Podcast appearances and mentions of laura barnard

WELCOME BACK TO GAMETIME! I'm your host and coaching teammate, Shauna Griffiths, and I'm grateful to bring you another conversation with an impactful leader. This edition features Laura Barnard, visionary Founder of BREAKTHRU, Author, Speaker, AND - a member of the 2025 #LeadershipAthlete Draft Class. Laura is a force who is on a mission to transform the landscape of leadership - and I'm here for her and that all day every day. She has continued to elevate her own leadership game from hooping at Harvard to corporate America and now as an entrepreneur.  She's definitely got a lock on the Leadership Athlete mindset that I talk so much about, and I can't wait for you to hear her straightforward transformational take on things.  Tune-in to hear about: Revolutionizing Leadership Development Empowering Career Transitions Breaking Barriers in Leadership  The importance of being seen, being heard, and being YOU Redefining Leadership for the Modern Workplace Embracing Leadership as a Collaborative Sport The Rollercoaster of Entrepreneurship  Navigating Misogyny Her groundbreaking book, LEADERSHIP TYPES, that is a must read for anyone on a path to evolving their leadership game Exploring and unlocking your authentic leadership type using her proprietary innovative and inclusive model, the Spectrum of Leadership Empowerment (TM).  We hope you enjoy this episode, and we look forward to hearing your feedback! LEADERSHIP IS A SPORT & IT'S GAMETIME

How does integrating strategy development and implementation as a double loop learning process benefit organizations? Laura Barnard is a distinguished leader in project management, celebrated as a world PMO Influencer of the Year by the PMO Global Alliance. As the founder of PMO Strategies Project Management Office and the developer of the Impact Engine system, Laura has dedicated nearly three decades to advancing the field by empowering organizations to maximize their strategic goals' return on investment with speed and measurable impact. She emphasizes the importance of project management in driving transformational outcomes aligned with organizational goals, highlighting that every strategic initiative, product launch, and marketing campaign is essentially a project. Through her innovative strategies and concepts such as integrating strategy development and execution via a double loop learning process, Laura aims to help organizations achieve higher returns on investment and create a real execution engine within their operations. Key Takeaways: Value-driven Project Management focuses on driving better business outcomes by aligning efforts with organizational goals and prioritizing strategic results over perfect outputs.   Placing project management capability close to the C-suite can effectively drive strategic outcomes and ensure alignment with business goals.   Integrating project management near the C-suite level helps in achieving strategic results and delivering strategy effectively within organizations.   Positioning an organization's transformation team near the C-suite is crucial for successful outcomes, effective communication, and driving future strategies.   Integration of strategy development and implementation as a double loop learning process fosters continuous learning and adaptation within organizations.   Utilizing Critical Chain methodology can streamline processes, prevent delays, and increase the likelihood of project success by addressing critical factors upfront. More from Laura Barnard Laura Barnard has dedicated nearly thirty years to forging a path where executive leaders can more rapidly and effectively deliver their organization's strategic initiatives. As the Founder and Chief IMPACT Driver of PMO Strategies, Laura has been instrumental in helping businesses transform into high-performance engines. Her approach involves empowering organizations through training, coaching, and direct consulting to develop internal capabilities that ensure sustainable success and measurable outcomes. Her methodologies have been honed and shared widely, including in her best-selling book, "The IMPACT Engine," where she introduces the groundbreaking IMPACT Engine System that aligns organizational actions with their visions swiftly and with substantial business IMPACT. Beyond her role in PMO Strategies, Laura's influence extends to her position as Co-Founder and President of Project Management for Change, a nonprofit organization that elevates the project management profession while making a tangible difference globally. Her efforts were recognized when she was named the World PMO Influencer of the Year in 2021 by the PMO Global Alliance. Laura's commitment to excellence is also evident through her popular PMO Strategies Podcast, where she shares insights and strategies to turn any PMO into a vital strategic asset. With a deep-rooted belief in the power of project management, Laura continues to drive change and foster environments where strategic goals are not just met but exceeded, making her a pivotal figure in the realm of organizational development and strategy execution. Website: https://pmostrategies.com/speaking/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurabarnard/ Amazon: https://a.co/d/65MTVG4     If you are an experienced CEO looking to grow your company, visit https://www.TheCEOProject.com   You can also reach Jim by email: Jim@TheCEOProject.com   LinkedIn: @theceoproject Instagram: @the_ceoproject Twitter/X: @the_CEO_Project Facebook:  @IncCEOproject

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen Hi, IMPACT Driver!     If you've ever felt like your executives and other stakeholders don't really appreciate all you bring to the table (or maybe even see you as administrative overhead), you're not alone.   In this week's episode, I'm diving into one of the biggest mindset shifts that separates project managers and PMO leaders from true strategic leaders.   It's time to stop managing and start leading.   I share how to break free from the “order-taker” mentality and focus on delivering real business outcomes – not just outputs. I even share a personal story from The IMPACT Engine about how asking the right questions transformed the way my PMO was perceived by leadership.   Here's the thing – leadership doesn't care about project plans. They care about results.   So what are you doing to shift your focus to the results?   Click PLAY above to listen now.   P.S. If you're ready to learn how to make this shift and position yourself as a strategic leader, don't miss our free January workshop: “Becoming an IMPACT Driver: The Roadmap to Executive-Level Influence for Project and PMO Leaders.”

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen Hi, IMPACT Driver!   Have you seen PMI's latest report on redefining project success? If you're like me, your first reaction was probably, “Well, of course!” For years, we've known that project success isn't just about execution – it's about delivering measurable value that aligns with business goals. But the fact that PMI is now championing this shift marks a significant turning point for our industry.  

In this episode, I talk with Laura Barnard, PMP, CAL, Prosci, IES, founder and chief IMPACT Driver of PMO Strategies, about key principles to help project managers drive impactful, value-focused results. We share practical strategies to maximize outcomes and actionable tips to elevate your project management skills. ***The video version of this episode can be […] The post Practical Strategies That Will Make You a Better Project Manager – Ep 060 appeared first on Engineering Management Institute.

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills Hi, IMPACT Driver!   Happy New Year!   Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for all that you do – the hard work you put in, the effort you make to drive change inside organizations, and the way you show up every day. Thank you for listening to the podcast, reading the newsletter, and engaging with our content – whether you're new here or have been around for years. You mean the world to me, and you are why I do what I do.   As we wrap up the year and think ahead to 2025, I wanted to share something that's helped me stay focused and intentional as I plan for the new year.  

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills Even the most successful leaders know when it's time to ask for help. In this week's episode, I dive deep with executive coach and storyteller Deepak Daniel as we discuss the importance of vulnerability in leadership and how asking for help can unlock your full potential.  

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills Curious about how combining empathy and tech-inspired tools can elevate your leadership style? This week on the PMO Strategies Podcast, I'm joined by Erik Rueter to explore Servant Leadership as a Service—an innovative approach to leadership that empowers you to treat team members as your most important customers.  

How do you lead meaningful change without formal authority? In this engaging discussion, Laura Barnard, an award-winning project management expert and CEO of PMO Strategies, shares her journey from tech trailblazer to empowering leaders worldwide. Learn how to influence effectively, foster inclusive leadership, and balance technology and human connection.Expect practical insights on leading through change, building impactful teams, and the future of work in a hybrid world. Laura's inspiring stories and actionable advice will challenge and equip you to become an impact-driven leader.Finding Purpose Through ChangeLaura's serendipitous entry into technology and project managementEarly experiences translating between business and technologyThe pivotal realization: building a PMO (Project Management Office) as a vehicle for strategic impactThe Leadership DNALeadership without Titles: how actions and Influence Define true leadersEmpowering women in male-dominated fields and creating more balanced spacesAnecdotes from Laura's career on impactful mentorship and collaborationThe Science of InfluenceWhy influencing others is the cornerstone of effective leadershipTechniques for leading through organizational change with empathy and strategyThe importance of delivery leaders in bridging strategy with executionTechnology as a Leadership ToolThe evolving role of AI and technology in project managementDistinguishing between tools for efficiency and the human element of leadershipEmbracing a hybrid approach to collaboration for productivity and connectionNavigating the Future of LeadershipEmployee expectations and the importance of flexibility in leadershipHow organizations can balance remote work with the value of in-person collaborationLeadership as a shared journey: empowering teams to drive meaningful changeKey Quotes:Leadership is not about titles; it's about how you operate and inspire others." - Laura Barnard"People are not resistant to change; they are resistant to having change done to them." - Laura BarnardThe 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World Executive Guide Featuring 10 Key Themes and 42 Strategic Insights from Worldwide Leaders https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-leadConnect with Laura:Website: https://pmostrategies.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurabarnard/Connect with Denis:Email: denis@leadingchangepartners.comWebsite: www.LeadingChangePartners.com FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/denisgianoutsos LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisgianoutsos/ Instagram:

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills Imagine switching seamlessly between your creative and analytical skills to tackle complex projects. This is the essence of ambidextrous project management, a powerful mindset that can help you thrive in today's challenging environments.   In this week's podcast episode, I chat with Mark Burnett, author of The Ambidextrous Project Manager. Mark shares strategies to help you balance flexibility with structure, navigate complex projects, and empower your teams. He also shares his personal story of resilience, overcoming adversity, and how ambidextrous thinking helped him drive results across 19+ countries.  

Transform your project teams into high-performance delivery engines! In this episode, we talk with Laura Barnard, author of The IMPACT Engine, who shares her powerful framework for transforming project teams into top-performing teams. Listen in to learn Laura's insights on creating low-stress, high-impact success in project management, building trust, and adopting valuable strategies for driving successful change and avoiding common project management pitfalls. Chapters 00:00 … Intro02:31 … Meet Laura05:36 … The IMPACT Engine09:23 … Having the Right Mindset13:02 … Leading with Patience15:20 … Setting the Pace for the Project18:31 … Changing the “Haters”19:58 … The “Can of Sean”23:31 … Kevin and Kyle24:33 … “Give Them What They Want”28:29 … The One-on-One Interview33:00 … The Five Why Technique37:48 … Common Mistakes with PM and PMO Integration43:58 … Connect with Laura46:13 … Closing Intro LAURA BARNARD:  People do change all the time.  What happens, though, is that we forget that the reason those changes are successful, usually, is because they are self-driven.  Right?  People feel they want autonomy, they want freedom, they want control over their lives.  And so, what happens is we say, “Oh, well, those people are resistant to change.”  No, buddy.  You're just shoving change at them and doingchange to them instead of bringing them with you to the process. WENDY GROUNDS:  Hello, and welcome to Manage This, the podcast by project managers for project managers.  We're so glad you've joined us today.  I am Wendy Grounds, and in the studio is our project management expert, Bill Yates.  If you're enjoying the show we'd love to hear from you.  If it's on our website Velociteach.com, on social media, or your favorite podcast app, your feedback helps us keep inspiring and supporting project managers like you.  And if you've got questions about our podcasts or project management certifications, we're here to help. Today's episode, we have a powerhouse guest lined up for you.  This is Laura Barnard, the author of “The IMPACT Engine.”  She's been at the forefront of integrating PMOs and project management into organizational strategy for nearly 30 years.  She founded her first PMO in 1999 and has spent nearly three decades driving strategy delivery and sustainable change for global giants.  Through her company, PMO Strategies, she's helped organizations unlock the full potential of project management.  Laura is actually a good friend of Kendall Lott, and he's someone we had on our podcast a long time ago, Episode 79. BILL YATES:  Seventy-nine. WENDY GROUNDS:  Seventy-nine, yeah.  We had Kendall Lott and Selena Buchanan on our podcast, and they were talking about project management design volunteering, which was really a very interesting episode. BILL YATES:  Yes, it was.  Time flies.  I can't believe it's that long ago. WENDY GROUNDS:  Yeah, it was 2019, mm-hmm. BILL YATES:  Yeah.  The book that we're going to talk about with Laura, she actually mentioned, she makes a few references to Kendall and some of the work that the three of them have done together.  This book is called “The Impact Engine,” and I've got to tell you, I enjoyed reading that book.  I thought the one pen I was using was going to run out of ink because I kept underlining, making comments in the side.  So, I look forward to being able to talk through some of these key ideas with Laura in this conversation.  I can't wait to dive into this. Meet Laura WENDY GROUNDS:  Hi, Laura.  Welcome to Manage This.  We're so thankful that you're here, and you're joining us today.  We've been wanting to talk to you for a long time, so thank you for being here today. LAURA BARNARD:  Oh, thank you so much for having me.  It's such an honor to share some interesting insights with your audience. WENDY GROUNDS:  Yeah.  No, we're looking forward to getting into talking more about your book.  But let's find out a little bit about you.

Welcome to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network. In this episode, we're joined by Laura Barnard, also known as “The PMO Lady” and the 2021 World's Top PMO Influencer. Laura is the founder of PMO Strategies and creator of the IMPACT Engine, a revolutionary approach to managing projects and accelerating strategy delivery. She shares her deep insights on why most projects fail, how to make sure your brilliant ideas don't fall apart, and how to structure your project management office (PMO) for success. We discuss why effective project management is critical for employee engagement and business success. Most employee disengagement stems from overloaded teams and inefficient processes. In a small business, where workloads are often high, efficiency becomes key—people should spend their time on tasks that truly add value. In this episode, we aim to answer three key questions: Why do we need project managers or Project Management Offices (PMOs)? Why do most projects fail, and how can we fix them? Why do my brilliant ideas never seem to pan out the way I expect? Key Takeaways: What is a PMO (Project Management Office)? Laura breaks down the role of a PMO and why it's essential for businesses of all sizes, especially small teams. Why Projects Fail Laura highlights common reasons projects fail, including lack of clarity on business goals and failure to prioritize effectively. The IMPACT Engine System Laura shares how her IMPACT Engine system can help organizations drive successful projects. Methodology Debate: Agile vs. Waterfall Laura provides a fresh perspective on project management methodologies like Agile and Waterfall. The Strategy Execution Gap Laura explains why organizations often struggle to close this gap and offers solutions on how to integrate strategy development and execution for smoother outcomes. Links and Resources: Learn more about Laura and her resources at PMO Strategies The Impact Engine book, available now: Read More Follow Laura on LinkedIn Get involved in the podcast: If you like hearing from experts who share powerful strategies and insights for success in the workplace, tune in every Thursday for more interviews with thought leaders like Laura. Don't forget, every Tuesday we bring you the latest in workplace news, our Hot Takes from experts, and of course, the world-famous Workplace Surgery, where Leanne answers your toughest workplace questions. Support with Mental Health and Well-being If any of the topics in this episode have affected you, or if you need mental health support, please reach out to one of the following resources: UK: Mind offers mental health support and information. For those in distress, call Samaritans at 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org. US: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. Rest of the World: Visit Befrienders Worldwide to find a helpline in your country. Connect with Truth, Lies & Work YouTube: Truth, Lies & Work YouTube Channel TikTok: Truth, Lies & Work TikTok Instagram: Truth, Lies & Work Instagram LinkedIn: Truth, Lies & Work LinkedIn Connect with Al Elliott: LinkedIn Connect with Leanne Elliott: LinkedIn Email: Reach out at hello@truthliesandwork.com Book a Meeting: Schedule a meeting with Al & Leanne here.

As a financial leader, I want to know every aspect of business. While quarterbacking my share of ERP implementations, I had only once heard the term PMO (short for Project Management Office). Accordingly, I wanted to learn more.After reading Laura Barnard's new book on PMOs, I quickly realized she is probably the global thought leader on this subject.Laura's new book is The IMPACT Engine: Accelerating Strategy Delivery for PMO and Transformation Leaders. We spend most of our time unpacking her IMPACT Engine System, which has a 100% success rate. In the lightning round, we cover MVPs vs. prototypes, perfectionism, lovers and haters, outcomes vs. outputs, and 30-90s. 

Ever wondered how to transform your PMO into a strategic powerhouse? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Laura Barnard, a trailblazer in integrating PMOs and project management with organisational strategy. Laura shares her extensive experience working with industry giants like JP Morgan, LinkedIn, IBM, and Amazon. Reflecting on the evolution of PMOs from the chaotic early dot-com days to today's strategic assets, Laura sheds light on the transition from technical roles to project management and the essential advice for balancing personal and professional lives.Moreover, we discuss PMO leaders' challenges in proving their value to executives and the necessity of continuous value delivery through agile-based methodologies. Laura emphasises the importance of alignment with business goals, effective reporting systems, and addressing the human element in transformational efforts. In this episode, we cover: 16:04 Evolution of PMO Leadership23:25 Improving PMO Impact and Value32:18 Strategy Alignment for Project Success38:29 Prioritization and Executive Communication for Transformation44:26 Organizational Change Management Collaboration49:51 Embracing Organizational Change Through People1:01:24 Driving Accountability and Progress Through Reporting1:04:42 Simplifying Decisions and PMO Leadership1:13:11 Journey to Sharing PMO Strategies1:24:57 Inspiring Action for Impact DriversYou can find Laura at:https://pmostrategies.com/ Her book is here: https://www.amazon.com/IMPACT-Engine-Accelerating-Strategy-Transformation/dp/1774584522 https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurabarnard/ Support the showThank you for listening to Agile Ideas! If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with someone who might benefit from our discussions. Remember to rate us on your preferred podcast platform and follow us on social media for updates and more insightful content.Thank you for listening. If you enjoyed this episode, I'd really appreciate it if you could share it with your friends and rate us. Let's spread the #AgileIdeas together! We'd like to hear any feedback. www.agilemanagementoffice.com/contact Don't miss out on exclusive access to special events, checklists, and blogs that are not available everywhere. Subscribe to our newsletter now at www.agilemanagementoffice.com/subscribe. You can also find us on most social media channels by searching 'Agile Ideas'. Follow me, your host, on LinkedIn - go to Fatimah Abbouchi - www.linkedin.com/in/fatimahabbouchi/ For all things Agile Ideas and to stay connected, visit our website below. It's your one-stop destination for all our episodes, blogs, and more. We hope you found today's episode enlightening. Until next time, keep innovating and exploring new Agile Ideas!Learn more about podcast host Fatimah Abbouchi...

Summary In this episode, Andy interviews Laura Barnard about her book, The Impact Engine: Accelerating Strategy Delivery for PMO and Transformation Leaders. They discuss Laura's journey in setting up PMOs, the common mistakes and resistance faced, and the importance of change management and mindset in driving success. Laura introduces the Impact Engine system, a framework she developed to help organizations deliver sustainable value. The conversation also covers how project managers can become strategy navigators and effectively communicate with stakeholders. It's a fun, practical discussion that will help improve your ability to lead teams and deliver projects. Sound Bites "People are not actually resistant to change. They are resistant to having change done to them." "A lot of what we teach first is that you have to shift the way you think about the work you do... and really become what we call the strategy navigator for the organization." "Give them what they want before you give them what they need" "It's not just about the templates, tools, and process that you're creating. It's about the business problems you're solving." "I wish I had me when I was you. I wish I had somebody who would say don't do this, do this instead... I needed to help them so that they can have an easier path than I had." "Knowledge alone is not power. It's the application of that knowledge where you make a real impact. If you do the work, you will see the results." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:00 Start of Interview 02:27 Laura's Journey in Building Her First PMO 04:40 Common Mistakes in Setting Up a PMO 09:29 The Impact Engine System 15:21 Myths About Change Management 20:50 Give Them What They Want, Not What They Need 27:57 Understanding Transparency and Impact 29:34 Measuring Success and Stakeholder Engagement 34:46 How Laura Seeks Continual Learning and Personal Growth 39:44 End of Interview 40:15 Andy Comments After the Interview 46:47 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Laura and her book at IMPACTEngineBook.com. Prepare to Pass Your Project Management Certification Exam We regularly help people just like you prepare and pass their PMP and CAPM certification exams. If you or someone you know is thinking about pursuing project management certification, contact us! We'd love to help you earn your credential. Learn more and enroll at i-leadonline.com/PMSeries. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Project Management, PMO, Change Management, Leadership, Business Transformation, Strategy Delivery, Continuous Learning, Organizational Change The following music was used for this episode: Music: Brooklyn Nights by Tim Kulig License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Scaling Secret Podcast!

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills Hey, IMPACT Driver!  A dear friend read me a passage from a book that made me think of you. It was about problem-solving and knowing what you should and shouldn't own. Delivery leaders often feel powerless over problems they think they can't solve or responsible for solving issues they shouldn't.  But here's the kicker: just changing one simple word can put you back in the driver's seat.  In this week's podcast episode, I share that eye-opening passage and some practical techniques to shift your mindset. Discover how this one word can revolutionize your approach, help you prioritize effectively, and empower your stakeholders to take responsibility for their own problem-solving.  Tune in, download, and keep this episode handy. It's a mind-shifting reminder that you'll want to revisit anytime you are stuck when trying to solve problems.  Enjoy!  P.S. Have you registered for the IMPACT Summit yet? DO THIS!!

Laura Barnard is the founder of Breakthru Brands, a leadership empowerment company that builds personal leadership brands for underrepresented professionals at organizations. She is also the author of the upcoming book LEADERSHIP TYPES, coming out this summer in 2024, which is a guidebook for helping professionals unlock their leadership potential. With Laura's background in psychology, she has developed the Spectrum of Leadership Empowerment (SLE), which is an innovative and inclusive leadership framework that enables professionals to better understand themselves and their colleagues in order to lead more authentically and effectively. This is the basis of her work at Breakthru Brands, and the subject of her upcoming book. Join me in this conversation with Laura as we discuss her work, how she developed the SLE, success stories from her work with over 300+ professionals, and learn about her upcoming book. You can pre-order Laura's upcoming book, LEADERSHIP TYPES at http://leadershiptypes.com/ __ Follow Lex on X: @omrlxs Visit my Lex's website for more queer content: http://omaralexis.com/

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen Hi, IMPACT Driver!  Have you ever felt personally attacked when trying to implement new processes?

In this episode of Product Momentum, Laura Barnard invites us to imagine the strong business outcomes our organizations can realize when we create space for strategy and execution to work in concert, instead of at odds. Founder of PMO Strategies and author of The Impact Engine (available Sept. 2024), Laura has been a driving force … The post 135 / The New PMO: Strategic Partner in Business Transformation, with Laura Barnard appeared first on ITX Corp..

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills Hey, IMPACT Driver!  I have a very important message for you in today's episode.  Are you celebrating International PMO Day on May 14? I'd love for you to join me here. It's free, plus you'll get a sneak peek into my new book The IMPACT Engine and learn how to get access to it months before it's available in stores!  See you soon!

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills Hey, IMPACT Driver!   Did you know that currently only 26.7% of tech jobs are filled by women? The majority of those are entry-level positions, which means an even smaller percentage of women are in leadership roles in the industry.    All too often, women find themselves struggling to balance personal and professional demands, lacking the necessary support to thrive in their careers. I know this all too well, spending many of my earlier years working in PMOs and building my company as a single mom!   Some would say that the odds are stacked against women in the workplace, but I'm not OK with that.    What can we do to fix this problem and give everyone the support they need to thrive in the workplace?    In this episode, IMPACT Summit speaker and a Certified Enterprise Agile Coach (CEC) with the Scrum Alliance, Apriel Biggs, and I will have an honest conversation about women in project leadership. She will share empowering insights from her career that will help you overcome any setbacks you may face in the professional world.    This podcast episode isn't only for women! It's for anyone who wants to create opportunities for their teams to thrive. In fact, you might be surprised by what I share regarding how I was treated in the workplace by men and women.    Check it out now.   Enjoy!   Connect with Apriel Biggs Find Apriel Biggs in LinkedIn P.S. International PMO Day is just around the corner. That's right, on Tuesday, May 14th, 2024, we'll be celebrating the vital role that Project Management Offices play in organizations across the globe. Reserve your seat today and learn more about how you can participate! Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I'd love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS                                      

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills Hey, IMPACT Driver!  Do workplace conflicts leave you feeling drained and frustrated?   Do you wish you knew how to handle disagreements more effectively to get better results?   In this episode, I'm joined by my friend, Karin Hurt to discuss practical tips based on a nationwide workplace collaboration and conflict survey. You'll learn specific techniques to communicate effectively, problem-solve productively, and even prevent tension in the first place.   If you're thinking, "I'd love to know exactly what to say when I'm in the heat of the moment with that frustrating stakeholder," then Karin has you covered with 300 powerful phrases to help you turn even the most stressful conflicts into productive discussions that keep everyone driving toward the IMPACT you need! She shares some of her favorite phrases with us in this episode. You don't want to miss it!  Enjoy! Connect with Karin:Follow Karin on LinkedIn Preorder your copy of Powerful Phrases for Dealing with Workplace Conflict  Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I'd love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS                                    

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen (Strategic and Business Management) Hey, IMPACT Driver!  Do PMO leaders deserve a seat at the executive strategy table? Or are you destined to keep the lights on as tactical project supporters?  What if I told you the most forward-thinking PMOs are shaping business strategy itself by aligning directly to growth plans, market dynamics, and innovation goals?  They serve as the nerve center, catalyzing enterprise transformation - while dramatically expanding their influence.  Intrigued by this strategic elevation?   I've just recorded an insider podcast episode exploring:  Current PMO limitations   The vast untapped potential   Key steps to transform into a powerhouse driver of organizational success    Get the blueprint for PMO strategic IMPACT now by listening here.  This episode will upgrade how you view your role (and soon your executives, as well). Don't miss it!  Enjoy!  P.S. – Ready to transform your PMO into a strategic powerhouse? Our IMPACT Engine System can help you elevate your PMO's role and drive organizational success. Register today to explore how we can support your journey towards strategic alignment and influence.  Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I'd love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS                                  

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen (Strategic and Business Management) Hey, IMPACT Driver! Resource management issues giving you a pounding headache? I hear you. Nearly half of PMO professionals in a recent survey said it's their #1 challenge.  In this week's episode, I'm tackling this pesky problem head-on. I'll share why throwing more people at it usually fails and what is more likely to be the root cause you MUST address if you want to actually resolve resource management challenges (for real this time).  Learn smarter ways to: Fix capacity planning to optimize your efficiency Allocate resources so projects actually get done Optimize your staff without expanding headcount   I'll also reveal my top tips for getting executive buy-in to shift the dynamics for good. Don't let resource problems keep holding you back. Tune in now to unlock a better way forward! Enjoy! P.S. – The IMPACT Engine System offers proven strategies and tools to help you effectively address resource management constraints. From capacity planning to optimizing staff allocation, we've got you covered. Don't miss out on this opportunity to streamline your processes and unlock better project outcomes. Learn more about how this program can benefit you today! Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I'd love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS                                  

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen (Strategic and Business Management) Hey, IMPACT Driver!   Do your stakeholders really understand the value your PMO brings?   Recent research reveals a startling gap between how PMO leaders, executives, and project managers perceive the role and purpose of the PMO.   The stats: Only 11% of executives said the PMO is responsible for business improvement 0% of executives said the PMO handles governance and standards 28% of PMO leaders define their role as reporting and tracking ...but 0% of executives see this as the PMO's purpose   What does this misalignment mean? Your PMO's influence and IMPACT suffer if stakeholders don't understand your value.   Listen to the latest episode of the PMO Strategies podcast as I dive into these perception gaps and what you can do to better communicate the vital business IMPACT your PMO drives. You'll get actionable steps to align stakeholder perceptions with the strategic value you provide.   The future of your PMO depends on stakeholder understanding. Don't let misperceptions limit your influence!   Enjoy!   P.S. – Want to bridge the gap between your PMO's perceived value and its actual IMPACT? Check out the IMPACT Engine System! Our comprehensive approach will equip you with the tools and strategies to communicate the true value your PMO brings to the table. Check it out now and take the first step toward maximizing your PMO's effectiveness today! Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I'd love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS                                  

Join Tracy and Laura Barnard, founder of Breakthrough Brands. Listen to Laura's inspiring journey from a Division 1 athlete to a trailblazer in corporate America, where she confronted gender disparities head-on.  Laura and Tracy explore the transformative power of aligning personal and professional identities and the pursuit of purpose-driven work. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about empowering female leadership and embracing authentic self-expression in the workplace.

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen (Strategic and Business Management) Hey, IMPACT Driver!    As we prepare to kick off another year, it's the perfect time to pause and assess the health of your PMO. An annual check-up enables you to benchmark progress, realign priorities, and set your PMO up for maximum impact in the year ahead.     In this episode, I'll be sharing the top 10 reasons why an annual PMO health assessment is essential and even some signs that you might be in need of some changes in your PMO ASAP.    The new year presents the perfect opening to hit the reset button for your PMO and you need an accurate picture of where you are to figure out how you're going to achieve all your goals in 2024.    Enjoy!    P.S. This episode is sponsored by our annual PMO Health Assessment workshop. Join me in partnership with Sciforma on January 30 for a LIVE workshop to discuss the current state of your PMO and build a plan for high-IMPACT in 2024. Register for FREE today!  Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I'd love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS                                

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle:   Power Skills Hey, IMPACT Driver!    Who wouldn't love a little mind-reading prowess at work, right?

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills Hey, IMPACT Driver!  In case you missed it, I had the wonderful opportunity to speak with Pierre Le Manh, President and CEO of the Project Management Institute, at this year's IMPACT Summit.   The conversation was an important one for you to hear, IMPACT Driver, since he's revealing what C-Suite executives are looking for from their leaders to help them make a bigger IMPACT.   We looked at what is holding many project professionals back in their careers and effective strategies to communicate your value to executives.  Join us for this episode to get the executive's perspective on what it takes for you to break through the glass ceiling and get your seat at the table. Enjoy!  Connect with Pierre on LinkedInProject Managers as Strategic Leaders – in the C-suite and Beyond   P.S. – The IMPACT Engine System™ is the only program of its kind that shows you how to build, run, and elevate your strategy delivery organization. If you are building or running a PMO, SDO, Agile, or Business Transformation Office, your career depends on making an IMPACT. This program will help you drive measurable value for the business, making it easy to get your executives on board. Learn more today!  Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I'd love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS                              

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills (Leadership) Hey, IMPACT Driver!  This week, I'm bringing you the last of three success stories from IMPACT Engine System students who shared the secrets to their success at this year's IMPACT Summit. Mike Welch had no experience as a project manager and had never led a PMO when I met him two years ago. Now, he runs the Strategy Delivery Office for his organization and was featured in Associations Now magazine for driving success through a more disciplined approach to projects. Mike shares his biggest challenges, his ah-ha! moments, and the keys to his success as a new PMO leader. Mike Welch is one of many IMPACT Engine System and IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind program participants that spoke at this year's summit. We are incredibly proud of him and thrilled to share his story! Is next year's summit a chance for you to share your story, IMPACT Driver? Enjoy!   P.S. You can connect with Mike here.  P.P.S. The IMPACT Engine System™ is the only program of its kind that shows you how to build, run, and elevate your strategy delivery organization. If you are building or running a PMO, SDO, Agile or Business Transformation Office, your career depends on making an IMPACT. This program will help you drive measurable value for the business, making it easy to get your executives on board. Learn more today! Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I'd love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS                          

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills (Leadership) Hey, IMPACT Driver!  Get your popcorn ready! This episode is going to be fun (and maybe even hit a little close to home).

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen (Strategic and Business Management) Hey, IMPACT Driver!    If you missed this year's IMPACT Summit, you're in luck because I want to share one of my favorite sessions with you.    In this interview, IMPACT Summit speaker Willetta Love joins Summit Co-host Amanda Oakenfull to share the transformative potential of strategic project management.    Willetta is a Senior Process Optimization Manager at the American Psychological Association and one of the many IMPACT Engine System™ and IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind™ program participants who spoke this year. We are so proud of her and all the progress she's made throughout her IMPACT journey!    In this session, she reveals her keys to success, the challenges she overcame, and the major "ah-ha" moments she's had in helping APA execute strategy through projects.     Willetta's story demonstrates the immense IMPACT that is possible when you apply strategic project management principles. I'm sure this will inspire you on your journey to strategy delivery success!    Join me for this episode to learn how strategic project management can help you elevate your IMPACT.    Enjoy!    P.S. – The IMPACT Engine System™ is the only program of its kind that shows you how to build, run, and elevate your strategy delivery organization. If you are building or running a PMO, SDO, Agile, or Business Transformation Office, your career depends on making an IMPACT. This program will help you drive measurable value for the business, making it easy to get your executives on board. Learn more today!  Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I'd love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS                          

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills (Leadership) Hey, IMPACT Driver! Today, we're delving into a crucial but often neglected topic. When I queried my IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind students about their top advice, they unanimously emphasized the pivotal mindset shifts that propelled them to success. I know you're probably here to learn actionable tactics and strategies to make an IMPACT on your organization (and we have plenty of that coming up), but without the right mindset, these tactics and strategies often fall flat. In this episode, I explain the importance of the right mindset before you deliver anything and how to align your mindset with the organization's strategy to really elevate your IMPACT. Join me for this episode to learn why your mindset matters more than anything else. Enjoy! P.S. – If you lead a PMO, SDO, or transformation office, your career depends on delivering IMPACT. The IMPACT Engine System aligns your mindset with strategic goals, then teaches you everything you need to do step-by-step to build an IMPACT delivery engine that will accelerate your organization's strategy faster than you can imagine. Learn more about the IMPACT Engine System. Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I'd love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS                          

We asked Breakthru Brands Founder, Laura Barnard, about common patterns women face during their leadership journey. The company has worked with over 200 clients, primarily women leaders, to elevate their unique contributions and voices. Based on the data and other studies, Barnard identified two gaps senior women leaders deal with as they progress in their careers: 1. Confidence gap: Senior women leaders are less likely to feel confident in their job performance within their careers.  2. Authority gap: Senior women leaders are less likely to feel heard and trusted in the workplace, they also experience interruptions and doubt in the workplace. This insight is interesting because one is internal, while the other seems to be external. Barnard goes in depth about these two gaps and much more during her visit to @1QLeadership.  @1QLeadership Question: Have you faced the confidence and authority gaps during your career?  - Tai M. Brown - One Question Leadership Podcast

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen (Strategic and Business Management) Hey, IMPACT Driver!  We're seeing more leadership conversations around culture and the way it's influencing organizational value delivery. As a leader, what do you need to know and do to help ensure that your culture is working with you instead of against you?    In this episode, I'm joined by IMPACT Summit Co-host Amanda Oakenfull, an experienced executive and mentor who specializes in strategic delivery and recovery.    Amanda will give us insight into how we can strike the perfect balance between cultural norms, interpreting others' intentions vs. cultural differences, and building positive relationships that support the organization's bottom line.   Learn more about this topic and many others, register for this year's IMPACT Summit for free! Connect with thousands of PMO, strategy delivery, and transformation leaders and gain invaluable insight that will help you earn your seat at the table. Don't miss out on this amazing FREE opportunity!  Join us for this week's episode to learn how to navigate cultural differences in your organization and create positive relationships that drive organizational success.   Enjoy!     Connect with AmandaFind Amanda on LinkedIn   P.S. –  The world's largest virtual event for PMO, strategy delivery, and transformation leaders is BACK this September! Register now for this year's IMPACT Summit for free and join us for a week of presentations, workshops, and discussions designed to help you boost results-driven IMPACT in your organization and career. Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I'd love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS                    

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills (Leadership) Hey, IMPACT Driver!  Are you a good storyteller? You may be able to explain things to people, but can you engage them in a way that has them supporting your cause?   Good storytelling is a powerful skill that can help you become a better leader and elevate your influence. With it, you can improve communication with your executives, navigate complicated topics in a compelling way, and foster creativity in your organization.    This week, I'm thrilled to invite my dear friend and IMPACT Summit Cohost, Dawn Mahan, to give us some insight into this topic.   Dawn and I will discuss the IMPACT of good storytelling, what it can do to elevate your leadership game, and helpful tips you can use today to improve this crucial skill.   Register for this year's IMPACT Summit for FREE to catch Dawn's sessions, along with many other presentations, discussions, and workshops designed to help you develop your leadership skills. Join us for this episode to learn how being a good storyteller can significantly help your organization, projects, and career.   Enjoy!  Connect with Dawn Follow on TwitterConnect on LinkedInFollow on InstagramCompany FacebookCompany LinkedInProject Guru AcademySubscribe to YouTube Channel P.S. - This month, the world's largest virtual conference for PMO, strategy, and transformation leaders is BACK! Join us at this year's IMPACT Summit to find out how you can earn your seat at the table. Register for free now!  Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I'd love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS                    

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen (Strategic and Business Management) Hey, IMPACT Driver!  If you're a freelance or consultant PM/PMO professional, or thinking of becoming one, you do not want to miss this episode. The truth is that you're up against much larger and more established consulting firms and it can be difficult to get big contracts and ideal clients who are willing to pay you what you're worth.   Trust me, I've been there.    And, by the way, IMPACT Driver, if you are looking to build your consulting practice, check out the P.S. below. I have something special I'm doing for you.   Luckily, we've got you covered. Candice Benson, IMPACT Summit Speaker and CEO of Benson Consulting Inc., will share with us her 3-step, tried-and-true framework that will help you bring in consistent, repeatable revenue in your business and avoid the “feast-or-famine” cycle that plagues so many freelancers and consultants.     If you want to learn more about how to grow your consulting business, sign up for this year's IMPACT Summit for free! This week-long virtual event connects you with thousands of PMO, change management, and strategy development leaders through presentations, workshops, and live discussions. Don't miss out!   Join us for this episode to learn how you can give your project management business the boost it needs to consistently land bigger contracts.   Enjoy!   Connect with Candice:FacebookTwitterLinkedIn Learn more about Benson Consulting:FacebookTwitterLinkedIn P.S. I am looking for 10 project and PMO consultants that want to learn directly with me how to apply our game-changing IMPACT Engine System in their own consulting practice. We have built a completely referral-based business over the last decade because our clients love us. Do you want that kind of business? I want to help you. P.P.S. The world's largest virtual conference for PMO, strategy, and transformation leaders is BACK in September! Join us at this year's IMPACT Summit to find out how you can earn your seat at the table. Register for free now!  Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I'd love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN  PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS                  

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen (Strategic and Business Management) Hey, IMPACT Driver!    I have a question for you: were you prepared for AI, inflation, and a pandemic all at once? It seems like things are changing faster than we can keep up with! What will the world throw at us next?      We're moving into a world of increasing uncertainty. As a PMO leader, you need the skills and tools to not just keep up with the times, but to take full advantage of what's to come.       This week, I am absolutely thrilled to welcome IMPACT Summit speaker Jonathan Brill to the podcast. Brill and I discuss not only how to prepare for the future, but also how you can use strategic foresight to leverage inevitable change and stay ahead of the curve.    Jonathan Brill is an expert on strategic foresight and technology innovation, an accomplished author, and “the world's leading transformation architect,” according to the Harvard Business Review. His warm style, compelling stories, and intellectual rigor inspire visionaries and open even the most hard-boiled executives to new ways of thinking and doing.     Register for this year's IMPACT Summit for FREE to learn how you can take a leadership role in preparing your organization for the future. This week-long virtual experience will connect you with thousands of PMO, strategy, and transformation leaders through presentations, discussions, and workshops. Join us and help shape the future of PMOs!      Join me for this episode to learn from Forbes' #1 futurist how YOU can architect your future in the age of AI and increasing uncertainty.       Enjoy!     Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn  Visit Jonathan's Website  Rogue Waves: Future-Proof Your Business to Survive and Profit from Radical Change  Assess Your Strategic Luck     P.S. - The world's largest virtual conference for PMO, strategy, and transformation leaders is BACK this September! Join us at this year's IMPACT Summit to learn how you can earn your seat at the table. Trust me, you don't want to miss out. Register for free now!     Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I'd love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN  PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS                  

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills (Leadership) Hey, IMPACT Driver!    Do you think that organizational change management belongs in the PMO or in a separate business unit? This has been a hot topic in recent years.   How exactly is it different from project management, and is it necessary? Can't any project leader lead enterprise-wide change?    What if an intentional organizational change management function is what your PMO is missing?     This week, I welcome my friend and IMPACT Summit speaker, Jennie Fowler, to explore this topic with me.   Jennie has 25 years of experience in IT and Enterprise PM sectors across industries. She has started and/or matured 8 PMO / EPMOs in her career in roles such as Strategy Realization Office Sr. Director, Head of IT PMO, Head of EPMO, and CIO. In 2021, she started a new as the Global Director of Project Management with Percepta.  Now, Jennie is also in the top 3 finalists for the PMO Leader of the Year for the Americas.     To learn more about leading enterprise-wide change in your organization and catch Jennie's thought-provoking session, register for this year's IMPACT Summit for free! This one-week virtual experience connects you with thousands of PMO, strategy delivery, and transformation leaders through presentations, workshops, and live discussions, all for FREE!     Join us for this episode to learn from an industry expert and practitioner where change management fits in your organization, and if you need to make a change to better deliver on your projects.     Enjoy!    P.S. - The world's largest virtual conference for PMO, strategy, and transformation leaders is BACK in September! Join us at this year's IMPACT Summit to find out how you can earn your seat at the table. Register for free now!    Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I'd love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN  PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS                  

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen (Strategic and Business Management) Hey, IMPACT Driver!  There's been a lot of talk lately about PMOs being reimagined with a different title to reflect alignment with value.  But should renaming your PMO be the primary focus? Will changing the name to Strategy Delivery Office change what the organization actually does?  In this episode, I'm joined by my good friend and PMO thought leader Andy Jordan. Andy will share what's to come in the future of PMOs, and how the scope is evolving to create a highly valued organization that executives can trust to deliver results.  Andy Jordan is President of Roffensian Consulting S.A., a Roatán, Honduras-based management consulting firm with a strong emphasis on organizational transformation, portfolio management, and specifically PMOs. He is an in-demand speaker, author, and instructor who delivers thought-provoking content in an engaging and entertaining style on project management-related disciplines, including PMO and portfolio management courses on LinkedIn Learning.  Make sure you register for the IMPACT Summit for free so you don't miss Andy's session.  Join us for this episode to learn why it's not all in the name and why changing the scope of your PMO should be your primary focus.  Enjoy!  P.S. - The world's largest virtual conference for PMO, strategy, and transformation leaders is BACK in September! Join us at this year's IMPACT Summit to find out how you can earn your seat at the table. Register for free now!  Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I'd love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN  PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS        

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen (Strategic and Business Management) Hey, IMPACT Driver!   Last week, I shared that one of the ways to get critical executive buy-in quickly is to shift your focus from a process-first approach to a principles-first approach.  In this week's episode, I walk you through the specific steps you MUST take to win over your executives, align your organization with its strategic goals, and secure the critical support you need to make a lasting IMPACT with your PMO.   I share some key insights that I teach our IMPACT Engine System™ students to help you effectively communicate the value of your PMO and build strong relationships with decision-makers.  From understanding the executive perspective to demonstrating quick wins (and even addressing resistance along the way), I'm covering it all!  If you want to learn more about executive buy-in beyond this episode, the best way to do so is to register for this year's IMPACT Summit. This virtual one-week experience connects you with thousands of PMO and strategy delivery leaders through presentations, workshops, and live discussions, all for FREE!  Join me for this episode to learn how to earn executive buy-in for your PMO so that you can achieve greater efficiency, improved project outcomes, and a lasting IMPACT for your organization.  Enjoy!  P.S. - The world's largest virtual conference for PMO, strategy, and transformation leaders is BACK in September! Join us at this year's IMPACT Summit to find out how you can earn your seat at the table. Register for FREE now to claim your early registration bonus!    Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I'd love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN  PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS        

So there we were at the 10th annual UMD PM Symposium, having the Great Debate of Process vs principles.  Facing off were Crystal Richards, CEO of MindsparQ and Laura Barnard, CEO of PMO Strategies. One hour of back and forth and audience questions.  In sum: From the debate between Laura and Crystal,It's clear that project managers should grab the handle.Be a business leader and ask good questions,Embrace risk and change with no exceptions.

Do you have a personal brand? Did you create your brand with purpose and intention? Does it speak to who you are and your mission? Do you know how you can use it to create the opportunities you want to access in your career? Today's guest is a branding expert who created an agency focused on one-on-one brand development, coaching, and consultation for women leaders. After 20 years of helping create and fine-tune brands, she shares the right questions to ask yourself in order to unlock your brand. She also explains why the process could even make you uncomfortable. Laura Barnard is the founder of Breakthru Brands, a brand-building agency that empowers women leaders. Her team works to empower women and the LGBTQIA+ community to break through barriers and close gender gaps in leadership. Laura breaks down her agency's process to help unlock their clients' brands, and why it's so important to know yourself and your purpose to create a successful brand. In this episode, we'll discuss: Lessons on branding from big corporate brands. 3-Steps to unlock and activate your brand. Finding inspiration and purpose in your agency's vision. Subscribe Apple | Spotify | iHeart Radio | Stitcher | Radio FM Sponsors and Resources Dot & Co: Today's episode of the Smart Agency Masterclass is sponsored by Dot & Co, client management specialists helping digital marketing agencies keep their clients happy. With the help of their knowledgeable account managers agency owners can step away from the day-to-day and focus on driving results. Check out dotandcompany.co/smartagency and get 20% off your first month working with them. Podcast Takeover!! Get to know your Smart Agency Guest Host: Dr. Jeremy Weisz is the co-founder of Rise25, an agency that helps companies launch and run podcasts profitably. He followed Jason's podcast and eventually joined the mastermind and has been a guest on the podcast before. Today, he's helping Jason bring something new to the Smart Agency podcast audience by interviewing a special guest and getting a new perspective to the show.   Lessons About Branding from Working On Big Brands Laura's impressive background includes an MBA from the University of Chicago and a degree in Psychology from Harvard. However, if you ask her what influenced her journey the most, she'll say it was basketball, both playing in college and then coaching. It provided her with the discipline and leadership skills she uses in her career. Basketball was also how she got to know the first female leader that inspired her current path. Looking back at her career, Laura spent over 15 years working in corporate America focusing on brand management. Business school is when she first understood brand management. She was eager to apply her passion for psychology in her desire to understand why people think, act, and behave in the ways they do. Brand management emerged as a way for her to bring psychology into sales, strategy, and business management. Leading strategy for iconic brands like Skittles and Wrigley's, she worked to help big brands create an impact. It was a great opportunity for her to learn as much as she could about the business. The #1 lesson she took from that time was the importance of knowing your consumer really well. Understand what motivates them. Find out what they need and what benefits they are seeking. Laura also learned to manage large businesses with cross-functional teams, five-year plans, etc. Later on, working with Haribo, she had the chance to step into a leadership position and help a big brand establish itself in the US. By the end of that experience, it was that her future in the industry was to break out of stifling corporate America and make her own path as an entrepreneur. Finding Inspiration and Purpose In Your Agency's Vision After fifteen years of climbing the corporate ladder and improving her skills, Laura relocated with her family. New jobs, new schools, and new surroundings required some time off. She took the pause she needed to reflect on her next chapter. This was an opportunity to work in brand management but do it with more autonomy, more ownership, and ultimately with more purpose. She was inspired to use everything she had learned about brand management to start her own company advancing women leaders. This thinking led her to one of her first inspirations, her former basketball coach, Kathy. She wanted to help Kathy increase her impact as a woman leader and get her messaging to a wider audience. This experience helped shape her agency's vision of growing a network around sports leaders and eventually in other industries as well.   3 Steps to Unlock and Activate Your Own Brand Laura's team has helped over 100 women leaders define and activate their brands. In time, they've refined and adjusted what they do to form a very effective 4-week process that is clear and effective. Overall, the process is divided into three basic phases: Discovery. During the Discovery phase the team works to help people get to know who they are. This process helps them get clear on who they to themselves and for others, as well as what they want to stand for. It may be uncomfortable for some clients. In fact, Laura believes if they're not making the client uncomfortable, they're not doing their jobs. It also includes interviews with key stakeholders who can speak to the clients' strengths and abilities and say things clients will probably not tell about themselves. Defining. The interview and discovery process helps Laura's team determine the clients' purpose, mission, and vision. This is what they call brand values which become somewhat of a north star.  Furthermore, many times a leader will come to them at a time of inflection and change. The agency helps define the paths they can take and opportunities to position themselves to have a greater impact. Unlocking. This is the deliverable phase where they craft the brand story. Once the values and paths are defined, how do you brand yourself and tell your story? A brand story is a 2,000-word narrative that clearly states why they do what they do. This way, they can start shouting it to be world by speaking about it, writing about it, going on podcasts and interviews, etc. Gaining Intentional Growth By Knowing Who You Serve For Laura, intentional growth starts with knowing who you are and who you serve. Be clear on your clients' needs and try to match that as uniquely as you can. For Laura and her team, the way to make the business their own was to focus on building leadership brands for women. Of course, this also means they can't help everyone. This is why they also grow through strategic partnerships. They know sometimes they must refer clients to agencies that will be better equipped to help them. They are also always on the lookout for partnerships with larger organizations that can help them grow their networks. These can be big organizations that have large groups of women leaders and get curious about what they do and how the agency may fit into that. Do You Want to Transform Your Agency from a Liability to an Asset? If you want to be around amazing agency owners that can see what you may not be able to see and help you grow your agency, go to Agency Mastery 360.  Our agency growth program helps you take a 360-degree view of your agency and gain mastery of the 3 pillar systems (attract, convert, scale) so you can create predictability, wealth, and freedom.

Laura Barnard is the Founder and Partner at BREAKTHRU Brands, a brand-building agency empowering women leaders to create personal and professional brands that break barriers. With two decades of experience in marketing and branding, she focuses her agency on building brands and guiding over 100 leaders to take action. Laura has led strategy for global brands such as HARIBO, Werther's, and Skittles and has contributed to advisory boards for emerging startups, including PWRFWD and Fork Food Lab. In this episode… Studies show that women leaders facilitate innovation and drive measurable business results. Yet women are continuously denied leadership roles and struggle to receive equal opportunities, which suppresses confidence and determination. How can you discover your leadership style and enable boundless possibilities for other women? Typically, vulnerability is perceived as a weakness. But Laura Barnard says that women who exhibit this trait foster meaningful connections and confidence by demonstrating that perfection is overvalued and restrictive. Laura has developed the B.O.L.D. leadership approach to inspire emerging leaders to make an impact. The framework involves displaying bravery, being outspoken in your efforts, communicating your message and ideas with intention, and differentiating yourself from the crowd. Join Andrea Heuston in today's episode of the Lead Like a Woman Show as she hosts Laura Barnard, the Founder and Partner at BREAKTHRU Brands, to talk about building influential leaders. Laura explains the importance of female leadership in today's society, advice for creating a personal brand, and how to establish opportunities in a limiting world.

Tangible Takeaways:Part of becoming a great leader requires understanding your unique skills and experiences to help relate to others and create the most impact.To close the gaps that exist in representation across all industries we need to collaborate  and fight together to make it more equitable.Women face a lot of external and internal barriers in the workplace, and one way to push back is to learn how to speak up.Being BOLD is an acronym for being brave, outspoken, lucid, and distinct. Being outspoken is not about being the loudest, it's knowing your line in the sand, and what you are willing to speak up for. Embrace who you are, especially in your interviews. It's important that you find a work environment that embraces and reflects YOUR values.You don't have to do this alone: dream big, and find ways to build bigger together.Remember Laura's dad's advice: you'll get what you want, but be careful what you wish for. About Laura:Laura Barnard founded BREAKTHRU Brands to empower women and her LGBTQIA+ community to break barriers and close gender gaps in leadership. As a former Division I athlete, she has experienced the power of teamwork and she brings energy, openness, and perseverance to collaborative environments while motivating others to self-actualize into clear and confident leaders. While previously leading strategy for iconic, global brands such as HARIBO, Werther's, and Skittles, Barnard understands the role BOLD brands play in creating external impact. Her background in Psychology from Harvard University and an MBA in Marketing & Strategic Management from the University of Chicago have informed her belief that great brands start with great leadership. Barnard is securing a more equitable world for those around her – one where her wife, Lindsay Gaskins, their three daughters, and powerful women like them are empowered to lead the way. Connect with Laura:Website: https://breakthrubrands.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brkthrubrands/   About me:Karen Laos, Communication Expert and Confidence Cultivator, leverages 25 years in the boardroom and speaking on the world's most coveted stages such as Google and NASA to transform missed opportunities into wins. She is fiercely committed to her mission of eradicating self-doubt in 10 million women by giving them practical strategies to ask for what they want in the boardroom and beyond. She guides corporations and individuals with her tested communication model to generate consistent results through her Leadership Presence Keynote: How to Be an Influential Communicator. Connect with me:Website: https://www.karenlaos.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karenlaosofficial Facebook: Ignite Your Confidence with Karen Laos: https://www.facebook.com/groups/karenlaosconsultingLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenlaos/Clubhouse: @karenlaosMy book “Trust Your Own Voice”: https://karenlaos.com/book/Episodes also available on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEwQoTGdJX5eME0ccBKiKng/videos

Laura Barnard is the Founder of BREAKTHRU Brands, an agency that closes gender gaps and advances women in leadership. She has worked for top brands such as Wrigley and Haribo of America. Laura holds an MBA from the University of Chicago and a BA in psychology from Harvard University, which she attributes to her success as a marketing professional. Even with an impressive educational background, it's Laura's tenure as a college basketball player and team captain that she believes helped hone her leadership skills.  In this episode… Studies show that women leaders are two times more likely than male leaders to advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion. It has also been found that female leadership styles are more fitting to lead organizations of the future. So why is it that women in leadership are still more of an exception than the norm? That's where women like Laura Barnard come into play. A business leader with an elite educational pedigree who celebrates many accolades, she realized the void of women in leadership. Laura decided if she wants to see more female leadership, she has to create an outlet for advancement. So how is Laura trailblazing the path for more women leaders? In this episode of the Inspired Insider Podcast, join host Dr. Jeremy Weisz as he sits down to have an in-depth conversation with the Founder of BREAKTHRU Brands, Laura Barnard. Laura discusses BREAKTHRU Brands' mission, her 15-plus years in corporate America, and how it helped her hone brand marketing skills. Laura also shares why she's grateful for her psychology degree, her time on the Harvard basketball team, and the process of brand unlocking. 

Laura Barnard founded BREAKTHRU Brands with a no-limits mindset. By empowering women and her LGBTQIA+ community to break barriers, Barnard is on a mission to close gender gaps in leadership. Leveraging her two decades of experience in marketing and branding, Barnard has focused her agency on working 1 on 1 with women to build personal brands for those boldly leading us into the future. https://www.instagram.com/brkthrubrands/ https://www.instagram.com/laura_j_barnard/ Follow Leadership is Female at: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipisfemale/www.leadershipisfemale.com Follow Emily:https://www.instagram.com/emilyjaenson/ Get 15% off MOBOT at https://mobot.com/discount/LEADERSHIPISFEMALE

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills (Leadership) Hey, IMPACT Driver!   Are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands and expectations of your role?   It's no secret that the pressure placed on your position is high, but it's essential that you don't lose focus on the key skills that will help you earn a seat at the leadership table.   That's why this week I'm revealing the 10 attributes of strong strategy delivery business leaders.   These skills are the keys to not only succeeding in your role but also driving business value to make a lasting IMPACT.   Join me for this episode to discover the habits that will help you stand out as a true leader in your field.   Enjoy!   P.S. – Make sure you know what to do, in what order, why that matters, and how to do it to get the big-bang results your business leaders are looking for. If you are building, elevating, or rescuing a PMO or Strategy Delivery Function (or you WANT to be), you need to join the IMPACT Engine System™. We will guide you every step of the way to drive higher IMPACT for your organization quickly so you can build that credibility, take that seat at the leadership table, and make the IMPACT you are meant to make. Join us today: https://pmostrategies.com/ies/   Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I'd love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN  PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS        

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills (Leadership) Hey, IMPACT Driver!   Do you find yourself thinking, "I just wish I could do more..." or feeling like you just can't get to some of those nagging projects that would help you create more value in your organization?   It turns out that you might actually be DOING something that is really holding you back.   In this episode, I'm sharing with you the big lesson I learned after trying so hard for SO long to get one really important project done, why I was struggling to get it done, and what you can learn from my struggles to accelerate your own value delivery.   Breaking these barriers could mean the difference between your success and hearing your business leaders say, “What have you done for me?”   Ready to dive in? Then tune into this week's episode to learn how to start getting things done the right way!   Enjoy!   P.S. - The fully-updated IMPACT Engine System (IES) is here! This is a brand NEW program that you can dive into to help you build a PMO, Strategy Delivery Office, Agile or Business Transformation Office, or ANYTHING in between. Join us on the inside at https://pmostrategies.com/ies Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I'd love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN  PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS