Welcome to the Iprograms Podcast, The Art of Program Management. Join Dr. Bill Bersing, President of Iprograms, as he brings you insightful interviews with top leaders and professionals in the field.
Each episode delves into the most challenging aspects of program and project management, offering expert insights, real-world strategies, and valuable tips to elevate your skills. Our guests share their invaluable experiences and expertise across various industries and regions, from cost control and scheduling to managing global, large-scale programs.
Tune in to discover:
Expert insights on key topics in program and project management
Practical strategies for overcoming common challenges and pitfalls
Lessons learned from experienced professionals in the field
The latest trends, tools, and techniques to enhance your skillset
Inspiration and guidance for advancing your career in program management
Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts and join our global community of project management professionals. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from the industry's most respected leaders and transform your program management skills. Listen to "The Art of Program Management" today and elevate your path to project success.
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📚 Resources:
Project Management https://pmi.org
Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide)
Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling by Harold Kerzner
Project Management - Dennis Lock
By Dennis Lock
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Why Most Project Managers Get It Wrong (And How to Fix It) | iPrograms Podcast
Episode 12
Thursday, February 20, 2025 • Duration 57:39
Have you ever worked on a project that started off strong, only for things to quickly unravel? Deadlines slip, communication breaks down, and meetings feel like a waste of time. It’s not always about lacking skills—sometimes, project managers just need the right strategy tools and soft skills to take their projects from good to exceptional.
In this episode of the iPrograms Podcast, host Dr. Bill Bersing—a leader in engineering, construction, and program management—sits down with Dr. Jim Chambers, an expert in educational leadership, learning & development, and instructional design. Together, they break down why traditional project management training often overlooks critical leadership skills, communication strategies, and emotional intelligence—and how filling these gaps can lead to outstanding project success.
🔍 What You’ll Learn: ✅ The biggest mistakes project managers make—and how to fix them ✅ Why technical skills alone won’t guarantee success ✅ How leadership, soft skills, and AI can transform your workflow ✅ Why the PURE Management approach is redefining project leadership
If you’re ready to stop managing chaos and start leading with clarity, this episode will give you real-world insights you can start applying today.
💡 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert insights from top professionals in the industry!
📌 YouTube Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 01:10 Intro 01:54 Project Zodiac 04:00 The Struggle Between Big Companies and Small Business Partnerships 06:50 PURE Certification 11:11 What’s Missing from Traditional Project Management 11:37 Using AI as a Tool for Project Management 14:59 The Biggest Mistake Project Managers Make 19:36 Key to Preventing Project Failure 23:50 How to Communicate with Emotional Intelligence 28:40 Leadership vs. Micromanagement 31:06 How to Build Trust in Project Teams 35:18 What Makes a Great Project Manager 36:08 PURE Management Alliance Program Details 37:44 A New Kind of Project Certification 38:58 The Qualities of Great Project Managers 44:23 Why Soft Skills Matter 56:49 Final Thoughts
In this episode, Dr. Bersing is joined by Dr. Donald B. Wilson—a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience in sales, marketing, and organizational strategy. With expertise spanning sales, technical innovation and leadership development, Dr. Wilson shares his deep insights into how Artificial Intelligence is transforming not only transforming industries, but also examines how to approach Ai from a leadership standpoint.
Together, they explore:
Practical applications and ethical considerations of AI.
How AI is reshaping leadership in sales, education, and engineering.
The evolving role of leaders in driving innovation while managing change.
Tools and strategies to integrate AI into project management and team collaboration.
Whether you're a project manager, a tech enthusiast, or a leader looking to future-proof your organization, this episode offers actionable takeaways to help you succeed in an AI-enabled world.
Virtual Executive Leadership: Leading in a Changed World
Episode 10
Thursday, November 21, 2024 • Duration 01:09:18
Nearly two decades ago, Dr. Bill Bersing set out to explore a then-nascent concept: virtual executive leadership. His work culminated in a 2009 dissertation that asked leaders critical questions about building trust, fostering collaboration, and achieving success in virtual environments. At the time, remote leadership was still emerging, and his insights offered a fresh perspective on managing global teams in the multinational engineering service industry.
Fast forward almost 20 years, and the world has changed dramatically. With rapid technological advances and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual work has become the norm. In this episode, Dr. Bersing revisits the same questions, exploring how leadership practices have evolved. He also shares his plans to expand the scope of these questions to leaders across industries for future episodes, aiming to uncover fresh insights for a new era of work.
Join us as we dive into Dr. Bersing’s reflections, hear his responses to the very questions he created, and learn how he’s using this research to spark a broader conversation about the future of leadership. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the challenges and opportunities of leading virtually across the world.
Timestamps: 1:37 Introduction - The Study: Revisiting Virtual Executive Leadership 10:11 How do you and your organization use communication tools to create and preserve trust in the virtual team setting? 18:24 How do you ensure virtual member diversity is accepted and clear? 25:41 How do you properly manage meetings and work-life cycle in the virtual work setting? 31:15 How do you or your organization use technology to observe virtual team performance? 37:25 How do you evaluate virtual team progress? 39:15 How do you allow for virtual team members to gain something from being on the team? 41:18 What makes an outstanding virtual team leader or project manager? 43:34 What differences, if any, do you see in organizing new virtual teams versus organizing teams face-to-face? 47:36 What project success factors are different when working on virtual teams versus face-to-face teams? 55:47 How has technology changed your approach in developing effective virtual managers within the last 10 years?59:25 Do you see new emerging technologies in the next 5 or 10 years which you feel may change the industry or customer base?1:03:07 Are you or your organization working on new ways to improve virtual team performance, organization, or knowledge management?1:07:14 Closing Thoughts: Virtual Teams and Executive Leadership After COVID
Building Resilient Communities: David Dodd on Economic Recovery, Climate Adaptation & Lessons from Hurricanes Helene and Milton
Episode 9
Thursday, October 31, 2024 • Duration 47:12
In this episode of iPrograms Podcast: The Art of Program Management, global resilience expert David Dodd returns to discuss the complex challenges of disaster recovery and economic resilience in the face of Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Hosts Dr. Bill Bersing and Virginia Scheuer explore cutting-edge strategies and international insights impacting our response to natural disasters, climate adaptation, and long-term community stability with David.
Key Topics: 0:00 - Introduction to Hurricanes Helene and Milton 0:45 - Guest Introduction: David Dodd, Global Leader in Economic Development and Resilience 1:58 - Rapid Intensification of Hurricanes 3:20 - Comparing Hurricane Impacts: Helene and Superstorm Sandy 5:04 - Extreme Weather Patterns and Climate Change 6:31 - Public and Private Sector Debt in Resilience Funding 7:43 - Resilience as Investment and the Role of Private Investment 8:33 - Financial Impact of Recent Hurricanes 10:05 - The Ready Movement and Community Preparedness 11:07 - Community Preparedness and Cultural Shifts 13:34 - Challenges of Disaster Recovery in Tornado-Prone Areas 14:45 - Project Management in Disaster Recovery 15:19 - Certification and Coordination in Disaster Recovery 17:24 - Federal Agency Alignment in Recovery Efforts 19:00 - Funding and Climate Adaptation Explained 20:57 - Global Debt and Its Implications for Resilience 22:01 - Adaptation and Relocation of Infrastructure - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Revolutionizing Leadership: The Future of Program Management with Greg Bess
Episode 8
Tuesday, October 22, 2024 • Duration 01:02:50
Revolutionizing Leadership: The Future of Program Management
In this transformative episode of the iPrograms podcast, "The Art of Program Management," hosted by Dr. Bill Bersing, we explore the evolving landscape of program management and its intersection with innovative leadership. With over 30 years of experience leading major programs, Dr. Bersing delves into key concepts that are revolutionizing program management.
Our guest, Charles "Greg" Bess, shares invaluable insights from his 40 years in the tech and telecommunications industries. Together, we discuss:
The significance of emphasizing observation and human connection in problem-solving
Building reliable teams through experience and overcoming failure
Recognizing self-taught talent to create dynamic and versatile teams
The importance of balancing the adoption of emerging technologies like AI with proper risk management strategies
How maintaining a healthy work-life balance and fostering effective communication can pave the way for more resilient and engaged leaders in program management
Join us as we redefine success in program management and empower the next generation of leaders with actionable strategies and invaluable insights from industry experts. Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your approach to program management from the inside out.
🕐 Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:26 Introduction to Greg Bess 02:26 From Electrical Engineering to Project Mastery 05:22 Challenges in Program Management 06:30 Leadership Skills and Team Dynamics 10:23 International Experience and Cultural Challenges 13:23 Cultural Communication and International Projects 21:23 Being OK with a Team that Fails | Fail Quickly and Get to Better Solutions 22:22 Good Leadership Skills in Large Programs 34:25 Leverage AI but Don't Keep Your Eyes Off the Task 35:27 Unpredictability and Risk Management 36:21 Safety and Preparedness 37:19 Leadership in Crisis39:02 Managing Conflicts Between Experience and Ambition in Teams41:28 Creating High-Performance Teams47:23 Encouraging Team Communication51:38 Unlikely Leadership Lessons: Build Team Trust with Creativity54:38 How to Break the Ice with Teams | Get Your Team Communicating!57:27 The Importance of Hobbies and Stress Relief1:00:31 Final Thoughts
Secrets to Boost Team Performance and Success! - Drive change receptivity within your program community
Episode 7
Wednesday, August 28, 2024 • Duration 56:40
Welcome back to Iprograms, the podcast where we delve into the intricacies of leadership and program management. In today's episode titled "Secrets to Boost Team Performance and Success! - Drive Change Receptivity Within Your Program Community," our host Dr. Bill Bersing is joined by Dr. Jim Chambers to share a thought-provoking discussion about the vital role of leadership in managing complex programs. We'll explore diverse leadership styles, the significance of empathy and communication, and the challenges faced by leaders when dealing with resistance to change. Dr. Bill Bersing offers professional and personal insights, while Dr. Jim Chambers emphasizes the importance of transformational leadership and the human side of change management. Tune in as we reflect on the lessons learned from real-life examples in various industries and discuss ways to enhance team collaboration and program success. This is an episode you won't want to miss!
Our guest today is Dr. Jim Chambers, he is a renowned expert in leadership development with over 30 years of experience. As the founder of the Institute for Organizational Leadership, he has provided strategic planning, leadership development, and organizational models for public and private organizations worldwide. Dr. Chambers is also a dedicated educator, serving as a faculty member at the University of Phoenix's School for Advanced Studies and mentoring doctoral candidates. Tune in to discover practical insights on leadership, change management, and transformational leadership from Dr. Chambers' extensive knowledge and experience.
Chapters: 00:00 Adapting to change, cooperation in higher education.
07:26 Psychotherapist Morris R. Shechtman, Working Without a Net - emphasizes understanding loss. 08:28 Strategy 2: Understanding Human Behavior - Complex but Predictable
12:47 Helping leaders learn to listen actively is crucial.
14:18 Disloyalty is rare.
Leverage the Power of 🤖 AI in Program Management
Episode 6
Monday, August 12, 2024 • Duration 27:20
Tune in to our latest episode of The Art of Program Management as we explore the transformative impact of AI on program success. Discover AI's potential to revolutionize program management, from optimizing workflows to fostering innovation, as we delve into its history and future artificial intelligence applications. Uncover essential AI tools like ChatGPT, Co-Pilot, and Lucid Charts, as well as program management specific tools, while gaining valuable insights on security and best practices for implementation. Listen now for expert tips on harnessing the power of AI and elevating your program management skills in the digital age.
00:00 The definition of AI and the role it plays in company use.
03:05 Discusses innovative AI application for Program Management.
06:25 Drafting and fine-tuning communication plan in teams meetings.
11:34 How do you overcome security issues with AI? 13:20 Overcoming resistance in Team with using AI.
14:48 Different tools have different strengths. Understanding which tools to use for what. 19:13 How can someone new to AI get started
22:31 Resistance to technology and fear of change, especially related to artificial intelligence, in older and younger generations.
23:59 Calls for improvement in program management!
Quick Strategies: being flexible, mitigating risks, and managing conflicts in international programs
Episode 5
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 • Duration 06:50
Welcome back to another insightful episode of the Iprograms Podcast, where we delve into the art of program management. In this quickie espresso shot episode, Dr. Bill Bersing serve up powerful insights on the importance of flexibility and risk mitigation in project management.
Today, we tackle an array of critical topics including the development of effective communication plans, the necessity of risk assessments and mitigation strategies, resource allocation, and the unique challenges faced in international projects. Dr. Bill shares his wealth of experience and practical wisdom on managing change orders, navigating different regulatory environments, and maintaining transparency with stakeholders.
From facing unexpected challenges like asbestos and radiological risks to understanding cultural differences in conflict management, this episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone involved in complex programs Don't miss out on learning how to keep your projects and programs on track, even when the unexpected happens.
**Timestamps:** 00:00 Mitigation plans and effective communication are crucial.
04:29 Thick skin essential in construction and international business. Different cultures have different ways of dealing with conflict.
06:45 Enthusiastic agreement with positive feedback reiterated twice.
Tune in and boost your program management skills with this invigorating shot of Dr. Bill's experience and wisdom!
📚 Resources: Project Management https://pmi.org Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling by Harold KerznerProject Management - Dennis Lock
They Don't Teach This in School: Program Management – An Inside Look from Expert Dr. Bill Bersing!
Episode 4
Monday, July 15, 2024 • Duration 17:09
🎧 They Don't Teach This in School: Program Management – An Inside Look from Expert Dr. Bill Bersing! 🌟
Welcome to the 4th episode of iPrograms in our quick series called PM Espresso Shots from our podcast The Art of Program Management, where Dr. Bill Bersing dives deep into the art of program and project management.
In this episode, co-host Virginia asks Dr. Bill Bersing, a seasoned expert in the field, to share his invaluable insights and real-world experiences that you won't find in any textbook.
🔑 Key Topics Covered: - Dr. Bersing's fascinating journey from civil engineering to computer engineering and ultimately to program management. - The evolution of program management and how it differs from project management. - Real-world examples and personal anecdotes from Dr. Bersing's illustrious career, including his work with NAVFAC and his humanitarian projects in Africa. - Essential strategies for managing large-scale programs and the importance of a holistic approach. - Overcoming challenges and capitalizing on opportunities in the field.
Discover how to leverage standards, algorithms, and coordinated efforts to elevate your program management game. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting, this episode is packed with potent insights that can transform your career.
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👍 Like & Share if you find the content valuable!
⭐ Leave a 5-Star Review on Apple Podcasts to support our show!
Virtual vs. In-Person Collaboration: Does it matter anymore?
Episode 3
Friday, July 5, 2024 • Duration 18:54
Welcome to our "First PM Espresso Shot" conversation!
Today, we're diving into a topic that has become increasingly relevant in today's work environment – virtual versus in-person collaboration. As we explore the question, 'Does it really matter?', we invite you to consider the unique benefits and challenges of each approach and how they impact program management. Let's brew some fresh ideas together and energize our professional growth!"
Don't miss out on this engaging and concise discussion – tune in now to gain valuable insights and stay ahead in the world of program management! This is your PM Espresso Shot!
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Kiteworks (We have an agreement with Kiteworks. Check their services out on our website and if you decide this is something you like Dr. Bill Bersing would be happy to get on a call with you to talk to you more about it.)
📚 Other Resources: Project Management https://pmi.org Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling by Harold Kerzner Project Management - Dennis Lock
Kiteworks (We have an agreement with Kiteworks. Check their services out on our website and if you decide this is something you like Dr. Bill Bersing would be happy to get on a call with you to talk to you more about it.)
📚 Other Resources: Project Management https://pmi.org Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling by Harold Kerzner Project Management - Dennis Lock
Kiteworks (We have an agreement with Kiteworks. Check their services out on our website and if you decide this is something you like Dr. Bill Bersing would be happy to get on a call with you to talk to you more about it.)
📚 Other Resources: Project Management https://pmi.org Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling by Harold Kerzner Project Management - Dennis Lock
24:50
Toolkit for Measuring Economic and Social Resilience Impact
26:58
AI’s Potential in Disaster Recovery and Modeling
28:15
Civil Engineering Challenges in Africa
29:17
AI and Accountability in Resilience Efforts
30:06
Comparing US Resilience to Global Standards
31:33
Case Study: Japan’s Resilience Post-Fukushima
32:32
Importance of Economic Opportunity in Recovery
34:04
Integrated City and Economic Recovery Planning
35:48
Resilience vs. Recovery
37:12
Private Sector’s Role in Funding Climate Adaptation
39:09
Investment in Resilience as a Cost-Effective Strategy
40:51
Shifting Perspectives on Resilience in Public-Private Partnerships
42:07
Learning from Global Standards in Resilience
43:27
International Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
44:46
David’s Upcoming Talk on Economic Development and Resilience
Kiteworks (We have an agreement with Kiteworks. Check their services out on our website and if you decide this is something you like Dr. Bill Bersing would be happy to get on a call with you to talk to you more about it.)
📚 Other Resources: Project Management https://pmi.org Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling by Harold Kerzner Project Management - Dennis Lock
This engaging discussion offers valuable insights into program management, project funding, and the pivotal role of global cooperation in building adaptable and sustainable communities.
#Resilience, #ProgramManagement, and #EconomicRecovery
Kiteworks (We have an agreement with Kiteworks. Check their services out on our website and if you decide this is something you like Dr. Bill Bersing would be happy to get on a call with you to talk to you more about it.)
📚 Other Resources: Project Management https://pmi.org Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling by Harold Kerzner Project Management - Dennis Lock
17:35 Teaching empathy in instructional design and coding.
25:23 Strategy 3: Communicate early and often for better results. 27:00 Strategy 4: Involve Everyone
29:13 Course Changes - People in the trenches need to be involved!
31:39 Engage with vested interest for successful change.
35:22 Strategy 5: Anticipate resistance.
37:57 Leaders must involve their teams in risk management.
41:32 Empower people by accepting their expertise.
49:11 Transformational model better than transactional in most teams, except during the heat of a battle.
50:15 Transactional works in extreme situations, not long-term. 51:41 Anecdotal example about Transformational leadership from Dr. Bill Bersing about writing his son a letter for his first week at VMI.
52:52 Anecdotal example following up with this Dr. Jim Chambers gives about his wife and President Bush.
📚 Dr. Bill's Resources: Project Management https://pmi.org Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling by Harold Kerzner Project Management - Dennis Lock
Kiteworks (We have an agreement with Kiteworks. Check their services out on our website and if you decide this is something you like Dr. Bill Bersing would be happy to get on a call with you to talk to you more about it.)
📚 Other Resources: Project Management https://pmi.org Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling by Harold Kerzner Project Management - Dennis Lock
5:17 Distinguishing Project and Program Management
