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The PMP exam is evolving again.Starting July 2026, PMI is rolling out updates that reflect where project management is actually headed — hybrid delivery models, AI integration, data-driven decision-making, and stronger business alignment.If you're thinking about getting certified, already studying, or training others, this is not the time to drift.This is the time to get it sorted.What's Likely Changing?While PMI doesn't overhaul everything overnight, updates typically reflect:Greater emphasis on hybrid and adaptive deliveryMore real-world business acumen and strategic thinkingStronger focus on leadership influence over technical memorizationDeeper integration of technology, automation, and AI-enabled workflowsScenario-heavy questions that test judgment under pressureTranslation: less textbook recall, more applied thinking.What This Means for YouIf you plan to take the PMP before July 2026:You still have a window to prepare under the current structure.Your study materials remain valid.Momentum matters — don't stall.If you're taking it after July 2026:Expect refined domains.Expect updated examples.Expect more real-world nuance.Expect decision-making depth over process trivia.The fundamentals won't disappear — Integration, Scope, Schedule, Cost, Risk, Stakeholders — those pillars stay.But how they are tested will continue shifting toward leadership and business impact.The Bigger PictureThe PMP is not becoming easier.It's becoming more relevant.PMI is aligning the credential with how projects are actually delivered in 2026:Distributed teamsCloud infrastructureAI-supported planningContinuous delivery environmentsBusiness-first accountabilityThat means you can't just memorize outputs.You must understand flow.You must understand intent.You must understand why.What You Should Do NowDecide your timeline.Commit to a structured study plan.Focus on logic and sequencing — not rote memorization.Practice scenario-based questions.Build judgment, not just recall.If you've been “thinking about” PMP… stop thinking.Act.July 2026 is not far away.Get it sorted.
Alex McDonald, MD, and Jess Steier, DRPH, PMP, discuss how simple messaging can effectively combat vaccine hesitancy.
In this solo episode of Even Better, Sinikka Waugh explores what it means to plan with purpose, drawing on insights from recent quarterly planning and coaching conversations. She breaks planning into three essentials: setting simple yet SMART goals that bring clarity, identifying the big rocks that matter most so they do not get buried in the daily grind, and finding a rhythm that keeps you focused and aligned. Sinikka reflects on how easily cadence slips and how weeks or even months can pass without us noticing, and she highlights the value of reconnecting to a natural, intentional rhythm. Throughout the episode she returns to one grounding question: Why am I doing this? With practical examples and honest reflection, Sinikka encourages listeners to view planning not as a task to complete but as a purposeful practice that helps us stay connected to our priorities and move through life with greater intention. -- Sinikka Waugh - Connect with me on either LinkedIn or send me an email! Founder, Owner, Trainer, and Coach Sinikka Waugh, PMP, President and CEO of Your Clear Next Step, spends her days helping people have better workdays. Trainer, coach, business leader, and difference maker, Sinikka is known for consistently helping people solve problems and get things done at work. With a 20+ year background in languages, literature, and project management, Sinikka has helped over 50,000 people have better workdays since 2008. Her clients value how her professionalism blends seamlessly with her down-to-earth, "try this now" approach and her passion for helping others. Sinikka holds a BA from Central College, an MA from the University of Iowa, and is a certified Project Management Professional through the Project Management Institute (PMI).
Die PMBOK® Guide 8. Edition vom Project Management Institute (PMI)® ist jetzt seit ein paar Monaten im Rennen. Ab Juni diesen Jahres ist er die Grundlage der PMP-Zertifizierung. Deshalb klären wir heute: Was hat sich verändert, was ist besser geworden, auf was sollten Sie achten? Direkt daran hängt die nächste Frage, die viele umtreibt: Was bedeutet der neue Stand für die PMP-Zertifizierung? Was bleibt stabil, was verschiebt sich im Anspruch – und worauf sollten sich Kandidat:innen und Organisationen jetzt einstellen? Und schließlich sprechen wir über eine Lücke, die in vielen Unternehmen gerade sichtbarer wird: Projektgeschäft. Also Projekte als Teil eines kommerziellen Leistungsversprechens. Viele merken: Standards und Zertifizierungen helfen – aber sie decken diese kommerzielle Realität nicht vollständig ab. Genau deshalb geht es heute auch darum, warum es trotz PMBOK und PMP eine Ergänzung braucht, wenn Sie im Projektgeschäft unterwegs sind. Viel Spaß beim Zuhören!
In this episode, Ricardo explains that the true enemy of a project is not risk, but illusion. Although teams dedicate significant effort to risk management—creating registers, assessing probability and impact, and defining mitigation plans—many failures arise from collective self-deception. Unrealistic schedules, underestimated budgets, and overly ambitious scopes are often accepted to satisfy expectations and gain approval. Unlike uncertainty, which is natural in complex environments, illusion is culturally constructed and reinforced by pressure, incentives, and overconfidence. The planning fallacy drives teams to underestimate time and cost. Effective project leadership means confronting illusions early, making trade-offs explicit, and protecting reality. Projects fail not because of known risks, but because uncomfortable truths are ignored. Listen to the podcast to learn more!
Neste episódio, Ricardo afirma que o verdadeiro inimigo de um projeto não é o risco, mas a ilusão. Embora dediquemos muito esforço à gestão de riscos, muitos fracassos decorrem do autoengano coletivo: cronogramas otimistas e irreais, orçamentos ajustados para viabilizar o business case e escopos sustentáveis apenas no papel. Diferente da incerteza, que é natural em ambientes complexos, a ilusão é construída pela cultura organizacional e pela pressão por aprovação e velocidade. A falácia do planejamento nos leva a subestimar prazos e custos por incentivos e excesso de confiança. Liderança em projetos não é agradar, mas proteger a realidade, explicitar trade-offs e confrontar ilusões cedo. Projetos fracassam não pelo que sabemos, mas pelo que escolhemos ignorar. Escute o podcast para saber mais!
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Wharton economist Judd Kessler, author of Lucky by Design: The Hidden Economics You Need to Get More of What You Want. If you have ever looked at someone else's career success and thought, "They just got lucky," this conversation will give you a new lens. Judd introduces the idea of "hidden markets," the informal rules and systems that shape who gets opportunities, access, and scarce resources, even when money is not changing hands. They explore how leaders can evaluate allocation rules using Judd's three Es (equitable, efficient, and easy), why first come, first served "races" often reward availability more than merit, and how waiting lists can quietly shift costs onto the people least able to pay them. You will also hear Judd's "settle for silver" strategy, a practical way to make smarter choices in competitive markets, plus a thoughtful parenting angle on teaching kids to notice rules and incentives early. If you're looking for a fresh, research-backed perspective on how hidden rules shape who gets opportunities at work and in life, this episode is for you! Sound Bites "The goal of the book is to get people to start to recognizing these markets all around us." "In most of these markets, they play by a simple rule that we all understand, which is if you're willing to pay for the thing, then you get it." "Is the way that we're deciding who gets what... is it equitable? Is it efficient? And is it easy for market participants?" "I open my calendar and I see all these recurring meetings on my calendar, recurring meetings that were set up years or months ago. That's first in time, first in right." "If you understand the rules and develop strategies to get what you want from the market, then you actually can be one of the handful that actually gets the thing, that desirable outcome, and then it will look like you got lucky." "It's always going to be the folks who are in the market winning who are always going to think that it's fair." "Once you start thinking like, how am I actually allocating these things? That's when you've put on that market designer hat." "They'll come to you kind of with half-baked ideas because they know if they wait later on until they can fully bake the idea that the resources or the fun parts of the project might already be gone." "Part of what the Settle for Silver / Go for Gold Strategy is forcing you to do, is to think seriously about what you want and why you want it." "You, as a parent, you are designing the markets that your kids play in all the time." "We're not breaking the rules, but we are figuring out what they are so that we can put ourselves in a good position, and that's going to serve you well." "Maybe by being in the office, you are signaling your dedication to the firm that you're available for all of these opportunities." "If it's something that anybody can do, like send a quick email, right? That's, it's not actually costly. Anybody could send that email even if they're not truly dedicated and eager for the opportunity." "You cannot get all three E's for sure in any allocation mechanism. There's always going to be tradeoffs." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:41 Start of Interview 01:49 Growing Up and Thinking About Luck 03:00 Introducing Hidden Markets 07:10 The Three E's: Equitable, Efficient, and Easy 08:08 Live Event Tickets as a Case Study 12:50 High Frequency Trading and Hidden Races 15:21 Common Misunderstandings of the Three E's 17:04 Races Inside Organizations and Project Teams 20:25 Proximity, Signaling, and Opportunity at Work 23:03 Are We Selecting for the Right Behavior? 25:41 Stepping Back to Evaluate Your Own Systems 25:52 Colorado River Water Rights and Recurring Meetings 29:09 The Settle for Silver Strategy 30:57 The French Laundry Reservation Story 32:51 Settle for Silver in College Admissions 37:22 Helping Kids Recognize Rules and Incentives 41:03 End of Interview 41:32 Andy Comments After the Interview 44:34 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Judd and his work at JuddBKessler.com/book. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 265, a short video episode Andy put together about the topic of luck. Check it out! Episode 339 with Katy Milkman. Katy is the person who gave Andy the heads-up about Judd's book. In episode 339, they talk about her book How to Change: The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be. It's a great discussion with another researcher who knows how to make the learning practical for all of us. Episode 372 with Annie Duke. Annie is a former world champion poker player who is a big fan of Judd's book. How does a poker player think about luck? Check out episode 372 to find out! Pass the PMP Exam This Year If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we've put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We've helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we'd love to help you too. It's totally free, and it's a great way to get a head start. Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I'd love to help you get your PMP this year! Join Us for LEAD52 I know you want to be a more confident leader–that's why you listen to this podcast. LEAD52 is a global community of people like you who are committed to transforming their ability to lead and deliver. It's 52 weeks of leadership learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than 5 minutes a week. And it's all for free. Learn more and sign up at GetLEAD52.com. Thanks! Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Luck, Hidden Markets, Behavioral Economics, Leadership, Decision Making, Resource Allocation, Organizational Design, Career Strategy, Signaling, Systems Thinking, Equity, Project Management The following music was used for this episode: Music: Echo by Alexander Nakarada License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Fashion Corporate by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Episode 2765- Vinnie Tortorich welcomes author Bobby Shelton, and they discuss challenging yourself, finding your Why, and the need to tell yourself yes. https://vinnietortorich.com/2026/02/tell-yourself-yes-bobby-shelton-episode-2765 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS Pure Vitamin Club Pure Coffee Club NSNG® Foods VILLA CAPPELLI EAT HAPPY KITCHEN YOU CAN WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE - @FitnessConfidential Podcast Vinnie's workout videos are available to purchase! Choose from a 2-day, 4-day, or 6-day workout–or buy all three at a discount! TO PURCHASE VINNIE'S WORKOUT VIDEOS, CLICK THIS LINK: https://vinnietortorich.com/workout Tell Yourself Yes Dr. Bobby Shelton (DSL, PMP, ACC) is a best-selling author, leadership coach, and podcaster known for "The Self-Leadership Lab" and the concept of "Easy Hard vs. Hard Hard". (2:30) He is the president of Alphacat Consulting and focuses on personal growth and authentic leadership, with extensive expertise in navigating both professional and personal transformation. The Hard-Hard is your "Why": what is the physical, emotional, spiritual goal, and working towards it. What does Bobby have as examples for what "Easy-Hard" means? (9:30) Bobby describes his health journey not just for weight loss but for overall wellness. (17:00) People are often afraid of hard things, and at the other end of the spectrum, others think that if you're not suffering, you're not working hard enough. (20:00) There is meaning in the middle: struggle doesn't need to mean suffering. Finding your why is important, but not for the reason of "keeping up with the Joneses." They discuss the meaning of "Riding the Tiger." (26:00) Vinnie prefers to be active because it helps open his mind to new ideas. (37:00) The longer you wait to start something, the harder it is to start at all, and the delay gets longer. (41:00) They discuss a type of "divine intervention." You have to find your own rhythm. (46:00) Don't buy into anyone else's dogma. (47:30) They discuss self-talk, beliefs, and visualization. (53:00) Don't let the world get in your way. (58:30) Always think about what's possible and don't let others discourage you! (1:03:00) Surround yourself with positive influences, not those who try to drag you down. Did you miss it?: The NSNG® VIP group closed, but you can get onto the waitlist for next time by signing up at https://www.nsngvip.com/join. A New Sponsor Jaspr Air Scrubbers has a discount code, VINNIE, that gets you $300 off for a limited time. Jaspr offers a lifetime warranty. Go to Jaspr.co for more information or to purchase. (1:05:00) You can book a consultation with Vinnie to get guidance on your goals. https://vinnietortorich.com/phone-consultation-2/ More News Serena has added some of her clothing suggestions and beauty product suggestions to Vinnie's Amazon Recommended Products link. Self Care, Beauty, and Grooming Products that Actually Work! https://www.amazon.com/shop/vinnietortorich/list/3GPVU29UHHPMY?ref_=aipsflist Don't forget to check out Serena Scott Thomas on Days of Our Lives on the Peacock channel. "Dirty Keto" is available on Amazon! You can purchase or rent it here.https://amzn.to/4d9agj1 Please make sure to watch, rate, and review it! Eat Happy Italian, Anna's next cookbook, is available! You can go to https://eathappyitalian.com You can order it from Vinnie's Book Club. https://amzn.to/3ucIXm Anna's recipes are in her cookbooks, on her website, and on Substack —they will spice up your day! https://annavocino.substack.com/ PURCHASE DIRTY KETO (2024) The documentary launched in August 2024! Order it TODAY! This is Vinnie's fourth documentary in just over five years. Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere: https://vinnietortorich.com/documentaries Then, please share my fact-based, health-focused documentary series with your friends and family. Additionally, the more views it receives, the better it ranks, so please watch it again with a new friend! REVIEWS: Please submit your REVIEW after you watch my films. Your positive REVIEW does matter! PURCHASE BEYOND IMPOSSIBLE (2022) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere: https://vinnietortorich.com/documentaries FAT: A DOCUMENTARY 2 (2021) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere: https://vinnietortorich.com/documentaries FAT: A DOCUMENTARY (2019) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere: https://vinnietortorich.com/documentaries
We share how a firm test date, simple study rules, and servant-leadership thinking led to first-try passes on ITIL 4 and PMP. Between sick days, snow, and late-night classes, we found a way to study smarter, manage time, and stop waiting for perfect timing.• passing ITIL 4 with targeted mock questions• choosing a firm PMP date despite life chaos• using the 200 hardest PMP questions video by @AndrewRamdayal• servant leadership and “best answer” mindset• practical time buffers and flagging strategy• balancing study with parenting and work• credentials versus experience in real careers• regret about waiting and why action winsThanks for listening coffee with a twist.Email me at: coffeewitatwist@gmail.com Note: I don't own copyrights to any music you hear in any of my episodes.
Today's project professionals are feeling the pressure. And when they don't manage it well, it could steamroll into full-fledged burnout. What's the difference between burnout and regular stress? How can burnout effect project outcomes? What early warning signs might show that you or your teams on are the verge of burnout? And what can project leaders do to reset and recharge? We discuss this with Michele Badie, PMP, CPMAI, a program manager in Charlotte, North Carolina, USA, and Valerie Carmel, a mental health therapist based in Orlando, Florida, USA. Key themes 00:57 What's the difference between stress and burnout? 03:19 Facing burnout in yourself—and your team—as a project professional 06:04 How mental health professionals can help project managers amid burnout 09:14 How burnout can affect project outcomes 12:01 Warning signs for burnout: Lack of boundaries, sleep disturbance and irritability 14:27 Tips to keep burnout at bay on project teams 18:21 Recognizing burnout—and when it's time to rest and recharge
Alex McDonald, MD, talks with Jess Steier, DRPH, PMP, about taking a “connection, not correction” approach with patients.
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Joe Ferraro, host of the One Percent Better podcast and a coach who helps leaders have stronger conversations when the stakes are high. If you lead projects, you know how quickly a meeting, a status update, or a feedback moment can either build trust or quietly drain it. Joe shares small, practical moves that make conversations more memorable and more useful. You will hear why being "good at talking" is not the same as being good at conversation, and how preparation can be a generous act toward the other person. They also discuss how to avoid default, predictable questions, how to turn a one-way presentation into something more interactive, and how to keep your composure when you feel defensive. Joe even offers a simple technique for pressure testing ideas without starting a fight, plus a listening cue you can use the next time you feel tempted to jump in. If you're looking for insights on having better conversations that save projects and strengthen relationships, this episode is for you! Sound Bites "And you know what's a great barometer there is for people listening to ask themselves on a daily basis? How many questions do they ask?" "But the reality is a generous conversation is one where you're prepared." "And the easiest path, the simplest path is to ask more questions and then listen, like your life depends on it." "The human ear driving, or on the treadmill or in a board meeting doesn't want to hear the same length answer every time from Andy or Joe or Sheila." "If you feel like you're bursting at the seams and you need to share something, that's when you know to hold it in and to focus on them." "I teach people the technique of inserting devil's advocate, where you, you don't wanna necessarily become the villain, but you say, you know, Andy, you know, it's a great point." "But when I go back to, to Mitch Albom one time, he paused seven seconds before I asked him, before he answered the question." "If you have a recorded conversation, simply ask it to pull out every question that was asked." "My favorite question to ask is the one that I think will elicit the best response for what I'm interested in learning in this moment." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:44 Start of Interview 02:04 When Conversation Became More Than Talking 04:32 Curiosity as a Practical Advantage 05:47 Sending Questions Ahead of Time 06:49 Why Most Real Conversations Feel Like Improv 07:40 A Recent Conversation Joe Still Thinks About 09:44 What Makes a Conversation Actually Memorable 11:14 How Joe's Background Shaped His Approach 12:47 Breaking the Habit of Predictable Answers 13:54 The Risk of Chasing "Standard" Questions 15:16 Using Recording as a Growth Tool 16:29 How to Build Better Listening Discipline 18:38 Turning a One-Way Presentation Into Conversation 20:12 What to Do When You Need Real Buy-In 21:44 The Listening Cue to Use When You Want to Jump In 23:34 Helping Others Feel Heard Without Hijacking the Moment 24:30 Staying Composed When You Feel Defensive 27:27 Using "Devil's Advocate" Without Becoming the Villain 30:15 When the Best Move Is to Pause 32:25 How to Ask Questions That Create Better Stories 33:43 The Question That Fits the Moment 36:19 What Joe Thinks People Get Wrong About "Small Talk" 39:12 Interviewers Joe Thinks More People Should Study 45:13 Using AI to Improve Your Conversations 49:20 What Joe Sees Changing in Communication Skills 50:00 Helping Kids Build Conversational Stamina 53:26 Where to Learn More About Joe 54:42 End of Interview 55:08 Andy Comments After the Interview 57:56 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Joe and his work here: OnePercentBetterProject.com Joe on X Joe on LinkedIn For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 380 with Monica Guzman. It's about navigating stressful conversations with people you don't agree with. Episode 284 with Peter Boghossian. It's another episode on conversations that seem impossible. Think of difficult bosses and other stakeholders. Episode 195 with Celeste Headlee. She's an NPR anchor who first introduced me to the idea of conversational narcissism. Pass the PMP Exam This Year If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we've put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We've helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we'd love to help you too. It's totally free, and it's a great way to get a head start. Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I'd love to help you get your PMP this year! Join Us for LEAD52 I know you want to be a more confident leader, that's why you listen to this podcast. LEAD52 is a global community of people like you who are committed to transforming their ability to lead and deliver. It's 52 weeks of leadership learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than 5 minutes a week. And it's all for free. Learn more and sign up at GetLEAD52.com. Thanks! Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Communication, Difficult Conversations, Active Listening, Stakeholder Management, Leadership Presence, Psychological Safety, Meeting Facilitation, Coaching, Feedback, Influence, Conflict Management, Relationship Building The following music was used for this episode: Music: Summer Morning Full Version by MusicLFiles License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Energetic Drive Indie Rock by WinnieTheMoog License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
During Carnival week in Brazil, Ricardo connects celebration with project management. Carnival, one of the world's largest cultural events, symbolizes creativity, energy, discipline, and months of preparation. Behind the music and parades lies structured planning, budgeting, rehearsals, and well-defined roles—just like in projects. However, in professional life, teams often move from one milestone to another without celebrating achievements. Projects demand resilience, discipline, and sacrifice, and each victory deserves recognition. Celebrating is not a waste of time; it's emotional fuel. It reinforces positive behaviors, strengthens the sense of belonging, reduces burnout, and highlights progress. Just like in Carnival, successful projects deliver results and build stronger, more motivated teams along the way. Listen to the podcast to learn more!
Durante a semana do Carnaval no Brasil, Ricardo relaciona celebração e gestão de projetos. O Carnaval, uma das maiores manifestações culturais do mundo, simboliza criatividade, energia, disciplina e meses de preparação. Por trás da música e dos desfiles existe planejamento estruturado, orçamento, ensaios e papéis bem definidos — assim como nos projetos. Porém, na vida profissional, as equipes frequentemente passam de um marco a outro sem celebrar conquistas. Projetos exigem resiliência, disciplina e sacrifício, e cada vitória merece reconhecimento. Celebrar não é perda de tempo; é combustível emocional. Reforça comportamentos positivos, fortalece o senso de pertencimento, reduz o esgotamento e evidencia o progresso. Assim como no Carnaval, projetos bem-sucedidos entregam resultados e constroem equipes mais fortes e motivadas ao longo da jornada. Escute o podcast para saber mais!
En esta entrega analizamos en profundidad los temas interpretados por Prince en su álbum de 1990 "Graffiti Bridge". Shocka, junto a Raúl StarrChild y Martín Rodríguez desmenuzan cada una de las 9 canciones incluidas en el disco, además de darnos su opinión. Raúl, como siempre, nos contará la historia del disco y Shocka leerá lo que la prensa dijo de él en su día. Además, anunciamos al ganador del último Black Sweat y os retamos a que adivinéis qué tres canciones se ocultan en un nuevo extracto. Puedes seguir a Purple Music en: iVoox: https://bit.ly/31qkaqX Apple: https://apple.co/2SGQ3IN Instagram: @purplemusicpodcast X: @PurpleMusicPod1 Y contactarnos en: Web: https://purplemusic.es Correo electrónico: podcast AT purplemusic.es ¡Envíanos tus comentarios! Stay tuned, stay funky! Música de sintonía: Purple Music (Prince), remix by PMP. Música de cierre: "Thieves in the Temple (incluiding It and Sexy MF)" (versión Diamonds and Pearls tour). The Estate of Prince Rogers Nelson is not affiliated, associated, or connected with Purple Music Podcast nor has it endorsed or sponsored Purple Music Podcast. Further, the Estate of Prince Rogers Nelson has not licensed any of its intelectual property to the producers of Purple Music Podcast. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED. We just want to share our love for Prince music. Purple Music es una marca registrada.
Play audio-only episode | Play on YouTube | Play on Spotify Episode Summary Project work dominates how organizations grow, transform, and compete, yet many projects still fail to create meaningful impact. This conversation examines why delivering plans, schedules, and outputs no longer defines success for project managers. As expectations shift toward value creation and strategic impact, the role of the project manager expands beyond execution into leadership, influence, and decision-making. Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez, a leading authority on project leadership and organizational transformation, explains how organizations have become project-driven and what that shift demands from those leading initiatives.
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Richard Carson, author of The Book of Change. If you feel like you barely finish one change before the next one hits, this conversation is for you. Richard shares his deeply researched and battle-tested framework called People Sustained Organizational Change Management, or PSOCM. Unlike many change management books, this is not about certifications or slogans. It is about building a repeatable system to diagnose problems, distinguish adaptive from transformational change, and gain executive traction when support is not automatic. You will hear why so many change efforts fail before they even begin, how to craft a clear problem statement, and what leaders often misunderstand about the type of change they are facing. Richard also explains why he chose the phrase "People Sustained" and how thinking structurally about change can even help at home. If you're looking for practical, grounded insights on leading through continuous change, this episode is for you! Sound Bites "My advice to you is to anticipate change and manage change before it manages you." "Different change models have been introduced in the literature, but there has not been one coherent model for managing organizational change." "PSOCM is driven by defined actions with statistical metrics that produce measurable results." "You get a free book and the next thing you know you're getting the pitch to hire them at an exorbitant amount of money per hour." "Organizations consist of people, and it is the people who are primarily the problem." "Change management is proactive. Emergency management is reactive." "It is not productive to put the organization on the couch and ask, 'Well, what do you think?'" "You can change a process, but you cannot change a person's underlying psychology." "You now own it, or it now owns you." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:40 Start of Interview 01:54 Family Culture and Early Influences 03:58 Criticisms of Change Management Books and Certifications 06:15 Defining Organizational Change Management in Plain Talk 07:44 What Surprised Him in the History of Change 10:57 Adaptive vs. Transformational Change 14:23 Why He Named It People Sustained Organizational Change Management 20:03 Problem Identification and Writing Effective Problem Statements 24:31 Getting Executive Support When Change Is Not Top Down 26:49 When Benefits Do Not Move Leaders 28:21 One More Idea to Anticipate Change Before It Manages You 30:03 Applying Change Lessons at Home as a Parent 31:36 End of Interview 32:38 Andy Comments After the Interview 35:31 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Richard and his work at RichardCarson.org. Make sure to get the free ebook download. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 343 with Gary Lloyd. He has a clever metaphor of thinking about change like a gardener, not a mechanic. It's a great discussion that I think you'll find quite practical. Episode 344 with Peter Bregman and Howie Jacobson. Their book is about change, but not at the organizational level. They think you can change other people, which sounds presumptuous at the least. But they back that up in the interview so check out episode 344 for more. Episode 53 with John Kotter. He's one of the most famous names when it comes to change management. Go way back to episode 53 to hear from John directly. Pass the PMP Exam If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we've put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We've helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we'd love to help you too. It's totally free, and it's a great way to get a head start. Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I'd love to help you get your PMP this year! Join Us for LEAD52 I know you want to be a more confident leader—that's why you listen to this podcast. LEAD52 is a global community of people like you who are committed to transforming their ability to lead and deliver. It's 52 weeks of leadership learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than 5 minutes a week. And it's all for free. Learn more and sign up at GetLEAD52.com. Thanks! Talent Triangle: Business Acumen Topics: Change Management, Organizational Change, Leadership, Executive Sponsorship, Problem Identification, Adaptive Change, Transformational Change, Strategic Thinking, Organizational Culture, Project Leadership, Continuous Improvement, Stakeholder Engagement The following music was used for this episode: Music: Lullaby of Light feat Cory Friesenhan by Sascha Ende License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Tropical Vibe by WinnieTheMoog License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!
Summary In this In the Trenches episode, Andy talks with Norman Patnode, Principal at ProChain Solutions, about what it really takes to deliver projects faster and more predictably. With a background in aerospace engineering, the Air Force, and decades of consulting, Norman brings a systems-level perspective to project delivery that goes far beyond managing task lists. They explore the difference between task management and project management, why critical chain thinking shifts the conversation from dates to priorities, and how changing a few key rules can dramatically improve delivery performance. Norman shares why "prioritize, focus, and finish" is more than a slogan, how multitasking quietly robs teams of productivity, and what leaders can do to create clarity and alignment. You'll also hear insights about managing constraints, learning how to learn, and why curiosity is one of the most valuable leadership traits. If you're looking for practical, systems-based ways to improve delivery and reduce chaos on your projects, this episode is for you! Sound Bites "Critical chain is a system to help you get projects done faster and more predictably." "Critical chain is really about how do we help people prioritize, focus, and finish." "I would never go back to what I was doing before. It has ruined me. I just wouldn't live in that world again." "Multitasking robs project teams of anywhere from 15 to 65% of their productivity." "If there are no priorities, then really none of them are important." "The focus is not on getting to a perfect schedule. It's on creating and strengthening alignment of the team's effort." "Reality is undefeated." "Any system has a very few number of constraints, usually one." "If you manage the constraint, you manage the system." "You don't have to learn everything. You just have to be curious and learn how to learn." "Big, impactful things in the world get done through projects." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:33 Start of Interview 01:41 Norman's Current Role and Responsibilities 02:20 Norman's Career Journey 07:00 Task Management vs. True Project Management 10:40 Introducing Critical Chain 15:41 Common Objections to Critical Chain 17:20 Changing the Rules to Improve Delivery 22:56 A Powerful Leadership Habit 25:54 Career Lessons and Critical Turning Points 31:32 How Norman Continues to Develop Himself 35:53 How to Connect with Norman 36:17 End of Interview 36:56 Andy Comments After the Interview 40:37 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Norman and his work at ProChain.com. Connect with Norman on LinkedIn here: LinkedIn.com/in/npatnode/ For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 472 with Mark Reich. It's a discussion about lean, which is certainly not precisely the same as critical chain or theory of constraints. But Mark is similarly geeky about how to improve how we go about projects. I think you'll find episode 472 a great follow-up to today's discussion. Episode 328 with Terry Schmidt. Terry's passion is LogFrame, and though it's different from what we talked about today, Terry's geekiness for LogFrame could inspire you to think differently about projects. Episode 320 with Greg Githins. Greg wrote a book about thinking strategically. All I'll say is that if you and I could sit with these three guests and talk over coffee, we'd have quite an insightful and interesting chat! Pass the PMP Exam If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we've put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We've helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we'd love to help you too. It's totally free, and it's a great way to get a head start. Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I'd love to help you get your PMP this year! Join Us for LEAD52 I know you want to be a more confident leader, that's why you listen to this podcast. LEAD52 is a global community of people like you who are committed to transforming their ability to lead and deliver. It's 52 weeks of leadership learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than 5 minutes a week. And it's all for free. Learn more and sign up at GetLEAD52.com. Thanks! Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Ways of Working Topics: Project Management, Critical Chain, Theory of Constraints, Prioritization, Focus, Multitasking, Systems Thinking, Leadership Development, Constraint Management, Risk Management, Strategic Execution, Continuous Improvement 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: Fashion Corporate by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Just like the work of sterile processing, HSPA certifications are robust, relevant, and constantly evolving. The process of keeping certification exams and requirements up to date involves years of work, the expertise of subject matter experts (SMEs), and the input of thousands of current certification holders. HSPA's rigorous test development process ensures that each certification holder is ready to meet the modern demands of their job and the increasing complexity of the healthcare field. In episode 144, host Casey Czarnowski speaks with Siri Sorensen, Director of Certification and Membership with HSPA, about updating HSPA certifications. Siri reviews each step in the process—job analysis, desk study, task force meeting, validation survey, and SME meetings—as well as the role of the Certification Council. She also explains a new eligibility requirement of the Certified Healthcare Leader (CHL) certification, which requires CHL holders to meet one of three flexible pathways, each designed to recognize the diverse backgrounds and experiences of SP professionals. Listen to learn about the collaborative nature of the HSPA certifications accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). Siri Sorensen Director of Certification and Membership HSPA Siri Sorensen, MA, CAE, ICE-CCP, PMP, CMP, has served HSPA for more than twelve years. In her current role, she oversees the development, maintenance and administration of the Association’s four accredited certification programs, serving more than 60,000 individuals, as well as the CCSVP certification for vendors and suppliers. Her accomplishments include being awarded the Deborah Sexton Education Scholarship (PCMA, 2019) and recognition as a Forty Under 40 honoree (Association Forum, 2018). Her career has focused on effective and meaningful work with associations and nonprofits. Earn CE Now
How Jason Mazzoni Used the PMP to Translate His Military ExperienceWhen Jason Mazzoni left the Navy in 2016, he wasn't sure how his experience translated to the civilian world. A Naval Academy graduate with a naval architecture degree, he assumed his options were limited to shipyards until a job fair pushed him to interview outside that lane.That decision changed everything.In this episode, Jason Mazzoni shares how earning his PMP helped him translate military leadership into language civilian employers understood. The certification helped him communicate his unique value add to those he worked with and for.Jason walks through breaking into tech, developing as a project manager and eventually launching his own technology firm. Today, he intentionally hires veterans as project managers, knowing the value they bring when their experience is properly translated.This conversation is for veterans who feel boxed in by their background and want to understand how the PMP can help open doors without starting over.Connect with Jason: linkedin.com/in/jasonmazzoniEarn your PMP: www.vets2pm.com/training
In this episode, Ricardo presents Cloud Cowork, an agentic AI model from Anthropic that goes far beyond traditional conversational assistants. It is designed to execute complete tasks within real contexts such as files, folders, documents, reports, and workflows. Ricardo highlights its strong applicability to project management and other forms of structured knowledge work, where a large amount of time is spent on operational activities like organizing documents, consolidating data, reviewing information, and preparing reports. By delegating these tasks to an AI agent that plans and executes work in a structured way, professionals can shift their focus from execution to orchestration, decision-making, and strategy. Speaking as a satisfied user with no affiliation to Anthropic, Ricardo strongly recommends testing Cloud Cowork to understand the real impact of agentic AI on projects, PMOs, and organizations. Catch the full episode to learn more!
Neste episódio, Ricardo apresenta o Cloud Cowork, um modelo de agente de IA da Anthropic que vai muito além dos assistentes conversacionais tradicionais. Ele foi projetado para executar tarefas completas em contextos reais, como arquivos, pastas, documentos, relatórios e fluxos de trabalho. Ricardo destaca sua forte aplicabilidade ao gerenciamento de projetos e outras formas de trabalho intelectual estruturado, em que grande parte do tempo é gasta em atividades operacionais como organizar documentos, consolidar dados, revisar informações e preparar relatórios. Ao delegar essas tarefas a um agente de IA que planeja e executa o trabalho de forma estruturada, os profissionais podem mudar o foco da execução para a orquestração, a tomada de decisões e a estratégia. Falando como um usuário satisfeito, sem qualquer vínculo com a Anthropic, Ricardo recomenda fortemente testar o Cloud Cowork para entender o impacto real dos agentes de IA em projetos, PMOs e organizações. Ouça o episódio e confira todos os detalhes!
A cold can of V8 sparked a flood of memory—fishing trips, a convenience store that sold worms, and a father who made ordinary moments feel solid. That small joy became the on-ramp to a bigger truth: after ten years of delays, detours, and self-doubt, I'm finally sitting for the PMP. Not because life got easier, but because life didn't—and I'm choosing to move anyway.I open up about the real reasons big goals stall: caregiving and grief that drain focus, a layoff that reshapes priorities, and the tug-of-war between how projects run at work and how a standardized exam wants you to think. Along the way, I chased an urgent ITIL certification to keep opportunities alive, learned to pivot without losing the thread, and accepted that momentum often looks like a chain of small, unglamorous wins. If you've ever stared down a four-hour exam while juggling sick days, snow closures, and a noisy house, you'll hear your own story in this one.Then we get tactical. I break down the study plan that fits a chaotic schedule: 15-question sprints to build the PMP mindset, a 100-question block for endurance, and daily reps to keep scenario thinking sharp. We talk about avoiding terminology overlap, choosing people-centered answers, and staying calm when the wording gets tricky. Most of all, we sit with fear—naming it, not feeding it—and hold the line on a test date that's easy to move but costly to postpone.If you're navigating certifications, career shifts, or any long-haul goal, join me for a candid, practical boost. Press play, share your best focus tips, and send a little luck my way. And if this resonates, subscribe, leave a quick review, and pass it to a friend who needs a nudge to finally start.Thanks for listening coffee with a twist.Email me at: coffeewitatwist@gmail.com Note: I don't own copyrights to any music you hear in any of my episodes.
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Steve Jaffe, author of The Layoff Journey: From Dismissal to Discovery. Steve has been laid off four times over the course of his career, and those experiences shaped a thoughtful, practical framework for navigating the emotional and professional aftermath of job loss. Andy and Steve explore why layoffs feel so personal even when we are told they are not, how identity often gets tangled up with job titles, and why the emotional response to a layoff closely mirrors the stages of grief. Steve explains why those stages are not linear, what denial, pain, and negotiation really look like in practice, and why trying to rush straight to acceptance can backfire. You will also hear practical advice for leaders who must conduct layoffs, as well as guidance for professionals who worry they might be laid off in the future. From preserving dignity in difficult conversations to preparing financially, emotionally, and professionally before uncertainty hits, this discussion offers insight for both sides of the table. If you are navigating uncertainty, supporting others through change, or simply want to be better prepared for whatever comes next, this episode is for you! Sound Bites "I wanted to give people a roadmap to process their layoff and the grief of their layoff in months rather than years." "One of the things that makes losing a job difficult is we tie our identity up in what we do." "And then in that period, before you've landed your next job, you're in this messy middle of Who am I?" "Define yourself not by what you do, but by who you are and what you bring to the table." "I've seen people be named Employee of the Year in January, and by June they're getting laid off." "Layoffs don't measure your worth. They measure a company's priorities." "The stages of grief are not linear. You can feel all of them in one day." "Your job title is not who you are." "Acceptance can become a way to skip discomfort instead of dealing with loss." "If you don't process the grief, it shows up later as baggage." "Dignity matters in the first minutes of a layoff conversation." "You want to build your network before you need it." "The person you were before a layoff will not be the same person after." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:45 Start of Interview 02:00 From First Layoff to Fourth: Taking It Personally 02:50 How the Layoff Process Has Changed Over Time 06:52 The Messy Middle Between Job Loss and What's Next 10:40 Why the Stages of Grief Apply to Layoffs 14:07 What Denial Looked Like in Steve's Experience 17:19 Balancing Emotional Honesty and Professional Reputation 22:08 The Quote That Opens the Book 23:00 Can You Jump to Acceptance Too Quickly? 24:58 When Past Layoffs Create Baggage at the Next Job 26:42 Advice for Leaders Who Have to Do Layoffs 28:55 Handling Performance-Based Separations with Integrity 30:40 How to Prepare Now If You Worry About Being Laid Off 32:46 End of Interview 33:33 Andy Comments After the Interview 37:37 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Steve and his work at TheSteveJaffe.com. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 163. A short three-minute video Andy put together about what to do before losing your job. Episode 310 with Jeff Gothelf, about how to let your next job find you. Episode 230 with Scott Belsky. Not specifically about layoffs, but full of insights on careers, growth, and the hiring process. Level Up Your AI Skills In the outtakes, Andy and Steve talk about how AI is changing the workplace. If you want to be better prepared for an AI-infused future, check out our AI Made Simple course. Just go to ai.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com. Thanks! Pass the PMP Exam If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we've put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We've helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we'd love to help you too. Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I'd love to help you get your PMP this year! Join Us for LEAD52 I know you want to be a more confident leader. That's why you listen to this podcast. LEAD52 is a global community of people like you who are committed to transforming their ability to lead and deliver. It's 52 weeks of leadership learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than five minutes a week. And it's all for free. Learn more and sign up at GetLEAD52.com. Thanks! Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Business Acumen Topics: Leadership, Layoffs, Career Transitions, Organizational Change, Emotional Intelligence, Resilience, Identity at Work, Grief, Workforce Planning, Change Management, Professional Development The following music was used for this episode: Music: Echo by Alexander Nakarada License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Energetic Drive Indie Rock by WinnieTheMoog License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
In this episode of the Reluctant Agilist, Dave Prior and Lonnie Weaver-Johnson delve into the intricacies of giving and receiving feedback. They explore personal experiences, the importance of empathy, and various models for effective feedback. The conversation emphasizes the need for clarity, intent, and kindness in feedback delivery, while also addressing the challenges of navigating feedback in professional settings. Lonnie shares her insights from years of experience in performance reviews and coaching, highlighting the significance of understanding individual differences in feedback reception. Takeaways - Feedback is a gift, not a weapon. - Understanding the intent behind feedback is crucial. - Empathy plays a significant role in effective feedback. - Clarity in communication helps avoid misunderstandings. - Different people react to feedback in various ways. - Feedback should serve the recipient's growth. - Self-reflection is important after giving feedback. - Models like SBI (Situation, Behavior, Impact) can guide feedback delivery. - Creating a safe space for feedback encourages openness. - Feedback should be a two-way conversation. Chapters 00:00 Podcast Intro 02:31 The Importance of Giving Feedback 05:31 The Importance of Receiving Feedback 08:35 The Art of Giving Feedback 11:29 Navigating Feedback in Professional Settings 14:30 The Role of Choice in Feedback 17:34 Personal Reflections on Feedback 20:27 Feedback and Personal Growth 25:38 The Importance of Feedback and Follow-Up 34:10 Self-Reflection and Self-Feedback 37:11 Feedback Models and Their Effectiveness 45:11 Intent Behind Feedback and Its Impact Contacting Lonnie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lonnieweaverjohnson/ Web: https://www.lonniewj.com/ Dave's classes (CSM, CSPO, A-CSPO, PMP, PMI-ACP) https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/dave-prior-classes-4758623 Dave and Stuart's Book No One Is Coming to Save You: Power-ups to help surf the chaos Amazon: https://tinyurl.com/ydvzx7ux Leanpub: https://leanpub.com/surfthechaos
In this episode, Ricardo explains the difference between Generative AI, AI Agents, and Agentic AI—topics that are widely discussed but often misunderstood. He draws on a clear explanation by Filipa Peleja, presented during the O'Reilly Super Stream on Generative AI. Generative AI, based on large language models, responds to prompts and produces text, ideas, and analysis, but it has no initiative, goals, or independent decision-making. AI Agents, on the other hand, are given a goal and can plan tasks, use tools, interact with systems, and execute actions in sequence, with operational autonomy within defined rules. Finally, Agentic AI involves systems of agents working together, with memory, adaptability, and evolving strategies, raising major challenges around governance, ethics, and accountability. Catch the full episode to learn more!
How to Conquer the PMP® Exam in 2026https://pmradio.org - Get the NEW PMP Prep App!The PMP exam in 2026 is not about memorizing processes, formulas, or buzzwords. It is about thinking like a project leader, making sound decisions under uncertainty, and applying the right approach—predictive, Agile, or hybrid—based on context.How to Conquer the PMP Exam in 2026 is a practical, no-nonsense guide designed to help you stop guessing and start reasoning the way the exam expects. This approach focuses on logic, flow, and judgment, not rote learning.You'll learn how to:Understand the why behind every project decision, from charter to closeNavigate People, Process, and Business Environment questions with confidenceApply Agile values, principles, and mindset without abandoning governanceRecognize hybrid scenarios and choose the right response every timeAvoid common exam traps that punish tool-first or document-heavy thinkingRead questions the way PMI intends—not the way they're writtenInstead of overwhelming you with content, this guide sharpens your decision-making instincts, helping you quickly eliminate weak options and select the best answer—even when none feel perfect.Whether you are:Studying for the first timeRetaking the examOr certified long ago and re-grounding your fundamentalsThis resource helps you think clearly, stay calm, and perform with purpose on exam day.This is not about cramming.It's about mastering how PMI thinks.
Neste episódio, Ricardo esclarece a diferença entre IA Generativa, Agentes de IA e IA Agêntica, um tema muito falado, mas ainda confuso. Ele se inspira em uma explicação de Filipa Peleja, apresentada no O'Reilly Super Stream sobre IA Generativa. A IA Generativa, baseada em modelos de linguagem, responde a prompts e produz textos, ideias e análises, mas não tem iniciativa, objetivos ou tomada de decisão própria. Já os Agentes de IA recebem um objetivo e conseguem planejar tarefas, usar ferramentas, interagir com sistemas e executar ações em sequência, com autonomia operacional dentro de regras definidas. Por fim, a IA Agêntica envolve sistemas de agentes que cooperam, possuem memória, se adaptam e ajustam estratégias, trazendo desafios de governança, ética e responsabilidade. Ouça o episódio e confira todos os detalhes!
Visit http://pmpdoctor.com/ for more PMP practice questions.In the PMP Exam Mindset, "Negotiating Project Agreements" (People Domain, Task 8) is about finding the Win-Win. Forget the "hard-bargaining" movie tropes—the PM's goal is to reach a sustainable consensus that protects project objectives while maintaining healthy relationships.1. Core Mindset PrinciplesCollaboration Over Competition: Negotiation isn't about winning at the other party's expense. It's about aligning everyone to the project's success.Know Your Bounds: Always understand your BATNA (Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement) and your limits before entering the room.Focus on Interests, Not Positions: If a stakeholder demands "Feature X," ask why. The underlying interest is often easier to satisfy than the rigid demand.Integrity First: Never promise something the team cannot deliver just to close a deal.Analyze Bounds of Negotiation: Determine the scope, budget, and schedule flexibility before starting.Assess Priorities and Objectives: Use tools like MoSCoW Prioritization to understand what is "Must-Have" versus "Nice-to-Have."Verify Objectives Are Met: Ensure the final agreement actually solves the project's needs and is documented in an Agreement or Contract.Participate in Negotiations: You aren't just an observer; you are the bridge between the technical team and the Procurement/Legal departments.2. Key Exam Enablers (Subtasks)Based on the PMP Content Outline, you must master:3. The Agile PerspectiveIn Agile projects, negotiation is continuous. We prioritize "Customer Collaboration over Contract Negotiation" (Agile Manifesto). This means favoring flexible contracts, like Fixed-Price Incremental or Time and Materials, that allow for changing priorities.Exam Tip: The "Consensus" StrategyIf you see a question where two stakeholders disagree on a requirement, the correct answer usually involves facilitating a meeting to find common ground or using Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis to objectively rank options.
Premium This is a preview of our premium episode. Full access is available only to premium subscribers. Click here and learn about the Premium Podcast to access this interview and transcript... Play audio-only preview episode | Play on YouTube | Play on Spotify Episode Summary Leadership is not defined by rank, title, or position, but by how well leaders take care of their people. In this conversation, Cornelius Fichtner speaks with Sergeant Major Jill E. Johnson about leadership grounded in service, trust, and responsibility. Drawing from more than two decades of military experience, including deployments and senior enlisted leadership roles, Jill explains how effective leaders build commitment by focusing on people before personal advancement. She shares how early career experiences, unexpected recommendations, and continuous preparation shaped her leadership path, even when she did not initially plan to pursue a long-term military career.
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Dr. Andrew Wittman, former Marine, police officer, federal agent, and leadership coach, about his new book Inner Armor: Perpetual Resilience. If you lead projects and teams, you already know pressure is coming. The real question is what you do when it arrives. Andrew explains why the brain can work against you under stress, and how the questions you ask yourself shape the options you can see. You'll learn the Two Minute Rule and how it can help you shift from "we can't" thinking into problem-solving mode. Andy and Andrew also explore how filters and assumptions influence what leaders notice, why limitation can be more dangerous than fear, and what it looks like to build a First Responder Mindset so you can hold your poise when stakeholders push back. They close with a powerful discussion on identity and a practical look at raising resilient kids. If you're looking for insights on leading with clarity and composure when the stakes are high, this episode is for you! Sound Bites "The first thing you have to understand about the brain is that it is the original search engine. Like it has to answer a question." "The brain knows that you're a genius. Even if you don't consciously recognize that you're a genius, your brain knows it. It'll never go against your genius self. So if you say things like, I don't know how we could do this, your brain says, 'Oh, we don't know.' So it stops searching completely for any answer." "Just for two minutes, pretend that you could do it. It's amazing that your brain will just go to work and find like 15 ways you actually could do it, whereas seconds ago, we thought we couldn't." "When bad news happens, get happy. Whenever you hear bad news, you should get happy because this is your biggest opportunity to have the greatest comeback ever." "My question is, no matter what the bad news is, I'm going to ask myself this: how can I use this to my greatest possible advantage?" "I want to know what the holes in this project are. I don't want to hear rainbows and sunshine, right? Positive thinking will get you killed quicker than negative thinking." "We take in 11 million bits of information per second. Every second we see, hear, feel, touch, 11 million bits. Only 126 bits go to our conscious mind for action, which means we're filtering out 99.9% of all that information." "When you walk into a room, and you think no one supports you, you're going to see every cue that you could find to back that up. And you'll discard anything that would go against that." "The world is always ready to define you if you don't define yourself." "My identity: I'm a man of excellence who always keeps his word. I aspire to always keep my word. And so everything that I do is pre-decided by that identity." "Excellence is if I give my best effort, I could sleep tonight." "Welcome to Planet Earth, everybody has to deal with the externals. It's the great equalizer. We all have to deal with it. You're not special. I hate to tell you, CEO, you're not special." "Those pressure situations, they don't create your habits. They actually reveal them." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:40 Start of Interview 02:07 Andrew's Backstory and Early Influences 04:23 Unhelpful Questions Under Pressure and the Two Minute Rule 07:27 Applying the Two Minute Rule When a Key Dependency Slips 12:12 Training Practices to Make Resilience Automatic 16:49 Recognizing When Your Filter Is the Real Problem 18:33 Exposing Assumptions and Filters in Project Plans 22:21 A Personal Example of Misreading a Situation 25:10 How Beliefs Shape What You Notice in a Room 27:35 Why Limitation Is More Dangerous Than Fear 32:02 Building a First Responder Mindset and Holding Poise 36:07 Identity and Defining Yourself 40:37 Parenting Practices That Build Resilience in Kids 43:17 End of Interview 43:42 Andy Comments After the Interview 47:47 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Andrew and his work at GetWarriorTough.com. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 448 with Marie-Helene Pelletier. It's an insightful discussion on resilience and burnout, and I think it would be a great follow-up to this discussion with Andrew. Episode 477 with Jess Baker. She's a business psychologist and coach who offers a refreshing perspective on how to increase your resilience at work and in life. Episode 398 with Dr. Neha Sangwan. It's an episode that will give you another perspective on avoiding burnout for you and your teams. Level Up Your AI Skills Join other listeners from around the world who are taking our AI Made Simple course to prepare for an AI-infused future. Just go to ai.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com. Thanks! Pass the PMP Exam This Year If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we've put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We've helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we'd love to help you too. It's totally free, and it's a great way to get a head start. Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I'd love to help you get your PMP this year! Join Us for LEAD52 I know you want to be a more confident leader–that's why you listen to this podcast. LEAD52 is a global community of people like you who are committed to transforming our ability to lead and deliver. It's 52 weeks of leadership learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than 5 minutes a week. And it's all for free. Learn more and sign up at GetLEAD52.com. Thanks! Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Leadership, Resilience, Stress Management, Decision Making, Mindset, Emotional Regulation, Stakeholder Management, Communication, Self-Leadership, Identity, Team Performance The following music was used for this episode: Music: Imagefilm 034 by Sascha Ende License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Synthiemania by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
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Visit http://pmpdoctor.com/ for more PMP practice questions.In the PMP Exam Mindset, "Removing Impediments" is the ultimate expression of Servant Leadership. Your job is to act as a "shield" for the team, clearing the path so they can focus on delivering value without distraction. Definitions to Know (The "Nuance")While the exam often uses these interchangeably, understanding the slight differences helps you prioritize: Impediments: Anything that slows down the team (e.g., a slow server or unnecessary meetings).Obstacles: Barriers that can be avoided or moved with effort (e.g., a missing stakeholder approval).Blockers: Specific issues that cause a total stop on a task or story (e.g., a critical software bug).
The Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification can be a career game-changer. What's the best way to study for the exam? How do you stay motivated through months of preparation? What's the difference between taking the exam in-person or online? We discuss this with Kelly Heuer, PhD, CAPM, VP of learning at PMI in Brooklyn, New York, USA; Fernanda Sa, PMP, procurement coordinator at Meta Reality Labs via Mackin Talent in Bellevue, Washington, USA; and Prabhjeet Singh, PMP, project manager at MedStar Health in Washington, D.C. Key themes01:09 Why earn the PMP certification? 04:52 How to create a study plan for the PMP exam09:07 Ways to stay motivated while studying for the PMP12:01 How PMI can help you prepare for the PMP exam17:03 Taking the PMP exam online or in-person20:40 How the PMP certification affects project careers23:41 Advice for the PMP certification exam
Sheree Wolliston, PMP: Community Impact, Grief, Leadership, and Building Systems That Actually Work Recorded January 28, 2026Interview length: 60 minutesEpisode DescriptionIn this episode of Diversified Game, Kellen Coleman sits down with Sheree Wolliston, PMP, a community impact leader with nearly two decades of experience across government and nonprofit work. Sheree shares how life experience, faith, and leadership shaped her career, including her journey from the Housing Authority to major community health work, and her recent step into a national health leadership role.This conversation goes deeper than titles. Sheree opens up about grief, losing her husband to sudden cardiac arrest, the role of therapy and community, and what it means to advocate for your health before it becomes an emergency. Please visit my website to get more information: http://diversifiedgame.com/
Visit http://pmpdoctor.com/ for more PMP practice questions.In the PMP Exam Mindset, "Build a Team" (People Domain, Task 6) is not a one-time event but a continuous process of evolving a group of individuals into a high-performing unit. Core Mindset PrinciplesServant Leadership: Your role is to support, coach, and shield the team, rather than giving commands.Team Empowerment: Trust the team to break down their own work and determine activity timing; they are the experts in execution.Continuous Skill Assessment: Regularly appraise team skills (both technical and soft skills) to identify gaps and provide necessary training.Proactive Development: Facilitate the team through Tuckman's Stages (Forming, Storming, Norming, Performing) to reach maturity and shared leadership.
Send us a textWe take a break this week and recover from BICSI and a cold. Today we explore how BICSI's PM 102 and the RTPM credential give ICT project managers practical tools they can use right away. From project charters and stakeholder risk to network diagrams and earned value, we focus on what speeds delivery and keeps budgets on track.• PM 101 vs PM 102 and who each serves• Project charter, stakeholder mapping, and risk planning• Network diagrams and finding the true critical path• Earned value management tied to measurable outputs• Change control that protects margin and schedule• Why RTPM fits ICT better than a generalist PMP• Using PM 102 hours toward PMP requirements• Virtual and in-person training options and tools• RTPM exam process, Pearson VUE, and handbook• Career path choices between RCDD and PM tracks• Visual field communication and simple daily goals• Hybrid conferences, global access, and learning cultureIf you're watching this show on YouTube, would you mind hitting the subscribe button and the bell button to be notified when new content is being produced?If you're listening on one of the podcast platforms, would you mind giving us a five-star rating?Support the showKnowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at chuck@letstalkcabling.com Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH#CBRCDD #RCDD
In this episode, Ricardo analyzes the 21st edition of the World Economic Forum's Global Risks Report 2026, highlighting the end of predictability and the beginning of the so-called "era of competition." The report points to a more turbulent global scenario, with 50% of leaders predicting instability in the next two years, driven by geoeconomic confrontation that threatens global supply chains. Ricardo explains that in the economic field, high global debt and increased spending on defense, energy transition, and artificial intelligence make capital more expensive and scarcer, requiring extreme financial rigor in projects. Misinformation intensifies social polarization. As a strategic response, the report proposes a "coalition of the willing": moving forward with truly committed groups, without waiting for total consensus. Listen to the podcast to learn more!
Neste episódio, Ricardo analisa a 21ª edição do Relatório de Riscos Globais 2026, do Fórum Econômico Mundial, destacando o fim da previsibilidade e o início da chamada “era da competição”. O relatório aponta um cenário global mais turbulento, com 50% dos líderes prevendo instabilidade nos próximos dois anos, impulsionada pela confrontação geoeconômica, que ameaça cadeias globais de suprimentos. Ricardo explica que no campo econômico, o elevado endividamento global e o aumento dos gastos com defesa, transição energética e inteligência artificial tornam o capital mais caro e escasso, exigindo rigor financeiro extremo nos projetos. A desinformação intensifica a polarização social. Como resposta estratégica, o relatório propõe a “coalizão dos dispostos”: avançar com grupos realmente comprometidos, sem esperar consenso total. Escute o podcast para aprender mais!
Play audio-only episode | Play on YouTube | Play on Spotify Episode Summary Project requirements rarely change because teams lack discipline. More often, change starts long before a project manager ever joins the work. Early product decisions define priorities, assumptions, and constraints that quietly shape delivery outcomes. In this conversation, Cornelius Fichtner speaks with Lee Fischman about why project managers so often inherit projects that feel impossible and how product thinking influences what gets built, how success is defined, and how much flexibility exists when reality shifts. The discussion connects product management, project execution, and leadership behavior, showing how unclear intent, untested value assumptions, and early commitments lead to ongoing requirement changes later in delivery.
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Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Olivia Montgomery, Associate Principal Analyst at Capterra and a PMP. They discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping project management tools, skills, and expectations. Olivia brings a rare perspective, combining hands-on experience leading a PMO with years of research into how organizations evaluate, adopt, and struggle with project management software. Olivia and Andy explore why buying AI-powered tools is often easy, but realizing real value from them is much harder. Olivia explains the shift from buying software based on seat count to buying based on capability, why security is both the top source of satisfaction and frustration, and how unclear success metrics can quietly derail adoption. They also dig into the hidden risks of delegating too much to AI, including data governance blind spots and misplaced trust in tools that feel intuitive but have real limitations. You'll also hear why emotional intelligence is becoming more important as technology advances, how PMs can stress-test AI tools before committing, and which skills will separate the next generation of project leaders from the rest. If you're trying to prepare for the future of AI, tools, and skills in project management, this episode is for you! Sound Bites "Buying tools is very easy. Realizing the value is extremely difficult." "Security is not IT's job. It's the whole company's job." "If your main metric is just 'use AI,' that's a red flag." "AI is very good at predicting what is most likely to happen next, and terrible at predicting black swan events." "Emotional intelligence is what helps you move forward when technology can't." "Use AI to generate a first draft. That's the safest place to start." "If you don't know the topic well yourself, you won't spot when AI gets it wrong." "Confidence in AI can grow faster than readiness, and that's where problems start." "AI can flag a risk, but it cannot tell you why people are stuck." "Data governance is going to set project managers apart in the future." "No matter what job you have in ten years, emotional intelligence will still matter." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:00 Start of Interview 02:10 Olivia's Role and Career Path 06:53 Shifts in How Organizations Choose PM Software 08:23 The Security Satisfaction and Frustration Paradox 11:25 Why AI Tools Are Easy to Buy but Hard to Use Well 20:18 Warning Signs of Overconfidence in AI 24:03 How to Stress-Test AI Tools Before Buying 27:50 Why Emotional Intelligence Matters More with AI 34:28 The Future of Project Management Software 40:08 Skills That Will Define the Next Generation of PMs 45:20 Where to Follow Olivia's Work 46:20 End of Interview 46:40 Andy Comments After the Interview 49:15 Outtakes Learn More You can follow Olivia Montgomery and her research on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/olivia-montgomery. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 479 with Matt Mong, about the AI skills you need to stay relevant in the years ahead Episode 463 with Faisal Hoque, on how to transcend the fear and hype around AI Episode 384 with PMeLa, the first-ever interview with an AI on a leadership or project management podcast Level Up Your AI Skills Join other listeners from around the world who are taking our AI Made Simple course to prepare for an AI-infused future. Just go to ai.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com. Thanks! Pass the PMP Exam If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we've put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We've helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we'd love to help you too. It's totally free, and it's a great way to get a head start. Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I'd love to help you get your PMP this year! Join Us for LEAD52 I know you want to be a more confident leader, that's why you listen to this podcast. LEAD52 is a global community of people like you who are committed to transforming their ability to lead and deliver. It's 52 weeks of leadership learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than 5 minutes a week. And it's all for free. Learn more and sign up at GetLEAD52.com. Thanks! Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Business Acumen Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Project Management Software, Project Management, Business Acumen, Data Governance, Security, Emotional Intelligence, AI Adoption, Future Of Work, Leadership Skills, Technology Strategy The following music was used for this episode: Music: Echo by Alexander Nakarada License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Tuesday by Sascha Ende License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
In Episode 3 of Pharmacist-Prescribed, hosts Mary Kucek, PMP, Founder and CEO of OvaryIt, and Devin Bustin, MD, Chief Medical Officer of OvaryIt, explore how pharmacies can turn clinical services into sustainable, profitable offerings. The episode breaks down patient acquisition strategies, common billing and reimbursement challenges, staffing considerations, and how pharmacies can integrate clinical care without increasing overhead. Listeners will also learn how technology and policy changes, including the ECAPS Act, play a critical role in positioning pharmacists for long-term success as providers. Learn more about PRISM or request a demo at https://www.getprismrx.com
In this episode, Ricardo warns against a common mistake in organizations: believing that more tools and software mean more maturity. Many companies invest in expensive platforms, dashboards, and impeccable reports, but continue to make poor decisions. Tools don't create maturity; they only highlight what already exists. If there is no prioritization, clear criteria, and decisions, technology only organizes the confusion. Teams end up spending more time feeding systems than thinking about projects. Abundant indicators do not compensate for the absence of priorities. Maturity is not about having the best software, but about knowing who decides, based on what criteria, and what changes when something deviates from the plan. Without this, any tool becomes just a digital ornament. Listen to the podcast to learn more!
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Peter Cappelli and Ranya Nehmeh, co-authors of In Praise of the Office: The Limits to Hybrid and Remote Work. In a world still grappling with virtual work, Peter and Ranya challenge us to take a fresh look at the workplace. Not just where we do work, but how that space shapes learning, culture, visibility, and performance. In this conversation, you'll hear what gets lost when teams are always virtual, why hybrid work often underdelivers, and how proximity plays a surprising role in mentoring, innovation, and even career progression. Peter and Ranya explore how organizational culture shifts when people are rarely together, and what leaders can do to intentionally design experiences that rebuild connection—even across distance. You'll walk away with insights on how to lead hybrid teams more effectively, how to help team members think differently about in-person time, and why space is not just a backdrop to work—it's a contributor to how work gets done. If you're leading a team in today's hybrid landscape and wondering what really matters, this episode is for you! Sound Bites "Remote work disembodies employees and limits their capacity to build relationships, learn informally, and get noticed." "The most frequent way people got promoted was by being visible to their managers." "Slack and Teams are a poor substitute for face-to-face interactions and a terrible way to learn culture or figure out who knows what." "Informal communication is essential to how work gets done, and it doesn't happen easily when everyone is remote." "Hybrid sounds great in theory, but it rarely delivers the benefits of in-person work unless it's intentionally designed." "People don't always know what they need to know, and much of what's important is learned indirectly." "We're not saying remote doesn't work. But we are saying there are trade-offs, and many companies haven't fully reckoned with them." "One big problem with hybrid is that it often ends up being asynchronous. No one's in at the same time." "The office was never perfect, but it enabled certain human processes that are hard to replicate at a distance." "If you're going to make remote or hybrid work well, it requires real investment in new systems and norms, not just wishful thinking." "We have to be honest about what we're losing, not just what we're gaining." "Serendipitous learning is one of the most underappreciated losses of remote work." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:38 Start of Interview 01:45 What Is There to Praise About Remote Work? 04:34 Why Is the Push to Return Happening Now? 09:51 What Do We Lose with Remote Work? 13:18 What Problems Persist in Hybrid Models? 17:40 What Are Companies Doing to Make Hybrid Work? 20:20 Advice for Leading Hybrid Project Teams 25:42 Advice for Individual Contributors Navigating Hybrid Work 29:59 How Culture Shapes Remote and Office Decisions 33:14 Lessons from Co-Writing the Book 35:59 End of Interview 36:32 Andy Comments After the Interview 40:15 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Peter at mgmt.wharton.upenn.edu/profile/cappelli and about Ranya at RanyaNehmeh.com. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 457 with Andrew Brodsky. It's an insightful take on how we can avoid the mistakes that happen when teams are not collocated, with an author who I think is a future Adam Grant. Episode 361 with Yasmina Khelifi, who joined us to talk about leading virtual teams, specifically across cultures. Yasmina is a hands-on project manager so you can hear her take from that perspective. Episode 22 with Keith Ferrazzi. It's a discussion about his book Who's Got Your Back? and it contains ideas that I still use, over a decade after talking with Keith. Pass the PMP Exam This Year If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we've put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We've helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we'd love to help you too. It's totally free, and it's a great way to get a head start. Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I'd love to help you get your PMP this year! Join Us for LEAD52 I know you want to be a more confident leader—that's why you listen to this podcast. LEAD52 is a global community of people like you who are committed to transforming their ability to lead and deliver. It's 52 weeks of leadership learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than 5 minutes a week. And it's all for free. Learn more and sign up at GetLEAD52.com. Thanks! Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Business Acumen Topics: Leadership, Hybrid Teams, Remote Work, Organizational Culture, Career Development, Team Collaboration, Psychological Safety, Communication, Mentorship, Project Management, Work Environment, Employee Engagement The following music was used for this episode: Music: Ignotus by Agnese Valmaggia License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Fashion Corporate by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
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Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Lynn Smith, former NBC News, MSNBC, and CNN Headline News anchor, executive communication coach, and author of Just Keep Going. Lynn is best known for helping Fortune 500 leaders turn pressure into presence, but her newest book takes an unexpected form: a children's story about fear, resilience, and perseverance. That surprising choice is exactly what makes this conversation so relevant for leaders. Andy and Lynn explore why the same fears that stop CEOs are often the ones that show up in kids, how our inner critic or "Brain Bully" shapes behavior under pressure, and why the goal is not to eliminate fear but to metabolize it. Lynn shares deeply personal stories about rejection, family influence, and the lessons she learned growing up that shaped her approach to leadership and communication. You'll also hear practical techniques leaders can use to calm their nervous systems, give feedback that actually helps instead of harms, and model resilience for their teams and families. If you lead people or projects and want practical insights on emotional intelligence, confidence, and navigating fear, this episode is for you. Sound Bites "The one trait and the one skill that separates us from success is resilience. If you can acquire that skill, you will be successful. Hard stop." "Your greatest failure can be in service of somebody else." "We are biologically wired for fear. Trying to delete it is a fool's journey." "Bravery is doing something even if you are afraid." "How you show up within one tenth of a second is defining you for your audience." "Feedback leads to growth. Criticism feeds the brain bully." "When we calm our nervous system, we can make better decisions." "There's a mouse in all of us that needs the reminder to just keep going." "Ending what doesn't serve you is not quitting." "Fear often shows up as stress, pressure, or imposter syndrome, but it's the same circuitry." "Resilience is the greatest gift we can give our kids and our teams." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:45 Start of Interview 01:55 Family Influence and Early Experiences 06:45 Recognizing the Brain Bully 12:28 Learning Resilience Over Time 14:08 Giving Feedback That Helps Instead of Hurts 15:50 Metabolizing Fear Instead of Eliminating It 20:05 Rejection and the Origin of the Book 23:00 Strategies from the Book for Big Feelings 26:15 The Business Equivalent of Jumping Up and Down 28:50 When Just Keep Going Does Not Apply 31:50 How Lynn and Her Team Help Leaders 34:10 End of Interview 34:47 Andy Comments After the Interview 37:30 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Lynn and her work at LynnSmith.com. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 462 with Margie Warrell, about going from playing it safe to speaking up. Episode 397 with Dr. Julia DiGangi, a discussion Andy continues to revisit for practical insights. Episode 394 with Joshua Freedman, one of the leading voices on emotional intelligence. Level Up Your AI Skills During the episode, Andy mentions the importance of preparing for an AI-infused future. Join other listeners from around the world who are taking our AI Made Simple course. Just go to ai.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com. Thanks! Pass the PMP Exam If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we've put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We've helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we'd love to help you too. It's totally free and a great way to get a head start. Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. Join Us for LEAD52 I know you want to be a more confident leader. That's why you listen to this podcast. LEAD52 is a global community of leaders committed to transforming their ability to lead and deliver. It's 52 weeks of leadership learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than five minutes a week, and it's all free. Learn more and sign up at GetLEAD52.com. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Resilience, Fear Management, Communication Skills, Executive Presence, Feedback, Confidence, Self Leadership, Team Culture, Project Leadership The following music was used for this episode: Music: Summer Awakening by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Tuesday by Sasha Ende License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Barry Wolfe, author of It's All In Your Head: Why Psychology Doesn't Help Your Workforce Deliver Value - And What Can. Barry is a seasoned HR executive and business leader who has built a reputation as one of the rare "HR guys who actually has a head for business." In this frank and eye-opening conversation, Barry challenges many of the tools and ideas we've come to rely on in leadership and management. Andy and Barry discuss why frameworks like Maslow's hierarchy may be doing more harm than good, how personality assessments can become limiting narratives, and why our obsession with "fit" often backfires. But this isn't just a critique. Barry offers an alternative in the form of Value-Centric Leadership, a model that reframes how we think about work, leadership, and results. You'll learn about tools like The Same Page and the 4C's of leadership that can help you lead with more clarity and purpose. If you're ready to challenge what you think you know about managing people (and want practical tools to lead more effectively), this episode is for you! Sound Bites "Most of the hiring tools we use today are only marginally better than chance." "We act like we're selecting with science, but we're often just rationalizing our preferences." "Maslow never created a pyramid. That was a marketing add-on, not a scientific insight." "Psychology gave us language, but somewhere along the way, it became the product." "What do I want to pay people to do?" becomes "What results do I want to buy from them?" "We pay people to do activities, but it's because we want to buy results." "Nobody buys verbs. People buy nouns." "Maslow had no interest in actually validating his model. He just threw it out there." "If you get married and someone asks, what are you looking for in a spouse? Would you really say the upper left box?" "The guy who created the DISC assessment was also the creator of Wonder Woman." "Given the choice between thinking hard and spending money, most business leaders would rather spend money." "Part of the problem with these tools is you're learning about science through something called marketing." "We've got strategic plans, core values, mission statements. What's missing is being on the same page." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:45 Start of Interview 02:00 Barry's Early Career Influences and Business Perspective 06:42 Why Leaders Rely So Heavily on Assessments 09:25 The "Yes, Buts" of Psychological Tools 15:20 What We Get Wrong About Maslow's Hierarchy 19:00 From Paying for Activities to Buying Results 23:30 Connecting Project Work to Real Value 24:00 Introducing The Same Page 28:47 The Most Overlooked Element of Leadership 33:47z Looking Ahead at AI, Automation, and the Future of Work 41:22 End of Interview 42:03 Andy Comments After the Interview 45:19 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Barry and his work at ArgosHR.com. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 473 with Jeffrey Hull & Margaret Moore. They have rigorously researched what it takes to lead, and I think you'll find their approach and findings to be a nice complement to today's episode. Episode 417 with Mary Crossan and Bill Furlong. They have deeply researched 11 dimensions of character, which has some nice alignment with the 4 C's that Barry talked about. Episode 47 with Henry Mintzberg. If you haven't been with us since the early days, it would be easy to have missed this episode with one of the foremost curmudgeons of management. I think you'll find his insights in episode 47 to be a helpful addition to what Barry talked about in this episode. Help Passing the PMP Exam If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we've put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We've helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we'd love to help you, too. It's totally free, and it's a great way to get a head start. Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I'd love to help you get your PMP this year! Join Us for LEAD52 I know you want to be a more confident leader—that's why you listen to this podcast. LEAD52 is a global community of people like you who are committed to transforming their ability to lead and deliver. It's 52 weeks of leadership learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than 5 minutes a week. And it's all for free. Learn more and sign up at GetLEAD52.com. Thanks! Level Up Your AI Skills Join other listeners from around the world who are taking our AI Made Simple course to prepare for an AI-infused future. Just go to ai.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com. Thanks! Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Leadership, People Management, Business Psychology, Strategic HR, Hiring, Performance Management, Personality Assessments, Organizational Culture, Project Value, Team Development, Employee Experience, Decision Making The following music was used for this episode: Music: Summer Morning Full Version by MusicLFiles License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Energetic Drive Indie Rock by WinnieTheMoog License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Martin Dubin, psychologist, former CEO, executive coach, and author of Blindspotting: How to See What's Holding You Back as a Leader. Marty brings a rare combination of clinical insight and real-world leadership experience to a topic that affects every project manager and frontline leader: the blindspots that quietly shape our behavior, decisions, and impact. Together, the discussion explores how motives often drive our actions without us realizing it, why strengths can become liabilities when overused, and how emotion acts as one of the most powerful and least discussed forces in leadership. Marty explains his layered model of blindspots, including identity, motive, traits, emotion, and behavior, and shows how leaders can build awareness without trying to "fix" who they are. You will also hear practical guidance on creating a simple change plan that actually sticks, using small behavioral tweaks, prompts, and accountability rather than dramatic personal transformation. The conversation closes with thoughtful examples of how blindspotting can improve not only leadership at work, but relationships at home as well. If you want practical insight into leading with greater self-awareness, emotional range, and intentional growth, this episode is for you! Sound Bites "The hardest part of leadership is not managing others. It's managing ourselves." "Your strengths work for you most of the time, which is why it's so hard to see when they start working against you." "You know, whatever it is, it's usually invisible to us until someone or something forces it into view." "Now, if you put the modifier TOO in front of it, what happens when you're TOO confident? What happens when you're TOO organized? What happens when you're TOO creative?" "What do they tell you? You are too...." "Motives constrict under stress, and that's often when blindspots do the most damage." "Traits don't need to be changed. They need to be regulated." "Emotion is one of the most powerful tools leaders have, whether they use it intentionally or not." "Real change comes from small behavioral tweaks, not personality transformation." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:42 Start of Interview 02:00 Marty's Background and Family Influence 05:38 What Drives Marty Crazy About Leadership Books 08:20 Identity Blindspots and Leadership Roles 11:00 Why Motive Is So Hard to See 13:00 Using Emotion to Reveal Motives 14:00 When Strengths Become Weaknesses 17:50 Practical Ways to Spot Trait Blindspots 19:00 Emotional Awareness and Leadership Influence 21:10 Regulating Emotion Versus Repressing It 22:50 Building a Change Plan That Works 26:20 A Client Story That Shows Blindspotting in Action 28:20 Applying Blindspotting to Parenting (and Grandparenting) 30:14 End of Interview 30:45 Andy Comments After the Interview 35:42 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Marty and his work at MartinDubin.com. For more learning on this topic, check out: Episode 473 with Jeffrey Hull and Margaret Moore, who share rigorously researched insights on what it takes to lead. Episode 450 with Mark Miller, an engaging and empowering discussion about why leaders fail and how they grow. Episode 32 with Brad Kolar and Madeleine Van Hecke, exploring how the way our brains are wired influences how we lead. Level Up Your AI Skills Join other listeners from around the world who are taking our AI Made Simple course to prepare for an AI-infused future. Just go to ai.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com. Thanks! Pass the PMP Exam This Year If you or someone you know is thinking about getting PMP certified, we've put together a helpful guide called The 5 Best Resources to Help You Pass the PMP Exam on Your First Try. We've helped thousands of people earn their certification, and we'd love to help you too. It's totally free, and it's a great way to get a head start. Just go to 5BestResources.PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com to grab your copy. I'd love to help you get your PMP this year! Join Us for LEAD52 I know you want to be a more confident leader, that's why you listen to this podcast. LEAD52 is a global community of people like you who are committed to transforming their ability to lead and deliver. It's 52 weeks of leadership learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than 5 minutes a week. And it's all for free. Learn more and sign up at GetLEAD52.com. Thanks! Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Leadership, Self-Awareness, Emotional Intelligence, Motivation, Personality Traits, Behavior Change, Executive Coaching, Identity, Influence, Team Leadership, Blind Spots The following music was used for this episode: Music: Imagefilm 034 by Sascha Ende License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Fashion Corporate by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
In Episode 2 of Pharmacist-Prescribed, hosts Mary Kucek, PMP, Founder and CEO of OvaryIt, and Devin Bustin, MD, Chief Medical Officer of OvaryIt, dive into the practical realities of implementing pharmacist-led prescribing services in community pharmacy settings. The conversation explores how pharmacies can navigate state-specific prescribing authority, standing orders, collaborative practice agreements, staffing concerns, and day-to-day workflows without disrupting existing operations. Listeners will gain a clear picture of how the PRISM platform supports safe, compliant, and efficient clinical service delivery, from patient intake and documentation to e-prescribing and team-based care. Learn more about PRISM or request a demo at https://www.getprismrx.com