• Episode 163: "Digital Transformation in Aerospace & Defence" with Nils Herzberg
    May 3 2024

    Join us as we explore digital transformation in aerospace and defense with Nils Herzberg, a seasoned business leader with over 35 years of experience, primarily at SAP.

    Key Points:

    • Defining Digital Transformation: Nils explains what digital transformation means for aerospace and defense, highlighting its importance for modernization and efficiency.

    • The Why Behind It: Discover the strategic reasons driving organizations to embark on digital transformation programs, as explained by Nils.

    • Avoiding Pitfalls: Nils shares common pitfalls to watch out for during a digital transformation journey and offers practical advice to navigate them successfully.

    • Tips for Success: Learn three actionable tips for planning and executing a digital transformation program, based on Nils's extensive experience.

    • Sectoral Differences: Understand how digital transformation varies across industries and gain insights into its unique challenges in aerospace and defense compared to other sectors.

    • PPM & ERP Systems: Nils explains the importance of Project Portfolio Management (PPM) alongside Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, especially for CEOs unfamiliar with PPM.

    • Real-Time Data in A&D: Explore the significance of near real-time data for progress tracking in aerospace and defense, and how it enhances decision-making.

    • Career Advice: Nils shares the most valuable advice he's received and how it shaped his career, offering insights for professionals at all levels.

    Show more Show less
    29 mins
  • Episode 161: "How to create more motivated teams" with Dr. Randy Ross
    Feb 23 2024

    In this episode of Project Management Paradise, host Aaron Murphy engages in a deep dive with Dr. Randy Ross, CEO of Remarkable and bestselling author, exploring the essence of corporate culture, employee engagement, and navigating challenging times in the workplace. Dr. Ross shares invaluable insights on fostering positive work environments, enhancing employee happiness, and addressing toxic elements within organizations.

    Key Highlights:

    ● 00:23 - Introduction and background to the guest Dr. Randy Ross

    ● 04:52 - The Silent Killer

    ● 07:17 - Navigating VUCA

    ● 12:48 - Investing in People

    ● 15:28 - Building Relationally Rich Environments

    ● 16:12 - Creating a Relationally Rich Environment

    ● 16:30 - Embracing Feedback

    ● 21:59 - Axiology in Practice

    ● 23:01 - Passion, Strengths, and Problem-Solving

    ● 30:13 - Purpose-Driven Business

    This episode serves as an engaging discussion on the importance of renewable energy and how it can positively impact individuals, communities, and the environment.

    Learn More About Dr. Randy Ross here

    Explore Dr. Randy Ross' authored works here

    Show more Show less
    36 mins
  • Episode 160: 'The power of empathy in leadership" with Neal Frick
    Jan 26 2024

    In this episode of the Project Management Paradise podcast, host Aaron Murphy is joined by Neal Frick, a leadership guru and author, to explore the topic of empathetic leadership. Neil shares insights into the definition of empathetic leadership, common misconceptions, and the keys to successful implementation. He emphasizes transparency, trust, active listening, and logical decision-making as crucial elements. Neil also discusses the return on investment (ROI) of empathetic leadership, highlighting its impact on effort, productivity, and customer relations.

    Key Highlights:

    ● 00:23 - Introduction to Neal Frick and Empathy in leadership

    ● 00:57 - Neal’s Background and Journey to Empathy to Leadership

    ● 02:33 - Empathetic Leadership

    ● 07:50 - Trust and Listening in Empathetic Leadership

    ● 08:14 - Empathy and Sympathy, Underlining the Need for Setting Boundaries

    ● 09:23 - Emotional Connections Affected Decision-Making

    ● 10:13 - Explores Return on Investment (ROI) in Empathetic Leadership

    ● 11:10 - Empathetic Leadership Boosts Effort and Productivity

    ● 11:50 - Empathetic Leadership on Customer Satisfaction, Marketing, and Sales

    ● 12:47 - ROI to the Keys of Success: Trust and Listening

    ● 15:22 - Field of Empathetic Leadership

    Learn More About Neal Frick here

    Bonus

    Learn the keys to effective “change management” by accessing a complimentary copy at corasystems.com/changeguide

    Show more Show less
    24 mins
  • "Developing Cross-functional Teams" with Paul Gill | Unlocking Project Success with Professor John McGrath
    Jan 9 2024

    In this episode, we're joined by Paul Gill, who has spent over eight years at PayPal as a program manager.

    Paul shares his experiences and tips for successfully developing cross-functional teams and managing company strategy.

    Key Highlights:

    • Introduction to Paul Gill and program management within business operations
    • Why good ideas require good execution
    • Definition of cross-functional teams
    • Definition of Agile and adaptability in project management
    • How effective diverse, cross-functional teams can be a competitive advantage
    • Why is corporate culture and collaboration important to successful project execution

    Connect with Paul on LinkedIn here

    Bonus

    Access a complimentary guidebook, Empowering Strategy Realization Using OKRs, at corasystems.com/okrguide

    Show more Show less
    38 mins
  • "Successful Change Transformation & Acquisition in A&D" with Lauren C. Ayers | Unlocking Project Success with Professor John McGrath
    Dec 4 2023

    In this episode, we're joined by Lauren C. Ayers, former director of program analysis and business transformation for the deputy assistant secretary of the U.S. Navy.

    Lauren shares her experiences and learnings for successful change transformation, in particular in the area of acquisition and procurement.

    Key Highlights:

    • Introduction to Lauren C. Ayers and business transformation in mega projects
    • Strategic advice for efficient procurement and maintenance of military hardware
    • How best to work in a team environment
    • Skills for negotiating, contract management and future planning
    • How to navigate DCMA and GovCon processes
    • Tips for how to effectively communicate with multiple stakeholders

    Bonus

    Learn how software can combat 8 headaches keeping PMOs in the aerospace & defense sector awake at night by accessing a complimentary copy at corasystems.com/defensesoft

    Show more Show less
    37 mins
  • "Successful Change and Transformation" with Hardeep Kaur | Unlocking Project Success with Professor John McGrath
    Nov 21 2023

    This episode of The Project Management Paradise Podcast is the part of a unique limited series called "Unlocking Project Success with Professor John McGrath”.

    In this episode, we're joined by Hardeep Kaur, a Global Director – Operational Excellence, Strategy, Transformation, Change Management and Communications, at Merck, with over 25 years’ experience in Pharmaceutical Operations and General Management.

    Hardeep shares her experience and advice for successful change and transformation, in particular in the area of strategy execution.

    Key Highlights:

    • Introduction to Hardeep Kaur and change management
    • The difference between change and transformation
    • Misconceptions about the role of the project sponsor and their importance to project success
    • Tips for improving stakeholder communication
    • 3 lessons learned for successful execution of change
    • Agility and how to make your organization change ready

    Connect with Hardeep on LinkedIn here

    Bonus

    Learn the keys to effective “digital transformation” by accessing a complimentary guidebook at corasystems.com/transformationguide

    Show more Show less
    28 mins
  • "Project Fatigue in Complex Projects" with Carl Bernie | Unlocking Project Success with Professor John McGrath
    Nov 7 2023

    This episode of The Project Management Paradise Podcast is the part of a unique limited series called "Unlocking Project Success with Professor John McGrath”. In this episode, we're joined by Carl Bernie, an Operations Director with DPS Group with extensive KAM, project management and commercial experience on global semi-conductor mega construction projects.

    Carl shares his experience in dealing with project fatigue in complex projects. He discusses his journey into the world of project management, which began in the 1990s, and today entails managing multi-year projects with budgets of billions of euro.

    Carl explores how large, complex projects differ from more traditional projects, including initiation, execution, delivery and project close-out.

    Key Highlights:

    ● Introduction to Carl Bernie and mega projects

    ● Agile, iterative approaches to project execution

    ● Diversity in project teams and creating a team dynamic

    ● Traits for a good project manager

    ● Essence, experience and pitfalls of project fatigue

    ● Effects of global events – including supply chain stresses, Brexit, Covid, remote working – on project management capabilities

    Connect with Carl on LinkedIn here

    Show more Show less
    58 mins
  • Episode 159: "How to prepare users for change management” with Pamela Ann Sinclair
    Oct 27 2023

    In this episode, we're joined by Pamela Ann Sinclair, a training specialist for Cora Systems and change management expert, who shares her expertise in change management preparation. Pamela discusses her journey into the world of change management, highlighting its increasing relevance in project management over the past decade. She emphasizes the pivotal role of change management in successful project execution and provides a practical checklist of industry best-practices to ensure smooth transitions. Pamela also explores common pitfalls in change management based on her extensive experience, offering insights on how to avoid them.

    Key Highlights:

    ● 00:58 - Introduction to Pam Sinclair and Change Management

    ● 02:30 - Change Management: A Marketing Buzzword

    ● 05:36 - Pam on the Basics of Change Management

    ● 08:13 - The Two Biggest Pitfalls

    ● 14:58 - Pam’s Key Learning Experience

    ● 17:38 - Importance of Change on People

    Connect with Pamela on LinkedIn here

    Bonus

    Learn the keys to effective change management by accessing a complimentary copy at www.corasystems.com/changeguide

    Show more Show less
    21 mins