Professional PMOCast
36 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 months ago -This is the reincarnation of Ken Burrell's Pragmatic PMOCast, perfect for listening on your commute. To start with, this will be the home to soundtracks from an existing video series (so please don't be surprised by the use of the word "video" on an audio-only podcast!). In due course and if people want it, it may also include podcast-specific content.
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Episodes
SSS #024: Missed opportunity with Stuart TAYLOR
May 17, 2023 08:00 - 9 minutes - 13.1 MBIn this interview, Stuart Taylor (https://www.linkedin.com/in/skt/) talks us through how a change of government meant that the NHS lost out on some useful predictive technology, and how in hindsight he could have prevented that from happening. This interview is also available as a video. Sharing short, sharp, project lessons interviews like this is just one of the pragmatic pointers recommended in Ken's book “Learning lessons from Projects: How it works, why it goes wrong, and how you can ...
SSS #023: Costly (non) Communication with Elsie Rogers
January 23, 2022 09:00 - 7 minutes - 5.19 MBIn this interview, Elsie Rogers tells us how a simple communication oversight nearly turned into a cost overrun, and reminds us of the importance of informal corridor conversations. This interview is part of Pragmatic PMO’s “Scary Scars Shared” series, in which Ken BurrelI asks Real Project Managers to share in around ten minutes the lessons they have learned from managing projects, so that the whole project management community can learn from their experiences. You can find the entire se...
SSS #022: Driving blindfold through the badlands with Zoe O'Toole
January 22, 2022 09:00 - 10 minutes - 7.59 MBIn this interview, Zoe O'Toole tells us how she went into a hostile, change-fatigued environment with no project portfolio overview and implemented project and portfolio reporting. She shares how she gained trust and improved communication, and reminds us to listen and understand before making recommendations for change. This interview is also available as a video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVk-XAHIKE4&list=PL1ZmB1dbMaa1uauuDxHoxxMDyVV_oQIPs&index=25 This interview is part of Pragm...
SSS #021: Too much, too soon with Richard Humphrey
January 21, 2022 09:00 - 11 minutes - 7.65 MBIn this interview, Richard Humphrey tells us how what he thought was a sensible and pragmatic suggestion was summarily dismissed. He reminds us to pay attention to stakeholders' environment, and reminds us that incremental change is often better received and longer lasting than step change. This interview is part of Pragmatic PMO’s “Scary Scars Shared” series, in which Ken BurrelI asks Real Project Managers to share in around ten minutes the lessons they have learned from managing projects,...
SSS #020: Explosive expectations with Martin Robbie
January 20, 2022 09:00 - 11 minutes - 8.25 MBIn this interview, police officer Martin Robbie describes what it is like to manage a real emergency situation, and what he learned from doing it. He reminds us to prioritise and balance the needs of disparate stakeholders, and to use the right amount of communication to keep people informed but on task. This interview is also available as a video at http://bit.ly/ScaryScars This is one of Pragmatic PMO's interview series "Scary Scars Shared". In these interviews, Ken asks Real Project Man...
SSS #019 Tricky Timescales with Ben Archer
January 19, 2022 09:00 - 8 minutes - 6.07 MBIn this interview, Ben Archer reminds us not to over-promise, and to minimise cost and complexity by minimising the number of project phases. This interview is part of Pragmatic PMO’s “Scary Scars Shared” series, in which Ken BurrelI asks Real Project Managers to share in around ten minutes the lessons they have learned from managing projects, so that the whole project management community can learn from their experiences. You can find the entire series at http://bit.ly/ScaryScars (video)...
SSS #018: Accommodating Clients with David EVANS
January 18, 2022 09:00 - 9 minutes - 6.46 MBIn this interview, David Evans recommends us to understands the needs of project stakeholders, and be prepared to adapt our project approach to suit those needs. This interview is part of Pragmatic PMO’s “Scary Scars Shared” series, in which Ken BurrelI asks Real Project Managers to share in around ten minutes the lessons they have learned from managing projects, so that the whole project management community can learn from their experiences. You can find the entire series at http://bit.l...
SSS #017: Buried benefits with Kim Fitzpatrick
January 17, 2022 09:00 - 9 minutes - 6.64 MBIn this episode, Kim Fitzpatrick recommends us to clearly articulate the purpose of our projects, especially when the benefits are not obvious. She also suggests we should understand the skills of the people we work with to get the best from them. This interview is part of Pragmatic PMO’s “Scary Scars Shared” series, in which Ken BurrelI asks Real Project Managers to share in around ten minutes the lessons they have learned from managing projects, so that the whole project management commun...
SSS #016: Stubborn stakeholders with Bekka Prideaux
January 16, 2022 09:00 - 10 minutes - 7.37 MBIn this episode, Bekka Prideaux talks about how she handled a stakeholder who didn't do what he said he would. She reminds us to make effective use of the people and the tools available to us to deliver the project. This interview is also available as a video at http://bit.ly/ScaryScars This is one of Pragmatic PMO's interview series "Scary Scars Shared". In these interviews, Ken asks Real Project Managers to share in around ten minutes what they learned from their most successful and thei...
SSS #015: Introductions and information with Jack Saward
January 15, 2022 09:00 - 10 minutes - 7.18 MBIn this interview, Jack Saward tells us what happens when we take passed-on information at face value, and recommends that instead we go direct to the information source wherever possible. This interview is also available as a video at http://bit.ly/ScaryScars This is one of Pragmatic PMO's interview series "Scary Scars Shared". In these interviews, Ken asks Real Project Managers to share in around ten minutes what they learned from their most successful and their challenging project manag...
SSS #014: Experts and expectations with Juliet DOSWELL
January 14, 2022 09:00 - 7 minutes - 5.48 MBIn this interview, Juliet Doswell reminds us to manage our stakeholders' expectations (estimates are subject to change), and reminds us that the advice of experts is ultimately one person's opinion. This interview is part of Pragmatic PMO’s “Scary Scars Shared” series, in which Ken BurrelI asks Real Project Managers to share in around ten minutes the lessons they have learned from managing projects, so that the whole project management community can learn from their experiences. You can f...
SSS #013: Uncertain assumptions with Susie Palmer-Trew
January 13, 2022 09:00 - 9 minutes - 6.72 MBIn this interview, Susie Palmer-Trew relates the consequences of making assumptions, and reminds us to encourage people to challenge and test the assumptions we make - especially the small ones. This interview is also available as a video This is one of Pragmatic PMO's interview series "Scary Scars Shared", in which Ken Burrell talks to Real Project Managers about what they have learned from things that have gone wrong on their projects (scars), so that we can all learn from their experien...
SSS #012: Responsibilities and recommendations with Jill Plunga
January 12, 2022 09:00 - 9 minutes - 6.77 MBIn this interview, Jill Plunga warns against the perils of forgetting what the role of the project manager truly is, and reminds how important it is to make full use of subject matter experts. This interview is part of Pragmatic PMO’s “Scary Scars Shared” series, in which Ken BurrelI asks Real Project Managers to share in around ten minutes the lessons they have learned from managing projects, so that the whole project management community can learn from their experiences. You can find th...
SSS #011: Nightworks and networks with Evelyn Webber
January 11, 2022 09:00 - 11 minutes - 8.15 MBIn this interview, Evelyn Webber talks about how she handled an office move that went wrong. She reminds us of the importance of contingency planning, developing and maintaining a network of contacts, and having the tenacity to find and deliver a solution. This interview is part of Pragmatic PMO’s “Scary Scars Shared” series, in which Ken BurrelI asks Real Project Managers to share in around ten minutes the lessons they have learned from managing projects, so that the whole project manageme...
SSS #010: Stakeholders and strategy with Louise Worsley
January 10, 2022 09:00 - 11 minutes - 7.92 MBIn this interview, Louise Worsley tells us of her experience with powerful negative stakeholders, and advises us on how to use them to help improve the quality of both risk management and the solution. She also reminds us to make sure what you're doing against remains aligned with the business case. This interview is part of Pragmatic PMO’s “Scary Scars Shared” series, in which Ken BurrelI asks Real Project Managers to share in around ten minutes the lessons they have learned from managin...
SSS #010a: Change of Focus
January 10, 2022 08:00 - 1 minute - 765 KBIn this video, Ken Burrell shares a change in focus for the SSS interview series, and explains the rationale behind it.
SSS #009: Context and Collaboration with Eileen Roden
January 09, 2022 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.44 MBIn this interview, Eileen Roden warns project managers against planning in isolation and trying to provide all the technical answers; instead planning should be a collaborative process, and use the knowledge of the team. She also talks about the value of understanding where your project fits into the business strategy so that you can optimise what you are delivering to fit the business' need. This interview is part of Pragmatic PMO’s “Scary Scars Shared” series, in which Ken BurrelI asks R...
SSS #008: Calculation and Categorisation with John McIntyre
January 08, 2022 09:00 - 12 minutes - 8.7 MBIn this episode, John McIntyre warns us to be careful when using averages to work out project durations (and explains how they are more useful at project level than task level). He also advises us to consider segmenting stakeholders using whatever criteria are useful to the project in hand, and reminds us that using averages to calculate durations can be very effective in the right circumstances (e.g. when considering programmes or portfolios). This interview is also available as a video a...
SSS #007: Briefing and Believing with Paul Lomax
January 07, 2022 09:00 - 10 minutes - 7.39 MBIn this episode, Paul Lomax gives us an example of the dangers in taking instructions and information at face value, and encourages us to communicate well and frequently to keep everyone on the same page. This interview is part of Pragmatic PMO’s “Scary Scars Shared” series, in which Ken BurrelI asks Real Project Managers to share in around ten minutes the lessons they have learned from managing projects, so that the whole project management community can learn from their experiences. You...
SSS #006: Entrenchment and Empowerment with Nick Hopkins
January 06, 2022 09:00 - 11 minutes - 7.65 MBIn this episode, Nick Hopkins tells us about the difficulties of running projects in organisations that believe their people are empowered, but in reality decisions are funnelled trough a small group of people. He also tells us about running projects the deliver changes the stakeholders don't want, and how to work around resistant stakeholders. This interview is part of Pragmatic PMO’s “Scary Scars Shared” series, in which Ken BurrelI asks Real Project Managers to share in around ten minut...
SSS #005: Rationale and Relationships with Mark Ferguson
January 05, 2022 09:00 - 10 minutes - 7.28 MBIn this episode, Mark Ferguson talks to us about the importance of understanding the business case for your project and understanding how it fits into the organisational governance context. He also warns us against underestimating the importance of stakeholder engagement, and taking what you are told at face value. This interview is also available as a video at http://bit.ly/ScaryScars This is one of Pragmatic PMO's interview series "Scary Scars Shared". In these interviews, Ken asks Real...
SSS #004: Assumptions and expectations with Nicole REILLY
January 04, 2022 09:00 - 11 minutes - 7.83 MBIn this episode, Nicole Reilly warns us what can happen if you make the wrong assumptions and don't use operational subject matter experts. She also tells us about how good and consistent communication to stakeholders helps to manage their expectations and increase adoption. This interview is part of Pragmatic PMO’s “Scary Scars Shared” series, in which Ken BurrelI asks Real Project Managers to share in around ten minutes the lessons they have learned from managing projects, so that the wh...
SSS #003: Checklists and charity with Martin DOWSETT
January 03, 2022 09:00 - 9 minutes - 6.27 MBIn this interview, Martin Dowsett tells us how he uses checklists to make sure small but important things don't get forgotten. He also tells us how he brought a project that was over budget back on track, and how he created and used a set of guiding principles to keep it there. This interview is part of Pragmatic PMO’s “Scary Scars Shared” series, in which Ken BurrelI asks Real Project Managers to share in around ten minutes the lessons they have learned from managing projects, so that the...
SSS #002: Freedom and Flexibility with Adam Al-Shemmeri
January 02, 2022 09:00 - 10 minutes - 7.58 MBIn this episode, Adam Al-Shemmeri talks about how incremental delivery can increase flexibility - even in construction! He also talks about running projects when the sponsor's freedom to make decisions is limited - and how he worked around it. This interview is part of Pragmatic PMO’s “Scary Scars Shared” series, in which Ken BurrelI asks Real Project Managers to share in around ten minutes the lessons they have learned from managing projects, so that the whole project management community...
SSS #001: Testing and Templates with Shree Patel
January 01, 2022 09:00 - 10 minutes - 7.3 MBIn this episode, Real Project Manager Shreekant Patel tells us about how he creates and uses templates for repeatable tasks, and gets to know his stakeholders. He also tells us about his challenges with IT application testing, and how investing intelligently in infrastructure and test data can help. This interview is part of Pragmatic PMO’s “Scary Scars Shared” series, in which Ken BurrelI asks Real Project Managers to share in around ten minutes the lessons they have learned from managing...
SSS #000: Ken Burrell (Series Intro)
December 31, 2021 09:00 - 59 seconds - 730 KBIn this episode, Ken Burrell of Pragmatic PMO introduces the “Scary Scars Shared” (formerly "Successes and Scars Shared") interview series, in which he asks Real Project Managers to share in around ten minutes the lessons they have learned from managing projects, so that the whole project management community can learn from their experiences. You can find the entire series at http://bit.ly/ScaryScars (video) and http://bit.ly/PragmaticPMOCast (audio, or search for “PragmaticPMOCast” wherev...
Project Management, Learning Lessons from Projects, #CAMRPM, Scary Scars Shared, Stakeholder Engagement
December 16, 2021 08:00 - 12 minutes - 8.7 MBIn this episode, John McIntyre warns us to be careful when using averages to work out project durations (and explains how they are more useful at project level than task level). He also advises us to consider segmenting stakeholders using whatever criteria are useful to the project in hand, and reminds us that using averages to calculate durations can be very effective in the right circumstances (e.g. when considering programmes or portfolios). This interview is part of Pragmatic PMO’s “Sc...
SSS #013: Uncertain assumptions with Susie Palmer-Trew
March 27, 2021 14:00 - 9 minutes - 6.71 MBIn this interview, Susie Palmer-Trew relates the consequences of making assumptions, and reminds us to encourage people to challenge and test the assumptions we make - especially the small ones. This interview is also available as a video at http://bit.ly/ScaryScars This is one of Pragmatic PMO's interview series "Successes and Scars Shared", in which Ken Burrell talks to Real Project Managers about what they have learned from things that have gone well on their projects (successes) and th...
SSS #003: Checklists and charity with Martin Dowsett
February 22, 2021 09:00 - 9 minutes - 6.26 MBIn this interview, Martin Dowsett (https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-dowsett-a0143225/) tells us how he uses checklists to make sure small but important things don't get forgotten. He also tells us how he brought a project that was over budget back on track, and how he created and used a set of guiding principles to keep it there. This interview is also available as a video at http://bit.ly/ScaryScars This is one of Pragmatic PMO's interview series "Scary Scars Shared". In these intervie...
SSS #004: Assumptions and expectations with Nicole Reilly
February 22, 2021 09:00 - 11 minutes - 7.83 MBIn this episode, Nicole Reilly warns us what can happen if you make the wrong assumptions and don't use operational subject matter experts. She also tells us about how good and consistent communication to stakeholders helps to manage their expectations and increase adoption. This interview is also available as a video at http://bit.ly/ScaryScars This is one of Pragmatic PMO's interview series "Scary Scars Shared". In these interviews, Ken asks Real Project Managers to share in around ten ...
Project Management, Learning Lessons from Projects, #CAMRPM, Scary Scars Shared, Templates and Checklists,
February 16, 2021 08:00 - 10 minutes - 7.16 MBIn this interview, Jack Saward tells us what happens when we take passed-on information at face value, and recommends that instead we go direct to the information source wherever possible. This interview is also available as a video at http://bit.ly/ScaryScars This is one of Pragmatic PMO's interview series "Scary Scars Shared". In these interviews, Ken asks Real Project Managers to share in around ten minutes what they learned from their most successful and their challenging project manag...
SSS #015: Introductions and information with Jack SAWARD
November 20, 2020 10:00 - 10 minutes - 7.16 MBIn this interview, Jack Saward tells us what happens when we take passed-on information at face value, and recommends that instead we go direct to the information source wherever possible. This interview is also available as a video at http://bit.ly/ScaryScars This is one of Pragmatic PMO's interview series "Scary Scars Shared". In these interviews, Ken asks Real Project Managers to share in around ten minutes what they learned from their most successful and their challenging project manag...
Driving blindfold through the badlands with Zoe O'Toole
June 29, 2020 08:00 - 10 minutes - 7.58 MBIn this interview, Zoe O'Toole tells us how she went into a hostile, change-fatigued environment with no project portfolio overview and implemented project and portfolio reporting. She shares how she gained trust and improved communication, and reminds us to listen and understand before making recommendations for change. This interview is also available as a video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVk-XAHIKE4&list=PL1ZmB1dbMaa1uauuDxHoxxMDyVV_oQIPs&index=25 This is one of Pragmatic P...
SSS #006: Empowerment and Entrenchment with Nick Hopkins
June 07, 2020 11:00 - 11 minutes - 7.64 MBIn this episode, Nick Hopkins tells us about the difficulties of running projects in organisations that believe their people are empowered, but in reality decisions are funnelled trough a small group of people. He also tells us about running projects the deliver changes the stakeholders don't want, and how to work around resistant stakeholders. This interview is also available as a video at http://bit.ly/ScaryScars This is one of Pragmatic PMO's interview series "Scary Scars Shared". In ...
Explosive expectations with Martin Robbie
April 23, 2020 12:00 - 11 minutes - 8.24 MBIn this interview, Martin Robbie describes what it is like to manage a real emergency situation, and what he learned from doing it. He reminds us to prioritise and balance the needs of disparate stakeholders, and to use the right amount of communication to keep people informed but on task. This interview is also available as a video at http://bit.ly/ScaryScars This is one of Pragmatic PMO's interview series "Scary Scars Shared". In these interviews, Ken asks Real Project Managers to share ...
SSS #018: Accommodating Clients with David Evans
April 06, 2020 10:00 - 9 minutes - 6.45 MBIn this interview, David Evans (https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-evans-2a965119/) recommends us to understands the needs of project stakeholders, and be prepared to adapt our project approach to suit those needs. This interview is also available as a video at http://bit.ly/ScaryScars This is one of Pragmatic PMO's interview series "Scary Scars Shared". In these interviews, Ken asks Real Project Managers to share in around ten minutes what they learned from their most successful and their ...