PMO & Project Leadership Podcast

AI has been the next big thing in project management for years, but are organisations really making the most of it? In this episode, Louise Gardner, Founder and Managing Director of Pledge Consulting, is joined by Joe Pusz, Founder and CEO of The PMO Squad and The PMO Leader, internationally recognised PMO thought leader, author and speaker. Joe shares how his organisation is moving beyond experimenting with AI to fundamentally changing the way it operates. From developing an internal AI-powered business assistant called Herman to automating workflows, sharing organisational knowledge and improving productivity, Joe provides a practical perspective on what AI adoption looks like in a project management consultancy. Louise and Joe compare their experiences in Australia and the United States, exploring why many organisations are still only scratching the surface of AI's potential and what needs to change before it delivers meaningful improvements in project and portfolio management. Their conversation covers everything from AI governance and employee adoption to the future of project controls, data-driven decision-making and why curiosity and continuous learning may be among the most important skills for project professionals. In this episode, we explore Why AI is already widely available but its full impact on project management is still emerging How Joe's business is using Herman, an internal AI system, to automate processes and share organisational knowledge The strengths of ChatGPT, Claude and Microsoft Copilot and why combining tools can be particularly effective How leaders can encourage AI adoption without relying on mandates or usage targets Practical AI applications for PMOs, including lessons learned analysis, automated reporting and daily briefings The opportunities for AI-powered portfolio reporting and more accurate project estimation Why high-quality project data remains essential to effective AI-generated insights The role of AI governance, confidentiality and information security How AI is changing expectations around education, critical thinking and professional development Why prompting, experimentation and continuous learning are becoming essential professional skills Episode chapters 00:00 – Introducing Joe Pusz and the AI conversation 03:38 – The PMO Squad and its approach to project delivery consulting 04:50 – Is AI still coming or has it already arrived? 07:35 – Why organisations have only scratched the surface of AI adoption 10:08 – Moving from manual tasks to automated workflows 11:46 – The PMO Squad's AI journey and its internal assistant, Herman 14:15 – Bringing employees along on the AI journey 17:30 – Changing organisational culture rather than mandating AI adoption 18:51 – Leading by example and encouraging experimentation 20:42 – Different attitudes towards AI across generations 22:38 – AI in education and the importance of critical thinking 28:05 – What AI adoption looks like across the PMO industry 29:13 – AI governance, confidentiality and emerging contractual requirements 30:20 – Practical AI use cases for project professionals 32:12 – Automated project and portfolio reporting 34:31 – Using historical project data to improve estimation 35:50 – The future of data-driven project controls 39:23 – Strategy execution and opportunities to improve organisational performance 41:30 – Developing better prompting skills 44:15 – Prompting frameworks and learning through iteration 46:51 – Treating AI as a team member and building useful context 48:08 – Using AI to understand and improve your communication 49:35 – Joe's book, upcoming events and where to connect Chapter times are based on the original 52-minute recording and may need adjusting following editing. Tools and resources mentioned ChatGPT – Generative AI for research, analysis, automation and productivity Claude – AI assistant for complex analysis, writing and workflows Microsoft Copilot – AI capabilities across Microsoft's productivity tools Google Gemini – Google's generative AI assistant Manus – AI agent platform for completing multistep tasks Microsoft SharePoint – Document management and organisational knowledge Confluence – Team knowledge sharing and documentation The conversation also introduces Herman, The PMO Squad's internally developed AI system, and discusses the FOCUS prompting framework. Connect with Joe Pusz Joe Pusz is the Founder and CEO of The PMO Squad and The PMO Leader, supporting project management professionals and organisations through consulting, thought leadership and community development. The PMO Squad The PMO Leader LinkedIn: Search for Joe Pusz Joe also discusses Project Land Goes to the Movies, a collaborative book featuring project management professionals applying lessons from films to project delivery. About the podcast The PMO and Project Leadership Podcast is hosted by Louise Gardner, Founder and Managing Director of Pledge Consulting. In this special AI series, Louise speaks with industry leaders and experienced professionals about how artificial intelligence is changing the way we manage projects, lead teams and deliver organisational outcomes. Through practical conversations and real-world experiences, the series explores the opportunities, challenges and emerging technologies shaping the future of the profession. Find out more at www.pledgeconsulting.com.au .

PMO and Project Leadership Podcast | AI Series What does AI really mean for the future of project management, PMOs and agile delivery? And how can organisations take advantage of the opportunities without losing the human skills that make projects successful? In this episode, Louise Gardner, Founder and Managing Director of Pledge Consulting, is joined by Gilli Aliotti, a Los Angeles-based project management, PMO and agile specialist with extensive experience working with major technology and entertainment organisations including Google, Yahoo and Paramount. Drawing on her experience in Silicon Valley and beyond, Gilli shares how AI is already changing the way organisations operate, from automating portfolio reporting and improving decision-making to accelerating software development and supporting high-performing teams. Louise and Gilli also explore some of the bigger questions surrounding AI adoption, including intellectual property, data security, the impact on creative industries and what the technology could mean for the future project management workforce. It's an engaging and practical conversation about where AI is delivering real value today, where caution is needed and why human expertise remains essential. In this episode, we explore How organisations are incorporating AI into project management, PMO operations and portfolio reporting Opportunities to reduce administrative effort and provide better, faster insights to executives and boards Using generative AI to improve risk identification, planning, product development and decision-making Why effective prompting and subject matter expertise are essential to getting meaningful results from AI The emergence of agentic AI and tools that can build applications and websites using natural language How AI could transform agile delivery, from automated code reviews to AI-supported Scrum teams The risks associated with AI-generated content, intellectual property and data privacy The challenges of AI adoption, including technology fatigue, training and changing workforce expectations Whether AI will replace project management professionals or create opportunities for different roles and capabilities Episode chapters 00:00 – Introducing Gilli Aliotti and her background in technology, PMOs and agile 03:48 – Gilli's AI journey and what she's seeing across organisations 07:03 – AI, creativity, copyright and intellectual property 10:21 – Data privacy, governance and protecting organisational information 14:20 – AI opportunities in PMO and portfolio management 16:57 – Using AI for product roadmaps, planning and delivery workflows 18:12 – Better prompting, risk identification and the importance of human judgement 22:02 – Agentic AI, app-building tools and the speed of development 25:39 – Balancing AI efficiency with human creativity 27:23 – AI adoption, workforce expectations and resistance to change 30:39 – Technology fatigue and making AI easier to use 32:51 – The impact of AI on agile development 35:58 – Could AI become a member of your Scrum team? 38:40 – The future of the project management workforce 42:18 – New opportunities in data infrastructure and emerging technologies 45:18 – Final thoughts and where to connect with Gilli Chapter times are based on the original 46-minute recording and may need adjusting following editing. Tools and resources mentioned Throughout the discussion, Louise and Gilli reference a range of AI platforms and development tools: ChatGPT – Generative AI for research, analysis, content development and productivity Claude – AI assistant for writing, analysis and complex tasks Microsoft Copilot – AI assistance across Microsoft's productivity environment Manus – AI agent platform for completing multistep tasks Lovable – AI-powered application and website development Base44 – Building applications using natural-language instructions Writer – Enterprise AI and content workflows GitHub – Software development and collaboration Jira – Agile project and software delivery management Other tools discussed include Yahoo Scout, Supernova, Super Cool and an application referred to as "With Me". The exact product names or links for some of these should be confirmed before publication. Connect with Gilli Aliotti Gilli works with organisations and leaders to improve agility, operational effectiveness and organisational performance. Website: gilli.net LinkedIn: Search for Gilli Aliotti Substack: The Crea8ve (publication link to be confirmed) About the podcast The PMO and Project Leadership Podcast is hosted by Louise Gardner, Founder and Managing Director of Pledge Consulting. Through conversations with experienced professionals and industry leaders, the podcast explores the issues, opportunities and emerging trends shaping project management, PMOs and project leadership. In this special AI series, Louise speaks with people from across the profession about how artificial intelligence is changing the way we work, lead and deliver projects. Find out more about Pledge Consulting at www.pledgeconsulting.com.au .

In this short special edition we talk about a couple of upcoming events for those interested in how AI is, and will impact our profession. On Wednesday 12th June Louise Gardner, MD Pledge Group will be hosting a Webinar discussing how generative AI can be used right now to support projects, programs and PMOs. The webinar is free and will be starting at 4pm Sydney/Melbourne time, 7am UK time and 8am CET. If you register but are unable to make it we will send you a recording. Registrations details are here: https://bit.ly/4e1BBUV On the 30th & 31st July we will be hosting a technology focused event in p at the Hilton Hotel in Sydney. The Project Management Technology Showcase is Australia's only event looking at how technology is supporting project management. We have two full days of expert speakers, featuring case studies and first hand experience of using PPM tools. Our technology partners at the event include Rego Consulting (Clatiry/Broadcom), Opentext, Smartsheet, Zoho Project, Monday.com, Planview, Hexagon and Transparent Choice. For details on the full program including how to register, check out the website: https://bit.ly/PMTS If you are in Australia you won't want to miss it. For 50% off admission use the code PMO50 and don't forget to come and say hi on the day. Watch out for a new, full series of the PMO & Project Leadership Podcase coming soon!

In the final episode of this short series on PMO Basics we look forward to what the future hold for PMOs across technology, leadership and beyond. This series has be brought to you by Pledge Consulting's Elevate Program. If you're looking to level up your PMO or Project Management career, talk to us today! https://www.pledgeconsulting.com.au/our-services-pmo-project-control-specialists/register-your-interest-in-our-elevate-program/

This episode delves into the common challenges faced by Project Management Offices (PMOs) and offers practical solutions to navigate them. Topics covered include resistance to change within organisations, the importance of consistent processes, managing resource constraints, ensuring alignment with organisational goals, maintaining effective communication, and securing executive support. Throughout the episode, emphasis is placed on clear communication, adaptability, and alignment as key strategies. The discussion aims to equip listeners with insights to turn these challenges into growth opportunities for their PMOs. The PMO Basics Series is sponsored by Pledge Consulting. Need professional mentoring for you or your team? Get in touch today info@Pledgeconsulting.com.au - www.pledgeconslting.com.au

In this episode of our PMO Basics series we take a look at the best practices that relate to establishing a new (or existing) PMO. Segment 1: Engaging Stakeholders Importance of stakeholder engagement for PMO success. Identify Key Stakeholders: Recognize those with a vested interest in project outcomes. Regular Communication: Keep stakeholders updated consistently. Feedback Loops: Promote two-way communication for refining the PMO's approach. Segment 2: Measuring Success The necessity of metrics to gauge PMO effectiveness. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Metrics such as project completion rates, budget adherence, and stakeholder satisfaction. Consistent Reporting: Spot trends and address issues through regular data collection and reporting. Benchmarking: Compare performance against industry standards or similar organizations. Segment 3: Continuous Training Emphasizing the dynamic nature of project management and the need for ongoing training. Stay Updated with Trends: Keep the team informed of industry changes. Regular Workshops: Share knowledge and tackle common challenges internally. External Courses: Broaden exposure and learning by attending external courses or conferences. Segment 4: Encouraging Flexibility and Adaptability The importance of balancing standardized processes with adaptability. Review Processes Regularly: Ensure the PMO remains agile with periodic reviews. Feedback from Project Teams: Gain insights from those directly involved in projects. Tailor Approaches: Customize project management methods based on various project factors. Segment 5: Leveraging Technology The role of technology in enhancing PMO capabilities. Integrated Project Management Tools: Platforms for collaboration, tracking, and analytics. Automation: Automate repetitive tasks for strategic focus. Stay Updated on Tech Trends: Be informed about emerging technologies in the project management realm.

In Episode 2, we talk about the steps required in setting up a PMO and the criticality of understanding the need. Why does your organization require a PMO? What is the problem that needs to be solved. Sometimes that can be inconsistent processes or poor delivery outcomes, sometimes the need can emerge because projects are getting bigger and more complex. What ever the driver for the PMO it’s important to understand it and highlight those needs to the team. If you don’t publicise the needs and the pain points enough there is a risk you won’t get the buy in you need to succeed.

In this 5 episode series we're going to uncover what a PMO is, how to set one up and how to make it great. In episode 1 we dive into what PMO is, explore some different types of PMO, and delve into the roles and responsibilities that generally define it. Whether you're just starting off in PMO or a seasoned pro, there's something here for everyone.

Liz Connolly is a Gold Coast based PMO Leader who accidentally found her way into the project management arena. Having worked across a number of project environments, Liz shares her thoughts on transferable skills, certifications and provides some tips for those staring off on their PMO leadership journey. The PMO Masterclass Series is sponsored by Pledge Consulting's Elevate Program - a 5 month professional development program to help project professionals to take their career to the next level! https://www.pledgeconsulting.com.au/services/training-courses-and-professional-development/

Jim Livesey is a UK based PMO leader and the founder of the successful PMO networking group, PMO North. In this wide ranging chat, Jim explains why things are not always as they seem in PMOs and we cover a number of hot button PMO topics, from PM tools to Agile and many other topics, drawing on Jim's depth of experience. The PMO Masterclass Series is sponsored by Pledge Consulting's Elevate Program - a 5 month professional development program to help project professionals to take their career to the next level! https://www.pledgeconsulting.com.au/services/training-courses-and-professional-development/

In this episode Michael Taylor, Strategic Change lead with the Smith Family and veteran PMO leader, talks about developing strong teams, building organisational support and becoming addicted to achieving strategic goals. Michael also talked the benefits of connecting to an organisational purpose and how that helped the PMO in his previous role. The PMO Masterclass Series is sponsored by Pledge Consulting's Elevate Program - a 5 month professional development program to help project professionals to take their career to the next level! https://www.pledgeconsulting.com.au/services/training-courses-and-professional-development/

In this conversation with PMO leader Alex Floro, Alex talks us though her thoughts on what makes a great PMO and how important it is to build relationships and take a people centric approach to PMO. Alex has worked in project management for more than 25 years, mostly in telcos, banking and finance. She has focused on leading PMOs for the past 10 years and shares her tips for the up and coming PMO managers. The PMO Masterclass Series is sponsored by Pledge Consulting's Elevate Program - a 5 month professional development program to help project professionals to take their career to the next level! https://www.pledgeconsulting.com.au/services/training-courses-and-professional-development/

In the final episode of this series, the Founder and Managing Director of Pledge Consulting, and the host of the PMO Leadership Symposium, Louise Gardner, gives us her closing reflections on the event and touches on her big 3 take outs on how PMOs and Project delivery teams are working post Covid. Louise call's out: Resilience Innovation Collaboration As being three of the positive traits that were evident during the Symposium speakers presentations. Stay up to date with Pledge Consulting's future events at www.pledgeconsulting.com.au/events Talk to us on Twitter: @pledgeconsult

This week, in the penultimate episode of the series, we hear from renowned portfolio management thought leader Stuart Easton. Stuart is the CEO of Transparent Choice and joined us at the PMO Leadership Symposium to deliver a masterclass on portfolio/project prioritisation. The session talked about some of the fundamentals of effective prioritisation, as well as some of the key business and cultural factors for prioritisation success. We had some great audience questions in the session too. The session was captured on video so if you would like to watch a version with the visuals, head over to our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MN6brMaU6KI&t=64s Stuart talks in the presentation about some the resources you can find on the Transparent Choice website and you can link to that here. We love feedback and suggestions for future episodes @pledgeconsult on Twitter

This week we again take a look back to the PMO Leadership Symposium hosted by Pledge Consulting last August. This week we revisit the Panel Discussion. We were lucky enough to have Project Management veterans, Amany Nuieibeh, Nicola Wilson & Dr Louis Taborda talk about their experiences of shifting from a face to face management experience to having to manage their teams in a new way. As well as talking though some of the challenges, we also heard that there are many benefits to remote working and we even toyed with the thought that there will be no path back to were we were pre-covid in terms of working practices.

Will Thompson is the Agile Transformation Lead at Victoria University. Being based in the Melbourne area, Vic Uni endured an extended lock down during 2020, lasting for 8 months all up. Will talks about some of the strategies he put in place to make sure that the Agile Transformation journey continued during this time of unprecedented stress, and not only continued but continued successfully. Pledge Consulting are Sydney based specialists in PMO and Project Controls. We help organisations do project better! www.pledgeconsulting.com.au

Neal Creasey is a specialist in Agile Transformation and has worked with many of Australia's largest and most dynamic organisations. In this episode he shares some of his observations and learnings from organisations through the pandemic. The presentation was quite interactive so the video is also worth a watch if you have time. ( https://www.pledgeconsulting.com.au/blog-posts-videos-podcasts-and-insights/ ) Pledge Consulting are Sydney based specialists in PMO and Project Controls. We help organisations do projects better!

Back in August 2020 Pledge Consulting hosted the PMO Leadership Symposium. The theme was Covid Driven change. We had some fantastic speakers and learned a lot about how PMOs and project delivery teams pivoted this year, to do things differently but to still get the outcomes they needed. Sarah Foxe is the PMO Manager at City of Sydney Council and in this episode she shares some of the strategies she put in place around project governance.