Change Management
Navigate organizational change, transformation, and process improvement initiatives.
Recommended Episodes
89 episodes covering change management
S8E195: Why Change Management Matters with Karen Ball
December 31, 2024 • 01:06:07
This episode is proudly sponsored by Deltek In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Val and Martin engage with Karen Ball from ProSci to explore the intricacies of change management. They discuss Karen's journey into the field, the growing demand for change management services, and the impact of remote work on the discipline. The conversation delves into the distinctions between change managers and project managers, the importance of change management in ERP projects, and the evolution of the field over the past 25 years. Finally, they contemplate the future of change management in the context of AI and technology, emphasizing the need for a human-centric approach in an increasingly automated world. In this conversation, Karen Ball discusses the critical role of change management in organizations, emphasizing the importance of cultural readiness, the impact of change managers, and the need for effective measurement of change success. She highlights the significance of building change capability and the resources available for learning about change management. The discussion also touches on the evolving nature of leadership in change management and the necessity for organizations to support their employees through transitions.takeaways Change management is essential for successful project outcomes. The demand for change management has always existed, but awareness is increasing. Remote work has changed how change management strategies are developed and implemented. Effective communication is crucial for successful change management. Change managers focus on the people side of change, while project managers handle the technical aspects. Organizations often underestimate the importance of change management in achieving project benefits. AI and technology will continue to evolve, impacting change management practices. Investing in change management can significantly enhance project success rates. The ADCAR model is a key framework for understanding individual change journeys. Maturity in change management practices has improved over the years, but challenges remain. ProSci focuses on plain language for effective communication. Change management is essential for achieving full adoption of changes. Cultural readiness significantly impacts the success of change initiatives. Measuring success in change management requires a focus on adoption and proficiency. Organizations need to build change capability as a strategic component. Active sponsorship is crucial for successful change management. Tools and methodologies can guide change management practices. Self-learning and curiosity are vital for understanding change management. Change management resources are abundant and accessible for learning. The human aspect of change management remains irreplaceable.
S4E81: A deep dive into Change Management with Tim Creasey
August 8, 2021 • 01:27:06
In this week’s pod, Dale and Val were joined by Tim Creasey for a deep dive into Change Management & Project Management. Marco Frisenda joins us as a guest host. Tim Creasey is Prosci’s Chief Innovation Officer and a globally recognised leader in change management. His work forms the foundation of the largest body of knowledge in the world on managing the people side of change to deliver organizational results. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: Change management is how we prepare, equip and support our people through organisational change The main reason for the failure of Change Programmes is due to no one being able to articulate why the change is required Certain words instil fear in staff e.g. Transformation. Businesses need to be careful with the language they use in change programmes Prosci (pro-sigh) is short for Professional Science Projects that tend to focus on the people side of change tend to be more successful There are some factors that constitute effective change management on a project: Active sponsor participation Middle manager engagement Open and honest communications Intentional and structured approach If there is no one responsible for a task in a change management Programme, it is likely to fail Key question - What % of project outcomes is dependent on people changing how they do their jobs? Change projects tend to fare better when it is easy to articulate why the change is required The pandemic has shown businesses can change quickly if forced to e.g. moving to remote working within days Change management level is often based on adoption challenges There has been a large increase in the number of Change Management roles within organisations in the last few years, particularly in Australia. Most will sit within a Project Management Office ADKAR - (Awareness of need to change, Desire to want to change, Knowledge, Ability, Reinforcement) Beckhard-Harris equation: Dissatisfaction with current state x Vision of what is possible at the end of journey x First steps. Needs to be > current state Here are links to some of the topics that were discussed: Prosci Talks - Back to the Basics | Prosci Tim Talks - YouTube Prosci Project Change Triangle - Prosci Change Triangle (PCT) Model Overview Prosci 3 Phase Process Prosci 3-Phase Process Prosci Integrating Change Management and Project Management Integrating Change Management and Project Management (prosci.com) Prosci - ADKAR Model - The Prosci ADKAR® Model | Prosci Beckhard-Harris Change Equation Proudly Sponsored by: PlanAcademy.com JustDo.com InEight.com
S10E211: AI and Change Management - A New Era with Vincent Marsicano
January 17, 2026 • 00:59:04
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.TakeawaysChange 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.
S4E91: The Art of Complex Change Management with Donnie MacNicol
October 17, 2021 • 01:35:52
In this week’s pod we welcomed Donnie MacNicol to talk about the art of complex change management. Donnie is the founder of Team Animation which works across multiple sectors energising leaders and teams delivering complex change to maximise value and certainty of success through a focus on the human dimension. Donnie acts as a catalyst to support organisations to improve their collaboration and productivity – aspects that will be critical to tackling the many challenges we face today including climate change and in particular in meeting the NetZero target. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: Change management is treated differently from Project Management. It should be regarded on an equal footing Project and Programme Managers should have a change management responsibility as part of their job description IMA can be used to structure conversation based on personality preference. This is similar to the Insights When companies do offsite meetings, they often discuss business issues during the morning and focus on people in the afternoon as it is seen as lighter and easier. This should be reversed Not enough people use tools such as Insights / IMA to understand the stakeholders when trying to understand complex projects When starting on a complex project, try to ingest as much knowledge as possible and seek to diagnose the key problems and root cause of failures. Be cynical when reviewing change projects. Who really stands to win or lose from the success of a change being implemented? Managers could implement a stakeholder map with a RAG status on who would benefit from the change being implemented The main learning point from people in project management has been cultural, getting managers and organisations to truly care about people and personality types. Models such as Insights, DISC and IMA have supported this The main reasons for change project failure are nonsense! It does not seek to ask why the reason for failure happened. Root cause, not symptom Consultancies are often the main beneficiary from project failure! Here are links to some of the topics that were discussed: IMA Model – Personality Types: http://ima-pm.co.uk/ Opiner - Video Research Resource: https://opiner.app/ ----------------------------------------- Join us next week when we’re joined by Jo Lucas to talk about rewilding organisation and minimal interference approach to change management. For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Proudly sponsored by PlanAcademy.com Ineight.com JustDo.com Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it! Dale and Val
S5E107: Gardeners Not Mechanics: How to cultivate lasting change with Gary Lloyd
February 21, 2022 • 01:10:30
In this week’s pod, we welcomed Gary Lloyd to discuss how to cultivate lasting change in organisations. Gary has been leading change for the last 25 years as an executive and a consultant. His roles have ranged from creating retail banking processing centres to creating an electronic derivatives exchange in Tokyo. Alongside his change leadership work, for the last ten years, he has been an executive coach and a mentor to students and alumni from Warwick Business School. He is also a steering committee member for the school's mentoring programme, which has now helped over 1,000 executives and entrepreneurs. Gary's core philosophy is that the world of work is an ecosystem and not a machine. To make lasting change, therefore, we need to think and act like gardeners, not mechanics. Success depends on recognising and embracing unpredictability, not pretending it doesn't exist or trying to control it. He is the author of two books: Gardeners Not Mechanics: How to cultivate change at work. Business Leadership for IT Projects. He is also the author of numerous articles in professional journals. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: Change management projects are about delivering value and developing relationships with stakeholders Statistically, many project managers don’t actually have the chance to work on many projects due to their durations There seems to be a tendency to separate the project management and change management communities. They should be the same function Many Project Management qualifications do not put enough emphasis on relationships. Recruiters often focus on the qualifications Machines are complicated, eco-systems are complex Anything that involves people becomes complex. Humans are unpredictable Projects that have lasting value are often delivered incrementally rather than big bang Many IT project can be delivered in multiple “chunks” of lasting value How can we test the key business case assumptions as quickly and cheaply as possible? People have been using Kotter’s theory for over 30 years and it is too top down and machine like “Getting buy-in" is an outdated phrase. It implies the solution has already been developed and being forced upon people rather than a collaborative approach Businesses need to understand the ecosystem of a change rather than trying to shoehorn it into existing processes When joining a change project, hunt down the moaners, they often have a good point! Try to draw the project ecosystem and update as you go along “If you approach a negotiation thinking the other guy thinks like you, you are wrong. That's not empathy, that's a projection” Chris Voss – ex FBI Lead Hostage Negotiator Here are links to a some of the concepts we discussed: Gardeners Not Mechanics: How to cultivate change at work: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gardeners-Not-Mechanics-cultivate-change/dp/B08S2ZXSWM/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= Gardeners Not Mechanics Blog: https://www.gardenersnotmechanics.com/ Chris Voss Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26156469-never-split-the-difference Tune in next week when we’re re-joined by Steve Wake. For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Proudly sponsored by: JustDo - https://www.justdo.com/ PlanAcademy - https://www.planacademy.com/chatter/ ($75 off any course) InEight - https://ineight.com/
S8E182: What is all this AI fuss about? - Tim Creasey
April 16, 2024 • 01:16:41
SummaryIn this episode, Dale, Marco, and Tim discuss the impact of AI on change management. They explore the different facets of AI, particularly large language models, and how they can be used to improve communication, automate tasks, and analyze data. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities of using AI in project management and the importance of prompt engineering and effective communication. In this conversation, Tim Creasey discusses the power of generative AI and large language models in various applications, including change management. He emphasizes the importance of understanding how to prompt AI effectively and highlights the need to think of AI as an intern rather than an oracle. Tim shares his personal experiences using AI to create personalized coloring books and artwork, showcasing the creative possibilities of generative AI. He encourages listeners to experiment with AI and leverage its capabilities to unlock new opportunities.KeywordsAI, change management, large language models, automation, communication, data analysis, prompt engineering, generative AI, large language models, change management, prompting AI, personalization, creativityTakeaways AI, particularly large language models, can have a significant impact on change management by improving communication, automating tasks, and analyzing data. Automation is often the first step in using AI in project management, followed by communication support and content creation. Data analysis and visualization are also important applications of AI in project management. Effective prompt engineering and communication skills are crucial in getting the most out of AI tools. There is still much untapped potential in using AI in project management, and organizations need to explore and experiment with different applications. Generative AI and large language models have the power to transform various industries and applications, including change management. To prompt AI effectively, think of it as an intern rather than an oracle, and provide clear and specific instructions. AI can be used to create personalized content, such as coloring books and artwork, showcasing its creative potential. Experimentation with AI can lead to new opportunities and efficiencies in various domains. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of AI is crucial in leveraging its potential effectively. Tim Creasey is Prosci’s Chief Innovation Officer and a globally recognized leader in change management. His work forms the foundation of the largest body of knowledge in the world on managing the people side of change to deliver organizational results. Massive shout out to our sponsor Deltek - check them out!
S5E113: Organisational Agility as a Strategic Imperative with Tim Creasey
April 3, 2022 • 01:06:42
In this week’s pod, we welcomed Tim Creasey to discuss Organisational Agility as a Strategic Imperative.Tim Creasey is Prosci’s Chief Innovation Officer and a globally recognized leader in change management. His work forms the foundation of the largest body of knowledge in the world on managing the people side of change to deliver organizational results. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows:Change is hard, change is continuous Organisational agility definitions: Agility is the power of moving quickly, easily, and with nimblenessCapacity to identify and capture opportunities more quickly than rivalsTake advantage of change whether planned or unexpectedAbility to transform information into insight in regard to market movementsResult of integrating alertness to changesSustained ability while maintaining high performanceChange saturation is a function of change capacity and change disruptionBusinesses should always consider the hidden cost of saying yesWhat is the time difference between when the project sponsor said yes and when the project commencedMore organisations are hiring change portfolio managers rather than increasing change capabilityNever allow perfection to get in the way of progressBusinesses were obsessed with the digital revolution but not enough with digital transformationCould businesses have really adapted to remote working if the Covid pandemic did not happen?Paradoxical Humanity Infusion in 2D - The pandemic allowed us to see our colleagues in a different light over Zoom / Teams conversationsForced prioritization – rank what is important to youDe facto resilience – we made it through the pandemic! Workers have inadvertently become more resilient“Answers have a shelf a shelf life, questions can last a lifetime”When and where does the wear actually happen? There needs to be a purpose when we share space.What have we done since 2020 that we thought was impossible prior to this? This proves what is possible?12 conditions shaping the future of work and changeInvoluntary Digital TransformationInstantaneous Remote ExperimentIterative and Adaptive by NecessityShifting Success HorizonsTTWWADI ?!!?Paradoxical Humanity Infusion in 2DPeople's Side Cannot Be UnseenSame Storms; Different BoatsForced PrioritisationDe Facto ResilienceAnd it goes on, and on, and on…From Response to Evolution Here are links to some of the concepts we discussed:o The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*** - Mark Manson - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Subtle-Art-Not-Giving-Counterintuitive/dp/0062457713Tune in next week when we’re joined by Ines Lopes to discuss The Spiritual Project Manager.For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.comIf you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website.You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast.Proudly sponsored by:PlanAcademy.com | InEight.com | JustDo.com<
S8E189: Using change ninja skills to manage your life with Tammy Watchorn
December 2, 2024 • 01:02:52
In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Val Matthews speaks with Dr. Tammy Watchhorn about the intersection of change management, emotional intelligence, and neuroscience. They explore how emotions influence our reactions and responses in high-pressure environments, the importance of mental health awareness in project management, and practical tools for managing change. Tammy shares her personal journey of transformation and emphasizes the need for self-awareness and resilience in navigating workplace dynamics. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on the future of work and the importance of empowering individuals to take control of their work environments. Takeaways Emotions play a crucial role in how we react to change. Understanding neuroscience can help us manage our responses. Recognizing physical sensations is key to emotional regulation. Choosing to respond rather than react leads to better outcomes. Building resilience is essential in high-pressure environments. Mental health awareness is increasingly important in project management. Emotional intelligence can be developed and applied in the workplace. Navigating difficult conversations requires empathy and understanding. Neurodiversity should be acknowledged and accommodated in teams. Empowering individuals leads to a more engaged and productive workforce. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Book Inspiration 04:24 Understanding Neuroscience in Change Management 07:31 Awareness and Emotional Responses 10:20 Managing Stress and External Pressures 13:03 Mental Health and Project Management 15:57 Emotional Intelligence and Personal Growth 19:02 Navigating Team Dynamics and Neurodiversity 22:00 The Role of Technology in Work-Life Balance 24:54 High-Performing Teams and Personal Choice 27:34 AI and the Future of Work 30:13 Training and Resources for Change Management 33:47 Final Thoughts and Conclusion Proudly sponsored by Deltek
S8E198: PMO Conference 2024 - Live in Edinburgh
January 30, 2025 • 01:01:07
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.
S4E92: Rewilding Organisations & Minimal Interference approach to change with Jo Lucas
October 24, 2021 • 01:19:43
In this episode, Dale and Val catch up with Jo Lucas and approach change and organisations in a fascinating and intriguing podcast. Change is amongst us all and how we, therefore, improve or create the right motive for change will take more than formal networks. Jo talks about her background and her mission to leverage the study of natural systems and apply them to real-world problems. Jo dives into what she calls the 'shadow organisation where formal networks are not the only way projects operate. Jo draws inspiration from natural systems and explains how this occurs within the organisation. To improve, grow and change it may be useful to decide how we use language and how we rewild projects by developing a relationship-based approach. Jo is the director of Co.Cre8 a consultancy, which brings the visionary together with the practical. Jo lead from within project organisations focussing as much on context and relationships, as on process and governance to create functioning networks that deliver. I bring systems thinking to the human networks which build up around large infrastructure projects and is a curious seeker of new ways of shaping them, that is more in harmony with the natural world. Jo also leads Ego to Eco, an initiative to connect together across organisational and institutional boundaries supporting our industry in these ecologically and socially stretched times to find new ways of working together. Jo has over 20 years of experience in implementing change within complex and ambiguous environments, including HS2, TfL, CITB, UCL, BAA, ODA, World Food Programme and Network Rail. She chartered as a civil/structural engineer in Australia before transitioning into implementing change on major infrastructure projects in London. You can check out the Ego to Eco story here For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Proudly sponsored by PlanAcademy.com JustDo.com InEight.com Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it!
S3E63: Everything you need to know about Change Management with Paul Major
April 5, 2021 • 01:13:38
In this episode, Val and Dale get super geeky about change, psychology and people. Change is all around us and one of the key challenges when delivering a project. We're joined today by Paul Major. Paul has over 20 years of experience in leading and...
S5E120: Silent Discussions: Professional Collaboration with Al Simmonite & Alexander Shakespeare
May 23, 2022 • 01:14:43
In this episode, Dale and Val talk to Al Simmonite and Alexander Shakespeare from Advance on what is Professional Collaboration. This touches on a subject close to all of us. When it comes to projects what is needed from leadership? how do we establish the right cultures and values? According to our guests, Professional Collaboration is the ability, license, and courage for teams to openly discuss and resolve contentious subjects not only in a collaborative way but also as a mechanism to reinforce the collaboration between them. Al Simmonite is a dynamic and experienced leader with a proven track record in delivering complex programmes and change initiatives of significant value in a multi-functional and dynamic environment in both the public sector and in a FTSE 100 global company. Able to simplify complex issues and identify clear value drivers. A skilled and highly confident presenter, communicator and facilitator, experienced in managing diverse (culturally and geographically) stakeholders and motivating teams to deliver the best value. Significant experience in safety-critical and quality management environments. A pragmatic and decisive individual who thrives on challenge and change and demonstrates innovation and vision. Always on the lookout for new ideas and fresh thinking. • Leadership at up to Board level with a focus on accountability and empowerment • Leadership of large teams, small teams, virtual teams, cross-functional teams • Portfolio, Programme and Project management (qualified MSP, APM(Q), Prince 2) • Change and transformation management • End-2-End collaborative working (Supply chain through to Customer) • Risk and opportunity management as an integral part of business operations • Developing pragmatic project control, compliance and governance environments • Stakeholder development and management. • Communication and engagement strategies • Performance and process improvement • Customer and Supplier Relationship Management Alexander Shakespeare is a leader, manager and business consultant with a proven record of achievement and high performance in Leadership Development, Transformation and Change Management. MBA, Project Manager and Business Coach qualified with Board level exposure to developing relationships and managing stakeholders, risk and strategic analysis to plan, implement and succeed in complex multi million-pound projects and demanding environments. Driven, committed and innovative. An empathetic leadership style to build successful relationships, coach and mentor teams; creating fun, vibrancy and a positive, business winning culture. Key Skills: • Strategy development: delivery of innovative and dynamic solutions. • Transformation and Change: assessing the impact of change, developing solutions and creating plans tailored to needs of the programme or project. • Leadership Development: improving and developing talent agendas to support operational performance. • Programme & Project Management: project planning, scheduling and implementation. • Business & Personal Coach: Developing team and individual performance, aligning business strategy and success with people Proudly Sponsored by: JustDo.com InEight.com PlanAcademy.com (discounted training) Prosci.com (free resources)
S6E149: Five Levers for Change with Tony Welch
December 27, 2022 • 01:24:37
In this week’s pod, we were joined by Tony Welch to discuss the five levers for change. Following a career in the Royal Navy, Tony has had a wide and varied career in industry, rooted in project controls, assurance and programme management. He has operated at the senior executive level and has a track record of business/programme turnarounds, transformational change and performance improvement. Military and civilian careers have provided business, profit and loss and programme management experience in defence and aerospace, information technology/systems and transportation. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: Five Levers for change Lever 1: Anticipation and continuity Lever 2: Empowering to deliver Lever 3: Supporting teams Lever 4: Transversal learning Lever 5: Attracting and recognising Businesses are more open to changing their ways of working following the pandemic. People are also working more flexibly which is enabling internal mobility within organisations Anticipating learning and development needs is difficult when trying to implement training across a multi-national organization. It is important to work with Project Management associations and assess competencies across an industry benchmark Peer reviews of projects from a technical and project management perspective should take place throughout the project life-cycle as opposed to only being performed when a project is in difficulty Operational leadership is about creating an environment that is challenging but supportive Task, team, organization – people work for people not organisations For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Proudly sponsored by: JustDo - https://www.justdo.com/ InEight - https://ineight.com/ Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it! #ProjectManagement #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership #Culture #ProjectCertifications
S6E131: Ninja Moves on Projects with Dr Tammy Watchorn
August 21, 2022 • 01:06:21
In this episode Dale and Val talk with Dr Tammy Watchorn about change management approaches in Tammy's Ninja Moves book release this week https://www.amazon.com/Change-Ninja-Handbook-interactive-adventure/dp/1788603702 Dr Tammy Watchorn trained as a scientist before moving into the complex landscape of healthcare to lead change. After some slow starts she began to realise that her hard-won accreditation in the process of change leadership was meaningless: the only way to achieve success was to focus on people. By understanding those involved in change as individuals, not ‘stakeholders’, she developed a pragmatic way of making progress by stealth using ‘ninja’ moves. Her own neuro-atypical approach allows her to see things differently, to look at the whole rather than the parts, and to help others to see things differently too. There’s no accreditation or one-size-fits-all process for Change Ninjas but there is now, at least, a handbook. Tammy shares her stories and her approach to leading change widely on social media and in national media and industry publications. She’s also a regular keynote speaker at conferences. Proudly sponsored by: JustDo - https://www.justdo.com/ InEight - https://ineight.com/
S4E95: Digital Transformation and the differences between PMO and PM with Dr Harris Apostolopolos
November 14, 2021 • 01:15:14
In this episode, Dale and Val talk to Dr Harris about the various definitions of Transformation, Digital, PMO and PM. Dr Harris is a visionary strategy executive, author and speaker with two decades of diverse industry exposure, highly skilled and experienced in international and multicultural business environments. Led and directed a plethora of large scale, complex project portfolios and programs (20 countries, up to $1.65 billion value and benefits of $178 million). Results-oriented, being capable to lead Business and Digital transformations, PMOs and sustainable strategy implementation, putting the pieces towards corporate excellence. Harris’s work often involves the integration of multiple strategy processes & tools taking into consideration diverse corporate environment factors, blended with change and risk management frameworks as well as, with global project management best practices (traditional / hybrid / agile). Personal Mantra: Being motivated by what others believe as complex and impossible to achieve. For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Proudly sponsored by; PlanAcademy.com InEight.com JustDo.com Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it!
S6E146: AI in Infrastructure and how it is going to change our cities with Rita Arrigo
November 27, 2022 • 01:14:50
In this week’s pod, we welcomed Rita Arrigo to discuss AI in Infrastructure and how it is going to change our cities.As a natural storyteller excited by the opportunities the tech world brings, Rita can translate complex technical ideas across the ‘IT divide’ to those less tech-minded, an enthusiastic advocate and sought-after speaker for many years on all thing's innovation and digital.The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: AI, Machine Learning and Spatial Computing are moving at a fast pace Most construction projects are using paper based documents on site despite the prevalence of digital technology There is not enough diversity in engineering which has led to a lack of challenging the status quo which is stifling disruption Digital Twin seeks to connect the past and predict the future AI can be used by governments to help them monitor and achieve COP 26/27 commitments Maturing of toolsets will give us higher capability and reduce the workload CEO’s now need to understand the digital technology their company provides rather than simply relying on the technical experts AI will never replace human interactions Blockchain help accelerate investment cycles for companies People always need visualizations – AI will support and enable this Technology will change the way we collect and store information on projects which will make the traditional “filing” system redundant We don’t perceive the world, we only see what we perceive Here are links to some of the topics we discussed: Project Hack 17: https://www.projectdataanalytics.co.uk/projecthack/ Click – BBC Tech show: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/n13xtmd5 NeRF Technology: https://blogs.nvidia.com/blog/2022/03/25/instant-nerf-research-3d-ai/ Responsible Metaverse Alliance: https://responsiblemetaverse.org/ Quantum Computing: https://www.quantamagazine.org/first-time-crystal-built-using-googles-quantum-computer-20210730/ Checkmate Humanity: https://checkmatehumanity.com/ Atlas of AI: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Atlas-AI-Kate-Crawford/dp/0300209576 Join us in two weeks when we speak to Dr Alan Barnard to discuss the theory of constraints & decision-makingFor more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.comIf you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website.You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast.Proudly sponsored by: JustDo - https://www.justdo.com/ InEight - https://ineight.com/Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it!
S8E177: AI in Project Delivery with James Garner
January 24, 2024 • 01:08:07
In this episode, the guest, James Garner, discusses the role of AI in project management and its future implications. He shares his origin story and how he got into the field of AI. The conversation covers the definition of AI in project management and the different levels of AI sophistication. The guest also talks about the pace of AI implementation and the factors that contribute to the fear and adoption of AI. The episode concludes with a discussion on the government's generative AI framework and the importance of making project data freely accessible. The conversation explores the changing landscape of construction, the benefits of AI in project functions, the evolution of associations with AI, governance and safeguarding AI, and various other topics related to AI and technology.Takeaways AI in project management is a broad term that encompasses various levels of AI sophistication, from simple automation to more advanced machine learning and neural networks. The future of project management with AI involves a gradual progression towards increased automation and predictability, allowing professionals to focus on value-added tasks. The pace of AI implementation in project management is expected to be gradual but exponential, with constant advancements and increasing adoption. The fear of AI in project management can stem from a lack of understanding, time constraints, and the rapid pace of technological change. Education and accessibility are key to overcoming these barriers. The government's generative AI framework and initiatives like data trusts are important steps towards making project data freely accessible and fostering collaboration in the industry. The construction industry is evolving with the adoption of AI, robotics, and 3D printing, leading to changes in site operations and improved safety. Consultancy services, such as engineering and architecture, can benefit from AI by streamlining workflows and providing innovative solutions. Associations like APM and RICS have a role in setting standards and guidelines for AI adoption in the construction industry. Governance and safeguarding of AI are crucial to protect data privacy and ensure responsible use of technology. Common misconceptions about AI include the belief that it is a recent development and the lack of understanding about its potential impact. Leadership is a combination of nature and nurture, with the potential for individuals to develop leadership skills through training and experience. Recommended book: 'The Singularity is Near' by Ray Kurzweil, which explores the future of AI and predicts the point at which machines surpass human intelligence. James, an accomplished data leader in the construction industry, began his journey as a Quantity Surveyor in 2000. After earning a first-class honours degree, he wrote his university dissertation on data and digitalisation in the construction sector. James quickly built a strong portfolio, becoming a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in 2002. In 2012, he was elected as a Fellow of RICS for his significant writing contributions to the RICS Black Book technical standards. Throughout his career, James has worked on prestigious projects, including buildings for Imperial College and various Oxford University Colleges. Whilst employed at Gleeds as a Quantity Surveyor, he became head of the Education sector for London. In 2020, James took on a new challenge as Head of Insights and Analytics at Gleeds. This opportunity allowed him to further his skillset and qualify as a data analyst in 2022, launching the company's data analytics and research capabilities. UK Gov paper - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/generative-ai-framework-for-hmg/generative-ai-framework-for-hmg-html#understanding-generative-ai James' newsletter - https://projectflux.beehiiv.com/subscribe Project Chatter is Proudly Sponsored by Deltek
S7E168: Barriers to Tech adoption in construction with Sarah Crawley
October 2, 2023 • 01:10:46
In this episode the boys talk to Sarah Crawley about the barriers to technology adoption on construction projects. Organisations play a really big part in the sense of they need to recognise that they need multiple stakeholders to input their knowledge and there needs to be a movement in capturing data that really matters not to keep other people in jobs or it's a tick box exercise according to Sarah. A senior project manager with varied construction management experience. Sarah specialised in mechanical and electrical healthcare projects, most recently at Mace.Sarah began developing software in 2019, working to build a tool that eliminated WhatsApp, email and paper. Initially working with Google for StartUps, she raised funding in 2022 with some of the largest investors in the built environment including Pi Labs, Nemetshcek, Samaipata and Accel. SymTerra launched in 2022 and is currently operational across over 300 Europe-wide construction, utilities and infrastructure projects for over 125 companies including Thames Water, MTREL, Kier, and Transport for London – from major platform extensions for Crossrail, to maintenance Rail Lines across the country, from a refurbishment of a caravan park in North Wales to a castle in the Scottish Highlands. Sarah was recognised by Construction News in 2023 as one of the top leading women in construction technical excellence. Proudly Sponsored By: InEight.com
S6E135: Embodied Carbon and Transformation with James Bowles and Jo Lucas
September 27, 2022 • 01:15:37
In this episode, Dale and Val talk to James and Jo about Zero and the embodied carbon movement to reduce the negative carbon impact the construction industry is having on the current and future climate. The ZERO mission is to create a new construction industry culture, that continuously measures and manages carbon through all project stages. It is critical that as an industry we unite and work together to solve our planet’s greatest problems and make sustainability of equal importance as cost, time and safety on every project. James has a mix of experience in engineering, construction and project delivery. He founded Freeform, a 4D modelling consultancy in 2010 and now runs "ZERO" a fast-growing carbon-focussed industry group.James has a mix of experience in engineering, construction and project delivery. He founded Freeform, a 4D modelling consultancy in 2010 and now runs "ZERO" a fast-growing carbon-focussed industry group. Jo has over 20 years of experience in delivering change within and between large and complex organisations, including TfL, HS2 Ltd., UCL, BAA, ODA and Network Rail. She started her career as a civil/structural engineer with Arup building bridges and likes to see the work she now does as building bridges of a different kind; those between teams and organisations. You can find more information here: https://www.zeroconstruct.com/ Proudly sponsored by: JustDo - https://www.justdo.com/ InEight - https://ineight.com/ Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it!
S4E94: Change, Leadership and Inspiration with Matt Levy
November 7, 2021 • 00:52:34
In this episode, Dale and Val speak with Matt Levy about his life and experiences leading to him becoming a world champion in life and in projects. This show we delve more into the habits, inspirations and motivations. Matt is a humble and dedicated person who is truly worth a listen to. Born 15 weeks prematurely, with cerebral palsy and vision impairment, Matthew has survived 50-plus operations – brain, heart, lungs, ears … you name it – to become the international swim star he is today. As is the case for the vast majority of Paralympic swimmers, Matt found the pool as part of his rehabilitation – to keep his body moving. But it was in 2000 when he realised he could be competitive, that the next 20 years of his life began to take shape. Matt Levy made his Paralympic debut in 2004 and won his first medal – gold in the men’s 4x100m medley 34 Points – in 2008. A five-strong haul at the 2010 International Paralympic Committee Swimming World Championships preceded his most successful Games campaign to date, with Matthew returning home from England’s London Aquatics Centre in 2012 with one gold, one silver and three bronze medals, and in 2016, he won a bronze medal in the men’s 200m individual medley SM7. As the reigning Commonwealth Games champion in the men’s 50m freestyle S7, and current S7 world record holder in the men’s 200m freestyle, = Outside the pool, Matthew is a member of Paralympics Australia’s Mob Leadership Team, and World Para-swimming‘s and Commonwealth Games Australia’s Athlete Advisory Groups. Matthew John Levy, OAM is an Australian Paralympic swimmer. At five Paralympic Games from 2004 to 2020, he has won three gold, one silver and six bronze medals on top of this he is a change analyst in finance. For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it! Proudly sponsored by; PlanAcademy.com InEight.com JustDo.com
S4E85: Delivering Perfect Projects and Why We Make a Mess of Them with Prof. Eddie Obeng
September 5, 2021 • 01:45:33
In this week’s pod, we welcomed Eddie Obeng to talk about how to deliver perfect, all engaging projects and why we actively and intentionally make a mess of them! Originally from Ghana, Eddie has a background in Chemical and Biochemical Engineering as well as Economics and Business Management. He started his career as an engineer at Royal Dutch Shell before becoming the youngest Executive Director of a European Business School when he moved to Ashridge Business School. He is the First author to popularise Project management through the Financial Times Best-seller All Change. Also author of 9 other books including Perfect Projects and New Rules for the New World as well as hundreds of articles and papers. He is also a world-class educator and has delivered TED talks. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: Some people forget what the job is about when they are paid. People need to ask why we are changing things People should not confuse transformation and projects Covid has shown the world that we need to transform If you know the definition, then it should not be classed as transformation It is rare for traditional project managers to be able to successfully deliver transformation projects as they typically know their scope whereas the answer is not always clear on transformation projects Sometimes Project Managers who deliberately let their complex projects fail often get more airtime and credit from the leadership teams because they know it is difficult to manage Most project reviews are backwards-looking, however, change constantly therefore management should be forward-looking rather than backwards There is no such thing as a hybrid project! Complexity without the fun is just hard work Leadership is about following. There is no need to overcomplicate this Incidence is not a useful guide to activity e.g. number of people using a PM methodology in a survey Bubble diagrams allow people to map out project complexity Here are links to some of the topics that were discussed: Eddie Obeng – TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/eddie_obeng_smart_failure_for_a_fast_changing_world Five Monkeys Experiment: https://workingoutloud.com/blog/the-five-monkeys-experiment-with-a-new-lesson Qube – Virtual Meeting Space: https://qube.cc/what-is-qube/ This episode is proudly brought to you by JustDo.com, PlanAcademy.com & InEight.com ----------------------------------------- Join us next week where we’re joined by Sarah Schutte to discuss how to make law work for the construction and engineering industry. For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it! Dale and Val
S2E26: Working with Change & The Data Experience with Michele Martin
July 5, 2020 • 01:03:35
In this episode we talk about the importance of data not only in projects but in business, the value of having change agents, and why so many resist technology. We discuss this with the co-founder of the Data Experience from Swinburne University,...
S9E204: AI Revolution in Project Management with Lawrence Rowland
August 25, 2025 • 01:42:06
In this episode, the hosts delve into the transformative role of AI in project management, discussing its evolution, practical applications, and the challenges of adoption. They explore the emergence of AI agents, their impact on consulting, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI integration in the workplace. The conversation also touches on the future of work, organisational changes, and the potential breakthroughs that AI may bring to the industry. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the interplay between knowledge, AI, and human experience. They discuss the importance of sharing knowledge, the balance between technology and human interaction, and the potential for AI to enhance project management. The dialogue also delves into philosophical perspectives on AI, the future of work, and the role of education in bridging the gap between technology and human understanding. The speakers emphasise the need for experimentation, collaboration, and a human-centric approach to technology, ultimately advocating for a fun and exploratory mindset in navigating the evolving landscape of AI.Key Takeaways People often feel stiffed by societal advances.Experimentation is key in understanding AI's capabilities.Building in public fosters confidence and knowledge sharing.AI should give us more time for human interaction.The transition to AI will be challenging for many.Humans often get in the way of technological progress.Education systems are struggling to adapt to AI.Generative models in AI mirror human intelligence.The meaning of life is not limited to intelligence.Chapters03:32 The Evolution of AI in Project Management06:16 Exploring AI Agents and Their Applications09:12 Practical Experiences with AI Agents11:54 The Future of Consulting and AI Integration14:31 The Role of AI in Organizational Structures17:32 Futurescaping: The Future of AI in Projects20:13 Overcoming Resistance to AI Adoption23:09 The Ethical Considerations of AI in Projects36:30 Creating Value in the Age of AI40:04 The Disappearance of Intermediaries44:05 The Future of Work and AI48:39 AI in Project Management53:55 Knowledge Transfer and AI01:06:22 Balancing Technology and Human Interaction01:09:52 The Future of AI and Human Interaction01:14:11 Ethics and Rights of AI01:17:24 Understanding AI's Role in Society01:24:30 Education and AI: Bridging the Gap01:33:53 Generative Intelligence: Human vs AI
S7E157:Streamlining Operations with Agile Controls: The Key to Business-As-Usual Performance with Ellen Mellington
April 6, 2023 • 01:10:25
In this week’s pod, we were joined by Ellen Mellington to discuss Streamlining Operations with Agile Controls: The Key to Business-As-Usual Performance. As a transformation and governance leader Ellen has delivered change portfolios and major projects in transport, healthcare and environment sectors. Having direct exposure to the challenges faced financially, culturally and commercially in delivering Public Services she has applied the right blend of governance and controls to achieve integration and collaboration. The aspect that she enjoys the most is supporting businesses to design successful operating models by connecting the dots between people, process, organisation and technology. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: - Agile processes are applicable to all projects, not just IT projects - Using waterfall processes can limit innovation within businesses - The main challenge around implementing agile controls is convincing businesses that Project Controls are a core function and not an optional extra - One of the challenges in convincing business leaders to adopt an agile mentality is that they are too reactive to change - Every organization should have a change management function Join us next time when we’re joined by Micah Piippo to discuss Planning Projects: Past, Present & Future For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Proudly sponsored by: InEight - https://ineight.com/ Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it! #ProjectManagement #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership #Culture
S4E82: Why Good Project Planners are like Gold Dust with Sunchana Johnston
August 15, 2021 • 01:19:09
This episode it proudly brought to you by JustDo.com, PlanAcademy.com & InEight.com. In this week’s pod, we welcomed Sunchana Johnston. We discussed why good planners are like gold dust. Originally from Croatia, Sunchana is a Chartered Program Professional, with over 25 years of experience consulting on complex transformational initiatives such as Brexit Programs in the financial industry, Fintech, EMEA telecoms, water utilities and UK civil service. The main topics discussed on the podcast were: The best planners need to demonstrate a level of secrecy given the volume of information they see Effective planners are effective storytellers Focus on whether you believe a candidate has a high level of intuition when trying to fill planning vacancies A senior planner should be able to demonstrate management of a 40,000+ line schedule and how they were able to shape it It is important for planners do not own their schedules. They need to be able to quietly influence the actual owners The most effective storytellers when discussing Brexit showed the day in the life of a prawn from capture in Scotland to a restaurant in Spain Effective planners will look for the business case to understand why their project exists The ability to transition between industries often depends on the speed of change. IT/Finance industries are evolving constantly whereas construction and defence industries are shower to change Always be learning! People need to constantly improve their skillsets to make themselves more employable The best planners will know their worth in the market. Companies will pay well for the best employees therefore it is important not to undersell yourself AI is coming, this will change how planning works. The industry should embrace this Links discussed: Good Planners are like Gold Dust - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/good-project-planners-like-gold-dust-sunchana-johnston/ ----------------------------------------- Join us next week where we’re joined by Dave Snowden to discuss Project Management under conditions of inherent uncertainty. For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it! Dale and Val
S3E72: Dealing with Organisational Change when implementing Project Systems with James Crowell
June 6, 2021 • 01:07:25
In this episode, Dale and Val talk about what it takes to effectively implement and a project management system, and more so how organisations need to adapt, adopt and grow with their chosen tool suite. Additionally, with so many tools out there, how to know when and what to implement. James Crowell shares his views all the way from Bangkok, Thailand. James is an Industry Consultant for Hexagon, based in Bangkok. In this role, James supports companies in their evaluation of EcoSys, Hexagon’s enterprise project performance software. He has a proven track record of working with leading project delivery companies to eliminate disparate spreadsheets and point solutions in favour of an enterprise project performance system that provides a consistent platform to standardize processes and boost project outcomes. James has international experience implementing the project management systems and holds a bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, a master’s degree in Business, and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). JustDo.com InEight.com PlanAcademy.com - save $75 on any course with this link - www.planacademy.com/chatter/ #projectmanagement #projectcontrols #projectplanning #projectriskmanagement #projectledaership
S9E209: Unlocking the Power of Reality Capture with Derek Lawrence
December 5, 2025 • 00:57:04
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.TakeawaysReality 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. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Reality Capture05:42 Derek's Journey into Reality Capture11:59 Understanding Reality Capture18:52 Integrating Reality Capture with Project Management22:43 Barriers to Adoption of Reality Capture30:47 Real-World Applications of Reality Capture42:46 The Future of Reality Capture and AI57:39 Final Thoughts on Digital Twins and Reality CaptureLinksThe Furze Underground Complex - https://youtu.be/QKTnx6F-XMo?si=oSfyOTvXwfkv2-gjIan Jenkins talking about Gaussian Splats in the Meta Quest 3 - https://youtu.be/s6ZYbBsbAas?si=NVVz7mHMckj9p5-JDerek's YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@twindltdDerek's LinkedIn page - www.linkedin.com/in/twindlderek
S6E132: Best Value Performance Management and Palms Up Approaches with Richard Plumery
September 5, 2022 • 01:06:35
In this episode, Val ventures in Han Solo fashion discussing the best value performance metrics approaches with Rich Plumery. Rich provides a non-linear and diverse background with which he credits his understanding of what works on projects. Rich discusses his findings and summation of the Project Controls 10 commandments Thou shall: 1) Eliminate systemic risks within the organization 2) Provide an unbiased objective view (verify ) 3) Focus more on critical risks and report on them more frequently 4) Keep risk management active and aware throughout the execution 5) Be where the work is more than where your desk is 6) Manage and report change rigorously and rapidly 7) More about analytical analysis than information production 8) Analyze trends and use leading indicators 9) Look forward with good planning and backward by using solid historical knowledge 10) Provide the best value by doing the other Nine Commandments (build credibility in our craft) You can also see further work here- https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/project-controls-ten-commandments-rich-plumery-pmp-evp/ Rich Plumery is an international speaker, published author and subject matter expert on project delivery and performance management. Rich is a Technical Board Director for the Association for the Advancement of Cost Engineering (AACE) International, which sets the guidelines for many of our industry practices. Rich has unique experiences outside the industry as he started and sold several businesses including a tactical supply business and sports performance coaching business teaching speed, power, agility and balance. This business coached hundreds of professional athletes and prepared over 200 college athletes for the NFL Combine. He also runs a foundation to support developmentally challenged adults in the local community. He has learned to apply many of the learnings from these unique experiences to capital project industry management and leadership. Rich has been with AECOM legacy companies since the late 80’s and his expertise covers every aspect of project delivery including risk management, planning, scheduling, cost control, change management, budgeting, engineering, design, construction, construction management, operations, contracts, finance, estimating, and performance management. This has led Rich to be innovative in creating approaches to overcome some of the industry's toughest challenges such as the conundrum of Earned Value false reads and manipulation vulnerabilities. Rich's Best Value Performance Management system was revealed in his seminal Best Value paper in 2013 published by AACE International. His current Palms Up approach to project and operational leadership is another game changer for project-based industries and beyond. Rich is currently the Senior Vice President of AECOM’s Project Delivery & Controls group for all the Americas regions. In his current role he is responsible for supporting project delivery (Project Management, Project Controls, Procurement, Quality, and Project Risk Management) for over 30,00 projects in the Americas and teaching and certifying over 7,000 Project Managers globally. Proudly sponsored by: JustDo - https://www.justdo.com/ InEight - https://ineight.com/
S5E123: The Philosophy of Project Management: 2nd Innings with Paul Goodge & Warren Beardall
June 13, 2022 • 01:30:45
In this week’s pod, we were re-joined by Paul Goodge and Warren for the second innings of the philosophy of Project Management. Paul is internationally regarded as a Programme Management and Change Management specialist. He is noted for his ability to swiftly and accurately diagnose issues and evolve solutions both from a technical and a behavioural point of view.Over his career he held a variety of roles both in line leadership and a number of functional responsibilities, providing him with insights across the whole of the enterprise. He has chaired or sat on a wide variety of internal and external committees and steering groups. An ex-Board member of the Association of Project Management he has continued to work very closely with the organisation and was in the first cohort to achieve Chartered Project Professional status. He is an avid long-distance walker, and worldwide traveller, and greatly enjoys music, reading, sport, fine food and wine in his spare time. He has recently commenced studying for a PhD. He lives in Wiltshire. Warren has 25 years of experience within the construction-related insurance industry. Three years ago Warren made a decision to reset his career. He joined a consulting practice offering specialist risk, internal control and assurance advice to large-scale construction and professional service providers. He also opted to return to university and read a mid-career MSc in Project Management, Finance, and Risk. Graduating with distinction in late 2020, and invigorated to bring a fresh challenge to the long-standing project paradox that plagues our industry. The interim conclusion of this ongoing research is that Partnerships were never truly there. And that this is deemed no different in our wider construction endeavour. The suggested answer to the paradox is that projects are either set up to collaborate, or they are set up to fail. That is what he is here to discuss...The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows:· Time-bound intended change (TIC) can be used as a definition of a project in order to challenge the existing definitions that usually encompass time/cost/quality· Association for Project Management (APM) / Project Management Institute (PMI) have a role to play in leading the discussion around challenging the existing thinking around projects· Organisations such as the Infrastructure and Projects Authority should be leading and challenging lessons learnt on major projects. Are the right people in the room?· How do we understand what knowledge is?· There is clear evidence that if there is enough leadership interest in personal agendas, it creates a long-term issue for the people who have to work under the leader· Clarity of vision and priority is key for a leader to be successful over a period of time· Information exchange is now immediate due to technology. This makes it more difficult to· Tragedy of the Commons (link below) is the perfect example of whether we will be successful from a sustainable standpoint in the 2020sHere are links to some of the topics we discussed:· Jo Lucas - Human-machine interoperability: What can we learn from the invention of the washing machine? - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/human-machine-interoperability-what-can-we-learn-from-jo-lucas/· Karl Jaspers – The Origin and Goal of History https://www.amazon.co.uk/Origin-Goal-History-Routledge-Revivals/dp/0415578809· Projects Within Projects Blog
S5E122: Data Design & behavioural Intelligence for Social Purpose and ESG with Kate McAlpine
June 5, 2022 • 01:15:32
In this episode Val and our special host guest Jo Lucas, go down the rabbit hole with Kate on many subjects related to her studies and fantastic work to help communities through informal networks and leveraging technology. Kate talks about people 'doing the right thing' after her thesis and book and how technology and qualitative community data is helping to change policy and inform us more deeply about changes, concerns and feedback. Kate has 25 years as a social entrepreneur in East Africa and the UK. Her multidisciplinary approach to strategy and scholarship is informed by her PhD in human and organisational systems and her theory of ‘Doing the Right Thing’ - how people resolve the dilemma of being responsible citizens in uncertain times. Her research and consultancy practice builds a critical mass of child protectors in East Africa, and uses mobile technology to learn from them how to resolve violence against women and children. Kate has an extensive professional network across corporate, government and civil society settings in the UK and East Africa who draw on her expertise as a strategist, researcher, advocate, coach and facilitator. If you would like to help, work with or support Kate she can be reached here. www.drkatemcalpine.co.uk www.citizens4change.net www.connectgo.co.uk @katemcalpine Proudly sponsored by: JustDo - https://www.justdo.com/ PlanAcademy - https://www.planacademy.com/chatter/ ($75 off any course) InEight - https://ineight.com/ Prosci - https://empower.prosci.com/project-ch... (FREE resource kit)
S8E176: ChatGPT Plus for Projects with Lawrence Rowland
January 12, 2024 • 01:23:38
Lawrence Rowland discusses the potential of ChatGPT and GPT in project management. He explains the differences between ChatGPT and GPT, highlighting the benefits of ChatGPT+ and the GPT Builder. Lawrence emphasises the importance of early adoption and experimentation with GPTs, as well as the need for entry-level tools to encourage wider adoption. He explores the role of GPTs in enhancing communication and information flow in project teams, and the potential for GPTs to disrupt and expedite various aspects of project management. Lawrence also discusses the upcoming ChatGPT Store and the possibilities of sharing and testing GPT use cases. He encourages project professionals to embrace the creativity and imagination enabled by GPTs and emphasises the importance of learning and exploring the capabilities of these models. The conversation explores the democratisation of projects and the changing role of project managers in the context of AI implementation. It discusses the flywheel effect of AI implementation and the potential impact on project success rates. The conversation also touches on ethics, education, alignment, and control issues related to AI. It highlights the importance of transparency and accuracy in AI projects and the need for ongoing discussions in society. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the future modes of AI interaction and their impact on the physical world. Takeaways ChatGPT and GPT offer low-code or no-code environments for project professionals to experiment and apply AI in their work. Early adoption of GPTs can help address resource scarcity and skill set challenges in project management. GPTs have the potential to enhance communication and information flow in project teams, enabling faster decision-making and problem-solving. The upcoming ChatGPT Store will provide a platform for sharing and accessing public GPTs, fostering collaboration and innovation in project management. Project professionals should start with the hardest questions when using GPTs and be open to exploring the capabilities and limitations of these models. AI implementation is increasing the democratisation of projects, allowing a broader range of people to run projects at different scales. The role of project managers is changing as AI takes on more implementation tasks, requiring project managers to focus on decision-making and conflict resolution. The flywheel effect of AI implementation leads to more data on project success and failure, improving the overall success rate of projects done through AI. Ethical considerations and education are important factors to address in the context of AI implementation. Transparency and accuracy in AI projects are crucial, and different approaches to AI centralization and decentralisation may impact these factors. Ongoing discussions and societal awareness are necessary to navigate the impact of AI on businesses and society. Future modes of AI interaction, such as video integration and task-based models, will further impact project management and the physical w Proudly Sponsored by Deltek
S6E136: Why Leadership is an Important Skill for Project Controls with Georgie Alderson-Slater & Vikki Rooney
October 2, 2022 • 01:24:29
In this week’s pod, we welcomed Georgie Alderson-Slater and Vikki Rooney to discuss why Project Controllers struggle to lead. Georgie is a Director for GeoVic Limited, a project controls training and development company that centers on PMO Transformation. She has 20 years of experience in Project Controls, Contract Management, Relationship Building & Management, and Effecting Change. Her background is in Oil and Gas, Defence & Nuclear. Vikki is a Project Controls professional with more than 15 years of experience in Planning and Project Controls. Vikki is passionate about Project Controls as a profession and firmly advocates professionalism and a pride in the work that we do to support successful project delivery.The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: The definition of project controls ultimately depends on the organization in which it is being used Integrity is the most important skill set for someone working in project controls Aim to challenge your stakeholders but in a personable manner – even in job interviews When looking for leaders, try to identify if people are “paying it forward” and sharing knowledge with team members You will gain followers over time as a leader, however, you should always start by being empathetic Do we focus more on leadership than “followership”? Early careers staff should try to focus on the detail and take advantage of their role by asking lots of questions Take charge of your personal development – apply the learning On-the-job learning is the best way to enhance both soft and technical teams Organisational culture comes from the top of the business. You can’t expect it to change from the middle downwards For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.comIf you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website.You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast.Proudly sponsored by: JustDo - https://www.justdo.com/ InEight - https://ineight.com/Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it!
S6E130: Digital Engineering in Construction, Why It Matters with Mathilde Roubille
August 14, 2022 • 01:05:19
In this week’s pod, we welcomed Mathilde Roubille to talk about Digital Engineering in Construction. Mathilde is a consultant with strong experience in embedding digital engineering (including BIM and Information Management) in large infrastructure projects. Coming from a structural engineering background, she leverages her technical experience on major projects (Riyadh Metro and Doha Metro in the Middle East) to enable a deep understanding of program and project delivery in complex environments. She is enthusiastic about making better use of data and information available at program and project levels to deliver better outcomes to the client and enable reliable data-driven decision making. Don't get her started on BIM, Information Management or Digital Engineering otherwise she might never stop talking! The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: There is no standard definition of digital engineering. Essentially it is trying to leverage information, data and technology to enable better decision making Digital engineers should ideally be linked to PMO or Project Controls in an organisation structure. This allows for better synergies There is not currently a degree / major in digital engineering It is important to understand the concepts of ISO19650 when implementing digital engineering There are close links with change management. This requires a focus on soft skills to help to enable transitions Digital engineering should be a team rather than an individual skillset Many projects are reluctant to implement digital engineering capability due to time constraints The main industry trends are around digital twin, smart cities and sustainability. In order to be successful, there needs to be a greater focus on benefit realization and sustainability – consider the whole project lifecycle There are professional qualifications for BIM which is helping to professionalise the industry Visualisation and interactivity of data and information are key to the future success of digital engineering on major projects Many surveying companies are reluctant to share information due to fear of losing commercial advantage. This has led to inefficiencies when re-surveys are required The best way to get into digital engineering is to focus on streamlining existing processes on projects Here are links to a some of the topics we discussed: ISO19650 BIM - https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/iso-19650-BIM/ BIM Community of Practice - https://bim.ie/about/our-board-members/ B1M - https://www.theb1m.com/ Tune in next time when we’re joined by Tammy Watchorn to discuss ninja moves on projects.For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.comIf you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website.You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Proudly sponsored by: JustDo - https://www.justdo.com/ InEight - https://ineight.com/
S5E115: Moving the Needle - The Project Data Analytics Hackathons with Martin Paver
April 17, 2022 • 01:13:23
In this week’s pod, we welcomed back Martin Paver to discuss what’s been happening in the Project Data Analytics Hackathons Martin is the CEO and Founder of Projecting Success, a consultancy that specialises in leveraging project data to transform project delivery; from high end strategic consultancy through to apprentice training. He has led a $1bn megaproject and a multi $billion portfolio office. He is the founder of the Project Data Analytics community, comprising ~6,000 members who share a passion for leveraging the exhaust plume of project data. He regularly blogs and presents at international conferences, helping to ignite the professional imagination and inspire change. He is also the co-chair of the Project Data Analytics Task Force and is helping to lead the charge for disruptive change. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: · Many project professionals do not realise they are working with data but see it individual cost / schedule toolsets · We need to think differently, too many projects have failed using the Prince 2 / APM methodologies · 9,000 people are currently in the project data analytics community. We do not have enough data to back up the knowledge and skills of the individuals which will lead to better decisions · Need to do more work to get the solutions adopted within organisations · Data from construction companies will have an independent “steward” to monitor the usage of the information · Hackathons bring a variety of Project Professionals together to solve problems. The teams are made up of data analysts, project managers, students to ensure a diversity of thought · The investment in data analytics has increased 100 fold in the last year · Change is happening. Some people will choose to not evolve their skillsets and risk becoming harder to employ · Jeff Bezos “I want people in my team who are right most of the time”. Data supports leaders to justify business decisions based on past performance · There needs to be a support eco-system to incentivize using analytics and demonstrating the benefits · If you are interested in contributing to the Project Data movement, the following options are available o Join the London Data Analytics Meetups (past videos on website) o Attend the Project Hacks o Get trained up. Join the apprenticeship Here are links to some of the topics we discussed: · Project Hack 15: https://www.projectdataanalytics.co.uk/projecthack/ · Cognitive Biases: https://www.teachthought.com/critical-thinking/cognitive-biases/#:~:text=The%20Cognitive%20Bias%20Codex%3A%20A%20Visual%20Of%20180%2B%20Cognitive%20Biases&text=In%20a%20single%20image%2C%20we,we%20might%20begin%20to%20improve · Top Ten Behavioral Biases in Project Management: An Overview: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3979164 Tune in next week when we’re re-joined by Nick Fewings to talk about achieving high-performance teamwork and greater success. For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Proudly sponsored by: JustDo - https://www.justdo.com/ PlanAcademy - https://www.planacademy.com/chatter/ ($75 off any course) InEight - https://ineight.com/ Prosci - https://empower.prosci.com/project-chatter/ - (FREE resource kit) Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it! #ProjectManagement #Blockchain #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership #Culture #ProjectCertifications TeachThoughtTeachThought The Cognitive Biases List: A Visual Of 180+ Heuristics Cognitive biases are tendencies to selectively search for or interpret data in a way that confirms one's existing beliefs. Written
S4E93: High Performance & Resilience in projects with Dominic Siow
October 31, 2021 • 01:31:55
In this week’s pod we welcomed Dominic Siow to talk about performance and resilience in projects. Dominic is co-founder of EQ Strategist, a company with a mission to help create empowering workplaces where people wake up each and every day inspired to deliver extraordinary outcomes for their organisations. Prior to his present vocation, Dominic was a senior operations manager for IBM Australia and VP of Product Development at grapevine Technologies. Dominic has previously contributed as speaker and mentor at the Magic Moments Youth Leadership and Business Summit and as a Senior Leader at Robbins Research International events across Australia since 2003. He is the author of the Amazon Best Seller “What’s GREAT about this? How to be Resilient and Thrive through Disruption and Change.” The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: Storytelling is important especially in times of change. People need to be led and inspired Workplace culture is the shared beliefs and values of a team “what people do when the managers aren’t around” One of the main challenges in projects is that we have capable project managers but a lack of capable leaders. Aligning people on the right behaviours will inspire teams i Of the three employee types: Engaged employees outperform satisfied employees by 38% in productivity, inspired employees outperform satisfied employees by 149% Many companies do not look for inspiration when making recruitment decisions. Experience is often the sole driver Do not underestimate the importance of the storming process when creating a team. A leader needs to align the team on the ethos they want to engender All teams need to have a common purpose. Think about the outcomes of the project; the ‘why’ rather than the ‘when’ and ‘how’ Humans are motivated by purpose. If the why is big enough then the how finds a way Are your KPI’s outcome focussed? PM’s aren’t trained in managing politics in an organisation As a Project Manager you should not be motivated by your project not failing, you should not be afraid of telling the story to the management before it is too late for them to react Aligning diverse skillsets within a team is a challenge that PM’s must overcome. The diversity will give you a better view of the solution Choose to be curious! Resilience is the difference between reacting and responding to problems There are over 6000 human emotions but generally people are either in fear or in love Links to some of the topics discussed: Dominic Siow – What’s Great About This?: https://www.amazon.co.uk/WHATS-GREAT-ABOUT-THIS-DISRUPTION/dp/0648018601 Lencioni – Five Dysfunctions: https://www.tablegroup.com/topics-and-resources/teamwork-5-dysfunctions/ Proudly sponsored by: PlanAcademy.com | JustDo.com | InEight.com ----------------------------------------- Join us next week when we’re joined by Olympic gold medallist Matt Levy to discuss change and leadership. For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it! Dale and Val
S4E89: Effective stakeholder engagement with Elizabeth Harrin
October 3, 2021 • 00:57:54
In this week’s pod we welcomed Elizabeth Harrin to talk about effective stakeholder engagement. Elizabeth Harrin is an author, trainer and mentor who helps people juggle their projects and ditch the overwhelm. She does that through straight-talking, real-world advice, based on her 20 years in project management roles. Elizabeth is a Fellow of the Association for Project Management who has written 6 books about project management. She also writes the award-winning blog, A Girl’s Guide to Project Management. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: · Project Managers do not and cannot manage people’s behaviour. It is arrogant to think you can · There is a need for people to feel valued within projects and organisations · How can you create a compelling story so people understand why the project needs to happen? · Try to condense your project story into two sentences so people can understand · Measuring engagement will always be subjective · Do you get the behaviour change you are expecting? · Do behaviours change actions or do actions change behaviours? · Try to understand the motivations of your teams even if you differ on some traits · Always try and find the easiest way to get your message across. This can be via phone calls, email, Kanban boards · The visibility of governments in holding daily press conferences to discuss the pandemic helped to manage the message around what was happening. People will make their mind up if there is a lack of communication · The power / influence matrix is outdated, we should be measuring the stakeholder life-cycle · Be curious when you receive blockers in the workplace. Try to understand what is driving certain behaviours Here are links to some of the topics that were discussed: Girl’s Guide to Project Management - https://www.girlsguidetopm.com/ This episode is sponsored by PlanAcademy.com, JustDo.com, and InEight.com. ----------------------------------------- Join us next week when we’re joined by Americo Pinto from the PMO Global Alliance. For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it! Dale and Val
S4E80: The Positive Project Manager, Lean & Six Sigma with Kasper Dixon
August 1, 2021 • 01:30:39
This episode is proudly brought to you by PlanAcademy.com, JustDo.com, and InEight.com. In this week’s pod, we were supposed to speak to Dr. Dan Patterson but unfortunately, he is unwell. In his place, we welcomed Kasper Dixon to talk about positive Project Management, Lean and Six Sigma Kasper is a Programme Delivery Manager working for the Major Projects Directorate within Transport for London on the £5.6 billion Four Lines Modernisation Project. He is a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt trainer and is passionate about leading through example with positivity and encouragement. The main topics discussed: · There are many high performing projects that do not get the same level of management focus or recognition as failing projects · Positivity is something to focus on in personal lives not just in the workplace · Empathy is critical for leaders. Always try to understand the frustrations of stakeholders who are not onside immediately · Turn the saboteurs into advocates by being authentic and working tirelessly to reach the desired goals · Leadership perception has fundamentally changed over the last 30-40 years. Less stick, more carrot! · People simply do not respond to the stick. They want encouragement to achieve their goals · Leaders need to stop, look back and celebrate success when critical milestones are achieved · Tips for difficult conversations: Having the conversation is often the answer. Never avoid issues Identify why there is an issue Don’t be overly optimistic, talk about the issues and reflect on it · Six Sigma provides a structure for people to see a task from start to finish. It provides a structure for people · Unfortunately, there are no actual belts for achieving Six Sigma! · Six Sigma is applicable to every project and every function. · Construction industry is slow to embrace this, does not gain the right level of focus · Six Sigma training is available online. It is not essential to undertake in-person training. It does help to talk and work through the concepts with other collaborators · It will make you a more marketable employee · VANVA – Value Add / Non-Value Add · Always ask the 5 Why’s when reviewing a process. (it really is five why’s!) · Post-it notes are the best process mapping tool! · Always challenge words that begin with “re” – they are more likely to be processes that are wasteful Some of the topics that were discussed: 5 Laws of Lean Six Sigma - https://www.shmula.com/understanding-the-5-laws-of-lean-six-sigma/26626/ Minitab – Statistical process tool - https://www.minitab.com/en-us/ Miro – Online whiteboard - https://miro.com/ ----------------------------------------- Join us next week where we’re joined by Tim Creasey for a deep dive into Change Management & Project Management. For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it!
S9E206: Fast Forward to the Past – Dodging the bullets of tech trends like AI to deliver perfect projects with Prof. Eddie Obeng
September 24, 2025 • 01:03:19
In this episode, Val and Dale engage with Professor Eddie Obeng to explore the multifaceted implications of AI in today's world. They discuss the hype surrounding AI, its potential benefits and challenges in various sectors, particularly healthcare and governance. The conversation emphasizes the importance of human elements in technology, the need for a balanced perspective on AI's role in society, and the necessity of dreaming a better future rather than getting swept up in the gold rush mentality.📖 All Change! [Project Chatter Edition]TakeawaysAI is both a potential savior and a threat.The hype around AI often overshadows its practical applications.Understanding the human element is crucial in technology adoption.Persuasion plays a significant role in the AI gold rush.AI can enhance healthcare but must be approached cautiously.The future of work will be shaped by how we integrate AI.Governance can benefit from AI, but ethical considerations are paramount.Community values should guide the implementation of AI.AI's limitations must be acknowledged to avoid over-reliance.Dreaming a better future is essential for meaningful progress.Chapters00:00 The AI Gold Rush: Promise or Peril?13:19 Understanding AI: Tools vs. Jobs22:40 The Human Element in Technology31:49 Leadership in the Age of AI33:09 Evolve, Dominate or Die: The New Business Paradigm34:32 Harnessing AI: A Practical Approach38:49 The Human Element in AI and Technology41:07 AI in Healthcare: Opportunities and Challenges44:47 Reimagining Community and Governance with AI56:32 The Future of AI in Administration and Decision Making
S9E205: Replicability of the Montreal REM Model with Riccardo Cosentino
September 8, 2025 • 00:42:24
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.TakeawaysThe 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Background03:24 Understanding Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)06:11 The REM Project Overview08:56 Funding and Risk Management in the REM Project11:55 Calculating Returns and Land Value Capture14:33 Governance and Project Delivery17:21 Long-Term Perspectives and Lifecycle Management22:47 Changing Dynamics in Project Management24:35 Governance and Change Management in Projects26:38 Replicating Successful Project Models29:08 Applying the Model Beyond Rail Projects31:07 Reporting Mechanisms and Governance Structures33:55 Skill Sets for Successful Project Delivery35:39 Advice for Aspiring Project Professionals37:27 Resilience in Today's Project Challenges39:40 Future of the CDPQ Model and Its Replicability
S7E171: Enhancing risk maturity in your operating environment with Colin McCorery & Jessie Schilling
November 5, 2023 • 01:18:31
In this episode Dale and Val talk about the application and importance of risk in projects and more importantly the maturity, training and development of best risk practices and cultures. Colin is a Risk Management professional with 25 years experience across many industry sectors and countries. He is the current and founding Chair of the Institute of Risk Management Regional Group Australia and the Trainer for the institute of Risk Management training course in Australia. Outside of the work environment Colin like to keep fit by boxing and cardio fitness. Family man, married with 3 children. Jessie Schilling combines creative and Infrastructure intelligence, Jessie is a management consultant within HKA's Advisory team. At the core of her work are processes and people, where she seeks to implement agile strategies and solutions within complex project environments. Jessie is positioned in the Integrated Project Services stream with specialisation in risk management, change control and portfolio alignment and performance with a focus on process improvement. For over five years she has operated in the project controls environment on rail infrastructure projects and is a champion for leveraging cross-industry learnings. Links: Jessie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-schilling/ Colin on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-mccrorey/ IRM Australian Regional group: https://www.theirm.org/join-our-community/regional-groups/australia/ Proudly Supported by InEight.com thank you guys, your support means everything.
S7E167: newPM - Human-centric data-driven project delivery with Donnie MacNicol and Jonathan Norman
August 30, 2023 • 01:38:00
In this episode the fellas talk about the role and future of the newPM and explore how Project Managers will move toward a data-centric project environment and just what does that men for project delivery? Donne and Jonathan are approaching this differently, they are focusing on the human centred approach, and in a world of tech, gadgets and information, perhaps this is what projects really need? Donnie MacNicol is the founder of Team Animation which works across multiple sectors energising leaders and teams delivering complex change to maximise value and certainty of success through a focus on the human dimension. Donnie acts as a catalyst to support organisations to improve their collaboration and productivity – aspects that will be critical to tackling the many challenges we face today including climate change and in particular in meeting the NetZero target Jonathan Norman was a business publisher for 26 years, specialising in topics including project and programme management. Following six years as Knowledge Manager at the Major Projects Association, he now works freelance as project strategy and knowledge consultant, specialising in communities of practice, as as a freelance development editor for business book authors. A big thanks to our sponsor for making our podcast happen. InEight.com
S7E164: Swimming against the tide The Next Gen PMO with Rupert Taylor
July 2, 2023 • 01:23:25
In this episode Dale and Val talk with Rupert about the next generation of PMO, how important the facets of PMO are and why we need to continue to build out these particular skills on projects. Rupert has over 35 years immersed in the leadership of change programmes and portfolios. Rupert founded Kivue Limited in 2013 responding to the need for a simple to use, outcome focussed PPM tool for optimising portfolios. Rupert specialises in working with executive teams to support more effective collective and individual leadership of transformation projects, programmes and portfolios and his mantra is to 'keep it simple' in order to increase chances of success. Rupert lives in Oxford with his wife Susie, has 3 grown up (sometimes!) children and his 'a bit different' fact is that he took 2 years off in 2003, bought an olive farm and lived up a mountain in Andalusia, Spain with his family having an adventure with olives! Special thanks to our sponsor: InEight.com
S7E155: Project Controls and Systems Thinking on Heavy Rail with Hezron Ricketts
March 6, 2023 • 01:13:43
In this week’s pod, we were re-joined by Hezron Ricketts to discuss Box to Box: the 'Black' boxes of Controls and Systems. Director of PMO Services at CPC Project Services, Hezron has 19 years working in Projects and Programmes as well as building a consultancy business and business units. Working across the construction, rail, defence to name a few, he enjoys the challenge of delivery and the importance of setting up projects and organisations for success. Hezron has a passion for bringing technological and cultural change in addition to improving diversity within the project profession. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: The annual timetabling of trains is more complex than people give it credit for due to the number of competing priorities to maintain and upgrade existing assets Railway systems need to be engaged up to 20 years before a new train system goes live The building and maintenance of a railway system forms part of an overall national strategy. The new High Speed Rail line in the UK is about freight and capacity as well as improving journey times. Railways are cheaper to maintain than roads although rail asset maintenance costs increase every year the asset diminishes In countries like Australia, it has become easier to create flight paths instead of high speed rail because of the geographical considerations of the country where the majority of people live near the coast The testing and commissioning phase of major rail projects can rarely be shortened. Projects often try to shorten this when the earlier stages start to become delayed. Major rail projects are often backwards looking in their management reporting. There needs to be a step change to use forward looking indicators Join us next time when we’re joined by Shane Forth to discuss Navigating the Project Control Landscape: A Journey Through the Decades and Beyond. For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Proudly sponsored by: InEight - https://ineight.com/ Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it! #ProjectManagement #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership
S7E154: EQ, IQ, and MQ: Unlocking Essential Skills with ACostE President Christine McLean
February 19, 2023 • 01:12:19
In this week’s pod, we were joined by Christine McLean to discuss EQ, IQ, and MQ: Unlocking the Power of Softer Skills Christine is the newly elected president of the ACostE, the professional home for project controls. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the utilities, oil and gas and nuclear sectors. She gained her fellowship in 2018 and is a certified cost engineer. Two years ago she transitioned from working in Project Controls to teaching Project Controls and wrote the first Academic Certificate in Project Controls in the US, which can now be taken as part of university studies. She is also a route panel member for IFATE, RQF Assessor, End Point assessment assessor and governor of her daughter's school. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: There are currently 1,700 members of ACostE. Short term goal is to promote diversity within the industry Schools generally teach students to pass exams rather than focusing on communication skills which are essential for success in the workplace Exam results are not the best way of assessing someone’s capability for a role MQ – Motivation Quotium Seek feedback – always ask trusted friends and family to provide honest feedback Whilst you can train yourself to improve your Emotional Intelligence, it should be done in an authentic way. If you are unsure how someone is feeling, just ask them It is more common to be motivated by development and wanting to change the world Many Gen Z employees are motivated by wanting to make a difference to the world but do not know how to go about this Here are links to some of the topics we discussed: ACostE - https://acoste.org.uk/node/1 Join us next time when we’re re-joined by Hezron Ricketts to discuss Box to Box: the 'Black' boxes of Controls and Systems. For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Proudly sponsored by: InEight - https://ineight.com/ Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it!
S6E150: Project Controls in Design & Engineering stages with Paul Waskett
December 30, 2022 • 01:12:00
In this week’s pod, we were joined by Paul Waskett to discuss Project Controls in design and engineering stages. Paul is a Director of Adept Management where he takes responsibility for the development of their Project Controls tools and services, as well as supporting clients and projects across the construction industry. Since 2014, Paul has been supporting two major rail projects. He is a Mechanical Engineer by background and has over 20 years’ experience in Design Management and Project Controls. In addition, Paul has spent time working in central government, where he managed a construction innovation budget, and as a researcher where he developed some of Adept Management's innovative approaches to design planning and management. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: There is generally more scrutiny on the construction part of a design and build contract however both need equal attention in order to manage projects effectively Design planning is not as linear as other types of programmes. There are generally more interdependencies and iterations of designs Build a WBS and identify relevant activities and inputs before starting the planning process As the project is delivered, the Last Planner System can be used to monitor progress Using % complete to measure design progress can be difficult to implement consistently Working from home has made it more difficult to promote communication and problem solving in major projects as the relevant stakeholders are not collaborating as often as they would in an office based environment Earned Value Management only works when rules of credit are in place and all stakeholders are aware of the limitations of it being the sole measure of progress Digital twin can help engineers to assess the effect of what may seem like a small scale change on a design It is prudent to have a sole interface between engineering and project management in order to deliver a consistent message One of the key challenges for Engineering Managers is to get the “commitment” from the engineering team(s) to deliver to a specified date or budget Here are links to some of the topics we discussed: The Latham Report – Constructing The Team: https://constructingexcellence.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Constructing-the-team-The-Latham-Report.pdf Adept Management: https://www.adeptmanagement.com/ Last Planner System: https://leanconstructionblog.com/What-is-the-Last-Planner-System.html Join us next week when we speak to Tony Welch to discuss five levers for change. For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website.You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Proudly sponsored by: JustDo - https://www.justdo.com/ InEight - https://ineight.com/ Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it! #ProjectManagement #Engineering #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership #Culture
S6E148: We're rubbish at promoting the Project profession with Paul Goodge
December 19, 2022 • 00:59:02
In this week’s pod, we welcomed back Paul Goodge to discuss why we’re bad at promoting the industry. Paul is internationally regarded as a Programme Management and Change Management specialist. He is noted for his ability to swiftly and accurately diagnose issues and evolve solutions both from a technical and a behavioural point of view. In all of his most senior roles he successfully implemented Capability Improvement Plans that received significant praise both internally and with the customer base. Over his career he held a variety of roles both in line leadership and a number of functional responsibilities, providing him with insights across the whole of the enterprise. He has Chaired or sat on a wide variety of internal and external committees and steering groups. An ex-Board member of the Association of Project Management he has continued to work very closely with the organisation and was in the first cohort to achieve Chartered Project Professional status. He achieved an MBA from Cranfield University in 1994. Paul retired from full-time employment in 2012 and enjoys a wide range of interests. His portfolio encompasses consultancy work to various companies, the P3M profession, Executive Coaching and extensive work with various charities, operating locally, nationally and internationally. He is an avid long-distance walker, world-wide traveller, and greatly enjoys music, reading, sport, fine food and wine in his spare time. He has recently commenced studying for a PhD. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: Whilst there isn’t much quantitative data on the subject, most Project Management professionals would agree that we are not great at promoting the industry There are not many case studies that people can refer to that show the benefit of project management Whose responsibility is it to promote the industry? Everyone’s! The associations also have a role to play in sharing knowledge within the industry as well as promoting it Not enough is currently done in terms of outreach programmes to attract graduates and students into the profession. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) have done this successfully in the UK Failure to entice a diverse range of candidates into the profession will cause issues in years to come Gamification and simulation of projects could be a way of promoting the benefits of project management to schoolchildren Groups such as Project Connect Group are helping to promote networking within the industry. The associations also have a role to play in this We are all ambassadors for the industry – be proud! Join us next week when we speak to Paul Waskett to discuss Project Controls in design and engineering stages For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Proudly sponsored by: JustDo - https://www.justdo.com/ InEight - https://ineight.com/ Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it! #ProjectManagement #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership #Culture #ProjectCertifications
S6E144: Unlocking Productivity from the Hard Hat Movement with Will Woodhead
November 20, 2022 • 01:09:21
In this week’s pod, we welcomed Will Woodhead to discuss unlocking productivity from the hardhat movement. Will is an engineer by trade who has spent nearly his entire career to date working overseas. At age 21 he was sent to Dalian in northern China for a year by his employer to work on a floating production platform. We Will then move to a further 7 different countries in Asia and West Africa working on the design, construction and offshore installation of oil & gas facilities. During this time Will went back to University in Shanghai, and learnt to speak, read and write Mandarin. Nearly 20 years later he started Mafic, a construction tech company that has created an alternative payment mechanism that allows tradespeople to get paid a bonus if they graft.It works by recognising the activity someone is doingfrom the movement of their head alone. The system can detect very subtle changes in productivity and schedule and hence in aggregation can be used to understand exactly how a construction site is performing and where the biggest opportunities in productivity and health and safety lie. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: Productivity is simply the cost per unit of work done. This allows companies to look at the bottom line and allows meaningful comparisons between methods of working Efficiency doesn’t focus on individual outputs but is more linked to wastage Effectiveness is based on the objective you are trying to achieve e.g. profit or net zero targets Productivity means looking at problems with fresh eyes and trying a different approach There are many ways in which projects should look to define success outside of the traditional iron triangle (time, cost, quality). This could be in the form of environmental benefits, upskilling local economies, social responsibility There is a huge value in having a diversity of thought and experience in project teams to drive productivity People generally work at the same rate but the more productive people have less “wastage” when working The data from the Mafic hardhat technology shows workers are primarily motivated by money If you measure the productivity of a team of workers, there will always be a hierarchy of performance. Getting rid of the lowest performer(s) doesn’t correlate to greater efficiency whereas motivational techniques will have a direct influence Companies should not seek to offer overtime during the week as a productivity initiative as the productivity level will be around 60%, companies should aim for weekends. Here are links to some of the topics we discussed: · Mafic Progress Data - https://mafic.ltd/time-on-tools/Join us next week when we speak to Rita Arrigo to discuss AI in Infrastructure and how it is going to change our cities. For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.comIf you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website.You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast.Proudly sponsored by: JustDo - https://www.justdo.com/ InEight - https://ineight.com/
S6E141: The Story Catchers - Capturing & Analysing stories with Susan Rooney-Harding
October 31, 2022 • 01:03:57
In this episode, Val caught up with a passionate and dedicated storyteller. The value of stories on projects is immense. As data and technology service the digital position, we still require the breadth, depth and understanding of storytellers, managers and people on the ground to explain and narrate the changes and forces that deliver projects that matter. Susan is a documentary filmmaker and a creative qualitative data specialist. Her inquisitive and intuitive nature is central to her ability to capture meaningful stories for a greater purpose. Susan is the founder of The Story Catchers - Stories for Purpose. Together with Nerissa Walton Story Cathers Evaluation Specialist, we co-created a methodology that uses film and community participatory approaches in monitoring, evaluation, and social impact measurement. Film presents evidence in a way that a written story cannot do. Our methodology supports communities to tell and share their stories. This helps to eliminate situations where project staff tell their versions on behalf of communities. Numbers aren’t enough to fully understand community conditions of well-being, or quantitatively assess certain aspects of well-being. For example, in measuring human emotion and perception; we need stories to do this! Our methodology enhances the individual and collective voice, including the silent and unheard voices that are often sidelined. The methodology empowers communities to actively co-create and evaluate their own projects and programs. We have been using our methodology for close to a decade and we have refined our processes. We know it is an effective tool in the evaluation and reporting process. Using our methodology for evaluation and impact measurement can help create positive systemic, sustainable change in the organisation and communities that we work with. Proudly sponsored by: InEight.com JustDo.com
S6E128: Creating Value from Adapting Agility to Project Management with Adrian Pyne
July 31, 2022 • 01:13:09
In this week’s pod, we welcomed Adrian Pyne to discuss what project agility really looks like. Adrian is above all a project professional. He has led or rescued Transformation programmes widely from Telcos to eCommerce, Finance. Mining, Aviation, and the public sector. He has designed, built and operated P3 (project, programme and portfolio management) capability, PMOs, and Professional Services businesses. His key skill is the adaptation of best practice successfully. In the last 10 years his consultancy has focussed on two areas. Firstly, what he and colleagues call Organisational Project Management – the creation of an organisation culture that enables projects to Thrive and not merely Survive, or even die. Secondly, on Agile Project Management which too many organisations get badly, and expensively, wrong. He has written Agile Beyond IT, a book on Agile Project Management, showing how it both can be used well beyond the realm of IT Agile software development projects.. Adrian says he will also show that Agile projects can have any life-cycle they need. Adrian remains a frequent speaker around APM and elsewhere, including internationally, and is a visiting lecturer at Nottingham and Southampton University Business Schools, He is also a regular blogger, and he says, is still learning. Adrian is semi-retired and lives with his partner in Dorset. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: Agile or Agility comes from the Agile Manifesto 2001 (4 values). It was always intended to be used for Software Development Great project professionals are agile! We “do” projects to deliver value. Agile is focused on the delivery of value In the late 90s / early 2000s saw a realization that people deliver projects. If they are not engaged and focused, the project is likely to fail There is no point implementing agile projects if the organizational culture is toxic A hybrid approach between Agile and Critical Path methodologies is often challenging. When you adapt agility to Project Management, it is adapted to everything including planning / scheduling. This needs to keep pace in order for it to work Scrum is a purely software development approach – it is NOT a project management approach Some of the major agile certifications are heavily focused towards IT projects. This needs to be broadened to make it more relevant Agile projects should aim to make an audit trail of the value within a project For every project change request – does it enhance the value? Organisations that do not adopt agility are more likely to be commercial risk Here are links to a some of the topics we discussed: Agile Beyond IT: How to Develop Agility in Project Management in any Sector – Adrian Pyne https://www.amazon.co.uk/Agile-Beyond-develop-agility-management/dp/1788603273 Manifesto for Agile Software Development - https://agilemanifesto.org/ Jo Lucas – Activating the Mycelium - https://sustainabilitypractitioners.org/rpm-ego-to-eco-in-conversation-with-jo-lucas/ Forbes: How to Succeed in a Project Economy - https://www.forbes.com/sites/rebeccazucker/2022/01/11/how-to-succeed-in-a-project-economy/?sh=668b222a28d9 Agile Beyond IT Newsletter - https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/agile-beyond-it-6922580439241007104/ Tune in next time when we’re joined by Spencer Easton to talk about Takt production vs Takt time. For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Proudly sponsored by: JustDo - https://www.justdo.com/ PlanAcademy - https://www.planacademy.com/chatter/ ($75 off any course) InEight - https://ineight.com/ Prosci - https://empower.prosci.com/project-ch... (FREE resource kit) Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it!
S5E121: Turn your Schedule into an Effective Communication Tool with Bojan Tasevski
May 29, 2022 • 01:04:15
In this week’s pod, we were joined by Bojan Tasevski to discuss how to turn your schedule into effective communication and delivery tools.For over 12 years, Bojan Tasevski has been a noteworthy leader in the project management technology space, primarily focusing on creating software products that ease the life of project teams of all sizes. Many people may know him as the Managing Director of Synami, the company behind Seavus Project Viewer, ScheduleReader, and ScheduleCleaner software products. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: · Project schedule information is often sent as a PDF and not communicated to those executing the project · Planning software is more important than the project management methodology due to the complexity of projects · Many organisations do not have tools that can be built around Primavera P6 · In-depth planning can be passed down to the Project Manager. This can be in the form of breaking down activities into steps. The project planner should be focused on simplifying the plan and communicating this with the various stakeholders · There isn’t a specific KPI to measure schedule effectiveness. The main measure will be whether stakeholders can understand the data · Most people focus on minimization waste when discussing lean project management, we should be focusing on maximizing value · The role of a project planner is unlikely to change in the next 5-10 years. Technology will become more prevalent in major projects but planners are likely to still be using toolsets such as Primavera · It is a question of how fast the industry will adopt and accept new planning technologies rather than a question of how fast the technology solutions become available · Many companies are exploring solutions that can include all project staff in schedule based communicationsTune in next time when we’re joined by Kate McAlpine to talk about Data design & behavioural intelligence that equips Social Purpose Organisations & ESG investors to make sense of & communicate the change that they create in the world for more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Proudly sponsored by: JustDo - https://www.justdo.com/ PlanAcademy - https://www.planacademy.com/chatter/ ($75 off any course) InEight - https://ineight.com/ Prosci - https://empower.prosci.com/project-ch... (FREE resource kit)
S5E110: The Boston Tidal Barrier with Adam Robinson
March 13, 2022 • 01:02:15
In this week’s pod, we welcomed Adam Robinson to talk about the Boston Barrier. Adam has been working on the Boston Barrier scheme since December 2014, a year after the east coast surge which flooded 800 properties and businesses in Boston. He has been an integral part of the Clients delivery team in ensuring the timely submission of the Full Business Case and HMT Green book financial submission as well as the Boston Barrier Transport and Works Act Order 2017 application. He has led on the delivery of the main legal agreements with all key stakeholders and with his communication’s team on local community engagement prior to and during the Public Inquiry which occurred in 2017. Adam has continued to lead the scheme throughout the delivery phase maintaining corporate leadership continuity on the project to ensure that the project, which is an Environment Agency priority scheme, delivered its 5% target towards the last six year corporate target of better protecting 300,000 homes better by March 2021. In 2021 Adam was named as one of 27 civil engineers recognised by the Institution of Civil Engineers as a Carbon Champion for his work leading on reducing carbon emissions on the scheme. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: The Boston Barrier Tidal Flood Defence Scheme is a £100m project for the Environment Agency, delivered by BMMJV (a joint venture between BAM Nuttall and Mott MacDonald), to reduce the risk of tidal flooding to 14,300 properties and businesses in Boston, Lincolnshire. Boston is located on the east coast of the United Kingdom off The Wash and has a history of tidal surges. The project will reduce the risk of tidal flooding against an event of 1 in 300, or an annual exceedance probability of 0.33% of flooding for the 100 year project lifespan. The Boston Barrier is the first major construction project undertaken by the Environment Agency to map project outcomes against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) Here are some links to the topics we discussed: Case Study – Boston Barrier - https://waterprojectsonline.com/custom_case_study/boston-barrier-2021/ Hyperlink to LinkedIn post showing the timelapse construction: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6717472772433559552/ Institution of Civil Engineers Boston Barrier landing page: Boston Barrier Scheme | Institution of Civil Engineers (ice.org.uk) Open paper on the Boston Barrier re: climate change and social outcomes published last year and not behind a pay wall: Boston tidal barrier, UK: adapting to climate change and delivering social outcomes | Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Civil Engineering (icevirtuallibrary.com) Boston Barrier first closure: https://fb.watch/bH8tlKdc6D/ Boston Barrier installation: https://fb.watch/bH7DarAGbX Boston site flyover: https://twitter.com/BostonBarrierEA/status/1446431284239257613 Tune in next week when we’re joined by the presenters at the EVA26 event led by Steve Wake. For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Proudly sponsored by: JustDo - https://www.justdo.com/ PlanAcademy - https://www.planacademy.com/chatter/ ($75 off any course) InEight - https://ineight.com/ Prosci - https://empower.prosci.com/project-ch... (FREE resource kit) Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it! #ProjectManagement #Blockchain #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership #Culture #ProjectCertifications linkedin.comlinkedin.com Sign Up | LinkedIn 500 million+ members | Manage your professional identity. Build and engage with your professional network. Access knowledge, insights and opportunities. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Civil EngineeringProceedings of the Institution of Ci
S4E99: The Philosophy of Project Management with Paul Goodge & Warren Beardall
December 12, 2021 • 01:27:16
In this week’s pod, we welcomed back Paul Goodge and Warren Beardall to discuss the philosophy of project management. Paul is internationally regarded as a Programme Management and Change Management specialist. He is noted for his ability to swiftly and accurately diagnose issues and evolve solutions both from a technical and a behavioural point of view. Over his career he held a variety of roles both in line leadership and a number of functional responsibilities, providing him with insights across the whole of the enterprise. He has Chaired or sat on a wide variety of internal and external committees and steering groups. An ex-Board member of the Association of Project Management he has continued to work very closely with the organisation and was in the first cohort to achieve Chartered Project Professional status. He achieved an MBA from Cranfield University in 1994. Paul retired from full-time employment in 2012 and enjoys a wide range of interests. His portfolio encompasses consultancy work to various companies, the P3M profession, Executive Coaching and extensive work with various charities, operating locally, nationally and internationally. Projects to Warren are principally associated with the construction industry. He worked for 25 years within the construction related insurance industry. Three years ago Warren made a decision to reset his career. He joined a consulting practice offering specialist risk, internal control and assurance advice to large scale construction and professional service providers. Career project experience was predominantly centered around Public Private Partnerships. Advising senior debt lenders, project equity Special Purpose Vehicles, Government entities or Construction Contractors. UK PFI, US and Canadian P3, Turkish and European PPP. This experience became the center-piece of his MSc dissertation. The interim conclusions of this ongoing research is that Partnerships were never truly there. And that this is deemed no different in our wider construction endeavor. The suggested answer to the paradox is that projects are either set up to collaborate, or they are set up to fail. That is what he is here to discuss. If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Proudly sponsored by: PlanAcademy.com | InEight.com | JustDo.com Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it! #ProjectManagement #Blockchain #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership #Culture #ProjectCertifications
S4E98: Can Blockchain improve Project Delivery with Fred Schebesta
December 5, 2021 • 01:11:32
In this week’s pod, we welcomed Fred Schebesta to talk about whether blockchain can improve project delivery! Fred Schebesta is the epitome of entrepreneurialism. An obsession for hyper success, Fred is passionate about disruptive innovation and inspires the startup community through his achievements and learnings. The Australian-born entrepreneur is the co-founder of Finder, a global personal finance comparison website, which attracts over 10 million visitors each month, over 400 staff across six offices, and can be found in over 80 countries. For the past 2 years, Fred has been leading the Finder App, which is an Australian-first innovation that combines personal finance management with automated comparison. It connects a user’s bank accounts, analyses insights and sends automated alerts on when they can compare products and potentially save money. Launched in March 2020 with plans to roll out in the USA and UK early next year. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: · In its simplest form, a blockchain is an internet-based database that anyone can access · Most projects shouldn’t use blockchain. It’s expensive, slow, cumbersome and emerging! · Blockchains are useful where you need to prove project data to the public · A database is a cheaper, more effective solution for projects · Bitcoin could change the way we incentivise people working on projects · Blockchain could be used to create smart contracts (self-executing contracts). This may not work on qualitative outcomes that occur on major construction projects. It works better where there are binary outcomes. · Be remarkable! Make sure people are willing and want to comment to their friends about ti · In most businesses, the rational idea is not to innovate and keep doing what they’re good at. At some stage businesses will experience disruption Blockchain is most relevant on airplane and train manufacturing projects, high value but process-driven projects · Plenty of major engineering projects have been delivered without technology but with solid project management principles. Have Project Management skills ever really changed since the Pyramids were built? · Technology isn’t necessarily an enabler for good project management · Innovation gets killed by antibodies within organisations! · When creating new technology, you need to ignore the KPI’s. Deliver or don’t! · We’re likely to see digital industrial revolutions in the next year ` · Write down what a project will do, also write down what the project won’t do Here are some links to the topics we discussed: · Finder - https://www.finder.com.au/ · Mythical Man-Month - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mythical-Man-Month-Software-Engineering-Anniversary/dp/0201835959 · Phoenix Project - https://itrevolution.com/the-phoenix-project/ Book recommendation: Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits https://www.amazon.co.uk/Uncommon-Profits-Writings-Investment-Classics/dp/0471445509 Tune in next week when we’re re-joined by Paul Goodge and Warren Beardall to discuss the philosophy of project management. For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Proudly sponsored by: PlanAcademy.com | InEight.com | JustDo.com Stay safe, be disruptive, and have fun doing it! #ProjectManagement #Blockchain #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership #Culture #ProjectCertifications
S4E83: Project management under conditions of inherent uncertainty with Dave Snowden
August 22, 2021 • 01:18:35
In this episode, the lads talk to Dave Snowden about his experience and depth of understanding in the fields of knowledge management and complexity theory. Dave is a riveting guest with stories, studies and methods that appeal to the sensible project manager. Moreover, Dave helped connect deeper studies with project management and delivery. This approach of 'sensemaking' just makes sense. David John Snowden (born 1954) is a Welsh management consultant and researcher in the field of knowledge management and the application of complexity science. Known for the development of the Cynefin framework,[1] Snowden is the founder and chief scientific officer of Cognitive Edge, a Singapore-based management consulting firm specialising in complexity and sensemaking.[2] Dave is the Director of the Cynefin Centre, Chief Scientific Officer Cognitive Edge. Creator of the Cynefin Framework. Lead author EU Field Guide to managing in Complexity (and crisis). His focus is on naturalising sense-making as an emerging trans-disciplinary field of study. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: The world of Project Management is likely to be more uncertain than it is at present We always know more than we can tell and we can tell more than we can write down Most lessons learnt focus on failure rather than success Storytelling is a profession, many people can recount anecdotes, and this is better to document Narrative is a quantitative approach rather than qualitative, it is simply numbered- backed up by explanatory stories It is interesting to compare how decisions are actually made versus how the business believes they are made. This can be done as a process chartOld men are philosophers, old wives tell tales!Many large transportation infrastructure projects go wrong because once a certain level of complexity is reached, you’re beyond the ability to predict therefore design changes need to occurMany organisations employ consultants to manage transformation projects who will use pre-defined solutions rather than adapting to the context Covid has shown there is a large amount of resilience on major projects Dave is currently working on the application of natural sciences to social systems through the development of a range of methods and the SenseMaker® software suite. He started work in an NGO post-University and then moved onto HR & Training in the late 70s where he started work with computers. That together with a diploma from The Certified Accountants got a job as Development Accountant in the same firm where he headed up the Treasury function and was responsible for computerisation. An MBA in financial management saw Dave move into consultancy and software designing decision support systems in what became D
S3E68: Emphasising Fusion Skills on Projects with Anne Bamford & Steve Wake
May 9, 2021 • 01:13:10
In this episode, Dale and Val take Fusion to the next level with Anne Bamford and Steve Wake. A follow-on from episode 66, Val and Dale lift the hood and really understand how fusion skills, training, and inclusion could change the very success of projects. Professor Anne Bamford OBE is Strategic Director of the Education and Skills for the City of London. Anne has been recognized internationally for her research in creativity, lifelong learning, and technology. She instigated the term, ‘fusion skills’ to describe the competencies needed for flourishing now and into the future. Through her research, she has pursued issues of innovation, social impact and equality, and diversity. A world scholar for UNESCOs, Anne has conducted major national impact and evaluation studies for the governments of Denmark, The Netherlands, Belgium, Iceland, Hong Kong, Ireland, and Norway. Amongst her numerous articles and book chapters, Anne is the author of the “Wow Factor: Global research compendium on the impact of the arts in education” which has been published in five languages and distributed in more than 40 countries. Steve Wake is at the forefront of the development of national and international standards in Project Controls and Management. A genuine thought-leader. A super-connector. A maven. He is a member of the Management Standards committee of the BSi. Currently progressing Project Controls and Benefits Management. He is an internationally acknowledged expert on Earned Value Project Management.. Most recently on the newly published ISO standards for EVM and WBS, and currently he is working on an ISO EVM Implementation Guide. Steve works with government, national and international bodies and academia as a subject matter expert as well as on matters of governance. Steve was one of the authors of Agile Portfolios with ABC. With his Guild of Educators hat on he is working with OECD and the City of London to introduce Fusion Skills internationally to children aged 7-70+ He is also currently working on a Think-Thank for Major Sporting Events. In the afternoons he is championing Circular Economies and Sustainability to combat Climate Change. He has worked in the automotive, print aerospace, defence, insurance, and I.T. industries as a project manager and consultant. He led the Association for Project Management to their award of Royal Charter. He is the Chief examiner for EVM and Planning with APMG. He curates and chairs his own highly-regarded EVA conferences - now in its 25th year and also curates the PMI’s major Synergy event now in its 10th year. He is a visiting lecturer at Warwick WMG, Cranfield, and UCL as well as the Moscow School of Economics. He has an MA in Manpower specialising in the sociology and psychology of organisations and is a member of the London Mozart Players Development Group. His long passion for all kinds of music is almost matched by his continued appreciation of silence. Links: About Fusion Skills Fusion Assets Learn about Fusion Findings and Creative Outputs from Fusion Cities 2 virtual meeting Fusion Cities of the Future Fusion Event REGISTER HERE This podcast is brought to you by: JustDo.com InEight.com PlanAcademy.com - save $75 on any course with this link - www.planacademy.com/chatter/
S3E66: Utilising Fusion Skills on Projects with Carole Still & Jamie Hannon
April 25, 2021 • 01:12:08
In this episode, Dale and Val talk about skills from other professions and how the application of fusing new skills could provide improved ways to manage projects. We're joined by two experts in this field, Carole Still and Jamie Hannon. Carole is an award-winning International Educator, United Nations Executive Coach, Chartered Manager, Mediator, and NLP Master Practitioner, Carole has worked in the public and private sectors, spanning the NHS, Accountancy, and Higher Education for 40 years. Her lecturing expertise spans Leadership, Workplace Psychology, Change management, Mediation, the Art of Networking, and Conflict Resolution. In 2009 she co-founded Simply Business Skills, a skills-based training company before closing the company in 2014 and donating all its learning resources to Coventry University London. Since 2010, as one of the first members of staff in Coventry University London, she has held various senior management and academic roles including leading the MBA and Undergraduate Business programmes. A passionate advocate of experiential and self-reflective learning, Carole’s work in this field, on behalf of Coventry University London, has led to the creation of effective feedback methods and the design and implementation of award-winning business simulations focused on developing the graduate skills employers seek. As an educationalist, Carole is intensely interested in exploring long-term solutions to the delivery of education, particularly Higher and Further, and how such solutions can cascade down through the education system. Her Ph.D. research is investigating the common and different understandings of graduate skills, among academics and employers, and how can these impact learning design to develop agile and capable graduates. She participates in the City of London’s Fusion skills work to bring an understanding of what skills employers want and how they can be articulated in a way in which educators can teach, practice, and assess them. Carole is a Freeman of the City of London and Court Assistant in the Worshipful Company of Educators. Jamie leads an arts-based learning programme that simulates knowledge sharing through the fusion learning model with an emphasis on curiosity, generosity and bravery. With a career that has drawn on different areas, including performance, theatre producing, and commercial development, Jamie is a living example of this multi-disciplined approach. Jamie is now designing and piloting new fusion learning programmes for Culture Mile, the Barbican and the City of London Corporation. This podcast is brought to you by: JustDo.com InEight.com PlanAcademy.com - save $75 on any course with this link - https://www.planacademy.com/chatter/
S3E65: Earned Schedule with creator Walter Lipke
April 19, 2021 • 01:17:41
In this episode, Dale and Val get into the geek speak, talking about an additional method to your Earned Value Management methodology. What you may not know is there is a time relative method called Earned Schedule. Val and Dale were fortunate to speak with the creator Walter Lipke and get his take on why this is a useful approach coupled with EVM and other methods to improve time adherence on projects. In this week’s pod, we welcomed Walt Lipke, creator of the Earned Schedule technique used by projects throughout the USA, UK and Australia. Walt has 35 years of experience in the avionics industry. As well as being the creator of Earned Schedule, he has published over ninety articles. In 2017 the Australian Project Governance and Control Symposium honoured Walt by establishing the annual Walt Lipke Project Governance and Control Excellence Award. For more information on how to use Earned Schedule, visit https://www.earnedschedule.com/ During the pod, we discussed the following topics: Earned Schedule (ES) is effectively an extension to Earned Value Management. The most important development in ES is its ability to more accurately determine the completion date for projects that are behind schedule (or will deliver later than planned.) ES uses Earned Value (EV) performance data to generate the time-based information and uses very similar calculations to predict future performance. Earned Schedule can be used to “drill down” to identify where deficiencies or constraints may exist and where future rework may be needed if current performance does not change. EVM has three different curves: Planned Value, Earned Value and Actual Cost. Once the Earned Value information has been established, you can use Earned Schedule to calculate when this should have been achieved. Earned Value needs to be in place in order to generate Earned Schedule data It is possible to derive calculated project end dates using ES. Different confidence levels can be used to support this. ES is still a new concept, it was created in 2002. This can lead to difficulties in embedding this in the project lifecycle as there is resistance to new concepts. Companies such as Project Flight Deck, Scrum Start, Encore Analytics and Project Tracker all have accessible toolsets to help calculate ES. The challenge of this is making it relevant to Project Managers. Many PM’s are familiar with showing progress against milestones and using ES can be seen as complex. Having visual aids to show progress can help in this regard. It is important to have the right level of data in order to use EVM/ES. Where there are major uncertainties in the project lifecycle such as software, it is useful to use EVM/ES in smaller parts of the project to get the right level of information. The most important criteria to the success or failure of EVM is integrity. It is possible to manipulate the data in all directions, therefore it is the role of the PMO to ensure data is transparent and audit-proof. There is a risk of hidden re-work if the schedule data is manipulated to avoid scrutiny. If you would like to read more about Earned Schedule, you can purchase Walt’s book from the following website: click here This podcast is brought to you by: JustDo.com InEight.com PlanAcademy.com - save $75 on any course with this link - https://www.planacademy.com/chatter/
S9E210: Healthy Habits for Busy Project Professionals with Becky Holliday
December 17, 2025 • 00:58:17
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 learnWhy Becky left project management and what she brought with her into health coachingHow to start improving health when you “don’t have time”Why trying to change everything on Monday usually backfiresA 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 afternoonHow movement can support mental resilience when work pressure spikesDiscipline vs motivation—and why habit size mattersThe role of identity, purpose, and values (and a thoughtful detour into spirituality)
S9E208: Blockchain and Carbon: The Future of Project Management with Kevin O'Grady
November 3, 2025 • 00:59:46
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.TakeawaysKevin 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.Chapters04:24 Kevin O'Grady's Journey in Project Management07:33 Transitioning from Engineering to Commercial Management09:21 Technological Innovations in Project Management13:12 The Role of Digital Twins in Project Delivery17:20 Understanding Blockchain Technology20:58 Blockchain Applications in Construction27:43 Exploring Real-World Use Cases for Blockchain30:23 Tokenization in Construction Payments32:03 Linking Progress and Blockchain34:54 Smart Contracts and Payment Automation36:51 Challenges in Implementing Blockchain39:42 The Role of Profit Margins in Construction43:03 Carbon Measurement and Blockchain43:32 Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Its Challenges
S8E199: AI Implications in Construction with Doug Vincent
May 30, 2025 • 01:03:14
Proudly sponsored by Deltek.In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, hosts discuss the implications of AI in project management and construction. Doug Vincent shares insights on how AI can be demystified for clients, its potential in industry innovation, and the challenges faced in education regarding AI integration. The conversation explores practical applications of AI, the importance of trust in AI systems, and the future of work as AI continues to evolve. Doug emphasises the need for creativity and human input in leveraging AI effectively, while also addressing concerns about job displacement and the role of AI in personal growth and education.TakeawaysAI is often misunderstood; it's just advanced software.Education systems are lagging in embracing AI.AI can enhance productivity in construction.Trust in AI is built through reliability and security.AI can automate mundane tasks, freeing up human creativity.The construction industry needs to adapt to AI innovations.AI can help cover blind spots in decision-making.Awareness of AI's capabilities is crucial for its adoption.AI can serve as a tool for personal growth and reflection.The future of work will involve collaboration between humans and AITo reach out to our guest check out the following: https://www.mastt.com/https://www.youtube.com/@DougVincentCPMhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/vincentdoug
S8E197: Engaging the Next Generation of Risk Managers with Seyi Daniyan
January 13, 2025 • 01:17:00
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.
S8E196: Contract Alliances - what does it really mean with Ian Quick
January 5, 2025 • 00:50:43
This episode is proudly sponsored by Deltek. In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Dale speaks with Ian Quick about his extensive journey in project management, particularly focusing on the concept of alliancing. Ian shares his experiences transitioning from engineering to project management, the importance of collaboration and culture in successful alliances, and the role of leadership in fostering an environment of trust and empowerment. The conversation delves into the challenges and benefits of alliancing, emphasising the need for vulnerability, accountability, and diverse thinking in leadership. Ian reflects on his personal growth and the lasting relationships formed through collaborative projects, ultimately advocating for a shift in the construction industry towards more effective and sustainable practices. Takeaways Ian's journey into project management began with engineering. Alliancing requires a shift in mindset from traditional contracting. Collaboration is essential for successful project outcomes. Vulnerability in leadership fosters a culture of trust. Empowerment allows teams to make decisions for the common good. Cultural alignment is crucial in collaborative environments. Diverse thinking enhances problem-solving in teams. Accountability should be accepted, not imposed. Successful alliances create lasting professional relationships. The construction industry must evolve to improve productivity and sustainability.
S8E192: Unlocking the secrets to conferences with Greg Lawton, Olli Wade and Micah Piippo!
December 18, 2024 • 00:45:47
In this episode we join forces with the Beyond Deadlines podcast crew recoded live in Washington, DC. We discuss the significance of expos and conferences in the project management field. The boys emphasize the importance of networking, community building, and the shared challenges faced by professionals. The conversation highlights the need for younger generations to engage in these events, innovative workshop ideas for learning, and the value of hands-on experience with software. They also explore the current AI landscape, the importance of genuine conversations, and the role of feedback in continuous learning. In this conversation, we discuss the critical aspects of project management, emphasizing the importance of networking. They explore the common challenges faced in project delivery, particularly the issue of late projects, and the role of project controls in ensuring successful outcomes. The discussion also highlights the need for collaboration among project management tools and the significance of professional development through workshops and networking events. Check out Beyond Deadlines here: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondDeadlines Takeaways 👀 Expos provide valuable networking opportunities for professionals. 👀 Community building is essential for tackling shared challenges. 👀 Younger generations should be encouraged to participate in conferences. 👀 Workshops can enhance learning experiences significantly. 👀 Hands-on experience with software is crucial for understanding its application. 👀 Navigating the AI landscape requires awareness of numerous startups. 👀 Conversations at events can lead to valuable insights and connections. 👀 Learning from others' experiences can accelerate personal growth. 👀 Feedback is vital for refining ideas and approaches. 👀 Networking is a key component of professional development. Follow-up is essential for maintaining professional relationships. 👀 Building a network requires ongoing communication and value exchange. 👀 Memorable interactions often involve humor and genuine interest. 👀 Late project delivery is a widespread issue across industries. 👀 Resource loading schedules can complicate project management. 👀 Understanding the value of project controls is crucial for success. 👀 Project teams should be empowered to manage their schedules effectively. 👀 Collaboration among project management tools can enhance efficiency. 👀 Investing in professional development is vital for career growth. 👀 Networking events provide valuable opportunities for learning and connection. Chapters 02:03 Community Building and Shared Challenges 03:35 Learning Opportunities at Conferences 04:53 Encouraging Younger Generations in Project Management 05:52 Innovative Workshop Ideas for Learning 07:26 Hands-On Experience with Software 08:52 Navigating the AI Landscape 10:32 The Value of Conversations at Events 11:56 Learning from Others' Experiences 12:42 Feedback and Continuous Learning 15:22 The Role of Networking in Professional Growth 16:55 Key Takeaways from Conferences 18:12 Tips for Starting Conversations 20:09 Understanding Hard Selling vs. Genuine Connection 21:04 The Importance of Follow-Up 24:52 Challenges in Project Delivery 29:53 Resource Loading in Project Management 33:28 The Role of Project Controls 37:14 Collaboration in Project Management 40:12 Networking and Professional Development #ProjectManagement #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership #Culture #ProjectCertifications
S8E188: The Pros & Cons of Professional Institutions & Associations with Adam Boddison
November 26, 2024 • 01:19:29
In this episode, the conversation revolves around the role of professional bodies in project management, particularly focusing on the APM (Association for Project Management). Adam Boddison, the CEO of APM, discusses the importance of community engagement, the challenges faced by the project management profession, and the impact of AI on the industry. The discussion also touches on career development, the need for a unified approach among professional bodies, and the future of project management in a rapidly changing technological landscape. Takeaways Project management is often misunderstood and needs better representation. Community engagement is crucial for career development in project management. AI will play a significant role in the future of project management. Professional bodies like APM are essential for supporting project professionals. The definition of project success varies and needs to be clarified. There is a shortage of qualified project professionals globally. Project management should focus on people, not just processes. The APM aims to inspire communities to deliver meaningful change. Collaboration among professional bodies can benefit the project management profession. AI literacy is becoming increasingly important for project professionals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 04:56 Adam's Journey into Project Management 06:20 Defining Project Management 08:40 The Role of APM and its Mission 09:55 Expanding APM's Global Footprint 14:49 Choosing a Professional Body for Career Development 17:53 Engagement with Professional Bodies 23:08 Differentiators of APM 27:08 Shortage of Project Professionals 31:50 Addressing the PR Problem in Project Management 36:17 Project Success and Challenges 42:58 Introduction and Discussion on Major Infrastructure Projects 44:05 The Role of APM and Other Associations in Major Projects 46:56 AI in the Body of Knowledge and the Challenge of Keeping Up 49:30 Collaboration with Government Organizations for Project Assurance 52:58 The Focus on Project Controls in APM 57:13 The Importance of Data and AI Literacy for Project Professionals 01:03:09 The Impact of AI on Project Managers and Project Management Skills 01:09:45 The Future Role of AI as Personal Assistants for Project Professionals 01:14:21 Five Quickfire Questions 01:17:28 Final Thoughts and Encouragement to Join the Project Management Profession 01:18:55 Outtro template A.mp3 Proudly sponsored by Deltek
S8E184: Carbon, Cash, and Machines with Andrew Langridge
May 25, 2024 • 01:11:57
In this episode, the hosts and guest Andrew Langridge discuss the importance of estimating and tracking carbon in construction projects. Andrew shares his background in estimating and explains the challenges and complexities of estimating carbon. He emphasizes the need for accurate data and tools to estimate carbon and suggests that legislation is necessary to drive change. The conversation also touches on the role of education in creating a culture of carbon tracking and the potential for incentivising carbon reduction in contracts. Overall, the episode highlights the importance of measuring and controlling carbon in projects and the need for industry-wide collaboration. In this conversation, Dale, Val, Martin, and guest Andrew Langridge discuss the role of AI and machine learning in addressing the indirect impacts of carbon emissions. They explore the challenges of calculating carbon emissions throughout the supply chain and the potential for AI to assist in this process. They also discuss the concept of a circular economy and the need for new roles and skills in sustainability and project management. The conversation touches on the limitations of AI and the importance of critical thinking and curiosity in the face of technological advancements. Sponsored by Detlek
S8E183: Applied AI for beginners to pros with Vicky Emerson
May 5, 2024 • 01:05:24
In this episode, Dale and Martin welcome Victoria Emerson, a seasoned teacher with a passion for technology and AI. Victoria shares her career journey, from being inspired by an assessor during an apprenticeship to becoming a teacher and curriculum developer. She emphasizes the importance of starting with the basics in technology and AI, such as computer science and understanding algorithms. Victoria also encourages learners to find a problem or project they're interested in and use AI to find solutions. She highlights the need to break down barriers and demystify the language of technology to make it more accessible to everyone. In this conversation, Victoria Emerson shares her insights on AI education and the future of AI in the classroom. She emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience and experimentation with AI tools, encouraging learners to start with free resources before considering paid subscriptions. Victoria also highlights the significance of being authentic and polite when interacting with AI models, as it can lead to better results. She discusses the role of grammar in AI prompting and suggests that rephrasing prompts can help achieve desired outputs. Victoria envisions a future where AI individualizes learning and teachers focus on developing soft skills. She concludes by urging listeners to embrace change, have fun with AI, and not put too much pressure on themselves. our guest Victoria is a current MSc Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence student at the University of York. A qualified Teacher and Examiner in Digital and AI qualifications, I'm here to support anyone interested in the Digital and AI learning and research for practical applications of AI in personal or professional settings. Offering an inclusive space where AI is for everyone, in the mission to bridge the digital divide. Proudly sponsored by Deltek
S8E181: Antifragile Projects with Georgia Stillwell
March 23, 2024 • 01:01:35
In this episode, Val and Dale are joined by guest Georgia Stillwell to discuss anti-fragile projects and risk management in project management. Georgia shares her journey into project management, starting from her fascination with master planning in cities to her experience in risk management and construction technology. She explains the concept of anti-fragile projects, which are projects that thrive in uncertain and risky environments. The conversation delves into the challenges with traditional project planning methods and the need for more flexible and adaptable approaches. Georgia also discusses the role of technology in risk management and the importance of simplifying complex concepts for effective communication. In this conversation, Georgia Stillwell discusses the concept of anti-fragility in project management and how it can be achieved through the use of technology and human expertise. She emphasizes the importance of replicating the abilities of experienced planners and using AI to optimize project schedules. However, she also highlights the need for human validation and decision-making in complex construction projects. The conversation explores the role of contracts in project behavior and the challenges of harmonizing contracts with anti-fragility principles. The importance of leadership in creating a culture of anti-fragility and addressing human biases is also discussed.Takeaways Anti-fragile projects are projects that thrive in uncertain and risky environments, adapting and improving as challenges arise. Traditional project planning methods, such as critical path method, can be rigid and fail to account for the dynamic nature of projects. Technology, such as AI and software tools, can help optimize project planning and recovery by exploring different options and scenarios. Educating clients and stakeholders about different project planning methodologies is crucial for driving change and improving project outcomes. Simplifying risk management concepts and using analogies can help communicate complex ideas effectively. Anti-fragility in project management can be achieved through the use of technology and human expertise. AI can replicate the abilities of experienced planners and optimize project schedules, but human validation and decision-making are still necessary. Contracts play a significant role in project behavior and can sometimes conflict with anti-fragility principles. Leadership is crucial in creating a culture of anti-fragility and addressing human biases in decision-making. Proudly Sponsored by Deltek
S8E178: The Subtle Art of Planning with Micah Piippo
February 5, 2024 • 01:07:53
Summary: In this episode, the boys talk to Micah Piippo about the world of planning and scheduling, the importance and respect of planning, the need for more planners and schedulers, and the benefits and opportunities in planning and scheduling. They also talk about the skills required for planners and schedulers, the role of planners in the C-Suite, and the impact of planning on project success. The conversation covers the importance of proper planning and design, building teams and culture in planning, and the training and development options for planners and schedulers. They also discuss the challenges and benefits of switching sectors as a scheduler and the future of scheduling and AI. The conversation explores the current role of a planner and how it will change in the future. It emphasizes the importance of spending less time in planning and scheduling software and more time on value-added activities such as analysis and communication. The discussion highlights the potential for increased collaboration and human interaction in the future, facilitated by visual-based progressing and automated workflows. The conversation also touches on the need for a medium that everyone can understand to improve communication and understanding among project stakeholders. The future of project planning and scheduling is seen as a combination of technology and human expertise, with the potential for improved training programs and more efficient processes.Takeaways Planning and scheduling are crucial functions in project management and deserve more recognition and respect. There is a need for more planners and schedulers in the job market, and it is a profession that offers good career prospects and higher salaries. Planners and schedulers should have a balance of technical skills, soft skills, and a genuine interest in the job. Proper planning and scheduling can significantly impact project success, and organizations should prioritize these functions. Planners and schedulers should be involved in the early stages of a project to ensure better outcomes. Switching sectors as a scheduler can be challenging but offers opportunities for growth and higher salaries. Continuous learning and development are essential for planners and schedulers to stay updated with industry trends and advancements. The future of scheduling may involve the integration of AI and advanced analytics to improve efficiency and accuracy. Planners should focus on value-added activities such as analysis and communication, rather than spending excessive time in planning and scheduling software. The future of project planning and scheduling may involve increased collaboration and human interaction, facilitated by visual-based progressing and automated workflows. A medium that everyone can understand, such as visual-based progress tracking, can improve communication and understanding among project stakeholders. Technology has the potential to improve training programs and provide planners with more accurate and detailed data for analysis. Proudly sponsored by Deltek
S7E170: Building with Conscience - Cement's Eco Dilemma with Eoin Condren
October 19, 2023 • 01:22:27
In this week’s pod, we were joined by Eoin Condren to discuss "Building with Conscience: Cement's Eco Dilemma"! Eoin is corporate development director at Ecocem, in charge of the strategic structuring of the business to allow it to take advantage of the many opportunities that it currently has in front of it. He’s been with the company 2.5 years. His background is in finance and he spent 15 years working in real estate, infrastructure and tech private equity, investing in the US, the UK and throughout Europe. He’s a keen rugby fan and very average player who’s lowest moment has to be the time Dale, a prop, out-sprinted him, a fullback come winger on an attacking move about 10 years ago. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: 1,000 bathtubs worth of concrete are poured every second The majority of CO2 emissions are in clinker which is the key reactive material within cement Companies should focus on using timber where possible, however the If we replaced 25% of all the concrete consumed in any given year and replaced with more sustainable products such as timber, you would need to cut down a forest 1.5x the size of India Only 10% of concrete is cement, however it represents 94% of the carbon footprint When limestone is heated, it degrades into co2 and clinker Cement production process has not changed significantly in the last 200 year Join us next time when we’re joined by Jessie Schilling to discuss Enhancing risk maturity in your operating environment. For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Proudly sponsored by: InEight - https://ineight.com/ Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it! #ProjectManagement #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership
S7E162: AI Revolution - Transforming Project Delivery for the Future with Greg Lawton
June 7, 2023 • 01:19:46
In this episode Dale and Val talk to the infamous Greg Lawton about the impact of AI and how it may be used, abused and help enhance our cognitive abilities for real-world practical application. Greg does an incredible job of making us understand the simplicities and subtle notions that may provide the biggest increase in service support, innovation and climate. How might AI be the driver of the car or in Project Controls AI might be the interpreter looking for endless ways to improve the project to achieve the outcomes. Where is AI going to hit first (disruption has already begun)? Greg shares his views and the landscape of AI in project-related fields. For those that are looking at how AI may be taken advantage of in the workplace, Greg will have you thinking broadly and more specifically about where it can really make a positive difference. Greg has a vast knowledge of generative AI and project technology. The biggest innovation was not a technological one it was a productive one with the advent of an accessible, easy-to-use human interface. The start of usability to much larger capability within the deeper AI capability. Listen to various approaches and discussions around ChatGPT, Bard, CoPilot and others breaking into this era of AI-supported project transformation. What you need to know is about AI and how Role, Job and Career - insightful stuff Greg! A little bit about Greg... Greg Lawton is the CEO and co-founder of Nodes & Links, a project intelligence and analysis platform that applies machine learning and automation to project data. The software outputs actionable insights to help teams tame project complexity. Prior to founding Nodes & Links, Greg was an astrophysicist working for BAE Systems, managing large defence programmes and advising the board of directors on international strategy. It was during his time at BAE that he realised there was a need for a tool that could simplify the lives of project control professionals by reducing manual tasks. Greg is focused on building a world-class product and ambitious team who are committed to driving innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible with technology. He lives in Zurich with his wonderful wife, Anina, and his adorable puppy, Dippy. Proudly brought to you by InEight www.InEight.com For more information visit www.ProjectChatterPodcast.com. #ProjectControls #ProjectPlanning #AiProjects #AIConstruction
*Bitesize* S7E160: EVA28 Bridging the Knowing Doing Gap with the Controls to Take Back Control
May 14, 2023 • 00:23:51
In this episode Dale speaks to Steve Wake, Christine McLean and Eddie Obeng to bring you a bitesize episode from the EVA28 conference. The key themes emerging from the various presenters were on how we actively seek to change the way we deliver projects. The mindset we need to apply rather than the toolset, and also the fact that we should think about what problems our solutions are creating. Proudly brought to you by InEight - www.InEight.com
S7E158: Planning Projects: Past, Present & Future with Micah Piippo
April 17, 2023 • 01:13:44
In this week’s pod, we were joined by Micah Piippo to discuss Planning Projects: Past, Present & Future. Micah has spent the last 14 years in Project Controls. While he's performed a wide variety of roles, his passion and main focus is Planning and Scheduling. During his career he's tore down nuclear facilities, built large ferries, built data centers all over the world and more recently is helping Intel deliver state of the art fab capabilities. In December 2022, Micah started writing his Zero Float newsletter. In the newsletter Micah explores his favorite topics that he doesn't see getting enough attention. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: Whilst there are certifications available for schedulers. There is no degree programme that would allow students to learn the fundamentals of construction management, people management, how to use data and learning the project ecosystem. Most planners simply fall into the role The consequence of the lack of certification is a lack of respect for the skills that a good planner can bring to the organization by utilizing their experience A top level planner should have a breadth of experience as well as strong communication skills when dealing upwards and sideways within an organization Technology can help planners and project managers by having finite and usable as-built data Automated capture has helped companies to better define progress and productivity on projects. This was previously a highly subjective area There is a danger that Machine Learning / AI does not capture some of the politics around project schedules. This may affect the quality of data in future There is no mandate for government funded projects to share data despite being funded by taxpayers. This hampers the level of data available to be harnessed by machine learning technology Here are links to some of the topics we discussed: Problems with Construction Project Scheduling - https://www.plannersplace.com/blog/problems-with-construction-projects-scheduling Why Construction Scheduling is Stuck in the 1980s - https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-construction-scheduling-stuck-1980s-micah-piippo/ Plan Rich – How to become a Senior Scheduler - https://planrich.beehiiv.com/p/beginner-winner Join us next time when we’re joined by Parveen Sharma to discuss BIM and Virtual Design - disrupting the Design and Construction industry. For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Proudly sponsored by: InEight - https://ineight.com/ Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it! #ProjectManagement #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership #AI Planners' Place Problems with Construction Projects Scheduling Ever wondered why it seems that not much has changed in construction projects scheduling in the last two to three decades? According to Micah Piippo, the poor state of construction projects schedules can be attributed to the six problems he sees with scheduling. linkedin.com Why Construction Scheduling is Stuck in the 1980s TL;DR – The construction industry should be embracing the power of technology to help schedulers build accurate and sophisticated project schedules. Unfortunately, the lack of innovation and motivation has left the construction field decades behind other industries. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-construction-scheduling-stuck-1980s-micah-piippo/ Plan Rich Beginner to Winner Learn, grow, and get rich with a career in Construction Scheduling. (70 kB) https://planrich.beehiiv.com/p/beginner-winner InEight InEight Construction Project Management Software InEight is the leader in construction project management software. Our project management solutions give you the data you need to make better decisions. (422 kB)
S7E152: Maximising efficiency with NEC cross-functional processes with Jordan Cannon & Jeff Quantrill
January 23, 2023 • 01:38:32
Welcome to this week's episode of the Project Chatter Podcast! In this episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Jeff Quantrill and Jordan Cannon to discuss how to maximise efficiency with NEC cross-functional processes. Jeff brings 15 years of experience in enterprise IT services with IBM, and has recently delved into the AEC sector with PM Information Systems. He has a wealth of experience delivering systems for major projects, including a UK airport expansion and three giga-projects in Saudi Arabia. Most recently, he completed an implementation on the Amaala giga-project and joined InEight in February 2022. Jordan, a graduate of Civil Engineering, has been working in the construction industry for over a decade. He began his career as a field engineer on power plants and has since evolved his role into the process improvement technology space. He currently works for InEight as the EMEA Presales Team Manager. His background in construction and passion for technology drive his success in this field. During the podcast, we delved into several key topics, such as the amount of re-work on projects, the siloed nature of early warning notices, and the role of AI in construction projects. We discussed how AI can help with scope analysis, schedule management, and creating a Work Breakdown Structure. We also touched on the importance of collaborative toolsets and the evolving role of planners. If you're interested in learning more about these topics, be sure to check out the links provided in the show notes. And don't forget to tune in next week when we'll be re-joined by Alan Mosca to discuss AI in Project Controls and separating fact from fiction. To support our podcast and charities, visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com. If you're interested in sponsoring the podcast, please get in touch through our website. And, as always, stay safe, be disruptive, and have fun doing it! A special shoutout to our sponsors JustDo and InEight for their support. Check out their websites at https://www.justdo.com/ and https://ineight.com/.
S7E151: Leadership, Emotional Intelligence and Stress management with Susanne Madsen
January 9, 2023 • 01:14:48
In this episode Dale and Val talk with Susanne Madsen about the value of leadership, the skills and tactics for successful emotional intelligence, as well as how to navigate stress in the post COVID project environment. Susanne Madsen is an internationally recognised leadership coach and mentor for project and change managers. She has partnered and founded the Project Leadership Institute, which runs leadership programmes to help project managers become better leaders in the workplace. During her career, Susanne has worked with many high-profile companies such as JP Morgan, Citigroup, Philips, BAM and NXP to name just a few. She is a fully qualified Corporate and Executive coach, an NLP Practitioner, DISC accredited and a regular contributor to the Association for Project Management (APM) Susanne is the award-winning author of The Power of Project Leadership, which is now in its second edition. It has been translated to Chinese and Polish and has been described as "a must-read for everyone in the project world". In addition, Susanne is a popular key note speaker on the topic of leadership, emotional intelligence and stress management. proudly sponsored by: InEight.com
S6E137: Is Quantity Surveying a Dying profession? & Alliance Contracts with Brendan Robinson
October 10, 2022 • 01:02:19
In this week’s pod, we welcomed Brendan Robinson to discuss whether Quantity Surveying is a dying profession. We also discussed Alliance Contracts.Brendan is a Chartered Quantity Surveyor and Experienced Commercial Construction Professional. Brendan has worked for both Client and Main Contractor organisations for around 20 years. He recently joined a Construction Consultancy and specialises in Post Contract but has also had some experience in the Pre-Contract Stages of Construction Contracts. He has generally focused on Infrastructure Projects and specifically rail related projects over the last 15 years.He studied in and is originally from Cape Town, South Africa. He is a graduate of the Construction Law and Dispute Resolution Masters Programme at Kings College and a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.He supports and works with tertiary education providers, most recently Universities, mentoring across Quantity Surveying and Contract Law courses and apprenticeships. He is passionate about Quantity Surveying and feels privileged to have supported and sponsored the Quantity Surveying Apprenticeship at Transport for London for around 5 years - 5 Cohorts and around 72 Apprentices on the programme. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: Quantity Surveyors are primarily focused on the cost and contractual side of contracts projects NEC has the most well known form of Alliance Contract. It is a relatively modern concept where all parties have a shared goal. It seeks to align goals between partners An Alliance contract generally sets out how to behave with other parties during the set-up phase The main changes over the last 20 years are around technological improvements in communication between clients / contractors The level of record keeping has also improved in the last decade due to technology. Turnstiles and gates allow projects the monitor the volume of staff on site. This has led to it being a more paperwork heavy role Microsoft Excel is a helpful tool for QS’ but it is not essential. You cannot negotiate a variation on Excel! Delay damages are rarely successful on construction projects despite the effort in pursuing them For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.comIf you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website.You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast.Proudly sponsored by: JustDo - https://www.justdo.com/ InEight - https://ineight.com/Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it!
S6E134: Does AI & Machine Learning really make a difference with Alan Mosca
September 18, 2022 • 01:35:11
In this week’s pod, we welcomed Alan Mosca to discuss whether machine learning and AI can really make a difference.Alan is the co-founder and CTO of nPlan, where he leads technology, research, and product, whilst developing thought leadership about forecasting and risk. Before nPlan, Alan spent 7 years as a technologist in quantitative finance, on live trading systems, research, and front-office in both high-frequency trading and asset management.Alan has extensive experience in algorithm design and software engineering and holds a BEng in Computer Engineering, MSc in Computer Science, and doctoral research in machine learning theory. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: Machine Learning (ML) is a sub-branch of AI although the terms are often used interchangeablyML is useful for spotting really complex patternsWhen approaching major projects, machine learning aims to capture the data and experienceThe aim is to make the data simple enough for business leaders to understandAutomation will rescue some project information by providing consistency on transactional actionsThe key to understanding how to make good decisions is to understand the process they are going through to make it (see double diamond process)“Go to their bus stop”!Machine Learning can not and will not fix cultural issues within projects and organisationsML/IA will not replace humans on projects, it can only be used to inform decision makers to improve performanceCritical Path Methodology was great when tools were not available to do multiple scenarios on activitiesUse the current version of the future to make the next version of the future betterCould projects start using a decision log and track the inputs used to inform the decisions? Here are links to some of the topics we discussed:· Double Diamond Decision Process: https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/our-work/news-opinion/double-diamond-universally-accepted-depiction-design-process/· Buyer Decision Process: https://www.iedunote.com/buyer-decision-process· Cognitive Biases: https://thedecisionlab.com/biases· Superforecasting: The Art and Science of Prediction Phillip Tetlock, Dan Gardner: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Superforecasting-Science-Prediction-Philip-Tetlock/dp/1847947158/ref=asc_df_1847947158/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=310805565966&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12494366783115682348&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9045901&hvtargid=pla-454864998863&psc=1&th=1&psc=1· nPlan Experimental Research Department:
S6E127: The Future of Planning with Ed Van Der Tak
July 24, 2022 • 01:08:22
In this week’s pod, we welcomed Ed Van Der Tak to discuss the future of Project Planning and Technology trends. With over 30 years of experience in planning and scheduling, Ed has worked in various positions and areas within Project Planning & Management. He lives and works in The Netherlands but has also worked and trained in the Middle East.In the early 1990s Ed started his career as a planning engineer in major turn-around projects. Between 2000 and 2009, Ed was co-owner of a Dutch consultancy and training company. In 2011 he founded the Dutch Planning and Scheduling institute to promote the profession and develop new skills and techniques.Ed currently works as a planning manager on a €1bn infrastructure programme in The Netherlands and is a lecturer at the University of Applied Science in Rotterdam.Ed has always been interested in new techniques and future ways of working. He follows trends in technology and automation to start to use these techniques and change our mindset.The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: A good planner needs to be a good storyteller A planner should approach the from different angles e.g. cost impact or risk impact Many infrastructure companies are already collecting data to enable machine learning on projects The rise in the use of AI on project may lead to the role of a project planner becoming more generic and turning into an analyst type role Will AI create or prevent creativity? For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.comIf you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website.You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast.Proudly sponsored by: JustDo - https://www.justdo.com/ PlanAcademy - https://www.planacademy.com/chatter/ ($75 off any course) InEight - https://ineight.com/ Prosci - https://empower.prosci.com/project-ch... (FREE resource kit)Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it!#ProjectManagement #Blockchain #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership #Culture #ProjectCertifications
S5E124: Time Location charting for Linear Projects with Santosh Bhat
June 26, 2022 • 01:09:38
In this episode, Martin and Val talk to Santosh Bhat in detail about the lesser-known Time-location method and how it can be applied on projects. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: Time chainage is a form of presenting activities from a project schedule. It differs from a Gantt chart by the addition of a second dimension i.e. location. It allows you to plot where activities are occurring Time is shown on the vertical axis which can often confuse people! Location is presented on the horizontal axis. It uses start / end dates and location information that already exists in planning software Time chainage charts are not a new concept. It first originated in the 1800s! The Empire State Building was built using a version of this After educating Project Managers about how to use a time chainage chart, it enabled better conversations around the schedules and stakeholders became more engaged as a result It doesn’t require any specific training to operate, it relies on the programme being fully logic linked The colours on the chart tend to represent project disciplines. It allows discussion on production rate estimates by visualizing activities into shapes Baselines can be assigned 4D is a snapshot of a schedule at a point in time. Time location charts is more appropriate for live scheduling. Both visualization tools are complementary rather than competing The software is particularly useful for what-if scenarios and visualizing the impact of changes Time location charts are not directly linked to time risk allowance in Primavera, it can be used to visualize risk analysis outputs People have the impression time location charts are too complex to implement and too difficult to explain to stakeholders which has prevented major projects from implementing it Tune in next time when we’re re-joined by Dr Alexia Nalewaik to talk social value as a key project ROI criteria.For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.comIf you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website.You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast.Proudly sponsored by: JustDo - https://www.justdo.com/ PlanAcademy - https://www.planacademy.com/chatter/ ($75 off any course) InEight - https://ineight.com/ Prosci - https://empower.prosci.com/project-ch... (FREE resource kit)Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it!
S5E116: Achieving High-Performance Teamwork and Greater Success with Nick Fewings
April 27, 2022 • 01:26:41
In this week’s pod, we welcomed Nick Fewings to discuss achieving high-performance teamwork and greater success. Nick Fewings, Director of Ngagementworks, calls himself a Teamologist, someone who specialises in the study of the dynamics of teamwork, using this knowledge, to help teams become more effective. After a 20-year career in banking, working his way up from a cashier to a project leader, and finally a change director, Nick has spent the last two decades, developing teams across the globe, encouraging, facilitating, and helping them to make a positive difference to the effectiveness of their teamwork. During this period, he has profiled thousands of individuals across hundreds of teams. Nick is also the creator of the Team DyNAmics Model that measures overall team effectiveness across 16 areas of teamwork, important in helping to achieve high performance. When not working with teams, he is also a highly regarded, award-winning keynote conference speaker and to date, has spoken at over 500 conferences worldwide, including every branch of the APM, in the UK. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows:· Research suggests only 10% of teams are high performing, 50% are average and 40% dysfunctional· Most teams do not know which category they fall into because they do not measure their teamwork· It is useful to view the traits of people on good days and bad days when reviewing Insights profiles· Purpose is more important than trust in developing high performing teams· Purpose is a task-based element whereas trust is more about the relationship. Many teams were driven by tasks to the detriment of relationships· Good leaders will tap into the preferred communication styles of red, yellow, blue, and greens within their teams when briefing team members· Anonymous feedback is the best way to enable more honest feedback when measuring team effectiveness over a period of time· Excellence is impossible to achieve within a team. Some teams will come close· There is a correlation between high performing teams and project success but it is not apparent in the Project Management industry· Having the right skill set and adaptability to inspire teams is important when recruiting future leaders as opposed to trying to force the right balance upon a team here are links to some of the topics we discussed:· Team, Lead, Success – Nick Fewings: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Team-Lead-Succeed-high-performance-teamwork-ebook/dp/B09SZHC6P9· Team Dynamics Model: https://ngagementworks.com/teamwork/· Clarity 4D Profile – Nick Fewings: https://ngagementworks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Nick_Fewings-Clarity4D-Profile.pdf· Google – What Makes a Good Team: https://rework.withgoogle.com/print/guides/5721312655835136/ Tune in next time when we’re joined by Magnus Olsen to discuss career challenges, opportunities, and trends - a student's perspective. For more information,
S5E112: Project forecasting is a "wicked problem" with Dr Dan Patterson
March 28, 2022 • 00:59:59
In this episode, Dale and Val bring back Dr Dan Patterson to talk about what he has been brewing since their last podcast. Wicked’ problems are problems that cannot be definitely solved – they can only be bettered. Tame problems can be definitively solved e.g. fixing a leaky pipe. For 70 years, we have been trying to adopt tools to definitively ‘solve’ projects and as such we all too often run into what we think is ‘project failure’. The problem with a project is that there is no definitive ‘this is solved’ – there are too many competing objectives (eg cost vs schedule vs cope) and also too many stakeholders with differing objectives. Instead of striving for a finite outcome, in the context of the fact projects are under a barrage of constant change and influences, perhaps we should treat planning and execution as being bettered (tamed) and not solved? I see this as the science of meta-planning ie better plan the planning process rather than jumping into planning execution itself. Tame problems can be solved. Wicked problems can only be tamed and that is what meta-planning is all about. Dr. Dan Patterson is a Schedule and Cost Risk Analysis thought leader. He was the CEO and founder of BASIS, a project management company specializing in schedule and risk analytics, which was acquired in 2018 by InEight, Inc. Prior to BASIS, Dan led the highly successful organization Acumen, a project analytics company, and is the inventor of Acumen Fuse, Risk and 360, a project analytics software suite that is used for project planning quality improvement, performance insight, and forensics analysis. Dr. Patterson conducts risk workshops for billion-dollar projects and has subsequently served as an expert witness on many. During the execution of these engagements he leads qualitative and quantitative risk analysis, prepares and presents executive summaries, and leads in-person executive briefings to company executives. Dr. Patterson acts as the primary lead on various company and project internal risk optimization procedures. He specializes in risk workshops, project audits, and strategic project analysis on various capital expenditure projects. With over 20 years of professional experience, Dr. Patterson is recognized as a global thought leader and visionary within the project management industry. Specifically, he is known for his risk and schedule analytics expertise and is frequently utilized on high-profile capital expenditure projects for workshop facilitation, expert witness testimony, advanced analytics, and board-level briefings. Dr. Patterson has an impressive track record with extensive commercial and technical project management experience on projects that in the aggregate are valued at over $200 billion. Today, Patterson continues to push the project management boundaries forward with InEight BASIS, the first AI planning tool for CAPEX projects. Prior to BASIS, Patterson was the founder and CEO of Acumen, and inventor of Acumen Fuse, Risk and 360, a widely-used project metrics analysis and risk management software suite. Acumen was acquired by Deltek in 2013 with the Acumen toolset now used on most major CAPEX projects worldwide. Prior to Acumen, Patterson founded Pertmaster NA. He brought project risk analysis to the masses with the introduction of an integrated Monte Carlo analysis and risk register solution. This led to the successful acquisition of Pertmaster by Primavera (now Oracle) in 2006. Proudly sponsored by: Prosci.com InEight.com PlanAcademy.com JustDo.com #ProjectManagement #ProjectDelivery #ProjectControls
S5E111: Special Edition - the presenters of EVA26 curated by Steve Wake
March 20, 2022 • 02:22:00
In this episode we bring you a special broadcast from EVA26. After almost 3 years absence, EVA curated by Steve Wake returns with a bang and the Project Chatter Podcast's Dale Foong was lucky enough to interview the speakers, poets, composers and the one and only Michael Rosen! You'll hear snippets from the various presenters, a poem and the band plays us out in this special edition. Check out the lineup below: Steve Wake - Opening and closing remarks Paul Lyalls - EVA Poet in residence Martin Paver - Performance Enhancing Data Analytics Natalie Moyes, Marco Frisenda, Craig Stansfield, Shakeel Khan, Olli Wade – Industry Fireside Chat on Digital Transformation David Herington - Digital 'Line of Sight', Enabling Project Execution Bas Theelen - NASA’s Orion Spacecraft that will bring humans to the Moon and beyond Stephen Carver - Great Project – Shame about The Steering Committee (Falklands War) Adrian Pyne - Agility Making Projects Thrive Carole Still - Five skills to rule them all! Karen Thompson - Systems Thinking for improved Performance Niall Faris - Pandemic Projects: Delivering the Covid 19 Mega Laboratory Michael Rosen - Many Different Kinds of Love: A story of Life Death and the NHS Jo Lucas - Activating the mycelium James Lea - The psychology of estimating and planning Alex Leppard - Subconscious Biases In Project Management Jack Pinter - EVA Composer in residence The EVA band For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Proudly sponsored by: JustDo - https://www.justdo.com/ PlanAcademy - https://www.planacademy.com/chatter/ ($75 off any course) InEight - https://ineight.com/ Prosci - https://empower.prosci.com/project-chatter (FREE resource kit) Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it! #ProjectManagement #Blockchain #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership #Culture #ProjectCertifications
S4E100: Talking Transport Projects with COO Magda Robertson
December 20, 2021 • 01:06:11
In this episode, Dale and Val talk about transport and operations, what's involved and an experiential journey of a woman on the rise in transport with a passion for the industry. There is something for everyone in this episode as we talk about improving performance, why transport projects are sexy and what interesting roles inspired our guest. Our guest, Magda Robertson is an accomplished senior leader with 20 years of experience in the transport industry (heavy rail, light rail & buses), both in the public and private sectors. She possesses exceptional client and stakeholder engagement capabilities along with contract management, both as the client and operator. She has a blend of operational, corporate and strategic leadership experience and has led various teams ranging from service delivery, network operations (train control & signals) asset management, infrastructure (civil, electrical & technical), engineering, maintenance, fleet & security operations. Her operational & technical expertise is underpinned by an MBA from a leading Australian Business Institute She is also an experienced rail operations advisor with large project management capabilities and delivery aspects for both greenfield and brownfield developments and major renewal projects. Magda harnesses safe and best practices with an objective to optimise business outcomes and deliver results. She has experience in delivering business transformation, lean end to end system integration, governance, building high-performance teams and reform in highly industrialised and safety-critical transport environments. If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Proudly sponsored by: PlanAcademy.com | InEight.com | JustDo.com Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it!
S4E88: How to get the best out of your PMO with Lindsay Scott & Eileen Roden
September 26, 2021 • 01:22:23
In this week’s pod we welcomed Lindsay Scott and Eileen Roden from the House of PMO to talk about how to get the best out of your PMO teams. Lindsay has a published author, having edited the Handbook of People in Project Management and published the PMO Competency Framework. She has experience as a PMO Manager and careers advisor. Eileen is a Consulting Director Trainer and Coach at the House of PMO. She has written the PMO Competency Framework and the P3O Best Management Practice documents. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: · A PMO exists to enable decision making, assist on project delivery and create an ecosystem for projects to thrive · There are different definitions of what a PMO is. Ultimately it depends on the organisation structure. Sometimes you will need to explain how projects differ from Business as Usual (BAU) · Some organisations are just focusing on Project Controls rather than PMO which is broader · PMO’s are effectively facilitators. They can support with having the wider view of all projects within an organisation · PMO’s need to match the needs of the business. Sometimes the quality of outputs will deteriorate over time if the organisation structure changes frequently · It is difficult to promote best practice across the industry because of the different organisation set-ups · Many organisations are seeking to demonstrate PMO performance through KPIs. · Project Managers will deliver projects, PMO’s will enable better controls to review the project status · People are the key driver for getting the best out of PMO’s · Data analytics will have a huge impact on the industry, however people skills are the most important skillset for effective PMO’s · PMO will act as a translator between data analytics and Project Managements · The main evolution in PMO skillsets over the past 30 years has been in technology. In the last five years the key theme is managing agile projects · There are no consistent metrics across the industry to measure project success · There is no such thing as best practice. It should be re-branded as good local practice! · There is a debate between whether a PMO team should be permanent in order to transfer good practice and learning within an organisation vs whether they should be temporary to align with the finite nature of projects Here are links to some of the topics that were discussed: House of PMO: https://houseofpmo.com/ PMO Competency Framework: https://houseofpmo.com/competency-framework/ ----------------------------------------- Join us next week where we’re joined by Elizabeth Harrin to talk about effective stakeholder engagement and managing multiple projects. For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it! Dale and Val This episode is sponsored by PlanAcademy.com, JustDo.com, and InEight.com.
S4E86: Making law work for the construction & engineering industry with Sarah Schutte
September 12, 2021 • 01:26:05
In this week’s pod we welcomed Sarah Schutte to discuss how to make law work for the construction and engineering industry. Sarah is an independent UK-qualified solicitor-advocate and runs her own legal and training consultancy. She has 19 years' experience as a specialist infrastructure lawyer, including 12 years working directly for industry. She has developed a niche practice in project management, project controls and the law (PPM and P3M and PMO). She collaborates closely with global Chapters of the Project Management Institute (PMI) and the UK Association of Project Managers (APM). The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: • The contract is the framework, means and vehicle for delivering and managing projects • Freedom of contract allows companies to agree anything within their contracts provided it is legal. They are then bound by these agreements • No project manager is taught contract law in PMBOK or APM frameworks. This should change given the importance to project delivery • The role of project managers has evolved to include leadership and motivation. The next evolution should be commercial know-how • NEC Contracts are written in the “simple, present, active voice”! • There is a difference between Commercial teams and Legal teams. Legal are generally consulted whereas commercial generally manage contracts. Legal can often be overly academic • Standard contract templates can be a useful starting point for projects in countries where contracts are not overly prescriptive e.g. Spain • Learning about the technical aspect of the project allows commercial teams to be value adding to the delivery teams • There isn’t a best time to speak to the in house legal counsel though most people leave it too late! • As a legal counsel, it is your duty to give advice and inform clients of potential consequences to their commercial position. • The transparency element of NEC Option C/D is overly weighted towards cost rather than time and quality • It is important to provide accurate reporting even if the contractor or internal team do not like the answers Here are links to some of the topics that were discussed: Schutte Consulting Peridot Consulting International LLP Project Business Foundation: not-for-profit education and accreditation for PMs dealing with outsourced projects. Basic knowledge of contract law for Project Managers: https://www.apm.org.uk/blog/basic-knowledge-of-contract-law-is-essential-for-an-effective-project-manager/ Basic Contract Law for Project Managers: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XKhhSNxgqVs ----------------------------------------- Join us next week where we’re joined by Lorraine Humphrey to talk about Project Assurance and Risk Management. Val and Dale are discussing the future of Project Controls at the Virtual Project Controls Expo next week. Be sure to tune in! For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it! Dale and Val
S3E71: How Adaptive Project Management Improves Projects with Gary Wong & Hendrik Lourens
May 29, 2021 • 01:26:51
In this episode, Dale and Val talk about adaptive projects management and how skills and demands are changing, as well as how we should perceive the needs. We talk to Gary Wong and Hendrik Lourens about their vast knowledge in this area and how adaptive project management can truly improve project performance. A bit about our guests; Gary Wong has over 45 years of experience starting with his career in an electrical utility where he worked in engineering, line operations, business consulting and training roles. PM responsibilities included managing electric utility construction and maintenance projects and running a PMO for Business Process re-engineering initiatives. He later joined Ernst & Young Consulting (now Capgemini Consulting) as a Senior Manager in Strategy & Transformation. Gary has operated his own independent consulting practice over the past 15 years focusing on complexity thinking and safety. He is a training associate with Cognitive-Edge Inc. and co-authors and delivers complexity courses and workshops. Gary has an engineering degree from UBC and an MBA from SFU. He also has held roles as a certified FranklinCovey 7 Habits facilitator and an Edward de Bono Six Thinking Hats and Lateral Thinking instructor. Hendrik Lourens is the owner of Stratflow, a company that provides solutions to project focussed companies that are looking to mitigate risk and to deliver immediate and significant results. He helps his clients to achieve breakthrough performance by clarifying the inherent simplicity in complicated and pressured environments and focussing their effort on the few critical leverage points that affect their system. Hendrik is a physicist by training with advanced qualifications in Polymer Science, accreditation in Theory of Constraints (Critical Chain Project Management, Finance, Operations and Supply chain, Thinking Processes) as well as an MBA. Hendrik has worked at the Director level in manufacturing businesses and for a number of Tier 1 companies. He has worked with companies such as Aurizon, Qantas, John Holland, CPB, Downer, BHP & Anglo American and published widely on productivity, digitisation and social licence. This podcast is brought to you by: JustDo.com InEight.com PlanAcademy.com - save $75 on any course with this link - www.planacademy.com/chatter/ #projectmanagement #projectcontrols #projectplanning #projectriskmanagement #projectledaership
S3E64: Crossrail in Review & Systems with Nat Moyes and Richard Palczynski
April 11, 2021 • 01:42:11
In this episode, Dale and Val lift the hood on the UK mega program Crossrail with Richard Palczynski and talk about what systems work on mega programs with our good friend Nat Moyes. Crossrail is a railway construction project underway mainly in central London. Its aim is to provide a high-frequency suburban passenger service crossing London from west to east, to be branded the Elizabeth line, by connecting two major railway lines terminating in London, the Great Western Main Line and the Great Eastern Main Line. The project was approved in 2007, and construction began in 2009 on the central section and connections to existing lines that will become part of the route. About our guests.. Richard joined Arcadis in February 2019. Throughout his career, he has collected both hands-on programme management experience after working on major programmes such as the Jubilee Line Extension, HS1, West Coast Mainline and Crossrail, where he was Programme Controls Director. In his latest role, he is supporting Network Rail’s Transpennine Route Upgrade Programme – a £multi-billion enhancements scheme stretching from Manchester to York. Richard has also collected 6 years in the corporate world helping to run, grow and evolve companies such as Parsons Brinckerhoff, Balfour Beatty and Mace. He is a Fellow with the Institution of Civil Engineers and the APM and is a Supervising Civil Engineer, passionate about skiing and triathlon. and... Nat Moyes has 12 years at the same software company which is starting to become a rarity, but that is Natalie’s Tenure at Deltek supporting their PPM products and clients. She's seen a lot of industry change, and she's had the privilege to support a number of established clients as well as grow some new ones. She's been involved in the APM SIG, steering committees, user groups and general advisory boards, all focused on people, process, toolset. Don't forget to buy some Project Chatter merch in our Charity Shop, where all profits are donated to our charity partners. This podcast sponsored by: JustDo.com InEight.com PlanAcademy.com get $75 off any course by heading to https://www.planacademy.com/chatter
S3E54: Be an Effective Virtual Project Manager with CTO Joe Zobkiw
January 31, 2021 • 01:21:26
In this episode, Dale & Val talk to CTO Joe Zobkiw about how to be an effective hands-on virtual project manager. COVID has changed our roles and lives forever, but what does this mean on projects? With restrictions continuing into 2021, we need new...
S2E29: People, Process and Tools with Nat Moyes from Deltek
July 25, 2020 • 01:23:18
In this episode, we get into the suite of Deltek tools, as well as the future of tools and how we can better adapt to changes in technology. Furthermore, how might this affect the current workforce in projects? We're joined by Nat Moyes - Deltek's...
S2E27: The DNA of Strategy Execution for Project Management & PMO with Jack Duggal
July 12, 2020 • 01:13:18
In this episode, we welcome Jack Duggal to the show. We get into the detail of his book: The DNA of Strategy Execution - Next Generation of Project Management & PMO. Jack Duggal is deep into decoding the DNA of Strategy Execution and transformation...