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 parents in preparing for a future where AI and human skills are intertwined. The conversation touches on the importance of maintaining human skills, creativity, and adaptability in the age of AI. If you want to stay relevant and prepared for an AI-driven future, this episode is for you! Sound Bites "We have to be humble enough to know that probably 90 percent of the time or 95 percent of the time the machines are going to be better.""The reality of it is machines are great at certain things, but guess what? So are we as humans. And I think that tends to be forgotten.""But we have to know when and how to interact with the machine, when to interrupt it, when to adjust it, when to augment the output.""The humachine is the enterprise of the future, the successful dominant form of enterprise that combines humans and technology." Chapters 00:00 Introduction01:53 Start Of Interview03:45 What's A Humachine07:02 Kasparov's Law And Moravec's Paradox14:20 Practical Examples Of Human Vs Machine Strengths18:48 The Future Of AI And Human Integration19:00 AI's Limitations In Replicating Human Nuance24:25 Steps To Becoming A Humachinist29:03 Future Of Super Intelligence And Its Implications32:56 How Parents Can Prepare The Next Generation For The Future34:31 End Of Interview35:00 Andy Comments After The Interview40:35 Outtakes Learn More To learn more about this topic, check out these episodes: Episode 382, with Hal Hershfield regarding his book Your Future Self.Episode 329, with Deborah Westphal about her book on preparing for the future.Episode 313, with Brian David Johnson about his book The Future You. You can learn more about Nada and her book at NadaSanders.com. AI for Project Managers and Leaders With the constant stream of AI news, it's sometimes hard to grasp how these advancements can benefit us as project managers and leaders in our day-to-day work. That's why I developed our e-learning course: AI Made Simple: A Practical Guide to Using AI in Your Everyday Work. This self-guided course is designed for project managers and leaders aiming to harness AI's potential to enhance your work, streamline your workflow, and boost your productivity. Go to ai.i-leadonline.com to learn more and join us. The feedback from the program has been fantastic. Take this opportunity to unlock the potential of AI for your team and projects. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Business Acumen Topics: Project Management, AI, Future of Work, Career, Leadership, Creativity, Superintelligence, Strategy The following music was used for this episode: Music: Imagefilm 034 by Sascha Ende License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Fashion Corporate by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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 organizations deliver sustainable value. The conversation also covers how project managers can become strategy navigators and effectively communicate with stakeholders. It's a fun, practical discussion that will help improve your ability to lead teams and deliver projects. Sound Bites "People are not actually resistant to change. They are resistant to having change done to them.""A lot of what we teach first is that you have to shift the way you think about the work you do... and really become what we call the strategy navigator for the organization.""Give them what they want before you give them what they need""It’s not just about the templates, tools, and process that you’re creating. It’s about the business problems you’re solving.""I wish I had me when I was you. I wish I had somebody who would say don’t do this, do this instead... I needed to help them so that they can have an easier path than I had.""Knowledge alone is not power. It’s the application of that knowledge where you make a real impact. If you do the work, you will see the results." Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:00 Start of Interview02:27 Laura's Journey in Building Her First PMO04:40 Common Mistakes in Setting Up a PMO09:29 The Impact Engine System15:21 Myths About Change Management20:50 Give Them What They Want, Not What They Need27:57 Understanding Transparency and Impact29:34 Measuring Success and Stakeholder Engagement34:46 How Laura Seeks Continual Learning and Personal Growth39:44 End of Interview40:15 Andy Comments After the Interview46:47 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Laura and her book at IMPACTEngineBook.com. Prepare to Pass Your Project Management Certification Exam We regularly help people just like you prepare and pass their PMP and CAPM certification exams. If you or someone you know is thinking about pursuing project management certification, contact us! We'd love to help you earn your credential. Learn more and enroll at i-leadonline.com/PMSeries. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Project Management, PMO, Change Management, Leadership, Business Transformation, Strategy Delivery, Continuous Learning, Organizational Change The following music was used for this episode: Music: Brooklyn Nights by Tim Kulig License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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 gracious assertiveness, including her personal journey and the pillars of gracious assertive leadership. She also addresses common themes in diversity and inclusion, the concept of holding space, and the impact of these ideas on both professional and personal relationships. In a world where diversity and inclusion have been politicized and often seem primarily about the numbers, this discussion makes it all much more practical. You will learn practical strategies for becoming more assertive and creating inclusive environments. Sound Bites "Graciously assertive is the ability to self-advocate, to communicate in a way that holds space for the other side, that allows everyone in the conversation to feel heard.""If we can be gracious and be more accepting and receptive to other people's messages without taking it personal, we would have a much better workplace.""We just show up different. We don’t need our armor here.""Establishing healthy boundaries is important for individuals to prioritize their energy and create a space where they can be their best selves.""Self-judgment is a reflection of when you judge other people." Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:26 Start Of Interview02:37 How A Crisis Counselor Saved Yasmin's Life04:54 Understanding Gracious Assertiveness08:20 The Pillars Of Gracious Assertive Leadership10:47 Self-Compassion And Overcoming Self-Judgment12:40 Overcoming Self-Doubt15:07 The Importance Of Healthy Boundaries18:22 Graciously Assertive Communication Model23:18 Negotiation Strategies With Difficult People24:03 DEI Mistakes29:33 Understanding And Implementing 'Holding Space'33:20 Developing Graciously Assertive Children At Home35:46 End Of Interview36:06 Andy's Comments After The Interview40:29 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Dr. Davidds and her book at DrYasminInstitute.com/dr-yasmin-davidds/. Prepare to Pass Your Project Management Certification Exam We regularly help people just like you prepare and pass their PMP and CAPM certification exams. If you or someone you know is thinking about pursuing project management certification, contact us! We'd love to help you earn your credential. Learn more and enroll at i-leadonline.com/PMSeries. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: Assertiveness, Diversity, Inclusion, Leadership, Self-awareness, Curiosity, Empathy, Project Management, Cross-Culture The following music was used for this episode: Music: Summer Morning Full Version by MusicLFiles License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Synthiemania by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the complexities of language and its role in effective communication. It's a fun discussion about language that will have you laughing, for sure, but also leaving the conversation with insights to help you lead more effectively at work (and at home). Sound Bites "Probably the best answer is I know enough about other languages to order a beer in those languages and that's pretty much probably all you need.""But it's also on the other side that when we're letting ourselves get distracted by those speech features (filler words), and then we're dismissing what they have to say because of something we don't like, we're also doing something wrong.""I said I study vowel movements. He heard bowel movements and thought I was a gastroenterologist.""If parents are worried about the way their kids talk, just show really good interest in trying to copy it and they'll never say it in front of you again." Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:21 Start Of Interview03:34 Language And Social Identity06:56 The Evolution Of Language And Social Identity13:41 The Role Of Filler Words22:53 The History And Use Of 'Like'34:11 Pressures On Women In The Workplace34:58 Vocal Fry In Media And Public Perception35:23 Gender And Vocal Fry Criticism38:38 Understanding And Adapting Speech Features39:52 Effective Communication Strategies41:32 Judging Speech In Professional Contexts47:48 Advice For Parents On Communication50:18 Wrap-Up50:39 Andy Comments After The Interview52:51 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Valerie and her book at ValerieFridland.com. Prepare to Pass Your Project Management Certification Exam We regularly help people just like you prepare and pass their PMP and CAPM certification exams. If you or someone you know is thinking about pursuing project management certification, contact us! We'd love to help you earn your credential. Learn more and enroll at i-leadonline.com/PMSeries. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills Topics: project management, leadership, language, social identity, filler words, communication, vocal fry, gendered speech, linguistic diversity, parenting The following music was used for this episode: Music: Fantastical Ferret by Tim Kulig License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Tuesday by Sascha Ende License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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 thorough project assessment and planning, as well as the need for continuous learning and curiosity. Throughout the discussion, she shares personal anecdotes and practical tips for effective project management. Sound Bites "I was thrown from the car. So I think that now they would label me Asperger's but I wasn't Asperger's. I had a brain injury.""When you teach people how to be good at test taking, you open up a whole world for them.""We do a lot with anxiety. We have a lot of people saying they cured my test anxiety." Chapters 00:00 Introduction01:45 Start of Interview01:48 Michelle's Early Life and Family Influence03:03 Discovering and Overcoming a Brain Injury07:14 The Impact of 'Do What You Are'14:16 What Makes Learning Fast, Easy, and Fun?27:53 Project Management Tips for Beginners28:54 Understanding Project Risks29:07 The Importance of Stakeholders29:13 Resources and Self-Assessment30:50 Curiosity and Humility in Project Management33:10 Dealing with Project Challenges36:40 Parenting and Project Management41:54 Wrap Up42:19 Andy Comments After the Interview44:36 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more and connect with Michelle on LinkedIn at LinkedIn/in/Best-PMP-Exam-Prep-Course. Prepare to Pass Your Project Management Certification Exam We regularly help people just like you prepare and pass their PMP and CAPM certification exams. If you or someone you know is thinking about pursuing project management certification, contact us! We'd love to help you earn your credential. Learn more and enroll at i-leadonline.com/PMSeries. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Ways of Working Topics: project management, career, accelerated learning, leadership, continuous learning, curiosity, parenting, identity capital   The following music was used for this episode: Music: Fantastical Ferret by Tim Kulig License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Fashion Corporate by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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 also delve into the principles of governance, such as treating change differently from business as usual and ensuring a single point of accountability for each project or program. The guide provides practical tools and templates for implementing effective governance. Sound Bites "Cobbs Paradox: We know why projects fail. We know how to prevent their failure. So why do they still fail?""Most projects muddle through, they get through one way or another, they produce an output, they produce assets. And particularly if they're government projects, ministers tend to be very happy because they get to cut the ribbon.""One of the loneliest positions in the world you can have is to be a project manager who needs to get decisions made, and when they look up in the governance structure, all they see is blue sky.""Some organizations still have the concept that the experts in project management should be the people leading projects. Now, if you do that, what you end up with is lovely assets, but not business outcomes.""There tends to be in some organizations a very unfortunate tendency to think that accountability is about who to blame when things go wrong. And that is not the case. It's about empowerment.""A single point of accountability is essential for the success of a project or program." Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:09 Start Of Interview02:20 What Is Cobb's Paradox And Why Does It Persist?05:05 How Do You Describe Governance, And What Is It Not?07:02 How Do You Differentiate Projects, Programs, And Portfolios?10:05 How Does Your Guide Compare To PMI's Practice Guide On Governance?13:25 What Is The Importance Of Treating Change Differently From Business As Usual?15:32 Can You Explain The Single Point Of Accountability Principle?20:32 Real-World Example: Replacing A Payroll System25:41 What Feedback Have You Received From People Using The Guide?27:46 Where To Find The Guide28:46 End Of Interview29:07 Andy's Comments After The Interview33:30 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Ross and his guide at P3gqa.com/. If you’d like more on this subject, check out: Episode 387, with Atif Rafiq about his book on delivering projects Prepare to Pass Your Project Management Certification Exam We regularly help people just like you prepare and pass their PMP and CAPM certification exams. If you or someone you know is thinking about pursuing project management certification, contact us! We'd love to help you earn your credential. Learn more and enroll at i-leadonline.com/PMSeries. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Ways of Working Topics: governance, project management, program management, portfolio management, decision-making, accountability, project sponsor   The following music was used for this episode: Music: Tranceverse by Sascha Ende License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

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 on leading with empathy, authenticity, and intentional personal branding. This is a great opportunity to be exposed to a globally influential voice on leadership who will inspire you to go from self-doubt to confidence. Sound Bites "Leadership is first about being before it is about doing.""You reproduce who you are.""We never act beyond the capacity of that person that we see inside.""Building your personal brand is not about building your ego and trying to prove to people that you are what you are not.""We all are way better than we think we are. We're more powerful than we think we are.""We actually can't control most of the things that affect our lives, but we can affect the things that are inside of us." Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:33 Start Of Interview07:33 Principles And Values In Leadership11:00 What Is Authenticity?12:46 Decision-Making Guided By Values15:33 The Role Of Identity In Leadership18:16 Overcoming Self-Doubt20:08 Overcoming Fear And Embracing Uncertainty21:18 The Power Of Self-Talk And Identity22:26 Generational Differences In The Workplace26:12 Building A Personal Brand Vs. Ego31:39 Applying Leadership Principles At Home35:26 End Of Interview35:48 Andy Comments After The Interview37:53 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Dr. Sam and his books at SamAdeyemi.com/. If you’d like more on this subject, check out: Episodes 62, 153, and 416 with Jim Kouzes about his book The Leadership Challenge, andEpisode 252 with Marcus Buckingham about his book Nine Lies About Work. Prepare to Pass Your Project Management Certification Exam We regularly help people just like you prepare and pass their PMP and CAPM certification exams. If you or someone you know is thinking about pursuing project management certification, contact us! We'd love to help you earn your credential. Learn more and enroll at i-leadonline.com/PMSeries. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills   The following music was used for this episode: Music: Brooklyn Nights by Tim Kulig License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Tropical Vibe by WinnieTheMog License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Steven T. Collis, a law professor and author of Habits of a Peacemaker: 10 Habits to Change Our Potentially Toxic Conversations into Healthy Dialogues.' They discuss the increasing polarization in society, and challenges in having healthy dialogues at work and in personal life. Steven introduces ten habits from his book aimed at transforming potentially toxic conversations into healthy dialogues. The conversation covers topics such as the importance of intellectual humility, seeking real learning, assuming the best about others, and practical strategies for engaging in productive discourse. Steven also shares personal stories and scenarios to illustrate how these habits can be applied, including dealing with difficult family members and controlling emotions. With all of today's political polarization and conflicts at work, this book is a must-read for aspiring leaders to help them at work and beyond. Sound Bites "My brother could pick a fight with a wall when he was growing up.""It's not enough to simply stop; you have to replace it with something else.""Being a peacemaker means having productive dialogues about hard topics.""We use a lot of slogans in our society and a lot of catchphrases, and chief among them is diversity, equity, and inclusion.""Could there be something else that's motivating this person besides my assumption that they're acting out of bad motives?""If you're just an argumentative jerk, you're probably never going to persuade anybody.""It's easy to be judgmental of other people, but we know so little about each other and about what's happening in our lives.""We have to actually put in extra effort to free ourselves from these echo chambers." Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:04 Start Of Interview02:22 Steven's Background And Family Influence05:34 Defining A Peacemaker06:54 Navigating Potentially Toxic Work Conversation About Dei10:14 Fights Into Treasure Hunts12:48 How Technology, Social Media, And Dopamine Impact Dialogue16:19 Seeking Real Learning And Avoiding Echo Chambers20:44 Assuming The Best In Difficult Conversations25:21 Handling Political Differences At Family Gatherings28:25 Understanding Gaslighting31:18 Applying Habits At Home34:05 Wrap Up34:27 Andy Comments After The Interview38:32 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Steven and his books at StevenTCollis.com. Prepare to Pass Your Project Management Certification Exam We regularly help people just like you prepare and pass their PMP and CAPM certification exams. If you or someone you know is thinking about pursuing project management certification, contact us! We'd love to help you earn your credential. Learn more and enroll at i-leadonline.com/PMSeries. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills   The following music was used for this episode: Music: Ignotus by Agnese Valmaggia License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Synthiemania by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Bill Dow, the Director of Enterprise PMO at University of Washington Medicine and author of multiple project management books. Bill shares his extensive journey in project management, from starting as a data entry clerk in 1989 to leading PMOs in various organizations. The discussion covers the evolution of project management offices (PMOs), key lessons in leadership, and the significant impact of AI on project management. Bill emphasizes the importance of executive support for PMOs' success and explores future trends like increased automation and the integration of AI into project management processes. Both Andy and Bill reflect on the critical skills needed for effective project management, beyond just technical knowledge, highlighting the art of managing people and building relationships. Sound Bites "Project management's often misunderstood what they actually do. We hear overhead, we hear administrative, book a meeting for us, just bug people to get things done, go get us coffee.""I thought I'd be a project manager so I could just boss people around. Like they'll do all the work. Little did I know how complicated this job is.""If you don't have executive support backing you, you're not going to survive. It just does not matter.""One of the key aspects of what I'm about is tenacity. I just keep trying and trying. If it doesn't work, I'll try again and try again." Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:03 Start Of Interview02:27 Bill's Career Journey In Project Management04:18 Misconceptions About Project Management07:57 Lessons In Leading People And Projects12:52 The Evolution Of PMOs18:42 Signs Of A PMO At Risk28:26 Achieving Success As A PMO Influencer34:32 Wrap-Up34:50 Andy's Comments After The Interview38:56 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Bill at BillDowPMPTraining.com. Prepare to Pass Your Project Management Certification Exam We regularly help people just like you prepare and pass their PMP and CAPM certification exams. If you or someone you know is thinking about pursuing project management certification, contact us! We'd love to help you earn your credential. Learn more and enroll at i-leadonline.com/PMSeries. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills   The following music was used for this episode: Music: Tranceverse by Sascha Ende License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Fashion Corporate by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Rich Diviney, a retired Navy SEAL commander, about his book, The Attributes: 25 Drivers of Optimal Performance. Rich shares his insights on the difference between attributes and skills, the concept of optimal performance, and how understanding these attributes can help build high-performing teams. They also talk about the importance of dynamic subordination, the relevance of attributes in hiring processes, and how parents can help their children develop these essential traits. The conversation highlights the need to look beyond resumes and skills when evaluating team members and the value of understanding and developing attributes for individual and team success. If you're looking for an innovative way to better understand and develop yourself and your team, this is a must-listen episode. Sound Bites "In stress, challenge, and uncertainty, when things hit the fan, personality tends to go out the window. We're running on these very raw things called attributes.""We train for certainty; we educate for uncertainty.""Skills direct our behavior in known and specific environments, but attributes inform our behavior in unknown environments.""A high-performing team is one that performs optimally even when things are not going great.""Optimal performance means I'm going to do the very best in the moment, whatever the best looks like in that moment.""Dynamic subordination means that problems and challenges can come from any angle at any moment. The person who's closest to the problem, the most capable, immediately steps up and takes lead.""If someone is unwilling to take criticism, they are unwilling to understand what they're doing wrong. They're unwilling to step back and cede control. That is a dangerous place to be in." Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:04 Start Of Interview04:02 Differentiating Skills From Attributes07:20 Developing Attributes In High-Stress Environments07:07 Story Of The Non-Swimmer At SEAL Training08:45 Attributes Vs Character09:33 The Role Of Context And Environment12:19 Senior Leaders Who Get Defensive16:15 The Role Of Narcissism And Optimal Performance19:39 Peak Performance Vs Optimal Performance31:26 Training For Certainty Vs. Educating For Uncertainty33:25 Attributes In Marriage And Parenting38:43 Wrap-Up Of Interview39:07 Andy Comments After The Interview42:02 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Rich and the attributes at TheAttributes.com. Prepare to Pass Your Project Management Certification Exam We regularly help people just like you prepare and pass their PMP and CAPM certification exams. If you or someone you know is thinking about pursuing project management certification, contact us! We'd love to help you earn your credential. Learn more and enroll at i-leadonline.com/PMSeries. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills   The following music was used for this episode: Music: Echo by Alexander Nakarada License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Funny by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Summary In this episode, Andy speaks with Dr. Judy Ho, a clinical and forensic neuropsychologist, about her new book, The New Rules of Attachment: How to Heal Your Relationships, Reparent Your Inner Child, and Secure Your Life Vision . Seriously? Attachment theory? Reparenting your inner child? What does this have to do with leading teams and projects? You'll find out in this episode! Andy and Judy delve into the importance of attachment in leadership and how understanding attachment styles can impact leadership and team dynamics. Dr. Ho discusses the different attachment styles: avoidant, anxious, and disorganized, and their influence on self-concept and behavior in professional settings. The conversation highlights key strategies for leaders to recognize and adjust to the attachment styles of their team members. Before you're done, you'll have a new appreciation for attachment theory and its practical applications for personal and team development. Sound Bites "It's really about learning these practical strategies to clear up your mind so that you feel the most effective when you come up to a stressful situation.""This idea of psychological safety--it basically has the same effect on our bodies and our minds as physical safety.""It's really all about clearing cognitive space, especially when you're stressed.""The ability to be able to even name how they're feeling. Often when people have insecure attachment, they have this phenomenon that we psychologists call alexithymia.""We are social beings, and we need to stay connected to others to be able to achieve everything that we need to achieve.""It's amazing how these things still continue to impact us years after, even when those situations and circumstances have changed." Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:29 Start Of Interview02:50 What is Attachment?04:42 What is Judy's Attachment Style?09:33 How Attachment Theory and Emotional Intelligence Relate12:30 Common Leadership Blindspots18:19 Influence on Self-Concept21:02 Clues to Attachment Styles25:14 Dealing With An Anxious Style On Your Team26:41 Life at a Glance Exercise29:21 Practical Next Steps for Leaders31:25 Wrap Up31:50 Andy Comments After The Interview35:26 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Dr. Judy Ho at DrJudyHo.com. Prepare to Pass Your Project Management Certification Exam We regularly help people just like you prepare and pass their PMP and CAPM certification exams. If you or someone you know is thinking about pursuing project management certification, contact us! We'd love to help you earn your credential. Learn more and enroll at i-leadonline.com/PMSeries. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills   The following music was used for this episode: Music: Summer Morning Full Version by MusicLFiles License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Synthiemania by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Sal Khan, founder of Khan Academy, about his new book Brave New Words: How AI Will Revolutionize Education (and Why That's a Good Thing). They discuss Sal's journey from tutoring his cousin to creating a global educational platform and the evolving role of AI in education. Sal emphasizes the importance of transparency and adaptability in using AI tools and shares his thoughts on productive strategies for teaching and learning in an AI-integrated world. The conversation also explores leadership lessons and efficient time management in both educational and professional settings. If you're curious about how to think about learning in the age of AI, Sal is one of the best voices to listen to! Sound Bites "ChatGPT did not introduce cheating on essays. This happened well before. There are many ways to cheat that aren't plagiarism.""I wasn't confrontational enough.""I scrutinize every meeting, do I really need to be here? Do other people need to be here? Why are we meeting every week? Maybe we could do this three times a week or every second or third week.""AI is an amplification of human intent. Bad actors are going to use it to amplify their bad intent. And no matter how many rules and laws and regulations we pass, they will ignore them and they will amplify their bad intent.""People who work very long hours are the most unproductive people I know.""Educated bravery is this idea of when something has potential risks, you shouldn't ignore those risks. That makes you complacent. That's irresponsible, but you should write those risks down and you shouldn't view those risks as reasons to run away or to not go in that direction, but you should manage those risks. You should be aware of them and maybe even turn them into features. Every problem is, you know, people famously say is an opportunity and that's the mindset that we've tried to take on." Chapters 00:00 Introduction01:52 Start Of Interview02:01 How Is Education Currently Looking At AI?05:32 The Role Of AI Tutors And Khanmigo08:35 Educated Bravery10:20 What People Aren't Talking About Enough From The Book13:01 Sal's Project Management Lessons14:35 Advantage Of Looking At Things Through A Star Trek Lens16:58 Does More AI Lead To More Leisure?19:43 The Need To Be More Confrontational21:37 Wrap Up22:05 Andy Comments After The Interview27:07 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Khanmigo at Khanmigo.ai. Prepare to Pass Your Project Management Certification Exam We regularly help people just like you prepare and pass their PMP and CAPM certification exams. If you or someone you know is thinking about pursuing project management certification, contact us! We'd love to help you earn your credential. Learn more and enroll at i-leadonline.com/PMSeries. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Business Acumen   The following music was used for this episode: Music: The Fantastical Ferret by Tim Kulig License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Synthiemania by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Summary In this conversation, Andy interviews James Louttit about his book Leading Impactful Teams: Achieving Low-Stress Success in Project Management. They discuss the challenges of leading projects and teams and what it means to be an impactful project manager. James introduces the SAVE meeting facilitation technique and discusses prioritizing value and effort and the importance of transparency, prioritization, and humanity in project management. You'll also learn how Baloo the Bear from the Jungle Book movie was a project management philosopher! If you are responsible for leading teams and projects, this is the perfect episode for you! Sound Bites "Experience is worth what it costs you. Go out and have the experiences, and some of them are going to be painful, but the learning from them is going to be valuable.""What stakeholders want to see is how seriously you're taking the thing. If it's genuinely urgent and critical, you need to ramp up governance when there's a crisis.""If you're only focusing on high-value, low-effort things, you don't need to use a claw when you pick a pear with a big pawpaw.""Just because something's easy doesn't make it low value. Sometimes the minimum viable product is something we can get out there sooner, and so it might actually have high value." Chapters 00:00 Introduction01:59 Start Of Interview04:28 Parkinson's Law And Project Management07:17 What It Means To Be An 'Impactful' Project Manager09:46 Fatherly Wisdom And Career Influence11:47 The SAVE Technique For Effective Meetings16:52 Understanding Value And Effort In Projects20:45 Understanding Value Estimation24:27 Handling Project Crises28:47 Three Levers: Transparency, Prioritization, And Humanity33:11 Applying Project Management At Home35:14 Wrap Up35:56 Andy Comments After The Interview38:31 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about James and his organization at ImpactfulPM.com. AI for Project Managers and Leaders With the constant stream of AI news, it's sometimes hard to grasp how these advancements can benefit us as project managers and leaders in our day-to-day work. That's why I developed our e-learning course: AI Made Simple: A Practical Guide to Using AI in Your Everyday Work. This self-guided course is designed for project managers and leaders aiming to harness AI's potential to enhance your work, streamline your workflow, and boost your productivity. Go to ai.i-leadonline.com to learn more and join us. The feedback from the program has been fantastic. Take this opportunity to unlock the potential of AI for your team and projects. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Ways of Working   The following music was used for this episode: Music: Summer Morning Full Version by MusicLFiles License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Tuesday by Sascha Ende License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Excerpt from YouTube video: {LYRICS} The Bare Necessities - balu the bear - The Jungle Book - 1967 - Walt Disney song's available at https://youtu.be/WJizAYb7OAk?si=ZgipVTq-liJDJ2gZ

Summary In this episode, Andy interviews Karla Eidem, the Managing Director of North America region at Project Management Institute (PMI). The discussion focuses on the latest trends and developments in project management. They explore the evolution of project managers from executing technical aspects to becoming strategic partners in organizations. They also discuss the shift towards hybrid and agile approaches in project management and the impact of different work arrangements on team collaboration and project performance. Finally, they also touch on the role of AI in project management and the resources offered by PMI to support project professionals. If you're looking for insights on how to keep up with the latest trends in leading and delivering projects, this episode is for you! Sound Bites "The role of the PMs has definitely shifted away from executing the technical aspects of a project to a strategic partner in the organization.""Project managers must also be adaptable and resilient to the well ever-changing business environment and be very competent in risk management.""A good project manager should know which tools to pull from their PM toolbox almost like a mechanic knowing what to do.""Work location does not have a negative impact on project performance. In fact, project performance rates for in-person, hybrid, and remote work actually yield similar results.""We need to be better storytellers. If we're not able to communicate effectively the value of what we do, then it'll be hard for the leaders of their organizations to even understand why they need to invest in project management.""A hybrid approach is actually gaining ground as the fit-for-purpose approach.""Performance levels are comparable for hybrid, agile, and predictive approaches." Chapters 00:00 Introduction01:24 Start of Interview04:39 How to Decide Between Traditional and Hybrid Approaches11:15 Findings About Remote, Hybrid, and In-Person Work14:41 Karla's Personal Experience With Remote Work16:45 Mobile Devices and Productivity19:56 How AI is Transforming Project Management25:00 Strategies for Continuous Learning Despite Busy Schedules28:56 Communicating the Value of Investing in Project Management32:41 Wrap-Up33:01 Andy Comments After the Interview34:35 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Pulse of the Profession® at pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/pulse. AI for Project Managers and Leaders With the constant stream of AI news, it's sometimes hard to grasp how these advancements can benefit us as project managers and leaders in our day-to-day work. That's why I developed our e-learning course: AI Made Simple: A Practical Guide to Using AI in Your Everyday Work. This self-guided course is designed for project managers and leaders aiming to harness AI's potential to enhance your work, streamline your workflow, and boost your productivity. Go to ai.i-leadonline.com to learn more and join us. The feedback from the program has been fantastic. Take this opportunity to unlock the potential of AI for your team and projects. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Business Acumen   The following music was used for this episode: Music: Quantum Sparks Full Version by MusicLFiles License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Charlie Gilkey, author of Team Habits: How Small Actions Lead to Extraordinary Results. They discuss how small, often overlooked habits shape team culture and performance. The conversation explores practical approaches for enhancing team dynamics, instilling a sense of belonging, improving decision-making, and addressing everyday 'broken printers' in both professional and familial settings. Charlie shares personal insights from his military upbringing and passion for team-based success, emphasizing that effective change and leadership start at the local team level. This is a practical and engaging discussion that will help you lead your team to the next level of success. Sound Bites "Time in, erodes awareness of.""Be the teammate you want your teammates to be.""Belonging is a macro word that includes feeling appreciated at work, feeling like your contributions and perspective matter, that you have moral and functional trust.""We do it because it's the right thing and because this is how we want to be together and, oh by the way, it has these amazing other benefits.""I would rather over-index on caring.""So many families have a daily 'broken printer' that's called the 'getting to school runaround'.""None of us show up at work and opt-in to the CC thread from hell." Chapters 00:00 Introduction01:44 Start of Interview05:36 The Broken Printer Metaphor08:43 How We Encourage the CC Thread from Hell12:21 Team Dynamics14:56 What If You're Not a Senior Leader?19:27 Number One Rule of Being a Great Teammate21:18 Building Belonging Habits30:14 The Importance of Small Gestures38:34 Applying Team Habits to Families44:48 Wrap-up45:24 Andy Comments After the Interview50:17 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Charlie and his books at ProductiveFlourishing.com. Contact Charlie to learn how to buy a box of books for you and your team. If you’d like more on this subject, check out: Episode 366 with Michael Timms about his book on accountabilityEpisode 252 with Marcus Buckingham about the episode we discuss in this interview, andEpisode 342 with Krister Ungerbock, who uses the term TalkSHIFTS instead of habits. Though the terminology is different, the ideas are complimentary.   Project Management Courses I would love to help you and your team level up your ability to lead and deliver. Join us for an upcoming project management masterclass! They are instructor-led, super engaging, and fine-tuned to help you and your team more confidently lead and deliver. Learn more at courses.i-leadonline.com. Thanks! Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills   The following music was used for this episode: Music: Echo by Alexander Nakarada License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Laughing Children Full Version by MusicLFiles License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Summary In this episode, Andy interviews Nigel Creaser, an active project professional and author of the book Project Manager Productivity Hacks. Nigel shares insights from his career and discusses strategies for managing interruptions and improving productivity. They also touch on the use of mobile devices and AI tools in project management. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the need for project managers to go beyond technical skills and prioritize the human aspect of their work. Sound Bites "Productivity isn't about winning. It's not like a sport... It's more like yoga and that you can always be a bit more stretched.""Project management, I think, is messy, and we try to control the mess rather than go with the flow with the mess and kind of direct it."(Nigel, about being a podcaster) "I try to be that person who's being cheeky and getting free consultancy." Chapters 00:00 Introduction01:23 Start of Interview01:58 Nigel's Backstory06:26 How Nigel Seeks to Minimize Interruptions11:18 Nigel's Advice About Email16:45 Mobile Devices and Productivity21:38 How Nigel and Andy are Using AI31:02 Project Management Lessons Nigel Has Learned36:29 Career Advice from Nigel's Journey45:31 About the Sunday Lunch Project Manager Podcast49:15 Wrap-Up49:34 Andy Comments After the Interview51:55 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Nigel, his books, and his Sunday Lunch Project Manager Podcast at NigelCreaser.com. If you’d like more on this subject, check out: Episode 346 with Donna Gregorio. It's another in the trenches episode, andEpisode 169 with Emily Luijbregts. She is also a practicing project manager and we discuss challenges and lessons about leading virtual teams.   Project Management for Students You know how valuable it is to know how to lead and deliver projects. But students often aren't taught these skills. We've taken some of our best content on project management and put into a course Getting Stuff Done: Project Management for Students. The feedback has been so positive. Give the gift of a headstart to a student you know by going to PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com/GettingStuffDone. Thanks! Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Business Acumen   The following music was used for this episode: Music: Tranceverse by Sascha Ende License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Funny by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Summary In this episode, Andy dives deep into the world of sleep with Dr. Bijoy John, author of Nobody's Sleeping: Seven Proven Sleep Strategies for Better Health. Dr. John shares his personal journey with sleep issues, discusses the widespread impact of poor sleep on health and performance, and offers practical advice for improving sleep quality. Do you have trouble getting to sleep? Or wake up in the night have trouble getting back to sleep? From the importance of naps to the dangers of screen time before bed, this episode covers a wide range of sleep-related topics relevant to professionals and parents alike. Sound Bites "Society as a whole is operating on sleep debt and the main culprit there is your phone.""A workforce that is well rested performs better, makes less mistakes, tends to have better mental health so they're less anxious, and less defensive.""So the key here is the nap should be only for 30, maximum 40 minutes because you're following your biorhythm. This is a bio hack.""The bedroom is only for sex and sleeping, not for snoring or worrying.""I believe by sleeping better, the world can be a better place." Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:36 Start of interview02:49 Even NFL teams should know about naps03:50 How lack of sleep impacts areas of our life05:13 Cardiologists often don't realize sleep might be the problem06:21 Dr. John's struggles with sleep09:06 Ineffective Sleep Aids11:11 Power Naps and Sleep Debt12:32 Why a consistent sleep schedule is challenging14:13 Having a consistent shutdown routine19:37 What about when you wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep?22:38 Try Dr. John's Vivid Imagination technique24:07 Resources on Dr. John's website25:00 Tips for better sleep, for parents and kids30:39 Wrap-up31:58 Andy's comments after the interview35:24 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Dr. John and his Sleep Fix Academy at SleepFixAcademy.com. If you’d like more on this subject, check out episodes 132 and 106 with Tom Rath. Tom is the author of Eat, Move, Sleep and other books with a similar theme.   AI for Project Managers and Leaders With the constant stream of AI news, it's sometimes hard to grasp how these advancements can benefit us as project managers and leaders in our day-to-day work. That's why I developed our e-learning course: AI Made Simple: A Practical Guide to Using AI in Your Everyday Work. This self-guided course is designed for project managers and leaders aiming to harness AI's potential to enhance your work, streamline your workflow, and boost your productivity. Go to ai.i-leadonline.com to learn more and join us. The feedback from the program has been fantastic. Take this opportunity to unlock the potential of AI for your team and projects. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills   The following music was used for this episode: Music: The Fantastical Ferret by Tim Kulig License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Fashion Corporate by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Summary In this episode, Andy interviews Kory Kogon, FranklinCovey’s Vice President of Content Development, about her updated book, Project Management for the Unofficial Project Manager. They discuss the prevalence of unofficial project managers in various industries, especially post-pandemic, and the unique challenges they face. Kory shares insights on foundational behaviors, clarifying expectations, stakeholder management, and risk management. The conversation also delves into the significance of accountability and performance discussions, particularly for those leading without formal authority. If you lead projects, regardless of your title, this discussion is for you! Sound Bites "We often find that at least 80% of the participants in our project management workshops don't have the word project in their title. Yet you could argue that, in many ways, we're all project managers.""The top reasons why projects fail are unclear scope, key stakeholders wanting different things, lack of communication, not knowing the roles, having the wrong people in roles, and scope creep.""Accountability takes on a different lens. It's not punitive. It's mutual accountability.""A cadence of accountability sets up a team that is inspired to want to do the work." Chapters 00:00 Introduction02:23 Start of Interview02:41 In What Ways Are We All Project Managers?05:09 The Top Reasons Why Projects Struggle07:45 Clarifying Expectations in Projects14:06 Identifying and Managing Stakeholders18:40 Managing Risks in Projects24:20 The Importance of Accountability26:36 The Essence of Accountability in Leadership28:03 Creating a Cadence of Accountability31:54 Navigating Informal Authority and Performance Conversations37:26 Clarifying Project Scope and Managing Change43:36 Interview Wrap-Up44:25 Andy's Comments After the Interview47:44 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Kory and her book (and download a sample chapter) at FranklinCovey.com. If you’d like more on this subject, check out: Episode 405, with Gil Broza about scaling good project practices across the organizationEpisode 376, with Nick Sonnenberg about his book Come Up for AirEpisode 129, with Kory about her book The Five Choices   AI for Project Managers and Leaders With the constant stream of AI news, it's sometimes hard to grasp how these advancements can benefit us as project managers and leaders in our day-to-day work. That's why I developed our e-learning course: AI Made Simple: A Practical Guide to Using AI in Your Everyday Work. This self-guided course is designed for project managers and leaders aiming to harness AI's potential to enhance your work, streamline your workflow, and boost your productivity. Go to ai.i-leadonline.com to learn more and join us. The feedback from the program has been fantastic. Take this opportunity to unlock the potential of AI for your team and projects. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Ways of Working   The following music was used for this episode: Music: Brooklyn Nights by Tim Kulig License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Summary In this episode, Andy interviews Molly McGrath, author of the book Fix My Boss: A Simple Plan to Cultivate Respect, Risk Courageous Conversations, and Increase The Bottom Line. They discuss practical ways to improve the relationship between bosses and employees, including having courageous conversations, setting clear expectations, and implementing accountability measures. Molly emphasizes the importance of focus management and prioritization to combat the feeling of being busy. She also shares insights on empowering women in the workplace and applying project management principles to family life. Overall, the conversation provides actionable strategies for both managers and employees to cultivate respect and increase productivity. Sound Bites "Blaming your boss fixes nothing. And by the way, it's easy for bosses to do the same thing.""We don't speak up because we're afraid it'll create conflict. And by not doing it, it creates conflict.""Busy is usually a focus problem. It might be lack of clarity or an unrealistic amount of workload. But it's often a matter of focus." Chapters 00:00 Introduction01:36 Start of Interview02:09 Molly's Backstory and Influences04:16 Understanding Fixed vs. Growth Mindset06:25 The Power of the Pause for Managers and Employees10:38 The Importance of Courageous Conversations15:04 Daily Progress Reports: Not Micromanaging, But Empowering22:11 Challenging the Concept of Being 'Busy'25:11 Empowering Women in the Workplace28:39 Applying Project Management at Home30:30 Interview Wrap-Up31:00 Andy comments after the interview34:30 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Molly and her book at FixMyBossBook.com. If you’d like more on this subject, check out: Episode 410, with Ryan Hawk about his insightful book on excellence (I consider it a must-read)Episode 366, with Michael Timms about his book on accountability, andEpisode 209, with Ron Lovett about his book on empowering your teams   AI for Project Managers and Leaders With the constant stream of AI news, it's sometimes hard to grasp how these advancements can benefit us as project managers and leaders in our day-to-day work. That's why I developed our e-learning course: AI Made Simple: A Practical Guide to Using AI in Your Everyday Work. This self-guided course is designed for project managers and leaders aiming to harness AI's potential to enhance your work, streamline your workflow, and boost your productivity. Go to ai.i-leadonline.com to learn more and join us. The feedback from the program has been fantastic. Take this opportunity to unlock the potential of AI for your team and projects. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills   The following music was used for this episode: Music: Echo by Alexander Nakarada License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Tropical Vibe by MinneTheMoog License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Summary In this episode, Andy Kaufman interviews his friend Randy Fox about his book The Call to Excellence: Influential Leadership for Impactful Results. Randy shares the backstory of his signature story, the Silver Platter Service, and how it can apply to leadership. They discuss the pursuit of excellence and the difference between being perfect and pursuing our highest and best. They also talk about the importance of being unoffendable and open to feedback, as well as the basics of leadership, such as kindness, communication, and consistency. Randy emphasizes the need for intentional self-improvement and even how these principles apply to parenting. Sound Bites "The art of listening is hearing what the person is not saying.""When you watch yourself, the film doesn't lie.""The silver platter isn't about how we collect the trash, it's how we serve someone else and how we lead them through those projects, through those outcomes, through life.""There's a difference between being kind and nice." Chapters 00:00 Introduction01:01 Start of Interview01:11 The Silver Platter story03:58 What does pursuing excellence NOT mean?06:32 The difference between surviving and thriving07:56 Being unoffendable14:34 Lessons from refs17:39 About sincerity and truth21:56 Be brilliant with the basics24:27 How to be a better communicator26:46 How to not get complacent with our learning31:17 Applying these lessons as parents33:08 Interview Wrap Up33:40 Andy Comments After the Interview36:49 Outtakes Learn More You can learn more about Randy and his book at FoxPoint.net. If you’d like more on this subject, check out: Episode 301, with Peter Kozodoy about his book on honestyEpisode 345, with Darren Reinke about his book about being a savage leader   AI for Project Managers and Leaders With the constant stream of AI news, it's sometimes hard to grasp how these advancements can benefit us as project managers and leaders in our day-to-day work. That's why I developed our e-learning course: AI Made Simple: A Practical Guide to Using AI in Your Everyday Work. This self-guided course is designed for project managers and leaders aiming to harness AI's potential to enhance your work, streamline your workflow, and boost your productivity. Go to ai.i-leadonline.com to learn more and join us. The feedback from the program has been fantastic. Take this opportunity to unlock the potential of AI for your team and projects. Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast! Talent Triangle: Power Skills   The following music was used for this episode: Music: Echo by Alexander Nakarada License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license Music: Fashion Corporate by Frank Schroter License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license