Project Management Paradise

Hosted by Project Management Paradise

BusinessInterviews guestsExplicit

Website RSS feed

Episodes

100

Latest episode

Aug 2025

Language

About the show

Delivering real project management insights from experts and industry leaders from around the world. The podcast is sponsored by Cora Systems providers of enterprise project and portfolio management solutions and services to government agencies and large-scale global organizations. To see how Cora can help your organization visit corasystems.com

Listen to episodes

60 recent

August 1, 202524 min

Episode 176: "The People Side of Change" with Courtney Weiss

In this episode, we speak with Courtney Weiss, an expert dedicated to providing simple and effective strategic Change Management solutions. Courtney's focus is on what she calls "the people side of change," ensuring that organizations navigate transitions smoothly and successfully. Join us as Courtney shares her background and explains how she became a leader in the field of change management. We'll delve into a crucial distinction: the difference between business transformation and change management. Courtney will also reveal her three keys to effective change management and offer insights on how to overcome common barriers to organizational change. As the conversation evolves, we'll explore the significant impact of AI on change management initiatives and discuss big trends Courtney is observing in the industry. Finally, Courtney shares the most important piece of advice she's ever received and how it has shaped her career. Tune in for practical strategies and a fresh perspective on managing change in today's dynamic environment. Connect with Courtney on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-weiss-a1518621/ Thanks for listening to the Project Management Paradise Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite platform. Stay tuned for more episodes where we bring you expert advice from industry leaders.

June 20, 202530 min

Episode 175: "PMI's Guide to Project Success" with Dave Garrett

In this episode, we speak with Dave Garrett, Senior Advisor to the CEO at the Project Management Institute (PMI). With decades of experience driving innovation in project management, Dave is a thought leader in strategy, growth, and value delivery. As a co-founder of ProjectManagement.com and former Chief Strategy & Growth Officer at PMI, he has played a pivotal role in shaping how organizations around the world define and measure project success. Join us as Dave shares his journey from tech entrepreneur to senior leadership at PMI, and explains how his work is helping redefine success beyond traditional metrics. He introduces PMI's MORE philosophy, a modern approach to measuring outcomes, value, and stakeholder perception, and reveals why managing perceptions is just as important as hitting milestones. We explore the limitations of the "triple constraint" model, discuss why clearly defining value is essential to project outcomes, and unpack how performance should be measured in today's complex, fast-moving environment. Dave also reflects on the most impactful piece of career advice he's ever received, and how it continues to guide his leadership style and strategic decisions. Don't miss this insightful conversation full of forward-thinking ideas for project professionals, transformation leaders, and anyone interested in what truly makes a project successful in today's world. Chapters: 00:00 - 02:46 Introduction to Dave 2:47 - 5:13 PMI's Research into Project Success 5:14 - 11:01 Key Findings from this research 11:02 - 11:10 Digital Transformation Guidebook 11:11 - 17:25 PMI's MORE Concept explained 17:26 - 20:36 Managing Perceptions on Projects 20:37 - 23:43 The Triple Constraint Model 23:44 - 26:03 How should we measure project performance 26:04 - 28:30 Best Career Advice 28:31 - 30:21 Wrapping Up the Episode Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davegarrett/ Thanks for listening to the Project Management Paradise Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite platform. Stay tuned for more episodes where we bring you expert advice from industry leaders.

May 9, 202527 min

Episode 174: "How to Run a World-Class PMO" with Lauri Accardi

In this episode, we speak with Lauri Accardi, Founder and Chief Vision Officer of CataPoint Consulting. With over 25 years of experience in technology, Lauri is a trusted expert in program and portfolio management (PPM), agile methodologies, and business transformation. Through her work, she has helped countless organizations streamline operations, optimize processes, and implement agile frameworks that drive measurable results. Join us as Lauri shares her journey into the world of program management and reveals how she became a leader in helping businesses navigate complex transformations. She defines the critical role a strong Program Management Office (PMO) plays, outlines the key pain points that an effective PPM solution can solve, and provides real-world examples of successful transformation initiatives. We also dive into the major shifts she's witnessed in the PPM space over the past two decades and the biggest lessons learned along the way. Lauri offers practical advice for organizations evaluating PPM solutions and sheds light on why change management remains such a persistent challenge. Plus, she shares the most impactful piece of career advice she's ever received—and how it shaped her leadership journey. Don't miss this conversation packed with actionable insights for project leaders, portfolio managers, and anyone looking to drive change in their organization. Contact Lauri via her website. Connect with Lauri on LinkedIn Thanks for listening to the Project Management Paradise Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite platform. Stay tuned for more episodes where we bring you expert advice from industry leaders.

March 21, 202535 min

Episode 173: "Unlock the Secret to Effective OKRs" with Ben Lamorte

In this episode, we speak with Ben LaMorte, a leading expert in helping businesses define their most critical objectives and achieve measurable results. As the founder of OKRs.com in 2014, Ben has personally guided over 100 organizations, including industry giants like eBay, Adobe, and Capital One, in successfully implementing Objectives and Key Results (OKRs). Join us as Ben shares his journey into the world of OKRs and provides a clear definition of this powerful goal-setting framework. He elaborates on how OKRs help teams stay focused on their ultimate destination and offers practical examples tailored for project leaders. We'll also explore the fascinating science and human biology that underpin the effectiveness of OKRs and uncover the telltale signs that indicate a team could benefit from this approach. Ben also sheds light on common pitfalls leaders face when defining OKRs and shares invaluable lessons learned from real-world examples of projects that initially struggled with OKR implementation but ultimately found success. Tune in for actionable insights and expert guidance on leveraging OKRs to drive progress and achieve your most important goals. Contact Ben via his website. Thanks for listening to the Project Management Paradise Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite platform. Stay tuned for more episodes where we bring you the latest insights from industry leaders. Bonus Access a complimentary guidebook, Empowering Strategy Realization Using OKRs, at corasystems.com/okrguide

February 21, 202524 min

Episode 172: "How to Manage Organizational Change" with Richard Carson

In this episode, we sit down with Richard Carson, consultant, author, and researcher in Organizational Change Management. As CEO & President of Carson & Associates, Richard has spent his career advising public and private organizations on change management, strategic planning, and performance improvement. With deep expertise in driving transformation, Richard shares insights from his book The Book of Change and reveals the key factors that make or break organizational change. We'll explore what change management really means, the biggest obstacles organizations face, and the essential ingredients for success. Richard also dives into lessons learned from his research, real-world examples of change initiatives—both successful and failed—and the most valuable career advice he's ever received. Contact Richard via his website Check out "The Book of Change" by Richard here Thanks for listening to the Project Management Paradise Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite platform. Stay tuned for more episodes where we bring you the latest insights from industry leaders. Bonus Learn the keys to effective change management by accessing a complimentary copy at corasystems.com/changeguide

January 24, 202525 min

Episode 171: "How to get Strategy & Sustainability Right" with Martina Huemann

In this episode, we sit down with Martina Huemann, Professor of Project Leadership and Society at UCL and WU Vienna. With over 20 years of experience, Martina is a leading voice in empowering project leaders and advancing impactful scholarship. Martina connects academic insights with practical strategies, inspiring global leaders and organizations to achieve sustainable project success. Martina delves into the critical role of sustainability in project management. We'll explore how to translate corporate sustainability strategies into impactful projects, the key to selecting the right projects for a sustainable future, and the vital role of the PMO in supporting sustainable project delivery. Martina will also share valuable insights on avoiding common pitfalls in strategy and sustainability, and offer invaluable career advice gleaned from years of experience. Chapters: 00:00 - 04:19 Introduction to Martina 04:20 - 09:54 What is sustainability and why is it important? 10:33 - 13:41 Corporate sustainability strategy translated into projects 13:42 - 17:23 Key to selecting the right projects 17:24 - 20:30 Role of the PMO 20:31 - 22:57 Pitfalls to avoid when it comes to strategy and sustainability 22:58 - 24:12 What's the most impactful advice you've received for your career? 24:13 - 25:58 Where to find Martina online? Connect with Martina on LinkedIn Contact Martina via email m.huemann@ucl.ac.uk Pick up a copy of Martina's latest book, The Handbook of Project Management: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Handbook-Project-Management-Martina-Huemann/dp/103222763X Thanks for listening to the Project Management Paradise Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite platform. Stay tuned for more episodes where we bring you the latest insights from industry leaders. Find out how grid modernization can facilitate decarbonizing of the energy sector by accessing a complimentary copy at corasystems.com/gridmodernization

December 19, 202425 min

Episode 170: 2024 Highlights

This is a bonus episode of Project Management Paradise where we listened back through some of the key points from our interviews over 2024. Highlights include hand-picked insights into empathetic leadership, organizational change, time management skills and how to deal with a narcissist in the workplace. Thanks for listening to the Project Management Paradise Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite platform. Stay tuned for more episodes where we bring you the latest insights from industry leaders. We'd love to hear your guest suggestions! Feel free to email us at hello@projectmanagementparadise.com Bonus Access a complimentary guidebook, Empowering Strategy Realization Using OKRs, at corasystems.com/okrguide

November 29, 202423 min

Episode 169: "Secrets to Effective Time Management" with Andrew Hartman

In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Hartman, founder of Time Boss. With over 20 years of experience in marketing tech and software startups, Andrew has perfected the balance between productivity and mental well-being. Andrew debunks the myth of "hustle culture" and shares his own experience of juggling 12 projects simultaneously, which led to the alarming loss of his sense of smell. Learn how to prioritize tasks, avoid burnout, and implement simple habits to boost productivity. Uncover surprising insights into the psychology of time and learn valuable career advice from a seasoned expert. Take control of your time and achieve more, without sacrificing your health and well-being. Connect with Andrew on LinkedIn Thanks for listening to the Project Management Paradise Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite platform. Stay tuned for more episodes where we bring you the latest insights from industry leaders. Bonus Access a complimentary guidebook, Empowering Strategy Realization Using OKRs, at corasystems.com/okrguide

November 8, 202423 min

Episode 168: "Navigating Project Pricing & Project Estimation Challenges" with Richard Minney

In this episode, we sit down with Richard Minney, a seasoned expert with over 20 years in the Aerospace & Defense (A&D) and business software industries. Richard is the founder of Twenty5, a company that delivers specialized SAP software solutions tailored for large manufacturers and government contractors. With a strong focus on program management, costing, and pricing, Twenty5 effectively addresses critical gaps within SAP's ERP suite. Richard shares his journey from a career in business software to founding his own company, driven by a passion for helping organizations manage complex project pricing and estimation. Tune in as Richard dives into the fundamentals of project pricing and estimation, shedding light on the differences between these two concepts and the keys to getting them right. He shares common pitfalls that organizations face, insights into why projects often exceed budgets, and what might surprise listeners about project estimation. Richard also explains how Twenty5's innovative solutions empower businesses to overcome these challenges and offers invaluable advice from his own career. Don't miss this episode for expert insights on mastering project pricing and achieving cost efficiency in large-scale projects! Connect with Richard on LinkedIn Learn more about Twenty5 here Thanks for listening to the Project Management Paradise Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite platform. Stay tuned for more episodes where we bring you the latest insights from industry leaders. Bonus Find out what you can learn from megaprojects by accessing a complimentary copy at corasystems.com/megaguide

September 13, 202422 min

Episode 167: "Scheduling Challenges in Aerospace & Defense" with Jessica Wilson

In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Wilson, a seasoned expert in scheduling and project management within the aerospace and defense industry. With extensive experience at leading companies like Northrop Grumman and Honeywell, Jessica specializes in Department of Defense contracts, earned value management, and integrated master schedules. Over the course of her career, she's tackled complex scheduling issues, compliance demands, and reporting challenges in the aerospace and defense space. Jessica shares how she got started in the industry and offers her perspective on how technology is transforming scheduling and earned value management. She also discusses why IPMDAR is such a hot topic and how tools and processes have changed over the past decade. Tune in to hear valuable lessons she's learned and gain insights into overcoming the unique challenges faced in this highly regulated and demanding industry. Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn Thanks for listening to the Project Management Paradise Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite platform. Stay tuned for more episodes where we bring you the latest insights from industry leaders. Bonus Learn how software can combat 8 headaches keeping PMOs in the aerospace & defense sector awake at night by accessing a complimentary copy at corasystems.com/defensesoft