The Project Management Podcast

PM Basics This episode is part of our Project Management Basics series, where we review the core principles of effective project management. Play video episode | Play audio-only episode | Play on YouTube Click above to play either the audio-only episode or video episode in a new window. Episode Summary Project management stands at the heart of many successful initiatives, providing the structure and guiding principles needed to achieve meaningful outcomes. Cornelius Fichtner, PMP, draws from extensive industry experience to explain how a clear strategy, effective collaboration, and continuous improvement can empower professionals to meet and exceed project objectives. He emphasizes that every project benefits from a well-defined scope, an appropriate methodology, and ongoing risk management, allowing teams to navigate challenges without losing sight of key goals.

Premium This is a preview of our premium episode. Full access is available only to premium subscribers. Click here and learn about the Premium Podcast to access this interview and transcript... Play video preview episode | Play audio-only preview episode | Play on YouTube Click above to play either the audio-only preview episode or video preview episode in a new window. Episode Summary NASA is known for pushing the limits of human capability, but its greatest strength lies in its leadership culture. Dr. Dave Williams, a retired astronaut, physician, and former NASA executive, joins us to share valuable leadership lessons from his time at the agency. Drawing from real-life experiences, he explores how NASA leaders transitioned from technical experts to highly effective project managers and executives.

Play audio-only episode | Play video episode Click above to play either the audio-only episode or video episode in a new window. Episode Summary (See the "Resources" section below to download the handout with the "Three Top Dependency Management Mistakes and How to Avoid Them".) Dependency management is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of project success. In this episode, Bryan Barrow, author of Dependency Management, shares his expertise on how project managers can effectively navigate and manage dependencies to ensure timely and efficient project delivery. With decades of experience in helping organizations tackle complex projects, Bryan emphasizes the importance of communication, collaboration, and proactive planning.

Play video episode Time’s almost up! Grab your permanent 30% discount on The PM Podcast Premium before January 31. At just $4.19/month or $42/year, you’ll unlock exclusive giveaways and contribute to sustaining high-quality, leadership-focused content. Get Monthly at $4.19 Get Annual at $42

Play video episode With only a week remaining in January, don’t miss your chance! Lock in The PM Podcast Premium at 30% off—$4.19/month or $42/year—forever. Access exclusive guest materials and get a free Career Optimization Package to propel your leadership journey. Get Monthly at $4.19 Get Annual at $42

Premium This is a preview of our premium episode. Full access is available only to premium subscribers. Click here and learn about the Premium Podcast to access this interview and transcript... Play video preview episode | Play audio-only preview episode | Play on YouTube Click above to play either the audio-only preview episode or video preview episode in a new window. Episode Summary Drew Dudley, one of the world’s most dynamic keynote speakers and leadership advocates, joins us to redefine what it means to be a leader. Recognized for his TEDx talk, "Leading with Lollipops," Drew emphasizes that leadership is not reserved for the extraordinary. Instead, it’s about creating moments of impact through consistent daily actions. In this conversation, Drew shares his journey from a life-changing TEDx moment to becoming a global thought leader, highlighting the transformative power of recognizing everyday leadership.

Play video episode Half the month is gone, but there’s still time! Grab your forever 30% discount on The PM Podcast Premium and pay just $4.19/month or $42/year. Enjoy in-depth transcripts for better understanding and early access to new episodes, keeping you ahead of the curve. Get Monthly at $4.19 Get Annual at $42

Play video episode After highlighting AI in nearly every prediction, it’s clear that this technology is the driving force behind the biggest shifts in project management. From integrated software features to new skill requirements, the landscape is quickly moving from AI hype to hands-on practicality. My final takeaway for you: Become an AI literate project manager.

Play video episode Organizations will begin creating virtual replicas—“digital twins”—of their projects to test scenarios and optimize solutions before going live. Although this concept has thrived in engineering, it’s just now crossing into mainstream project management.

Play video episode In a rapid-fire look at three smaller trends, project management will see big changes in how we engage stakeholders, build custom PM tools, and draft contracts. These shifts each address a different pain point, but collectively move PM into a more dynamic, flexible era.

Play video episode Many organizations will realize that using AI and big data without ethical standards can lead to biases, compliance issues, and costly mistakes. In 2025, PMs will take the first real steps toward owning data ethics—though the volume on this trend is only slightly turned up. We may have to wait until 2026 until this is a full roar.

Play video episode AI will continue to handle repetitive tasks, but it won’t replicate human-centric skills like leadership and relationship management. PMs who focus on these softer skills will secure their place in an AI-driven world.

Play video episode Project Managers will realize that basic AI skills and knowing how to write a prompt aren’t enough to stay competitive. Deeper AI literacy—including data management, ethical considerations, and strategic implementation—will become a PM career booster.

Play video episode As AI tools become more integrated into project management workflows, teams may overburden them with endless requests, leading to their outright refusal to do any work whatsoever.

Play video episode After the initial excitement around AI, many PMs will realize its limitations due to project data quality issues and slow-moving, gradual adoption that leaves much to be desired. This “Trough of Disillusionment” (See Gartner Hype-Curve) will prompt teams to focus on better data practices and realistic expectations.

Play video episode Project management tools will evolve in 2025, integrating AI more deeply to automate areas like resource allocation, risk analysis, or reporting. This shift means PMs can focus on strategy and leadership while repetitive tasks become increasingly automated.

Play video episode This January only, secure a forever 30% discount on The PM Podcast Premium—just $4.19/month or $42/year. Gain unlimited access to over 500 episodes and effortlessly earn PDUs for your PMP recertification. Elevate your project leadership and kick off 2025 with confidence. Get Monthly at $4.19 Get Annual at $42

Premium This is a preview of our premium episode. Full access is available only to premium subscribers. Click here and learn about the Premium Podcast to access this interview and transcript... Play audio-only preview episode | Play video preview episode Click above to play either the audio-only preview episode or video preview episode in a new window. Episode Summary In this premium episode, we break down how OSP International approaches change management in a way that balances the theoretical with the practical. From handling large-scale changes like PMP exam updates to smaller, partial updates, the discussion highlights the importance of tailoring strategies to fit the specific needs of each initiative. By sharing real-world experiences, this episode provides actionable insights into managing changes that resonate with stakeholders and align with project goals.

Play audio-only episode | Play video episode Click above to play either the audio-only episode or video episode in a new window. Episode Summary Effective stakeholder management is critical to project success. This episode features Barbara Kephart, a UC Berkeley-certified project manager, who shares her expertise in building trust and navigating complex stakeholder dynamics. With decades of experience and a reputation as the "C-Suite Whisperer," Barbara provides insights into understanding stakeholder needs, managing their influence, and fostering collaboration for smoother project execution.

Play audio-only episode | Play video episode Click above to play either the audio-only episode or video episode in a new window. Episode Summary Project management can be a high-stress profession filled with tight deadlines, scope changes, and budget pressures. James Louttit, a project management leader and former CIO, joins us to share his insights into reducing stress in project management and leading teams more effectively. Drawing from his personal experiences with burnout and recovery, James has developed practical, human-centered approaches that prioritize team well-being while achieving project goals. This episode explores the roots of project stress and provides actionable solutions for creating healthier project environments.