year (2013) in the Thomson Reuters Tax & Accounting Excellence Awards and has driven huge business turnaround projects in her roles as CFO and COO in ASX technology companies and large UK and Internationally complex service businesses.We talk about· Why she started her business· What "clarity is contagious - stop drifting, start strategising" means· The CFO conversations platform and what role a CFO plays· Her passion for building global communities and why we should find our tribe· How she maintains her energy levels while helpingPaula has gained considerable financial, operational and strategic management experience across many industries. She has spearheaded acquisitions, driving revenue and operational performance, inspiring teams to create shareholder value and empower leadership teams from the inside out.Her business and personal language is all about creating courageous environments in which people feel inspired to reach their very best which together feels like a new way of working. Having walked the finance and commercial talk she leads with passion for both numbers and people, encouraging innovation while managing risk. Paula has her sights firmly fixed on the future, her mantra being how ‘future-proofed are you’.In addition to her business, Paula serves on two Audit and Risk committees and on the Global Council Board of the ACCA (Association of Chartered and Certified Accountants). The work she does through these voluntary roles adds weight to her global change maker attitude enabling her to build global communities such as CFO Conversations and The LBD Group. Her passion to bring people together, to connect, be inspired and learn from each other creates environments in which professionals are able to pull together and succeed in a sustainable way.Straight talking and often offering up unconventional perspectives, she leads with a conscientious, meticulous and eloquent mind. An unapologetic Business Futurist, Paula’s eye is never far off the horizon, anticipating what transformations could be game changing – for both businesses and clients alike.

Maureen Kyne is a successful and popular facilitator, business motivator and crisis strategist. She is a seasoned investigator of bullying and discrimination who delivers prevention programs around the country to drive behavioural and cultural change.We talk about:Her career journey from nursing to construction to setting her own business.What are some of the behaviours we should be aware of that could impact others in the workplace?What are three challenges facing businesses in the next 10 years? andHow she maintains her own selfcare while helping othersSince 2003, Maureen transformed her extensive corporate career into the hugely successful and widely popular facilitator and business motivator that she is today. Maureen helps team leaders to have success with their teams, to surpass their goals and embrace the concept of a Trust Driven Performance Workplace.Some of the areas covered in her training include confidence, business risk mitigation, bullying and crisis intervention. Maureen has presented hundreds of workshops and delivered numerous presentations for clients including Bega Cheese, Unilever Australasia, Tahbilk Winery, Kyabram District Health, Uniting Care, Macedon Shire Council, Cobram District Health and many more.

Do you every feel something is easy and other times it seems hard. It’s because we are either aligned or in conflict with our strengths?For over 10 years I have invested in learning more about myself to be a better leader for others – my values, my beliefs, my strengths, my behaviours.There are many tools available. I use DISC Profiles (a behaviours framework) when working with leaders and their teams.Recently though I read an article by Emma Sharrock you may remember her from EP25 The Agile Project Manager.She shared a personal story from 20 years ago, what strengths got her through that particular crisis. She uses the Gallup Strengths tools and in 2017 I completed my own assessment.Our strengths are what we do with ease, excellence and energy.Today’s episode I share my top five strengths according to the Gallup Strengths indicators:Activator – can make things happen by turning thoughts into actionArranger – can organise and determines how all the pieces and resources can be arranged for maximum productivityIndividualisation – are intrigued with unique qualities of each person, figuring out how different people can work together productivelyRelator – enjoys close relationships with others and deep satisfaction in achieving goalsResponsibility – take psychological ownership of what they say they will doThank you for subscribing and being part of my podcast family. We are moving to fortnightly episodes for a while.

A behind the scenes share of process change lessons with JC and her team.Creating something new or different as a team is exciting, yet it can be faced with challenges.Some of the team may have experienced a similar change before, some may have the skills to understand what is expected and others maybe stepping into a whole new process so not sure if they should turn left or right.Check before you start.How will we work together to progress the process change?Do we understand what is and is not acceptable in terms of design and function?Are we all committed to the plan?No matter the size of your business process change, these three steps must be followed to get a result everyone will be satisfied with.Develop requirement scenariosTest to gain acceptanceConduct a post implementation review session

Super delighted to have Melonie Taylor, Chief Energy Office and Author of Success on Purpose on this week’s episode.Melonie helps hundreds of professionals on the verge of burnout discover the easy ways of reclaiming balance and success in life.We talk about:Her journey from nursing to Chief Energy OfficerWhat are limiting beliefs and how to surface them?7 steps for permission to receive workshop and three things to do everydayWhat she is finding people are mostly struggling with during isolation?How she maintains her own energy levels while helping so many others.As a Palliative Care Nurse for 20 years and through her own experience of burnout, anxiety and depression, Melonie learned that it is not sustainable to keep giving without receiving. Productivity comes through alignment of strengths, values and having a clear focus and vision.Melonie is a highly sought-after speaker. Her insights are backed by science and her tips are practical.

When you look around, what do you see and hear from others as they get through their days in isolation?I’m finding the old is new again.The filters you apply to the information and things surrounding you is the key to thrive in difficult situations.So, if we can thrive with what we already have, why do we want different or more?It’s during difficult times when our values are tested.Definition of Value“principles or standards of behaviour; one's judgement of what is important inlife”Businesses that have values defined, understood, agreed and demonstrated the team feels connected to the strategic goals and thrive.The three-step process to develop (and review) business values (reference Qld Government)1.Map your personal principles, beliefs and values under categories2.Reflect on the meaning of each value3.Translate your values into a set of guiding principles and standards of behaviour

Welcome back Greg Hill who was my guest in Season 1, Episode 18 The Human Side of Transformation.Although it may not seem the right time now to think about the systems supporting your business, it’s important you plan when you will review your landscape - costs, data and documentation.We talk aboutHow does business strategy and systems architecture fit together?How can businesses go about setting their path if they are not sure if they should keep going or change direction? andWhat is looking to shape our future system solutions?He emphasises regular planning of business and technology milestones will not only save you time and money, it should be about how you work and the investing in the right solutions.Greg has his own consulting firm, and works with SME to help them realise the benefits and challenges that lie ahead transforming to cloud based platforms.

Last episode I talked about the two stages of strategic thinking during chaos – what to do now and what to do next.No matter what we are feeling we are all searching for some sign of normality. We desire to be back in a form of business as usual.In this episode I will help you achieve your version of “business as usual” through planning your week ahead.What is Business as Usual (dictionary definition)“an ongoing and unchanging state of affairs despite difficulties and disturbancesEg much of the town lost electricity in the storm, but for people with generators it was business as usual”Create your new BAU with a weekly plan of:- Non-negotiables (family and me time)- Regular interactions with teams and clients (meetings, catch ups)- Must do list (emails and phone calls)- Thinking time and project work

We’ve hit an iceberg in this case COVID-19. We knew it was around, we knew what to look for yet, we feel like we are sinking.Our first reaction is do whatever we can to survive.During chaos though it’s the strategic thinking and planning for recovery that gets us to safe waters.In this episode Jeanette shares her two stages with you:- What to do now, and- What to do next.Simple right? Well no. It’s tough and it’s uncomfortable – it will give you a sense of control and confidence to keep going.What to do now:Chaos management is doing what has to be done today for the safety of your staff and financial stability of your business.- What must continue, what can be paused and what can be stopped- Know your numbers- Communicate- Can we do something different- Map it out, tick it off and have a sense of progressWhat to do next:Recovery planning is not a one step process, open the doors and our customers will return.It’s a methodical process of vision and practical actions- Day 1- Week 1- Month 1- Month 3- Month 6- Month 12

Mel Telecican is the Director of Loyalest.We talk about:· What excites Mel and the work she does· How she approaches her client engagements· The three things we should focus on, when going digital· Things to be aware of when looking to change the way we work· The goals she wants to achieve this year· How she gets time for herselfYou know how individuals and businesses find it difficult to publish articles and social media with consistency? That is largely what Loyalest does for their clients.They do this through their Cover-All-Bases content marketing service which, as the name suggests, takes care of all mediums - website, multiple social media platforms, email campaigns and more.Mel has clients across Australia which include leading firms in law, accounting, architecture, project management and engineering.Mel and her team are on a mission to help professional services firms boost their visibility and scale their reputation.

In this episode I share it with Jordana Patterson who has championed the adoption of Agile principles and mindsets at World Vision Australia over the last three years.We talk about:· How she found herself in the project management arena· What problem did she solve by adopting agile at World Vision Australia· The success story she is sharing with others· What she wants to achieve this year and· How she gets time for herself while juggling family and workAs Marketing Operations Manager, Jordana has a broad and challenging remit. Her role is part process design, part operations, part budget management, part portfolio management and part team coach!In addition to being ‘all things Agile’ at World Vision, she can often be found chasing two mini monsters around the house, baking up a storm or barracking for her beloved St Kilda football club. She has worked at World Vision Australia for eight years.I really enjoyed Jordana’s honesty about work-life integration and it’s the moments that matter.Connect with her on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordana-patterson/Email her at work Jordana.Patterson@worldvision.com.au

After many years as a Government Director planning multi-million-dollar programs of work, I share with you in this episode the ingredients for keeping you focused on achieving your goals.What is your big picture?You may also have heard the term blueprint or strategic plan. I love the term “your elephant” and it includes-3-year view-Your goals, what you want to achieve-The pathway for the change-A list of projects-An outline of expected results including the quick winsWhy is it important?Your big picture (elephant)-Tells a story for others to understand without the detail-Keeps focus for better decisions-Sets expectations of future prioritiesHow to create your elephantI hear from people I work with this process also helps with their personal goal setting.-Think big, dream what could be possible and aim a little higher-Use pictures, words, symbols as a visual tool (vision board)-Scope projects and sequence them across the three yearsThree Tips-Involve all staff,not just the subject matter experts-Research what is happening in your industry-Use an external facilitator to enable design thinking and challenge expectationsCome along and work on your Big Picture at my workshop in Melbourne in July 2020. To find out more head to https://www.stickytickets.com.au/jeanettecremor/events?page=1

In this episode Janine Garner shares her journey from corporate executive to best-selling author, leadership trainer and internationally acclaimed speaker.We talk about:her book “It’s Who you Know” and the four key people to have in your networkwhy it is important to invest in the next generation of business leadersa sneak preview of her new book “Be Brilliant” andhow she integrates family and work.Janine believes that today, more than ever we need people, teams and companies willing to put in the extra needed to be truly brilliant. That we need leaders who are connected to their purpose and who will drive change. We need individuals brilliant enough to lead both in today’s complex environment and into tomorrow’s unknowns.This requires collaboration, transformation and leverage and it demands better conversations, training and connection.Janine believes everyone has brilliance within waiting to be unleashed and this is why she does the work that she does.You will gain multiple insights for you, your team and business – grab a pen, strap yourself in and enjoy our conversation.Buy Janine’s bookhttps://janinegarner.com.au/books/Connect with her on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/janinegarner/Follow her on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/janinemgarner/Follow her on Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/janinegarner/

In this episode Jeanette outlines her definition of a business project.The dictionary definition of a project is “an individual or collaborative enterprise that is carefully planned to achieve a particular aim”Let’s simplify that definition.A business project is the change vehicle to achieve a goal (strategy).It has a set period of time, with a sequence of tasks, involving people with different skills to working collaboratively to achieve a great result.Have you heard the saying “a goal without a plan is just a wish”?All business projects must have a plan that integrates the three business pillars – people, process and technology.When you are planning and implementing a business project all of these components must be considered:ScopeDeliverablesBudgetResourcesTimelineRisk and issue managementCommunicationDocumentationExamples of different types of business projects will be shared in future episodes.

Welcome to Season 2 – simplify your systems to amplify your resultsIf you are new to the show, thank you for joining me in 2020. If you are a regular from last year, I am thankful to have you here again.Why the theme?When I peel back the multi layers and complex conversations around the term “digital transformation” it is really about one or two things – time or money.Business projects are the change vehicle to plan and implement your strategies (your big picture, your elephant).You may be experiencing business growth, you or your team members are wearing multiple hats or there has been little attention given to the three business pillars – people, process and technology.In this season, the episodes will cover four key areas to help you plan and implement your business projects:Design your big picturePlan with purposeStay on trackLead your teamI am looking forward to this season, it is going to be a place to laugh, learn, lead.

Last week I shared my year that was. Did you get a chance to reflect on your year and what you want from 2020?To help you get started today I will share a process from my Planning with Purpose workshop.This repeatable process works for organisations and individuals:WHY (strategy)WHAT & WHEN (plan)HOW & WHO (do)BENEFIT (review)Life happens and we can get distracted from our goals.To stay on track, I share my tips:Repeat the process every 90 daysUse the power of threeAllocate time weeklyFind an accountability buddyWishing you all a safe and happy holiday with your family and friends.If you would like some help to map out your 2020, book a 30min in my calendar. I will give you a call to discuss what might work best for you.

They say time flies when you’re having fun but seriously, I blinked and it is November with about 23 working days until Christmas holiday break.On reflection of the year that was, my top three highlights for each of the key areas.Personal MomentsJanuary – arrival of granddaughter WillowApril – launch of this podcast showJuly – refreshed content with new programs, new workshopsGuest interviews (executives, delivery leads, vendors) – value your network, I am grateful for my guest’s time and for sharing their stories and insightsBuild teams and relationshipsLead and adaptDigital transformation has been around for a whileClient engagement lessonsNot clear on WHYPrograms have outcomes, projects are the vehicle to achieve themKeep it simpleJC self-awarenessSelf-sabotageConnection and sense of team is importantDistraction without purposeWhat are your 2019 highlights? Reflect and write it down.What did I achieveWhat did I learnWhat do I want next yearThank you for your support. It would be great if you would rate and review the show to help others find it.

In this episode it’s me, your host JC sharing something I strongly believe continues to get in our way of project success as we look for others to lead.Today I am sharing a key component of The Project Ecosystem ® a strategy and learning framework I developed back in 2017. I believe leadership is the centre piece acting as the glue that brings everything together:self-leadership (who I am)practice leadership (what I do)approach leadership (how I do it)Project success demands leadership and we all have a role to play.Self-awareness is the first step to understand the impact you are having on your team and stakeholders.Research and surveys tell us:developing leadership skills of project professionals is a high priorityactively engaged sponsors are critical for achieving the project goalspoor or lack of communication is a significant factor for project failureI work with Project Sponsors, Project Managers and their teams to create confident collaborators, influencers and leaders.

Last episode I caught up with Karen Ferris, self-professed organisational change management rebel with a cause.We talked about her book ‘Game On! Tactics to Win When Leading Change is Everyone’s Business’, why change management is needed for all projects and what we can each do to make a difference.Today I talk about the term ‘psychological safety’ something Karen referenced. In Amy Edmondson’s words she says ‘it is a shared belief that the team is safe for interpersonal risk taking’.I know on occasions I have felt embarrassed, bullied, anxious…to have a voice.Project teams must create environments for each of us to feel safe and valued. We all bring our strengths, our stories and our dreams to work.When we learn from our mistakes and share ideas, we make better decisions.Let us share and celebrate our uniqueness to experience team success.JC Three TipsGet to know each otherEstablish team normsCollaboration is learningMy favourite Karen quote from our conversation ‘transformation is not new, disruption is’

In this episode I catch up with Karen Ferris, self-professed organisational change management rebel with a cause.She is acclaimed internationally as an author and speaker, with industry acknowledgement of her reputation as a Thought Leader, she provides both strategic and practical advice and insights to her audiences.We talk about:Her background in IT and now as a trusted change leader;Why she wrote her book ‘Game On!’;Why we need change management in all projects;What can each of us do to make a difference; andWhat she enjoys most working with her clients.Karen’s ability to share her experience and knowledge ensures that everyone is empowered to make a difference within their organisation.In 2011, Karen authored the acclaimed publication ‘Balanced Diversity – A Portfolio Approach to Organisational Change’ introducing a new and innovative framework for ensuring that changes become embedded into the fabric of the organisation.This year saw the publication of Karen’s second book “Game On! Tactics to Win When Leading Change is Everyone’s Business”. In this book, Karen introduces us to the tactics needed to be resilient and successful – tactics that enable you and your organization to triumph in the face today’s challenges of constant change.Buy her book and to find out more about Karen Connect with her on LinkedIn

Last episode I caught up with Shane Hatton, a leadership communication speaker, author and trainer.We talked about his book ‘Lead the Room’, what is good communication and how we can make an impact as a presenter.Today I talk about how to prepare and facilitate workshops and meetings with confidence.We have all had that thought not another meeting, turned up anyway because you were curious, didn’t feel engaged and walked away with no outcome.Communication is key ingredient for project success yet we continue to struggle at being great at it.I related to Shane’s model in his book – the platform leadership ladder – it shows how we communicate drives a direct result on how people feel. For example, people are more likely to be disengage or barely listen if we speak at them. Yet, people are more likely to feel engaged and trusted when we connect with them.JC Three TipsPrepare, know the purposeFacilitate, engage the audienceFollow up, decisions and actions get resultsMy favourite Shane quote from our conversation ‘do I have something valuable to say’.

In this episode I catch up with Shane Hatton, a leadership communication speaker, author and trainer. He is committed to helping leaders build and leverage their leadership platform to lead, inspire and mobilise their people.We talk about:His career highlights;Why he wrote his book ‘Lead the Room’;What is good communication;How to improve your impact as a presenter; andWhat he enjoys most working with her clients.Having spent the last 12 years working with and speaking to leaders in organisations in the government, retail, creative and not-for-profit sectors Shane blends his experience in business and psychology to help leaders leverage important moments and communicate with greater confidence and clarity.Shane is based in Melbourne and the author of Lead The Room – Communicate a Message That Counts in Moments That Matter.Find out more about Shane https://shanemhatton.com/Connect with him on LinkedIn

Last episode I caught up with Emma Sharrock. We talked about her book ‘The Agile Project Manager', what organisations are struggling with when attempting an agile way of working, what shapes team success and the difference in a good and awesome project manager.Today I talk about the growth of a project manager and our career decisions.There is no one single path to project management and most of the people I know fell into their first project role by accident.We all start off being good at the traditional project manager role – schedule, budgets, issues.We then get the appetite to solve bigger problems and make greater impacts. This requires us to learn and grow to be leaders of change – to move up the scale of average to awesome. Awesome project managers leave a legacy of high performing teams and outstanding results.JC Three TipsBe self-aware, know your strengthsLook for opportunitiesMaintain your networkMy favourite Emma quote from our conversation ‘the language of trust, why I am asking’.

In this episode I catch up with Emma Sharrock, who is passionate about all things that involve change and people, having worked as a project and change manager since 1999.We talk about:Her background projects and change;Her book ‘The Agile Project Manager’;What organisations struggle with when attempting an agile way of working;What shapes team’s success;The difference between a good and awesome project manager; andWhat she enjoys most working with her clients.She founded a coaching business in 2011, and since then has been looking for ways she could “converge” her passions for projects, change and human behaviour.Emma feels that in this increasingly complex world, we are losing the human aspect of project and change management. We are prioritising tools and templates over relationships and human interaction.Her goal when she wrote “The Agile Project Manager” was to provide simple techniques to assist project professionals to achieve project success.Emma’s goal working with her clients is to ensure their mindset is where it needs to be in order to use these techniques in the best way. Because when we re-think how we think, it shifts our approach, and ultimately our results.Find out more about Emma and buy her book https://theagileprojectmanager.com.au/Read her article small slices (intro/the why)Read her article small slices (how to)

In last week's episode I caught up with Julie Hyde. We talked about her book ‘Busy’, staff recruitment and retention and what shapes team success.Today I talk about the label of I’m busy and its communication impacts.All projects have busy periods to meet deadlines and at times react to unforeseen issues. We attend meetings, we have presentations to prepare for, there are hundreds of emails, the phone rings continuously…that’s it a typical day of project life.You are feeling overwhelmed and don’t know how to get on top of things. I’ll share what I have learnt and how to turn chaos to calm.JC Three TipsPlan your week aheadMinimise distractionsIt’s ok to say noMy favourite Julie quote from our conversation ‘team success is three things – culture, leadership, diversity’.

In this episode I catch up with Julie Hyde, a leader of leaders. She’s a disruptor and a powerful people enabler who helps leaders make big things happen.We talk about:Her background as a People and Culture Partner;Her book ‘Busy’;Recruiting and retaining staff;What shapes a successful team; andWhat she enjoys most working with her clients.Julie enjoyed a successful 21-year corporate career where she led teams large and small to deliver strong results in a very competitive industry. Julie has transformed poor performance and toxic cultures to be some of the best in the business, ran businesses generating over $20m in profit and received numerous awards.Ten years ago, Julie decided to start her own business taking everything she knew from her corporate days to work with SME’s and entrepreneurs.Two years ago, she wrote her first book called Busy? and has been speaking and training intensively on the back of that.Julie also runs women’s networking dinners in Melbourne called ‘Disruption, Women and Wine’ and is a Telstra Business Women’s Award nominee.When she’s not working, Julie can be found enjoying a quiet glass of red over a meal with her husband and friends, or watching a not-so-quiet game of footy with her beloved Richmond Tigers. They’ve sure taught her a lot about resilience, and are proof that with hard work, grit and determination, anyone can triumph.Find out more about Julie https://www.juliehyde.com.au/Subscribe to receive your FREE Top 10 Tips to turn Busy into Productive in 30 Days and buy the book BUSY?Listen to her podcast Making a Differencehttps://www.juliehyde.com.au/blog/?category=podcast

In today’s episode you have me, your host JC. I’ve been talking professional sport teams with a few people recently as the AFL prepares for its final’s month.I’ve been fortunate to volunteer for 30 years in AFL and Swimming spending time behind the scenes of what appears to the television audience exciting entertainment.Like business change project teams there is governance, processes and people involved to bring success to the club and for the athlete.Hope you enjoy my comparison of sport and project teamsSetting goalsRoles and responsibilitiesGame planReview and feedbackFan satisfactionJC Three TipsObserve other industries to learnWeekly team reviews and feedback are key for successShare behind the scenes with your stakeholders (if relevant)Help me reach a wider audience by rating and reviewing my show.Also, if you have a request for a guest interview or suggestions for topics to talk about send me an email would love to hear from you.

In last week’s episode with Tony Ardouin we talked about challenges facing organisations, what we can be doing to have more successful projects and what he looks for in a project manager.Today I talk about the role of a vendor, the expected value and how to engage them as a team player.Vendors are like every other resource in your project plan – they have a role to play, they are responsible for deliverables, they bring skills and knowledge to the team and they want to celebrate success.On the flip side, vendor relationships are complex they have their own internal structures and processes which from time to time may seem like barriers or a lack of interest.It takes time to build trusted relationships that have open and honest conversations. The vendor relationship is one to be invested in.JC Three TipsSelect the right vendor for the right roleEngage the vendor as a strategic resource (invite them to the governance meetings)Don’t transfer risk to the vendor, you are responsible for the project’s outcomeQuote from my conversation with Tony ‘the best projects are done by the best teams’.

In today’s episode I talk with Tony Ardouin an IT program executive and strategy consultant with many years of experience in designing and delivering IT transformation programs. He enjoys leading and working in high performing teams, and delivering challenging projects that make a difference to businesses, their people and their customers.Tony has had a long and varied career in engineering and IT, in various roles and functions, including:leading and delivering large and complex systems integration and systems & software engineering projects;delivering IT Advisory and Digital Transformation consulting engagements with and for C-suite stakeholders;working on complex deal sales, including successful RFP responses and contract negotiations for several programs over $20M;leading large teams of software engineering superstars developing real-time industrial process control systems software; andworking as a software engineer himself, coding in languages as diverse as Java/J2EE, C/C++, Fortran and a language called Coral 66.Across his long career he has gained experience in banking, insurance, federal and state government, manufacturing and mining. While he is not a specialist in any particular industry, this varied experience allows Tony to have a view of what truly makes a business or industry unique, as well as good practices that can be applied from one to another.When he is not working Tony likes to stay fit, enjoys reading and spending time with his 7-year-old daughter. We talk about:His career from software engineering to strategy consultant;The challenges facing organisations;Something we can do to have more successful projects;What he looks for in project manager: andHow he fills his energy tank.Connect with Tony on LinkedIn Brené Brown Ted Talk https://youtu.be/iCvmsMzlF7o

In last week’s episode with Greg Hill we talked about the human side of digital transformations. Greg recently started his own consulting firm and is working with companies to help them realise the benefits and challenges that lie ahead transforming to cloud based platforms.Today I talk through what I believe are the drivers of digital transformation."Digital transformation is the integration of digital technology into all areas of a business, fundamentally changing how you operate and deliver value to customers. It's also a cultural change that requires organizations to continually challenge the status quo, experiment, and get comfortable with failure" – the Enterprisers Project – a community of CIOs discussing the future of business and IT.Digital transformations are a long-term investment, not just one project does it all.As I work with organisations, I understand the current top four (4) key drivers for change are:Replacing legacy systemsAutomating manual processesAnalysis and insights of dataProviding customers with self-service optionsIf you don't take the time to clarify the change drivers, organisations can experience these key problems:Jump to a solution without understanding the problem (or benefit)Think technology will solve performance issuesLack of funding for continuous improvementJC Three TipsMap strategy to operations, be clear with your blueprintBreak it down into achievable building blocks with strong foundationsInvest in your people, provide training for future skillsQuote from my conversation with Greg ‘"What is the effect on the people, roles change moving to cloud based platforms".

In today’s episode I am with Greg Hill, a technology leader who has held many IT based roles across a wide range of industries. Some of these industries include FMCG, Manufacturing, Retail and more recently Higher Education. He has mostly worked for businesses that have adopted SAP as their core ERP solution.With his working experience in the industry, and his background in earlier Finance roles, Greg has often worked alongside Business Executives to help them deliver their strategies, through the use of appropriate Business Applications and Architecture.Recently, Greg has started his own consulting firm, and is working with companies to help them realise the benefits and challenges that lie ahead transforming to cloud based platforms.Greg can often be found presenting at user groups and conferences around the country, or delivering industry-based lectures to students, presenting the lessons he learned whilst working in businesses that were on the leading edge of cloud technologies, and is passionate not only about the technology’s available, but also the ‘human’ side of these expansive transformational programmes, along with the ever-increasing challenge of improving the overall user experience.We talk about:His attraction to ‘A’ type jobs;A recent project and why is was successful;The challenges organisations are facing with ERP implementations;What he looks for in a Program/Project Manager to give him confidence they can get the job done; andWhat excites him about the future.Connect with Greg on LinkedIn

Last week's episode with Kasanndra Rotolone was a chatty one filled with self-awareness gems. I was surprised she was inspired to be a Project Manager by watching what I did and that she now hopes to inspire other women to get involved in project management.Today I want to talk about something very real for Kas and so many of us attempting to return to work as new mums.I struggled with my decision to be a working single-mum, what others would say about me, would my daughter experience a sense of abandonment, was I doing the right thing, how do I work full time and have a strong trusted loving relationship with my daughter, if not me than who will pay the bills…I hope this unpack episode empowers you to take the steps to go get what you desire and not live in the shadows of others – it’s your journey, you hold the pen to write your own success stories!Brene Brown, Emma Isaacs, my mum…all show strength, resilience, determination, courage and most importantly a voice – there is no fake or pretend. My mum sacrificed so much for me - I was different, I was curious, I wanted to explore, I wanted more…Who do you have around you?JC Three TipsDon’t put your dreams on hold, you can have it all as a working parentTalk to your support team and let them know what’s important to youPractice self-love, fill your own cup before giving unconditionally to othersQuote from my conversation with Kas ‘A happy project team member is going to deliver results’.

In this episode I catch up with Kasanndra Rotolone an experienced project professional with a passion for new, innovative technologies, software, big data & the creative digital space.She has delivered small to large scale projects for Government & Private Enterprise throughout Australia, Asia Pacific, UK & Northern America.With a technical background in business intelligence, data driven marketing, business & systems analysis & software application testing, Kasanndra is hands-on and engaged throughout the full lifecycle of projects and works with clients to manage the end to end delivery & beyond.Kasanndra compliments her experience & success in projects with an always optimistic approach, a can-do attitude, an eager eye for continuous professional improvement and a no-bull management style - earning her at times the nickname “rhino”.She recently pressed pause on her career to take on a whole new kind of project with the birth of her daughter, Francesca (Frankie). In the very near future, she hopes to return to Project Management full time.We talk about:What got her into project management;What she likes about her project management roles;Her three key points for all projects; andThe struggles to return to work as a new mum.Connect with Kasanndra on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kasanndra-rotolone-72144849/

Last two episodes with Sam Higgins were incredibly insightful and honest.We talked about his career journey from programmer to strategic advisor, what excites him about technology, the challenges facing organisations, the impact of a change in program sponsorship and what is a good project manager.Today I want to talk more about trusted project relationships, in particular the project manager and project sponsor. Yes, Sam & I laughed about my professional crush on him and he believes it’s because we trust each other’s expertise and the work we do.Definition of trust:“firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something”.What type of relationship do you have with your project sponsor?When you trust someone, what do you see, hear and feel?JC Three TipsTrust is an investment, take time to get to know themPractice authenticity, vulnerability and empathyBe consistent, follow through on what you say you will doQuote from my conversation with Sam ‘technology becomes so advanced that it is indistinguishable from magic’.

Hope you enjoyed last week's Part A episode with Sam Higgins. His passion and knowledge about business technology is extraordinary.Sam is a regular and respected facilitator, panellist and speaker at both local and international conferences. He is widely published in industry journals and is regularly sought by the ICT industry press for his expert opinion. Today we continue our conversation about:The key problems facing organisationsThe lessons from a change in program sponsorship; andWhat is a good project manager.Connect with SamLinkedIn Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelhiggins/Strategic Advisor https://ibrs.com.au/sam-higgins

In this episode I catch up with Sam Higgins with two decades of tactical and strategic experience in the application of information and communications technology (ICT) in diverse industries such as transport, financial services, and education.Through his roles as a leading ICT industry analyst, program consultant and architect, Sam obtained extensive experience in digital transformation, data science, as-a-service (cloud) computing, enterprise architecture (including service-orientation and information management), the open source market, enterprise applications and development, business intelligence, along with ICT management and governance practices such as ICT planning, strategic sourcing and portfolio management.Sam was a major thought leader behind an ICT planning method, associated architecture practices and governance models, elements of which were adopted by the Queensland Government. He was commissioned in 2007 to lead the major revision of the Queensland Government ICT Planning Methodology (Version 3.0). and the development of Queensland Government Enterprise Architecture (QGEA) Framework (Version 2.0).Sam is a regular and respected facilitator, panellist and speaker at both local and international conferences. He is widely published in industry journals and is regularly sought by the ICT industry press for his expert opinion.We talk about:His career journey starting as second-generation ITWhat excites him about technologyThis is a two part interview, listen for next week's Part B.Connect with SamLinkedIn Profile https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelhiggins/Strategic Advisor https://ibrs.com.au/sam-higgins

Last episode I caught up with Leonie McCarthy retail project delivery specialist and owner of 6R.We talked about the retail online industry, the need to translate technology to make sense of the complexity, building teams and everyday there are lessons.Today I want to unpack our conversation about customer (or user) experience.What triggers a bad experience and what you promote as good experience.JC Three TipsUnderstand different customer personasPut yourself in your customers shoesAsk your customer for feedbackQuote from my conversation with Leonie ‘think about the success criteria, what does it look like, how do we explain it to our customer’.

In this episode, I catch up with Leonie McCarthy Owner of 6R working with retailers on ERP (enterprise resource planning), PLM (product lifecycle management) and e-commerce projects focusing on setting up internal structures and skills so both the retailer and vendor get good results.Leonie has worn many hats from subject matter expert, business analyst and project manager. She loves building great teams, leading people through change and contributing to practical solutions that get to the heart of solving problems.More recently 6R have been working closely with Accent Group digital team to deliver a whole ecosystem from new websites, integration with ERP and logistics including warehousing.We talk about:Working with your client and being the technology translator;The challenges facing the retail industry; andMaking our customer experience simple.You will find more about Leonie and what she does on her website https://www.6r.com.au/

Last episode I caught up with Mike Stapleton Deputy Director-General Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads. He oversees the delivery of safety, regulatory and transactional transport services for the department.It was a privilege to have Mike on the show and I appreciated his openness to our conversation.You must listen to Episode 09 Program Executive Lens for insights to how a government executive leads and his enthusiasm about how technology is changing our lives.Today I want to unpack status reporting and why there should be no surprises for Executives.JC Three TipsUnderstand your project in the organisational landscapeAgree tolerances and report expectationsEscalate earlyQuote from my conversation with Mike ‘some project managers seem to suffer what I call optimism bias, I’ll solve this and get on with it’.

In this episode, I catch up with Mike Stapleton Deputy Director-General Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads B.Bus, MPA, MANCAP, MNRSS, MAustroads, MQLCSG.He was appointed as Deputy Director-General (Customer Services, Safety and Regulation) in January 2016 and is a Champion for Cultural Diversity.Mike oversees the delivery of safety, regulatory and transactional transport services for the department.This division is critical to Queensland’s current and future transport system, managing the State’s regulation, marine and road safety, and frontline services for Queenslanders.He held former positions at Transport and Main Roads as Deputy Director-General (Infrastructure Management and Delivery) & General Manager (Land Transport Safety).Mike has worked in the state public transport sector in finance, general management, infrastructure management and delivery, and transport safety roles for more than 20 years.We talk about:Using data to measure success;The three things he looks for in status reporting; andHow technology is changing the way we live.https://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/

Last episode I caught up with Alex Moloney who has over 20 years’ experience in delivery of business and technology change. I’ve been fortunate to work with Alex on two occasions and I know first hand how awesome she is in her leadership.If you haven’t yet listened to Episode 07 Project teams & delivery you may want to catch up on our chat about her journey from study to project delivery, why it is important to build project relationships and advice for progressing your project careers.Today I want to unpack how important it is to invest in an effective project establishment phase and I don’t just mean a kick off meeting.JC Three TipsDefine project successGet to know each other’s strengthsAgree on role responsibilities & processesQuote from my conversation with Alex ‘enjoy what you are doing and make the most of the opportunities when they come your way’.

In this episode, I catch up with Alex Moloney who has worked as a leader and manager in the delivery of business and technology change for over twenty years, with an interest in program/project management, requirements and quality/testing. She has worked across a variety of industries from Banking Finance, health, higher education, government and not for profit. Alex is a wonderful Mum to three gorgeous boys under 11. She enjoys CrossFit, a little bit of very slow running and now that Netflix is a thing occasionally binge watches something fictional.There is no doubt Alex is awesome in her ability to connect with people and get the job done.We talk about:Her journey from study to project delivery;Why it is important to build project relationships; andAdvice for progressing your project careers.Alex Moloney LinkedIn Profile

Last episode I caught up with Adrian Karzon who is the Chief Technology Officer at Kidsoft a who is a passionate about making the connection between business strategy, digital innovation and technology platforms to deliver success for his organisation.If you haven’t yet heard Episode 05 Deliver customer value you may want to listen to our chat about customer first approach, how to set up your team to respond to the unknown and the importance of strategy.We used a few acronyms that you may not be familiar with:SaaS (software as a service), MVP (minimal viable product), BI (business intelligence), API (interface, a method of communicating data components between applications)Today I want to unpack how important it is to have a post implementation release plan because not everything will get done before go live.JC Three TipsKnow the effort v value criteria for all featuresUnderstand your customers pain points to make good decisionsHave operational budget for post go live activitiesQuote from my conversation with Adrian ‘step back, take a moment have a breath and look at the bigger picture’.