
PPP 498 | Have Better Conversations: Small Moves That Save Projects and Relationships, with Joe Ferraro
From People and Projects Podcast: Project Management Podcast by Andy Kaufman, PMP, PMI-ACP
February 16, 2026 · 1h 4m
About this episode
Andy talks with Joe Ferraro about improving conversations to save projects and strengthen relationships.
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Joe Ferraro, host of the One Percent Better podcast and a coach who helps leaders have stronger conversations when the stakes are high. If you lead projects, you know how quickly a meeting, a status update, or a feedback moment can either build trust or quietly drain it. Joe shares small, practical moves that make conversations more memorable and more useful. You will hear why being "good at talking" is not the same as being good at conversation, and how preparation can be a generous act toward the other person. They also discuss how to avoid default, predictable questions, how to turn a one-way presentation into something more interactive, and how to keep your composure when you feel defensive. Joe even offers a simple technique for pressure testing ideas without starting a fight, plus a listening cue you can use the next time you feel tempted to jump in. If you're looking for insights on having better conversations that save projects and strengthen relationships, this episode is for you! Sound Bites "And you know what's a great barometer there is for people listening to ask themselves on a daily basis? How many questions do they ask?"…
People in this episode
Host: Andy Kaufman
Guest: Joe Ferraro
Topics covered
- conversations
- project management
- leadership
- communication
- trust
- relationships
Keywords
- conversations
- project management
- leadership
- communication
- trust
- feedback
- listening
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: One Percent Better
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