E242: Designing Great Projects—and an Even Better Life, Guests, Dawn Mahan

E242: Designing Great Projects—and an Even Better Life, Guests, Dawn Mahan

From Changing the Rules by Wildfire Podcasts, Raymond D. Loewe, "The Luckiest Guy in the World", Ray Loewe

April 14, 2026 · 28 min · Episode 242

About this episode

Dawn Mahan discusses how project management can be approached through storytelling and personal life design.

Host: Ray Loewe Cohost: MaryAnn Steinhauer What if project management wasn’t just about timelines and deliverables… …but about storytelling, inspiration, and living life on your terms? Dawn Mahan is one of the “Luckiest People in the World”—and she’s earned it. A globally recognized project management expert, she’s built a career in demand around the world while intentionally designing a life that includes family, travel, and even early “retirement” planning in Key West. In her latest book, Projectland Goes to the Movies, Dawn taps into the power of film to teach leadership lessons that stick: How to kick off projects the right way (The Great Escape) How to build trust and avoid sabotage (The Italian Job) How to anticipate risk before it derails everything (Star Wars) Because whether you’re managing a project… or your life… You’re telling a story. What kind of story are you creating?

People in this episode

Guest: Dawn Mahan

Topics covered

  • project management
  • storytelling
  • leadership
  • life design

Keywords

  • inspiration
  • trust
  • risk management
  • film

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Projectland Goes to the Movies

Books & works: Projectland Goes to the Movies, The Great Escape, The Italian Job, Star Wars

Places: Key West

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