People and Projects Podcast: Project Management Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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).

• "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."

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:21 Start Of Interview
• 03:34 Language And Social Identity
• 06:56 The Evolution Of Language And Social Identity
• 13:41 The Role Of Filler Words
• 22:53 The History And Use Of 'Like'
• 34:11 Pressures On Women In The Workplace
• 34:58 Vocal Fry In Media And Public Perception
• 35:23 Gender And Vocal Fry Criticism
• 38:38 Understanding And Adapting Speech Features
• 39:52 Effective Communication Strategies
• 41:32 Judging Speech In Professional Contexts
• 47:48 Advice For Parents On Communication
• 50:18 Wrap-Up
• 50:39 Andy Comments After The Interview
• 52:51 Outtakes

You can learn more about Valerie and her book at ValerieFridland.com.

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

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.

• "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."

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:45 Start of Interview
• 01:48 Michelle's Early Life and Family Influence
• 03:03 Discovering and Overcoming a Brain Injury
• 07:14 The Impact of 'Do What You Are'
• 14:16 What Makes Learning Fast, Easy, and Fun?
• 27:53 Project Management Tips for Beginners
• 28:54 Understanding Project Risks
• 29:07 The Importance of Stakeholders
• 29:13 Resources and Self-Assessment
• 30:50 Curiosity and Humility in Project Management
• 33:10 Dealing with Project Challenges
• 36:40 Parenting and Project Management
• 41:54 Wrap Up
• 42:19 Andy Comments After the Interview
• 44:36 Outtakes

You can learn more and connect with Michelle on LinkedIn at LinkedIn/in/Best-PMP-Exam-Prep-Course.

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

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!

• "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."

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:24 Start of Interview
• 04:39 How to Decide Between Traditional and Hybrid Approaches
• 11:15 Findings About Remote, Hybrid, and In-Person Work
• 14:41 Karla's Personal Experience With Remote Work
• 16:45 Mobile Devices and Productivity
• 19:56 How AI is Transforming Project Management
• 25:00 Strategies for Continuous Learning Despite Busy Schedules
• 28:56 Communicating the Value of Investing in Project Management
• 32:41 Wrap-Up
• 33:01 Andy Comments After the Interview
• 34:35 Outtakes

You can learn more about Pulse of the Profession® at pmi.org/learning/thought-leadership/pulse.

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

We’re continuing a series of episodes on the topic of the future. It’s hard to imagine that we can be effective at leading others if we’re not forward-thinking.

But after getting slammed by the COVID tsunami and subsequent recurring waves, the future can feel so unsure. So how do we prepare ourselves and our teams for the future despite the challenges of understanding it?

To help us with that, we’re joined in this episode by Jonathan Brill, author of a new book entitled Rogue Waves: Future-Proof Your Business to Survive and Profit from Radical Change. Jonathan is the former Global Futurist at HP and has led companies that have substantially improved the world in many domains. Not to mention he invented the machine that makes frozen coffee slurpees!

Learn more about Jonathan and his book at JonathanBrill.com.

• In the outtakes of the episode, Jonathan mentions an HBR article that he wrote with Dorie Clark about how to future-prep your career. You can find that article here.
• My discussion with Brian David Johnson, former Chief Futurist at Intel, can be found in episode 313
• My discussion with Deborah Westphal from Toffler Associates can be found in episode 329
• My discussion with Michael Solomon about preparing your career for the future can be found in episode 304
• My discussion with Cecily Sommers about how to think like a futurist can be found in episode 87

Ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? LEAD52 is your 5-minute weekly pass to leadership intelligence. You get 52 weeks of learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than 5 minutes a week. And it's all for free. Join us at https://GetLEAD52.com.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Strategic and Business Management

Back To The Future by WinnieTheMoog
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/6090-back-to-the-future
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

It's Funky by Frank Schröter
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/8061-it-s-funky
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

How much fun would you say you and your team have as you go through your day-to-day work?

When you look back over the pandemic experience thus far, there are plenty of reasons for the word fun to not come to mind. There has been a great loss, much fear, and though working from home may have its advantages, it can definitely have an impact on how a group of people experiences the idea of being a team and having fun together.

In this episode, you'll hear from Dr. Bob Nelson and Mario Tamayo, authors of a new book entitled Work Made Fun Gets Done. It's an insightful book on trust that I look forward to sharing with you.

Learn more about Dr. Bob and Mario and their book at DrBobNelson.com/.

If you found this episode helpful, here are some recommended follow-up episodes:

• Episode 316 with the authors of the book Humor, Seriously
• Episode 109 with Peter McGraw about his book The Humor Code: A Global Search for What Makes Things Funny

Ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? LEAD52 is your 5-minute weekly pass to leadership intelligence. You get 52 weeks of learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than 5 minutes a week. And it's all for free. Join us at https://GetLEAD52.com.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Leadership

Funny & Cheerful by MusicLFiles
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/7124-funny-cheerful-play
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

It's Funky by Frank Schröter
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/8061-it-s-funky
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Jerry’s Gift to Elaine vs Kramer’s Gift | Seinfeld S02E09 available at youtube.com/watch?v=daMjZP1pjFc

Though many people are slowly starting to return to the office for at least part of the week, there’s reason to think that we’ll be leading teams and projects with stakeholders that are not co-located. And though we’ve gained some experience with that now since the global pandemic began, I continue to hear from people about the challenges they experience, both as a leader of teams and as members of teams.

I’m excited to introduce you to the work of Kevin Eikenberry and Wayne Turmel. They are authors of the books The Long-Distance Leader and The Long-Distance Teammate. Both are insightful books on how to navigate leading virtual teams and I look forward to sharing ideas from the books with you.

Learn more about Kevin and Wayne and their books at KevinEikenberry.com.

Ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? LEAD52 is your 5-minute weekly pass to leadership intelligence. You get 52 weeks of learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than 5 minutes a week. And it's all for free. Join us at https://GetLEAD52.com.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Leadership

Time to 808 by MusicParadise
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5069-time-to-808
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

End Titles Extended Version (Romeos Erbe) by Sascha Ende®
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/3158-end-titles-extended-version-romeos-erbe-
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

A key aspect for us to grow in our ability to lead and deliver comes down to trust. It’s difficult to follow someone we don’t trust, right?

Yet trust can be one of those topics that can be difficult to get our arms around. We know it when we see it and we know it’s important. And we certainly know when it’s lost. But how do we intentionally develop trust in an authentic and lasting way?

That’s what we’re talking about today. Harvard Management Professor Sandra Sucher joins us in this episode to talk about her new book The Power of Trust: How Companies Build It, Lose It, Regain It. It's an insightful book on trust that I look forward to sharing with you.

Learn more about Sandra and her book at ThePowerOfTrustBook.com/.

Ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? LEAD52 is your 5-minute weekly pass to leadership intelligence. You get 52 weeks of learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than 5 minutes a week. And it's all for free. Join us at https://GetLEAD52.com.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Leadership

Warm Sunset by MusicLFiles
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/8070-warm-sunset
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Tranceverse by Sascha Ende®
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5223-tranceverse
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg Address is available at https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2019-04-04-Boeing-CEO-Dennis-Muilenburg-Addresses-the-Ethiopian-Airlines-Flight-302-Preliminary-Report#assets_20295_130416-115

BP CEO Tony Hayward clip available on YouTube at youtube.com/watch?v=MTdKa9eWNFw

A common struggle I see is the challenges and expectations faced by working moms. I think it’s challenging for any working mom, but since many of our listeners are in project-related roles, I wonder if it’s even more difficult for you? Your days are filled with planning, task management, getting things done, being efficient, and my guess is that mindset doesn’t shut off when it comes to parenting.

In many ways, that mindset probably helps you in your parenting. But it also might leave you exhausted as you wrestle with trying to do it all--trying to be all--when the demands of work and life make that an impossible fairy tale.

In this episode, we’re talking with Dr. Whitney Casares, author of a new book entitled The Working Mom Blueprint: Winning at Parenting Without Losing Yourself. It’s a book packed with wisdom that I can’t wait to introduce you to.

Learn more about Whitney at ModernMommyDoc.com/.

Ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? LEAD52 is your 5-minute weekly pass to leadership intelligence. You get 52 weeks of learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than 5 minutes a week. And it's all for free. Join us at https://GetLEAD52.com.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Leadership

Fantasy Corporation by WinnieTheMoog
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/6179-fantasy-corporation
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

New Beautiful Day by WinnieTheMoog
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/6176-new-beautiful-day
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

It's hard to imagine that we can be effective at leading others if we’re not forward-thinking. But the future is so unsure--clouded at times by apocalyptic visions of machines taking over and life ruled by algorithms. So how do we prepare ourselves and our teams for the future despite the challenges of understanding it?

To help us on this journey, we're joined today by Deborah Westphal, author of a new book entitled Convergence: Technology, Business, and the Human-Centric Future. In this episode, Deborah will talk about what it means for us to be human-centric as we look to the future. She’ll challenge how we use the term stakeholder when we’re leading our teams and projects. She’ll expose some of the obsolete ideas and models that we too easily hold onto. And she’ll give us some perspectives to think differently about what it means to be a human-centric, future-focused leader.

Learn more about Deborah and her book at DeborahWestphal.com/convergence-book/.

Ready to take your leadership skills to the next level? LEAD52 is your 5-minute weekly pass to leadership intelligence. You get 52 weeks of learning, delivered right to your inbox, taking less than 5 minutes a week. And it's all for free. Join us at https://GetLEAD52.com.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Leadership

History and Future by Sascha Ende®
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/67-history-and-future
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Things by Alexander Nakarada
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/4860-things
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Patch Adams Complete Speech from the movie Patch Adams, available on YouTube at youtube.com/watch?v=KDEjgOFOLho

There's a good chance that right now, as you listen to this episode, you’ve been tasked with delivering something that feels big. Perhaps even intimidating. Even if this isn’t you right now, it will be eventually, and today I can’t wait to introduce you to an approach that can help lead you out of the fog.

Terry Dean Schmidt is the author of Strategic Project Management Made Simple. Though that title might sound like it’s over-selling--that strategic projects can be made simple--I think you’re going to find Terry’s approach to be something that is straightforward and can apply to just about any type of project and life cycle.

Learn more about Terry and his company at https://www.managementpro.com/about-us/meet-terry/.

You can get your own free P.R.O.J.E.C.T.S. Daily checklist to serve as a reminder of the beliefs, attitudes, and mindsets to keep you focused. Get yours here.

I hear from listeners almost every day and I love it! How about you and I connect on LinkedIn? Go to https://PeopleAndProjectsPodcast.com/LinkedIn and Follow me (I've maxed out the connections but if you Follow me, I'll Follow you back!)

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Technical Project Management

Dionysos by Sascha Ende®
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/6991-dionysos
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

On Fire by Sascha Ende®
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/5147-on-fire
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license