Iprograms Podcast - The Art of Program Management

Have you ever worked on a project that started off strong, only for things to quickly unravel? Deadlines slip, communication breaks down, and meetings feel like a waste of time. It’s not always about lacking skills—sometimes, project managers just need the right strategy tools and soft skills to take their projects from good to exceptional.In this episode of the iPrograms Podcast, host Dr. Bill Bersing—a leader in engineering, construction, and program management—sits down with Dr. Jim Chambers, an expert in educational leadership, learning & development, and instructional design. Together, they break down why traditional project management training often overlooks critical leadership skills, communication strategies, and emotional intelligence—and how filling these gaps can lead to outstanding project success.🔍 What You’ll Learn:✅ The biggest mistakes project managers make—and how to fix them✅ Why technical skills alone won’t guarantee success✅ How leadership, soft skills, and AI can transform your workflow✅ Why the PURE Management approach is redefining project leadershipIf you’re ready to stop managing chaos and start leading with clarity, this episode will give you real-world insights you can start applying today.💡 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert insights from top professionals in the industry!📌 YouTube Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:10 Intro01:54 Project Zodiac04:00 The Struggle Between Big Companies and Small Business Partnerships06:50 PURE Certification11:11 What’s Missing from Traditional Project Management11:37 Using AI as a Tool for Project Management14:59 The Biggest Mistake Project Managers Make19:36 Key to Preventing Project Failure23:50 How to Communicate with Emotional Intelligence28:40 Leadership vs. Micromanagement31:06 How to Build Trust in Project Teams35:18 What Makes a Great Project Manager36:08 PURE Management Alliance Program Details37:44 A New Kind of Project Certification38:58 The Qualities of Great Project Managers44:23 Why Soft Skills Matter56:49 Final Thoughts🔗 Resources & Links:📘 Learn more about PURE Management Alliance🎓 Access FREE Project Management Resources 🎙 Follow the iPrograms Podcast for More Episodes #ProjectManagement #Leadership #PUREManagement #iProgramsPodcast #AIinProjects #SoftSkills #TeamManagement #BusinessLeadership

Nearly two decades ago, Dr. Bill Bersing set out to explore a then-nascent concept: virtual executive leadership. His work culminated in a 2009 dissertation that asked leaders critical questions about building trust, fostering collaboration, and achieving success in virtual environments. At the time, remote leadership was still emerging, and his insights offered a fresh perspective on managing global teams in the multinational engineering service industry.Fast forward almost 20 years, and the world has changed dramatically. With rapid technological advances and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual work has become the norm. In this episode, Dr. Bersing revisits the same questions, exploring how leadership practices have evolved. He also shares his plans to expand the scope of these questions to leaders across industries for future episodes, aiming to uncover fresh insights for a new era of work.Join us as we dive into Dr. Bersing’s reflections, hear his responses to the very questions he created, and learn how he’s using this research to spark a broader conversation about the future of leadership. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the challenges and opportunities of leading virtually across the world.Timestamps:1:37 Introduction - The Study: Revisiting Virtual Executive Leadership10:11 How do you and your organization use communication tools to create and preserve trust in the virtual team setting?18:24 How do you ensure virtual member diversity is accepted and clear?25:41 How do you properly manage meetings and work-life cycle in the virtual work setting?31:15 How do you or your organization use technology to observe virtual team performance?37:25 How do you evaluate virtual team progress?39:15 How do you allow for virtual team members to gain something from being on the team?41:18 What makes an outstanding virtual team leader or project manager?43:34 What differences, if any, do you see in organizing new virtual teams versus organizing teams face-to-face?47:36 What project success factors are different when working on virtual teams versus face-to-face teams?55:47 How has technology changed your approach in developing effective virtual managers within the last 10 years?59:25 Do you see new emerging technologies in the next 5 or 10 years which you feel may change the industry or customer base?1:03:07 Are you or your organization working on new ways to improve virtual team performance, organization, or knowledge management?1:07:14 Closing Thoughts: Virtual Teams and Executive Leadership After COVIDResources from this episode:NVivo: NVivo is the most powerful and most cited software for qualitative data analysis.General Resources:📚🔗🤖 AI Resources:Co-PilotLucidchartVisioPrimavera P6AcumenMicrosoft AccessFileMaker ProeBuilderAconex (Oracle)GrammarlyCardanitKiteworks (We have an agreement with Kiteworks. Check their services out on our website and if you decide this is something you like Dr. Bill Bersing would be happy to get on a call with you to talk to you more about it.)🔗 Other Links:To find out more about Dr. Bill and iPrograms go to iPrograms.comTo join the conversation click here to find us on LinkedIn📚 Other Resources:Project Management https://pmi.orgBody of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling by Harold KerznerProject Management - Dennis Lock

Revolutionizing Leadership: The Future of Program ManagementIn this transformative episode of the iPrograms podcast, "The Art of Program Management," hosted by Dr. Bill Bersing, we explore the evolving landscape of program management and its intersection with innovative leadership. With over 30 years of experience leading major programs, Dr. Bersing delves into key concepts that are revolutionizing program management.Our guest, Charles "Greg" Bess, shares invaluable insights from his 40 years in the tech and telecommunications industries. Together, we discuss:The significance of emphasizing observation and human connection in problem-solvingBuilding reliable teams through experience and overcoming failureRecognizing self-taught talent to create dynamic and versatile teamsThe importance of balancing the adoption of emerging technologies like AI with proper risk management strategiesHow maintaining a healthy work-life balance and fostering effective communication can pave the way for more resilient and engaged leaders in program managementJoin us as we redefine success in program management and empower the next generation of leaders with actionable strategies and invaluable insights from industry experts. Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your approach to program management from the inside out.🕐 Timestamps:00:00 Introduction01:26 Introduction to Greg Bess02:26 From Electrical Engineering to Project Mastery05:22 Challenges in Program Management06:30 Leadership Skills and Team Dynamics10:23 International Experience and Cultural Challenges13:23 Cultural Communication and International Projects21:23 Being OK with a Team that Fails | Fail Quickly and Get to Better Solutions22:22 Good Leadership Skills in Large Programs34:25 Leverage AI but Don't Keep Your Eyes Off the Task35:27 Unpredictability and Risk Management36:21 Safety and Preparedness37:19 Leadership in Crisis39:02 Managing Conflicts Between Experience and Ambition in Teams41:28 Creating High-Performance Teams47:23 Encouraging Team Communication51:38 Unlikely Leadership Lessons: Build Team Trust with Creativity54:38 How to Break the Ice with Teams | Get Your Team Communicating!57:27 The Importance of Hobbies and Stress Relief1:00:31 Final Thoughts🔔 #ProgramManagement #Leadership #Innovation #GregBess #iProgramsPodcast #RiskManagement #FutureOfWork #SelfTaughtTalentResources:📚🔗🤖 AI Resources:Co-PilotLucidchartVisioPrimavera P6AcumenMicrosoft AccessFileMaker ProeBuilderAconex (Oracle)GrammarlyCardanitKiteworks (We have an agreement with Kiteworks. Check their services out on our website and if you decide this is something you like Dr. Bill Bersing would be happy to get on a call with you to talk to you more about it.)🔗 Other Links:To find out more about Dr. Bill and iPrograms go to iPrograms.comTo join the conversation click here to find us on LinkedIn📚 Other Resources:Project Management https://pmi.orgBody of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling by Harold KerznerProject Management - Dennis Lock

Tune in to our latest episode of The Art of Program Management as we explore the transformative impact of AI on program success. Discover AI's potential to revolutionize program management, from optimizing workflows to fostering innovation, as we delve into its history and future artificial intelligence applications. Uncover essential AI tools like ChatGPT, Co-Pilot, and Lucid Charts, as well as program management specific tools, while gaining valuable insights on security and best practices for implementation. Listen now for expert tips on harnessing the power of AI and elevating your program management skills in the digital age.00:00 The definition of AI and the role it plays in company use.03:05 Discusses innovative AI application for Program Management. 06:25 Drafting and fine-tuning communication plan in teams meetings.11:34 How do you overcome security issues with AI?13:20 Overcoming resistance in Team with using AI.14:48 Different tools have different strengths. Understanding which tools to use for what.19:13 How can someone new to AI get started22:31 Resistance to technology and fear of change, especially related to artificial intelligence, in older and younger generations.23:59 Calls for improvement in program management!📚🔗🤖 AI Resources:Co-PilotLucidchartVisioPrimavera P6AcumenMicrosoft AccessFileMaker ProeBuilderAconex (Oracle)GrammarlyCardanitKiteworks (We have an agreement with Kiteworks. Check their services out on our website and if you decide this is something you like Dr. Bill Bersing would be happy to get on a call with you to talk to you more about it.)🔗 Other Links:To find out more about Dr. Bill and iPrograms go to iPrograms.comTo join the conversation click here to find us on LinkedIn📚 Other Resources:Project Management https://pmi.orgBody of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling by Harold KerznerProject Management - Dennis Lock

🎧 They Don't Teach This in School: Program Management – An Inside Look from Expert Dr. Bill Bersing! 🌟Welcome to the 4th episode of iPrograms in our quick series called PM Espresso Shots from our podcast The Art of Program Management, where Dr. Bill Bersing dives deep into the art of program and project management. In this episode, co-host Virginia asks Dr. Bill Bersing, a seasoned expert in the field, to share his invaluable insights and real-world experiences that you won't find in any textbook.🔑 Key Topics Covered:- Dr. Bersing's fascinating journey from civil engineering to computer engineering and ultimately to program management.- The evolution of program management and how it differs from project management.- Real-world examples and personal anecdotes from Dr. Bersing's illustrious career, including his work with NAVFAC and his humanitarian projects in Africa.- Essential strategies for managing large-scale programs and the importance of a holistic approach.- Overcoming challenges and capitalizing on opportunities in the field.Discover how to leverage standards, algorithms, and coordinated efforts to elevate your program management game. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting, this episode is packed with potent insights that can transform your career.🔔 Subscribe and Hit the Bell Icon to never miss an episode!👍 Like & Share if you find the content valuable!⭐ Leave a 5-Star Review on Apple Podcasts to support our show!📅 Chapters:0:00 Introduction1:02 Dr. Bill’s Journey2:21 Early Challenges and Solutions5:17 Distinguishing Project and Program Management8:17 International Project Experiences13:29 The Human Element in Program Management📢 Join the Conversation:- LinkedIn: Follow Dr. Bill Bersing for more expert insights.- Twitter: Share your thoughts and favorite takeaways from the episode using #IprogramsPodcast.- Instagram: Our Brand New Account! Please follow us!🌍 Stay Connected:- Website: (http://iprograms.com for more resources and exclusive content.Enhance your program management practice with us! Let's navigate this program management world together.

🎙️ Welcome back to iPrograms, where we delve into the intricacies of program management with industry experts! In today's episode, host Virginia Scheuer is joined by two distinguished guests: David Dodd, a seasoned expert in disaster resilience and recovery, and Dr. Bill Bersing, a specialist in construction scheduling and cost control. Together, they bring a wealth of experience from working with prestigious organizations such as the United Nations and managing large-scale reconstruction programs.Tune in as David and Dr. Bill explore the critical importance of stakeholder coordination, the nuances of quality standards, and the complexities of cost management in both disaster recovery and construction programs. They share invaluable insights on handling conflicts, regulatory compliance, and the revolutionary adoption of agile program management in non-IT sectors, especially in the wake of COVID-19.From the frontline challenges faced during disaster recovery efforts in developing countries to the cultural intricacies of international program management, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and compelling anecdotes. Join us for a deep dive into the mechanisms that drive successful program management and learn how quality, trust, and expertise blend to navigate the unpredictability of large-scale programs.Join us for a thought-provoking episode packed with expert insights and inspiring stories. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more powerful conversations on program management and beyond!00:00 iPrograms podcast: Exploring program complexities with experts.05:45 Differing perspectives on managing construction stakeholder alignment.09:14 Challenges with regulations and conflicting opinions.10:53 Public-private group coordinates and ensures comfortable rebuilding.15:00 Estimate costs carefully and prepare for change.17:36 Program manager emphasizes budget aspect of programs.22:06 Importance of risk management in program scheduling.25:25 Understanding cultural norms and regulations in program management.28:19 Understanding country requirements for standardization and translation.31:37 Construction management involves inspections and quality control.35:32 Universal bedrock principles in business and quality.38:38 Expertise and trust crucial in construction programs.42:09 Conflict in disaster recovery over quality standards.Disaster Relief, Hurricanes, Tsunamis, Earthquakes, Program Management, Disaster Recovery, Construction Quality, Resilience, Agile Program Management, Risk Management, Infrastructure, Program Costs, Regulatory Compliance, Puerto Rico, Inspiring StoriesFollow Us:- Twitter: [@iProgramsPodcast](https://twitter.com/iProgramsPodcast)- Instagram: [@iProgramsPodcast](https://www.instagram.com/iProgramsPodcast)- LinkedIn: [iPrograms Podcast](https://www.linkedin.com/company/iProgramsPodcast)