Episodes

  • Episode 25: Season One Finale Featuring Project Management Institute (PMI) Global Attendees
    Nov 20 2025

    In this season one finale of Project Zero, Alex celebrates the show's success and shares memorable moments and favorite highlights from past episodes. The episode features insightful interviews with project leaders whom Alex met at PMI (Project Management Institute) Global. Guests include Marc Verbist discussing the intersection of music and project management, Tanya Boyd on her gumbo recipe metaphor for business success, Shawn Harris on AI integration in project management, and Alex Monroe on agile transformations in a marketing agency. We've brought you an extended episode, packed with valuable insights, practical takeaways, and reflections on the PMI Global conference. Enjoy the final episode and the diverse perspectives from PMI Global attendees.


    00:00 Season One Finale Kickoff

    00:14 Highlighting Top Episodes and Insights

    01:57 Special Guests from PMI Global

    04:03 Interview with Mark Verbist

    16:52 Interview with Tanya Boyd

    32:11 Interview with Shawn Harris

    33:45 Exciting Developments in Remote Work and AI Integration

    35:21 Insights from PMI Global Conference

    36:05 The Role of AI in Project Management

    37:53 Practical Applications of AI and Project Management

    40:33 Shawn's Project Zero Experience

    44:55 Alex Monroe's Journey in Project Management

    59:50 Reflections and Future Directions


    Connect with Marc Verbist

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcverbist/

    Connect with Tanya Boyd:

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-boyd-pmp-project-personality/
    • Listen to Tanya’s Full Project Zero Episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2504123/episodes/17516816

    Connect with Shawn Harris:

    • Email: shawn@coworked.ai
    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnharris/

    Connect with Alex Monroe:

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-monroe-pmp-a3131224/
    • Gorilla76: https://www.gorilla76.com/

    Connect with Alex Tuck

    • Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alextuck/
    • Website: www.tuckconsultinggroup.com
    • Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tuckconsultinggroup/
    • Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

    Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

    Website: www.tuckconsultinggroup.com

    Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tuckconsultinggroup/

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Episode 24: The Importance of Process Implementation for Nonprofits
    Nov 13 2025

    In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck speaks with Galanda Brooker, Alex Morgan, and Martin Quatt about business process mapping. The discussion kicks off with introductions and highlights the importance of this method in improving organizational efficiencies. Martin explains the basics of business process mapping, starting from leadership acknowledgment of the need for change to gathering stakeholder input and creating iterative drafts. The guests share their favorite mapping tools and practical examples of successful implementations, detailing projects for organizations like CCL and St. Michael's College. The conversation also touches on adoption strategies and the value of thorough planning. Tune in for actionable insights on streamlining your company's processes and achieving substantial time and cost savings.

    00:00 Introduction to Project Zero

    00:09 Meet the Guests: Galanda, Alex, and Martin

    02:08 Understanding Business Process Mapping

    04:30 Favorite Mapping Tools

    07:04 Real-World Examples of Process Mapping

    07:43 Client Success Stories: CCL and St. Michael's College

    13:36 Implementing Process Maps with Clickup

    17:26 Project Timelines and Stakeholder Involvement

    25:03 Ensuring Adoption of New Processes

    27:37 Conclusion and Wrap-Up


    Connect with Galanda Brooker

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrooker/


    Connect with Martin Quatt

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-quatt/


    Connect with Alex Morgan

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderdmorgan/


    Connect with Alex Tuck

    Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alextuck/

    Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

    Website: www.tuckconsultinggroup.com

    Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tuckconsultinggroup/

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    28 mins
  • Episode 23: Prioritizing People in Project Management with Cathy Matosky
    Nov 6 2025

    In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck interviews Cathy Matosky, a strategic program manager for a digital advertising company and a consultant in operational excellence. Cathy shares her journey into project management, starting from her initial career in medical technology to her current roles. She discusses the importance of focusing on both technical execution and people management, the value of certifications like PMP and Prosci, and how AI is reshaping project management. Cathy emphasizes active listening and curiosity as crucial skills for project managers and advises continuous learning and mentorship for career growth.

    00:00 Welcome to Project Zero

    00:20 Meet Cathy Matosky: Strategic Program Manager

    00:49 Cathy's Journey into Project Management

    02:04 The Importance of Certifications

    02:57 Embracing Change Management

    05:51 The Cyclical Nature of Projects

    07:44 Project Zero: Cathy's First Major Project

    13:00 The Impact of AI on Project Management

    16:02 Essential Skills for Project Managers

    18:29 Advice for Aspiring Project Managers

    22:22 Defining Project Success

    25:07 Conclusion and Contact Information


    Connect with Cathy

    • LinkedIn: Cathy Matosky

    Connect with Alex Tuck

    • Personal LinkedIn: Alex Tuck
    • Website: www.tuckconsultinggroup.com
    • Company LinkedIn: Tuck Consulting Group

    Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

    Website: www.tuckconsultinggroup.com

    Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tuckconsultinggroup/

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    26 mins
  • Episode 22: Top Leadership Takeaways for Project Managers with Alec Jacobson
    Oct 30 2025

    In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck interviews Alec Jacobson, an ESG consultant and co-founder of AB Power. Alec shares his unique career journey from a freelance journalist and nonprofit founder to his current roles at TetraTech and AB Power. He discusses the skills he developed along the way, including project management as a journalist and leadership lessons learned at Booz Allen. Alec also elaborates on his Project Zero experience, founding a nonprofit news group, and the crucial lessons he learned about communication, giving feedback, and team leadership. They also touch on how AI could impact project management tasks and the importance of junior roles in the professional pipeline.

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

    00:42 Alec's Background and Career Journey

    02:22 First Encounters with Project Management

    03:46 Lessons from Booz Allen

    06:31 Project Zero: Founding a Nonprofit News Group

    09:05 Key Lessons Learned

    15:45 Advice for Aspiring Project Managers

    17:46 The Future of AI in Project Management

    24:10 Career Reflections and Final Thoughts

    27:11 Conclusion and Contact Information


    Connect with Alec Jacobson

    • LinkedIn: Alec Jacobson

    Connect with Alex Tuck

    • Personal LinkedIn: Alex Tuck
    • Website: www.tuckconsultinggroup.com
    • Company LinkedIn: Tuck Consulting Group

    Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

    Website: www.tuckconsultinggroup.com

    Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tuckconsultinggroup/

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    28 mins
  • Episode 21: Key Priorities for Project Managers to Achieve Effective Service Delivery
    Oct 23 2025

    This discussion focuses on key areas project managers should prioritize for effective service delivery in small businesses or departments. Emphasis is placed on the importance of comprehensive communication plans, the cadence of communication methods, and ensuring stakeholders are well-informed and engaged throughout the project. The conversation also addresses practical approaches to organizing project documentation, transitioning projects into operations, creating project plans using methodologies like waterfall and agile, and managing risks and issues. The panel also discusses negotiation and escalation tactics to foster better teamwork and adherence to project goals.

    00:00 Introduction to Project Management Focus Areas

    00:20 Importance of Communication in Project Management

    01:14 Effective Communication Strategies

    03:43 Live Meetings vs. Asynchronous Communication

    06:17 Organizing Project Artifacts

    11:56 Building a Project Plan

    21:41 Risk and Issue Management

    28:38 Assessing Project Risks and Their Impact

    29:45 Documenting and Tracking Decisions

    30:58 Simplifying Risk Management Processes

    31:45 Leveraging AI for Decision Tracking

    32:09 Client Communication and Conflict Resolution

    33:08 Learning from Past Projects

    34:48 Fear Setting and Risk Management

    37:14 Negotiation and Escalation Tactics

    39:01 Building Strong Relationships for Project Success

    43:36 Aligning Projects with Company Mission

    51:39 Final Thoughts and Next Steps


    Connect with Galanda Brooker

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrooker/

    Connect with Jessica Caresse

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-caresse/

    Connect with Alex Morgan

    • LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderdmorgan/

    Connect with Alex Tuck

    • Personal LinkedIn: Alex Tuck
    • Website: www.tuckconsultinggroup.com
    • Company LinkedIn: Tuck Consulting Group

    Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

    Website: www.tuckconsultinggroup.com

    Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tuckconsultinggroup/

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    37 mins
  • Episode 20: The Project Manager’s Balancing Act with Pete Walker
    Oct 16 2025

    In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck interviews Pete Walker, a co-founder of Navigate, about his extensive experience in project management. Pete shares his journey from being an industrial engineer and psychologist to a project manager working on transformation projects and process re-engineering. Highlighting his 'Project Zero'—an ERP transformation at General Dynamics—Pete recounts the challenges and lessons learned, emphasizing the importance of communication and adaptability. The discussion covers the evolving role of project managers, the significance of organization skills, and actionable advice for aspiring project managers.

    00:00 Introduction to Project Zero

    00:08 Meet Pete Walker: Co-founder of Navigate

    00:30 Pete's Journey into Project Management

    01:45 The Role of Engineering and Psychology

    03:04 First Major Project: ERP Transformation

    10:33 Lessons from Project Zero

    15:41 The Importance of Communication

    18:31 Future of Project Management

    23:01 Advice for Aspiring Project Managers

    26:51 Conclusion and Contact Information


    Connect with Pete Walker

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/walkerbusinessconsulting/
    • Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigate-and-company/

    Connect with Alex Tuck

    • Personal LinkedIn: Alex Tuck
    • Website: www.tuckconsultinggroup.com
    • Company LinkedIn: Tuck Consulting Group

    Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

    Website: www.tuckconsultinggroup.com

    Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tuckconsultinggroup/

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    27 mins
  • Episode 19: Breaking Through Your Comfort Zone as a Project Manager with Saby Waraich
    Oct 9 2025

    In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck welcomes keynote speaker and upcoming author, Saby Waraich. Saby shares his extensive experience spanning 30 years in technology, currently serving as Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at Clackamas Community College. He discusses his journey from software development in India to becoming a PMO manager in the U.S., highlighting key projects, especially a challenging transformation at the City of Portland. Saby introduces his framework ‘SCARE to CARES’ for managing complex transformations, touching on key topics such as leadership and communication. He emphasizes the importance of influence as a fundamental skill for project leaders and shares advice for aspiring project managers on achieving career growth. The episode closes with Saby's insights on the practical applications and ethical considerations of AI in project management.


    00:00 Introduction to Project Zero Podcast


    00:34 Meet Saby: A Journey in Technology and Leadership

    02:35 From Software Developer to Project Manager

    04:00 The PMP Certification: A Turning Point

    06:59 Project Zero: The High-Stakes Challenge

    08:28 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Challenges

    12:26 Delivering Success Against All Odds

    14:16 From Scare to CARES: Leadership Lessons

    15:26 Building Trust and Empowering Teams

    15:50 Scare to Cares Framework

    16:00 Handling Media and Public Perception

    18:26 Project Success Amidst COVID-19

    19:14 Internal Team Dynamics and Challenges

    22:59 Advice for Aspiring Project Managers

    27:10 The Role of AI in Project Management

    31:36 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

    Connect with Saby Waraich

    • LinkedIn: @Saby Waraich
    • Website: sabywaraich.com
    • YouTube: @SabyWaraich

    Connect with Alex Tuck

    • Personal LinkedIn: @Alex Tuck
    • Website: www.tuckconsultinggroup.com
    • Company LinkedIn: @Tuck Consulting Group

    Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

    Website: www.tuckconsultinggroup.com

    Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tuckconsultinggroup/

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    32 mins
  • Episode 18: Developing a Custom Onboarding Plan from Scratch with Matt Mayabb
    Sep 25 2025

    In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck interviews Matt Mayabb, Senior Director of Program Management at NeuroFlow. Matt discusses his journey from working at Humana to being part of NeuroFlow through its acquisition of Quartet Health. He details his nonlinear path in project management, sharing experiences from his early career in a call center to leading complex healthcare projects. Matt highlights key skills for project managers, the importance of listening and empathy, and the potential impacts of AI on the field. He also shares insights into his first major project, onboarding a new executive at Humana, and offers advice for aspiring project managers.

    00:00 Introduction to Project Zero

    00:18 Meet Matt Mayabb: Senior Director at NeuroFlow

    01:20 Journey from Quartet Health to NeuroFlow

    01:52 Matt's Pathway into Project Management

    04:56 Implementing Innovative Programs at Quartet

    15:54 Advice for Aspiring Project Managers

    17:53 The Impact of AI on Project Management

    21:28 Defining Success in Project Management

    23:26 Final Thoughts and Contact Information


    Connect with Matt Mayabb

    • LinkedIn: Matt Mayabb

    Connect with Alex Tuck

    • Personal LinkedIn: Alex Tuck
    • Website: www.tuckconsultinggroup.com
    • Company LinkedIn: Tuck Consulting Group

    Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

    Website: www.tuckconsultinggroup.com

    Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tuckconsultinggroup/

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    25 mins