PMO Strategies

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills Hi, IMPACT Driver!   The rules of leadership are shifting – and if you’re still managing projects the same way, 2025 might be a tough year. The leaders who thrive will be those who know how to think strategically, speak the language of executives, and drive real business outcomes.   In this week’s episode of the PMO Strategies Podcast, we’re diving into: 🎯 The key leadership shifts required to stay ahead in 2025. 💡 How to break free from tactical work and focus on influence. 🚀 Actionable steps to start positioning yourself as a strategic leader.   If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start accelerating your leadership journey, this episode is your blueprint.   👉 Listen now and get the roadmap you need to elevate your role in the year ahead.   Click PLAY above to listen now.   P.S. Ready to put these strategies into action? Join me Tuesday, January 28th for our free workshop, “Becoming an IMPACT Driver: The Roadmap to Executive-Level Influence.” I’ll walk you through how to lead with confidence and secure executive buy-in.   🔗 Reserve your seat here.   Let’s make 2025 the year you step into your full potential. Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS  

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills Hi, IMPACT Driver!   Have you ever walked out of an executive meeting wondering why your project didn’t get the green light—despite all the hard work your team put into it?   The problem isn’t the project. It’s how you’re presenting it.   In this week’s episode, we’re diving into the critical skills you need to master to speak the language of executives and secure buy-in. You’ll learn: ✅ Why tasks and deliverables don’t grab executive attention – and what to focus on instead ✅ The framework I teach our mastermind students to position your projects as strategic, value-driving initiatives ✅ How to highlight the consequences of inaction to create urgency and executive alignment   I also share real-world stories from my own career and from students in the IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind who made small but powerful shifts in how they communicated – and saw immediate results.   💡 Ready to shift from managing tasks to leading outcomes?   Click PLAY above to listen now.   Let’s make 2024 the year you lead with IMPACT! 👉 Don’t forget to register for our free January workshop: Becoming an IMPACT Driver: The Roadmap to Executive-Level Influence for Project and PMO Leaders We’ll deep-dive into executive engagement strategies and communication tactics that will set you apart.   Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS  

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen Hi, IMPACT Driver!     If you’ve ever felt like your executives and other stakeholders don’t really appreciate all you bring to the table (or maybe even see you as administrative overhead), you’re not alone.   In this week’s episode, I’m diving into one of the biggest mindset shifts that separates project managers and PMO leaders from true strategic leaders.   It’s time to stop managing and start leading.   I share how to break free from the “order-taker” mentality and focus on delivering real business outcomes – not just outputs. I even share a personal story from The IMPACT Engine about how asking the right questions transformed the way my PMO was perceived by leadership.   Here’s the thing – leadership doesn’t care about project plans. They care about results.   So what are you doing to shift your focus to the results?   Click PLAY above to listen now.   P.S. If you’re ready to learn how to make this shift and position yourself as a strategic leader, don’t miss our free January workshop: “Becoming an IMPACT Driver: The Roadmap to Executive-Level Influence for Project and PMO Leaders.” 👉 We’ll dive deeper into aligning projects with business goals, building executive presence, and driving outcomes that matter. Click here to register for the workshop. Spots are limited! Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS  

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen Hi, IMPACT Driver!   Have you seen PMI’s latest report on redefining project success? If you’re like me, your first reaction was probably, “Well, of course!” For years, we’ve known that project success isn’t just about execution – it’s about delivering measurable value that aligns with business goals. But the fact that PMI is now championing this shift marks a significant turning point for our industry.   👉 The focus is moving from just getting things done to driving outcomes that matter.   In this week’s podcast episode, I break down PMI’s new perspective on project success and what this means for you as a PMO leader or project manager. Spoiler alert – this shift validates everything we’ve been talking about in The IMPACT Engine book and the IMPACT Driver Mindset concepts we cover in the IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind.   Here’s what I’ll walk you through in this episode: 📊 Stop celebrating deliverables and start measuring outcomes. 🎯 Every project must tie back to strategic objectives. 🏆 Owning the lifecycle of success doesn’t stop at delivery.   This isn’t just a small adjustment – it’s a complete redefinition of what it means to lead projects with IMPACT. And if you’re ready to step into that role, this episode is for you.   Click play above to listen now.   Here’s to growth and IMPACT,   Laura   P.S. I’ll also be hosting a free workshop on January 28 on becoming an IMPACT Driver and aligning your projects with business goals. More details inside the episode! Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS  

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills Hi, IMPACT Driver!   Happy New Year!   Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for all that you do – the hard work you put in, the effort you make to drive change inside organizations, and the way you show up every day. Thank you for listening to the podcast, reading the newsletter, and engaging with our content – whether you’re new here or have been around for years. You mean the world to me, and you are why I do what I do.   As we wrap up the year and think ahead to 2025, I wanted to share something that’s helped me stay focused and intentional as I plan for the new year.   🎧 In this week’s podcast episode, I take you through a simple 3-step process to reflect on the past year and set intentions for what’s ahead. Plus, I share a bit of my own journey (and how The IMPACT Engine launch made my list of gratitude moments).   It’s not about resolutions – it’s about getting clear, focused, and ready to make things happen.   ✨ Give it a listen and take a few minutes for YOU before the new year kicks into full gear.   Click play above to listen now.   Here’s to growth and IMPACT,   Laura Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS  

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills Even the most successful leaders know when it’s time to ask for help. In this week’s episode, I dive deep with executive coach and storyteller Deepak Daniel as we discuss the importance of vulnerability in leadership and how asking for help can unlock your full potential.   🧠 Key Insights: Understand why even top executives need help to succeed. 🎓 Expert Advice: Learn how to overcome the imposter syndrome and stop fearing vulnerability. 🛠️ Actionable Tips: Practical strategies for asking for help and achieving greater business outcomes.   In this episode, you’ll discover how to leverage the power of teamwork and collaboration to elevate your leadership game.   Maximize your IMPACT!   P.S. This episode is sponsored by Sciforma. As a leader in Project Portfolio Management software, Sciforma offers solutions that transform the way your PMO delivers insight-led decision-making across value-based outcomes. Sciforma enables you to take the Agile principles that have improved project execution and apply them to top-down portfolio decision-making. Using capabilities like the portfolio Kanban board, scenario modeling, and benefits tracking, you can quickly adjust your portfolio as market opportunities arise. Learn more today! Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS  

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills Curious about how combining empathy and tech-inspired tools can elevate your leadership style? This week on the PMO Strategies Podcast, I’m joined by Erik Rueter to explore Servant Leadership as a Service—an innovative approach to leadership that empowers you to treat team members as your most important customers.   💡 Why Listen? Discover practical tools like empathy mapping and user stories to foster team engagement. Learn how applying the platinum rule can create a stronger, more connected team. See real-life examples of how this approach has transformed team dynamics and productivity.   Tune in now to keep accelerating your IMPACT!     P.S. This episode is sponsored by Planview. Want to learn more about what Planview has to offer? Good news! Planview gives you exclusive access to the IMPACT Engine System Training and Implementation program—completely free—when you go through us. You’ll also get the full white-glove experience with our VIP customer liaison, ensuring you receive the top-tier support our IMPACT Drivers deserve. Learn more here.   📖 Learn how to elevate your PMO 🔗 Connect with Planview on LinkedIn Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS  

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen Freelance project managers and contractors often face the feast and famine cycle—one moment you’re buried in projects, and the next you’re scrambling to find new work. How do you build a steady pipeline of opportunities?   In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Candice Benson, CEO of Benson Consulting Inc., who shares three essential tools every freelance PM and contractor needs to build visibility, streamline their sales process, and cultivate a supportive community.   📌 Why Listen? 💡 Strategic Insights: Learn the most critical tools to avoid the feast and famine cycle. 🎓 Expert Advice: Find out how to implement these tools for maximum benefit and long-term success. 🛠️ Actionable Tips: Take immediate steps to start building a thriving freelance PM business.   🎧 Tune in here and take control of your freelance project management career!   Accelerate Your IMPACT! Laura     P.S. We’re gearing up for some high-IMPACT programs in 2025 and want to make sure they’re tailored to you. Help us shape the year ahead by answering a few questions here!   P.P.S. This episode is sponsored by Meisterplan. Meisterplan is an out-of-the-box tool that combines project portfolio management and resource management in an intuitive and interactive way. You will gain visibility into projects and can easily monitor resource availability and capacity, prioritize and align project portfolios to your strategy, and generate real-time scenario simulations with Meisterplan. Learn more today!   Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS  

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Ways of Working MOs are evolving fast! In today’s podcast episode, we explore how AI and Agile integration can streamline operations, enhance decision-making, and give your team more time to focus on high-impact work. 🚀   Tune in as we break down practical ways to adopt both Traditional and Generative AI, making your PMO more efficient and future-ready. It’s time to move from administrative tasks to strategic IMPACT.   💡 Why Listen? Learn the step-by-step approach to integrating AI into Agile workflows. Discover how AI can accelerate your PMO’s decision-making and innovation. Get real-world examples and tips on overcoming common AI adoption challenge. Catch the episode to transform your PMO with AI and Agile! Best, Laura P.S. This episode is sponsored by Fluid. Fluid is the all-in-one PMO platform to manage your projects, programs, portfolios, and resources in one unified space. Fluid provides a single solution to manage every aspect of your projects from ideation to delivery, execution, benefits, and closure. Automated Reporting Executive Portfolio Dashboards Resource Capacity & Utilization Accurate Project Cost Tracking Unified Project Management Workspace (Health, Scheduling, Risks, Tasks etc.) AI Governance & Insights Learn more about Fluid today! Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS  

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills Imagine switching seamlessly between your creative and analytical skills to tackle complex projects. This is the essence of ambidextrous project management, a powerful mindset that can help you thrive in today’s challenging environments.   In this week’s podcast episode, I chat with Mark Burnett, author of The Ambidextrous Project Manager. Mark shares strategies to help you balance flexibility with structure, navigate complex projects, and empower your teams. He also shares his personal story of resilience, overcoming adversity, and how ambidextrous thinking helped him drive results across 19+ countries.   📌 Why Listen? 💡 Strategic Insights: Learn how ambidextrous thinking allows you to balance innovation with stability in your project management approach. 🎓 Expert Advice: Hear real-world examples from Mark’s career leading complex projects across multiple industries. 🛠️ Actionable Tips: Practical strategies to help you harness creativity and logic to navigate project complexities.   🎧 Tune in to unlock the secrets of ambidextrous thinking and elevate your project management game.     P.S. This episode is sponsored by Planview. Want to learn more about what Planview has to offer? Good news! Planview gives you exclusive access to the IMPACT Engine System Training and Implementation program—completely free—when you go through us. You’ll also get the full white-glove experience with our VIP customer liaison, ensuring you receive the top-tier support our IMPACT Drivers deserve. Learn more here. 📖 Learn how to elevate your PMO 🔗 Connect with Planview on LinkedIn Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS  

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills No one is more crucial to an organization’s success than middle managers. They hold the unique position of needing to lead up, down, and across their organization to be truly effective. If you’re a middle manager or work closely with them, this episode is a must-listen.   In our latest podcast episode, I chat with Scott Mautz, a former senior executive at Procter & Gamble and author of four books including “Leading from the Middle.” Scott shares invaluable strategies for excelling in this pivotal role. With his extensive experience and insights, you’ll learn how to navigate the complexities of middle management and drive impactful results.   📌 Why Listen? 💡 Strategic Insights: Understand why middle managers are crucial and navigate their challenges. 🎓 Expert Advice: Best practices on leading up, down, and across the organization. 🛠️ Actionable Tips: Immediate strategies to boost leadership effectiveness.   Tune in to gain a fresh perspective on the role of middle managers and walk away with tools to make a big IMPACT in your organization.    Enjoy!   Connect with Scott here. Check out Scott’s books here.   P.S. Have you ordered your copy of The IMPACT Engine? The reviews are coming in! Become an IMPACT Insider to get inside tips, additional resources, and free training with yours truly! Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS                                          

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills Navigating stakeholder resistance? You’re not alone. In this week’s podcast, Amanda Frye introduces her framework of Kind Transparency—a powerful approach to managing resistance and building trust. 💡   Amanda shares actionable strategies for understanding stakeholder motivations, creating empathy, and building consistent, transparent relationships that foster trust.   This one is a must-listen for delivery leaders looking to accelerate their IMPACT.   💡 Why Listen? Discover the 4Cs of Kind Transparency for authentic stakeholder engagement. Learn how to address resistance by understanding the “why” behind it. Gain insights into using consistency and empathy to build trust in every interaction.   Dive into the episode now to transform how you manage stakeholder relationships!   🎧 Listen to the full episode by pressing play above.   Maximize your IMPACT!   Laura Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS                                          

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Ways of Working What if you could use your project management skills to make a real difference in the world? 🌍   In this week’s episode of the PMO Strategies Podcast, I’m joined by the amazing team behind Project Management for Change (PM4C), including Beth May, Kendall Lott, and Mike Hannan. We discuss the Project Management Day of Service (PMDoS) and how it has empowered volunteers to bring impactful change to nonprofits around the world.   💡 Key takeaway: Learn how project managers are using their skills to solve critical business problems for nonprofits that face resource challenges and how you can get involved in creating real-world impact, one project at a time.   🎧 Tune in now to hear how PM4C is changing the world through project management—and how you can be part of the movement.   Accelerate your IMPACT!   P.S. Want more strategies for driving change and creating impact? Check out The IMPACT Engine book and learn how to apply these same principles to your organization. 📘 Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS                                          

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Ways of Working 🚨 Is your team getting stuck in the Triangle Trap of time, scope, and cost? 🚨   In this week’s episode, I’m sharing the hard truth: focusing too much on these metrics could be blocking your projects from delivering the real business value your organization craves.   If you want to be more than a project manager—if you want to be a true Strategy Navigator—you need to shift your mindset from simply managing outputs to driving meaningful outcomes. 🎯   💡 Key takeaway: Learn how to break free from the triangle trap and start delivering real business value through your projects. It’s time to stop managing and start leading.   🎧 Tune in to unlock the strategies that will help you drive higher IMPACT, faster.   Accelerate your IMPACT!   P.S. 🚀 If you want to elevate your game and deliver real results that matter, listen to this episode. Let’s go beyond the basics! Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS                                          

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen Have you ever found yourself focusing on building perfect processes, only to realize they weren’t solving the real problems?   In this week’s episode of the PMO Strategies Podcast, I share the story of Samantha, a new PMO leader who faced this very challenge. She quickly learned that success in a PMO isn’t about the templates and processes—it’s about solving the right problems and delivering results that matter to your stakeholders.   💡 Key takeaway: The true value of a PMO lies in driving business outcomes, not just enforcing compliance. Tune in to hear Samantha’s journey, and discover how you can shift your focus to align with what really matters for your organization. 🚀   🎧 Listen now!   📚 Grab your copy of The IMPACT Engine book.   Accelerate your IMPACT!   P.S. – Don’t let your PMO be seen as a roadblock! Discover how to deliver real results that make an IMPACT. Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS                                          

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Ways of Working In this week’s episode of the PMO Strategies Podcast, I’m joined by Wolfram Müller, an expert in optimizing knowledge work. Wolfram is the co-author, along with my dear friend Mike Hannan, of a book I reference and talk about at least once a week called The CIO’s Guide to Breakthrough Project Portfolio Performance (Amazon). Wolfram shares early insights from the State of Organizational Flow Report, a long-term study that reveals how to reduce multitasking and create more flow in your organization. With over 42 companies participating, this data-driven approach is a game-changer for anyone looking to improve productivity.   💡 Key takeaway: Discover how to eliminate bottlenecks, reduce multitasking, and create a state of flow that leads to greater productivity—no matter what project management methods you use.   🎧 Tune in now to learn how to unlock flow and productivity in your organization, and find out how you can join the study.   🙋‍♀️ Want to get involved? Join this valuable study and receive actionable insights to transform your organization. It’s free, and the data you’ll get can drive meaningful IMPACT. 🎯   Accelerate your IMPACT!       P.S. 🙋‍♀️ Join this valuable study and receive actionable insights to transform your organization. It’s free, and the data you’ll get can drive meaningful IMPACT. 🎯 Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS                                          

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills You may have heard that it’s important to manage people differently, but when it comes to leading people through change, it’s more than simply managing them differently. When leading your team through change, it’s essential to adapt your management style to fit where they are in their journey. 🔄   In this week’s episode of the PMO Strategies Podcast, I’m joined by Beth May, a seasoned leadership expert who has driven mission-critical projects across the nonprofit and government sectors. She’s also the COO of our nonprofit, Project Management for Change, and a consultant for PMO Strategies. Together, we explore how to adjust your leadership approach to guide your team and stakeholders through transformative change, ensuring that you bring them along the process, not just push the change onto them. 🌱   💡 Key takeaway: Discover practical strategies for evolving your management style to meet your team where they are, driving greater success during times of change.   🎧 Tune in now to learn how to lead change effectively.   Accelerate your IMPACT!   P.S. Want my 5-step IMPACT Communication Framework so you know exactly how to talk to your executives? Just order your copy of The IMPACT Engine book today, and you’ll be having better conversations tomorrow. 📘 Already have the book? Go to page 252 in Chapter 12, Lead the Change, to learn more about building your Adaptive Management Styles. Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS                                          

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen How to Speak to Executives About Projects: Translate Project Speak into Business Value As a PMO leader or project manager, you know the importance of keeping your projects on time, within scope, and on budget. But what happens when you need to communicate these critical details to executives? If their eyes glaze over when you dive into project specifics, you’re not alone.   In this week’s episode of the PMO Strategies Podcast, I’m joined by Lenka Pincot, Chief of Staff at the Project Management Institute (PMI), who shares her expert insights on how to bridge the communication gap between project managers and executives. In her role, Lenka leads global transformation efforts and oversees the enterprise PMO, making her uniquely qualified to help you rethink how to approach executive conversations. Why It’s Important to Rethink How You Talk to Executives Executives are often overwhelmed with decisions, and they need clear, concise information to make quick, impactful choices. However, many project managers fall into the trap of speaking “project language”—focusing on deliverables, timelines, and risks—without connecting the dots to business outcomes.   Key takeaway: Executives don’t want to hear about every project detail; they want to know how your project is driving business success. Are you helping the organization grow? Are you meeting customer needs? Are you contributing to long-term strategic goals? These are the questions you need to address.   Lenka shares an important lesson from her experience: “It’s not that executives don’t care about your projects—they do. But what they care about most is how your project impacts the overall business.” Your job is to translate the technical details of your project into the language of business, making it easier for executives to understand why your project matters and what decisions they need to make. How to Talk About Projects in a Way Executives Understand Here are three essential steps to ensure your conversations with executives resonate: 1. Understand What Your Executives Care About Before you walk into any meeting with an executive, make sure you understand their priorities. Are they focused on increasing revenue, improving customer satisfaction, or reducing risk? Knowing what drives them allows you to frame your project updates in a way that aligns with their goals. 2. Translate Technical Jargon into Business Value Executives don’t need to know the technical details of how a project will get done; they need to know how it will move the needle for the business. Instead of focusing on metrics like Earned Value Management or IT specifics, explain how the project will lead to growth, efficiency, or competitive advantage.   Lenka shares this tip: “Be the translator between the technical and business worlds. Your ability to make that connection will help executives make better, faster decisions.” 3. Filter the Noise and Focus on What Matters It’s tempting to present all the data to prove the importance of your project, but that can overwhelm executives. Instead, highlight the critical decisions that need executive input and own the rest. This builds trust and ensures that you’re not bogging them down with unnecessary information.   Lenka suggests, “Bring only the ‘red flags’—those issues that genuinely need executive attention—and handle the rest as the project manager. This will help you maintain a strong, trusted relationship with your leadership team.” The Role of the PMO in Elevating Project Conversations The PMO plays a crucial role in coaching project managers on how to communicate effectively with executives. Whether it’s through pre-meetings, coaching sessions, or providing strategic insights, PMO leaders can help project teams understand the business objectives behind each project and translate their updates accordingly.   Lenka emphasizes the importance of being a “business translator” and coach: “At PMI, we hold prep sessions before every executive project review, coaching project teams on how to present their updates in a way that aligns with our strategic goals. This preparation makes a huge difference in the outcomes of those conversations.” Key Takeaways from the Episode Business Acumen is Critical: To have effective conversations with executives, you need to understand the business goals and how your project aligns with them. Translate Project Details into Business Value: Speak the language of the C-suite by focusing on outcomes, not just project metrics. Filter and Prioritize Information: Only escalate critical issues to executives, and handle the rest yourself to build trust and credibility. Final Thoughts: Speak the Language of Business to Drive Results Being able to effectively communicate with executives is a critical skill for PMO leaders and project managers. By focusing on business outcomes, translating technical jargon into clear value, and filtering out unnecessary details, you’ll position yourself as a trusted partner in driving organizational success.   P.S. Want my 5-step IMPACT Communication Framework so you know exactly how to talk to your executives? Just order your copy of The IMPACT Engine book today and you’ll be having better conversations tomorrow.   Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS                                          

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen Hi, IMPACT Driver!   If you’ve ever wondered how executives really think about project management and strategy, you’re in for a treat.   🎙️In this special episode, I sit down with one of my favorite CEOs to discuss what goes on in the minds of the C-suite when it comes to delivering business results.   👉 Want to know how to have better conversations with your CEO? 👉 Curious about what top leaders prioritize for achieving success?   This episode is packed with valuable insights directly from the executive’s perspective—and trust me, it’s a must-listen for any PMO leader looking to elevate their game.   💡 Strategic Insights: Discover the mindset shifts that helped this CEO build successful project management capabilities across multiple organizations. 🎓 Expert Advice: Learn how to effectively communicate with executives to showcase the value you bring to their strategy. 🛠️ Actionable Tips: Get practical tips for translating business needs into project success stories.   🎧 Listen to the episode now and take your executive conversations to the next level!   Connect with Joel Connect with Joel on LinkedIn     Maximize Your IMPACT!   Laura   P.S. – Have your copy of The IMPACT Engine book?  Grab yours here on Amazon or see all the global retailers here. Don’t forget to pick up one for your executives or team. Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS                                          

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen Hi, IMPACT Driver!   I gotta say, this episode was something special. It was hard not to get emotional hearing from three amazing students in our IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind sharing their big wins and leadership transformations. You know that feeling when you’re just so proud of the people you care about? 🙌 Whether it’s your kids, friends, or team, watching them excel and talk about their success is just… so rewarding.   This episode gives you a front-row seat 🎟️ to their journeys, showing how they’ve implemented the steps from The IMPACT Engine to elevate their leadership and drive real results. And guess what? You can do it too! 💪   They’ve secured their seat at the table, and you can too, my friend.   Want to hear real results? Tune in and listen 🎧 to how they applied the system I teach you in The IMPACT Engine to navigate the complexities of their roles and make a real IMPACT. 🌟   🎧 Tune in now!   I’d love to hear your thoughts after you’ve listened. 💬 Reply to my post on LinkedIn about this episode with your ah-ha moments. 🚀   Maximize your IMPACT, Laura   P.S. – Ready to write your own success story? Order The IMPACT Engine now to get started. P.P.S. – Want to go even deeper? I’ve got you, IMPACT Driver. This is your next step.   Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights!  I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard     GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES  TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS