In this episode, Andy talks with Yasmina Khelifi and Mayte Mata Sivera, co-authors of The Volunteering Journey to Project Leadership.. Ever feel like you don't have time to volunteer? Yasmina and Mayte share compelling reasons why giving back ends up being a win-win for you and those you are serving.

Through personal anecdotes, Yasmina and Mayte illustrate how volunteering can open doors and provide meaningful experiences, such as transitioning from managers to leaders and collaborating on impactful projects like their book. They also offer practical advice on starting small in volunteering, choosing opportunities that bring joy, and leveraging LinkedIn for networking.

Want to give back but feel like you don't have time or know where to start? This episode is for you!

• "Volunteering benefits both you and those you serve."
• "Start small and evaluate your expectations."
• "Find something that brings you joy."
• "There's a great need for the skill sets that project managers and frontline leaders have. We agree that it's important to do, yet in many ways, we're among the busiest of people."
• "Having this opportunity to experiment with different people helped me to try different styles, to try to find myself as a leader."
• "I had bad marks in school. I thought you had to be gifted. But thanks to volunteering, I gained confidence. And now I try different things."

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:36 Start Of Interview
• 01:49 Personal Journeys To Project Management
• 04:28 The Power Of Volunteering: First Experiences
• 06:10 Developing Leadership Skills Through Volunteering
• 14:28 Building Relationships And Networking
• 18:15 Learning Agility And Personal Development
• 20:18 Overcoming Design Barriers Through Volunteering
• 22:00 The Importance Of Starting Small In Volunteering
• 23:08 Finding Joy In Volunteering
• 24:13 Memorable Volunteering Experiences
• 27:18 End Of Interview
• 27:47 Andy Comments After The Interview
• 31:08 Outtakes

You can listen to my previous discussion with Yasmina in episode 361.

You can connect with Yasmina on LinkedIn here. And connect with Mayte on LinkedIn here.

With the constant stream of AI news, it's sometimes hard to grasp how these advancements can benefit us as project managers and leaders in our day-to-day work. That's why I developed our e-learning course: AI Made Simple: A Practical Guide to Using AI in Your Everyday Work.

This self-guided course is designed for project managers and leaders aiming to harness AI's potential to enhance your work, streamline your workflow, and boost your productivity.

Go to ai.i-leadonline.com to learn more and join us. The feedback from the program has been fantastic. Take this opportunity to unlock the potential of AI for your team and projects.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Volunteering, Leadership, Project Management, Personal Growth, Networking, Community Service, Professional Development, Learning Agility, Relationships, Mentorship.

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Summer Morning Full Version by MusicLFiles
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Tropical Vibe by Winnie the Moog
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode, Andy interviews Dr. Nada Sanders, co-author of The Humachine: AI, Human Virtues, and the Super Intelligent Enterprise. They delve into the current state and future of human-technology integration, discussing key concepts from the book, such as Kasparov's Law and Moravec's Paradox. Andy and Dr. Sanders explore practical implications for leaders, project managers, and parents in preparing for a future where AI and human skills are intertwined. The conversation touches on the importance of maintaining human skills, creativity, and adaptability in the age of AI.

If you want to stay relevant and prepared for an AI-driven future, this episode is for you!

• "We have to be humble enough to know that probably 90 percent of the time or 95 percent of the time the machines are going to be better."
• "The reality of it is machines are great at certain things, but guess what? So are we as humans. And I think that tends to be forgotten."
• "But we have to know when and how to interact with the machine, when to interrupt it, when to adjust it, when to augment the output."
• "The humachine is the enterprise of the future, the successful dominant form of enterprise that combines humans and technology."

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:53 Start Of Interview
• 03:45 What's A Humachine
• 07:02 Kasparov's Law And Moravec's Paradox
• 14:20 Practical Examples Of Human Vs Machine Strengths
• 18:48 The Future Of AI And Human Integration
• 19:00 AI's Limitations In Replicating Human Nuance
• 24:25 Steps To Becoming A Humachinist
• 29:03 Future Of Super Intelligence And Its Implications
• 32:56 How Parents Can Prepare The Next Generation For The Future
• 34:31 End Of Interview
• 35:00 Andy Comments After The Interview
• 40:35 Outtakes

To learn more about this topic, check out these episodes:

• Episode 382, with Hal Hershfield regarding his book Your Future Self.
• Episode 329, with Deborah Westphal about her book on preparing for the future.
• Episode 313, with Brian David Johnson about his book The Future You.

You can learn more about Nada and her book at NadaSanders.com.

With the constant stream of AI news, it's sometimes hard to grasp how these advancements can benefit us as project managers and leaders in our day-to-day work. That's why I developed our e-learning course: AI Made Simple: A Practical Guide to Using AI in Your Everyday Work.

This self-guided course is designed for project managers and leaders aiming to harness AI's potential to enhance your work, streamline your workflow, and boost your productivity.

Go to ai.i-leadonline.com to learn more and join us. The feedback from the program has been fantastic. Take this opportunity to unlock the potential of AI for your team and projects.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Business Acumen

Topics: Project Management, AI, Future of Work, Career, Leadership, Creativity, Superintelligence, Strategy

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Imagefilm 034 by Sascha Ende
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Fashion Corporate by Frank Schroeter
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode, Andy interviews Laura Barnard about her book, The Impact Engine: Accelerating Strategy Delivery for PMO and Transformation Leaders. They discuss Laura's journey in setting up PMOs, the common mistakes and resistance faced, and the importance of change management and mindset in driving success. Laura introduces the Impact Engine system, a framework she developed to help organizations deliver sustainable value. The conversation also covers how project managers can become strategy navigators and effectively communicate with stakeholders.

It's a fun, practical discussion that will help improve your ability to lead teams and deliver projects.

• "People are not actually resistant to change. They are resistant to having change done to them."
• "A lot of what we teach first is that you have to shift the way you think about the work you do... and really become what we call the strategy navigator for the organization."
• "Give them what they want before you give them what they need"
• "It’s not just about the templates, tools, and process that you’re creating. It’s about the business problems you’re solving."
• "I wish I had me when I was you. I wish I had somebody who would say don’t do this, do this instead... I needed to help them so that they can have an easier path than I had."
• "Knowledge alone is not power. It’s the application of that knowledge where you make a real impact. If you do the work, you will see the results."

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:00 Start of Interview
• 02:27 Laura's Journey in Building Her First PMO
• 04:40 Common Mistakes in Setting Up a PMO
• 09:29 The Impact Engine System
• 15:21 Myths About Change Management
• 20:50 Give Them What They Want, Not What They Need
• 27:57 Understanding Transparency and Impact
• 29:34 Measuring Success and Stakeholder Engagement
• 34:46 How Laura Seeks Continual Learning and Personal Growth
• 39:44 End of Interview
• 40:15 Andy Comments After the Interview
• 46:47 Outtakes

You can learn more about Laura and her book at IMPACTEngineBook.com.

We regularly help people just like you prepare and pass their PMP and CAPM certification exams. If you or someone you know is thinking about pursuing project management certification, contact us! We'd love to help you earn your credential. Learn more and enroll at i-leadonline.com/PMSeries.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Project Management, PMO, Change Management, Leadership, Business Transformation, Strategy Delivery, Continuous Learning, Organizational Change

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Brooklyn Nights by Tim Kulig
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode, Andy interviews Dr. Yasmin Davidds about her book Graciously Assertive: How Becoming a Better Human Makes You a Better Leader. They discuss the importance of assertiveness in leadership, particularly in multicultural environments, and the need for leaders to benefit from diverse perspectives and promote a sense of belonging. Dr. Davidds shares insights on what she calls gracious assertiveness, including her personal journey and the pillars of gracious assertive leadership. She also addresses common themes in diversity and inclusion, the concept of holding space, and the impact of these ideas on both professional and personal relationships.

In a world where diversity and inclusion have been politicized and often seem primarily about the numbers, this discussion makes it all much more practical. You will learn practical strategies for becoming more assertive and creating inclusive environments.

• "Graciously assertive is the ability to self-advocate, to communicate in a way that holds space for the other side, that allows everyone in the conversation to feel heard."
• "If we can be gracious and be more accepting and receptive to other people's messages without taking it personal, we would have a much better workplace."
• "We just show up different. We don’t need our armor here."
• "Establishing healthy boundaries is important for individuals to prioritize their energy and create a space where they can be their best selves."
• "Self-judgment is a reflection of when you judge other people."

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:26 Start Of Interview
• 02:37 How A Crisis Counselor Saved Yasmin's Life
• 04:54 Understanding Gracious Assertiveness
• 08:20 The Pillars Of Gracious Assertive Leadership
• 10:47 Self-Compassion And Overcoming Self-Judgment
• 12:40 Overcoming Self-Doubt
• 15:07 The Importance Of Healthy Boundaries
• 18:22 Graciously Assertive Communication Model
• 23:18 Negotiation Strategies With Difficult People
• 24:03 DEI Mistakes
• 29:33 Understanding And Implementing 'Holding Space'
• 33:20 Developing Graciously Assertive Children At Home
• 35:46 End Of Interview
• 36:06 Andy's Comments After The Interview
• 40:29 Outtakes

You can learn more about Dr. Davidds and her book at DrYasminInstitute.com/dr-yasmin-davidds/.

We regularly help people just like you prepare and pass their PMP and CAPM certification exams. If you or someone you know is thinking about pursuing project management certification, contact us! We'd love to help you earn your credential. Learn more and enroll at i-leadonline.com/PMSeries.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Assertiveness, Diversity, Inclusion, Leadership, Self-awareness, Curiosity, Empathy, Project Management, Cross-Culture

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Summer Morning Full Version by MusicLFiles
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Synthiemania by Frank Schroeter
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode, Andy welcomes sociolinguist Valerie Fridland to discuss her new book Like, Literally, Dude: Arguing for the Good in Bad English. They explore the significance of language use in leadership, including the use of filler words, intensifiers, and vocal fry. She challenges the notion that filler words should be eliminated, highlighting their cognitive and communicative benefits. Overall, the conversation provides insights into the complexities of language and its role in effective communication.

It's a fun discussion about language that will have you laughing, for sure, but also leaving the conversation with insights to help you lead more effectively at work (and at home).

• "Probably the best answer is I know enough about other languages to order a beer in those languages and that's pretty much probably all you need."
• "But it's also on the other side that when we're letting ourselves get distracted by those speech features (filler words), and then we're dismissing what they have to say because of something we don't like, we're also doing something wrong."
• "I said I study vowel movements. He heard bowel movements and thought I was a gastroenterologist."
• "If parents are worried about the way their kids talk, just show really good interest in trying to copy it and they'll never say it in front of you again."

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:21 Start Of Interview
• 03:34 Language And Social Identity
• 06:56 The Evolution Of Language And Social Identity
• 13:41 The Role Of Filler Words
• 22:53 The History And Use Of 'Like'
• 34:11 Pressures On Women In The Workplace
• 34:58 Vocal Fry In Media And Public Perception
• 35:23 Gender And Vocal Fry Criticism
• 38:38 Understanding And Adapting Speech Features
• 39:52 Effective Communication Strategies
• 41:32 Judging Speech In Professional Contexts
• 47:48 Advice For Parents On Communication
• 50:18 Wrap-Up
• 50:39 Andy Comments After The Interview
• 52:51 Outtakes

You can learn more about Valerie and her book at ValerieFridland.com.

We regularly help people just like you prepare and pass their PMP and CAPM certification exams. If you or someone you know is thinking about pursuing project management certification, contact us! We'd love to help you earn your credential. Learn more and enroll at i-leadonline.com/PMSeries.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: project management, leadership, language, social identity, filler words, communication, vocal fry, gendered speech, linguistic diversity, parenting

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Fantastical Ferret by Tim Kulig
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Tuesday by Sascha Ende
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode, Andy interviews Michelle Labrosse, the founder and Chief Cheetah of Cheetah Learning. They discuss Michelle's career journey, the importance of learning and focus, and her approach to accelerated learning. Michelle shares insights on removing hurdles in learning, dealing with information overload and distractions, and achieving mastery. She emphasizes the importance of thorough project assessment and planning, as well as the need for continuous learning and curiosity. Throughout the discussion, she shares personal anecdotes and practical tips for effective project management.

• "I was thrown from the car. So I think that now they would label me Asperger's but I wasn't Asperger's. I had a brain injury."
• "When you teach people how to be good at test taking, you open up a whole world for them."
• "We do a lot with anxiety. We have a lot of people saying they cured my test anxiety."

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:45 Start of Interview
• 01:48 Michelle's Early Life and Family Influence
• 03:03 Discovering and Overcoming a Brain Injury
• 07:14 The Impact of 'Do What You Are'
• 14:16 What Makes Learning Fast, Easy, and Fun?
• 27:53 Project Management Tips for Beginners
• 28:54 Understanding Project Risks
• 29:07 The Importance of Stakeholders
• 29:13 Resources and Self-Assessment
• 30:50 Curiosity and Humility in Project Management
• 33:10 Dealing with Project Challenges
• 36:40 Parenting and Project Management
• 41:54 Wrap Up
• 42:19 Andy Comments After the Interview
• 44:36 Outtakes

You can learn more and connect with Michelle on LinkedIn at LinkedIn/in/Best-PMP-Exam-Prep-Course.

We regularly help people just like you prepare and pass their PMP and CAPM certification exams. If you or someone you know is thinking about pursuing project management certification, contact us! We'd love to help you earn your credential. Learn more and enroll at i-leadonline.com/PMSeries.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Ways of Working

Topics: project management, career, accelerated learning, leadership, continuous learning, curiosity, parenting, identity capital

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Fantastical Ferret by Tim Kulig
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Fashion Corporate by Frank Schroeter
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license