PM-Mastery

This was a great interview with a project management professional who has been involved with many fields that a project manager may encounter across multiple industries. I was impressed with the incredible breadth of David's knowledge. His understanding of key concepts in communication skills like active listening the importance of continuing education, and staying curious were refreshing and important to all project managers planning to grow their careers.

Embark on a transformative journey with David Abodunrin, the project management wizard whose career weaves through the complex fabrics of telecommunications, oil and gas, and the arts. As an engineer turned program manager, David shares the secrets behind conquering colossal projects and steering through the agile ecosystem, all while keeping an eye keenly trained on the future of cyber security. His narrative is a masterclass in combining technical acumen with an almost alchemical talent for creative problem-solving, proving that project management is indeed an art form of its own.

Strap in for a deep exploration of the nuanced dance between methodology and mindset, where David illustrates the pivotal role of communication in the project management ballet. It's about more than conveying ideas—it's about orchestrating behavioral change to hit those high notes of project success. From the subtle art of empathetic listening through active listening to the rapid response needed to tackle cyber threats, this episode is a treasure map for the modern project manager seeking to navigate the ever-shifting sands of stakeholder engagement and the digital landscape.

Join us for a session that promises to leave you equipped with insights that are as practical as they are profound.

Favorite Tool(s):

• As appropriate for the many roles you may play.

Links:

• Connect with David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abodunrinadeoyedavid/
• For a full podcast episode list, visit here: PM-Mastery Podcast Episodes.
• For a full list of blog posts, go here: PM-Mastery Blog Posts
• PM-Mastery.com

PMI Talent Triangle: Technical /Ways of Working - Leadership/Power Skills - Strategy/Business Acumen (Learn More)

Get your free PDU Tracker here: https://pm-mastery.com/resource/

Discover the transformative power of project management with Udit Khanna, a wizard of workflow hailing from Toronto, Canada, as he unravels the secrets of a stress-free approach to executing projects. Udit's invaluable insights promise to guide you through the complexities of project management with ease and finesse. Whether you're just stepping onto the path of project leadership or honing your existing skills, Udit's tales of personal and professional development will shed light on the potent mix of self-direction and strategic use of social media. Throughout the episode, he shares his tactics for filtering through the digital noise to unearth valuable knowledge that can catapult your learning journey to new heights.

Embark on a captivating exploration of selecting the right project management tools and adapting them mid-flight as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of project methodologies. Just like a craftsman carefully chooses their tools, we delve into the significance of picking the right instrument, whether MS Project or Jira, depending on the project's cadence. Udit doesn't stop there; he also opens up about his side projects, revealing the platforms where he shares his content and the personal mantras that fuel his continuous growth. His journey since arriving in Canada is a testament to perseverance and a beacon for anyone striving to carve out a successful career in project management.

Join us for an episode brimming with actionable wisdom and the inspiration to elevate your project management game.

Favorite Tool(s):

• The one most appropriate for the task

Quotes:

• "The only thing that is impossible is what you don't try". - Udit Khanna

Links:

• Connect with Udit on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/uditkh/
• And YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@udit_khanna
• And Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/uditkhanna?igsh=MTdyeHBpN2t6a216bg==
• For a full podcast episode list, visit here: PM-Mastery Podcast Episodes.
• For a full list of blog posts, go here: PM-Mastery Blog Posts
• PM-Mastery.com

PMI Talent Triangle: Technical /Ways of Working - Leadership/Power Skills - Strategy/Business Acumen (Learn More)

Get your free PDU Tracker here: https://pm-mastery.com/resource/

Welcome to the PM-Mastery podcast's 50th episode!

I want to thank the incredible listeners and, most definitely, the incredible guests I have been fortunate to interview!

I wanted to do a special 50th episode with a guest that could provide an incredible impact on our audience, and I was able to do it with someone who has been a mentor to me in many ways; not only in project management but also gave me the motivation to do my own thing and start this podcast! I have been following Andy and his podcast for many years, during my learning years in project management and my current passion project of the PM-Mastery podcast.

In this episode, you will discover the keys to project management mastery with our esteemed guest, Andy Kaufman, from the People's and Projects podcast. As we celebrate our 50th episode milestone, Andy brings his wisdom from the frontlines of teaching project management and leadership. Together, we unpack the essence of adapting tools to the unique challenges project managers face and reveal how staying abreast of real-world issues through podcasting can keep you grounded and ahead of the curve.

Dive headlong into the transformative world of artificial intelligence with a twist! Hear about my comical skirmishes with an AI and the eye-opening insights from the AI Made Simple course designed to revolutionize project management. We dissect how AI isn't just about efficiency, but creativity, as it aids in crafting content from social media to course outlines, and discuss the burgeoning technologies rapidly blurring the lines between reality and AI-generated content.

Finally, we underscore the crucial people skills that are the linchpin of any project manager's success. From stories highlighting the power of platforms like LinkedIn to forge genuine professional bonds to the art of influencing and negotiating, mastering the 'people side' of project management is paramount. Sprinkled with personal anecdotes and a guide to maintaining professional growth, this episode promises to be a treasure trove for new and veteran project managers.

Links:

• Connect with Andy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/buildleaders/
• Check out some great episodes from Andy's podcast: https://peopleandprojectspodcast.com/index.php/en/
• Check out Andy's AI course: https://ai.i-leadonline.com/?ver=9aaa9e
• Subscribe to Andy's Weekly "Lead 52" email list: https://getlead52.com/

A couple of my favorite PPP episodes:

• Meet PMela: https://peopleandprojectspodcast.com/index.php/en/podcast-episodes/655-ppp-384-andy-interviews-an-ai-introducing-pmela.html
• PMela interviews another AI: https://peopleandprojectspodcast.com/index.php/en/podcast-episodes/659-ppp-388-pmela-interviews-abraham-lincoln-a-lesson-on-ai-automation.html
• For a full PM-Mastery podcast episode list, visit here: PM-Mastery Podcast Episodes.
• For a full list of blog posts, go here: PM-Mastery Blog Posts
• PM-Mastery.com

Get your free PDU Tracker here: https://pm-mastery.com/resource/

Unlock the full potential of your project management career with the wisdom of Elaine Jackson, a luminary in the field with a history at Digital Compact HP. In our conversation, Elaine takes us through her pivot from pre-med to project management and champions the necessity of continual learning in an AI-driven world. She demonstrates how upgrading your skill set is more than career insurance; it's a gateway to financial elevation. With her, we traverse the landscape of modern project management education, where technology summits and mastermind groups become the arenas for sharpening one's expertise.

Discover the cutting-edge tool revolutionizing the way we approach project management training: the PM simulator. Elaine discusses its features, designed to provide hands-on experience without the stakes, charting your decision-making process and spotlighting areas for improvement. We also navigate the updates to the PMP exam, emphasizing the importance of situational understanding over rote memorization. Our dialogue veers into the rich tapestry of project management tools – from the visual organization of Trello to the seamless integration of MindView – showcasing how these resources can streamline efficiency and bolster productivity in any project.

As we wrap up our episode, the conversation shifts to the role of AI in project management's future, not as a looming threat but as a partner in progress. We stress the vitality of learning AI to remain indispensable in tomorrow's job market. Lastly, for those facing the rigors of certification exams, we share proven test-taking strategies that can turn anxiety into triumph. With Elaine's insights and our shared anecdotes, this episode is a treasure trove of knowledge, ready to propel you to the next level of your project management journey. Join us and arm yourself with the strategies that will redefine your career trajectory.

Favorite Tool(s):

Trello - https://trello.com/

MindView - https://www.matchware.com/mind-mapping-software

Links:

• Connect with Elaine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ejackson21/
• Book Time with Elaine:

https://calendly.com/elainejackson999hpmc/30min

• PMI - Houston Chapter Upcoming Events:
  https://talk-around-the-clock.com/#program
• www.holisticPMC.com
• Holistic Project Manager Blog Talk Radio Show
• Digital Business Card
• YouTube Commercial
• The Black and White of Project Management - discussions of laughter
• For a full PM-Mastery podcast episode list, visit here: PM-Mastery Podcast Episodes.
• For a full list of blog posts, go here: PM-Mastery Blog Posts
• PM-Mastery.com

Additional Resources:

• Verify PMI Certifications: https://www.pmi.org/certifications/certification-resources/registry

PMI Talent Triangle: Technical /Ways of Working - Leadership/Power Skills - Strategy/Business Acumen (Learn More

Ever wondered how a project management wizard like Ethan Schwaber would tackle the unpredictable weather of both the professional sphere and the skies of Tennessee? Buckle up for a captivating journey with our special guest, as we chart his transition from Boeing's high-stakes environment to laying the groundwork for an elite PMO at Specialized Dental Partners. Schwaber's tales from the trenches and his life as a music-loving, Taekwondo-kicking family man forge a narrative as multifaceted as it is enlightening.

Dive headlong into the trenches of project management prowess, where PDUs aren't just acronyms but stepping stones to mastery. We navigate the seas of networking and community, unearthing the goldmine of knowledge in webinars and global PM summits. Listen closely as we unpack the trials of birthing a PMO in the healthcare industry, aligning its pulse with the beating heart of organizational aims and converting the staunchest of skeptics into its strongest proponents.

In our final act, we arm you with the tools needed for PMO triumph—from the collaborative might of Microsoft Teams to the precision of Moovila task management. Planning emerges as the hero of this saga, with tools and templates serving as the unsung allies of both seasoned and citizen project managers. Teasing the promise of future discussions on the varied structures of PMOs, this episode is your gateway to understanding the intricate ballet of project management.

Join us, and let Ethan Schwaber's expertise illuminate your path to PM mastery.

Favorite Tool(s):

• Moovilla: https://www.moovila.com
• Lucid: https://lucid.co/solutions/project-management
• Microsoft Teams: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software

Links:

• Connect with and follow Ethan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethanschwaber
• For a full podcast episode list, visit here: PM-Mastery Podcast Episodes
• For a full list of blog posts, go here: PM-Mastery Blog Posts
• PM-Mastery.com

PMI Talent Triangle: Technical /Ways of Working - Leadership/Power Skills - Strategy/Business Acumen (Learn More)

Get your free PDU Tracker here: https://pm-mastery.com/resource/

In this episode, I had the pleasure of chatting with Attila Engert, a Senior Strategic Project Manager, on his journey in project management. Attila, originating from Hungary, shares his professional journey has taken him to the Netherlands, where he now excels in a role which relies on the power of soft skills. As he leads complex projects across multiple sites and divisions, he shares how soft skills have been critical to his success. His story includes his family, pets, and a love for sports and games. Attila's experience, insights, and stories will challenge you to rethink project management and its importance in today's business landscape.

In our conversation, Attila takes us behind the scenes of the rapidly evolving project management field. He stresses the importance of staying current with industry developments and the value of a robust network. Listen in as Attila openly discusses his challenges, especially regarding resource availability and using tools like Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and Smartsheet. To top it all, Attila also gives us a sneak peek into his recent foray into entrepreneurship. This episode is an engaging narrative and a great listen for anyone looking to sharpen their project management skills.

Favorite Tool(s):

• Microsoft Outlook: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/outlook/email-and-calendar-software-microsoft-outlook
• Microsoft Teams: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-teams/group-chat-software
• Smartsheet: https://www.smartsheet.com/
• Google Products: https://about.google/intl/ALL_us/products/
• Canva: https://www.canva.com/

Links:

• Connect with Attila on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/attilaengert/
• For a full podcast episode list, visit here: PM-Mastery Podcast Episodes
• For a full list of blog posts, go here: PM-Mastery Blog Posts
• PM-Mastery.com

PMI Talent Triangle: Technical /Ways of Working (Learn More)

Get your free PDU Tracker here: https://pm-mastery.com/resource/

Do you ever wonder why the PMP certification is considered the 'crown jewel' of worldwide recognition? Please tune in to our chat with Gabor Stramb, a seasoned project management practitioner, as he pulls back the curtain on the immense value of the PMP certification. Listen to Gabor's candid recounting of his journey, which took him through the CAPM exam he did not pass, then twice through the PMP exam before finally getting his PMP. Now, he's dedicated to coaching others to achieve their CAPM and PMP certifications on their first try.

We shift the focus of our conversation to the intriguing world of PMP exam preparation. Gabor enlightens us on the finer points of studying, the traps of false applications, and the increasing difficulty of the exam.

Lastly, we dive into Gabor's productivity hacks for project management. Gabor spills the beans on his personal experiences with various tools such as Outlook, Teams, Excel, and PowerPoint. He also discusses the sheer joy of completing tasks and the underrated value of a good old-fashioned paper notepad. Named a Top Project Management Voice by LinkedIn, Gabor's wisdom is certainly worth its weight in gold.

We wrap up by discussing the importance of contributing to the project management community through study groups and one-on-one coaching. This episode is a goldmine of insights, experiences, and tips you shouldn't miss!

Favorite Tool(s):

• Excel https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/excel
• PowerPoint https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365/powerpoint

Links:

• Connect with Gabor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabor-stramb/
• For a full podcast episode list, visit here: PM-Mastery Podcast Episodes.
• For a full list of blog posts, go here: PM-Mastery Blog Posts.
• PM-Mastery.com

PMI Talent Triangle: Technical /Ways of Working (Learn More)

Get your free PDU Tracker here: https://pm-mastery.com/resource/

In This Episode:

Join us for another insightful session as we reconnect with Angela Thurman, making a third appearance on the PM Mastery podcast. Angela, with her rich background in aerospace and telecommunications, gives us a walkthrough of her history from an electrical engineer to the founder of a project management consulting firm. We discuss her latest venture - a robust Learning Management System (LMS) she introduced on her website aiming to provide project management training to clients and more.

We discussed Angela's unique LMS, a white-label product designed to nurture essential project management skills. The platform is a treasure trove of resources, encapsulating self-paced courses on project management essentials and core project management skills curated with Angela's expert insights. Tune in to discover how Angela's platform includes learning with gamified features, fosters student interaction, and offers a versatile learning pace catering to both aspiring project managers and seasoned experts.

Links:

• Connect with Angela on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelathurman/
• Visit Angela's website: https://thurmanco.com/
• Checkout Angela's new LMS system: https://thurmanco.com/training/
• Previous Interview with Angela - Episode #25
• Previous Interview with Angela - Episode #16
• For a full podcast episode list, visit here: PM-Mastery Podcast Episodes.
• For a full list of blog posts, go here: PM-Mastery Blog Posts
• PM-Mastery.com

PMI Talent Triangle: Technical /Ways of Working - (Learn More)

Riding the Waves of Transformation: Sky's Inspirational Journey into Project Management

Are you ready to ride the waves of transformation with Skye, a dynamic Senior Project Specialist at a leading edtech company? This episode gives you an exclusive window into Sky's inspiring journey, from the world of social work to the fast-paced realm of project management. Sky's unique approach to navigating change, assessing business needs, and fostering growth will leave you with an invigorating perspective. Settle in as we deeply dive into Skye's commitment to lifelong learning, her tactics for mastering technical skills, and the exciting road to their PMP certification.

As we peel back the layers, Skye reveals the nitty-gritty of studying for the PMP exam, the reality of dealing with imposter syndrome, and the thrill of spearheading an innovative financing initiative aimed at amplifying access to resources for lower-income students. But that's not all! We’ll also explore Skye's top-notch PM tools and uncover the secret sauce behind her company's exceptional marketing strategy. This episode is a treasure trove of insights and inspiration for those seeking to elevate their project management career. So, plug in, tune out the noise and immerse yourself in this enlightening conversation.

UPDATE: Since the interview a couple of weeks ago, Skye has accepted a new role as a Web Project Manager with CloudMellow and will be relocating from Florida to Atlanta, Georgia!

Let's wish Skye the best on this new adventure!

Favorite Tool(s):

ClickUp - https://clickup.com/

Links:

• Connect with Skye on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/skye-dodd-pmp-940798226/
• For a full podcast episode list, visit here: PM-Mastery Podcast Episodes.
• For a full list of blog posts, go here: PM-Mastery Blog Posts
• PM-Mastery.com

PMI Talent Triangle: Technical /Ways of Working - Leadership/Power Skills - Strategy/Business Acumen (Learn More)

Get your free PDU Tracker here: https://pm-mastery.com/resource/

In This Episode:

Master the world of project management with our inspiring guest, Matthew Mickler, a Lead Technology Operations Analyst at Wells Fargo. Matthew’s journey from being raised by a single mom in a less-fortunate neighborhood to a successful career in project management is a testament to his resilience and dedication. He dives into the heart of his work, sharing how he turns his knack for problem-solving into successful project management strategies.

Matthew's experience in balancing work and personal life, especially while parenting six children, provides valuable insights into managing time and resources effectively. If you've ever wondered how to manage cross-functional teams or how to overcome communication hurdles in large enterprise-level organizations, Matthew's experiences and strategies are worth a listen. He shares his favorite tools, including JIRA, and emphasizes the importance of transparency and openness to get everyone on board.

But it's not all work with Matthew – he also emphasizes the power of networking and continuously learning from each other. He shares how being genuine, understanding, and being open to sharing resources can help build valuable relationships. From his own experiences, he knows that networking can open doors you didn't even know existed. So, whether you're a seasoned project manager looking for fresh insights, or you're just starting your journey, tune in for an episode packed with valuable insights and inspiring stories from Matthew Mickler.

Favorite Tool(s):

• Jira - https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira
• Monday - https://monday.com/free-project-management-software

Links:

• Connect with Mathew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewmickler/
• For a full podcast episode list, visit here: PM-Mastery Podcast Episodes.
• For a full list of blog posts, go here: PM-Mastery Blog Posts
• PM-Mastery.com

PMI Talent Triangle: Leadership/Power Skills (Learn More)

Get your free PDU Tracker here: https://pm-mastery.com/resource/