#1 Project Controls Podcast Globally

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Unfiltered conversations with global experts.No scripts. Just insights.

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213+
Episodes
10
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Your Hosts

The Faces for Radio

A South African and an Australian starting a podcast sounds like a bad joke, right? Well, that's exactly how this began...

Dale Foong

Dale Foong

🇿🇦 The South African

Co-Founder & Co-Host

Most people build podcasts to showcase their expertise. Dale built one to steal everyone else's. 🎙️

Starting out in project controls, Dale got lucky - great mentors, solid opportunities, and a front-row seat to how the industry really works. But here's the thing: he knew most people didn't get that same lucky break. So instead of gatekeeping what he learned, he grabbed a microphone and started asking the best in the business to share their secrets for free.

200+ episodes later, Dale's turned casual conversations into a global knowledge-sharing movement. Oh, and co-founded Project Connect Group along the way - because apparently running a podcast wasn't ambitious enough.

#PayItForward 🚀

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Val Matthews

Val Matthews

🇦🇺 The Australian

Co-Founder & Co-Host

Val's superpower? Spotting BS from a mile away and calling it out with a smile. Perfect skill for a podcaster, really. 💼

After watching too many talented people hit invisible barriers just because they didn't have the "right connections," Val decided the system was broken. The fix? Build a platform where the best minds in the industry actually want to share what they know - freely, openly, and without ego. Cutting through the BS is exactly why Val loves what he does.

200+ episodes later, Val's helped turn a podcast into a genuine community. Co-founding Project Connect Group was the natural next step - taking conversations off the mic and into rooms where access actually means something.

#PayItForward 🌏

Support the podcast and keep the knowledge flowing

Why We Started This Thing

Back when we worked together, we realised we were always the youngest in the room - and not by a little. We'd look around the boardroom and think, "How did we get here? And why doesn't everyone have access to these opportunities?"

We had great mentors, amazing opportunities, and - let's be honest - perfect faces for radio. So we started this podcast to make expert insights freely available to anyone who wants to learn, grow, and level up their project careers. No paywalls. No gatekeeping. Just raw, real conversations.

That #PayItForward mindset led us to co-found Project Connect Group - free community events in the UK and Australia where people can connect, find mentors, and keep the cycle going.

Trusted by Project Professionals Globally

200+ industry leaders share their unfiltered insights - from Fortune 500 executives to startup founders

213+
Episodes Published
Since 2018
200+
Expert Guests
Across 30+ countries
10
Seasons
Of insights
6+
Years Running
#1 in Project Controls

Past Guests Include Leaders From:

🏢 Fortune 500 Companies
🏗️ Major Infrastructure Projects
🎓 Leading Universities
🚀 Tech Startups

Latest Episodes

Fresh insights from project experts worldwide

S10E213

S10E213: Unmasking Watermelon Projects: How to Achieve True Transparency in Projects with Dave Lockley

In this episode, project delivery expert Dave Lockley shares insights on transforming complex change portfolios into measurable business value, the pitfalls of watermelon projects, and how technology can improve project transparency and decision-making. Key Topics Watermelon projects and transparency The role of technology and AI in project management Leadership and decision-making in projects Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions 03:51 Dave Lockley's Journey into Project Management 06:30 Understanding the Motivation Behind Projects 08:14 The Concept of Watermelon Projects 11:45 The Role of Technology in Project Management 15:32 Decision-Making in Project Management 20:51 The Need for a Chief Projects Officer 22:37 The Impact of Technology on Decision-Making 26:54 Understanding Decision-Making in Project Management 28:19 Identifying Project Risks and Metrics 30:06 The Importance of Transparency in Reporting 31:15 Leadership and Accountability in Projects 33:22 The Need for Qualified Decision-Makers 36:11 Exploring Governance and Control in Projects 38:56 The Role of Human Behavior in Project Management 40:37 Final Thoughts and Reflections on Project Management

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S10E212

S10E212: Building a Project Control-Friendly Culture with Rod Whiting

In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Dale engages with Rod Whiting, a seasoned expert in project controls, who shares his extensive journey in the field since 1983. Rod discusses the evolution of project controls, emphasizing the importance of a project control-friendly culture within organizations. He highlights how understanding and valuing project controls can significantly impact project success, illustrating his points with anecdotes from his career. Rod also addresses the challenges of demonstrating the value of project controls to stakeholders, offering practical strategies to communicate its importance effectively. As the conversation progresses, Rod delves into the human aspects of project management, including stakeholder management and team dynamics. He shares insights on building relationships within teams, the significance of effective communication, and the role of technology in enhancing project controls. The discussion culminates in reflections on the highs and lows of Rod's career, emphasizing the importance of kindness and compassion in the workplace, and the need for a supportive culture that fosters collaboration and success in project delivery. Takeaways Project controls is about understanding and valuing the process. A project control-friendly culture is essential for success. Demonstrating the value of project controls requires effective communication. Building relationships within teams is crucial for project success. Kindness and compassion in the workplace lead to better outcomes. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Project Chatter Podcast 00:49 Rod Whiting's Journey in Project Controls 03:39 Understanding Project Control-Friendly Culture 06:52 Demonstrating the Value of Project Controls 11:12 Building Strong Team Relationships 19:43 Navigating the Post-COVID Work Landscape 30:37 The Future of Work and Automation 32:12 Creating a Project Controls-Friendly Culture 35:29 Leadership and Compassion in Tough Times 39:00 Common Mistakes in Project Management 42:25 Capturing Knowledge and Experience 45:19 The Role of Technology in Project Controls 49:54 Highs and Lows of a Project Management Career 55:34 Final Thoughts on Kindness and Purpose

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S10E211

S10E211: AI and Change Management - A New Era with Vincent Marsicano

In this episode of Project Chatter, hosts Dale and Val welcome Vincent Marsicano, CEO of Adopt It, to discuss the intersection of change management and technology. Vincent shares his unique background, which includes a PhD in physics and extensive experience in change management, emphasizing the importance of human-centered leadership in navigating organizational change. The conversation delves into the challenges of technology adoption, the role of AI in change management, and the necessity of understanding the human side of projects. Vincent argues that while technology can enhance efficiency, the core of successful change management lies in empathy and effective communication. As the discussion unfolds, Vincent highlights the significance of identifying key influencers within organizations to facilitate change. He also addresses the complexities of human behavior in project management, suggesting that understanding individual differences and fostering a culture of trust can lead to more successful outcomes. The episode concludes with reflections on the evolving landscape of change management, emphasizing the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for practitioners in this field. Takeaways Change management is fundamentally about the people side of projects. Technology is driving change, but it also creates challenges in adoption. Identifying key influencers within organizations can facilitate smoother change processes. Empathy and effective communication are crucial for successful change management. AI has the potential to revolutionize change management practices.

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S9E210

S9E210: Healthy Habits for Busy Project Professionals with Becky Holliday

Dale flies solo (briefly!) to close out 2025 and welcomes first-time podcast guest Becky Holliday - a project manager turned health coach. Becky shares how redundancy in October 2023 became the catalyst for a career pivot, and why she now helps busy professionals (especially women) build sustainable health habits. Val drops in mid-episode and the conversation expands into discipline vs motivation, managing workload pressure, eating well without weekend meal-prep marathons, and why small wins beat heroic last-minute sprints. In this episode, you’ll learn Why Becky left project management and what she brought with her into health coaching How to start improving health when you “don’t have time” Why trying to change everything on Monday usually backfires A simple way to reduce stress and decision fatigue: the “3-item to-do list” Practical approaches to healthier eating that don’t require your Sunday afternoon How movement can support mental resilience when work pressure spikes Discipline vs motivation—and why habit size matters The role of identity, purpose, and values (and a thoughtful detour into spirituality) To get your FREE 5-Step Guide to Creating Healthy Habits that Stick, click here: beckyholliday.com/free-guide Join 400+ women getting free health tools and advice every Wednesday by signing up for Becky's FREE newsletter here: beckyholliday.com/free-newsletter

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S9E209

S9E209: Unlocking the Power of Reality Capture with Derek Lawrence

In this episode, Dale Foong discusses the fascinating world of reality capture with expert Derek Lawrence. They explore Derek's journey into the field, the various applications of reality capture in project management, and the integration of AI in this technology. The conversation also delves into the barriers to adoption, real-world use cases, and the future of reality capture, including its potential in creating digital twins. Derek emphasizes the importance of understanding existing structures and the value of capturing accurate data for decision-making in construction and beyond. Takeaways Reality capture is a digital copy of what is for decision making. Derek Lawrence transitioned from traditional engineering to reality capture due to frustrations with conventional methods. Laser scanning technology is becoming more accessible and easier to use. Reality capture can integrate with cost modeling and project management. There are significant barriers to the adoption of reality capture in the industry. Real-world applications of reality capture include construction monitoring and historical preservation. AI is enhancing reality capture capabilities, making it easier to create 3D models. The future of reality capture includes potential uses in various industries beyond construction. Derek encourages a fail-fast approach to testing new technologies. Digital twins require accurate data, and reality capture can help achieve that. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Reality Capture 05:42 Derek's Journey into Reality Capture 11:59 Understanding Reality Capture 18:52 Integrating Reality Capture with Project Management 22:43 Barriers to Adoption of Reality Capture 30:47 Real-World Applications of Reality Capture 42:46 The Future of Reality Capture and AI 57:39 Final Thoughts on Digital Twins and Reality Capture Links The Furze Underground Complex - https://youtu.be/QKTnx6F-XMo?si=oSfyOTvXwfkv2-gj Ian Jenkins talking about Gaussian Splats in the Meta Quest 3 - https://youtu.be/s6ZYbBsbAas?si=NVVz7mHMckj9p5-J Derek's YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@twindltd Derek's LinkedIn page - www.linkedin.com/in/twindlderek

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S9E208

S9E208: Blockchain and Carbon: The Future of Project Management with Kevin O'Grady

In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Val and Dale welcome Kevin O'Grady, a director at Cognitive, who shares his extensive experience in project management, particularly in the built environment. The conversation delves into the practical applications of blockchain technology in construction, the importance of carbon tracking, and the emerging role of sustainable aviation fuel. Kevin provides insights into how these technologies can enhance project delivery and efficiency, while also discussing the challenges and opportunities they present. The episode emphasizes the need for transparency and collaboration in the industry, as well as the importance of measuring and improving carbon emissions. Takeaways Kevin O'Grady has a diverse background in project management and engineering. Blockchain can enhance transparency and trust in project delivery. Carbon tracking is essential for sustainable project management. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is gaining traction but faces infrastructure challenges. AI can play a significant role in tracking project progress and carbon emissions. Collaboration among stakeholders is crucial for successful project outcomes. The construction industry needs to adapt to new technologies for better efficiency. Measuring carbon emissions is vital for improving sustainability in projects. Project wallets could revolutionize payment transparency in construction. Innovation in the industry is driven by the need for better practices and technologies. Chapters 04:24 Kevin O'Grady's Journey in Project Management 07:33 Transitioning from Engineering to Commercial Management 09:21 Technological Innovations in Project Management 13:12 The Role of Digital Twins in Project Delivery 17:20 Understanding Blockchain Technology 20:58 Blockchain Applications in Construction 27:43 Exploring Real-World Use Cases for Blockchain 30:23 Tokenization in Construction Payments 32:03 Linking Progress and Blockchain 34:54 Smart Contracts and Payment Automation 36:51 Challenges in Implementing Blockchain 39:42 The Role of Profit Margins in Construction 43:03 Carbon Measurement and Blockchain 43:32 Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Its Challenges

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