PMO Strategies

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Power SkillsEvery organization talks about leadership and agility, but few know how to make them real when disruption hits. When the pace of change never slows, how do you lead with clarity instead of reacting in chaos? In this episode, I’m joined by Ken Banta, founder and CEO of The Vanguard Network and author of Seeing Around Corners: Leadership in an Era of Disruption. Together, we explore what it really takes to lead with clarity and confidence when the pace of change never slows down. Ken and I discuss how self-awareness, adaptability, and influence are redefining leadership for the next decade— and how PMO and transformation leaders can move from simply managing change to anticipating it. You’ll learn how to shift from task-focused management to outcome-driven leadership that builds executive trust and drives measurable business value. The best leaders aren’t just delivering projects. They’re strategy navigators who connect the C-suite vision with on-the-ground execution. When PMO and transformation leaders build that bridge, they become the early-warning system executives rely on to see around corners and deliver lasting IMPACT.  What You'll Learn:  ✅ What “seeing around corners” really means in practice ✅ How to use self-awareness to lead with credibility and purpose ✅ The difference between management and adaptive leadership ✅ Why PMO leaders are the translation link between the C-suite and delivery teams ✅ How adaptability and agility turn disruption into measurable IMPACT  It’s time to get clear on what true leadership looks like in an era of disruption and how to evolve fast enough to stay ahead of it. 👉 Press play to discover how leadership built on awareness, agility, and trust helps PMO and transformation leaders turn uncertainty into IMPACT. Connect with Ken: Follow him on LinkedIn Visit www.thevanguardnetwork.com P.S. Ready to lead through disruption instead of reacting to it? The PMI Global Summit 2025 will equip you with the tools, insights, and connections to deliver measurable IMPACT. Join us November 12–15 in Phoenix, AZ and take your leadership to the next level. Click here to register. 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 BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | a...

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Business AcumenWe’ve all been told that the safest hire is the one with the most experience. But here’s the truth: experience doesn’t guarantee IMPACT. In this episode, I challenge the old belief that more experience automatically makes a better hire. I share a story from a PMO leader who kept meeting senior candidates with impressive résumés—people who loved their methodology but couldn’t flex with modern, collaborative ways of working. Some wouldn’t move forward without every document perfectly approved. Others resisted iterative planning altogether. Sound familiar? Experience is valuable, but mindset wins every time.  What You'll Learn:  ✅ Why the “more experience, better hire” belief breaks down ✅ The real pros and cons of hiring experienced PMs ✅ The strengths and gaps of junior and mid-level PMs ✅ The traits to hire for, including the IMPACT Driver mindset and outcome focus ✅ Interview questions that reveal adaptability, judgment, and value-driven thinking  👉 Press play to learn how to hire for the future, not the past.  P.S. Ready to lead where strategy happens? The IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind gives you the coaching, tools, and community you need to stop operating like a support function and start driving the business outcomes your executives are counting on. Click here to learn more! 🚀 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 BarnardGET 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 AcumenTime. Scope. Budget. They're the scoreboard most teams are told to play by.  But what if meeting those marks isn’t what earns you a win—at least not in the eyes of your stakeholders?  In this episode, I’m joined by Dave Garrett, Senior Advisor to the CEO at PMI (Project Management Institute) and the architect behind PMI’s largest-ever global research study on Maximizing Project Success. Together, we discuss how the definition of project success is changing and what it means for project and PMO leaders who want to stay relevant.  Dave and I address why success is no longer about project management metrics. It's about value. Specifically, value that was worth the effort and expense in the eyes of the customer.  You’ll also hear how this shift is sparking a new era of leadership thinking, capability building, and organizational alignment. There’s so much more to project success than the triple constraint.  What You'll Learn:  Why project success and project management success are not the same The real definition of success, based on global research How customer perception is now the most powerful success metric The role of the MORE mindset and how to lead beyond project close How to build trust, measure value, and drive outcomes that matter Get clear on what success really means and what it takes to deliver it. 👉 Press play to learn how the future of project success belongs to those who lead with value, not just metrics.  Connect with Dave: Follow him on LinkedIn Read PMI’s Maximizing Project Success report P.S. The IMPACT Driver Intensive helps leadership teams shift from reactive oversight to outcome ownership—with the strategy alignment, clarity, and business value focus they need to deliver what actually matters. Click here to learn how you can lead strategy execution with confidence and clarity. 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 BarnardGET 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 WorkingGrowth in a PMO career often gets measured by titles or the size of the portfolio you manage. But in reality, leadership growth is about making the right shifts at the right time. If you’ve been delivering results but still feel stuck, it’s not because you lack talent. It’s because every stage of your career calls for a different focus. Without making those shifts, you can stall out before you reach your full potential. The constant activity, the heavy processes, the endless reporting—that’s the friction. And friction keeps you from leading at the level you’re capable of. In this episode, I’ll walk you through the three stages of PMO leadership growth, what to focus on in each one, and how to make each transition without burning out. You’ll see where you are now, what to stop doing, and what to lean into so you can lead with clarity and create lasting IMPACT.   You'll Learn:  The three key stages most PMO leaders move through. How to shift from order taker to IMPACT Driver. Why centering your PMO on business value changes your visibility. The leadership moves that turn ownership into true influence. How to focus on what matters most right now so you can transition smoothly. 👉 Press play to find out where you are in your leadership journey and what to focus on next to move from projects to power.  P.S. Ready to make your value visible? Inside the IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind, you'll learn how to lead with strategy, earn executive trust, and position your team as essential to business success. Get the coaching, tools, and support to drive real outcomes. Click here to learn more. 🚀 P.P.S. ⌛ Time is almost up! We're in the final days of celebrating The IMPACT Engine book one-year anniversary. Visit The IMPACT Engine book anniversary page to check out the book specials, freebies, enter the grand prize giveaway, and see what makes the IMPACT Engine System unlike anything else. Whether you’ve been with us from the very beginning or are just discovering the movement, today’s the perfect time to celebrate with us. 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 BarnardGET 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 AcumenLuxury isn’t about cost. It’s about how people feel when they interact with you.  This is what it means to adopt a luxury mindset. Leaders who stop acting like task-driven order takers and start thinking like concierges create experiences that build trust, influence, and lasting IMPACT.  So if stakeholders are craving more connection and executives are looking for advocates they can count on, how do you rise to that level?  In this week’s episode of the PMO Strategies Podcast, I’m joined by Neen James, a luxury experience expert and leadership strategist who helps C-suite leaders create exceptional experiences that drive results and deepen relationships. With clients including Four Seasons, Comcast, and the FBI, and recognition as a Top 30 Leadership Speaker by Global Gurus, Neen brings sharp insights on how leaders can use thoughtful touches to build trust and influence at the highest levels. Together, we talk about how the five “luxury levers” help you elevate stakeholder engagement, shift from transactional to transformational, systemize thoughtfulness, and design champagne moments that make people feel valued.  What You'll Learn:  Why luxury is about connection, not cost How to think like a concierge instead of a bellhop The five “luxury levers” that elevate every interaction How systemized thoughtfulness builds authentic loyalty What champagne moments look like inside projects and transformations How personalization, customization, and anticipation win executive buy-in 👉 Press play to learn how to build experiences that turn executives into champions, strengthen stakeholder trust, and drive lasting IMPACT. Connect with Neen: Follow her on LinkedIn Visit her website “Exceptional Experiences” Check out her Youtube channel Watch her “Exceptional Experiences" book trailer  SPONSOR LINK:  P.S. Ready to make your value visible? Inside the IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind, you'll learn how to lead with strategy, earn executive trust, and position your team as essential to business success. Get the coaching, tools, and support to drive real outcomes. Click here to learn more. 🚀 P.P.S. There's Still Time to Celebrate The IMPACT Engine Book One-Year Anniversary! Visit The IMPACT Engine book anniversary page to check out the book specials, freebies, enter the giveaway, and see what makes the IMPACT Engine System unlike anything else. Whether you’ve been with us from the very beginning or are just discovering the movement, today’s the perfect time to celebrate with us. Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!I welcome...

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Power SkillsStrategy is just planning for IMPACT. This is what PMO leaders do night in and night out: plan, prioritize, and align across the portfolio. That alone is influencing strategy.   So if PMO leaders are experts in strategy, why are they still left out of strategic conversations?  In this week’s episode of the PMO Strategies Podcast, I break down why the word “strategy” feels intimidating, why that belief holds teams back, and how to translate your daily work into the language executives expect.  This episode is a practical guide for PMO and strategy leaders who want to lead the conversation with clarity and make the plan deliver real business value.  What You'll Learn:  Why “strategy” always comes back to a plan, and how to say that in plain language How to explain strategy as planning for IMPACT in terms your executives respect The role strategy plays in cutting projects, surfacing bottlenecks, and aligning capacity How to walk in prepared with two questions that change the room What to change in planning sessions so you shift from status to choices The simple language to claim your seat at the table and drive the conversation 👉 Press play to learn how to recognize your planning as strategy, claim your seat at the table, and lead decisions that drive IMPACT.  P.S. Ready to make your value visible? Inside the IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind, you'll learn how to lead with strategy, earn executive trust, and position your team as essential to business success. Get the coaching, tools, and support to drive real outcomes. Click here to learn more. 🚀 P.P.S. There's Still Time to Celebrate The IMPACT Engine Book One-Year Anniversary! Visit The IMPACT Engine book anniversary page to check out the book specials, freebies, enter the giveaway, and see what makes the IMPACT Engine System unlike anything else. Whether you’ve been with us from the very beginning or are just discovering the movement, today’s the perfect time to celebrate with us. 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 BarnardGET 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 SkillsPublic sector projects rarely fail because of bad process. They fail because of behaviors no one is willing to confront.  In this episode, I’m joined by Matthew Oleniuk, senior public sector delivery advisor, oversight leader, and founder of TheRiskInsider.com. With 15+ years managing politically sensitive, billion-dollar projects, Matthew brings a refreshingly blunt perspective on what it really takes to lead under pressure.  We break down how project failure in the public sector often has nothing to do with method and everything to do with misaligned culture, disengaged leadership, and risks buried under “green” dashboards.  This episode is a candid roadmap for project professionals working in highly structured, politically charged environments who are tired of pretending the system is enough and ready to start delivering anyway.  What You'll Learn:  Why green dashboards can hide red-flag behaviors that derail delivery. How to stop mistaking oversight for progress. Why real risks don’t show up on a register and how to name them anyway. How courageous delivery leaders create “mini-cultures” of performance. What to do when the culture rewards compliance over outcomes. The one question every PMO should ask before creating a new tool or report. Press play to learn how real delivery happens when you confront what the process alone can’t fix. Connect with Matthew: Follow him on LinkedIn Visit his website Get early access on his course Download the Public Sector Project Health Check P.S. If your PMO is still chasing tasks instead of driving strategy, it’s time for a reset. Join me October 15–16 for the IMPACT Engine Practitioner Course—a live, virtual two-day certification program designed to help you deliver real business value, not just reports. Seats are limited, so reserve yours now. 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 BarnardGET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | a...

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Power SkillsMany leaders think their job when stepping into an existing PMO is to keep things running smoothly. But most of the time? That’s exactly how you miss the chance to make it matter. In this episode, I walk you through how to take charge of a PMO you’ve inherited, using the IMPACT Engine framework to understand why it exists, reset its purpose, and realign it with today’s business needs so it delivers real IMPACT in its first 90 to 180 days. I'll share why momentum without direction is just motion and the exact steps to diagnose how your PMO is seen, reset its purpose, and make early changes that earn trust without resistance. This episode will give you a clear plan to reset alignment, build credibility, and create the PMO that’s needed now, not just the one you were handed.  What You'll Learn:  The first shift you must make in week one (hint: it’s not templates). How to assess reality fast without a months-long audit. Which 2–3 high-IMPACT services to (re)launch first. Building a 90–180 day plan that earns buy-in and trust. How to prove the model with early wins leaders can feel. The rhythm to keep relevance as strategy changes. 👉 Press play to learn how to step into an existing PMO, earn trust fast, and set the stage for real IMPACT.  P.S. The IMPACT Insiders Book Club is so much more than reading a book — it's a movement. Join us for live calls, deep conversations, and a behind-the-scenes look at how to create real change with The IMPACT Engine. It’s completely free — grab your seat now and don’t miss what’s next. P.P.S. On September 10, we’re celebrating the one-year anniversary of The IMPACT Engine! Whether you already own the book or have been waiting to grab a copy, now’s your chance. Not on the newsletter yet? Join today so you don’t miss the exclusive September 9 sneak peek at special offers and giveaways—my way of saying thanks for an incredibly IMPACTful year! 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 BarnardGET 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 SkillsEveryone thinks strategy fails because of poor execution.  But most of the time? It’s poor communication.  In this episode, I’m joined by Dori Gilbert—an executive coach, transformation strategist, and certified PMO leader who’s helped delivery teams and executives close the gap between strategy and execution by developing what she calls “communication agility.” It’s a framework built on three essential traits: courage, context, and conflict fluency.  We get into why executives hesitate to delegate, why middle managers struggle to advocate, and why project leaders often avoid the very conversations that could change everything. This episode gives you practical tools to build trust, shift perception, and communicate with strategic presence—even when the stakes are high.  This episode will give you a clear path to elevating your visibility, earning stakeholder buy-in, and leading through change with confidence and clarity.  What You'll Learn:  Why leaders don’t trust handoffs (and how to fix it) The 3Cs of Communication Agility How to develop strategic presence (without faking confidence) What “empathetic action” looks like in real conversations How to lead up, out, and across with clarity and influence 👉 Press play to learn how to build real traction with your words, not just your workload.  Connect with Dori: Follow her on LinkedIn Check out her website Visit KiteAgility.com Download Your Internal Conflict Messaging System Guide P.S. If you’re ready to lead with clarity instead of noise, The IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind gives you the tools, coaching, and support to communicate with confidence and influence at the highest level. Click here to learn more 🚀 P.P.S. On September 10, we’re celebrating the one-year anniversary of The IMPACT Engine! Whether you already own the book or have been waiting to grab a copy, now’s your chance. Not on the newsletter yet? Join today so you don’t miss the exclusive September 9 sneak peek at special offers and giveaways—my way of saying thanks for an incredibly IMPACTful year! 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

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Power SkillsPMOs were never meant to be just about tracking outputs. The real reason executive teams approve the creation of a PMO is to drive better business outcomes.  In this episode, I’m talking about how the original purpose of the PMO has been buried under layers of process, compliance, and bureaucracy—and what it takes to bring it back to driving meaningful results.  I break down why purpose must come before process, how too many PMOs have slipped into measuring activity instead of outcomes, and the three commitments I’ve seen high-IMPACT PMOs make that set them apart from the rest.  This episode is your blueprint for shifting the conversation from project volume to business velocity—especially if your PMO is being recognized more for producing status reports than for delivering strategic IMPACT.  What You'll Learn:  Why PMOs that focus on outcomes over process always win How to set strategy up for success before execution even begins Ways to optimize delivery systems to accelerate results, not slow them down How to hold your PMO accountable to real-world business outcomes Practical steps to reframe your value without waiting for permission 👉 Press play to learn how to build real traction with your words—not just your workload.  P.S. Looking to shift your PMO from execution to true strategic influence? The IMPACT Engine System gives you a clear, step-by-step path to deliver measurable outcomes, build executive trust, and elevate your role across the organization—without the chaos and overwhelm.   P.P.S. On September 10, we’re celebrating the one-year anniversary of The IMPACT Engine! Whether you already own the book or have been waiting to grab a copy, now’s your chance. Not on the newsletter yet? Join today so you don’t miss the exclusive September 9 sneak peek at special offers and giveaways—my way of saying thanks for an incredibly IMPACTful year! 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 BarnardGET 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 AcumenPMOs were never meant to be just support teams. They’re strategic engines—and it’s time the world caught up.  If you’ve been delivering projects without influence, you’re missing the opportunity to lead your company’s strategy from the inside out.  In this episode, I’m joined by Aina Alive, Founder and CEO at Bee Agile and CEO and VP of Marketing at The PMO Community, and the lead editor of the Amazon bestseller The Evolution of the PMO: Rise of the Chief Project Officer, a global collaboration from 40 thought leaders across 6 continents challenging everything we thought we knew about project leadership.  Together, we discuss why execution is no longer a back-office function and how a new kind of leader is emerging: the Chief Project Officer (CPO).  This isn’t about renaming the PMO. It’s about reclaiming execution as a strategic capability, and building the mindset, skills, and partnerships that turn PMO leaders into strategy navigators and trusted business advisors.  What You'll Learn:  Why project execution is becoming a strategic differentiator What separates the Chief Project Officer (CPO) from traditional PMO leaders How to evolve from execution support to executive business partner What AI is changing (and not changing) about the role of human leadership Why emotional intelligence is now a core competency for PMO leaders First steps to reposition your PMO as a trusted strategic arm of the business 👉 Press play to learn how the future of execution belongs to those bold enough to lead it.  Connect with Aina: Follow her on LinkedIn Grab the book The Evolution of the PMO & Rise of the Chief Project Officer Visit BeeAgile’s website Check out The PMO Strategy and Execution Hub  P.S. Lead where strategy happens. The IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind gives you the coaching, tools, and support to stop operating like a support function and start delivering the business outcomes your executives are counting on. Click here to learn more! 🚀 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 a...

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!PMI Talent Triangle: Power SkillsYou’re delivering results. You’re solving problems. But if no one knows about it, it’s like it never happened.  In this episode, I’m sharing why it’s not enough to simply do great work—you also need to make that work visible. I’ll walk you through how to market your IMPACT with intention, earn executive buy-in, and make sure your results actually get the recognition they deserve.  Learn how to build credibility, boost morale, and position your PMO as an indispensable part of the business—all by making your value clear, consistent, and impossible to ignore.  If your work is driving real outcomes behind the scenes, this episode will help you bring those wins to the forefront.   What You'll Learn:  Why “doing the work” isn’t enough to earn support How to build a real-time win file to track your team’s results Ways to translate project activity into business outcomes How to set up visibility rhythms that make your IMPACT stick Why executive buy-in starts with strategic communication How celebration drives morale, momentum, and recognition 👉 Press play to learn how to make your results visible, your value clear, and your team truly unforgettable.  P.S. Ready to make your value visible? Inside the IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind, you'll learn how to lead with strategy, earn executive trust, and position your team as essential to business success. Get the coaching, tools, and support to drive real outcomes. Click here to learn more. 🚀 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 BarnardGET 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 SkillsEveryone talks about PMO frameworks. We’re talking about the humans behind them.  If your playbook starts with process instead of people, you're skipping the most important part of the work: understanding how your organization really functions—politically, emotionally, and psychologically.  In this episode, I’m joined by Brandy Brown, one of our incredible IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind students, an enterprise PMO leader and organizational strategist with a background in industrial/organizational psychology. Brandy brings a human-centered approach to strategy and change, with a strong track record of driving sustainable results across complex organizations.  We explore what actually creates traction when you're standing up or evolving a PMO. It’s not flashy launches or heavyweight governance. It’s sponsorship that challenges you, credibility built on quick wins, and a strategic approach to human behavior inside complex organizations.  Whether you’re starting from scratch or working within an established EPMO, this episode gives you the perspective, tools, and mindset to lead real transformation.   What You'll Learn:  Why understanding human behavior is a PMO essential, not a bonus How Brandy used sponsorship to create traction and accountability The psychology behind quick wins and credibility loops How to design collaboration that builds pull (not push) What it means to lead with empathy inside political organizations  👉 Press play to learn how to build a trust-first PMO that actually sticks.  Connect with Brandy: Follow her on LinkedIn P.S. If you're ready to master leadership mindset like Brandy, join her and other industry leaders inside the IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind! With expert coaching, deep-dive workshops, and hands-on support, you’ll get the structure and guidance to lead with clarity, deliver with purpose, and create real, lasting 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 BarnardGET 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 SkillsYou don’t prove your leadership by taking on everything yourself. You prove it by creating space, enabling others, and delivering results that last. In this episode, I’m calling out the hidden cost of wearing “busy” like a badge—and why so many high-performing leaders quietly hold themselves back by refusing to ask for help. We’ll talk about how the lone hero mindset sabotages your growth, what real executive-level leadership looks like, and how to shift from doing the work…to leading the work. If you’ve been telling yourself “I’ve got it,” when what you really need is a team beside you—this conversation is for you.   What You'll Learn:  Why doing it all yourself isn’t sustainable—or strategic How the lone hero mindset blocks your growth A real-world story of shared ownership that changed everything What top executives understand about asking for help How to build trust, increase clarity, and lead through others  👉 Press play to learn how to stop doing it all alone—and start leading like an executive. P.S. The IMPACT Insiders Book Club is so much more than reading a book—it's a movement. Join us for live calls, deep conversations, and a behind-the-scenes look at how to create real change with The IMPACT Engine. It’s completely free—grab your seat now and don’t miss what’s next. 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 BarnardGET 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 WorkingIf your projects are hitting deadlines but missing the point—this episode is for you.   Kevin Torf isn’t interested in checking boxes. After four decades leading large-scale IT and infrastructure projects across major health systems and Fortune 500s, he’s built a reputation on one thing: getting the job done—in full, at scale, and with measurable business value.   In this episode, Kevin breaks down the PROJECTS framework—a hybrid-Agile model designed to help PMOs lead complex initiatives with clear structure, empowered teams, and outcomes that actually matter.   You’ll hear how high-performing organizations juggle moving targets without burning out their people, how they define governance without creating gridlock, and how they stop chasing status and start delivering strategic traction.   Plans don’t drive value. Execution does—especially when it’s adaptive, team-driven, and outcome-focused.   What You'll Learn:  Why the triple constraint won’t earn executive trust  How to apply Kevin’s PROJECTS framework to real-world complexity  What true team empowerment looks like (hint: it’s not micromanagement)  How to set up decision structures that accelerate, not stall  What to measure when “on time and on budget” isn’t enough    👉 Press play to learn how having the right structure, teams, and rhythms moves strategy across the finish line.  Connect with Kevin: Follow Kevin on LinkedIn Access Getting the Job Done book Visit T2Group P.S. The IMPACT Insiders Book Club is so much more than reading a book—it's a movement. Join us for live calls, deep conversations, and a behind-the-scenes look at how to create real change with The IMPACT Engine. It’s completely free—grab your seat now and don’t miss what’s next. 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 BarnardGET 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 SkillsResistance gets blamed on people. But in reality, it’s almost always the process. If your team stalls, misses deadlines, or avoids your intake forms, it's not because they don't care. It's because they’re stuck in a system full of blockers. The approvals, the checklists, the uncertainty, the silence. That’s the friction. And friction kills flow. In this episode, I’ll show you how to spot the systems that create resistance, how to reduce the barriers that get in your team's way, and what it really means to design for performance. What You’ll Learn: Why resistance is usually created by the process, not the people What quiet resistance actually looks like in high-performing teams How to remove blockers without sacrificing accountability The difference between flow and pressure Why "good enough" beats perfect when you’re building momentum 👉 Press play to find out what’s driving resistance and what to do when your system is the problem.  P.S. Looking to shift your PMO from execution to true strategic influence? The IMPACT Engine System gives you a clear, step-by-step path to deliver measurable outcomes, build executive trust, and elevate your role across the organization—without the chaos and overwhelm.   P.P.S. If you’ve already bought any version of The IMPACT Engine book previously, don’t forget to sign up for our Book Club. The IMPACT Insiders Book Club is so much more than reading a book — it's a movement. Join us for live calls, deep conversations, and a behind-the-scenes look at how to create real change with The IMPACT Engine. It’s completely free — grab your seat now and don’t miss what’s next.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 BarnardGET 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 SkillsThis episode is personal, and it’s tactical. For my birthday this year, I’m sharing the 10 lessons I wish someone had handed me when I was starting out. These are the truths I had to learn the hard way: through friction, burnout, and wasted time trying to prove my value instead of designing for it. If you've ever spent more time defending your role than doing your job, this one's for you. What You’ll Learn: Why “on time, on scope, on budget” is a trap How to lead without waiting for permission The real reason no one sees the value you’re adding What friction in your process is actually costing you How to build a system that speaks for itself 👉 Press play to hear the 10 lessons that will save you years of frustration and show you how to lead with clarity, credibility, and momentum. P.S. It’s my birthday week, and I’m celebrating with something special just for you. 🎉 The full reveal drops publicly on my birthday—Thursday, July 10th—but newsletter subscribers get early access on Wednesday, July 9th. This exclusive offer will be available 24 hours before the release date, and quantities are limited, so be sure to subscribe and watch your inbox closely! 🎁 P.P.S. If you’ve already bought any version of The IMPACT Engine book previously, don’t forget to sign up for our Book Club. The IMPACT Insiders Book Club is so much more than reading a book — it's a movement. Join us for live calls, deep conversations, and a behind-the-scenes look at how to create real change with The IMPACT Engine. It’s completely free — grab your seat now and don’t miss what’s next. 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 BarnardGET 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 WorkingIn this episode, Laura Barnard is joined by longtime friend and productivity powerhouse Elise Stevens to explore how AI is revolutionizing project delivery. Together, they break down the myths about AI taking over jobs and instead show how smart use of AI can elevate the role of delivery leaders. From email communication to risk management, Elise and Laura offer real-world, tactical advice on how to integrate AI to reduce admin burden and boost strategic IMPACT.  What You’ll Learn:  Why AI won’t replace delivery leaders but will elevate them instead How to use AI tactically to simplify daily project tasks  How to reduce admin work and create more space for strategic engagement Which AI tools and strategies can accelerate delivery while lowering stress Why the best starting point is low-stakes, high-frustration work 👉 Press play to explore how AI is revolutionizing project delivery.  Connect with Elise: Follow on LinkedIn Check out her website P.S. The IMPACT Insiders Book Club is so much more than reading a book — it's a movement. Join us for live calls, deep conversations, and a behind-the-scenes look at how to create real change with The IMPACT Engine. It’s completely free — grab your seat now and don’t miss what’s next. 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 BarnardGET 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 SkillsYou don’t earn confidence by reading about it.  You earn it by doing the reps – when things get messy, when plans fall apart, when you show up anyway.  This episode will shift how you think about confidence and what it actually takes to build it. We’re unpacking the real reason so many capable leaders hold back. It’s not that they’re unprepared. It’s that they believe confidence should come before the leap.  Inside this episode, I’m sharing what truly builds confidence for high-IMPACT leaders. Not theory. Practice. These are the same principles we use inside the IMPACT Engine System to help transformation professionals build capability they can count on.  You’ll hear: Why confidence doesn’t lead. It follows. How a keynote gone wrong became one of my most grounded moments. The shift that changed how I approach fear, stage time, and risk. Why building competence is the only way to create lasting confidence. How we create safe, supportive practice spaces in our IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind.  If you’ve been waiting for permission, clarity, or courage, this episode will give you something better: A starting point.   The confidence you’re looking for lives on the other side of the work. And that work is what drives real IMPACT.  👉 Press play and start building the confidence that shows up after you make your move.  P.S. The IMPACT Insiders Book Club is so much more than reading a book — it's a movement. Join us for live calls, deep conversations, and a behind-the-scenes look at how to create real change with The IMPACT Engine. It’s completely free — grab your seat now and don’t miss what’s next. P.P.S. Stop the chaos—start leading with confidence! The IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind gives you expert coaching, hands-on support, and the blueprint to deliver real business value. Ready to accelerate your success? Join us here!   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 BarnardGET 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 SkillsEveryone says PMOs manage projects. We say they build leaders. If you’re only focused on timelines and templates, you're missing your biggest opportunity: using real work to grow real leadership. In this episode, I’m joined by Dawn Mahan, founder of PMOtraining.com, international speaker, and creator of the award-winning ProjectFlo® Process Learning System. Dawn coined the term Projectland® and is the bestselling author of Meet the Players in Projectland, a game-changing guide to aligning roles and driving project success. Together, we show exactly how your PMO can become a leadership engine by turning everyday project roles into development opportunities. This isn’t about adding more to your plate — it’s about seeing the work already in motion as a platform for growth. Whether you're leading a small team or managing a full portfolio, you’ll walk away with clear strategies to build talent while delivering results. What You'll Learn: Why every role in “Projectland” is a chance to lead How to spot and support hidden talent across your organization Creative ways to build leadership skills in fast-paced environments How to frame the PMO as a leadership development partner for executives Why rotational roles, peer learning, and project-based growth can outperform traditional training 👉 Press play to discover how your PMO can shape the leaders your organization needs most. Connect with Dawn: Follow Dawn on LinkedIn Visit PMOtraining.com Access Meet the Players in Projectland🎧 Companion Episode: Don't miss Episode 250 – How to Build a PMO That Drives Results for deeper insights on this topic. Receive a confidential sample of Meet the Players in Projectland:  Decide the Right Project Roles & Get People on Board P.S. The IMPACT Insiders Book Club is so much more than reading a book — it's a movement. Join us for live calls, deep conversations, and a behind-the-scenes look at how to create real change with The IMPACT Engine. It’s completely free — grab your seat now and don’t miss what’s next. 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...