People and Projects Podcast: Project Management Podcast
The People and Projects Podcast offers interviews and insights on project management, leadership, and the impact of AI. Hosted by Andy Kaufman since 2009, it provides practical advice for leading people and delivering projects. Listeners can earn free PDUs for project management certifications.
Episodes
PPP 510 | The Word Great Leaders Keep Using (And Most Leaders Avoid), with Marcus Buckingham
Summary In this episode, Andy welcomes back Marcus Buckingham, bestselling author and researcher, to discuss his new book, Design Love In: How to Unleash the Most Powerful Force in Business. For 25 years, Marcus studied the most productive teams, loyal customers, and effective leaders in the world, and the word that kept appearing in his data was one he kept changing: love. Andy and Marcus explore
PPP 509 | Stop Letting Great Ideas Slip Away: A System for Leadership Recall, with author Steve Kahle
Summary In this episode, Andy welcomes back Steve Kahle, entrepreneur, executive, and fractional CIO, author of Leadership Recall: Harness Insights. Accelerate Innovation. LEAD WITH AUTHORITY. Steve first joined the podcast in episode 184 to discuss email overload. This time, the conversation turns to a challenge every leader faces: the forgetting curve. Research suggests we forget up to 83% of wh
PPP 508 | Why Where You Work May Matter More Than How You Work. The Indoor Epidemic, with Dr. John La Puma
Summary In this episode, Andy welcomes Dr. John La Puma, a board-certified internal medicine physician, professionally trained chef, regenerative organic farmer, and two-time New York Times bestselling author of The Indoor Epidemic. Did you know most of us spend about 93% of our lives indoors? Dr. John makes the case, backed by more than 2,200 studies, that where we spend our time may matter just
PPP 507 | Why Smart Teams Still Fail, with Stephen Shapiro
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Stephen Shapiro, innovation expert and author of You're Not Playing With a Full Deck: Why the People Who Drive You Crazy Are Your Unfair Advantage. Stephen's journey starts with a costly failure: a $30 million innovation project at Accenture that fell apart, not from a lack of talent, but because everyone on the team thought the same way. Out of that failur
PPP 506 | Stop Optimizing Meetings. Start Reducing Them, with Rebecca Hinds
Summary In this episode, Andy welcomes Rebecca Hinds, organizational behavior researcher and author of Your Best Meeting Ever. Rebecca brings a behavioral science lens to one of the most persistent pain points in modern work: meetings that multiply, linger, and drain rather than deliver. Andy and Rebecca explore the concept of meeting debt, and why reducing meeting volume often matters far more th
PPP 505 | You've Got This: A Practical Way to Lead When You're Not Sure, with Ashley Herd
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Ashley Herd, HR and legal leader turned management coach, and author of The Manager Method. Ashley has led HR and legal teams at organizations like McKinsey and Yum Brands, and she brings a refreshingly real-talk approach to the challenges every manager faces, especially those quiet moments of self-doubt that come with growing responsibility. In this conver
PPP 504 | How Leaders Can Reduce Stress Without Lowering the Bar, with Amy Leneker
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Amy Leneker, leadership coach, joy strategist, and author of Cheers to Monday. Amy's journey began with a burnout so severe that her doctor put her on medical leave. It took 10 words on a medical form to change everything: "What are your hobbies? What do you do for fun?" She couldn't answer it. That moment sent her on a mission to help leaders recognize str
PPP 503 | How to Facilitate Meetings That Actually Lead to Decisions, with Evan Unger
Summary In this episode, Andy sits down with Evan Unger, a consultant and trainer who has spent more than 30 years helping leaders facilitate collaborative decision making across projects, programs, and organizations around the world. Evan's work focuses on helping groups move forward when opinions differ, tension is present, and time is limited. This conversation is packed with immediately action
PPP 502 | When Process Is Not Enough: The Human Side of Project Leadership, with Brett Harned
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Brett Harned, founder of the Digital PM Community and the Digital PM Summit, and author of Project Management for Humans: Helping People Get Things Done. Brett has spent years coaching project leaders and helping organizations rethink what project management really is. His core conviction: the human side of the work is not a nice-to-have. It is the work. In
PPP 501 | Hope Is Not a Strategy… Or Is It?, with author Jen Fisher
Summary In this episode, Andy welcomes Jen Fisher, author of Hope Is the Strategy: The Underrated Skill That Transforms Work, Leadership, and Wellbeing. In project management circles, we often hear the phrase "hope is not a strategy." Jen challenges that assumption, arguing that real hope is not wishful thinking at all. Instead, it's a practical cognitive process that can help leaders navigate unc
PPP 500 | When AI Becomes a Digital Colleague: What Leaders Need to Know, with former Google DeepMind Futurist Steve Brown
Summary Welcome to our 500th episode! To celebrate this milestone, Andy talks with Steve Brown, AI futurist, keynote speaker, and author of The AI Ultimatum: Preparing for a World of Intelligent Machines and Radical Transformation. Steve brings a rare perspective shaped by years at Intel and Google DeepMind, and today helps organizations navigate two vital questions: what future do you want to bui
PPP 499 | How Much of Success Is Luck or Something Else, with Wharton's Judd Kessler
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Wharton economist Judd Kessler, author of Lucky by Design: The Hidden Economics You Need to Get More of What You Want. If you have ever looked at someone else's career success and thought, "They just got lucky," this conversation will give you a new lens. Judd introduces the idea of "hidden markets," the informal rules and systems that shape who gets opport
PPP 498 | Have Better Conversations: Small Moves That Save Projects and Relationships, with Joe Ferraro
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Joe Ferraro, host of the One Percent Better podcast and a coach who helps leaders have stronger conversations when the stakes are high. If you lead projects, you know how quickly a meeting, a status update, or a feedback moment can either build trust or quietly drain it. Joe shares small, practical moves that make conversations more memorable and more usefu
PPP 497 | A Practical System for Navigating Chaos, with author Richard Carson
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Richard Carson, author of The Book of Change. If you feel like you barely finish one change before the next one hits, this conversation is for you. Richard shares his deeply researched and battle-tested framework called People Sustained Organizational Change Management, or PSOCM. Unlike many change management books, this is not about certifications or sloga
PPP 496 | How to Deliver Faster with Less Stress. In the Trenches with Norman Patnode
Summary In this In the Trenches episode, Andy talks with Norman Patnode, Principal at ProChain Solutions, about what it really takes to deliver projects faster and more predictably. With a background in aerospace engineering, the Air Force, and decades of consulting, Norman brings a systems-level perspective to project delivery that goes far beyond managing task lists. They explore the difference
PPP 495 | Your Layoff Survival Playbook: Lessons from The Layoff Journey, with Steve Jaffe
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Steve Jaffe, author of The Layoff Journey: From Dismissal to Discovery. Steve has been laid off four times over the course of his career, and those experiences shaped a thoughtful, practical framework for navigating the emotional and professional aftermath of job loss. Andy and Steve explore why layoffs feel so personal even when we are told they are not, h
PPP 494 | How to Stay Poised When Everything Starts to Slip, with author Andrew Wittman
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Dr. Andrew Wittman, former Marine, police officer, federal agent, and leadership coach, about his new book Inner Armor: Perpetual Resilience. If you lead projects and teams, you already know pressure is coming. The real question is what you do when it arrives. Andrew explains why the brain can work against you under stress, and how the questions you ask you
PPP 493 | How to Future-Prep Your PM Career with AI Tools and Critical Skills, with Olivia Montgomery
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Olivia Montgomery, Associate Principal Analyst at Capterra and a PMP. They discuss how artificial intelligence is reshaping project management tools, skills, and expectations. Olivia brings a rare perspective, combining hands-on experience leading a PMO with years of research into how organizations evaluate, adopt, and struggle with project management softw
PPP 492 | The Hidden Costs of Hybrid Teams, with Peter Cappelli and Ranya Nehmeh
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Peter Cappelli and Ranya Nehmeh, co-authors of In Praise of the Office: The Limits to Hybrid and Remote Work. In a world still grappling with virtual work, Peter and Ranya challenge us to take a fresh look at the workplace. Not just where we do work, but how that space shapes learning, culture, visibility, and performance. In this conversation, you'll hear
PPP 491 | What a Children's Book Can Teach Leaders About Fear, with former news anchor Lynn Smith
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Lynn Smith, former NBC News, MSNBC, and CNN Headline News anchor, executive communication coach, and author of Just Keep Going. Lynn is best known for helping Fortune 500 leaders turn pressure into presence, but her newest book takes an unexpected form: a children's story about fear, resilience, and perseverance. That surprising choice is exactly what makes
PPP 490 | Why Psychology Might Be Hurting Your Team, with Barry Wolfe
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Barry Wolfe, author of It's All In Your Head: Why Psychology Doesn't Help Your Workforce Deliver Value - And What Can. Barry is a seasoned HR executive and business leader who has built a reputation as one of the rare "HR guys who actually has a head for business." In this frank and eye-opening conversation, Barry challenges many of the tools and ideas we'v
PPP 489 | Blindspots That Derail Project Managers and How To See Them, with author Marty Dubin
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Martin Dubin, psychologist, former CEO, executive coach, and author of Blindspotting: How to See What's Holding You Back as a Leader. Marty brings a rare combination of clinical insight and real-world leadership experience to a topic that affects every project manager and frontline leader: the blindspots that quietly shape our behavior, decisions, and impac
PPP 488 | How to Be a Less Terrible Boss, with Joel Hilchey
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Joel Hilchey, speaker, facilitator, and author of The 6½ Habits of Highly Defective Bosses. Joel brings humor, honesty, and a refreshing amount of grace to a topic many leaders quietly struggle with: becoming a boss without training, preparation, or a clear roadmap. Andy and Joel explore what it really means to be an "accidental boss" and why most bad bosse
PPP 487 | Why Humor Is a Serious Leadership Skill, with comedian Adam Christing
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with comedian and corporate emcee Adam Christing, author of The Laughter Factor: The 5 Humor Tactics to Link, Lift, and Lead. If you have ever hesitated to use humor at work because you were unsure it would land, or worried it might backfire, this conversation offers both encouragement and a practical path forward. Adam shares how his early influences shaped his
PPP 486 | How to Solve Some of the Toughest Leadership Problems, with business coach Dr. Katie Best
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Dr. Katie Best, leadership coach and author of The Ten Toughest Leadership Problems and How to Solve Them. Drawing on years of coaching leaders across industries, Katie shares practical insights that help you tackle high-stakes leadership moments—especially when a coach isn't available. They explore Katie's SOLVE framework for problem-solving under pressure
PPP 485 | What Project Teams Can Learn From Sketch Comedy, with author John Krewson
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with John Krewson, co-author of Pitch, Sketch, Launch: A Sketch Comedy Approach to Product Development. John's journey spans software development, acting, and even a stint with Saturday Night Live. He now leads Sketch Development, where he helps teams build products people actually want, faster and with more joy. In this conversation, John explains why project t
PPP 484 | Coping with Digital Overwhelm Without Logging Off, with author Craig Mattson
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Dr. Craig Mattson, professor of communication and author of Digital Overwhelm: A Mid-Career Guide to Coping at Work. Rather than encouraging digital detoxing or escaping technology, Craig offers a refreshing way to understand and navigate the pressures of modern work. He introduces the idea of digiwhelm, explains why so much of our stress comes from the com
PPP 483 | The Future of PMOs, AI's Impact, and Leadership Lessons with Amireh Amirmazaheri
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Amireh Amirmazaheri, CEO of PMO Solutions and a leading voice in the global PMO community. From growing up in Iran during a time of war to building a respected consultancy in Australia, Amireh shares how resilience and curiosity shaped her approach to leadership and enabling project success. You'll hear how PMOs have evolved from administrative hubs to stra
PPP 482 | The PM Readiness Iron Triangle and How It Can Transform Your Career, with Kayla Quijas
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Kayla Quijas, founder of Kayla Q Career Coaching. Kayla's journey from cake decorator to Senior Project Manager at a global law firm is anything but conventional, and it's that transformation that fuels her work helping others break into and thrive in project management. At the heart of the discussion is Kayla's signature framework, the PM Readiness Iron Tr
PPP 481 | Why Great Managers Add Zero Value and Why That is Good News, with author Matthew Ley
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Matt Ley about his new book Manage Your Gaps: Reclaiming the Awesomeness of Management. Matt challenges the myths and misunderstandings around management, explaining why clarity between contributors, managers, and leaders is key to organizational performance. You'll hear why he says managers are "multipliers" of value, how to recognize when you're being ove
PPP 480 | What If You Managed Your Life Like a Project? Insights from Coach Tony Weaver
Summary In this episode, Andy welcomes Coach Tony Weaver, author of Project Manage Your Life: Your Blueprint for Achieving Any Goal — One Step at a Time. After decades of leading complex IT, marketing, and transformation projects, Tony turned his project management skills inward and used them to lose over 100 pounds. That journey sparked a new mission: helping others apply the same proven methods
PPP 479 | The AI Skills You Need to Stay Relevant, with Matt Mong
Summary In this episode, Andy interviews Matt Mong, a leader at PlanAutomate, a company focused on bringing intelligent automation to the world of project management. With AI dominating headlines, Matt joins the podcast to explore what's real, what's hype, and what project managers and frontline leaders should actually be doing to stay ahead. They discuss common misconceptions about AI in projects
PPP 478 | Today Was Fun: Why Great Teams Don't Dread Monday, with author Bree Groff
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Bree Groff, transformation consultant, speaker, and author of Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously). Bree challenges the idea that work must be draining to be valuable, offering a refreshing and practical vision for how leaders can help teams thrive, and even enjoy, their workdays. They explore how her upbringing shaped her perspective on work, why s
PPP 477 | Are You Being Too Nice? When Helping Actually Hurts, with author Jess Baker
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Jess Baker, business psychologist and author of The Super-Helper Syndrome: A Survival Guide for Compassionate People. Jess helps leaders, project managers, and anyone who tends to take on too much work avoid burnout, preserve self-worth, and build healthier ways of helping. The conversation digs into what "Super-Helper Syndrome" means, how over-helping can
PPP 476 | This One Idea Could Radically Change How You Lead, with author Jim Ferrell
Summary In this episode, Andy interviews Jim Ferrell, author of You and We: A Relational Rethinking of Work, Life and Leadership. Andy has long been a big fan of Jim's work with The Arbinger Institute, authoring Leadership and Self-Deception and The Anatomy of Peace. In this conversation, Jim unpacks his insights on how leaders can move from a self-focused to a relational mindset. Drawing from h
PPP 475 | If Work Feels Like an Episode of The Office, This Is for You, with Don Kieffer and Nelson Repenning
Summary Have you ever wrapped up your workday thinking, "I've been busy all day, but I'm not sure I actually made anything better"? If so, you're not alone, and today's guests are here to help you break that cycle. In this episode, Andy talks with Don Kieffer and Nelson Repenning, co-authors of the new book There's Got to Be a Better Way. Don is a former Harley-Davidson executive who led during so
PPP 474 | A Candid Conversation with Stuart Taylor: LinkedIn, Careers, and AI
Summary In this candid live-stream conversation, Andy chats with content creator and project leader Stuart Taylor, the mind behind the Influential PMO platform and the Stuart Taylor Project YouTube channel. They dig into the difference between influencers and thought leaders, how to choose topics that genuinely help practitioners, and what to do when metrics don't match the effort. Stuart shares p
PPP 473 | Beyond the Hype: The Science of Impactful Leadership, with Jeffrey Hull & Margaret Moore
Summary In this episode, Andy welcomes Jeffrey Hull and Margaret Moore, co-authors of The Science of Leadership: Nine Ways to Expand Your Impact. Drawing from over 50 years of leadership research and tens of thousands of studies, Jeff and Meg offer an accessible roadmap for leaders who want to grow in meaningful, evidence-based ways. As coaches and leaders at the Institute of Coaching, they distil
PPP 472 | Why Lean Matters--and What You Need to Know, with Toyota Veteran Mark Reich
Summary In this episode, Andy welcomes Mark Reich, a former Toyota leader and current Chief Engineer for Strategy at the Lean Enterprise Institute. Mark is the author of Managing on Purpose. If you've ever tried to improve your team but felt like your strategy was stuck in a slide deck, this conversation is for you. Mark introduces the idea of hoshin kanri, a lesser-known but critical pillar of To
PPP 471 | How to Handle Everyday Negotiations Like a Pro, with Dr. Mike Clayton
Summary When you hear the word negotiation, what comes to mind? A boardroom showdown? A salary discussion? In this episode, Andy welcomes back Dr. Mike Clayton, author of How to Negotiate: Practical and Proven Skills to Help You Strike Better Deals to unpack the truth about negotiating. Mike brings clarity, wisdom, and practicality to a skill that project managers and frontline leaders use more of
PPP 470 | When Your Default Is Duct Tape: Rethinking How We Lead and Live, with Jon Harper
Summary In this episode, Andy welcomes Jon Harper, author of Rebuild! Don't Repair: Why Fixing Things Doesn't Fix Things in Life. Jon shares from his personal and professional journey about the courage it takes to stop settling for temporary fixes and instead do the deeper, more intentional work of rebuilding. Drawing on lessons from his leadership experience and faith-based insights, Jon invites
PPP 469 | Four Simple Shifts To Unleash Your Team (and Avoid Your Mount Stupid Moment), with author Phil Wilson
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with leadership coach Phil Wilson, author of The Leader-Shift Playbook: 4 Simple Changes to Score Big and Unleash Your Team's Potential. Phil shares his own "Mount Stupid" moment, when he realized the biggest obstacle to his team's success was actually himself, and how that wake-up call led to powerful changes in his leadership approach. The conversation dives i
PPP 468 | How to Lead When You're Suddenly In Charge. What To Do in the First 45 Days, with Executive Coach James Turk
Summary When you're promoted into management, the shift can feel like you're suddenly in charge, but with very little guidance. In this episode, Andy chats with executive coach and author James Turk about his insightful book The Giving Game: A Manager's Playbook for the First Year of Leadership. James brings decades of experience helping leaders navigate that tricky transition from individual cont
PPP 467 | This Is What No One Tells You About Becoming a Boss, with author Sabina Nawaz
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Sabina Nawaz, global CEO coach and former Microsoft executive, about her new book You're the Boss: Become the Manager You Want to Be and Others Need. With authenticity and insight, Sabina shares what no one tells you about stepping into management, from the strange emptiness that can follow a promotion to how pressure can quietly bring out the worst in us.
PPP 466 | 12 Tools Every Leader Needs to Navigate Difficult Bosses, with Josefine Campbell
Summary In this episode, Andy welcomes back leadership coach Josefine Campbell to discuss her newest book, 12 Tools for Managing a Selfish Leader. If you've ever had a boss who seemed unpredictable, emotionally draining, or even manipulative, this conversation offers tools and insights that can help. Josefine shares the inspiration behind the book, which is based on the story of a coaching client
PPP 465 | What If You Got Laid Off Tomorrow? Here's What to Do Today, with Kari Mirabal
Summary In this episode, Andy welcomes back networking expert and keynote speaker Kari Mirabal, author of You Already Have the No. Kari shares practical strategies for building authentic relationships that can help you not only survive but thrive during career transitions. They explore the challenges of networking when you're early in your career, in between jobs, or worried about losing the one y
PPP 464 | Why People on Your Team Don't Care--and How to Inspire Them, with author Dave Garrison
Summary In this episode, Andy interviews Dave Garrison, author of The Buy-In Advantage: Why Employees Stop Caring and How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Give Their All. We've all faced moments where our team seems checked out or disengaged. But what if the real issue is that they don't feel invited to care? Dave challenges conventional approaches to engagement and offers practical, actionable s
PPP 463 | Transcending AI Fear and Hype: How to Think About the Human-AI Relationship, with author Faisal Hoque
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Faisal Hoque, author of Transcend: Unlocking Humanity in the Age of AI. Faisal brings a unique blend of deep philosophical insight, entrepreneurial experience, and technological expertise to the conversation. They explore how leaders can navigate the fast-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence while staying grounded in what makes us human. The discus
PPP 462 | From Playing It Safe to Speaking Up, with author Dr. Margie Warrell
Summary In this episode, Andy welcomes Dr. Margie Warrell, bestselling author and global leadership expert, to talk about her latest book, The Courage Gap: 5 Steps to Braver Action. Drawing from her deeply personal experiences and decades of coaching and research, Margie shares how courage isn't about eliminating fear—it's about regulating it and acting anyway. Margie and Andy explore the hidden w
PPP 461 | Why Your Wellness Perks Aren't Working (And What Actually Does), with Dr. Patricia Grabarek
Summary In this episode, Andy welcomes Dr. Patricia Grabarek, co-author of Leading for Wellness: How to Create a Team Culture Where Everyone Thrives. Patricia is an industrial-organizational psychologist and co-founder of Workr Beeing. She brings her expertise in workplace wellness, leadership behavior, and employee engagement to this timely conversation about how leaders can improve not just prod
PPP 460 | AI, Data, and Decision-Making: What Every Project Manager Needs to Know, with Dr. Joe Sutherland
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Dr. Joe Sutherland, co-author of the new book Analytics the Right Way: A Business Leader's Guide to Putting Data to Productive Use. Joe is a leader in AI policy and practice, serving as the founding director of the Emory Center for AI Learning and lead principal investigator for the U.S. AI Safety Institute Consortium. Andy and Joe explore what it really ta
PPP 459 | Redefining Success: Why IQ Might Not Matter as Much as You Think, with Adrian Kelly
Summary In this episode, Andy interviews Adrian Kelly, author of The Success Complex: Ancient wisdom, the building blocks of life and your path to sustained success. Drawing from history, behavioral science, and personal stories, Adrian offers a compelling redefinition of what it means to succeed. From his humble academic beginnings to building international ventures, Adrian brings a unique perspe
PPP 458 | Dreading Monday Mornings? How to Find Joy in the Job You Already Have, with author Elizabeth Lotardo
Summary In this episode, Andy welcomes Elizabeth Lotardo, author of Leading Yourself: Find More Joy, Meaning, and Opportunities in the Job You Already Have. Drawing on insights from her book, Elizabeth shares a practical and empowering framework for navigating the everyday challenges that can drain energy and joy from our work lives--things like imperfect bosses, lethargic coworkers, and overwhelm
PPP 457 | Virtual Communication Mistakes You Don't Know You're Making, with Andrew Brodsky
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Andrew Brodsky about his new book, Ping: The Secrets of Successful Virtual Communication. The discussion covers key topics, such as the impact of typos, the use of emojis and exclamation points, and the importance of timely responses. Andrew highlights the pros and cons of different communication mediums, offering evidence-based recommendations on when to u
PPP 456 | Navigating Ambiguity with Confidence, with Kevin Eikenberry
Summary In this discussion, Andy welcomes back Kevin Eikenberry to talk about his new book Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence. They discuss how leadership complexity increases with career progression and how Kevin's book offers practical guidance on managing ambiguity. The conversation delves into the concept of flexible leadership, the impact of uncertainty versus
PPP 455 | The #1 Mistake That Holds Leaders Back (And How to Fix It), with Janet Polach
Summary In this episode, Andy interviews Janet Polach, author of The Strategic Leader's Mindset: Unlocking the Keys to Success They discuss the struggles that come with the journey of transitioning from tactical to strategic roles. Janet shares insights from her book on how to develop a strategic mindset, work through people, and stay authentic. The conversation covers key challenges in leadership
PPP 454 | How AI is Changing Leadership (And What You Must Do Now), with Dr. Christie Smith
Summary In this episode, Andy interviews Dr. Christie Smith, a visionary leader and author, about her new book Essential: How Distributed Teams, Generative AI, and Global Shifts Are Creating a New Human-Powered Leadership. They discuss the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence and automation on various industries and how leaders can prepare for these changes. Christie shares insights on the
PPP 453 | How to Actually Look Forward to Mondays, with Corinna Freitag
Summary In this episode, Andy welcomes Corinna Freitag, a coach and project practitioner, to discuss the importance of interpersonal skills in project management. They explore how to navigate workplace conflicts, the significance of understanding others, and the role of Lean Six Sigma in project management. Corinna shares her experiences and insights on coaching STEM professionals, particularly th
PPP 452 | How to Build Bridges Across Divides at Work and Beyond, with Juliana Tafur
Summary In this episode, Andy interviews Juliana Tafur, the inaugural director of the Bridging Differences Program at UC Berkeley's Greater Good Science Center. The conversation explores practical strategies for bridging divides in a polarized world, both in personal and professional contexts. Juliana shares insights from her experiences growing up in a divided Colombia, her work in the U.S. post-
PPP 451 | Why We're Still Bad at Listening (And How to Get Better), with Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Robert Biswas-Diener
Summary In this episode, Andy interviews Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Robert Biswas-Diener, authors of the book Radical Listening: The Art of True Connection. The discussion explores the concept of radical listening, distinguishing it from active listening and emphasizing the importance of creating genuine connections through intent, curiosity, and acknowledgment. Christian and Robert share pers
PPP 450 | Why Most Leaders Fail—And How to Avoid Their Mistakes, with Mark Miller
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Mark Miller about his book Uncommon Greatness: Five Fundamentals to Transform Your Leadership. They discuss the importance of having leaders who believe in and invest in their teams, contrasting common leaders with those who strive for uncommon greatness. The conversation explores Mark's journey from a vocational track student to a senior leader at Chick-fi
PPP 449 | Beyond Scope, Time, and Cost: Rethinking Project Success, with Dave Garrett
Summary In this conversation, Andy interviews Dave Garrett, a senior advisor to the CEO at Project Management Institute (PMI). They discuss the evolving definitions of project success, emphasizing the need to go beyond traditional metrics of scope, time, and cost to include value and customer-centric outcomes. Dave shares insights from his extensive experience and PMI's research, introducing the N
PPP 448 | Drifting Toward Burnout? How to Thrive When Demands Pile Up, with Marie-Helene Pelletier
Summary In this conversation, Andy and Marie-Helene Pelletier explore the concept of resilience, particularly in the context of workplace challenges and personal well-being. They discuss the importance of understanding resilience as a state that can fluctuate rather than a fixed personality trait. Marie shares insights from her book, The Resilience Plan: A Strategic Approach to Optimizing Your Wor
PPP 447 | How to Speak So People Actually Listen, with Michael Chad Hoeppner
Summary In this conversation, Andy talks with Michael Chad Hoeppner to discuss his new book Don't Say Um: How to Communicate Effectively to Live a Better Life. The book is packed with practical drills and insights to improve communication skills. Andy and Michael explore common misconceptions about public speaking, the importance of delivery over content, and practical exercises to enhance communi
PPP 446 | Why Some Leaders Inspire--and Others Drain the Life Out of Their Teams, with Adam Galinsky
Summary In this conversation, Andy talks with Adam Galinsky about his new book Inspire: The Universal Path for Leading Yourself and Others. Adam discusses the elements that make a leader truly inspiring, debunking the myth that inspirational qualities are innate rather than developed. The conversation covers Adam's Inspiring Trifecta (being visionary, an exemplar, and a mentor) along with the lead
PPP 445 | Unlocking the Power of Productive Failure, with Manu Kapur
Summary In this conversation, Andy interviews Manu Kapur about his book Productive Failure: Unlocking Deeper Learning Through the Science of Failing. They explore the concept of learning through failure and how it can be intentionally designed to enhance understanding and retention. They discuss the importance of context in learning and the science behind memory. Manu and Andy discuss practical st
PPP 444 | Negotiating Secrets for Project Managers, with Rick Czaplewski
Summary In this episode, Andy interviews Rick Czaplewski, who discusses the intersection of project management and negotiation. They explore the importance of negotiation skills for project managers, the significance of building strong relationships with stakeholders, and strategies for dealing with difficult stakeholders. Rick shares personal experiences, including lessons learned from being a ca
PPP 443 | Finding Mentors and Hidden Leadership Lessons, with Scott Millson
Summary In this conversation, Andy welcomes Scott Millson, author of Frequency of Excellence: Tuning in to Everyday Lessons of Life and Leadership. Scott and Andy discuss the importance of lifelong learning and mentorship, the difference between excellence and perfection, and practical strategies for overcoming challenges, such as public speaking anxiety. Scott shares his personal leadership lesso
PPP 442 | The Coaching Shortcut That Transforms Teams, with Dominic Ashley-Timms
Summary In this episode, Andy discusses the challenges and benefits of being a project manager or team leader with guest Dominic Ashley-Timms, co-author of the book The Answer is a Question: The Missing Superpower that Changes Everything and Will Transform Your Impact as a Manager and Leader. Dominic introduces the STAR model, a framework designed to enhance management effectiveness through operat
PPP 441 | Mastering the Human Side of Project Management, with Michaela Flick
Summary In this discussion, Andy welcomes Michaela Flick to discuss her journey in project management, the importance of people skills, practical tools for managing projects, and the balance between work and personal life. They discuss the significance of understanding stakeholders, the value of hands-on experience, and the insights gained from teaching and writing about project management. Michae
PPP 440 | Imposter Syndrome: Moving Beyond Self-Doubt, with Kelli Thompson
Summary In this discussion, Andy welcomes leadership coach and author Kelli Thompson to discuss her book Closing the Confidence Gap: Boost Your Peace, Your Potential, and Your Paycheck. The conversation explores topics such as the imposter syndrome, the importance of taking action despite self-doubt, and differentiating confidence from arrogance. Kelli shares practical strategies for building conf
PPP 439 | The Win-Win of Volunteering: How Giving Back Benefits Your Career, with Yasmina Khelifi and Mayte Mata Sivera
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Yasmina Khelifi and Mayte Mata Sivera, co-authors of The Volunteering Journey to Project Leadership.. Ever feel like you don't have time to volunteer? Yasmina and Mayte share compelling reasons why giving back ends up being a win-win for you and those you are serving. Through personal anecdotes, Yasmina and Mayte illustrate how volunteering can open doors a
PPP 438 | Think Like a Customer: Delivering Value Through OKRs, with Jeff Gothelf
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Jeff Gothelf about the importance of OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) as a customer-centric goal-setting framework. Based on insights from Jeff's book Who Does What By How Much?: A Practical Guide to Customer-Centric OKRs, they explore the challenges leaders face in ensuring their teams work on the right priorities, the misconceptions surrounding OKRs, and
PPP 437 | Future-Prepping Your Career in the Age of AI, with Dr. Nada Sanders
Summary In this episode, Andy interviews Dr. Nada Sanders, co-author of The Humachine: AI, Human Virtues, and the Super Intelligent Enterprise. They delve into the current state and future of human-technology integration, discussing key concepts from the book, such as Kasparov's Law and Moravec's Paradox. Andy and Dr. Sanders explore practical implications for leaders, project managers, and parent
PPP 436 | Breaking the PMO Failure Cycle: Strategies to Thrive, with Laura Barnard
Summary In this episode, Andy interviews Laura Barnard about her book, The Impact Engine: Accelerating Strategy Delivery for PMO and Transformation Leaders. They discuss Laura's journey in setting up PMOs, the common mistakes and resistance faced, and the importance of change management and mindset in driving success. Laura introduces the Impact Engine system, a framework she developed to help org
PPP 435 | The Power of Gracious Assertiveness, with Yasmin Davidds
Summary In this episode, Andy interviews Dr. Yasmin Davidds about her book Graciously Assertive: How Becoming a Better Human Makes You a Better Leader. They discuss the importance of assertiveness in leadership, particularly in multicultural environments, and the need for leaders to benefit from diverse perspectives and promote a sense of belonging. Dr. Davidds shares insights on what she calls gr
PPP 434 | The Surprising Benefits of Bad English in Leadership, with Valerie Fridland
Summary In this episode, Andy welcomes sociolinguist Valerie Fridland to discuss her new book Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English. They explore the significance of language use in leadership, including the use of filler words, intensifiers, and vocal fry. She challenges the notion that filler words should be eliminated, highlighting their cognitive and communicative benefits
PPP 433 | The Power of Curiosity and Learning with Michelle LaBrosse
Summary In this episode, Andy interviews Michelle Labrosse, the founder and Chief Cheetah of Cheetah Learning. They discuss Michelle's career journey, the importance of learning and focus, and her approach to accelerated learning. Michelle shares insights on removing hurdles in learning, dealing with information overload and distractions, and achieving mastery. She emphasizes the importance of tho
PPP 432 | Why Projects Fail: Ross Garland on Avoiding Common Pitfalls
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with one of the gurus of governance, Ross Garland, co-author of the Project, Program, and Portfolio Governance Guide. They discuss the importance of governance in project management and how it differs from technical aspects like scope and risk management. Ross explains Cobb's paradox and why projects still fail despite knowing how to prevent their failure. They
PPP 431 | Leadership Secrets: From Self-Doubt to Confidence, with Dr. Sam Adeyemi
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Dr. Sam Adeyemi, an influential leader and author of Dear Leader: Your Flagship Guide to Successful Leadership. They discuss the impact of personal backstories on leadership, the importance of principles and values, dealing with self-doubt, and managing multi-generational teams. Dr. Sam shares insights from his personal journey, providing practical advice o
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