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

PMOs are often seen as administrative hubs, yet they possess far greater potential when aligned with organizational strategy. Cornelius Fichtner welcomes seasoned consultant and leader, Demi Anderson, who has more than three decades of experience in project, program, and portfolio management. She shows how PMOs can focus on strategic goals rather than serving solely as process gatekeepers. And we learn that each PMO setup depends on the needs of the company, from a temporary project-level office to a permanent enterprise-level structure.

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.

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.

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

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.