The Project Chatter Podcast

In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Val Matthews and Ian discuss various aspects of project management, emphasizing the importance of language, learning from past experiences, and the role of technology. They explore the concept of reference class forecasting, the evolution of project management practices, and the significance of mentorship. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced in modern project management, the impact of collaborative contracting, and the future of AI in the field. The episode concludes with reflections on the need for standardization and the importance of not automating ineffective practices.

In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Val Matthews speaks with Dr. Tammy Watchhorn about the intersection of change management, emotional intelligence, and neuroscience. They explore how emotions influence our reactions and responses in high-pressure environments, the importance of mental health awareness in project management, and practical tools for managing change. Tammy shares her personal journey of transformation and emphasizes the need for self-awareness and resilience in navigating workplace dynamics. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on the future of work and the importance of empowering individuals to take control of their work environments. Takeaways Emotions play a crucial role in how we react to change.Understanding neuroscience can help us manage our responses.Recognizing physical sensations is key to emotional regulation.Choosing to respond rather than react leads to better outcomes.Building resilience is essential in high-pressure environments.Mental health awareness is increasingly important in project management.Emotional intelligence can be developed and applied in the workplace.Navigating difficult conversations requires empathy and understanding.Neurodiversity should be acknowledged and accommodated in teams.Empowering individuals leads to a more engaged and productive workforce. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Book Inspiration 04:24 Understanding Neuroscience in Change Management 07:31 Awareness and Emotional Responses 10:20 Managing Stress and External Pressures 13:03 Mental Health and Project Management 15:57 Emotional Intelligence and Personal Growth 19:02 Navigating Team Dynamics and Neurodiversity 22:00 The Role of Technology in Work-Life Balance 24:54 High-Performing Teams and Personal Choice 27:34 AI and the Future of Work 30:13 Training and Resources for Change Management 33:47 Final Thoughts and Conclusion Proudly sponsored by⁠⁠ Deltek

In this episode, the conversation revolves around the role of professional bodies in project management, particularly focusing on the APM (Association for Project Management). Adam Boddison, the CEO of APM, discusses the importance of community engagement, the challenges faced by the project management profession, and the impact of AI on the industry. The discussion also touches on career development, the need for a unified approach among professional bodies, and the future of project management in a rapidly changing technological landscape. Takeaways Project management is often misunderstood and needs better representation.Community engagement is crucial for career development in project management.AI will play a significant role in the future of project management.Professional bodies like APM are essential for supporting project professionals.The definition of project success varies and needs to be clarified.There is a shortage of qualified project professionals globally.Project management should focus on people, not just processes.The APM aims to inspire communities to deliver meaningful change.Collaboration among professional bodies can benefit the project management profession.AI literacy is becoming increasingly important for project professionals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 04:56 Adam's Journey into Project Management 06:20 Defining Project Management 08:40 The Role of APM and its Mission 09:55 Expanding APM's Global Footprint 14:49 Choosing a Professional Body for Career Development 17:53 Engagement with Professional Bodies 23:08 Differentiators of APM 27:08 Shortage of Project Professionals 31:50 Addressing the PR Problem in Project Management 36:17 Project Success and Challenges 42:58 Introduction and Discussion on Major Infrastructure Projects 44:05 The Role of APM and Other Associations in Major Projects 46:56 AI in the Body of Knowledge and the Challenge of Keeping Up 49:30 Collaboration with Government Organizations for Project Assurance 52:58 The Focus on Project Controls in APM 57:13 The Importance of Data and AI Literacy for Project Professionals 01:03:09 The Impact of AI on Project Managers and Project Management Skills 01:09:45 The Future Role of AI as Personal Assistants for Project Professionals 01:14:21 Five Quickfire Questions 01:17:28 Final Thoughts and Encouragement to Join the Project Management Profession 01:18:55 Outtro template A.mp3 Proudly sponsored by⁠ Deltek

In this pod the lads have a conversation that explores the topic of goal setting and its importance in personal and professional development. The guest, Clement Kwegyir-Afful, shares his journey of discovering his purpose and passion for helping others achieve their goals. He emphasizes the need for a strong why and belief system, as well as the importance of setting process goals to achieve desired outcomes. Clement also discusses the influence of culture on goal setting and the role of motivation and habits in achieving goals. In this conversation, Clement Kwegyir-Afful discusses the importance of belief systems, mindset, and self-reflection in achieving goals. He emphasizes the role of emotions, attitudes, and mental models in driving behavior. Clement also explores the balance between discipline and having the right plan, as well as the impact of fear and purpose on motivation. He highlights the need for self-determination and the dangers of being driven solely by fear. Additionally, he addresses the misconceptions about leadership and the importance of setting meaningful goals. Clement recommends the book 'What to Say to Yourself When You Talk to Yourself' by Chad Hemelster as a valuable resource for transforming the subconscious mind. Proudly sponsored by Deltek

In this episode, Roger Garrini discusses the concept of strategic misrepresentation in projects. Strategic misrepresentation refers to deliberately and systematically distorting or misstating information for strategic purposes. It often occurs in bids and tenders, where the desire to win the project leads to telling the customer what they want to hear, even if it's not entirely accurate. Strategic misrepresentation can have harmful consequences, such as wasting time and resources, causing budget overruns, and damaging trust. However, there are also instances where strategic misrepresentation can be beneficial, such as boosting confidence and motivation. The line between acceptable and harmful strategic misrepresentation is subjective and depends on the context and consequences. The conversation explores the challenges of strategic misrepresentation in project management and how it affects project outcomes. The guests discuss the reasons behind misrepresentation, such as political pressures and unrealistic expectations. They also explore the role of technology, particularly AI, in improving project delivery and decision-making. The conversation highlights the importance of data integrity and the need for organisations to create a culture of transparency and accountability. The guests suggest several strategies to address strategic misrepresentation, including better project governance, improved training and education, and a focus on ethical behaviour. Roger is a 42 year defence and aerospace, Stated in PMO of major radar project focused on planning ATE and test software against a changing build standard, moved to be PM of same then international bids and investment project including car gadgets and civil aerospace. Moved site and became involved in PM governance and Risk management, thence to ERM and audit finishing as UK IPR manager. Proudly sponsored by Deltek

In this episode Dale flies solo explores with Richard the importance of diversity and inclusion in organisations and how to approach it effectively. It highlights the pitfalls of mandatory diversity training and the damaging nature of statements like 'I don't see gender or race.' The speakers discuss the need for humility, challenging the status quo, and creating a psychologically safe space for diverse perspectives. They also touch on the role of empathy, the benefits of diverse teams in problem-solving, and the challenges of breaking the cycle of homogeneity in industries like construction. The conversation emphasises the value of seeking out opposing views and the importance of feedback and growth. In this conversation, Richard and Dale discuss the importance of feedback and how to handle both positive and negative feedback constructively. They also explore the influence of technology, social media, and AI on diversity and inclusion. The conversation highlights the need for curiosity, open-mindedness, and creating safe environments for diverse perspectives. They emphasise the role of individuals in pushing the diversity question in the industry and the importance of continuous learning and growth. Richard has worked on UK infrastructure projects for over a decade, in project management and risk management roles. He's a product manager at nPlan, helping to usher in a new generation of tools to make the profession and construction industry better. Proudly Supported by our friends Deltek - Powering project success.

In this episode, the hosts and guest Andrew Langridge discuss the importance of estimating and tracking carbon in construction projects. Andrew shares his background in estimating and explains the challenges and complexities of estimating carbon. He emphasizes the need for accurate data and tools to estimate carbon and suggests that legislation is necessary to drive change. The conversation also touches on the role of education in creating a culture of carbon tracking and the potential for incentivising carbon reduction in contracts. Overall, the episode highlights the importance of measuring and controlling carbon in projects and the need for industry-wide collaboration. In this conversation, Dale, Val, Martin, and guest Andrew Langridge discuss the role of AI and machine learning in addressing the indirect impacts of carbon emissions. They explore the challenges of calculating carbon emissions throughout the supply chain and the potential for AI to assist in this process. They also discuss the concept of a circular economy and the need for new roles and skills in sustainability and project management. The conversation touches on the limitations of AI and the importance of critical thinking and curiosity in the face of technological advancements. Sponsored by Detlek

In this episode, Dale and Martin welcome Victoria Emerson, a seasoned teacher with a passion for technology and AI. Victoria shares her career journey, from being inspired by an assessor during an apprenticeship to becoming a teacher and curriculum developer. She emphasizes the importance of starting with the basics in technology and AI, such as computer science and understanding algorithms. Victoria also encourages learners to find a problem or project they're interested in and use AI to find solutions. She highlights the need to break down barriers and demystify the language of technology to make it more accessible to everyone. In this conversation, Victoria Emerson shares her insights on AI education and the future of AI in the classroom. She emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience and experimentation with AI tools, encouraging learners to start with free resources before considering paid subscriptions. Victoria also highlights the significance of being authentic and polite when interacting with AI models, as it can lead to better results. She discusses the role of grammar in AI prompting and suggests that rephrasing prompts can help achieve desired outputs. Victoria envisions a future where AI individualizes learning and teachers focus on developing soft skills. She concludes by urging listeners to embrace change, have fun with AI, and not put too much pressure on themselves. our guest Victoria is a current MSc Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence student at the University of York. A qualified Teacher and Examiner in Digital and AI qualifications, I'm here to support anyone interested in the Digital and AI learning and research for practical applications of AI in personal or professional settings. Offering an inclusive space where AI is for everyone, in the mission to bridge the digital divide. Proudly sponsored by Deltek

SummaryIn this episode, Dale, Marco, and Tim discuss the impact of AI on change management. They explore the different facets of AI, particularly large language models, and how they can be used to improve communication, automate tasks, and analyze data. They also discuss the challenges and opportunities of using AI in project management and the importance of prompt engineering and effective communication. In this conversation, Tim Creasey discusses the power of generative AI and large language models in various applications, including change management. He emphasizes the importance of understanding how to prompt AI effectively and highlights the need to think of AI as an intern rather than an oracle. Tim shares his personal experiences using AI to create personalized coloring books and artwork, showcasing the creative possibilities of generative AI. He encourages listeners to experiment with AI and leverage its capabilities to unlock new opportunities.KeywordsAI, change management, large language models, automation, communication, data analysis, prompt engineering, generative AI, large language models, change management, prompting AI, personalization, creativityTakeaways AI, particularly large language models, can have a significant impact on change management by improving communication, automating tasks, and analyzing data.Automation is often the first step in using AI in project management, followed by communication support and content creation.Data analysis and visualization are also important applications of AI in project management.Effective prompt engineering and communication skills are crucial in getting the most out of AI tools.There is still much untapped potential in using AI in project management, and organizations need to explore and experiment with different applications. Generative AI and large language models have the power to transform various industries and applications, including change management.To prompt AI effectively, think of it as an intern rather than an oracle, and provide clear and specific instructions.AI can be used to create personalized content, such as coloring books and artwork, showcasing its creative potential.Experimentation with AI can lead to new opportunities and efficiencies in various domains.Understanding the capabilities and limitations of AI is crucial in leveraging its potential effectively. Tim Creasey is Prosci’s Chief Innovation Officer and a globally recognized leader in change management. His work forms the foundation of the largest body of knowledge in the world on managing the people side of change to deliver organizational results. Massive shout out to our sponsor Deltek - check them out!

In this episode, Val and Dale are joined by guest Georgia Stillwell to discuss anti-fragile projects and risk management in project management. Georgia shares her journey into project management, starting from her fascination with master planning in cities to her experience in risk management and construction technology. She explains the concept of anti-fragile projects, which are projects that thrive in uncertain and risky environments. The conversation delves into the challenges with traditional project planning methods and the need for more flexible and adaptable approaches. Georgia also discusses the role of technology in risk management and the importance of simplifying complex concepts for effective communication. In this conversation, Georgia Stillwell discusses the concept of anti-fragility in project management and how it can be achieved through the use of technology and human expertise. She emphasizes the importance of replicating the abilities of experienced planners and using AI to optimize project schedules. However, she also highlights the need for human validation and decision-making in complex construction projects. The conversation explores the role of contracts in project behavior and the challenges of harmonizing contracts with anti-fragility principles. The importance of leadership in creating a culture of anti-fragility and addressing human biases is also discussed.Takeaways Anti-fragile projects are projects that thrive in uncertain and risky environments, adapting and improving as challenges arise.Traditional project planning methods, such as critical path method, can be rigid and fail to account for the dynamic nature of projects.Technology, such as AI and software tools, can help optimize project planning and recovery by exploring different options and scenarios.Educating clients and stakeholders about different project planning methodologies is crucial for driving change and improving project outcomes.Simplifying risk management concepts and using analogies can help communicate complex ideas effectively. Anti-fragility in project management can be achieved through the use of technology and human expertise.AI can replicate the abilities of experienced planners and optimize project schedules, but human validation and decision-making are still necessary.Contracts play a significant role in project behavior and can sometimes conflict with anti-fragility principles.Leadership is crucial in creating a culture of anti-fragility and addressing human biases in decision-making. Proudly Sponsored by Deltek

In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Val and Dale interview Mike Paul, the Managing Director for InEight for Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. They discuss the concepts of modularity, scalability, and interoperability in project management. Mike emphasises the importance of considering people and processes alongside technology in project implementation. They also explore the challenges of data ownership and integration in the project supply chain. The conversation highlights the need for transparency and collaboration among stakeholders to achieve successful project outcomes. In this conversation, Mike Paul discusses various topics related to data ownership, scalability, the future of construction, sustainability, the need for an ideas factory, the value of marginal gains, and the nature of leadership. Takeaways Data ownership in construction projects can be complex, with different parties having different interpretations of who owns the data.Scalability in construction can be hindered by factors such as data laws, differences in work processes across regions, and the scalability of individual people, processes, and technology.The future of construction lies in innovative building materials, methods, and technologies that prioritize sustainability and environmental impact.An ideas factory or incubator could help foster innovation in the construction industry by providing funding and support for testing and scaling new ideas.Small, incremental improvements (marginal gains) can have a significant impact on project outcomes and profitability.Leadership is a combination of innate qualities and the opportunities and situations that allow those qualities to shine. Mike Paul, Managing Director EMEA, InEight As Managing Director of the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) business operations at InEight, Mike Paul leads marketing and sales efforts while defining and driving the growth of digital solutions that fuel customer success. Directly preceding his current role, Mike was Vice President of Industry Solutions, acting as the liaison between clients in the industry and InEight’s sales and development team in over 20 countries on five continents. Mike has also served as Vice President of Solution Engineering, Director of Industry Solutions, Director of Global Channel, Sales Engineer and Sales Executive, all at InEight. Previous to his time at InEight, Mike held multiple leadership positions throughout the construction industry. These include managing all the infrastructure work on one of the nation’s first BRAC development projects at Fort Carson Army Base, negotiating large low-income housing projects in Africa, developing global supply chains for U.S. government contract needs and running his own construction company. Mike holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Arizona, and an MBA from Averett University in Virginia. Proudly Sponsored by Deltek.com

In this episode, Val and Dale interview Ali Maffey about project management and the importance of lean thinking. They discuss the challenges of project planning, the role of technology in project management, and the complexity of project management tools. They also delve into the difference between identifying threats and shortening programs, the flaws of long-term planning, and the benefits of small projects. The conversation concludes with final thoughts and anecdotes from Ali.Takeaways Lean thinking is crucial in project management as it focuses on eliminating waste and improving efficiency.Project planning can be challenging, especially when it comes to long-term planning and forecasting risks in novel projects.Technology plays a significant role in project management, but it can also add complexity and hinder progress if not used effectively.Identifying bottlenecks and addressing them is essential for successful project execution.Improving project management requires a collective effort from all project professionals, and a focus on collaboration and breaking down silos. Ali started on-site as an engineer in Terminal 4 in 1980. I worked my way up to the project management role and, after two projects, decided how projects worked wasn't for me. Nothing seemed to work and I felt that it wasn’t intellectually engaging. It was all chasing sub-contractors and engaging in energy-sapping toxic behaviours such as blaming and defensive reasoning. Ali left construction to do an MBA and then worked at a large automotive company looking at life cycle cost and productivity. It was during this period that I discovered an environment where things worked. The right colour door arrived at the right colour car every time. Ali came back to construction and joined Balfour Beatty Civils and Rail major projects. Early on, I was asked, based on my automotive experience and MBA, to join the Business Improvement Team (BIT) which was probably the first of its kind in construction. The BIT was made up of 5 of the smartest people I have met in construction. We then spent 6 years testing out everything and anything we read or heard about. Ali started with implementing TQM before Lean Thinking. We helped Eli Goldratt with his first trial of Critical Chain. We met Gelen Ballard soon after his Last Planner paper was published. We tested out ideas from Semco and Riccardo Semler, setting up self-managing front-line teams on major projects. In 1999, Ali was seconded to Egan’s M4I (backed by the cabinet office) as an innovation advisor. I helped develop the Construction National KPIs, promote offsite manufacturing, and encourage the use of partnering PPC2000 forms of contract. Ali also set up and ran the first Lean Thinking training workshops in construction. Ali was also responsible for validating the innovations claimed by the 68 Egan complaint demonstration projects and producing the ministerial report for the parliament. In 2004 he helped set up Lean Thinking Ltd and became a member of Buildoffsite. At a later date, he supported the first BIM trial project. Ali has been involved with more than 200 projects and have experimented with more ideas, tools, techniques, initiatives, etc, on more live projects for a longer period than probably anyone else in the industry globally. Proudly Supported by Deltek - ⁠www.deltek.com⁠

Summary: In this episode, the boys talk to Micah Piippo about the world of planning and scheduling, the importance and respect of planning, the need for more planners and schedulers, and the benefits and opportunities in planning and scheduling. They also talk about the skills required for planners and schedulers, the role of planners in the C-Suite, and the impact of planning on project success. The conversation covers the importance of proper planning and design, building teams and culture in planning, and the training and development options for planners and schedulers. They also discuss the challenges and benefits of switching sectors as a scheduler and the future of scheduling and AI. The conversation explores the current role of a planner and how it will change in the future. It emphasizes the importance of spending less time in planning and scheduling software and more time on value-added activities such as analysis and communication. The discussion highlights the potential for increased collaboration and human interaction in the future, facilitated by visual-based progressing and automated workflows. The conversation also touches on the need for a medium that everyone can understand to improve communication and understanding among project stakeholders. The future of project planning and scheduling is seen as a combination of technology and human expertise, with the potential for improved training programs and more efficient processes.Takeaways Planning and scheduling are crucial functions in project management and deserve more recognition and respect.There is a need for more planners and schedulers in the job market, and it is a profession that offers good career prospects and higher salaries.Planners and schedulers should have a balance of technical skills, soft skills, and a genuine interest in the job.Proper planning and scheduling can significantly impact project success, and organizations should prioritize these functions.Planners and schedulers should be involved in the early stages of a project to ensure better outcomes.Switching sectors as a scheduler can be challenging but offers opportunities for growth and higher salaries.Continuous learning and development are essential for planners and schedulers to stay updated with industry trends and advancements.The future of scheduling may involve the integration of AI and advanced analytics to improve efficiency and accuracy. Planners should focus on value-added activities such as analysis and communication, rather than spending excessive time in planning and scheduling software.The future of project planning and scheduling may involve increased collaboration and human interaction, facilitated by visual-based progressing and automated workflows.A medium that everyone can understand, such as visual-based progress tracking, can improve communication and understanding among project stakeholders.Technology has the potential to improve training programs and provide planners with more accurate and detailed data for analysis. Proudly sponsored by Deltek

In this episode, the guest, James Garner, discusses the role of AI in project management and its future implications. He shares his origin story and how he got into the field of AI. The conversation covers the definition of AI in project management and the different levels of AI sophistication. The guest also talks about the pace of AI implementation and the factors that contribute to the fear and adoption of AI. The episode concludes with a discussion on the government's generative AI framework and the importance of making project data freely accessible. The conversation explores the changing landscape of construction, the benefits of AI in project functions, the evolution of associations with AI, governance and safeguarding AI, and various other topics related to AI and technology.Takeaways AI in project management is a broad term that encompasses various levels of AI sophistication, from simple automation to more advanced machine learning and neural networks.The future of project management with AI involves a gradual progression towards increased automation and predictability, allowing professionals to focus on value-added tasks.The pace of AI implementation in project management is expected to be gradual but exponential, with constant advancements and increasing adoption.The fear of AI in project management can stem from a lack of understanding, time constraints, and the rapid pace of technological change. Education and accessibility are key to overcoming these barriers.The government's generative AI framework and initiatives like data trusts are important steps towards making project data freely accessible and fostering collaboration in the industry. The construction industry is evolving with the adoption of AI, robotics, and 3D printing, leading to changes in site operations and improved safety.Consultancy services, such as engineering and architecture, can benefit from AI by streamlining workflows and providing innovative solutions.Associations like APM and RICS have a role in setting standards and guidelines for AI adoption in the construction industry.Governance and safeguarding of AI are crucial to protect data privacy and ensure responsible use of technology.Common misconceptions about AI include the belief that it is a recent development and the lack of understanding about its potential impact.Leadership is a combination of nature and nurture, with the potential for individuals to develop leadership skills through training and experience.Recommended book: 'The Singularity is Near' by Ray Kurzweil, which explores the future of AI and predicts the point at which machines surpass human intelligence. James, an accomplished data leader in the construction industry, began his journey as a Quantity Surveyor in 2000. After earning a first-class honours degree, he wrote his university dissertation on data and digitalisation in the construction sector. James quickly built a strong portfolio, becoming a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) in 2002. In 2012, he was elected as a Fellow of RICS for his significant writing contributions to the RICS Black Book technical standards.   Throughout his career, James has worked on prestigious projects, including buildings for Imperial College and various Oxford University Colleges. Whilst employed at Gleeds as a Quantity Surveyor, he became head of the Education sector for London. In 2020, James took on a new challenge as Head of Insights and Analytics at Gleeds. This opportunity allowed him to further his skillset and qualify as a data analyst in 2022, launching the company's data analytics and research capabilities. UK Gov paper - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/generative-ai-framework-for-hmg/generative-ai-framework-for-hmg-html#understanding-generative-ai James' newsletter - https://projectflux.beehiiv.com/subscribe Project Chatter is Proudly Sponsored by Deltek

Lawrence Rowland discusses the potential of ChatGPT and GPT in project management. He explains the differences between ChatGPT and GPT, highlighting the benefits of ChatGPT+ and the GPT Builder. Lawrence emphasises the importance of early adoption and experimentation with GPTs, as well as the need for entry-level tools to encourage wider adoption. He explores the role of GPTs in enhancing communication and information flow in project teams, and the potential for GPTs to disrupt and expedite various aspects of project management. Lawrence also discusses the upcoming ChatGPT Store and the possibilities of sharing and testing GPT use cases. He encourages project professionals to embrace the creativity and imagination enabled by GPTs and emphasises the importance of learning and exploring the capabilities of these models. The conversation explores the democratisation of projects and the changing role of project managers in the context of AI implementation. It discusses the flywheel effect of AI implementation and the potential impact on project success rates. The conversation also touches on ethics, education, alignment, and control issues related to AI. It highlights the importance of transparency and accuracy in AI projects and the need for ongoing discussions in society. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the future modes of AI interaction and their impact on the physical world. Takeaways ChatGPT and GPT offer low-code or no-code environments for project professionals to experiment and apply AI in their work.Early adoption of GPTs can help address resource scarcity and skill set challenges in project management.GPTs have the potential to enhance communication and information flow in project teams, enabling faster decision-making and problem-solving.The upcoming ChatGPT Store will provide a platform for sharing and accessing public GPTs, fostering collaboration and innovation in project management.Project professionals should start with the hardest questions when using GPTs and be open to exploring the capabilities and limitations of these models. AI implementation is increasing the democratisation of projects, allowing a broader range of people to run projects at different scales.The role of project managers is changing as AI takes on more implementation tasks, requiring project managers to focus on decision-making and conflict resolution.The flywheel effect of AI implementation leads to more data on project success and failure, improving the overall success rate of projects done through AI.Ethical considerations and education are important factors to address in the context of AI implementation.Transparency and accuracy in AI projects are crucial, and different approaches to AI centralization and decentralisation may impact these factors.Ongoing discussions and societal awareness are necessary to navigate the impact of AI on businesses and society.Future modes of AI interaction, such as video integration and task-based models, will further impact project management and the physical w Proudly Sponsored by Deltek

In this conversation, Val and Dale reflect on the key themes and trends in project management in 2023. They discuss the impact of technology on projects, the changing landscape of education and learning, and the value of formal education in project management. They also explore the challenges and disruptions in project delivery, geographical trends in troubled projects, and the importance of leadership in project management. Additionally, they touch on the blurred information landscape and the future trends of software as a service and DIY solutions. In this episode, Val Matthews and Dale discuss various topics related to project management and technology. They explore the power of the Microsoft Suite and its integration capabilities. They also discuss the automation of project processes and the challenges of intellectual property in a world of shared and integrated systems. The conversation touches on expertise shortages and brain drain, particularly in the Middle East, where massive projects are being undertaken. They also reflect on the evolution of the Project Chatter podcast and make a deal with the listeners to interact more. The episode concludes with a look ahead to the future and a message of gratitude to the listeners. Takeaways: Technology continues to have a significant impact on projects, and project professionals need to stay informed and adaptable to new tools and methods.Formal education in project management is valuable, but experience and practical skills are increasingly important in the field.Leadership plays a crucial role in project success, and leaders need to be accountable, inclusive, and adaptable to changing circumstances.The information landscape is complex, and critical thinking and discernment are necessary to navigate the abundance of information available.Future trends include the rise of software as a service and the ability for project professionals to create tailor-made solutions using low-code or no-code platforms. The Microsoft Suite offers powerful integration capabilities for project management.Automation of project processes is becoming more prevalent, with tools like Process Mining and AI.Intellectual property challenges may arise in a world of shared and integrated systems.Expertise shortages and brain drain are a significant challenge for project delivery.Massive projects in the Middle East are transforming the industry.Scarcity drives innovation and can lead to novel ideas and approaches.Project Chatter is evolving and will continue to explore tech, megaprojects, and leadership.Interacting with the Project Chatter community is encouraged for more engaging content.The future holds exciting possibilities for the podcast, including translations and spin-offs.The hosts express gratitude to the guests, sponsors, and listeners for their support.Project Chatter aims to pay it forward by sharing valuable insights and experiences.

In this episode, Adrian Dooley discusses the barriers to applying good project management practices and the root causes behind them. He highlights the issue of project failure and the need to identify the true causes rather than just the symptoms. Adrian also explores the challenges of applying lessons learned and the impact of forgetting and lack of support. He emphasizes the potential of AI in project management but cautions against the dissemination of unreliable information. Additionally, he addresses the cost and accessibility of training and the importance of practical application and soft skills. Finally, Adrian shares the benefits of the Praxis Framework and the power of checklists in improving project outcomes. In this conversation, Adrian Dooley discusses the importance of integrating good practices and overcoming barriers to embedding them. He emphasizes the need to focus on the basics and not overcomplicate project management. Adrian shares anecdotes and highlights the value of involving business stakeholders, understanding requirements, and applying simple approaches. He encourages project managers to communicate and convince their organizations to provide space for applying learned practices. Adrian concludes by reminding listeners that projects can succeed and make a difference when common sense and the fundamentals are applied.Takeaways Integrate good practices and make them accessible to the organization.Identify and overcome barriers to embedding good practices.Focus on the basics and avoid overcomplicating project management.Involve business stakeholders, understand requirements, and apply simple approaches.Communicate and convince organisations to provide space for applying learned practices.Projects can succeed when common sense and fundamentals are applied. Originally a project manager on construction, Adrian has held various roles in project management for 45 years. He was part of the team that created one of the first project scheduling software packages and was founder member of the first independent project management magazine -Project Manager Today. He founded The Projects Group (a training and consultancy company) and served on the Executive Council of the APM. He is a non-executive Director of APM Group and the lead author of the Praxis Framework.

In this episode Val gets the studio to himself to talk with Cameron Mills about the fundamentals and the future project controls. A Project Controls expert with over 27 years private and government industry experience in the delivery of major infrastructure projects globally, leading large multidisciplinary teams in complex environments. Currently, the Head of Project Controls Australia & APAC for Systech, Cameron has a master’s degree in project management is a Chartered Project Professional (ChPP APM), a Certified Practicing Project Director (CPPD AIPM), and a Project Management Professional (PMP PMI). Cameron specialises in project management and controls on Megaprojects including most recently the North East Link Program and the Southern Program Alliance.

In this episode the lads talk to Charlotte Candy about gamification of Risk Management. Charlotte Candy leads a team of 20 risk managers within the UK at AECOM. She is a certified IRM Fellow with a construction and legal background. She has 17 years’ experience within the industry. Charlotte has led teams across Nuclear, Water, Rail and Infrastructure domains for both public and private sector clients. She has a passion for increasing knowledge and understanding of risk management by creating lasting legacies for her clients. Charlotte enjoys applying traditional risk theory in creative environments. Proudly supported by InEight.com

In this episode Dale and Val talk about the application and importance of risk in projects and more importantly the maturity, training and development of best risk practices and cultures. Colin is a Risk Management professional with 25 years experience across many industry sectors and countries. He is the current and founding Chair of the Institute of Risk Management Regional Group Australia and the Trainer for the institute of Risk Management training course in Australia. Outside of the work environment Colin like to keep fit by boxing and cardio fitness. Family man, married with 3 children. Jessie Schilling combines creative and Infrastructure intelligence, Jessie is a management consultant within HKA's Advisory team. At the core of her work are processes and people, where she seeks to implement agile strategies and solutions within complex project environments. Jessie is positioned in the Integrated Project Services stream with specialisation in risk management, change control and portfolio alignment and performance with a focus on process improvement. For over five years she has operated in the project controls environment on rail infrastructure projects and is a champion for leveraging cross-industry learnings. Links: Jessie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessie-schilling/ Colin on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/colin-mccrorey/IRM Australian Regional group: https://www.theirm.org/join-our-community/regional-groups/australia/ Proudly Supported by InEight.com thank you guys, your support means everything.