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In this episode of Big Project Energy, Rachel Losser sits down with John Rigoli, a Federal IT Project Management consultant with 28+ years of experience, to unpack what really drives successful project delivery in complex environments. From stakeholder politics and timeline management to relationship-building and the realities of virtual collaboration, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for project managers, program leaders, and consultants alike.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why federal and corporate project work are fundamentally different
• How stakeholder politics can make or break a project
• The importance of direct engagement, listening, and relationship-building
• How to manage difficult stakeholders without losing momentum
• Why high-level timelines and detailed action tracking both matter
• How to set realistic expectations while still moving projects forward
• What “Big Project Energy” looks like in real life

Connect:

Please connect with John through his LinkedIn Profile

To apply as a guest please fill out this form

And for all other inquiries, please get in touch at hello@losserconsultingsolutions.com

Start any project with confidence.

Ever wonder what truly makes a project, and how to kick one off without getting lost in the chaos? In this episode, Rachel Losser reveals the simple, three-step blueprint to transforming vague ideas into actionable projects that get results. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, learn how to secure stakeholder buy-in, assemble the right team, and create a repeatable cadence that keeps your projects on track.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Projects: Definition and Importance

03:50 Initiating a Project: Steps to Success

09:09 Identifying Stakeholders and Team Dynamics

11:11 Project Examples: Distinguishing Projects from Operations

What really determines whether a project succeeds isn't just the timeline—it's the people behind it.

In this episode, Nick Clarkson shares his unconventional journey from 13 years as a Professor of Gender Studies to becoming a Project Manager, revealing how systems thinking, leadership, and empathy became his greatest professional assets.

The conversation dives into one of Nick's most compelling ideas: capacity planning beyond resource allocation. Rather than simply tracking hours, Nick encourages leaders to consider the hidden costs of context switching, cognitive load, and mental energy. Drawing from his experience leading a volunteer team of individuals living with chronic pain, he explains why protecting people's attention is just as important as managing project schedules.

Rachel and Nick also discuss the power of curiosity in stakeholder management, why great Project Managers ask better questions instead of assuming they have the answers, and how calm, trust-building leadership consistently outperforms fear-based management in high-pressure environments.

Whether you're transitioning into project or program management or looking to become a more effective leader, this conversation offers practical insights into building healthier teams, better plans, and more successful projects.

Connect with Nick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nlclarkson/

Portfolio site: nlclarkson.com to view the Capacity Planning Worksheet

Join the BPE conversation at hello@losserconsultingsolutions.com

Most project managers ignore the simple, foundational habits that keep complex initiatives on track—until it’s too late. This episode reveals the one guarantee to drastically improve your project execution: mastering the essentials every PM must know, but few follow.

Imagine consistently delivering projects on time, with clarity and confidence, simply by refining three core practices. With clear meeting notes, a single source of truth for action items, and a realistic project timeline, you can eliminate chaos and elevate your leadership. Whether you're managing a small team or an enterprise-level initiative, these disciplined habits are your secret weapon against missed deadlines and stakeholder misunderstandings.

In this Bonus Episode, Rachel gives advice for new Project Managers who want to follow the gold standard. Make sure to save this episode to listen back as you prepare for your first role, taking the PMP, or elevating your current position.

In this episode, Rachel Losser sits down with Joe Ciway, a seasoned product management leader, to delve into the realities of project management. From leadership philosophies to navigating chaos and uncertainty, Joe shares practical insights that bridge traditional frameworks with real-world challenges in product development and beyond.

This episode distills decades of project management experience into actionable advice, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, organizational awareness, and emotional intelligence in leading successful projects. Whether you're starting out or a seasoned professional, Joe's insights challenge conventional wisdom and highlight the nuanced art of managing chaos with confidence.

In this episode, we'll cover:

• The importance of right-sizing projects based on team capabilities and leadership support
• The concept of the "tripod" — balancing product, R&D, and project management for successful product launches
• How to communicate effectively with different organizational levels, especially executives
• Strategies for handling pressure without losing your composure
• The impact of leadership support and organizational culture on project success
• Navigating uncertainty and planning for the unpredictable in fast-paced product environments
• Practical advice for new project managers, including aligning with company culture and managing stakeholder expectations

Resources & Links:

• PMBOK Guide — Project Management Body of Knowledge
• Joe Ciway on LinkedIn— Connect with Joe for further insights
• Losser Consulting Solutions — For more on Rachel’s work

How to command a room when no one actually reports to you.

In this premier episode of Big Project Energy, we discuss the importance of crafting authority through building trust, commanding a room, and driving real business value, rather than operating from a place of ego. While a bit tongue-in-cheek, Rachel discusses how using the phrase Big Project Energy in her PM career and in her personal life was a catalyst for making bold moves.

Subscribe so you never miss an episode and join the conversation at hello@losserconsultingsolutions.com.

Introducing Big Project Energy, the project management podcast from Losser Consulting Solutions.

Unlock the secret to transforming chaotic projects into impactful successes. If you've ever felt stuck navigating tight timelines, shifting scopes, or unaligned teams, this episode is your game-changer. Rachel Losser, a PMP-certified project manager, reveals how mastering project management can unlock accountability, speed up delivery, and drive real change. Discover key strategies to lead with confidence and clarity, turning chaos into clarity. Perfect for anyone ready to elevate their project game.

To be a part of the conversation, get in touch with hello@losserconsultingsolutions.com and follow us here to get your monthly dose of project power.