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AI is touching every role, every industry, and every level of an organization—but that doesn't mean every project manager needs to become an engineer. In this conversation, Galen Low sits down with AI strategist and engineering leader Kesha Williams to talk about what PMs really need to know to stay relevant in an AI‑infused world.They explore how to lead AI‑related projects without getting lost in the technical weeds, how to confidently translate between business and technical teams, and how to focus on outcomes over hype. With clear examples, sharp insights, and a dash of humor, this episode is packed with guidance for delivery leaders navigating AI today—and preparing for what's next.Resources from this episode:Join the Digital Project Manager CommunitySubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Kesha on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter/XCheck out KeySoft websiteKesha on AI – LinkedIn PageKesha on AI – SubstackEveryday AI Challenge – LinkedIn Learning

Most business leaders are still talking about AI as if it's just another “productivity upgrade.” Meanwhile, the world building the future — massive data centers, AGI R&D, and winner‑take‑all investment — is sprinting ahead without guardrails, ethics, or broad societal input. In this conversation, researcher Christopher DiCarlo pushes executives to confront a reality most aren't prepared for: AI isn't a tool you add to the org chart, it's a paradigm shift that will redefine work, power, human purpose, and morality.This episode is part wake‑up call, part philosophical intervention. It challenges HR leaders and executives to stop asking “how much more productive do we need to be?” and start asking “what kind of future are we building — and at what cost?” If you're still waiting for a miracle app to solve everything, this conversation will shift your perspective on AI strategy, ethics, and leadership responsibility.Related Links:Join the People Managing People CommunitySubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Christopher on LinkedInCheck out Convergence AnalysisSupport the show

In today's episode, Steve sits down with Tom Hardin, aka Tipperx — best known for helping expose a massive Wall Street insider trading ring. Steve and Tom discuss early warning signs that an organization might be crossing ethical or legal lines, how to build an organizational culture that promotes openness and protects from insider threats, and how to get employees to buy into things like good cyber hygiene.Key Takeaways: The most underappreciated leadership skill is listening. Compliance must never be an afterthought or just a check-box exercise.  Anybody has the potential to become an insider threat. Tune in to hear more about: The fraud triangle (4:10) How cybersecurity leaders can build a culture that discourages insider risk (7:12) Striking a balance between trust and control (15:12) Standout Quotes: “But you don't get people to speak up by telling them to speak up. You actually have to, if you're gonna tell them to do that, you have to listen up. So I always encourage leadership to work on their listening skills.” - Tom Hardin “If you have a rule that a few people break, you have a people problem. If you have a rule that a lot of people are breaking, you have a rule problem.” - Tom Hardin “You could be one decision away. Never feel like it couldn't be you. Just have a healthy paranoia when you're in situations and not to feel like that could never be me crossing a line, because that's when we're most susceptible to that.” - Tom Hardin Read the transcript of this episodeSubscribe to the ISF Podcast wherever you listen to podcastsConnect with us on LinkedIn and TwitterFrom the Information Security Forum, the leading authority on cyber, information security, and risk management.

Navigating government grants and funding opportunities can feel like deciphering ancient runes, but for project leaders working in innovation and R&D, cracking that code could be a game-changer. In this episode, Galen chats with Rachel Huang, founder of ClaimKit, about how public and private funding mechanisms can be more accessible—and faster—for startups and innovation projects. Drawing on her background as a chemical engineer, tech commercialization expert, and former professional tennis player, Rachel shares how she's helping companies secure capital through automated, human-assisted grant applications.They explore the often-underutilized world of R&D tax credits, debunk the myth that only big corporations benefit, and spotlight why smaller, scrappier teams might be better positioned to innovate quickly—if they can unlock funding. From navigating complex eligibility rules to reframing grant-writing as a strategic lever rather than an afterthought, this episode is a practical look at how to fund innovation in a fast-moving, competitive world.Resources from this episode:Join the Digital Project Manager CommunitySubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Rachel on LinkedInCheck out ClaimKit

Today, we bring you the second half of Emerging Threats 2026, the first episode of which we aired last year. In the previous episode, Steve outlined the threats and challenges that enterprises and business leaders will face in 2026 and beyond. Today, he answers questions from the audience. We'll get into artificial intelligence, supply chain and geopolitical challenges, corporate governance, risk and resilience, and more.Key Takeaways: Cyber resilience today is about data, data, and data.  Enterprises must help their suppliers to meet adequate security standards.  AI will be a big challenge for the board in 2026. Tune in to hear more about: Managing supply-chain risk (5:07) How leaders can deal with risks outside of their control (12:16) An evolving cyber threat landscape (15:37) Standout Quotes: “Assuming you've got your policies and your processes in place, I would suggest you have an AI committee that actually approves or otherwise the way in which these tools are then implemented across the business. Why have a committee? Because that way you can pull in representatives from different parts. You can have security, you can have IT, you can have legal and people from the mainline businesses. Everybody makes a decision based on very well-defined criteria, no comeback on any individual, and either it's approved or it isn't.” - Steve Durbin “How do you avoid getting caught out? For me that's not what's happening. If you happen to be on a list. If you happen to be an organization that has something that is exceptionally interesting or useful, then somebody will want that information. Somebody will want that data. What you have to do is make yourself look pretty unattractive. So it is about all of the tedious things that we don't like. It's about patching, it's about making sure that you're making it difficult for people to access your systems. It means that your monitoring is top of its game.” - Steve Durbin “What measures can we put in place to ensure our suppliers and third party partners meet our security standards? Good question that I think that requires a lot more communication. It is about being really clear as to what it is you're expecting from a security standard perspective. It's about not just setting the bar, it's about helping people to achieve what it is you're expecting them to do. And the really important piece that I would emphasize there is tell them the why. Why do you have to do it? Why is it important? This isn't about people doing tick boxes. It is about people understanding why it's important and how they can help to maintain integrity and security across the whole supply chain.” - Steve Durbin Read the transcript of this episodeSubscribe to the ISF Podcast wherever you listen to podcastsConnect with us on LinkedIn and TwitterFrom the Information Security Forum, the leading authority on cyber, information security, and risk management.

For the past 18–24 months, HR teams have been asked a blunt question: What are you doing with AI? The response has often been activity without strategy — policies, guardrails, governance frameworks — busy work that signals compliance rather than creates value. Dr. Dieter Veldsman joins David to diagnose this pattern of urgency → paralysis → compliance, explain why it's holding HR back, and show how a deeper sense‑making process is the real lever for progress.Dieter argues — and the data backs it up — that most HR orgs focused on what can't be done with AI, not what should be done to drive business value. The root isn't technology ignorance, it's cultural: HR has treated AI like a tech project when it's fundamentally a people and organizational transformation. This episode walks through how to break the compliance trap, structure experimentation with purpose, and expand the CHRO role into the architect of the human‑machine ecosystem.Related Links:Join the People Managing People CommunitySubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Dieter on LinkedInCheck out AIHR (Academy to Innovate HR)Support the show

In a world where AI hype is everywhere, what does meaningful, grounded transformation actually look like? In this episode, Galen Low sits down with Michael Domanic, VP and Head of AI at UserTesting, to unpack how AI is being strategically integrated into core business functions—not just to ride the hype wave, but to unlock measurable value. From demystifying the ROI of AI to cultivating a culture of experimentation and enablement, Michael shares his real-world approach to driving AI transformation that sticks.They dive into the mindset shifts needed as organizations mature in their AI journey, how UX professionals are becoming more essential than ever, and why the future of AI in business may not be about tech at all—but about how people adapt to ongoing change.Resources from this episode:Join the Digital Project Manager CommunitySubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Michael on LinkedInCheck out UserTesting

The ISF Podcast celebrates 10 years this year. Over the decade that we've been in your ears every week, Steve has interviewed a lot of fascinating people: visionary business leaders, neuroscientists and physicists, world leaders, and formerly notorious cyber criminals, just to name a few. We have touched on topics like AI, the human mind, cyber resilience, leadership, and the future of technology and society. So, to kick off 2026, we wanted to give you a look back, highlighting the very best of this first decade of the ISF Podcast. And don't worry – we'll link all the episodes in the show notes. Check out our favorite episodes from the last 10 years: Mo Gawdat - Rethinking the Paradigm of Artificial and Human Intelligence Brian Cox — Intellectual Honesty & Learning to be a Leader Hannah Fry - What Data Can & Can't Tell Us About Ourselves Peter Hinssen - The Never Normal Inside the Mind of Today's Cybercriminals (Brett Johnson, Part 1) Steve Wozniak In Conversation with Steve Durbin Captain Tammie Jo Shults - Habits, Hope and Heroes in a Time of Crisis Sadie Creese — Minimising Your Attack Surface Sir Bob Geldof — Challenging Orthodox Thinking Bonus Episode: Reggie Butler — Bringing Your Home to Work Read the transcript of this episodeSubscribe to the ISF Podcast wherever you listen to podcastsConnect with us on LinkedIn and TwitterFrom the Information Security Forum, the leading authority on cyber, information security, and risk management.

Amid the buzz around AI in project management, what's actually changing on the ground? In this special episode of The Digital Project Manager podcast, producer Becca Banyard steps in as host alongside Tim Fisher, VP of AI at Black & White Zebra, for a live conversation from our "Future of AI in Project Management" event series. They're joined by Harv Nagra from Scoro to dig into how AI is transforming project delivery today—not someday, but right now.Together, they unpack the day-to-day realities of managing shifting timelines, growing complexity, and tool sprawl, and how AI is starting to relieve some of that burden. You'll hear a grounded, tactical take on what “practical AI” actually looks like, how Scoro is approaching it differently, and what project managers can expect next.Resources from this episode:Join the Digital Project Manager CommunitySubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Harv and Tim on LinkedInCheck out ScoroWatch the full event with Scoro's live demo: The Future Of AI In Project Management with Scoro

If you've noticed that effort stopped being a differentiator, this episode will explain exactly what shifted — and what actually drives value in modern work. Lena Thompson, a leadership consultant with a systems analysis background, argues that the era where hustle and logic alone produced breakthroughs is over. AI can outpace us on sheer processing — but it cannot manage emotional energy, and that's where the real work of leadership now lives.We dig into what emotional energy actually is (it's not soft feel‑good fluff — it literally shapes brain function), why unprocessed emotions create cognitive blockages, how leaders can regulate emotional energy to improve decisions under pressure, and practical tools you can use today. This is an episode about leading from within, not just doing more — because the quality of your energy determines the quality of your impact.Related Links:Join the People Managing People CommunitySubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Lena on LinkedInSupport the show

Building AI teammates isn't a future-state fantasy—it's already happening. Megan Ratcliff shares how she tackled resource constraints in SaaS marketing by creating a custom AI ecosystem that filled key gaps across content, strategy, and cross-functional alignment. The result? Less time on execution, more space for strategic leadership.This conversation brings grounded insight into how AI can be used to replace tasks, not people—while creating opportunities to reimagine roles entirely. From demystifying the learning curve to managing team adoption and navigating the future of work, Megan offers a clear-eyed look at how to use AI meaningfully without losing the human judgment that drives results.Resources from this episode:Join the Digital Project Manager CommunitySubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Megan on LinkedInCheck out Clarity and Motion Collective

You can count system uptime down to six decimal places and predict when a machine will fail — but when it comes to your employees, you're flying blind. You track turnover, burnout rates, engagement scores — but those are all lagging indicators, the wreckage after the crash. You've no real idea what's happening beneath the surface: who's sliding into despair, clutching exhaustion, or on the edge of burnout. If you wait until the metrics hit “bad,” it's already too late.Today's guest, John Moore, pulls back the curtain: “state of mind” isn't fuzzy, academic fluff — it's the most predictive risk factor you've been ignoring. And if you treat your workforce like a homogeneous mass, you'll keep missing the parts that matter: the micro‑cultures. Because what actually shapes behavior is not enterprise‑wide culture slogans, but the day‑to‑day dynamic between a manager and their team.Related Links:Join the People Managing People CommunitySubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with John on LinkedInCheck out Mental Fitness IQSupport the show

Project managers are often tasked with delivering “on time and on budget”—but what if that's not enough? In this episode, Galen Low sits down with Stephen Devaux, a longtime project management theorist and the mind behind techniques like critical path drag and value breakdown structures. Together, they unpack why project leaders need to start managing their work like investors—not just builders—and why this mindset shift matters more than ever in the AI era.From projects that save lives to projects that launch products, Stephen explains how understanding a project's value profile—not just its deliverables—is the key to smarter decision-making. They cover real-world applications of treating projects as investments, explore the bridge-building metaphor that will stick with you for life, and discuss how AI could (and should) support project managers in this paradigm shift.Resources from this episode:Join the Digital Project Manager CommunitySubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Stephen on LinkedInStephen's books:Managing Projects as Investments: Earned Value to Business ValueTotal Project Control: A Practitioner's Guide to Managing Projects as Investments

How can we reshape the understanding of consent and more effectively address the widespread problem of sexual violence? Start by joining Jill for a conversation with award-winning activist Chanel Contos, who is bringing attention to the complexities of consent, sexual coercion, and rape culture through her book Consent Laid Bare. Chanel's pioneering work in making consent education mandatory in Australia shows what's possible and what could be achieved worldwide.We invite you to listen in to broaden your knowledge about gender norms, the dangers of low empathy and high entitlement, practical steps to foster empathy in young people, and much more. This is a crucial conversation that has the potential to make a huge difference in everyone's lives.Listen to POTC ad-free for just $5 a month by becoming a Mega Supporter on Patreon! Or, support the podcast with a one-time donation at Buy Me A Coffee!Listen and Learn: Chanel's personal experiences with early consent education and witnessing systemic injustice that led to the creation of Teach Us Consent?Why clear, affirmative consent is understood as the active seeking of an enthusiastic “yes,” rather than simply the absence of a “no” Distinguishing between different categories of rapeDoes the normalization of misogyny and the lack of social consequences contribute to rape culture and make sexual assault socially acceptable within peer groups and broader society?How language and metaphors, like the “blueberry” analogy, reveal the hidden social dynamics where men benefit from gendered power structuresHow language shapes recognition of sexual assault and why survivors of coercion or subtle rape struggle to label their experience as “rape”The classification of sexual violence and shifting from focusing on the victim's response to examining the perpetrator's intentHow trauma responses like fawning and hypersexuality can explain why survivors continue contact with perpetrators and challenge misconceptions about consentHow can parents and adults support young people in navigating online sexual content and consent by having open, shame-free conversations early, rather than relying on abstinence messagesRaising boys' empathy to match girls' and reduce entitlement, creating a culture where consent and respect are normalizedResources: Chanel's Book, Consent Laid Bare: Sex, Entitlement, and the Distortion of Desire: https://bookshop.org/a/30734/9780063449381 For More About Chanel's Work, Visit: https://www.teachusconsent.com/https://www.teachusconsent.com/resources#PodcastsTeach Us Consent Podcast Series: https://www.teachusconsent.com/resources#Podcasts Connect with Chanel on Social Media:https://x.com/Chanelcontoshttps://www.instagram.com/chanelc/https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanel-contoshttps://www.tiktok.com/@chanazc About Chanel ContosChanel Contos is an international award-winning activist and the founder of Teach Us Consent, a campaign that successfully mandated consent education across Australia and led to the criminalisation of stealthing in multiple states. She holds a Master's in Education, Gender, and International Development from University College London and is currently completing a Master of Public Policy at the University of Oxford.In 2022, Chanel was named by the BBC as one of the 100 most inspiring and influential women worldwide. Her work has received global attention, with coverage from the BBC, The New York Times, France24, and numerous other international outlets.Related Episodes19. Keeping Children Safe from Sexual Abuse with Feather Berkower84. Courageous Conversations to Prevent Childhood Sexual Abuse with Feather Berkower163. The Likeability Trap with Alicia Menendez198. Break the Good Girl Myth with Majo Molfino272. Middle School Matters with Phyllis Fagell305. The Power of Saying No with Vanessa Patrick390. Raising Empowered Girls in a Sexist World with Jo-Ann Finkelstein421. Defy with Sunita SahSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feeling behind on your agency's data game? Marcel Petitpas, CEO of Parakeeto, joins Galen Low to reframe what it really takes to build profitable, data-driven operations. Hint: it's not about buying software or pushing for time tracking compliance. Marcel breaks down why starting with metrics, models, and meaning—not tools—is the real shortcut to operational clarity.With real-talk on utilization myths, data fluency for PMs, and how AI can actually drive measurable impact (without overwhelming your team), this episode is a field guide for agency leaders who want to do more than just keep up. It's about building a smarter foundation for the long haul—and doing it in a way that doesn't burn you out.Resources from this episode:Join the Digital Project Manager CommunitySubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Marcel on LinkedInCheck out ParakeetoAgency Profit PodcastParakeeto Profitability Framework & Toolkit

Your AI tools aren't failing because the technology is bad — they're failing because your organisation wasn't ready. The real issue isn't the model. It's the mismatch between how machines operate and how humans work. And the result? Millions sunk into tools that don't get used, don't earn trust, or quietly increase complexity instead of reducing it.In this conversation with David Swanagon, founder of the Machine Leadership Journal, we unpack a three-dimensional model that finally explains what's going wrong. We explore why traditional leadership traits don't map to AI innovation, why your CHRO needs a seat at the AI strategy table, and how the real challenge of AI is cultural, not technical. If you've been treating AI adoption like a tech rollout, it's time to rethink — fast.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with David on LinkedInCheck out Machine LeadershipSupport the show

What if regulation wasn't a blocker to AI transformation—but a strategic advantage? Galen sits down with Lauren Wallace—former Chief Legal Officer at RadarFirst and a veteran in legal, product, and AI governance—to explore how regulated industries can harness their existing compliance muscle to lead responsibly in the AI era.They get into the practicalities of building privacy-first AI strategies, setting clear ethical baselines, and creating internal momentum across cross-functional teams. If you're navigating digital transformation in a high-stakes, high-compliance environment, this episode delivers grounded advice and hard-won insights you can act on.Resources from this episode:Join the Digital Project Manager CommunitySubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Lauren on LinkedInCheck out RadarFirstNOYB - None of Your Business (Max Schrems' privacy rights organization)AI Incident Database

If you're looking for a quick how‑to on rolling out AI in your org and actually seeing adoption—not just flashy pilots—you'll want to stick with today's episode. Glen Cathey joins us to get real about what it takes to move from “hey, we launched a chatbot” to a workforce that defaults to AI, and why most companies trip themselves up at the starting line.We peel back the usual “let's train everyone” playbook and instead ask: what happens when leadership doesn't live what it preaches? How do you build habits, not just certifications? And how do you get everybody (yes, including your tenured folks) to think of AI as a real teammate instead of a toy? Expect a mix of hard truths, practical frameworks, and a few punches at our collective complacency.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Glen on LinkedInCheck out Randstad EnterpriseSupport the show

Work sometimes triggers our fight‑or‑flight responses—especially in agency life. In this episode, Galen sits down with leadership coach and operations strategist Abigail Jones and project manager/coach Matthew Fox to explore what happens when we ignore the signals our bodies are giving us, and how tapping into our “body intelligence” can help us lead more consciously in a technology‑driven world. They unpack how our nervous systems get hijacked by stress in modern work, how noticing our physical responses becomes a tool (not just a symptom), and how teams and agencies can shift culture to reclaim better performance and wellbeing.This is a grounded, real‑world conversation—no fluff—about how our bodies, our minds, and our projects intersect.Resources from this episode:Join the Digital Project Manager CommunitySubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Abigail on LinkedIn and InstagramCheck out SouthleftConnect with Matthew on LinkedIn and The BureauThe Leadership Circle Profile assessment What it is: The most comprehensive 360-degree leadership assessment that measures both competencies (what you do) and internal assumptions (how you think)Why I use it: It's the only tool I've found that measures both reactive leadership patterns (controlling, protecting, complying) and creative leadership capacities (relating, self-awareness, authenticity, systems thinking)Visual profile shows leaders exactly where they're operating from fear vs. trustI'm certified to administer and interpret this assessmentSomatic & Body Intelligence PracticesWindow of Tolerance (from Polyvagal Theory): there's a "window" where you can think clearly and respond consciously. When stress pushes you outside that window, you go into survival mode.Concept from Dr. Stephen Porges' Polyvagal TheoryUnderstanding your nervous system's capacity to handle stress before going into fight/flight/freezeHelps leaders recognize when they're dysregulated and need to pauseLinks to learn morehttps://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/whatispolyvagaltheoryhttps://www.stayingsane101.com/post/polyvagal-theory-enhancing-the-window-of-toleranceBody Scan PracticeSimple 60-second practice: scan from head to toe and notice sensations without judgmentBefore big decisions, difficult conversations, or anytime you feel activatedBrings you into present-moment awareness and accesses somatic intelligenceFree guided meditationshttps://www.uclahealth.org/uclamindful/guided-meditationshttps://www.mindful.org/beginners-body-scan-meditation/https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/body_scan_meditationTech solutionsHeadspace body scan guide: https://www.headspace.com/meditation/body-scanCalm bo

Healthcare is hiring — and not just for clinicians. As digital health systems expand and AI transformation efforts ramp up, there's a growing demand for technical project professionals who can bring experience from tech, product, and government IT into healthcare environments. But if the opportunities are there, why aren't more people making the pivot?Galen chats with Rachel M. Keyser — healthcare IT consultant and founder of Project Elevation Partners — about what's holding project professionals back, how to navigate the complexity and pace of healthcare work, and why your existing skills might be more transferable than you think. Whether you're burned out by big tech or just curious about how to break into health tech, this conversation offers grounded, practical guidance for taking the leap.Resources from this episode:Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Rachel on LinkedInCheck out Project Elevation Partners

AI won't replace 90% of what a strong people analytics team delivers. But what exactly is in that 90%—and how long will it stay out of reach? Roxanne Laczo (Head of People Analytics at Cloudflare), Cole Napper (VP of Research, Innovation & Talent Insights at Lightcast), and Noelle London (Founder and CEO of Illoominus) join David for a grounded roundtable on what AI can and can't do in HR today.This isn't a breathless tour of shiny tools. It's a candid look at the real dynamics reshaping the people analytics function: the transactional work being automated, the strategic work that still demands human context, and the business acumen gap that could soon define who stays relevant—and who doesn't.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Noelle, Cole, and Roxanne on LinkedInCheck out Illoominus, Lightcast, and Cloudflare, Inc.Support the show

We've reached the point where “AI in HR” isn't just a buzzword—it's a mandate. But with every vendor promising a smarter, faster, more predictive future, it's getting harder to tell the difference between innovation and smoke and mirrors. In this episode, Alana Fallis and I go deep on how to navigate the noise: What should you actually invest in? How do you build real AI readiness, not just compliance theater? And how do you make sure your “data-driven” decisions don't quietly erode employee trust?We also tackle the people-and-technology dilemmas that HR leaders are facing right now. From scaling culture without losing soul, to drawing red lines on surveillance and privacy, to the sheer absurdity of AI-generated workplace flirtation—we're not short on material. These aren't hypotheticals. They're real, messy, and urgent. Let's get into it.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Alana on LinkedInCheck out Quantum MetricTalk HR to MeSupport the show

AI is fundamentally reshaping how digital products are conceived, built, and delivered—and the shift isn't just technical, it's cultural. Jyothi Nookula, a seasoned AI product leader with experience at companies like Netflix, Meta, Amazon AWS, and Etsy, joins Galen to unpack what makes AI-native products so different from conventional ones, why building them demands new evaluation frameworks, and how product teams can evolve their skills and mindset to keep pace.Whether you're dealing with unpredictable model outputs, shifting success metrics, or a team with uneven comfort levels around emerging tech, Jyothi offers grounded, real-world strategies for staying user-centered, experiment-driven, and confidently collaborative in the face of rapid change.Resources from this episode:Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Jyothi on LinkedInCheck out Next Gen Product Manager and Jyothi's website

If you're out there being told to slap AI tools onto everything and call it “digital transformation,” this episode is your reality check. I sat down with Darren Murph—yes, the remote‑work oracle behind GitLab's all‑remote strategy—to pull back the curtain on what needs to exist before you ever type “chatbot” or “LLM integration” into your roadmap.We dug into why good documentation isn't optional anymore, why remote‑work lessons are now directly relevant to AI adoption, and how companies who rushed ahead without building infrastructure are setting themselves up for a trust disaster. In short: if your data, your knowledge systems, your culture aren't ready for AI, this technology is not your solution—it's your liability.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Darren on LinkedInCheck out Darren's websiteSupport the show

Empathy isn't just a feel-good buzzword; it's infrastructure. In this episode, Galen Low chats with Andrea Goulet, communication systems architect and long-time software entrepreneur, about how empathy can act as a technical tool for collaboration, innovation, and high-performance in the age of AI.Drawing from her experience building a $4M consultancy and translating complex human dynamics into actionable frameworks, Andrea breaks down the mechanics of empathy, why it matters more than ever, and how we can cultivate it in our teams to drive better outcomes. This isn't about being soft—it's about being strategic.Resources from this episode:Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Andrea on LinkedInCheck out Andrea's websiteThe Diversity Bonus by Scott E. PageSelf-Compassion Research by Kristin Neff

AI isn't just generating insights anymore—it's acting on them. In this episode, I talk with Francisco Marin, CEO of Cognitive Talent Solutions, and Dan George, the company's Chief Experience Officer, about how agentic AI is changing the game for HR. These aren't your standard dashboards—they're autonomous systems that detect workforce patterns in real time and proactively intervene, from mentoring and onboarding to retention and burnout prevention.We get into what makes AI “agentic” in the first place, why consent and trust must sit at the core of any autonomous HR system, and how early pilots are already cutting onboarding time by 40%. If you've been wondering what comes after analytics and automation in HR—this is it.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Dan on LinkedInCheck out Cognitive Talent SolutionsNetwork-First ManifestoSupport the show

Project delivery leads at agencies and consultancies are being called to do more than just manage timelines and budgets—they're being tapped to think like business leaders. But how do you actually make that leap from tactical execution to strategic influence? Galen sits down with Mark Orttung (CEO of Projectworks) and Pam Butkowski (SVP of Delivery at Horizontal Digital) to unpack the real shifts in mindset, behaviors, and expectations that define this evolution.They explore what “thinking like a founder” really means in a delivery context, why hybrid roles are becoming the norm, and how to identify who's ready to step up. Whether you're trying to grow your own career or help your team level up, this conversation brings clarity to a path that's often vague and unspoken.Resources from this episode:Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Pam and Mark on LinkedInCheck out Horizontal Digital and ProjectworksMark's podcast: The Z Suite

We're in an era where everyone's talking about AI, but few are actually getting value from it. In this episode, futurist and author Ravin Jesuthasan joins host David Rice to unpack why the ROI of AI is still so elusive — and why most organizations are looking at it backwards.Ravin argues that the problem isn't technological; it's human. Companies are rushing to deploy tools before they rethink the work itself. He explains how leaders can shift from a tech-first to a work-first mindset, what it really means to be AI fluent, and why the job-based identity that defined the past 150 years of work is quietly crumbling.If you're an HR leader, executive, or strategist trying to navigate AI adoption without losing the human center of work, this conversation will help you see what transformation actually looks like — and where to start.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Ravin on LinkedInCheck out Mercer and Ravin's websiteSupport the show

When AI enters the enterprise, the work isn't just about the tech—it's about culture, collaboration, and courage. In this episode, Galen chats with Deborah Ketai, a program and change management leader who helped a Fortune 5 healthcare organization align its people, systems, and culture around AI. Together, they unpack how she built a community of practice that broke down silos, reduced knowledge debt, and created space for cross-training, collaboration, and smarter risk management.From talent strategy to trust and transparency, Deborah shares what it really takes to sustain AI-driven change inside complex organizations—and what PMs need to learn now to stay ahead as their roles evolve.Resources from this episode:Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Deborah on LinkedIn

Generative AI has crossed the threshold from novelty to necessity—but most organizations still haven't caught up. In this episode, I talk with Kenneth Corrêa, global AI educator and author of Cognitive Organizations: Leveraging the Full Power of Generative AI and Intelligent Agents, about what it actually means to be AI fluent. Kenneth breaks down how leaders can move from scattered experimentation to systems-level adoption, why uploading your financials to a free chatbot isn't “innovation,” and how education—not fear—is the key to responsible implementation.We unpack the shift from predictive to generative AI, the cultural lag that keeps leaders from seeing tangible ROI, and why the real competitive advantage comes from empowered humans—not replaced ones. For anyone trying to make AI a force multiplier rather than a security nightmare, this episode's a roadmap.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Kenneth on LinkedInCheck out 80 20 MarketingKenneth's book — Cognitive Organizations: Leveraging the Full Power of Generative AI and Intelligent AgentsSupport the show

AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare—but it's not just about smart algorithms or automated diagnoses. It's about earning trust in high-stakes environments where lives are on the line. Galen sits down with David Doan, Director at Kyndryl and former registered nurse, to explore how delivery leaders can navigate the clinical, technological, and ethical challenges of implementing AI in healthcare.From preserving human judgment and connection to aligning regulators, executives, and frontline clinicians, this conversation digs into the realities of AI-powered healthcare delivery—and what project leaders can do to make it actually work.Resources from this episode:Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with David on LinkedInCheck out Kyndryl

Why is financial wellness such a universally agreed-upon priority yet so painfully hard to deliver in practice? In this episode, I sit down with Jason Lee—founder of DailyPay, Salt Labs, and now Chief of Chime Enterprise—to break down why employees don't engage with financial programs, why saving feels like the world's most boring habit, and what it takes to design benefits that people actually use.Jason lays out why most employer programs are stuck in the 1980s, why rewards points sometimes function better than savings accounts, and why the best financial wellness programs should look less like coupon clubs and more like full-service hospitals—ER, diagnostics, and rehab floors included. We also explore how brand trust, design simplicity, and modern tech will shape the next generation of employee financial benefits.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Jason on LinkedInCheck out Chime EnterpriseSupport the show

The AI hype in project management software is real—but is everyone ready for it? In this episode, Galen sits down with returning guest Olivia Montgomery, Associate Principal Analyst at Capterra, to explore the findings from her 2025 Project Management Software Trends Survey. They unpack the real reasons behind the surge in demand for AI-enhanced PM tools and the foundational work teams need to do before expecting AI to deliver real ROI.Together, Galen and Olivia dig into what "AI readiness" actually looks like—technically and culturally. They discuss how competitive FOMO, billion-dollar marketing campaigns, and shifting economic investments are driving decision-making at the executive level, while the realities of adoption, data governance, and employee empowerment are playing out on the ground. They also take a thoughtful look at how PMs can avoid common pitfalls (like AI hallucinations) and begin to build workflows that align with both human and machine strengths.Resources from this episode:Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Olivia on LinkedInCheck out CapterraOlivia's report, AI & Security Are Top Concerns in Capterra's 2025 Project Management Software Trends Survey 

Most people don't burn out because they're working too hard—they burn out because they're performing at a pace they were never built to sustain, chasing goals that don't align with who they are. Matt Granados joins David Rice to unpack why the language we use around productivity—high performance, hustle, passion—is misleading at best, and actively harmful at worst.They get into the mechanics of optimal performance, the difference between consuming and contributing, and why fulfillment requires more than vision boards and vague inspiration. If you're leading people in an age of AI, distraction, and burnout, this conversation offers a clear path forward—one rooted in structure, intention, and personal agency.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Matt on LinkedInCheck out Life Pulse Inc.Free resourcesSupport the show

The entry-level project management job isn't what it used to be. With AI automating many of the classic coordinator tasks, the ground floor seems to have disappeared—leaving aspiring PMs wondering how to even get started. In this episode, Galen Low sits down with Benjamin Chan, Founder of CLYMB Consulting, to unpack what this shift really means for junior PMs, hiring managers, and the next generation of project leaders.Together, they explore how AI is reshaping the role of the project coordinator, what skills and traits are most valuable in today's job market, and how organizations can reimagine career paths to make sure talent isn't left behind. Whether you're breaking in, hiring, or mentoring, this conversation is full of real-world perspective and actionable ideas for navigating the new career landscape.Resources from this episode:Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Ben on LinkedInCheck out CLYMB Consulting

Experimenting with AI is exciting—but how do you make the leap from tinkering to transforming agency operations at scale? In this conversation, Galen Low brings together Melissa Morris (Agency Authority), Kelly Vega (VML), and Harv Nagra (Scoro) to talk about how agencies can carve out space for experimentation, align AI use to business goals, and actually implement the good ideas that emerge.The panel shares stories of saving hours on PM tasks, setting up accountability frameworks, and creating safe spaces for knowledge-sharing. They also surface the tough stuff—fear of job replacement, cultural resistance, governance challenges—and how to navigate it with clarity and empathy.Resources from this episode:Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Melissa, Kelly, Harv on LinkedInCheck out Agency Authority, VML, Scoro and The Handbook: Agency Ops podcast

In a world where AI is eating the routine work and career ladders look more like Escher paintings, what does leadership agility really mean? In this episode, I sit down with David Jones, CEO and Partner at Mercer Assessments, to explore how leaders can ground themselves in productivity, positivity, people, and purpose while rethinking the broken systems we've inherited.We dig into why organizations don't actually have a leadership shortage—they have a followership problem. From the dark matter of astronomy to the dark matter of organizational life, David makes the case that 93% of performance depends on the people who don't sit in the spotlight. We also examine how AI is reshaping careers, why assessments should be GPS systems for skills, and why employers may need to stop outsourcing education to institutions that are years behind reality.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with David on LinkedInCheck out Mercer AssessmentsSupport the show

We've all heard the pitch: “Hybrid work is the future.” But dig beneath the slogans and you'll find wildly different realities—some thriving, others quietly imploding. In this episode, I sit down with Lynette Caruso, a PhD candidate at Australian National University, to unpack her field research across public and private sectors on what makes hybrid work succeed—or fail.From the power of casual coffee chats to the pitfalls of hot desking, Lynette shows how flexible policies often collapse under rigid cultures. If you've ever wondered why your “flexible” workplace feels anything but, or why your team can't seem to find its rhythm under hybrid rules, this conversation will help you cut through the noise.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Lynette on LinkedInSir Roland Wilson ScholarSupport the show

AI is not eating all the jobs—but the story is more nuanced than the headlines suggest. In this episode, Galen Low sits down with Jim Iyoob (President of ETS Labs, CCO at Etech Global Services) and Manu Dwievedi (AVP at ETS Labs) to cut through the noise around large-scale AI transformation in customer experience. Together, they unpack what's really happening in call centers worldwide, why AI is more about augmentation than replacement, and how organizations can implement AI without breaking the customer or employee experience.From pragmatic strategies to leadership-level insights, this conversation tackles the real challenges of AI change management: how to start small, get quick wins, and bring people along for the journey. Whether you're leading a CX transformation or navigating an AI project in any industry, you'll leave with concrete strategies to make AI work for your team instead of against them.Resources from this episode:Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Jim and Manu on LinkedInCheck out ETS Labs and Etech Global Services

We've spent the last few years talking about mental health at work like it's always a crisis—trauma, burnout, damage done. Bryan Power, Head of People at Nextdoor, thinks that framing actually makes the conversation harder. Instead, what if we positioned mental health as something everyone can access, not just people in distress? In this episode, we cut through the jargon and look at resilience, performance, and the everyday practices that actually help people do their best work.Bryan and I also dig into the cultural pendulum swing from “bring your whole self to work” to “respect my boundaries,” the generational divides shaping expectations around connection, and how AI is reshaping not just jobs, but how leaders set boundaries, communicate, and build culture. Spoiler: the hot takes on AI are everywhere, but the real opportunity isn't doing more with less—it's doing more with the same.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Bryan on LinkedInCheck out NextdoorSupport the show

What happens when an executive quietly outsources performance reviews to ChatGPT? Or when your C-suite is loudly preaching about AI adoption while refusing to touch the tools themselves? In this episode, I sit down with Talk HR to Me columnist and Head of People at Quantum Metric, Alana Fallis, to tackle real listener questions in a live advice-column format.We dig into the messy realities of AI in the workplace—from misplaced trust in automated reviews, to the awkward theater of “innovation” at the executive level, to the human side of employee fears around automation. And yes, we even unpack the HR dilemma of whether an employee in recovery should be allowed to stock the breakroom fridge with non-alcoholic beer.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Alana on LinkedInCheck out Quantum MetricTalk HR to MeSupport the show

How do you know if you're tracking the right project metrics—or if you've been chasing the wrong numbers all along? In this episode, Galen sits down with Lior Gerson, Co-founder & CEO of TargetBoard.ai, to unpack how AI is reshaping KPI management and why aligning metrics with business strategy is the real game-changer.Together, they explore how project leaders can move beyond legacy metrics like velocity and utilization to focus on measures that truly drive impact. From tackling cultural mismatches around KPIs, to building real-time forecasting models, to leveraging AI for smarter, faster reporting—this is a conversation about cutting through the noise and making metrics meaningful.Resources from this episode:Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Lior on LinkedInCheck out TargetBoard.aiWhen the Old, and the New Metrics Fail – Jim Highsmith

Layoffs are often treated like a dirty secret—a rushed, impersonal process designed to move people out the door with as little friction as possible. But the way you offboard employees says just as much about your company culture as the way you welcome them in. In this episode, I sit down with Jena Dunay, founder of Recruit the Employer and host of Culture Uncovered, to talk about how organizations can approach layoffs, exits, and alumni relations with dignity—and why that matters more than ever.We dig into the bad habits that keep companies scrambling at the eleventh hour, the power of communication over cash, and why alumni networks and boomerang employees should be a core part of your talent strategy. Offboarding isn't just the end of the employee lifecycle—it's the part that makes the circle whole.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Jena on LinkedInCheck out Recruit the Employer and Culture Uncovered PodcastSupport the show

In this episode, Galen Low sits down with Brian Kessman of Lodestar Agency Consulting to tackle a big question: is AI finally the deathblow to billable hours? Brian argues yes—and not because AI “broke” the model, but because it's exposed just how misaligned hourly billing has always been with the real value agencies deliver. Instead of rewarding efficiency and innovation, time-based pricing incentivizes dragging things out and commoditizes expertise. The real shift, Brian says, isn't just about swapping billing methods—it's about fundamentally rethinking what you sell, how you position it, and how you prove its impact.They dig into the Agency Value Model—a framework for moving from selling time to selling outcomes. Brian explains how to define your best-fit clients, identify their high-value problems, and design structured solutions that command higher prices while delivering measurable impact. Along the way, they unpack how to navigate the “race to the bottom” fueled by AI, nearshoring, and automation; why confidence in your positioning can help you turn away misaligned clients; and how to operationalize repeatable, scalable value delivery without falling back into chaos.Resources from this episode:Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Brian on LinkedInCheck out Lodestar Agency ConsultingValue Model AssessmentAgencies building business models around AI offerings:Go Supergood — an AI-native creative agencySilverside.ai — an AI innovation labSkeptic™ by Known — uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to deploy rapid scientific experimentation and persistent optimizationJellyfish — social media AI agentsMagnolia by Newfangled — is an AI-powered strategic plannerContent Symphony

If you've ever sat through a personality test during hiring and thought, “This feels a bit like corporate astrology”—you're not wrong. In this episode, I talk with Jason Hreha, Founder & CEO of Persona, about why so many workplace assessments are built on outdated theories and questionable science, and how to separate the gimmicks from the tools that actually help you hire better. We dig into what reliability and predictive validity really mean, why they're non-negotiables for any credible test, and where most HR teams go wrong in applying behavioral science to talent decisions.Jason also shares his work on a new leadership-focused assessment that aims to measure two very different—but equally valuable—leadership archetypes: transformational and operational. From structuring interviews to making personality data a meaningful (but not overblown) part of your hiring process, this conversation is a crash course in evidence-based talent evaluation.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Jason on LinkedInCheck out Persona and Jason's websiteSupport the show

The word “engagement” gets thrown around a lot—but what does it really mean in today's workplace? In this candid, first-half conversation with Kamaria Scott, industrial-organizational psychologist and founder of Enetic, we take a hard look at how the definition of engagement has drifted, how the psychological contract between employees and employers has frayed, and why trust is harder to come by in the aftermath of layoffs, AI hype, and corporate euphemisms.Kamaria brings the receipts. From the history of engagement theory to the real human consequences of gig work and bad layoffs, she unpacks what it means to create work that actually matters—and why loyalty isn't what it used to be. This episode sets the stage for a broader dialogue about how we redefine value, trust, and meaning in a world of accelerating automation and shrinking safety nets.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Kamaria on LinkedInCheck out Enetic and Manager Momentum Operating SystemSupport the show

AI is transforming the creative workflow—but not in the ways we first expected. In this conversation with Galen Low, creative and PM leaders Sara Fisher, Sara Doubleday, and Greg Storey talk through the practical and philosophical implications of AI's growing role in creative work. This isn't about flashy tools or end-to-end automation. It's about realigning how teams work, communicate value, and preserve the human essence in their process.From misinformed client expectations to the strategic reframing of creative outputs, the panel explores how project leaders and creatives can use AI to amplify their strengths rather than replace them. Spoiler: there's still no shortcut for trust, authenticity, or thoughtful strategy.Resources from this episode:Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Sara Fisher, Sara Doubleday, and Greg Storey on LinkedInCheck out Vye and Seer InteractiveCheck out Greg's book – “Creative Intelligence: Don't Ask AI, Think With AI”

Most leaders assume that transparency around pay and finances will sow discord or fuel envy. Mel Price is living proof that the opposite is possible. As co-founder and CEO of Work Program Architects, she's spent the last 15 years running a firm with full salary and financial transparency—by design, not by accident. The result? A company where people understand how money moves, why decisions are made, and how their own work ladders up to business outcomes.In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to implement radical transparency—from open books and compensation committees to staff-run hiring and contract signing. Mel shares what she's learned from building a distributed leadership model where every employee is given the tools and data to think (and act) like an owner.Related Links:Join the People Managing People community forumSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Mel on LinkedInCheck out Work Program ArchitectsSupport the show

Navigating a career in project management today means wrestling with more than just Gantt charts and stakeholder standups—it means making high-stakes decisions about your salary, your specialization, and what brings you meaning at work. In this panel episode, Kelsey Alpaio brings together PM thought leaders Ben Chan, Mackenzie Dysart, and Elizabeth Harrin for a candid conversation on how to design your PM career with both pay and purpose in mind.Together, they unpack fresh data from DPM's 2025 Salary Guide and tackle some of the most pressing questions PMs are facing right now: Should you specialize or stay a generalist? When do certifications actually help? Is it ever too late to take control of your career? And how do you make confident moves when AI and automation are reshaping the role in real time? This is a jam-packed episode full of tactical tools, honest reflections, and grounded advice for anyone looking to take the reins of their project career.Resources from this episode:Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Ben, Mackenzie, and Elizabeth on LinkedInCheck out Thoughtworks and Rebel's Guide to Project ManagementOrganized Chaos Café – Ben's podcastManaging Multiple Projects – Elizabeth's book

Can one quiet moment change everything you thought your future would be?When Mikelann Valterra sat across from her husband at their favorite sushi spot, she didn't plan to end her marriage with a handshake. But that one act, quiet and deeply human, cracked open the life she had built and forced her to rebuild it from scratch. At 40, with her son by her side, she moved into her childhood bedroom and began the long, messy, and ultimately beautiful work of becoming herself again.For anyone who has felt like their future disappeared in a single moment, this conversation offers hope, healing, and a reminder that starting over is never the end.Three powerful takeaways from Mikelann's story:Starting over is possible, even when everything feels lostCreativity can become a lifeline in healingMoney stories carry power, and you can learn to rewrite yoursListen to the episode to hear how Mikelann turned heartbreak into a whole new rhythm.www.thelifeshiftpodcast.comMikelann Valterra, MA, AFC, is a money coach, financial recovery expert, author, and Argentine tango dancer who helps women in midlife reclaim their lives after divorce. After a painful split left her with $7,000 in debt and no financial foundation, Mikelann confronted her childhood money story and rebuilt from the ground up, moving into her high school bedroom at 40 and slowly rebuilding her life and her confidence. For over 25 years, she's been a respected voice in financial psychology, offering practical tools to reduce money anxiety and transform earning, saving, and spending habits. Her latest book, Rise Above the Money Fog, is available now.Connect with Mikelann: Website: seattlemoneycoach.com Medium: Read her story LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mikelannvalterra Instagram: @seattlemoneycoachMore from The Life Shift Podcast:To listen in on more conversations about pivotal moments that changed lives forever, subscribe to The Life Shift on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate the show 5 stars and leave a review!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Access ad-free episodes released two days early: patreon.com/thelifeshiftpodcastSubscribe to the newsletter: thelifeshiftpodcast.com/newsletterFeatured in FeedSpot's Top 60 Life-Changing Podcasts: podcast.feedspot.com/life_changing_podcastsConnect with me: Instagram: @thelifeshiftpodcast Facebook: facebook.com/thelifeshiftpodcast Twitter: @thelifeshiftpod YouTube: bit.ly/thelifeshift_youtube LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/thelifeshiftpodcast Website: thelifeshiftpodcast.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.