• The Roadmap to Becoming an IMPACT Driver
    Jan 27 2025
    Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills Hi, IMPACT Driver! The rules of leadership are shifting – and if you’re still managing projects the same way, 2025 might be a tough year. The leaders who thrive will be those who know how to think strategically, speak the language of executives, and drive real business outcomes. In this week’s episode of the PMO Strategies Podcast, we’re diving into: 🎯 The key leadership shifts required to stay ahead in 2025. 💡 How to break free from tactical work and focus on influence. 🚀 Actionable steps to start positioning yourself as a strategic leader. If you’re ready to stop spinning your wheels and start accelerating your leadership journey, this episode is your blueprint. 👉 Listen now and get the roadmap you need to elevate your role in the year ahead. 🎧 Click PLAY above to listen now. P.S. Ready to put these strategies into action? Join me Tuesday, January 28th for our free workshop, “Becoming an IMPACT Driver: The Roadmap to Executive-Level Influence.” I’ll walk you through how to lead with confidence and secure executive buy-in. 🔗 Reserve your seat here. Let’s make 2025 the year you step into your full potential. Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights! I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS
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    35 mins
  • How to Talk to Your Executives
    Jan 21 2025
    Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills Hi, IMPACT Driver! Have you ever walked out of an executive meeting wondering why your project didn’t get the green light—despite all the hard work your team put into it? The problem isn’t the project. It’s how you’re presenting it. In this week’s episode, we’re diving into the critical skills you need to master to speak the language of executives and secure buy-in. You’ll learn: ✅ Why tasks and deliverables don’t grab executive attention – and what to focus on instead ✅ The framework I teach our mastermind students to position your projects as strategic, value-driving initiatives ✅ How to highlight the consequences of inaction to create urgency and executive alignment I also share real-world stories from my own career and from students in the IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind who made small but powerful shifts in how they communicated – and saw immediate results. 💡 Ready to shift from managing tasks to leading outcomes? Click PLAY above to listen now. Let’s make 2024 the year you lead with IMPACT! 👉 Don’t forget to register for our free January workshop: Becoming an IMPACT Driver: The Roadmap to Executive-Level Influence for Project and PMO Leaders We’ll deep-dive into executive engagement strategies and communication tactics that will set you apart. Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights! I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS
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    32 mins
  • From Project Execution to Business Value
    Jan 12 2025
    Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen Hi, IMPACT Driver! If you've ever felt like your executives and other stakeholders don't really appreciate all you bring to the table (or maybe even see you as administrative overhead), you're not alone. In this week’s episode, I’m diving into one of the biggest mindset shifts that separates project managers and PMO leaders from true strategic leaders. It’s time to stop managing and start leading. I share how to break free from the “order-taker” mentality and focus on delivering real business outcomes – not just outputs. I even share a personal story from The IMPACT Engine about how asking the right questions transformed the way my PMO was perceived by leadership. Here’s the thing – leadership doesn’t care about project plans. They care about results. So what are you doing to shift your focus to the results? Click PLAY above to listen now. P.S. If you’re ready to learn how to make this shift and position yourself as a strategic leader, don’t miss our free January workshop: “Becoming an IMPACT Driver: The Roadmap to Executive-Level Influence for Project and PMO Leaders.” 👉 We’ll dive deeper into aligning projects with business goals, building executive presence, and driving outcomes that matter. Click here to register for the workshop. Spots are limited! Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights! I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS
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    34 mins
  • Why PMI’s New Definition of Project Success Changes Everything
    Jan 6 2025
    Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen Hi, IMPACT Driver! Have you seen PMI’s latest report on redefining project success? If you’re like me, your first reaction was probably, “Well, of course!” For years, we’ve known that project success isn’t just about execution – it’s about delivering measurable value that aligns with business goals. But the fact that PMI is now championing this shift marks a significant turning point for our industry. 👉 The focus is moving from just getting things done to driving outcomes that matter. In this week’s podcast episode, I break down PMI’s new perspective on project success and what this means for you as a PMO leader or project manager. Spoiler alert – this shift validates everything we’ve been talking about in The IMPACT Engine book and the IMPACT Driver Mindset concepts we cover in the IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind. Here’s what I'll walk you through in this episode: 📊 Stop celebrating deliverables and start measuring outcomes. 🎯 Every project must tie back to strategic objectives. 🏆 Owning the lifecycle of success doesn’t stop at delivery. This isn’t just a small adjustment – it’s a complete redefinition of what it means to lead projects with IMPACT. And if you’re ready to step into that role, this episode is for you. Click play above to listen now. Here’s to growth and IMPACT, Laura P.S. I’ll also be hosting a free workshop on January 28 on becoming an IMPACT Driver and aligning your projects with business goals. More details inside the episode! Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights! I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS
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    26 mins
  • 288: Reflect, Recalibrate, and Set Intentions for 2025
    Dec 29 2024
    Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills Hi, IMPACT Driver! Happy New Year! Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for all that you do – the hard work you put in, the effort you make to drive change inside organizations, and the way you show up every day. Thank you for listening to the podcast, reading the newsletter, and engaging with our content – whether you’re new here or have been around for years. You mean the world to me, and you are why I do what I do. As we wrap up the year and think ahead to 2025, I wanted to share something that’s helped me stay focused and intentional as I plan for the new year. 🎧 In this week’s podcast episode, I take you through a simple 3-step process to reflect on the past year and set intentions for what’s ahead. Plus, I share a bit of my own journey (and how The IMPACT Engine launch made my list of gratitude moments). It’s not about resolutions – it’s about getting clear, focused, and ready to make things happen. ✨ Give it a listen and take a few minutes for YOU before the new year kicks into full gear. Click play above to listen now. Here’s to growth and IMPACT, Laura P.S. – We have some pretty neat programs coming in 2025. Are they for you? Please complete this survey to let me know what you need most and we'll be in touch to share some recommendations with you. Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights! I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS
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    29 mins
  • 287: The Power of Asking for Help: Why Even Top Leaders Don’t Go It Alone
    Dec 22 2024
    Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills In the late 1990s, Apple was struggling. Co-founder Steve Jobs returned to the company, recognizing that he couldn’t rescue Apple on his own. So, he did what all smart leaders do—he asked for help. Jobs persuaded Tim Cook to join Apple, and the rest is history. Cook's operational expertise transformed Apple, streamlining its supply chain and ultimately paving the way for the iconic products we know today. This story highlights a key point: even visionary leaders like Jobs need help to succeed. In this week’s episode of the PMO Strategies Podcast, I sit down with executive coach and storyteller Deepak Daniel to discuss why asking for help is not a weakness, but a superpower that leaders can use to unlock their full potential. The Courage to Ask for Help One of the most challenging hurdles leaders face is overcoming the fear of asking for help. Many leaders, particularly those in high-stakes roles, often feel the pressure to know everything. This is especially true when their reputation and success seem to depend on always having the answers. But as Deepak shares in this episode, that mindset can hinder your success. Leaders who ask for help when needed, collaborate with others, and seek guidance build stronger teams, achieve bigger results, and gain respect. In fact, failing to ask for help can lead to burnout, missed opportunities, and, worse, project failure. Why Don’t Leaders Ask for Help? Deepak and I dive into the reasons why leaders—whether they're in the boardroom or on the sports field—hesitate to ask for help. Whether it's fear of appearing incompetent, imposter syndrome, or overconfidence, these mental blocks can severely limit a leader's ability to succeed. How Asking for Help Makes You a Better Leader During our discussion, Deepak shares powerful strategies to shift your mindset around help-seeking. Leaders who are humble enough to acknowledge when they need assistance are the ones who lead with resilience, adaptability, and strength. By embracing this vulnerability, you open up a world of possibilities, including better problem-solving and stronger team dynamics. Key Takeaways from the Episode: 💡 Strategic Insights: Even top executives don’t have all the answers, and that’s okay. Learn how asking for help can unlock the door to better business outcomes. 🎓 Expert Advice: Practical ways to navigate imposter syndrome, overcome the fear of asking for help, and leverage the power of collaboration. 🛠️ Actionable Tips: Step-by-step strategies to build trusted relationships, ask for help effectively, and track your progress toward becoming a more effective leader. As Deepak wisely points out, "The power of asking for help is about building trust and relationships—it’s a team game, and you cannot win alone." Take the Next Step If you’re ready to make a bigger IMPACT, it’s time to stop going it alone. Tune into this week’s episode and learn how to start asking for help, lead more effectively, and drive the outcomes that matter most. For more insights on elevating your leadership, grab your copy of The IMPACT Engine and become part of the IMPACT Insider community, where you’ll gain access to exclusive tools and resources to help you lead with confidence. 🎧 Ready to learn more? Listen to the full episode by pressing play above. Connect with Deepak Daniel Connect on LinkedIn Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights! I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS
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    35 mins
  • 286: Transform Your Team Dynamics with Servant Leadership as a Service with Erik Rueter
    Dec 15 2024
    Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills In a world where project teams juggle multiple roles, deadlines, and evolving business needs, finding a leadership approach that truly connects with team members is essential. Enter Servant Leadership as a Service—an innovative leadership model that combines empathy, the platinum rule, and agile-inspired tools from software development to foster a people-centered approach. This concept, developed by Eric Ruder, Senior Project Manager at the American Marketing Association, treats team members as primary customers, addressing their individual needs to cultivate engagement, growth, and productivity. The Origins of Servant Leadership as a Service The idea of Servant Leadership as a Service stemmed from Eric’s work with tech leaders and developers who often struggle to find a leadership approach that resonates with both people-oriented and process-driven team members. Many leaders in tech are already familiar with user stories, agile cycles, and human-centered design. Eric’s insight was to apply these tools, not to software, but to people. “Instead of writing a user story for software, you’re writing a user story for an employee facing a challenge,” Eric explains. This approach allows leaders to use familiar tools to support their team members’ growth, while also fostering a customer-service mindset focused on team members’ well-being. Why the Platinum Rule is Essential to Servant Leadership as a Service Central to this approach is the platinum rule: “Do unto others as they would like to have done unto them.” Unlike the golden rule, which assumes everyone’s preferences are the same, the platinum rule requires leaders to understand each team member’s unique needs and preferences. A simple analogy Eric shares involves bringing coffee for the team. While well-intentioned, not everyone may drink coffee—some may prefer tea or water. By focusing on the platinum rule, leaders cater to individual needs, fostering a deeper connection with their team. This shift allows leaders to prioritize what team members need to feel supported and valued, rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all approach. Key Tools and Benefits of Servant Leadership as a Service Here are some practical methods for implementing Servant Leadership as a Service, along with their benefits: User Stories for Team Development Traditionally used in software development, user stories outline a feature or task without prescribing a solution, leaving space for creative problem-solving. Leaders can apply this concept to employees, documenting challenges or goals and encouraging team members to collaborate on solutions. This approach fosters autonomy and innovation within the team. Empathy Mapping for Insightful Understanding Empathy mapping, a staple in human-centered design, helps leaders understand the perspectives of their team members by asking questions such as: What are they seeing and hearing? What challenges are they experiencing? What are their professional and personal goals? This exercise builds a comprehensive view of team dynamics and motivations, fostering objectivity by treating everyone equally. For teams struggling with trust, anonymous empathy mapping can be particularly effective. Human-Centered Design for Leadership Iteration Human-centered design encourages an iterative approach to leadership, treating each interaction as an opportunity for improvement. Leaders can experiment with new engagement techniques, gather feedback, and adapt their strategies based on the results. This keeps leadership flexible and responsive to team needs, similar to a product development cycle. “What’s on Your Radar?” Exercise for Team Alignment This exercise allows team members to share their priorities in real-time, categorizing tasks as urgent, mid-term, or long-term. By centering the agenda on what’s important to each team member,
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    31 mins
  • 285: 3 Keys to Build Your Project Management Career with Candice Benson
    Dec 8 2024
    Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers! PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen How Freelance Project Managers Can Overcome the Feast and Famine Cycle As a freelance project manager or contractor, maintaining a steady stream of work can feel like a constant challenge. The feast and famine cycle—where you’re either overloaded with projects or scrambling to find work—is a common issue many freelancers face. In episode 285 of the PMO Strategies Podcast, Candice Benson, CEO of Benson Consulting Inc., shares strategies to break this cycle. With over 25 years of experience in project management, change management, and process improvement, Candice offers practical tools to help freelance PMs and contractors maintain consistent project pipelines and build a sustainable business. The Three Critical Tools for Success 🔎 Visibility Candice emphasizes the importance of making yourself visible in the marketplace. A capability statement—similar to a resume but focused on your freelance work—is a great way to showcase your expertise and projects. It highlights your successes and gives potential clients a clear picture of what you bring to the table. Regular updates on platforms like LinkedIn can also increase visibility. Share project wins, client testimonials, or lessons learned to keep your name at the forefront of potential clients’ minds. 📊 Sales Process & Framework Many freelance PMs struggle with the sales aspect of their business. Candice advises having a defined process for managing leads, nurturing relationships, and following up with potential clients. A clear sales framework helps you stay organized and ensures that you don’t miss out on opportunities. Proactively setting boundaries for your sales process also ensures you’re working with clients who respect your time and expertise. 💡 Community & Continuous Learning Freelancers often feel isolated, but Candice stresses the importance of community. Engaging with a network of fellow PMs and contractors provides opportunities to learn, collaborate, and share resources. Building relationships within the project management community also opens doors to potential partnerships and projects, helping to maintain a steady workflow. 🎯 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Candice also discusses a common challenge for freelancers: imposter syndrome. As a freelancer, it’s easy to doubt your value when you’re competing for work. Candice advises leaning into your strengths and leveraging the experiences you gained in full-time roles. By showcasing your expertise and reminding yourself of past successes, you can overcome self-doubt and build confidence. Key Takeaways 🔎 Increase Your Visibility: Use a capability statement and social platforms like LinkedIn to stay visible and top-of-mind with potential clients. 📈 Build a Sales Framework: Establish a structured process for prospecting, client engagement, and follow-up to close more deals. 🤝 Leverage Community: Engage with your PM network to collaborate, learn, and avoid isolation. 🎧 Press play above to listen to the full episode and learn how to build a thriving freelance PM business. Connect with Candice Benson Connect on LinkedIn P.S. Did you know that we have students all over the world using the IMPACT Engine System in their consulting practice to deliver high-IMPACT results for their clients? Learn this game changing system inside The IMPACT Engine book today. Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast! I welcome your feedback and insights! I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online! Warmly, Laura Barnard GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS
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    43 mins