Lifelong Learning: Implementing Best Practice In Business

In this episode, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, speaks to Eileen Roden, Director and Co-Founder of House of PMO.

Delving into the heart of modern project management, this episode navigates the intricate terrain of PMOs' vital role in today's dynamic business environment.

On the implications of transitioning into a project economy, Eileen explains how PMOs can facilitate successful project delivery while ensuring benefits realisation. Through the lens of optimism bias, we explore how PMOs can serve as guardians of professional judgment, challenging assumptions and promoting evidence-based decision-making.

The conversation extends to the realm of integrated PMO models within government settings, as Richard references recent UK public sector project failures and the indispensable role of senior management support, in enhancing PMO effectiveness. Eileen shares profound insights into the emergence of PMO directors at Board level, highlighting their pivotal role in strategic project prioritisation and resource allocation.

Finishing the episode, Richard and Eileen discuss the imperative for PMO directors to strike a delicate balance between project demands and business-as-usual operations.

Listen in to gain invaluable insights and elevate your proficiency in modern project management practices.

LINKS:
🔗 Connect with Eileen: linkedin.com/in/ejroden
📝 Find out more about how a House of PMO Essentials certification can help you advance your career: apmg-international.com/product/house-pmo-essentials
🌐 House of PMO: houseofpmo.com
🌐 Find out more about APMG certifications: apmg-international.com/services/certifications-solutions

In this episode, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, welcomes Liz Herman, elected Vice President of the Society for Technical Communication and a Senior Manager in knowledge content training with Accenture Federal Services.

Richard and Liz discuss the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on technical communicators and how the Society is leveraging support to its members throughout shifts in technology. Liz advocates for the importance of human collaboration with AI, referring to technical writers as "co-pilots" and emphasising the need for creative thinking skills, particularly those demonstrated by individuals with backgrounds in English, literature, or philosophy.

The discussion extends to how the Society is supporting members' professional development, especially amid emerging trends and challenges like remote work. Liz mentions the importance of in-person conferences, providing a platform for members to connect, share insights, and discuss challenges faced amongst members.

Touching on the Society's 70th anniversary, Liz further expresses a focus on sustainability and stability for the organization. Richard and Liz further discuss the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, with Liz accentuating the need for ongoing support to help members navigate remote and hybrid work environments.

Richard suggests that like the dotcom boom, there will likely be shakeout of the AI industry, “…It's not going to replace us any more than the high streets or the shopping malls weren't replaced overnight by online shopping”.

As the podcast concludes, Liz reflects on the Society's role in fostering a sense of solidarity among technical communicators, championing the importance of human connections, and expressing optimism for the Society's future.

Join Richard and Liz on this compelling journey through the evolving realm of technical communication and the delicate balance between human ingenuity and artificial intelligence.

LINKS:
🔗 Connect with Liz: linkedin.com/in/lizhermanphd
📝 Find out more about how a CPTC certification can help you advance your career: apmg-international.com/product/cptc
🌐 Society for Technical Communication: stc.org
🌐 Find out more about APMG certifications: apmg-international.com

In this episode, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, speaks to thought leaders Melanie Franklin and Andrew Craddock as they delve into the evolution of Agile Project Management, discussing its impact on businesses and the broader context of cultural transformation.

Melanie Franklin, a seasoned expert in Change Management, and Andrew Craddock, a prominent figure in Agile methodologies, share their extensive experience, offering valuable advice and guidance for organisations navigating the complexities of delivering projects and fostering agility.

From the origins of Agile to its expansion beyond IT into various business domains, this conversation delves into the core concepts and principles behind Agile methodologies. Explore the importance of cultural change, the significance of Agile certifications, and the crucial role of collaboration and communication within teams implementing Agile frameworks.

Furthermore, gain insights into the integration of Scrum teams in non-software development projects, the impact of AI on Agile Change Management, and the evolving roles of individuals and teams in an AI-driven work environment.

Discover how Agile and Change Management converge to drive innovation and how they intertwine with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, reshaping the future of work and organisational dynamics.

Tune in for a compelling discussion that offers actionable insights, expert advice, and a glimpse into the future of Agile methodologies, Change Management, and the transformative impact they hold for businesses worldwide.

LINKS:
🔗 Connect with Melanie: linkedin.com/in/melaniefranklin1
🔗 Connect with Andrew: linkedin.com/in/andrew-craddock-6112bb
🌐 Agile Business Consortium: agilebusiness.org
🌐 Agile Change Management: agilechangemanagement.co.uk
🌐 Find out more about APMG Project and Programme certifications: apmg-international.com/category/project-programme-portfolio

In this episode, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, speaks to Neil Keating, founder of Experience Collab, to delve into the world of Experience Level Agreements (XLAs) and their significance in the IT industry. To begin, Neil distinguishes XLA’s and SLA’s and outlines how they can help improve the overall experience for IT customers, consumers and employees.

Neil then emphasises the importance our emotions play in consumer and employee experience. He explains Affective Science; how emotions are a physical factor that can be measured, for example experiencing a faster heartbeat, hairs standing up on your arms etc. However, feelings (which derive immediately from the initial emotion) are more logical and are the pinnacle factor that drive us to reach certain conclusions about an experience.

Neil emphasises that our experiences with a service are usually cumulative; our feelings and beliefs often build up over time. Next, Richard and Neil discuss how such beliefs can often establish loyalty to a particular brand, or conversely, can cause customers to stray. Neil stresses that this is why creating a comfortable customer experience is paramount to the success of a business and is what will keep customers returning.

Richard and Neil further discuss the rise of AI & automated services, and the impact this has on user experience. They discuss how AI has created a new demand to balance efficiency with personalised experiences, particularly because some people may prefer human interaction over automation, and vice versa. By understanding how people feel about their experience as a user - customer or employee - organisations can drive productivity and create a supportive work environment.

Listen in to discover how XLA’s can positively impact your network’s experience, as this week’s episode delves into the ever-evolving landscape of customer experience.

LINKS:
🔗 Connect with Neil: linkedin.com/in/neildkeating
🌐 Experience Collab: experiencecollab.com
🌐 Bright Horse: brighthorse.co.uk
🌐 Find out more about APMG certifications: apmg-international.com/services/certifications-solutions

In this episode, we hear Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, speak to Christina Sejr Pedersen, Executive Director of The Half Double Institute in Denmark.

Christina begins the episode by explaining the business problem Half Double embarks to resolve. Expanding on her 15 year-long career in Project Management, Christina highlights the pattern she observed from feedback given by the Project Management community. Often, colleagues would approach her announcing “I can’t do the project quite like our model says, but the next one I promise you I’ll get it to fit”. Christina states it dawned on her that perhaps the models themselves were the issue; “what if we’re trying to get something round to fit into something square?”

Christina then suggests that no other industry could live with a 35% success rate, and how she was driven to improve the tragic statistic. Further, Richard enquires how Christina synthesises the aforementioned problems within the PM industry, and how Half Double settled on impact, flow and leadership as central themes. Christina discloses the fascinating research that was conducted to pinpoint exactly what makes a project run successfully; by inviting 30 of the best Project Managers to be interviewed on what it is they do that makes a difference.

When asked about the origin of the Half Double name, Christina responds by stating they wanted the framework to be a “guiding star” and the importance of doing projects in half the time, with double the impact. Richard and Christina then discuss the conscious decision to exclude much of the traditional project management guidance within the Half Double framework, and how Half Double’s mission was also to be a hybrid methodology.

Finally, Richard and Christina discuss whether the Half Double guidance is dogmatic and end the episode contemplating how Christina would categorise success as her return of a Half Double Director; “one of the areas where I’m dreaming this will have a huge impact is the Green transition. We don’t have a lot of time to reach our targets […] we need double the impact. My big dream is that this model could help us in the transition to a cleaner world.”

Listen in to discover how you can use Half Double to improve project success in your organisation.

LINKS:
🔗 Connect with Christina: linkedin.com/in/christina-sejr-pedersen-21597b3
📝 Find out more about how a Half Double certification can help you advance your career: apmg-international.com/product/half-double-certification
🌐 Half Double Institute: halfdoubleinstitute.org
🌐 Find out more about APMG certifications: apmg-international.com/services/certifications-solutions

📢 “You’ve just got to remember: it’s all about people and skills, no matter how clever we are with the technology.”

In this episode, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, speaks to Matthew Burrows, the president of SkillsTx and SFIA Accredited Consultant and Assessor about The Skills Framework for The Information Age.

Richard begins the episode by asking Matthew why he built an online platform to support its rollout. Matthew explains that what skills we have and what skills we need are changing at a faster rate today than they did just a few years ago; the platform allows customers to help themselves by dynamically updating skill profiles and skill requirements as needed.

Richard and Matthew reflect on how pervasive and enduring SFIA has been for the past twenty years. Richard asks Matthew how easy it is for an organisation to adopt SFIA and what the single most cited benefit is for its implementation. Matthew says, “it’s much easier than most people fear.” He asserts that knowing your skills and competencies is a great starting place; “…having accurate data allows you to make much more accurate decisions.

Next, Richard cites a Gallup survey which reported that 51% of employees are disengaged. He asks Matthew if SFIA could change these statistics. Matthew emphasises the point that organisations must, “avoid the common mistakes […] of people treating an individual as their current job description;” SFIA can allow employees to compare and update their skill profile and pave the way for focused development.

Richard then asks Matthew about how SFIA is structured. Matthew elucidates the framework’s seven level structure, using Service Desk Management as an example of how SFIA’s flexibility applies to many nuances within any given organisation. Matthew is sure to emphasise that you don’t need every skill at every level, and further, there is no requirement for you to automatically go up to the next skill/ next level.

Finally, Richard and Matthew discuss SFIA’s potential to help solve the tech industry skills gap; Matthew speaks about the importance of having a common language for describing detail, one that, “actually holds water internationally.”

Listen in to our leading expert of the week, Matthew Burrows, and discover how SFIA can help you excel both personally and professionally.

LINKS:
🔗 Connect with Matthew: linkedin.com/in/matthewburrows
📝 Find out more about SFIA Digital Badges: apmg-international.com/product/sfia-assessments-and-digital-badges
🌐 Find out more about APMG Certifications: apmg-international.com/services/certifications-solutions
🌐 Find out more about SFIA: sfia-online.org/en
🌐 Find out more about SkillsTx: skillstx.com/certify

📢  “Gains vs losses, it’s a rational framework. Very, very good. Thing is though, if you only present it with options that are a bit silly, then you get the least silly result at the end... But it’s still fundamentally silly”

In this episode Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, revisits the Better Business Cases scheme with Joseph Lowe, Co-Editor of the Green Book and Head of the Economics Branch at HM Treasury in his second appearance as a guest.

Richard begins the episode by asking whether Joseph ever imagined the certification achieving the success that it has, reflecting on the impressive milestone of 20,000+ exams in its 12 years of life. Joseph responds that he hoped that it would and expands: “it was a hope and a belief in its value”.

Fascinated by Joseph’s work within biodiversity, Richard then asks how Joseph applies the ‘science’ of business analysis to something as broad as biodiversity. Joseph compares the process to the diversity of expertise within the medical profession; “there are all kinds of minute subdivisions […] yet when an individual becomes ill, they may need a number of those professions to work together.”

Next, Joseph highlights the benefits of the 5 Case Model. Mentioning how it enables identifying long-run aims, Joseph expands on this, joking “people’s idea of the long-run can vary of course, from next year to 30 years”

Richard and Joseph go on to discuss the Options Framework, and how the Welsh Government & NHS trialled the methodology (before BBC was an established programme) in a strict version of its implementation to see what would happen; and how the results were a complete shock.

Richard and Joseph further discuss optimism bias; what Joseph thinks are the most important personal skills when developing a business case; and finishing the episode, Richard asks Joseph if he believes an AI such as ChatGPT could write a good business case.

LINKS:
🔗 Connect with Joseph: linkedin.com/in/joseph-lowe-4953261b8
📝 Find out more about how a Better Business Cases certification can improve your organization: apmg-international.com/product/better-business-cases
🌐 Find out more about APMG Certifications: apmg-international.com/services/certifications-solutions
📖 The Green Book: gov.uk/government/publications/the-green-book-appraisal-and-evaluation-in-central-governent/the-green-book-2020 

📢  “There is a see-saw effect between quality and speed. We need a framework that improves both at the same time”

In this episode, we hear Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, talk to Dominic Harborne, a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Coach, Trainer, Fellow of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and Chief Examiner of APMG’s Lean Six Sigma certifications.

Listen in as Dominic talks us through the origins of Six Sigma, how its function has evolved over time, and how both Lean and Six Sigma together form an “exceptionally powerful combination.”

Dominic offers an interesting thought experiment that demonstrates the fruitfulness of Lean Six Sigma. He explains that often, we see leaders asking people to work faster when the output is low, which results in more areas of defect and lower quality. On the flip side, when employees place all their attention on curating quality, everything slows down. Thus, a see-saw effect ensues, making it difficult for an organization to acquire a balance between quality and speed.

He suggests that this imbalance often results in employee’s “firefighting” workloads, which can lead to burnout. So, we can begin to understand the increasing demand for a Lean approach in order to prevent this common cycle.

Dominic further explains how Lean Six Sigma is a transferrable framework that can be applied outside of manufacturing and has been picked up by a whole variety of industries, but stresses: "you absolutely have to introduce it as a whole approach in an organisation"

Next, Dominic and Richard discuss how and why the UK in particular suffers poor productivity, and how Lean Six Sigma could help in addressing this.

Finally, Dominic reveals where to start if you want to implement a Lean Six Sigma approach in your organization.

Listen in to our leading expert of the week, Dominic Harborne, to learn all about what Lean Six Sigma entails, and the benefits of adopting it within your organization.

Links:
🔗 Connect with Dominic: linkedin.com/in/dominic-harborne
📝 Find out more about how a Lean Six Sigma certification can improve your organization: apmg-international.com/product/lean-six-sigma
🌐 Find out more about APMG Certifications: apmg-international.com/services/certifications-solutions
🌐 Find out more about LSSA: lssa.eu

📢 “Change is only what people make of it.”

In this episode, we hear Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, speak to CEO of Notion, Dominic Ashley-Timms.

Dominic begins by explaining where the concept of STAR® came from. We learn that the initial inspiration came from Dominic's work with organisations struggling to cope with change. Dominic gained a better understanding of the various change approaches that can be implemented in an organisation as a result of this work. He explains that he and his team discovered that asking questions, rather than providing quick-fix solutions, seemed to stimulate a greater level of reflection and constructive thinking, and that this observation inspired the core methodology of STAR®: the enquiry-led approach; a technique you can expect to hear more about in the podcast.

Next, Richard and Dominic discuss why the UK performs poorly in international productivity studies. We learn that one of the main reasons productivity has suffered in the UK is a lack of managerial training, with approximately 20–30% of businesses admitting they don't provide any training for managers, and CMI reporting a staggering 70–80% of "accidental managers." Dominic shows that the lower levels of productivity in the UK are significantly impacted by the managers' lack of training, and that earning a STAR® qualification is useful for teaching and certifying management expertise.

Dominic and Richard discuss a variety of subjects, including Notion's outstanding selection as one of six companies (out of 189 applicants) to receive government research funding, and the fact that the London School of Economics has conducted in-depth study to support their methodologies.

To learn more about STAR® listen in to our leading expert of the week, Dominic Ashely-Timms.

Links:
🔗 Connect with Dominic: linkedin.com/in/dominic-ashley-timms
📖 The Answer is a Question: store.apmg-international.com/study-materials/answer-question
🌐 Find out more about APMG Certifications: apmg-international.com/services/certifications-solutions
🌐 Find out more about Notion: starmanager.global

📢 “As a non-expert you are the ideal person to communicate with other non-experts.”

In this episode, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, speaks to veteran technical communicator and STC President Aiessa Moyna.

Aiessa and Richard begin by discussing STC reaching the impressive milestone of 70 years in operation, and discuss whether the STC membership is valued by members just as much now as it was then.

Aiessa explains that seventy years ago, the usual practice would be to remain a member throughout your first Technical Communicator role and stay with the society throughout your career, even into retirement. Present day, we discover that it's more typical to see members joining at transitional points in their career and aren’t always remaining members for decades.

We also learn that recent advancements in modern technology have enabled members to connect with their community virtually which wasn't a possibility during the conception of the society; it's an important development in bridging networking opportunities for technical communicators.

Next, Richard and Aiessa consider the impact AI developments like ChatGPT will have on the work technical communicators do. Aiessa explains that AI technology has been around for a long time, and so far, she believes there's no evidence to suggest AI is superseding the jobs of technical communicators.

Aiessa suggests that AI is great for repetitive processes and coming up with the first draft of content, but it may not be 100% accurate and therefore we will still need humans to quality check material before publication.

Finally, Richard asks Aiessa what attributes someone needs to be a good technical communicator. Amongst the list of attributes are “curiosity and inquisitiveness”, “good writing and editing skills”, and "organisation". Aiessa explains that while tools and platforms will always evolve, the set of core skills required to be a good technical communicator will always remain the same.

Listen in to our leading expert of the week, Aiessa Moyna, to learn more about STC, tips for being an effective technical communicator and much more.

Links:
🔗 Connect with Aiessa: linkedin.com/in/aiessa-moyna
📝 Find out more about how a CPTC certification can improve your organization: apmg-international.com/product/cptc
🌐 Find out more about APMG Certifications: apmg-international.com/services/certifications-solutions
🌐 Find out more about STC: stc.org

In this episode we speak to Eileen Roden, Director and Co-Founder of House of PMO and all-around PMO enthusiast - with a tattoo to prove it.

Eileen begins by discussing the history of House of PMO. She then shares how she defines the PMO role itself, and we learn that PMO’s can now be considered a career in its own right - or at minimum, a development opportunity. Eileen suggests that PMOs provide “incremental delivery of value into organizations.” She discusses how the role of PMO has moved from its original function as project support; and that in some organizations, PMOs operate at a strategic level. In Eileen's words the role is about “establishing best practice, and working with senior executives to ensure organizations are working on the right projects.”

Eileen further addresses some of the common challenges PMO'ers face. She reveals that one reoccurring challenge is the clarity of language across the industry, which she feels might be due to the varying nature of the role. Additionally, Eileen discusses the absence of discourse and training for all levels of PMO roles, which the House of PMO have resolved with their essentials suite of courses that range from Administrator to Director levels. 

We also consider whether PMOs are only relevant to larger organizations. Eileen suggests that in today’s climate, it's arguably difficult to find organizations that aren’t working on projects, and as a result, the role of PMO is highly sought after in all organizations - both large and small.

Finally, Eileen reveals what she would've liked to have known when starting out in her career. Eileen states that “all PMOs have a half-life;” and that you cannot rely on the same approach in every organization.

Listen in to find out more tips from Eileen Roden, our leading expert of the week.

Links:
🔗 Connect with Eileen: linkedin.com/in/ejroden
📝 Find out more about how a House of PMO Essentials certification can improve your organization: apmg-international.com/product/house-pmo-essentials
📝 Find out more about House of PMO: houseofpmo.com
📝 Find out more about APMG Certifications: apmg-international.com/services/certifications-solutions

📢 “Compatibility is the cornerstone of FitSM” 

In this episode, we hear Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International speak to IT Governance Manager Michael Brenner. 

Michael begins by discussing the origins of FitSM and the difficulties he initially faced when introducting it to organisations. He explains that the development of FitSM stemmed from frustration with the lack of a simple, lightweight framework amongst industry standards, particularly to benefit smaller organizations who do not need the complex, detailed approach that other standards offer. 

Michael talks us through how FitSM separates itself from more complex service management approaches as a standalone, streamline framework; which unlike other standards, only covers the essential requirements and “need-to-knows” regarding service management best practice.

A quote that resonated with Michael and his team during the development of FitSM: "perfection is achieved not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away." - an approach still implemented by the team to this day.

This standard can be considered distinctive in virtue of its efficiency; its streamline structure allows for a unique time-saving capability that other standards may lack (the certification and training can take place in just one day)

Despite its concise structure, Michael discusses how FitSM still remains comprehensive and informative. It provides research organizations with the essentials of service management, as opposed to the organizations themselves having to ascertain the fundamental information from larger service management guides, which is time-consuming and inefficient.

Finally, Richard asks Michael if ITEMO have any future plans to look at other approaches. Michael jokes: "my hands are kind of full with FitSM"

Listen in to our leading expert of the week, Michael, to learn more about the benefits of FitSM and why you need it in your organization.  

Links:
🔗 Connect with Michael: linkedin.com/in/michaelsbrenner
📝 Find out more about how a FitSM certification can improve your organization: apmg-international.com/product/fitsm
📝 Find out more about APMG Certifications: apmg-international.com/services/certifications-solutions

📢 “Surround yourself with smarter people than you. As a project or programme manager, you are the conductor, not the orchestrator.” 

In this episode, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, speaks to Ross Bowyer, a highly experienced project manager who has overseen strategic development activities, capability development, and the overarching development of people.

Ross currently manages projects within the Department of Conservation in New Zealand. In this episode, we not only learn about Ross’ managerial experience, but also about the wildlife unique to New Zealand, as well as his personal philosophy regarding his work in conservation. Ross explains “benefit to the community or species will always be prioritized,” with particular consideration for endangered species.

Ross begins by talking us through his favourite investment in the PPM sector of New Zealand – Project Predator Free 2050. Predator Free 2050 operates with the purpose of safeguarding New Zealand’s native species from extinction, allowing them to thrive by eradicating threat.

In the same vein, we learn how Ross manages to build sustainability, like the example above, into commercial business cases, emphasising the importance of “increased engagement” and focusing on the “qualitative not the quantitative.” We also learn why Ross considers project and programme adoption to be an “investment” as opposed to an expenditure, and how this perspective can reap successful business outcomes. 

Ross further offers his expertise regarding what it is that makes a successful leader, how to manage people effectively, and crucially, the three things he wishes he knew when he was first starting out in his career.

Listen in to gain some invaluable tips from our leading expert of the week. 

🔗 Connect with Ross: linkedin.com/in/ross-bowyer-mapm-06896619
📝 Find out more about how a Project/Programme Management certification can help you advance your career: apmg-international.com/product/agilepm and apmg-international.com/product/agilepgm
📝 Find out more about APMG certifications: apmg-international.com/services/certifications-solutions

📢 “You cannot know where the world is going to be in five years’ time. The storm of change has grown, and organizations need a way to react to maintain a competitive advantage.”

In this episode, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, speaks to Andrew Craddock, a highly experienced practitioner, consultant, trainer, and mentor specialising in Agile approaches to manage business change.

Listen to today’s podcast to gain insight into Business Agility: what it is, what it means in practice, and why you need it within your organization.

Andrew begins by addressing how the Agile Business Consortium define Business Agility, providing us with a simple overview of its framework. He explains that at the core of Business Agility there is a focus on two primary components: the ability to adapt quickly and decisively to changes in the business environment, and to have a collaborative, people-centered approach to change.

Andrew then guides us through the problems inherent in more traditional approaches to running projects, arguing that the central problem derives from “predictive processes” which are based on the “assumption that the problem you are trying to solve is going to be stable.” In an everchanging world, stability is never guaranteed. As such, Andrew helps us grasp why Business Agility is such a valuable framework in today’s climate, with the recent COVID 19 pandemic being a prime example of unexpected change that organisations needed to adapt to - fast - in order to maintain a competitive advantage.

As Andrew demonstrates in this episode, we are simply unable to predict the state of the world in relation to the length of time our projects will take, and accordingly, Andrew sheds light on how the Business Agility framework prepares businesses for change in the best possible way, helping organizations to swim, not sink.

Listen on for more invaluable business advice from Andrew Craddock, our leading expert of the week.

🔗 Connect with Andrew: linkedin.com/in/robert-gregory-8660bb45/
📝 Find out more about how an AgilePM certification can help you advance your career: apmg-international.com/product/agilepm
📝 Find out more about APMG certifications: apmg-international.com/services/certifications-solutions 

In this episode we speak to Rob Lockwood, Cyber Security Expert, about hacking, cybercrime, cryptocurrency, and everything you need to know to secure your systems. 

We find out the challenges that arise as code and technology continue to grow into more complex networks and ecosystems, as Rob reveals the difficulty in building secure code and technology; secure systems are fruitless if we don’t have strong user protocols and accountability.

Defining some of the more technical challenges and software capabilities, Rob then tells us about zero-day exploits and the importance of patching.

We speak about the balance of technology and user before outlining the most important things that we as users can do to secure our software and virtual identities. 

Rob discusses the intrusions that make him put his head in his hands. For him, cyber hygiene is built upon the naked foundations - before anything else you "need to do the basics very well and do them consistently”. Mentioning how user awareness training, incident response and multi-factor authentication can combat many common issues like phishing emails and human error, Rob further tells us what companies could and should do to secure their data. “It's about trust. Building trust into all the things that we use”.

Finally, we talk about diversifying the Cyber Security industry and how university is no longer the sole route into the world of infosec, before finishing up with Rob telling us what he wishes he had known at the beginning of his career in cyber security. 

Don’t miss today’s episode if you want to protect your data, find your way into the cyber security industry, or simply feel secure online.

🔗 Connect with Rob: linkedin.com/in/robert-lockwood-2a256a
📝 Find out more about how a Cyber Security Certification can help you advance your career: apmg-international.com/category/cyber-security
📝 Find out more about APMG Certifications: apmg-international.com/services/certifications-solutions

In this episode we speak to Rob Stinton, Charted Project Professional and Senior Program Manager, about the complexity of projects, stakeholder plans, maintaining momentum, and executing project delivery over a long timeline. 

We begin by defining complexity in projects; Rob speaks from over 20 years of experience on how to recognize and handle a complex environment. For Rob, size isn’t what equals complexity; it’s the solution that does. He further explains until you get to this solution, the scale of change needed isn’t always realized. 

Next, we ask Rob how he arrives at a manageable stakeholder strategy when there are so many interested parties, as he covers breaking down barriers to stakeholder engagement and constructing the right plan. 

For Rob, Direct communication is key. “You need to get clear about project objectives from day 1”.

We discuss maintaining momentum - Rob highlights understanding where each stakeholder’s influence and interests lie is vital in projects with a long lifespan.

“How you communicate is part of your stakeholder management plan; to keep the momentum it is your responsibility to constantly remind them why you’re doing what you’re doing. What’s right today might not be right in a year’s time, and so it's your job as a Program Manager to check-in, adapt to, and communicate change."

Finally, we wrap up the episode by asking Rob what he knows now, that he wishes he had known when initially leading his first major infrastructure project.

This episode is a must if you want to level up your stakeholder engagement. 

🔗  Connect with Rob: linkedin.com/in/rob-stinton-chpp-3aaa7825
📝 Find out more about how a Change Management Certification can help you advance your career: apmg-international.com/product/change-management
📝 Find out more about APMG  Project, Programme & Portfolio
Certifications: apmg-international.com/services/certifications-solutions 

📢 “With untrodden territory, there’s no plan to show you how to get from A to B … every step is new”

In this episode, we hear Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, talk to Ket Patel, UK Collaborations Lead for the Change Management Institute, about how we can better navigate the untrodden territory of Change. 

Listen in as we discuss barriers, drivers, leadership, and how to build the right environment.

We cover the major factors in creating successful change before Ket breaks down his surprising take on the distinction between ‘change’ v.s ‘transformation’. 

Delving deeper into the part relationships have to play in change projects, Ket talks to us about how creating the right environment is one of the most essential things you can do to build a change culture. “Building trusted relationships with the people around you” enables you to feel safe to speak up and question the status quo.

In part, a large part for Ket, this comes down to leadership. Leaders are the ones who navigate the uncertainty when an organization goes from program to transformation, and for him it’s imperative to the success of a change project that leaders are able to deal with uncertainty. 

Finally, we discuss how a how lack of “strategic priority” within leadership drives the collapse of change programs and the markers of transformation with Ket telling us “the more uncertain  a project is, it is the more transformative it is.”

Ket’s belief is that for change to thrive, we need to keep questioning that status quo, and never just “accept things how they are”.

👉🏽 Listen in to this transformative episode and begin your change.

LINKS:
🔗Connect with Ket: linkedin.com/in/ketpatel-changeagitator
📝Find out more about how a Change Management certification can help you advance your career: apmg-international.com/product/change-management
📝Find out more about APMG Certifications: apmg-international.com/services/certifications-solutions

📢 “How are we going to make things better in the future for the environment? And how do we have more diversity, equity and inclusion?” 

In this episode, we hear Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, talk to Mark Thomas about ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance); what ESG brings to organizations, the future it will create, and how it differs from other governance frameworks. Mark is the President of Escoute Consulting and a Governance, Risk, Compliance and IT Service Management consulting specialist who's on a mission to help organizations find practical solutions to their ESG challenges.

We begin the episode by asking Mark how the UN’s release of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals specifically lead to an increased awareness for ESG and how the current global move towards a sustainable, inclusive, future is shaping the markets. 

Propelled by the sustainable development goals, Mark further tells us why ESG visibility has grown – and is forecast to stick – as we discuss what sets ESG apart from other frameworks.  Moving on to the topic of goals cascade, Mark talks about the importance of looking at the whole supply chain. If your suppliers are ethical, but your supplier's suppliers aren’t, are you really making a difference? 

Listen in as Mark talks about building individual goals and aligning these goals to the organization’s – and the suppliers – so there is consistency top to bottom. “Communication moves very, very, quickly, so tone at the top is going to be huge for those lean organizations”.

Finally, Mark walks us through how ESG fits with trends toward leaner organizations before talking about how we can avoid Environmental, Social, and Governance being seen as ‘just another’ framework, and in doing so ultimately build a better, greener, fairer future. 

Links:   

🔗Connect with Mark: linkedin.com/in/markthomas8
🌐 Read more on Mark's expertise in the industry: markthomasonline.com
📝Find out more about APMG Certifications: apmg-international.com/services/certifications-solutions

📢 “A resilient business is one which is capable, not just of withstanding shocks but is also capable of harnessing them; taking that energy and using it in creative ways to propel itself”.

In this episode, we hear Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, speak to Serhiy Kovela and David Roberts about building resilience in business.

Serhiy and David explain why sustainability sets a resilient business apart. “What makes resilience different is that we are looking to the sustainability of the organization as well as its progress”

We cover their definitions of resilience and talk about developing a ‘pace’ culture, before asking them about how the business resilience framework they created fits with existing business practices. 

We dive into the relationship between building a resilient business and executing a new corporate strategy before asking our guests if building a resilient business is either a marathon or a sprint.

If you want to discover what organizations can do to become more resilient and prepare for the future, listen in to today’s episode. 

👉🏽 About Serhiy and David 

Serhiy has over 20 years of experience in project management and business IT, helping organizations increase their efficiency through projects, programmes, and the effective use of IT. His mission is to equip organizations with tools and thinking to help them nurture a productive working environment and stimulate progress by building a Resilient Culture. 

David has worked in corporate and public-sector organizations leading initiatives in corporate management, marketing, sales, PMOs and the IT transformations on a global scale.

Through this, he’s gained insights into corporate and professional needs for sustainable business approaches. Together with a team of like-minded professionals, David reviewed actions and practices, modelling what really worked in VUCA conditions to create a game-changing approach to Business Resilience.

What’s most important for a business long-term? For David and Serhiy: Re-invention.

Links:
🔗Connect with Serhiy:  linkedin.com/in/serhiykovela
🔗Connect with David: linkedin.com/in/david-roberts-7476b8
📝 Find out more about how an APMG certification can help you advance your career: apmg-international.com/our-services/certifications

📢   “Tailor your approach to the problem at hand”

In this episode Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, talks to Adrian Dooley, Founder and Lead author of the Praxis Framework Ltd, about closing the Project and Programme divide, what the Praxis Framework offers, and why he created a Global Management Framework.

Hear Adrian explain the issues that lead him to take on this herculean project, and the motivation he took from seeing people constantly learning good practice, but never implementing that knowledge. 

Not content with accepting the “either-or” of guidance regarding Projects and Programmes, Adrian started to identify the range of barriers that were stopping the implementation of good practice; then set out to create a unified solution. 

Listen in as we discuss exactly what Praxis Framework has to offer as a completely free, integrated framework, for projects and programme management, and some of the backlashes Adrian has faced over the years - particularly with regards to the idea that something being free makes it ‘less valuable’.

With over 40,000 monthly visitors to the Praxis website, it's safe to say Adrian is proving people wrong.

Finally, hear Adrian tell us what he’d do differently if starting over; before we finish the episode by asking him the top three takeaways from a extensive career in Programme and Project Management: 

🏆 

1. “Trust people to do the job” Micromanaging creates bad atmospheres
2. “You’ve got to be part of the team”. Go above the job ‘on paper’
3. Be agile, “Tailor your approach to the problem at hand” 

Links:   

🔗  Connect with Adrian: linkedin.com/in/adrian-dooley-ab1a3223/

🌐   Explore the Praxis Framework™ Website: praxisframework.org/

📝  Find out more about how a Praxis Framework certification can help you advance your career: apmg-international.com/product/praxis-frameworktm 

📝  Find out more about APMG Certifications: apmg-international.com/services/certifications-solutions