The Project Chatter Podcast

Proudly sponsored by Deltek.In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, hosts discuss the implications of AI in project management and construction. Doug Vincent shares insights on how AI can be demystified for clients, its potential in industry innovation, and the challenges faced in education regarding AI integration. The conversation explores practical applications of AI, the importance of trust in AI systems, and the future of work as AI continues to evolve. Doug emphasises the need for creativity and human input in leveraging AI effectively, while also addressing concerns about job displacement and the role of AI in personal growth and education.TakeawaysAI is often misunderstood; it's just advanced software.Education systems are lagging in embracing AI.AI can enhance productivity in construction.Trust in AI is built through reliability and security.AI can automate mundane tasks, freeing up human creativity.The construction industry needs to adapt to AI innovations.AI can help cover blind spots in decision-making.Awareness of AI's capabilities is crucial for its adoption.AI can serve as a tool for personal growth and reflection.The future of work will involve collaboration between humans and AITo reach out to our guest check out the following: https://www.mastt.com/https://www.youtube.com/@DougVincentCPMhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/vincentdoug

This episode proudly sponsored by Deltek. n this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Dale and Martin welcome Seyi Daniyan, a project risk manager, who shares her career journey from chemical engineering to risk management. The conversation explores the importance of attracting young talent to the field, the fundamental concepts of risk management, and the skills necessary for success in this profession. Seyi emphasises the need for curiosity, effective communication, and the ability to influence others. The discussion also touches on the future of risk management roles and the evolving nature of the profession in response to technological advancements. In this engaging conversation, Dale and Seyi explore the evolving landscape of risk management, emphasising the need for decision analysts to evaluate project decisions effectively. They discuss the concept of reference class forecasting, the challenges of navigating financial discussions in risk workshops, and the lessons learned from the pandemic that reshaped risk management practices. The integration of AI in risk management is highlighted as a transformative tool, while the importance of engaging younger professionals and gamifying risk management processes is also addressed. Seyi shares insights on making risk management relatable and fun, ultimately encouraging open dialogue and mentorship in the field. Takeaways Shaye Danian transitioned from chemical engineering to project risk management. There is a significant lack of young professionals in project risk management. Risk management involves managing uncertain events, both positive and negative. Effective risk management can lead to projects being completed on time and within budget. Curiosity is a key trait for successful risk managers. Communication and influencing skills are essential in risk management. Graduate schemes should provide a solid foundation in project management. Risk management roles may evolve with advancements in technology. Understanding the different facets of project management is crucial for risk managers. Everyone engages in risk management in their daily lives. The need for decision analysts to evaluate project decisions. Reference class forecasting can enhance decision-making. Risk workshops should involve the right stakeholders. The pandemic highlighted gaps in traditional risk management. AI can revolutionize risk management practices. Engaging younger professionals is crucial for the future of the field. Gamification can make risk management more relatable. Food and informal settings can ease risk discussions. Understanding the difference between risks and issues is vital. Mentorship is important for newcomers in risk management.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Deltek In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Val and Martin engage with Karen Ball from ProSci to explore the intricacies of change management. They discuss Karen's journey into the field, the growing demand for change management services, and the impact of remote work on the discipline. The conversation delves into the distinctions between change managers and project managers, the importance of change management in ERP projects, and the evolution of the field over the past 25 years. Finally, they contemplate the future of change management in the context of AI and technology, emphasizing the need for a human-centric approach in an increasingly automated world. In this conversation, Karen Ball discusses the critical role of change management in organizations, emphasizing the importance of cultural readiness, the impact of change managers, and the need for effective measurement of change success. She highlights the significance of building change capability and the resources available for learning about change management. The discussion also touches on the evolving nature of leadership in change management and the necessity for organizations to support their employees through transitions.takeaways Change management is essential for successful project outcomes. The demand for change management has always existed, but awareness is increasing. Remote work has changed how change management strategies are developed and implemented. Effective communication is crucial for successful change management. Change managers focus on the people side of change, while project managers handle the technical aspects. Organizations often underestimate the importance of change management in achieving project benefits. AI and technology will continue to evolve, impacting change management practices. Investing in change management can significantly enhance project success rates. The ADCAR model is a key framework for understanding individual change journeys. Maturity in change management practices has improved over the years, but challenges remain. ProSci focuses on plain language for effective communication. Change management is essential for achieving full adoption of changes. Cultural readiness significantly impacts the success of change initiatives. Measuring success in change management requires a focus on adoption and proficiency. Organizations need to build change capability as a strategic component. Active sponsorship is crucial for successful change management. Tools and methodologies can guide change management practices. Self-learning and curiosity are vital for understanding change management. Change management resources are abundant and accessible for learning. The human aspect of change management remains irreplaceable.

This episode is proudly sponsored by Deltek In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, host Dale speaks with David Whitmore about the complexities of project management, particularly in the context of engineering and nuclear projects. They discuss the four key reasons why projects fail, emphasizing the importance of relationships, decision-making speed, complexity, and digital integration. David shares insights from his extensive experience in the field, highlighting the need for project managers to understand both the technical and managerial aspects of their roles. The conversation also touches on the significance of measuring relationships and behaviours in project tendering processes to ensure successful outcomes. In this conversation, David Whitmore discusses the critical aspects of project management, focusing on the importance of relationship scores, the integration of digital technology, and the need for streamlined decision-making processes. He emphasises the significance of decision logs for learning and the potential of digital twins in simulating project outcomes. The discussion also highlights the challenges posed by increasing complexity in projects and the necessity for a holistic approach to digital systems. Whitmore advocates for a future where project management adapts to these complexities, ensuring that projects are delivered effectively and efficiently.

In this episode, Dale and Val take Fusion to the next level with Anne Bamford and Steve Wake. A follow-on from episode 66, Val and Dale lift the hood and really understand how fusion skills, training, and inclusion could change the very success of projects.  Professor Anne Bamford OBE is Strategic Director of the Education and Skills for the City of London. Anne has been recognized internationally for her research in creativity, lifelong learning, and technology. She instigated the term, ‘fusion skills’ to describe the competencies needed for flourishing now and into the future. Through her research, she has pursued issues of innovation, social impact and equality, and diversity. A world scholar for UNESCOs, Anne has conducted major national impact and evaluation studies for the governments of Denmark, The Netherlands, Belgium, Iceland, Hong Kong, Ireland, and Norway. Amongst her numerous articles and book chapters, Anne is the author of the “Wow Factor: Global research compendium on the impact of the arts in education” which has been published in five languages and distributed in more than 40 countries. Steve Wake is at the forefront of the development of national and international standards in Project Controls and Management. A genuine thought-leader. A super-connector. A maven. He is a member of the Management Standards committee of the BSi. Currently progressing Project Controls and Benefits Management. He is an internationally acknowledged expert on Earned Value Project Management.. Most recently on the newly published ISO standards for EVM and WBS, and currently he is working on an ISO EVM Implementation Guide. Steve works with government, national and international bodies and academia as a subject matter expert as well as on matters of governance. Steve was one of the authors of Agile Portfolios with ABC. With his Guild of Educators hat on he is working with OECD and the City of London to introduce Fusion Skills internationally to children aged 7-70+ He is also currently working on a Think-Thank for Major Sporting Events. In the afternoons he is championing Circular Economies and Sustainability to combat Climate Change. He has worked in the automotive, print aerospace, defence, insurance, and I.T. industries as a project manager and consultant. He led the Association for Project Management to their award of Royal Charter. He is the Chief examiner for EVM and Planning with APMG. He curates and chairs his own highly-regarded EVA conferences - now in its 25th year and also curates the PMI’s major Synergy event now in its 10th year. He is a visiting lecturer at Warwick WMG, Cranfield, and UCL as well as the Moscow School of Economics. He has an MA in Manpower specialising in the sociology and psychology of organisations and is a member of the London Mozart Players Development Group. His long passion for all kinds of music is almost matched by his continued appreciation of silence. Links: About Fusion Skills Fusion Assets  Learn about Fusion Findings and Creative Outputs from Fusion Cities 2 virtual meeting Fusion Cities of the Future Fusion Event REGISTER HERE This podcast is brought to you by:  JustDo.com  InEight.com  PlanAcademy.com - save $75 on any course with this link - www.planacademy.com/chatter/

In this episode, Dale and Val talk about skills from other professions and how the application of fusing new skills could provide improved ways to manage projects. We're joined by two experts in this field, Carole Still and Jamie Hannon. Carole is an award-winning International Educator, United Nations Executive Coach, Chartered Manager, Mediator, and NLP Master Practitioner, Carole has worked in the public and private sectors, spanning the NHS, Accountancy, and Higher Education for 40 years. Her lecturing expertise spans Leadership, Workplace Psychology, Change management, Mediation, the Art of Networking, and Conflict Resolution. In 2009 she co-founded Simply Business Skills, a skills-based training company before closing the company in 2014 and donating all its learning resources to Coventry University London. Since 2010, as one of the first members of staff in Coventry University London, she has held various senior management and academic roles including leading the MBA and Undergraduate Business programmes. A passionate advocate of experiential and self-reflective learning, Carole’s work in this field, on behalf of Coventry University London, has led to the creation of effective feedback methods and the design and implementation of award-winning business simulations focused on developing the graduate skills employers seek. As an educationalist, Carole is intensely interested in exploring long-term solutions to the delivery of education, particularly Higher and Further, and how such solutions can cascade down through the education system. Her Ph.D. research is investigating the common and different understandings of graduate skills, among academics and employers, and how can these impact learning design to develop agile and capable graduates. She participates in the City of London’s Fusion skills work to bring an understanding of what skills employers want and how they can be articulated in a way in which educators can teach, practice, and assess them. Carole is a Freeman of the City of London and Court Assistant in the Worshipful Company of Educators. Jamie leads an arts-based learning programme that simulates knowledge sharing through the fusion learning model with an emphasis on curiosity, generosity and bravery. With a career that has drawn on different areas, including performance, theatre producing, and commercial development, Jamie is a living example of this multi-disciplined approach. Jamie is now designing and piloting new fusion learning programmes for Culture Mile, the Barbican and the City of London Corporation. This podcast is brought to you by: JustDo.com InEight.com PlanAcademy.com - save $75 on any course with this link - https://www.planacademy.com/chatter/

In this episode, Dale and Val lift the hood on the UK mega program Crossrail with Richard Palczynski and talk about what systems work on mega programs with our good friend Nat Moyes. Crossrail is a railway construction project underway mainly in central London. Its aim is to provide a high-frequency suburban passenger service crossing London from west to east, to be branded the Elizabeth line, by connecting two major railway lines terminating in London, the Great Western Main Line and the Great Eastern Main Line. The project was approved in 2007, and construction began in 2009 on the central section and connections to existing lines that will become part of the route. About our guests.. Richard joined Arcadis in February 2019. Throughout his career, he has collected both hands-on programme management experience after working on major programmes such as the Jubilee Line Extension, HS1, West Coast Mainline and Crossrail, where he was Programme Controls Director. In his latest role, he is supporting Network Rail’s Transpennine Route Upgrade Programme – a £multi-billion enhancements scheme stretching from Manchester to York. Richard has also collected 6 years in the corporate world helping to run, grow and evolve companies such as Parsons Brinckerhoff, Balfour Beatty and Mace. He is a Fellow with the Institution of Civil Engineers and the APM and is a Supervising Civil Engineer, passionate about skiing and triathlon. and... Nat Moyes has 12 years at the same software company which is starting to become a rarity, but that is Natalie’s Tenure at Deltek supporting their PPM products and clients. She's seen a lot of industry change, and she's had the privilege to support a number of established clients as well as grow some new ones. She's been involved in the APM SIG, steering committees, user groups and general advisory boards, all focused on people, process, toolset. Don't forget to buy some Project Chatter merch in our Charity Shop, where all profits are donated to our charity partners. This podcast sponsored by: JustDo.com InEight.com PlanAcademy.com get $75 off any course by heading to https://www.planacademy.com/chatter