Laugh, Learn, Lead - The Project Ecosystem

In this episode Janine Garner shares her journey from corporate executive to best-selling author, leadership trainer and internationally acclaimed speaker.We talk about:her book “It’s Who you Know” and the four key people to have in your networkwhy it is important to invest in the next generation of business leadersa sneak preview of her new book “Be Brilliant” andhow she integrates family and work.Janine believes that today, more than ever we need people, teams and companies willing to put in the extra needed to be truly brilliant. That we need leaders who are connected to their purpose and who will drive change. We need individuals brilliant enough to lead both in today’s complex environment and into tomorrow’s unknowns.This requires collaboration, transformation and leverage and it demands better conversations, training and connection.Janine believes everyone has brilliance within waiting to be unleashed and this is why she does the work that she does.You will gain multiple insights for you, your team and

In this episode Jeanette outlines her definition of a business project.The dictionary definition of a project is “an individual or collaborative enterprise that is carefully planned to achieve a particular aim”Let’s simplify that definition.A business project is the change vehicle to achieve a goal (strategy).It has a set period of time, with a sequence of tasks, involving people with different skills to working collaboratively to achieve a great result.Have you heard the saying “a goal without a plan is just a wish”?All business projects must have a plan that integrates the three business pillars – people, process and technology.When you are planning and implementing a business project all of these components must be considered:ScopeDeliverablesBudgetResourcesTimelineRisk and issue managementCommunicationDocumentationExamples of different types of business projects will be shared in future episodes. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Welcome to Season 2 – simplify your systems to amplify your resultsIf you are new to the show, thank you for joining me in 2020. If you are a regular from last year, I am thankful to have you here again.Why the theme?When I peel back the multi layers and complex conversations around the term “digital transformation” it is really about one or two things – time or money.Business projects are the change vehicle to plan and implement your strategies (your big picture, your elephant).You may be experiencing business growth, you or your team members are wearing multiple hats or there has been little attention given to the three business pillars – people, process and technology.In this season, the episodes will cover four key areas to help you plan and implement your business projects:Design your big picturePlan with purposeStay on trackLead your teamI am looking forward to this season, it is going to be a place to laugh, learn, lead. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Last week I shared my year that was. Did you get a chance to reflect on your year and what you want from 2020?To help you get started today I will share a process from my Planning with Purpose workshop.This repeatable process works for organisations and individuals:WHY (strategy)WHAT & WHEN (plan)HOW & WHO (do)BENEFIT (review)Life happens and we can get distracted from our goals.To stay on track, I share my tips:Repeat the process every 90 daysUse the power of threeAllocate time weeklyFind an accountability buddyWishing you all a safe and happy holiday with your family and friends.If you would like some help to map out your 2020, book a 30min in my calendar. I will give you a call to discuss what might work best for you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

They say time flies when you’re having fun but seriously, I blinked and it is November with about 23 working days until Christmas holiday break.On reflection of the year that was, my top three highlights for each of the key areas.Personal MomentsJanuary – arrival of granddaughter WillowApril – launch of this podcast showJuly – refreshed content with new programs, new workshopsGuest interviews (executives, delivery leads, vendors) – value your network, I am grateful for my guest’s time and for sharing their stories and insightsBuild teams and relationshipsLead and adaptDigital transformation has been around for a whileClient engagement lessonsNot clear on WHYPrograms have outcomes, projects are the vehicle to achieve themKeep it simpleJC self-awarenessSelf-sabotageConnection and sense of team is importantDistraction without purposeWhat are your 2019 highlights? Reflect and write it down.What did I achieveWhat did I learnWhat do I want next yearThank you for your support. It would be great if you would rate and

In this episode it’s me, your host JC sharing something I strongly believe continues to get in our way of project success as we look for others to lead.Today I am sharing a key component of The Project Ecosystem ® a strategy and learning framework I developed back in 2017. I believe leadership is the centre piece acting as the glue that brings everything together:self-leadership (who I am)practice leadership (what I do)approach leadership (how I do it)Project success demands leadership and we all have a role to play.Self-awareness is the first step to understand the impact you are having on your team and stakeholders.Research and surveys tell us:developing leadership skills of project professionals is a high priorityactively engaged sponsors are critical for achieving the project goalspoor or lack of communication is a significant factor for project failureI work with Project Sponsors, Project Managers and their teams to create confident collaborators, influencers and leaders. See acast.com/privacy for privac

Last episode I caught up with Karen Ferris, self-professed organisational change management rebel with a cause.We talked about her book ‘Game On! Tactics to Win When Leading Change is Everyone’s Business’, why change management is needed for all projects and what we can each do to make a difference.Today I talk about the term ‘psychological safety’ something Karen referenced. In Amy Edmondson’s words she says ‘it is a shared belief that the team is safe for interpersonal risk taking’.I know on occasions I have felt embarrassed, bullied, anxious…to have a voice.Project teams must create environments for each of us to feel safe and valued. We all bring our strengths, our stories and our dreams to work.When we learn from our mistakes and share ideas, we make better decisions.Let us share and celebrate our uniqueness to experience team success.JC Three TipsGet to know each otherEstablish team normsCollaboration is learningMy favourite Karen quote from our conversation ‘transformation is not new, disruption is’ Se

In this episode I catch up with Karen Ferris, self-professed organisational change management rebel with a cause.She is acclaimed internationally as an author and speaker, with industry acknowledgement of her reputation as a Thought Leader, she provides both strategic and practical advice and insights to her audiences.We talk about:Her background in IT and now as a trusted change leader;Why she wrote her book ‘Game On!’;Why we need change management in all projects;What can each of us do to make a difference; andWhat she enjoys most working with her clients.Karen’s ability to share her experience and knowledge ensures that everyone is empowered to make a difference within their organisation.In 2011, Karen authored the acclaimed publication ‘Balanced Diversity – A Portfolio Approach to Organisational Change’ introducing a new and innovative framework for ensuring that changes become embedded into the fabric of the organisation.This year saw the publication of Karen’s second book “Game On! Tactics to Win When L

Last episode I caught up with Shane Hatton, a leadership communication speaker, author and trainer.We talked about his book ‘Lead the Room’, what is good communication and how we can make an impact as a presenter.Today I talk about how to prepare and facilitate workshops and meetings with confidence.We have all had that thought not another meeting, turned up anyway because you were curious, didn’t feel engaged and walked away with no outcome.Communication is key ingredient for project success yet we continue to struggle at being great at it.I related to Shane’s model in his book – the platform leadership ladder – it shows how we communicate drives a direct result on how people feel. For example, people are more likely to be disengage or barely listen if we speak at them. Yet, people are more likely to feel engaged and trusted when we connect with them.JC Three TipsPrepare, know the purposeFacilitate, engage the audienceFollow up, decisions and actions get resultsMy favourite Shane quote from our conversation

In this episode I catch up with Shane Hatton, a leadership communication speaker, author and trainer. He is committed to helping leaders build and leverage their leadership platform to lead, inspire and mobilise their people.We talk about:His career highlights;Why he wrote his book ‘Lead the Room’;What is good communication;How to improve your impact as a presenter; andWhat he enjoys most working with her clients.Having spent the last 12 years working with and speaking to leaders in organisations in the government, retail, creative and not-for-profit sectors Shane blends his experience in business and psychology to help leaders leverage important moments and communicate with greater confidence and clarity.Shane is based in Melbourne and the author of Lead The Room – Communicate a Message That Counts in Moments That Matter.Find out more about Shane https://shanemhatton.com/Connect with him on LinkedIn See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Last episode I caught up with Emma Sharrock. We talked about her book ‘The Agile Project Manager', what organisations are struggling with when attempting an agile way of working, what shapes team success and the difference in a good and awesome project manager.Today I talk about the growth of a project manager and our career decisions.There is no one single path to project management and most of the people I know fell into their first project role by accident.We all start off being good at the traditional project manager role – schedule, budgets, issues.We then get the appetite to solve bigger problems and make greater impacts. This requires us to learn and grow to be leaders of change – to move up the scale of average to awesome. Awesome project managers leave a legacy of high performing teams and outstanding results.JC Three TipsBe self-aware, know your strengthsLook for opportunitiesMaintain your networkMy favourite Emma quote from our conversation ‘the language of trust, why I am asking’. See acast.com/pr

In this episode I catch up with Emma Sharrock, who is passionate about all things that involve change and people, having worked as a project and change manager since 1999.We talk about:Her background projects and change;Her book ‘The Agile Project Manager’;What organisations struggle with when attempting an agile way of working;What shapes team’s success;The difference between a good and awesome project manager; andWhat she enjoys most working with her clients.She founded a coaching business in 2011, and since then has been looking for ways she could “converge” her passions for projects, change and human behaviour.Emma feels that in this increasingly complex world, we are losing the human aspect of project and change management. We are prioritising tools and templates over relationships and human interaction.Her goal when she wrote “The Agile Project Manager” was to provide simple techniques to assist project professionals to achieve project success.Emma’s goal working with her clients is to ensure their mind

In last week's episode I caught up with Julie Hyde. We talked about her book ‘Busy’, staff recruitment and retention and what shapes team success.Today I talk about the label of I’m busy and its communication impacts.All projects have busy periods to meet deadlines and at times react to unforeseen issues. We attend meetings, we have presentations to prepare for, there are hundreds of emails, the phone rings continuously…that’s it a typical day of project life.You are feeling overwhelmed and don’t know how to get on top of things. I’ll share what I have learnt and how to turn chaos to calm.JC Three TipsPlan your week aheadMinimise distractionsIt’s ok to say noMy favourite Julie quote from our conversation ‘team success is three things – culture, leadership, diversity’. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode I catch up with Julie Hyde, a leader of leaders. She’s a disruptor and a powerful people enabler who helps leaders make big things happen.We talk about:Her background as a People and Culture Partner;Her book ‘Busy’;Recruiting and retaining staff;What shapes a successful team; andWhat she enjoys most working with her clients.Julie enjoyed a successful 21-year corporate career where she led teams large and small to deliver strong results in a very competitive industry. Julie has transformed poor performance and toxic cultures to be some of the best in the business, ran businesses generating over $20m in profit and received numerous awards.Ten years ago, Julie decided to start her own business taking everything she knew from her corporate days to work with SME’s and entrepreneurs.Two years ago, she wrote her first book called Busy? and has been speaking and training intensively on the back of that.Julie also runs women’s networking dinners in Melbourne called ‘Disruption, Women and Wine’ and is a

In today’s episode you have me, your host JC. I’ve been talking professional sport teams with a few people recently as the AFL prepares for its final’s month.I’ve been fortunate to volunteer for 30 years in AFL and Swimming spending time behind the scenes of what appears to the television audience exciting entertainment.Like business change project teams there is governance, processes and people involved to bring success to the club and for the athlete.Hope you enjoy my comparison of sport and project teamsSetting goalsRoles and responsibilitiesGame planReview and feedbackFan satisfactionJC Three TipsObserve other industries to learnWeekly team reviews and feedback are key for successShare behind the scenes with your stakeholders (if relevant)Help me reach a wider audience by rating and reviewing my show.Also, if you have a request for a guest interview or suggestions for topics to talk about send me an email would love to hear from you. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In last week’s episode with Tony Ardouin we talked about challenges facing organisations, what we can be doing to have more successful projects and what he looks for in a project manager.Today I talk about the role of a vendor, the expected value and how to engage them as a team player.Vendors are like every other resource in your project plan – they have a role to play, they are responsible for deliverables, they bring skills and knowledge to the team and they want to celebrate success.On the flip side, vendor relationships are complex they have their own internal structures and processes which from time to time may seem like barriers or a lack of interest.It takes time to build trusted relationships that have open and honest conversations. The vendor relationship is one to be invested in.JC Three TipsSelect the right vendor for the right roleEngage the vendor as a strategic resource (invite them to the governance meetings)Don’t transfer risk to the vendor, you are responsible for the project’s outcomeQuote

In today’s episode I talk with Tony Ardouin an IT program executive and strategy consultant with many years of experience in designing and delivering IT transformation programs. He enjoys leading and working in high performing teams, and delivering challenging projects that make a difference to businesses, their people and their customers.Tony has had a long and varied career in engineering and IT, in various roles and functions, including:leading and delivering large and complex systems integration and systems & software engineering projects;delivering IT Advisory and Digital Transformation consulting engagements with and for C-suite stakeholders;working on complex deal sales, including successful RFP responses and contract negotiations for several programs over $20M;leading large teams of software engineering superstars developing real-time industrial process control systems software; andworking as a software engineer himself, coding in languages as diverse as Java/J2EE, C/C++, Fortran and a language ca

In last week’s episode with Greg Hill we talked about the human side of digital transformations. Greg recently started his own consulting firm and is working with companies to help them realise the benefits and challenges that lie ahead transforming to cloud based platforms.Today I talk through what I believe are the drivers of digital transformation."Digital transformation is the integration of digital technology into all areas of a business, fundamentally changing how you operate and deliver value to customers. It's also a cultural change that requires organizations to continually challenge the status quo, experiment, and get comfortable with failure" – the Enterprisers Project – a community of CIOs discussing the future of business and IT.Digital transformations are a long-term investment, not just one project does it all.As I work with organisations, I understand the current top four (4) key drivers for change are:Replacing legacy systemsAutomating manual processesAnalysis and insights of dataProviding cu

In today’s episode I am with Greg Hill, a technology leader who has held many IT based roles across a wide range of industries. Some of these industries include FMCG, Manufacturing, Retail and more recently Higher Education. He has mostly worked for businesses that have adopted SAP as their core ERP solution.With his working experience in the industry, and his background in earlier Finance roles, Greg has often worked alongside Business Executives to help them deliver their strategies, through the use of appropriate Business Applications and Architecture.Recently, Greg has started his own consulting firm, and is working with companies to help them realise the benefits and challenges that lie ahead transforming to cloud based platforms.Greg can often be found presenting at user groups and conferences around the country, or delivering industry-based lectures to students, presenting the lessons he learned whilst working in businesses that were on the leading edge of cloud technologies, and is passionate not only

Last week's episode with Kasanndra Rotolone was a chatty one filled with self-awareness gems. I was surprised she was inspired to be a Project Manager by watching what I did and that she now hopes to inspire other women to get involved in project management.Today I want to talk about something very real for Kas and so many of us attempting to return to work as new mums.I struggled with my decision to be a working single-mum, what others would say about me, would my daughter experience a sense of abandonment, was I doing the right thing, how do I work full time and have a strong trusted loving relationship with my daughter, if not me than who will pay the bills…I hope this unpack episode empowers you to take the steps to go get what you desire and not live in the shadows of others – it’s your journey, you hold the pen to write your own success stories!Brene Brown, Emma Isaacs, my mum…all show strength, resilience, determination, courage and most importantly a voice – there is no fake or pretend. My mum sacrifi