S10E2227 August 2026

S10E222: Why Great Project Leaders Go to the Movies with Dawn Mahan

📈 Data Analytics 🤖 AI & Technology 📄 Reporting 👔 Leadership & Management 💬 Communication 🔄 Change Management ⚖️ Governance & Compliance

S10E222

S10E222: Why Great Project Leaders Go to the Movies with Dawn Mahan

0:000:00

100%

Listen on Spotify Listen on Apple Podcasts

What if the fastest way to align a project team wasn't another 47-slide deck, but a two-minute film clip? In Episode 222, Dale and Val sit down with Dawn Mahan, project leader, educator and author, to unpack why movies are surprisingly powerful tools for project leadership, communication and team alignment. Dawn coined the term "Project Land" to explain why the world of projects behaves so differently from the day job, and it has stuck with thousands of people since. We get into:

Dawn's origin story, from Y2K coder to accidental project manager after one out-of-the-blue phone call Why Apollo 13, The Martian and The Matrix explain iteration, problem-solving and belief better than most training courses The real reason projects fail, and why the root cause almost always traces back to the start "Are you good?" vs "How do you feel?" and why that one change transformed how Dawn led teams Why communication is everyone's job, not just the project manager's Assessing people on ownership rather than leadership, and why that is fairer Trust, vulnerability and healthy conflict, drawing on The Five Dysfunctions of a Team

Whether you are being parachuted into a live project or just trying to explain what you actually do to your family, this one is full of practical, human ways to lead people better. Dawn's books:

Meet the Players in Project Land: Decide the Right Project Roles and Get People on Board Project Land Goes to the Movies: 22 Blockbuster Strategies for Project Success

Connect with Dawn:

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dawnmahan Instagram: instagram.com/dawnjmahan Project Guru Academy: linkedin.com/showcase/projectguruacademy PMOtraining on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/pmotraining PMOtraining on YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCLYJDA7-15rotZyEDEv8gyg PMOtraining on Facebook: facebook.com/PMOtiger

This podcast is free and always will be. If you got value from it, pay it forward and share it with someone in your team. Stay safe, be disruptive, and have fun doing it.

Guest

Dawn Mahan

Founder, CEO, & Author at PMOtraining, LLC

Dawn Mahan is the founder of PMOtraining, LLC and author of the Amazon #1 Bestseller "Meet the Players in Projectland" and the best-selling new release "Projectland Goes to the Movies". She is a PMI-certified leader, dynamic international speaker, and inventor of the ProjectFlo® Process Learning System, known for making complex project management concepts fast, easy, and practical. She has trained thousands of professionals worldwide and works with executives and PMO leaders globally.

Connect

Share This Episode

Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn

Related Episodes

S9E205: Replicability of the Montreal REM Model with Riccardo Cosentino

In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, hosts Val and Dale engage with Riccardo Cosentino to explore the unique aspects of the REM project in Canada, a public-private partnership (PPP) model that has garnered attention for its innovative funding and governance structure. Riccardo shares insights into the project's background, the role of the Quebec pension fund as a project sponsor, and the implications of risk management and return calculations. The conversation delves into the importance of early stakeholder involvement, the challenges of public opinion, and the potential for replicating this model in other sectors. Throughout the discussion, the significance of governance, long-term perspectives, and the necessary skill sets for project professionals are emphasized, providing valuable takeaways for listeners interested in infrastructure projects and PPPs. Takeaways The REM project is a unique public-private partnership model. Risk management is crucial in financing infrastructure projects. The obligation to repay investments can shift from taxpayers to private entities. Calculating returns involves considering ridership and land value capture. Contingency planning is integrated into the rate of return. Early involvement of stakeholders leads to better project outcomes. Governance structures can significantly impact project success. Long-term perspectives are essential for managing infrastructure investments. Curiosity and risk-taking are important traits for project professionals. The REM model could be applied to other sectors beyond transportation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 03:24 Understanding Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) 06:11 The REM Project Overview 08:56 Funding and Risk Management in the REM Project 11:55 Calculating Returns and Land Value Capture 14:33 Governance and Project Delivery 17:21 Long-Term Perspectives and Lifecycle Management 22:47 Changing Dynamics in Project Management 24:35 Governance and Change Management in Projects 26:38 Replicating Successful Project Models 29:08 Applying the Model Beyond Rail Projects 31:07 Reporting Mechanisms and Governance Structures 33:55 Skill Sets for Successful Project Delivery 35:39 Advice for Aspiring Project Professionals 37:27 Resilience in Today's Project Challenges 39:40 Future of the CDPQ Model and Its Replicability

Listen Now

S8E19830 Jan 2025

S8E198: PMO Conference 2024 - Live in Edinburgh

Proudly sponsored by Deltek. In this engaging podcast episode, the hosts introduce their guest, Michael Reinders, who shares his journey into project management and PMO. The conversation explores the evolution of PMO roles, the importance of change management, and the future trends impacting the workforce. The hosts and guests discuss strategies for engaging younger generations in PMO roles, emphasizing the need for trust, support, and fun in the workplace. The episode concludes with audience interaction, highlighting the importance of connection and engagement in project management. This conversation delves into the intricate relationship between project management and change management, emphasizing the need for distinct roles and methodologies. It explores generational perspectives on resilience and adaptability in the workplace, particularly in the context of AI integration. The discussion highlights the evolving role of PMOs in strategic initiatives and the importance of effective communication skills. Insights from podcast guests further enrich the conversation, providing a multifaceted view of the challenges and opportunities in project management today. takeaways The PMO role has evolved significantly over time. Change management is crucial for successful project delivery. AI tools can enhance project management efficiency. Work-life balance is essential for attracting talent. Engaging younger generations requires adapting to their values. Trust and support are foundational in team dynamics. Creating a fun work environment boosts morale and productivity. Understanding individual team members fosters better relationships. Continuous learning is vital for PMO professionals. Audience engagement enriches the podcast experience. Project managers need to understand change management requirements. Change management and project management are distinct disciplines. Leadership capabilities are essential for project managers. ProSci methodology is a key framework for change management. Organizational culture is crucial for successful project delivery. AI should be integrated into the entire project ecosystem. PMOs must have a voice at the C-suite level. Resilience is built through experience and challenges. Effective communication is vital for project success. PMOs should be recognized as a professional discipline.

Listen Now

S8E19713 Jan 2025

S8E197: Engaging the Next Generation of Risk Managers with Seyi Daniyan

This episode proudly sponsored by Deltek. n this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Dale and Martin welcome Seyi Daniyan, a project risk manager, who shares her career journey from chemical engineering to risk management. The conversation explores the importance of attracting young talent to the field, the fundamental concepts of risk management, and the skills necessary for success in this profession. Seyi emphasises the need for curiosity, effective communication, and the ability to influence others. The discussion also touches on the future of risk management roles and the evolving nature of the profession in response to technological advancements. In this engaging conversation, Dale and Seyi explore the evolving landscape of risk management, emphasising the need for decision analysts to evaluate project decisions effectively. They discuss the concept of reference class forecasting, the challenges of navigating financial discussions in risk workshops, and the lessons learned from the pandemic that reshaped risk management practices. The integration of AI in risk management is highlighted as a transformative tool, while the importance of engaging younger professionals and gamifying risk management processes is also addressed. Seyi shares insights on making risk management relatable and fun, ultimately encouraging open dialogue and mentorship in the field. Takeaways Shaye Danian transitioned from chemical engineering to project risk management. There is a significant lack of young professionals in project risk management. Risk management involves managing uncertain events, both positive and negative. Effective risk management can lead to projects being completed on time and within budget. Curiosity is a key trait for successful risk managers. Communication and influencing skills are essential in risk management. Graduate schemes should provide a solid foundation in project management. Risk management roles may evolve with advancements in technology. Understanding the different facets of project management is crucial for risk managers. Everyone engages in risk management in their daily lives. The need for decision analysts to evaluate project decisions. Reference class forecasting can enhance decision-making. Risk workshops should involve the right stakeholders. The pandemic highlighted gaps in traditional risk management. AI can revolutionize risk management practices. Engaging younger professionals is crucial for the future of the field. Gamification can make risk management more relatable. Food and informal settings can ease risk discussions. Understanding the difference between risks and issues is vital. Mentorship is important for newcomers in risk management.

Listen Now

Enjoyed this episode?

Subscribe to never miss a conversation with project experts

Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe on Apple Podcasts