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Explore every episode of the podcast Project Zero

Dive into the complete episode list for Project Zero. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
S2 Episode 14: The Letter that Secured a High-Stakes Healthcare Position with Tom Cooper14 May 202600:32:17

Host Alex Tuck interviews Tom Cooper, a program consultant at Rhino Healthcare Solutions. Cooper traces his path from JPMorgan operations and trading into software and project management, then into a Chicago-based green roofing startup driven by city stormwater mandates. His “Project Zero” involves excavating and repairing the King County Bus Terminal roof-park after barbecuing caused membrane leaks, then mitigating cybersecurity risk when their DOS-based leak detection system became a vulnerability, pivoting toward BACnet and a cloud-based alert process while persuading client IT teams and suppliers. He later moved into healthcare via hospital roof gardens, earned his PMP, joined TennCare after an ACA implementation lawsuit through a cold letter, and worked on pharmacy benefit management and data governance. Cooper emphasizes clear, adaptive communication, probing stakeholder “pain,” and AI tools improving requirements and prompting. 


00:00 Season Two Kickoff  

 

00:43 Tom’s Origin Story  

 

02:43 Green Roofing Pivot  

 

05:14 Project Zero Leak Crisis  

 

08:10 Selling Risk Mitigation  

 

09:44 Breaking Into Healthcare  

 

12:13 Cold Letter Career Move  

 

15:00 Big Healthcare Programs  

 

17:09 Top PM Skill Communication  

 

24:03 AI In Project Management  

 

25:43 AI Beyond Work  

 

29:16 Future Of Healthcare  

 

31:35 Wrap Up And Contact 

 

Connect with Tom Cooper 

 

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

S2 Episode 13: Understanding Empathy in Diverse Project Landscapes with Shane Dixon 07 May 202600:35:46

Host Alex Tuck interviews Shane Dixon, founder of Essix Consulting and managing partner at Corbeau. Dixon describes shifting from rescuing troubled in-flight projects to helping organizations mature their project management and prevent recurring failures through stronger PMO capability. He shares a “legacy PM” career path from scheduling assistant and coordinator to PMO leader, crediting continual learning and detailed schedule knowledge as advantages. Dixon’s Project Zero was a manufacturing program developing ground-engaging tools, where cross-functional coordination across engineering, foundry, marketing, and operations made project leadership “click.” He emphasizes trust-building through curiosity, adapting communication for factory environments, and names empathy as the most important PM skill. On AI, he says it boosts efficiency (e.g., drafting charters) and may reduce coordinator/schedule analyst roles, raising pipeline and training concerns; he cites video generation as impressive and frightening.  

 

00:00 Season Two Kickoff  

 

00:33 Shane's Consulting Mission  

 

01:18 From Firefighting to Prevention  

 

03:32 Career Path Into PM  

 

06:02 Structure for the Disorganized  

 

07:43 Learning Through Scheduling  

 

10:53 Defining Project Zero  

 

11:44 Manufacturing Program Story  

 

14:30 Curiosity Builds Trust  

 

19:29 Factory Floor Communication  

 

22:00 Empathy as Top Skill  

 

25:29 AI's Impact on PM Roles  

 

29:29 Future Talent Pipeline Questions  

 

32:20 Coolest AI and Risks  

 

34:46 Wrap Up and Contact Info 

 

Connect with Shane Dixon  

 

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

S2 Episode 4: Bridging the Gap Between Project Management and Product Management with Stan Ponder05 Mar 202600:30:41

Host Alex Tuck kicks off season two of Project Zero with Stan Ponder, Director of Product Management at Safety National, to explore project leader journeys and AI’s impact on the industry. Stan shares his path from fifth-grade teacher and elementary principal into learning and development, where he unknowingly practiced project management before moving into product management and building a product organization. He recounts two “Project Zero” lessons: overcommitting a team with no buffer (“building a boat with a hole in it”) and taking on work outside the team’s expertise, underscoring the value of instincts and early course correction. Stan highlights communication and transparent status reporting as the top skill, and discusses using AI agents to automate admin work like analysis and status reports so leaders can focus on relationships and removing roadblocks.  

 

00:00 Season Two Kickoff  

 

00:31 Meet Stan Ponder 

 

 01:50 From Teacher to PM  

 

04:04 Born Organized  

 

05:45 Project Zero Setup  

 

06:20 Capacity Planning Wakeup  

 

09:26 Trust Your Instincts  

 

11:34 Big Wins in Finance  

 

16:21 Top Skill Communication  

 

20:12 AI for PM Workflows  

 

24:38 Cool AI in the Wild  

 

27:53 Advice to Younger Stan  

 

29:45 Connect and Wrap Up 

 

Connect with Stan Ponder 

 

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

S2 Episode 3: Guiding Healthcare Projects for the Underserved Populations with Jordyn Seri26 Feb 202600:26:12

From Care Coordination to Health Tech: Jordyn Seri on Project Zero, Process Automation, and AI in Healthcare PM In this episode of Project Zero. Jordyn Seri, PMP is a healthcare Project Manager who turns operational friction into streamlined systems. With a background in public health and a process optimization mindset, Jordyn specializes in bridging the gap between technical developers and frontline clinicians. Known for her successes in improving operational efficiencies and database development, she is a firm believer in servant leadership and the power of asking "why." In this episode, Jordyn shares her path from studying psychology and public health at Brandeis to working across multiple levels of healthcare, including nonprofit Medicaid programs, health plan network management, and contracting with a health tech startup serving stakeholders like pharma companies, clinical researchers, and clinicians.  

 

00:00 Welcome to Project Zero Season Two  

 

00:27 Jordyn Seri: Background in Healthcare and Product/Project Management  

 

02:40 How Jordyn Transitioned Into an Official Project Manager Role  

 

04:35 Early Career in Care Coordination and Building Excel Dashboards to Track Medicaid Deadlines  

 

07:10 College Experience: Public Health Fellowship Project and Event Planning  

 

09:20 Personal Organization Style and “Spreadsheet Friend” Habits  

 

10:45 Project Zero (Success): Automating Medicaid Claims Documentation to Eliminate 3,500 Manual Claims Annually  

 

13:10 Driving Adoption: End-User Collaboration Group, Communication Plan, and Training Rollout  

 

15:20 Project Zero (Challenge): Attempted Integration into Existing Software That Couldn’t Meet Program Complexities  

 

18:05 Key Lesson: Be Wary of Easy “Yes” Answers and Validate Technical Feasibility; Escalation and Project Pause  

 

20:25 Core PM Skills: Embrace Non-Expert Status, Ask Relentless Questions, and Stay Curious  

 

22:05 Career Advice: Don’t Wait for Permission to Fix Broken Processes; Earn a Seat at the Table  

 

23:25 AI in Jordyn’s Work: Staying Current via Superhuman Zane Newsletter and AI Daily Brief Podcast; Building a Prompt Library  

 

25:10 Favorite AI Prompts: Finding Blind Spots and Risks, Translating Technical Documents into Plain English  

 

26:40 AI Use Case in Medicaid: Consolidating Fragmented State Reporting Data into Dashboards for Operational Decision-Making  

 

29:00 Advice for Early-Career PMs: Talk to Experienced PMs and Map Transferable Skills  

 

30:35 Contact: How to Connect with Jordyn! 

 

AI Resources Mentioned:  

Connect with Jordyn Seri, PMP

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

S2 Episode 2: Developing the Next Generation of Project Managers with Russ Parker19 Feb 202600:31:24

In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck interviews Russ Parker, founder of Forty-Four Risk PM. Russ shares his unique journey from the Marine Corps to becoming a project manager and risk management expert. He delves into his accidental entry into project management, the influence of his wife’s PMP certification, and his transition to the financial sector. Russ emphasizes the importance of risk management in project planning and the evolving role of AI in simplifying administrative tasks for PMs. This episode offers valuable insights into leveraging lessons learned and the critical role of risk management in successful project execution. Russ also shares anecdotes about his early project experiences in Iraq and the impact of thorough planning. 


00:00 Welcome to Project Zero Season Two 

00:40 Meet Russ Parker: From Marine to Project Manager 

02:09 The Accidental Journey into Project Management 

09:42 Project Zero: A Defining Moment in Iraq 

16:50 The Importance of Risk Management 

22:50 AI in Project Management: The Future is Here 

28:50 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts 


Connect with Russ Parker 

  • LinkedIn: Russ Parker  
  • Website: 44RiskPM.com
  • YouTube: 44RiskPM
  • Email: Russ@44rickpm.com

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

S2 Episode 1: Navigating Complex Projects and Embracing Challenges in Project Management with Vidura Stich12 Feb 202600:32:59

In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck welcomes Vidura Stich, a healthcare management consultant from Freed Associates. Vidura shares his journey into project management, starting from his early career and the pivotal moments that led him to where he is today. He discusses the importance of structure and people skills in project management, as well as the impact of mentorship on his career. Vidura also provides insights into how AI is transforming the project management landscape, emphasizing the need to adapt and leverage AI tools for greater efficiency. The episode wraps up with advice for aspiring project managers and a look at the future of AI in the industry. 


00:00 Welcome to Season Two of Project Zero 

00:16 Meet Vidura Stitch: Healthcare Management Consultant 

01:27 Vidura's Journey into Project Management  

09:35 The Impact of Mentorship 

10:56 Project Zero: A Defining Moment 

16:58 Reflecting on Early Projects 

17:29 The Thrill of Big Projects 

19:14 Key Skills for Project Managers 

21:46 The Impact of AI on Project Management 

27:05 Innovative Uses of AI in Projects 

32:17 Final Thoughts and Contact Information 

 

Connect with Vidura Stich 

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

Episode 25: Season One Finale Featuring Project Management Institute (PMI) Global Attendees 20 Nov 202501:00:53

In this season one finale of Project Zero, Alex celebrates the show's success and shares memorable moments and favorite highlights from past episodes. The episode features insightful interviews with project leaders whom Alex met at PMI (Project Management Institute) Global. Guests include Marc Verbist discussing the intersection of music and project management, Tanya Boyd on her gumbo recipe metaphor for business success, Shawn Harris on AI integration in project management, and Alex Monroe on agile transformations in a marketing agency. We've brought you an extended episode, packed with valuable insights, practical takeaways, and reflections on the PMI Global conference. Enjoy the final episode and the diverse perspectives from PMI Global attendees. 


00:00 Season One Finale Kickoff 

00:14 Highlighting Top Episodes and Insights 

01:57 Special Guests from PMI Global 

04:03 Interview with Mark Verbist 

16:52 Interview with Tanya Boyd 

32:11 Interview with Shawn Harris 

33:45 Exciting Developments in Remote Work and AI Integration 

35:21 Insights from PMI Global Conference 

36:05 The Role of AI in Project Management 

37:53 Practical Applications of AI and Project Management 

40:33 Shawn's Project Zero Experience 

44:55 Alex Monroe's Journey in Project Management 

59:50 Reflections and Future Directions 


Connect with Marc Verbist  

Connect with Tanya Boyd:  

Connect with Shawn Harris:  

Connect with Alex Monroe:  

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

Episode 24: The Importance of Process Implementation for Nonprofits13 Nov 202500:28:12

In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck speaks with Galanda Brooker, Alex Morgan, and Martin Quatt about business process mapping. The discussion kicks off with introductions and highlights the importance of this method in improving organizational efficiencies. Martin explains the basics of business process mapping, starting from leadership acknowledgment of the need for change to gathering stakeholder input and creating iterative drafts. The guests share their favorite mapping tools and practical examples of successful implementations, detailing projects for organizations like CCL and St. Michael's College. The conversation also touches on adoption strategies and the value of thorough planning. Tune in for actionable insights on streamlining your company's processes and achieving substantial time and cost savings. 

00:00 Introduction to Project Zero 

00:09 Meet the Guests: Galanda, Alex, and Martin 

02:08 Understanding Business Process Mapping 

04:30 Favorite Mapping Tools 

07:04 Real-World Examples of Process Mapping 

07:43 Client Success Stories: CCL and St. Michael's College 

13:36 Implementing Process Maps with Clickup 

17:26 Project Timelines and Stakeholder Involvement 

25:03 Ensuring Adoption of New Processes 

27:37 Conclusion and Wrap-Up 


Connect with Galanda Brooker 

Connect with Martin Quatt 

Connect with Alex Morgan 

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

Episode 23: Prioritizing People in Project Management with Cathy Matosky06 Nov 202500:25:38

In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck interviews Cathy Matosky, a strategic program manager for a digital advertising company and a consultant in operational excellence. Cathy shares her journey into project management, starting from her initial career in medical technology to her current roles. She discusses the importance of focusing on both technical execution and people management, the value of certifications like PMP and Prosci, and how AI is reshaping project management. Cathy emphasizes active listening and curiosity as crucial skills for project managers and advises continuous learning and mentorship for career growth. 

 

00:00 Welcome to Project Zero 

00:20 Meet Cathy Matosky: Strategic Program Manager 

00:49 Cathy's Journey into Project Management 

02:04 The Importance of Certifications 

02:57 Embracing Change Management 

05:51 The Cyclical Nature of Projects 

07:44 Project Zero: Cathy's First Major Project 

13:00 The Impact of AI on Project Management 

16:02 Essential Skills for Project Managers 

18:29 Advice for Aspiring Project Managers 

22:22 Defining Project Success 

25:07 Conclusion and Contact Information 

 

Connect with Cathy 

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

Episode 22: Top Leadership Takeaways for Project Managers with Alec Jacobson30 Oct 202500:27:36

In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck interviews Alec Jacobson, an ESG consultant and co-founder of AB Power. Alec shares his unique career journey from a freelance journalist and nonprofit founder to his current roles at TetraTech and AB Power. He discusses the skills he developed along the way, including project management as a journalist and leadership lessons learned at Booz Allen. Alec also elaborates on his Project Zero experience, founding a nonprofit news group, and the crucial lessons he learned about communication, giving feedback, and team leadership. They also touch on how AI could impact project management tasks and the importance of junior roles in the professional pipeline. 

 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome  

00:42 Alec's Background and Career Journey  

02:22 First Encounters with Project Management  

03:46 Lessons from Booz Allen  

06:31 Project Zero: Founding a Nonprofit News Group  

09:05 Key Lessons Learned  

 15:45 Advice for Aspiring Project Managers  

 17:46 The Future of AI in Project Management  

 24:10 Career Reflections and Final Thoughts  

 27:11 Conclusion and Contact Information 


Connect with Alec Jacobson 

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

Episode 21: Key Priorities for Project Managers to Achieve Effective Service Delivery23 Oct 202500:37:21

This discussion focuses on key areas project managers should prioritize for effective service delivery in small businesses or departments. Emphasis is placed on the importance of comprehensive communication plans, the cadence of communication methods, and ensuring stakeholders are well-informed and engaged throughout the project. The conversation also addresses practical approaches to organizing project documentation, transitioning projects into operations, creating project plans using methodologies like waterfall and agile, and managing risks and issues. The panel also discusses negotiation and escalation tactics to foster better teamwork and adherence to project goals. 

  

00:00 Introduction to Project Management Focus Areas 

00:20 Importance of Communication in Project Management 

01:14 Effective Communication Strategies 

03:43 Live Meetings vs. Asynchronous Communication 

06:17 Organizing Project Artifacts 

11:56 Building a Project Plan 

21:41 Risk and Issue Management 

28:38 Assessing Project Risks and Their Impact 

29:45 Documenting and Tracking Decisions 

30:58 Simplifying Risk Management Processes 

31:45 Leveraging AI for Decision Tracking 

32:09 Client Communication and Conflict Resolution 

33:08 Learning from Past Projects 

34:48 Fear Setting and Risk Management 

37:14 Negotiation and Escalation Tactics 

39:01 Building Strong Relationships for Project Success 

43:36 Aligning Projects with Company Mission 

51:39 Final Thoughts and Next Steps 


Connect with Galanda Brooker 

 Connect with Jessica Caresse

Connect with Alex Morgan 

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

Episode 20: The Project Manager’s Balancing Act with Pete Walker 16 Oct 202500:27:25

In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck interviews Peter Walker, a co-founder of Navigate, about his extensive experience in project management. Pete shares his journey from being an industrial engineer and psychologist to a project manager working on transformation projects and process re-engineering. Highlighting his 'Project Zero'—an ERP transformation at General Dynamics—Pete recounts the challenges and lessons learned, emphasizing the importance of communication and adaptability. The discussion covers the evolving role of project managers, the significance of organization skills, and actionable advice for aspiring project managers.

00:00 Introduction to Project Zero

00:08 Meet Pete Walker: Co-founder of Navigate

00:30 Pete's Journey into Project Management

01:45 The Role of Engineering and Psychology

03:04 First Major Project: ERP Transformation

10:33 Lessons from Project Zero

15:41 The Importance of Communication

18:31 Future of Project Management

23:01 Advice for Aspiring Project Managers

26:51 Conclusion and Contact Information

 

Connect with Pete Walker 

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

S2 Episode 12: Project Management Practice on the Line to the Lead with Tyler Norman30 Apr 202600:30:53

Host Alex Tuck introduces Tyler Norman, Director of Strategic Programs at Scholastic and a frequent PMI speaker, who shares his 17-year PM journey from construction and energy into supply-chain transformation programs like warehouse robotics and tech-stack upgrades. Norman’s “Project Zero” comes from working as a teenager in a small-town bar and grill, where he identified a fryer bottleneck, quantified lost revenue, built a rough business case for a second fryer, coordinated installation, and validated benefits, later recognizing it as early project management. He discusses limited formal PM education in undergrad, multiple PMI certifications, and current work toward CPM AI. Norman highlights practical AI value in automating admin work (emails, Excel, decks, meeting summaries) to free time for stakeholder engagement, argues layoffs are often broader business context, and emphasizes empathy, stakeholder management, and business value as key PM skills.  

00:00 Season Two Kickoff  


00:25 Meet Tyler Norman  


02:18 From Construction to Books  


04:24 Transferable PM Skills  


06:16 Defining Project Zero 


07:00 Fryer Bottleneck Story  


11:01 PM Education Path  


12:53 Certifications and CPM AI  


14:36 AI for PM Workflows  


21:50 AI Job Impact and Upskilling 


25:02 Most Important PM Skill  


27:40 Career Advice and Wrap Up 

 

Connect with Tyler Norman 

 

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

Episode 19: Breaking Through Your Comfort Zone as a Project Manager with Saby Waraich09 Oct 202500:32:22

In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck welcomes keynote speaker and upcoming author, Saby Waraich. Saby shares his extensive experience spanning 30 years in technology, currently serving as Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at Clackamas Community College. He discusses his journey from software development in India to becoming a PMO manager in the U.S., highlighting key projects, especially a challenging transformation at the City of Portland. Saby introduces his framework ‘SCARE to CARES’ for managing complex transformations, touching on key topics such as leadership and communication. He emphasizes the importance of influence as a fundamental skill for project leaders and shares advice for aspiring project managers on achieving career growth. The episode closes with Saby's insights on the practical applications and ethical considerations of AI in project management. 


00:00 Introduction to Project Zero Podcast 

00:34 Meet Saby: A Journey in Technology and Leadership 

02:35 From Software Developer to Project Manager 

04:00 The PMP Certification: A Turning Point 

 06:59 Project Zero: The High-Stakes Challenge 

 08:28 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Challenges 

 12:26 Delivering Success Against All Odds 

 14:16 From Scare to CARES: Leadership Lessons 

 15:26 Building Trust and Empowering Teams 

 15:50 Scare to Cares Framework 

 16:00 Handling Media and Public Perception 

 18:26 Project Success Amidst COVID-19 

 19:14 Internal Team Dynamics and Challenges 

 22:59 Advice for Aspiring Project Managers 

 27:10 The Role of AI in Project Management 

 31:36 Final Thoughts and Contact Information 


Connect with Saby Waraich 

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

Episode 18: Developing a Custom Onboarding Plan from Scratch with Matt Mayabb25 Sep 202500:24:48

In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck interviews Matt Mayabb, Senior Director of Program Management at NeuroFlow. Matt discusses his journey from working at Humana to being part of NeuroFlow through its acquisition of Quartet Health. He details his nonlinear path in project management, sharing experiences from his early career in a call center to leading complex healthcare projects. Matt highlights key skills for project managers, the importance of listening and empathy, and the potential impacts of AI on the field. He also shares insights into his first major project, onboarding a new executive at Humana, and offers advice for aspiring project managers. 

 

00:00 Introduction to Project Zero 

 00:18 Meet Matt Mayabb: Senior Director at NeuroFlow 

 01:20 Journey from Quartet Health to NeuroFlow 

 01:52 Matt's Pathway into Project Management 

 04:56 Implementing Innovative Programs at Quartet 

 15:54 Advice for Aspiring Project Managers 

 17:53 The Impact of AI on Project Management 

 21:28 Defining Success in Project Management 

 23:26 Final Thoughts and Contact Information 


Connect with Matt Mayabb 

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

Episode 17: Building a PM Career With Senior Project Manager Walt Sparling18 Sep 202500:31:50

In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck interviews Walt Sparling, an author, podcaster, and senior project manager with an international real estate company. Walt shares his journey from working in mechanical, electrical, and architectural design to becoming a project manager. He discusses his transition into project management, the challenges and learning experiences during his career, and his first significant ground-up project. Walt emphasizes the importance of communication, organizational skills, and mentorship in project management. He also touches on his use of AI tools for personal projects and the evolving role of AI in the industry. Walt's story highlights the value of adaptability, continuous learning, and the impact of effective communication in successful project management. 

 

00:00 Welcome to Project Zero 

 

00:29 Meet Walt Sparling: From Design to Project Management 

 

02:14 Walt's First Official PM Role 

 

04:12 The Transition from Design to PM 

 

05:36 The Importance of Organization 

 

10:55 Project Zero: Walt's First Ground-Up Project 

 

13:25 Challenges and Mentorship in Project Management 

 

20:41 The Role of Communication in PM Success 

 

24:00 AI's Impact on Project Management 

 

28:42 Reflecting on Success and Sharing Wisdom 


Connect with Walt Sparling 

Connect with Alex: 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

Episode 16: The Art of Organized Chaos in Project Management and AI with Eduardo Rios11 Sep 202500:27:41

In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck interviews Ed Rios, CEO of Tech Ed Productions, about his journey from being a technical manager at Citibank to a project and program management expert. Ed recounts his initiation into project management during the Y2K readiness projects at Citibank, his transition to ERP management with a focus on SAP and Microsoft Dynamics, and his eventual founding of Tech Ed Productions. He discusses the challenges and lessons learned from managing large-scale projects, the importance of organization and leadership, and the role of AI in future project management. Ed also shares advice on the value of listening and understanding the work involved in projects. Listeners can connect with Ed via LinkedIn for further insights and networking opportunities.  

00:00 Introduction to Project Zero 

00:18 Ed Rios' Early Career and Y2K Project  

00:57 Transition to Program Management and Microsoft  

02:29 Founding Tech Ed Productions 

04:17 Challenges and Lessons in Project Management  

18:06 The Role of AI in Project Management  

23:40 Defining Success and Final Advice  

26:56 Conclusion and How to Connect with Ed Rios 


Connect with Ed: 

  • LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/eduardorrios
  • Email: eduardo.rios@techedproductions.com
  • Web: techedproductions.com

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

Episode 15: Psychological Safety in Project Management with Amervis López Cobb 04 Sep 202500:30:50

In this episode, host Alex Tuck interviews Amervis López Cobb, a transformation architect and expert in psychological safety. Amervis shares her journey from at-risk youth to building and rescuing project management offices, and discusses why psychological safety is the foundation for successful teams. The conversation covers her "I'M Power" framework, the importance of communication, the role of AI in project management, and how leaders can create environments where people feel safe to speak up and contribute. Amervis also opens up about her neurodivergence and advocates for inclusive, bias-free workplaces. 


00:00 Introduction to Project Zero and guest Amervis López Cobb 

00:24 Amervis’s background: founder, author, and transformation architect 

01:18 Lessons from rescuing failing enterprise initiatives 

01:48 The real root of organizational problems: psychological safety 

02:07 Creating frameworks for project management and psychological safety 

02:47 The "I'M Power" framework: building systems where safety doesn’t require courage 

03:50 Amervis’s career journey: breaking into tech and project management 

07:14 Building project management offices and learning from mentors 

08:43 The “aha” project: managing a major casino system opening 

10:22 Adapting to constraints, integrating agile practices, and team buy-in 

12:16 The importance of psychological safety and supportive leadership 

14:04 Communication as the #1 project management skill 

17:00 Using AI to improve communication and reduce bias 

18:49 The future of project management: AI, bias, and human connection 

21:00 Neurodivergence, inclusion, and not coding old biases into new systems 

27:06 How to connect with Amervis (website, email, YouTube, LinkedIn) 

30:39 Closing remarks

 

Connect with Amervis López Cobb 

Connect with Alex: 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

Episode 14: Navigating Role Transitions and AI in Project Management with David Morris28 Aug 202500:26:23

In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck interviews David Morris, the head of the PMO at Kinetics Technology (one of Tuck Consulting Group’s clients in the IT Professional Services space). David shares his journey from a business analyst and project manager to overseeing the entire projects department at Kinetics. He discusses his early career at Hertz and Smucker's, the importance of communication skills, recent advancements in AI at Kinetics, and his latest certification as a Portfolio Manager Professional. David also reflects on the importance of mentorship, work-life balance, and the evolving role of AI in project management. 


00:00 Welcome to Project Zero 

 00:27 David Morris: Career Journey and Role at Kinetics 

 02:13 Early Career and Education 

 07:59 First Major Project: Smucker's Data Transition 

 10:24 The Importance of Mentorship 

 12:48 Balancing Work and Family 

 17:26 AI in Project Management 

 21:05 Innovations at Kinetics and New Charter 

 25:08 Contact and Closing Remarks 


Connect with David:  

- Email: DCMorris1@gmail.com  

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-morris-50496b21/

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

Episode 13: Building Executive Presence in Project Management with John Connolly 21 Aug 202500:30:39

In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck interviews John Connolly, a Project Management Trainer at Scaling Strategies. John shares his unique journey from a librarian to a project management leader. He discusses his first major project, the transformation of a small art museum library, and the lessons he learned along the way. Key topics include the importance of communication, critical thinking, and building trust with stakeholders. John also offers insights into the evolving role of project managers in the age of AI and the need for strategic leadership within project management. The conversation emphasizes the human aspects of project management and provides valuable advice for aspiring project leaders. 

  

00:00 Introduction and Welcome 

00:36 John Connolly's Background 

01:59 First Steps in Project Management 

03:32 Challenges and Growth 

08:08 Building Trust and Communication 

19:20 Key Skills for Project Managers 

23:23 The Future of Project Management and AI 

30:08 Conclusion and Contact Information 

 

Connect with John:  

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

Episode 12: Elevating Project Management for a New Era with Galanda A Brooker 13 Aug 202500:29:17

In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck interviews Galanda Brooker, a seasoned project manager with over 20 years of experience in tech, education, and wellness consultation. Galanda shares her career journey from a tech professional to a project manager and wellness consultant. She discusses her initial roles, the transition to project management, and her first major project at the Department of State. The conversation explores the evolution of project management skills, the impact of AI, and the importance of communication and patience. Practical advice for new project managers and insights into the diverse career pathways within project management are also highlighted. 

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 

00:22 Galanda's Career Journey 

01:48 Transition to Project Management 

04:06 First Major Project Management Role 

05:38 Family Project Management 

07:00 Project Zero: The First Big Challenge 

16:13 The Importance of Communication in PM 

17:01 AI's Impact on Project Management 

21:01 Defining Project Success 

25:15 Speed Round and Final Advice 

28:33 Conclusion and Contact Information 


Connect with Galanda:

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

Episode 11: The Impact of AI on Project Management with Alex Morgan07 Aug 202500:34:54

In this episode, Alex Morgan shares a unique and unexpected journey into the field of project management. Moving to New York without a concrete career plan, Alex initially took up various temporary jobs. A chance encounter at Moody's Analytics shortly after the financial crisis led to a suggestion that he explore project management, a concept he was previously unfamiliar with. Starting with administrative work, he rapidly transitioned into managing projects out of necessity within a small plumbing and engineering business. Alex highlights his liberal arts background in film and television studies, which honed his critical thinking and communication skills. These soft skills proved invaluable in coordinating and translating technical and business requirements across diverse teams and clients. The episode underscores the significance of adaptability and interpersonal skills in project management. 

00:00 Introduction and Welcome 

00:30 Meet Alex Morgan: Professional Journey 

01:46 How Alex Got into Project Management 

06:00 College Days and Early Career 

10:23 Project Zero: Chelsea Market Case Study 

18:38 The Importance of Communication in Project Management 

23:10 AI's Impact on Project Management 

34:30 Closing Remarks and Contact Information 


Connect with Alex Morgan: 

  • Email: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderdmorgan/

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

Episode 10: AGILE2025 Edition - Stories from Attendees31 Jul 202500:29:08

In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck introduces a new format featuring live interviews with top Agile project leaders from the Agile 2025 conference. The episode highlights key conference takeaways, including Tricia Broderick's keynote on resilience, a session by Digital Project Manager co-founder Galen Lowe on the future of Agile, and an interactive workshop on removing unnecessary bureaucracy. Special guests Emma from Flagstone and Emma Jacobson from Werfen share their experiences and lessons learned from their first major project management endeavors, known as 'Project Zero.'

00:00 Introduction to Project Zero

00:22 Conference Highlights and Keynotes

00:45 Insights from Agile Leaders

01:07 Exciting Workshops and Exercises

01:32 Format and Future Episodes

01:48 Interview with Emma from Flagstone

02:57 Emma's Project Management Journey

04:44 Challenges and Learnings

09:55 Advice for Junior Project Managers

11:00 Contact Information and Conclusion

11:22 Interview with Emma from Werfen

12:23 Werfen's Agile Transformation

14:09 Project Zero: Next Generation Software


Connect with Emma Jacobson:

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-jacobson/

Connect with Emma Cannon: 

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmamariecannon/

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

S2 Episode 11: Coaching the Next-Gen Project Managers with Orlando Sequera 23 Apr 202600:35:35

Host Alex Tuck welcomes listeners to season two of Project Zero, with a greater focus on AI’s impact, and interviews project manager and PMP coach Orlando Sequera. Sequera shares how he fell into project management after years in IT, including an early asset inventory project that failed due to neglected scope and lack of formal PM discipline, motivating him to pursue a master’s in project management at Boston University and earn the PMP. He contrasts structured PMP training (35 hours of PMI-required content) with coaching that builds the mindset and critical thinking needed for evolving, more situational PMP exam questions, including AI topics. Sequera emphasizes leadership and emotional intelligence as key PM skills, servant leadership in practice, and AI’s role in automating documentation, meeting notes, and change management while keeping PM accountability with the human.  


00:00 Season Two Kickoff 


00:38 Orlando’s PM Journey  


02:37 Trainer vs Coach 05:19 Mindset for the PMP  

 

07:31 First Project Failure 10:37 Learning Scope and Structure  

 

12:05 Formal Education and PMP  

 

14:53 Why PMs Matter  

 

17:10 Top PM Skill Leadership  

 

20:53 Servant Leadership Stories  

 

24:05 AI in Project Management  


31:09 Advice to Younger Orlando  

 

33:16 Connect and Closing 


Connect with Orlando Sequera  

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

Episode 09: Mastering Project Dynamics with Tim Kephart24 Jul 202500:31:20

In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck interviews Tim Kephart, VP of Strategic Programs at M2 Orthopedics and Founder of KCPM Health. Tim shares his journey into project management, detailing his experiences managing complex healthcare projects, including launching new clinics and implementing electronic medical records. He discusses his first major project in Austin, Texas, the challenges faced, and key takeaways on stakeholder management, communication, and balancing speed with quality. Tim emphasizes the importance of being adaptable, learning from experienced professionals, and effectively communicating with stakeholders to navigate the complexities of large-scale projects. 

00:00 Welcome to Project Zero 

00:27 Meet Tim Kephart: Career and Roles 

02:12 First Steps in Project Management 

04:19 Graduate School and Early Career 

06:47 Project Zero: The Big Challenge 

16:50 Lessons Learned and Advice 

25:26 Speed Round and PM Tools 

30:43 Conclusion and Contact Information 


Connect with Tim: 

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timkephart3/

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

Episode 08: How Hurricane Katrina Launched a PM Career with Tanya Boyd 17 Jul 202500:29:59

In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck interviews Tanya Boyd, the Director of Creative Collaboration at Project Success Academy. Tanya shares her non-traditional journey into project management, which began with her work on the Road Home Program created after Hurricane Katrina. She discusses how she transitioned from a background in English and journalism to a peer reviewer and eventually recognized her role as a project manager. Tanya also reflects on the importance of communication, adaptability, and learning from failures. The episode delves into her experience with PMI certifications, working in disaster recovery, and the evolving landscape of project management methodologies. 


00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 

00:24 Tanya's Background and Role 

01:26 Journey into Project Management 

03:31 The Accidental Project Manager 

04:57 Project Zero Experience 

08:15 Lessons Learned and Overcoming Challenges 

22:30 Importance of Communication 

26:19 Speed Round and Final Reflections 

29:42 Conclusion and Farewell 


Connect with Tanya:

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-boyd-pmp-project-personality/

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

Episode 07: From Process Engineer to Expert PM with Amy Marshall-Carney10 Jul 202500:30:10

In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck interviews Amy Marshall-Carney, co-founder of Sage Echelon Consulting, about her journey from being a youthful 'natural project manager' in her personal life and early career to becoming a prominent figure in the project management world. Amy shares insights on transitioning from engineering to project management, the importance of continuous process improvement, and the role of communication and understanding in successful project management. She also offers valuable advice for aspiring project managers and discusses the significance of stakeholder engagement, problem-solving, and maintaining a calm, solution-focused attitude. The conversation delves into Amy's early experiences at IBM, her progression to portfolio management, and her current role in strategic program management and change management at Sage Echelon Consulting. 


00:00 Introduction to Project Zero 

00:12 Meet Amy Marshall-Carney 

01:30 Amy's Early Experiences with Project Management 

03:40 Transitioning from Engineering to Project Management 

06:21 Amy's First Major Project at IBM 

08:31 Lessons Learned from Early Projects 

12:25 Advice for Aspiring Project Managers 

16:21 Career Progression to Program Management 

24:12 Speed Round and Fun Questions 

28:22 Amy's Ultimate Project Dream 

29:52 Conclusion and Contact Information 


Connect with Amy: 

  • Email: amy@sageechelon.com 
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amymarshallcarney/

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

Episode 06: Accidental Project Manager to Productivity Nerd with Jacqui Myslinski 26 Jun 202500:34:41

In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck introduces guest Jacqui Myslinski, founder of Productivity Nerd, a consulting firm. Jacqui shares her journey from sales and marketing to becoming an 'accidental' project manager. The conversation covers her experiences managing a brewery with her father, the challenges she faced, and the skills she developed along the way. Jacqui emphasizes the importance of clear communication, admitting mistakes, and setting clear expectations in project management. She also talks about transitioning from operations to project management and offers advice for aspiring project managers. The episode wraps up with a discussion on balancing perfectionism and speed, favorite project management tools, and incorporating project management into family activities like Minecraft and summer plans. 


00:00 Introduction to Project Zero 

00:07 Meet Jacqui Myslinski: The Productivity Nerd 

00:47 Jacqui's Journey into Project Management 

01:45 Starting a Brewery: The Accidental Project Manager 

06:28 From Operations to Project Management 

13:53 The Importance of Clear Communication 

18:45 Defining Success in Project Management 

21:03 Advice for Aspiring Project Managers 

21:20 Volunteering and Showcasing Skills 

22:24 Exploring Personal Interests 

23:12 Speed Round: Quick Preferences 

26:20 Reflections and Advice for Younger Self 

29:31 Project Management for Kids 

33:41 Connecting and Wrapping Up 


Connect with Jacqui:

  • LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquimyslinski/

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

Episode 05: From Master Scheduler to Fractional CIO: Dr. Sheila Volante's Journey19 Jun 202500:28:15

In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck interviews Expert Project Manager and Fractional CIO, Dr. Sheila Valante. Dr. Sheila shares her journey from a master scheduler at Ronald Reagan Hospital to rescuing organizations from project failures across multiple industries. She emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, trust, and relationship-building in project management. Dr. Sheila also discusses the evolution of her career into change management and strategy, offering advice for aspiring project managers and highlighting the significance of stakeholder satisfaction and adaptability in the success of projects.


00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:26 Dr. Sheila's Background and Career Beginnings

01:21 Discovering Project Management

02:13 Early Career Challenges and Lessons

03:54 Project Zero: The Aha Moment

06:24 Building Relationships and Overcoming Obstacles

07:07 Transition to Change Management

10:36 Critical Skills for Project Managers

14:05 Defining Success in Projects

15:35 Career Progression and Advice

16:07 A New Beginning: Embracing Change Management

17:08 The Evolution of Industry 4.0

18:14 Advice for Aspiring Project Managers

19:49 The Value of Certifications and Frameworks

22:52 Speed Round: Quickfire Questions

24:57 Reflecting on Career and Personal Growth

26:23 Dream Projects and Future Aspirations

27:48 Connecting and Wrapping Up


Connect with Dr. Sheila: 

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilavolante/

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

Episode 04: From Business Analyst to Project Leader with ClickUp's AJ Castellucci12 Jun 202500:32:28

In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck interviews AJ Castucci, the Senior Manager of Services at Clickup. AJ discusses his career trajectory, starting as a business analyst and consulting in healthcare IT to his roles at Smartsheet and Clickup. They delve into AJ's project management experiences, his views on the evolution of project management tools from Excel to sophisticated platforms like Smartsheet and Clickup, and the differences between these tools. The conversation also covers essential project management skills, the impact of data-driven insights, the value of MBA education, and AJ's perspective on industry certifications.


00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:27 AJ's Role at Clickup

01:40 Early Career and First Job Experience

04:37 Project Management Challenges

07:29 Transition to Smartsheet

11:54 Smartsheet vs Clickup

15:33 Key Skills for Project Managers

17:46 Defining Success Criteria

18:26 Career Journey and MBA Experience

21:26 Transition to Clickup

23:17 Speed Round: Preferences and Tools

26:45 Certifications in Project Management

28:45 Advice for Young Professionals

30:29 Dream Project with Unlimited Resources

31:55 Conclusion and Contact Information


Connect with AJ Castellucci: 

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajcastellucci/

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

Episode 03: From Pre-Med to Project Management Consultant with Jessica Caresse White05 Jun 202500:24:44

In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck interviews Jessica Caresse White, founder of J Caresse Consulting. Jessica shares her unexpected journey into project management, moving from studying pre-med to a career in consulting and project management. She discusses her experiences at McKinsey and Hitachi Solutions, highlighting key projects, challenges, and her eventual decision to start her own consulting firm. Jessica emphasizes the importance of curiosity, empathy, and maintaining authority in the field. The episode concludes with advice for new project managers and a discussion on the ideal project management tools and methodologies.


00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:25 Journey into Project Management

01:39 Early Career and Education

04:12 Jessica's Project Zero 

13:13 Key Skill for Project Managers

13:43 Defining Project Success

14:40 Empathy and Vulnerability in Leadership

16:08 Career Journey from McKinsey to Consulting Firm

19:00 Speed Round: Project Management Preferences

21:08 Advice for Early Career PMs

21:51 Dream Project with Unlimited Funding

24:05 Conclusion and Contact Information


Connect with Jessica Caresse White:

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-caresse/

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

Episode 02: From Engineer to Project Management Consultant with Brutus Segun 29 May 202500:26:21

In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck interviews Brutus Segun, the founder of Innovation SGP and a seasoned project manager. Brutus shares his journey from working with technical ecosystems to formally entering the project management field as a titleholder in 2018 with the state of Kansas. He discusses how his background in engineering, software development, and political science has informed his project management approach, particularly in handling complex state government projects like HCBS compliance in Kansas. Brutus emphasizes the importance of humility, technical skills, and delivering sustainable value in project management. He also provides advice for new project managers and highlights the significance of understanding domain-specific knowledge. The episode concludes with a speed round and Brutus sharing his vision of fixing world hunger if given unlimited resources.


00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:23 Journey into Project Management

01:54 Transition from Engineering to Project Management

05:43 Brutus' Project Zero

13:18 Lessons Learned and Career Growth

19:24 Advice for Aspiring Project Managers

22:08 Speed Round and Final Reflections

26:55 Conclusion and Contact Information


Connect with Brutus Segun

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brutus-segun/

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

Episode 01: Introducing Project Zero21 May 202500:03:13

Project Zero, hosted by Alex Tuck, Founder and Principal of Tuck Consulting Group, delves into the real-life experiences of project managers as they navigate their first significant projects. In this episode, Alex shares insights from his own initial endeavor working on Obamacare in Vermont, emphasizing the challenges and hard-earned lessons that shaped his career. The podcast will focus on real talk from seasoned project leaders, offering practical advice and honest insights for both novice and experienced project managers. With new episodes each week, listeners can expect to gain confidence and knowledge to enhance their project management skills.


Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

S2 Episode 10: The Secret to Perfect Project Timing with Claudia Wright16 Apr 202600:30:17

Host Alex Tuck welcomes IT program and project manager Claudia Wright to Project Zero season two. Wright shares her 25+ year path from data entry and administrative work at the EPA to database management, then coding (COBOL/DB2) at BellSouth, where frustration with “work thrown over the cubicle wall” pushed her toward business analysis and requirements. She became a project manager at a global grocery retailer, where her “Project Zero” involved enterprise work supporting store planograms and related systems, learning end-to-end delivery (resource planning, production turnovers, failback plans, signoffs) under a mentor, Cindy, who helped standardize templates and lessons learned. Wright’s key PM skill is “know your place,” adapting to organizational perceptions and leadership priorities, and she views AI as helpful for efficiency (e.g., note-taking) but not a “magic pill,” requiring planning and verification.

00:00 Season Two Kickoff


00:34 Claudia Career Origins


04:01 Finding Project Management


05:42 Sewing Meets Structure


07:02 From Coding to Leading


12:07 Technical Edge and Estimates


15:08 Project Zero Story


18:59 Mentorship and Lessons


20:50 Know Your Place


26:19 AI Is Not Magic


29:37 Wrap Up and Connect


Connect with Claudia Wright 


Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

S2 Episode 9: What CEOs are Actually Looking for in a Project Manager with Zack Tembi09 Apr 202600:30:54

On this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck welcomes Zack Tembi, CEO of Single Fin, a startup that supports the cybersecurity and infrastructure needs of Fortune 500/1000 companies. Tembi recounts his path from Roanoke College to early roles at Netuitive and as an early Splunk employee through its growth and Cisco acquisition, then founding Single Fin to prioritize customer outcomes and cut through AI “noise.” His “Project Zero” occurred during COVID while launching a major video game, during which a PM succeeded by calming stakeholders, code-switching between executive and engineering audiences, aligning technical work to strict uptime/capacity metrics, and unifying goals. Tembi describes Single Fin’s internal use of named AI agents with role-based access to scale operations, urging PMs to build skills by testing tools and exercising agency to implement practical AI use cases.

00:00 Season Two Kickoff


00:29 Meet Zack Tembi


03:06 Startup Roots and College


04:28 Early Career Lessons


06:01 Splunk Growth Story


07:08 Founding Single Fin


08:35 AI Hype and Reality


10:54 Project Zero Story


12:18 Great PM Traits


18:28 AI Agents for Work


23:31 Cool AI Use Cases


28:22 Where to Connect


29:46 Closing Thanks


Connect with Zack Tembi 

  • Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/single-fin-enterprises/ 
  • Weekly Newsletter Signup: https://ciosurge.beehiiv.com/subscribe 
  • Newsletter Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ciosurge/ 


Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

S2 Episode 8: Building an AI Coworker for Project Managers with Shawn Harris02 Apr 202600:34:22

Host Alex Tuck interviews Shawn Harris, CEO and co-founder of Co-Worked/Creative Harmony. Harris recounts his early career in technology at IBM while still an undergrad, later formalizing project management at TJX amid tight retail delivery windows and PMI-style rigor. His “Project Zero” centers on leading TJX’s migration of credit transaction processing from an outsourced provider to an in-house data center, emphasizing extensive cross-functional planning and cutover execution; he also contrasts enterprise delivery with consulting, where project control ties directly to profitability. Harris argues PMs benefit from entrepreneurial methods to build credibility and authority. He introduces Harmony, an agentic AI project manager that embeds into Microsoft 365, coordinates work across existing tools, follows up on tasks/risks, and generates status outputs so PMs can lead from “the balcony.”  

00:00 Season Two Kickoff 

 00:40 Meet Shawn Harris  

01:54 Early Career at IBM  

03:18 Retail PM Rigor at TJX  

06:21 Tech Upbringing and Gadgets  

09:10 What Project Zero Means  

09:40 Project Zero at TJX Cutover  

16:20 Consulting vs Enterprise PM  

20:57 Top Skill Entrepreneur Mindset  

25:08 Harmony Agentic PM Overview  

31:31 Why Tools Aren’t the Work  

 

Connect with Shawn Harris 

  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnharris/ 
  • Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/coworkedai/ 
  • Company Website: https://coworked.ai/

 

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

S2 Episode 7: Clearly Communicating Ambiguity as a Healthcare Consultant with Nigisty Lulu26 Mar 202600:28:47

Host Alex Tuck welcomes healthcare project management consultant Nigisty Lulu to discuss her career at the intersection of public health, healthcare operations, and health technology, and the season’s increased focus on AI. Nigisty shares how she was “thrown into” project management after college at Emory University’s neurology department, supporting healthcare initiatives and a telehealth launch that helped scale what became the Marcus Stroke Network. Her Project Zero centered on heavy stakeholder coordination, aligning differing expectations, and overcoming adoption resistance by improving change management through training, on-site support, office hours, and 24/7 access. She emphasizes that top PM skills include creating structure in ambiguous environments and understanding the “why” behind tasks. Both discuss AI automating logistics while elevating human judgment, prioritization, negotiation, and real-time strategy; Nigisty highlights using AI to build roadmaps and timelines.  

00:00 Season Two Kickoff  


00:37 Meet Nigisty Lulu  


02:22 How She Became a PM  


03:51 From Pre Med to Public Health  


05:45 Born Organizer Mindset  


07:18 Defining Project Zero  


07:53 Scaling Emory Telehealth  


11:35 Mentors and Learning Fast  


13:17 Change Management Resistance  


16:58 PM Skills and AI Future  


23:34 AI Roadmaps and Prompts  


26:47 Career Advice and Wrap Up 


Connect with Nigisty Lulu 

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

S2 Episode 6: From Nonprofit Coordination to CRM Innovation with Megan Newman19 Mar 202600:31:01

Megan Newman on Building Humanitru, High-Stakes Healthcare Projects, and AI-Driven Customer Support Insights Host Alex Tuck opens season two of Project Zero with Megan Newman, co-founder and COO of Humanitru, to discuss her career shift from healthcare to nonprofit SaaS, the importance of systems and organization, and the evolving impact of AI. Megan explains how fragmented data systems in both EMRs and nonprofit fundraising tools inspired Humanitru’s integrated CRM and shares two “Project Zero” moments: coordinating complex care for a newly quadriplegic patient and building a startup from scratch, including demos, onboarding, implementation, and scaling operations after rapid hiring. She highlights critical thinking as the key skill for product managers, translating customer needs into technical specs, and describes an AI initiative using Google Gemini to improve support, surface ticket-driven product insights, and strengthen customer interest.  

 

00:00 Season Two Kickoff  

 

00:32 Meet Megan Newman  

 

01:20 From Healthcare to Nonprofit Tech  

 

03:23 Born Organized Systems  

 

06:36 Corporate to Startup Shift  

 

09:46 Defining Project Zero  

 

10:26 Care Management High Stakes  

 

14:17 Building Humanitru Playbooks  

 

18:44 Product Managers Critical Thinking  

 

21:44 Fundraising Data Prioritization  

 

24:24 AI Support and Customer Insights  

 

30:17 Wrap Up and Contact 

 

Connect with Megan Newman 

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

S2 Episode 5: Coding Digital Prototypes through AI with Dave Reinhold12 Mar 202600:28:14

In this episode of Season 2 Project Zero, host Alex Tuck welcomes Dave Reinhold, founder of Venture CPO, a product management consultancy that helps clients build digital products from zero to one. They discuss why product and project management are often conflated and how the functions complement each other, with Dave framing project management as building things right and product management as building the right things. Dave shares his path from studying MIS and working as a technology auditor at Deloitte to discovering product management and moving into startups, where product managers often must also handle project work. He describes a formative early-2000s reporting/BI implementation at the International Securities Exchange and highlights the importance of relationships, communication, and attention to detail. They explore how AI is accelerating product work—especially requirements and “vibe coding” prototyping—while stressing the need for human judgment, and Dave cites healthcare AI as a particularly exciting use case. Dave closes with advice to his younger self to take more career risks, to learn to be comfortable in the unknown,

00:00 Season Two Kickoff  


00:30 Meet Dave Reinhold  


01:10 Product vs Project  


02:18 Origins in Tech  


03:30 Discovering Product 

 

04:51 Why Roles Blur  


06:31 Defining Both Jobs 


 07:32 Project Zero Story  


08:30 Reporting Build Lessons  


10:34 Relationships Matter  


13:03 Skills That Win  


14:32 AI in Product Work  


15:35 Vibe Coding Prototypes  


22:09 AI Beyond Business  


26:07 Career Advice and Wrap 


Connect with Dave Reinhold 

Connect with Alex Tuck 

Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

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