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Project Management Paradise

This podcast delivers real project management insights from experts around the world. Powered by Cora Systems, providers of enterprise project and portfolio management solutions and services to government agencies and large-scale global organizations. Find out more at https://corasystems.com
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Now displaying: 2023
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 

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 

 

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

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

Oct 6, 2023

In this episode, Aaron Murphy hosts Jeremiah Broz, the CEO and founder of Energy Advantage Roof and Solar, to delve into how renewable energy is reshaping our world. Jeremiah's commitment to sustainability and renewable energy is transforming both the industry and the communities he serves.

 

Key Highlights:

●      00:54 - Introduction to Jeremiah Broz and Renewable Energy

●      01:07 - Jeremiah's Background and Journey to Renewable Energy

●      02:00 - The Birth of Energy Advantage

●      05:30 - The Long-Term Worth of Switching to Solar

●      09:57 - Metrics for Comparing Energy Sources

●      12:08 - The Transition from Fossil Fuels to Renewables

●      13:52 - Addressing Fears and Concerns about Solar Adoption

●      16:29 - Monetary Benefits and Incentives of Solar Energy

●      17:00 - Controlling Energy Costs and Time-of-Use Rates

●      18:58 - Empowerment and Core Values

●      19:23 - Navigating Energy Banking and Net Metering

●      20:39 - Connecting with Energy Advantage

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 Jeremiah Broz here or visit his website:
https://www.yourenergyadvantage.com/

Bonus

Find out how grid modernization can facilitate decarbonizing of the energy sector by accessing a complimentary copy at corasystems.com/gridmodernization 

Aug 25, 2023

In this episode, Aaron Murphy discusses leadership skills with guest Pat D'Amico, a leadership expert and CEO of About-Face Development. Pat's military background informs his insights on leadership. He talks about how important it is for leaders to deal with their own stress, become more self-aware, and learn how to coach. They also talk about how important mentorship is, what the most common reasons are for people to quit their jobs, and why leaders need to keep learning. The conversation touches on the effects of tools for learning from a distance, and it ends by pointing out that coaching and hiring skills are important leadership skills. Pat's contact information is given so that you can get in touch with him. Listen to the episode to learn more!

Important Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

00:23 - Who Is Our Guest For Today?

05:12 - Being Aware Of Your Emotion

06:09 - Having A Mentor Is Important

07:06 - Why Are People Leaving Their Jobs?

07:56 - Manager's Role in Job Losses

08:30 - Lack Of Development

08:53 - How To Retain People

13:01 - The Importance Of Keeping Good Managers

16:35 - The Adaption Of Asynchronous E-Learning

  18:26 - Top Three Leadership Skills Most People And Organizations Lack

 

 Learn More About Pat D'Amico

https://aboutfacedevelopment.com/about-1

https://www.linkedin.com/in/patjdamico/

 

Bonus

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

Jul 28, 2023

In this episode, Brian Jackson, Director of Project Management and Third Party Governance at Centennial Bank, shares his 47-year journey in the banking industry, witnessing the incredible transformation from manual operations to today's digital marvels. He discusses the importance of contractual compliance in the banking sector and how Centennial Bank adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling remote work. They explore the impact of digital transformation on modern banks, including real-time payments like FedNow. Tune in for valuable insights and inspiring stories.

Important Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

00:23 – Brian’s background

02:30 - Banking Through the Decades

06:15 - Banking's Unstoppable Technological Journey

08:20 - Time-Saving, Compliance Crucial, Pandemic Impact

11:10 - Revolutionizing the Post-COVID Workplace

15:01 - Reach Out To Brian!

 

Connect with Brian on LinkedIn here
Or email Brian at BJackson@my100bank.com

 

Bonus

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

Jun 30, 2023

In this episode of the Project Management Paradise podcast, Aaron Murphy interviews Dr. Barry Devereux, an expert in artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics. Dr. Devereux discusses his background in cognitive science and his research on natural language processing. He explains that AI has become a hot topic due to the development of chatbots like ChatGPT, which are intuitive and easy to use. Deep learning, a type of machine learning that uses neural network models, has greatly contributed to the success of AI systems. Dr. Devereux predicts that AI will become increasingly integrated into everyday life and professional work, with applications in areas like synthetic media generation. He also highlights the advantages of AI, including increased productivity and economic efficiency. Learn more by listening to this episode!

Important Timestamps:

●      00:00 - Introduction

●      00:27 - Who Is Dr. Barry Devereux?

●      03:23 - Why Is AI Such A Hot Topic Nowadays?

●      08:18 - What Is Natural Language Processing?

●      12:26 - AI In The Next Five Years

●      15:00 - The Advantages Of AI

●      18:30 - The Disadvantages Of AI

 

Learn More About Dr. Barry Devereaux

https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/barry-devereux

Bonus

Learn about the magic of digital twins by accessing a complimentary guidebook at corasystems.com/digitaltwins

 

May 26, 2023

Today, we are talking with Jessica Rivard, a senior business analyst at Cora Systems, and previously she worked at Fincantieri Marine Group, where she spent over 15 years working in the defense sector in a range of roles, including senior corporate applications manager and both as a business and systems analyst.

We discuss the increasing concern over cybersecurity threats from actors like China and North Korea, the importance of competitiveness and innovation in the defense space, and the use of AI in areas such as virtual reality simulations and data analysis. Jessica also highlights the significance of adhering to earned value management techniques and the challenges faced by the industry, including the longer product life cycles caused by factors like knowledge loss and resource demand. Overall, the podcast emphasizes the need for organizations to stay updated, comply with regulations, and leverage technological advancements to address industry challenges effectively.

Important Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

03:28 - The critical trend in the aerospace and defense industry

05:47 - The process on Cybersecurity

07:17 - Strengthening Cybersecurity

07:59 - AI in Aerospace

11:29 - Importance of getting more information

11:51 - Earned Value Management

15:01 - The product life cycle analysis

21:29 - Management is key

Connect with Jessica Rivard 
Email: jrivard@corasystems.com

Bonus

Jessica explores this topic in more detail in her guide at https://corasystems.com/guidebook/aerospace-defense-projects-8-headaches-keeping-your-pmo-awake-at-night/

Apr 28, 2023

Today, we are talking with LaRae Quy, an undercover counterintelligence agent for the FBI for 24 years, and now she’s an author. In this episode, we will discuss mental toughness and how it can be developed over time. We will also look at some examples of mental toughness. We will get to know LaRae’s thoughts on resilience and how to gain good values. Is it truly necessary to have a good understanding of oneself? This and more questions will be answered as we go along with the episode!



00:00 - Introduction
00:21 - Who is LaRae Quy?
03:54 - Mental toughness is something you develop
05:18 - Tips on developing mental toughness
08:08 - What is resilience? 
10:39 - Values in mental toughness
13:39 - Source of good values
15:32 - Responding to failure
20:56 - Mental toughness is the same for men and women
22:40 - The importance of self-awareness
25:15 - How to be self-aware?

 

Connect with LaRae Quy

LinkedIn: LaRae Quy

Website: https://laraequy.com/

Twitter: @LaRaeQuy

 

Bonus

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

Mar 24, 2023

In this episode, we speak with Patti Viri-Cruz, the Director of PT Portfolio, Design, and Construction at Genentech. Patti is a project management professional who has built processes and programs from the ground up, putting the business's needs first. In this episode, we'll talk about diversity and how it's important for running a group or team. How does Patti get the most out of what each team member's strength? Is it through inspiration? We'll also find out what is project management's role in the biotech sector and how the Cora software solution has helped to streamline a global corporation like Genentech and its sister companies around the world.

Important Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
01:01 - Who is Patti Viri-Cruz?
01:38 - Diversity in a nutshell
02:48 - Patti’s fun experiment with Aaron
06:56 - Maximizing team performance
10:11 - The importance of leading by example 
12:15 - Pandemic and post-pandemic comparison
15:57 - Project management in biotech
24:00 - How did Cora Systems help Genentech? 

Connect with Patti Viri-Cruz here

Bonus

Learn how to accelerate your product development by downloading a complimentary guidebook at corasystems.com/pharmaspeed

Feb 24, 2023

The Project Foundry, founded by Declan Ryan, helps business and technology leaders deliver business-driven technology change and realize value by bridging strategy and execution. He is also the CEO and today, he is our guest for this episode. Today, we are going to talk to him about the ways in which the company makes its clients’ lives better. Was Declan surprised by how companies managed their strategies? Did he notice a recurring set of fears? What impact do certain issues have on government and business? Also, where does leadership in a company reside? How do businesses actually put their strategies into action? 

In this episode, we will also learn how an individual can assist the leadership team of a company with the goals that they have set for themselves. Is it really as simple as outlining a route that can lead to success? Learn more as you listen to this episode.

Important Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:14 - Introducing Declan Ryan
00:47 - Declan Ryan’s story
02:55 - How does The Project Foundry improve client lives?
04:08 - How do certain issues affect business and government?
05:34 - Helping business leaders with their strategy 
10:55 - Where does the leadership in a company reside?
14:17 - How do businesses execute their strategies? 

Connect with Declan Ryan here

Bonus

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

Jan 20, 2023

Josh Lee is the co-founder of Rev Technologies, a company that specializes in SAP implementation and technology strategy for heavy manufacturing and project-centric firms. In this episode, we discuss the major trends affecting the aerospace and defense industries, as well as how these trends impact the line of business. In addition, we will find out whether or not the industry will experience the impending shifts that we have been speculating about. What kinds of issues could come up in the future, and how he thinks we should handle them? Lastly, we will talk about how adjusting to new circumstances can be the most effective strategy for companies.

Important Timestamps:

00:00 - Introducing Josh Lee
00:48 - Who is Josh Lee and what does he do?
02:50 - The major trends affecting the aerospace and defense industry
11:04 - Will there be a future change in the industry?
14:51 - How will this change look from an executive perspective and how will it help?
15:34 - What is their plan for resolving future problems that may emerge?
18:17 - How does working in pharma differ from working in aerospace?
20:00 - The power of adaptation
21:27 - Where can we find Josh Lee?

Connect with Joshua Lee here

Reach out to Josh through email: jlee@revtech.consulting

*Bonus*

Learn about the magic of digital twins by accessing a complimentary guidebook at corasystems.com/digitaltwins 

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