What's the Plan? Portfolio, Project & Resource Management

In this episode of What's the Plan?, Samantha sits down with Stuart Easton, CEO and co-founder of Transparent Choice, to explore one of the biggest challenges facing PMOs today: why executives and project leaders often seem disconnected, even when they're working toward the same business goals. Through practical examples, research-backed insights, and his memorable "duck and egg" analogy, Stuart explains why organizations must shift their focus from project delivery to business value. Drawing on decades of experience helping organizations improve project prioritization, portfolio management, and benefits realization, Stuart shares why executives don't care about project methodologies, governance processes, or status reports nearly as much as project professionals think they do. Instead, they care about outcomes, business impact, and whether projects are delivering measurable value. Together, they explore: Why executives don't care about projects, they care about the value projects create The "duck and egg" framework for understanding business value versus project delivery Why PMOs often struggle to communicate effectively with executive leadership How project managers can transition from project delivery to business leadership The difference between reporting data and delivering actionable insights How better project prioritization leads to stronger strategic alignment Why resource capacity planning is critical to portfolio success How overloaded teams actually slow delivery and reduce business value The relationship between prioritization, resource management, and benefits realization Why doing fewer projects can help organizations deliver more value The balance between too little governance and too much bureaucracy How PMOs can maximize portfolio ROI by focusing on business outcomes instead of process compliance Stuart also shares practical advice for PMO leaders looking to gain executive support, improve decision-making, and demonstrate business value. From prioritization frameworks and portfolio governance to resource optimization and benefits realization, he offers a roadmap for moving beyond project management and becoming a strategic business partner. Whether you're a project manager, PMO leader, portfolio manager, or executive responsible for driving organizational change, this episode offers actionable insights on how to align projects with strategy, communicate in the language of business, and focus on what matters most: delivering value. 00:00 Understanding the PMO-Executive Relationship 06:50 The Duck and the Egg: Delivering Value 12:48 Communication: Bridging the Gap 20:06 The Language of Value 27:07 Transforming Project Managers into Business Leaders 36:25 Insights Over Data: Prioritization Conversations 44:15 Governance and Methodology: Finding the Balance 52:39 Cultural Shift: Benefits Management as a System 01:01:34 The Executive Mindset: Embracing Change Connect with Stuart Easton on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/eastonstuart/ Presented By: ProSymmetry https://www.prosymmetry.com/ Learn More About What’s the Plan? https://www.prosymmetry.com/whats-the-plan Hosted and produced by Samantha Varner https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthavarner21/ Produced and edited by Kyle Wertz

In this episode of What's the Plan?, Samantha sits down with transformation leader and project management expert Noel Ransom to explore why today's project managers need to think beyond schedules, status reports, and task tracking. Together, they discuss the evolution of project management from an execution-focused discipline to one centered on influence, business value, and better decision-making. Drawing from more than two decades of experience leading enterprise transformation initiatives, Noel shares practical insights on how project managers can connect project work to business outcomes, build stronger business acumen, communicate with executives, and become trusted advisors within their organizations. Together, they explore: · Why project managers are being asked to do more than manage projects · The shift from status reporting to strategic decision support · How to connect project execution to business value and outcomes · The skills modern project managers need to stay relevant and influential · Business acumen, financial literacy, and organizational change management · Communication, emotional intelligence, and influencing without authority · How PMOs can evolve from governance functions into decision intelligence organizations · Why AI won't replace project managers who can interpret information and guide decisions Noel also introduces her "Monday Morning Test," a simple framework for turning ideas into action and helping project managers shift their mindset from tracking work to driving meaningful outcomes. Whether you're an experienced project manager, a PMO professional, or someone looking to grow your influence within your organization, this episode offers actionable insights on how to move beyond execution, think more strategically, and help leaders make better decisions. 04:35 Introduction to Noelle Ransom 06:05 The Evolving Role of Project Managers 09:19 Leadership Skills in Project Management 15:06 Bridging the Gap: Leadership and Project Management 15:27 Managing vs. Leading Projects 19:47 The Evolving Role of Project Management 23:24 Transforming the PMO into a Decision Engine 30:25 Essential Skills for Modern Project Managers 40:59 AI and the Future of Project Management 44:44 The Monday Morning Test: Turning Ideas into Action 45:59 The Monday Morning Test: Taking Action 48:18 Shifting Mindsets: Value Beyond Project Management 49:46 Empowering Project Managers: Reporting Value 50:34 Transformational Leadership: Redefining Change 51:36 Future of Project Management: Influencing Decisions Connect with Noel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noelransom2324/ Presented By ProSymmetry: https://www.prosymmetry.com/ Learn More About What’s the Plan?: https://www.prosymmetry.com/whats-the-plan Hosted and produced by Samantha Varner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthavarner21/ Produced and edited by Kyle Wertz

Most conversations about AI in project management focus on meeting notes, summaries, and chatbots. But what happens when you use AI to solve a real project management problem? In this episode, Molly Beran shares how she used Microsoft Copilot to build a custom reporting solution that transformed project visibility and executive reporting. Rather than chasing the latest AI trend, Molly started with a specific challenge: understanding project progress over time and providing leaders with the context needed to make better decisions. We discuss: · Why the best AI initiatives start with a real business problem · How curiosity helps project managers build solutions without being developers · The difference between point-in-time reporting and over-time reporting · Why context is more valuable than raw project data · Using Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT and Claude, to improve project reporting · The role of AI in project management beyond note taking and meeting summaries · Where human judgment is still essential when working with AI If you're exploring AI for project management, Microsoft Copilot, project reporting, project visibility, or executive reporting, this episode offers a practical look at how AI can help teams solve meaningful problems and deliver insights that actually matter. 00:00 Introduction to Projects by Molly 06:04 Molly's Journey in Project Management 09:59 The Importance of Data in Project Management 16:01 Point-in-Time vs. Overtime Reporting 20:59 Leveraging AI in Project Management 28:10 Understanding Snapshots in Reporting 32:26 Tailoring Reports to Executive Needs 35:11 Impact of Effective Reporting on Organizations 36:46 Leveraging Existing Software for Reporting 39:34 Enhancing Transparency in Conversations 40:19 The Role of AI in Project Management 43:54 Building AI Agents for Efficiency 47:34 Navigating AI Limitations and Human Intervention 48:31 Curiosity and Frustration in AI Implementation 53:13 Practical Applications of AI in Daily Tasks 54:15 Future Plans and Personal Insights Connect with Molly Beran on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollyberan/ Presented By: ProSymmetry https://www.prosymmetry.com/ Learn More About What’s the Plan? https://www.prosymmetry.com/whats-the-plan Hosted and produced by Samantha Varner https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthavarner21/ Produced and edited by Kyle Wertz

In this episode of What’s the Plan?, Samantha sits down with PMO leader Rebecca Woods to discuss why modern project management is really about problem solving, strategic thinking, and navigating complexity — not just managing timelines and tasks. Drawing from her experience leading IT and PMO initiatives, Rebecca shares practical insights on how project managers can uncover root causes, ask better questions, improve stakeholder communication, and guide teams through changing priorities, shifting requirements, and resource constraints. Together, they explore: • Problem solving in project management • Continuous improvement strategies for PMOs • How to identify the real business problem • Why communication gaps derail projects • Managing changing project requirements • Strategic decision-making and stakeholder alignment • Resource constraints, prioritization, and portfolio planning • The human side of leadership, collaboration, and organizational change Rebecca also shares real-world examples of navigating complex enterprise projects, balancing “keep the lights on” work with strategic initiatives and helping organizations become more adaptable in an increasingly fast-changing business environment. Whether you're a project manager, PMO leader, operations leader, or executive navigating organizational complexity, this episode offers actionable insights into the mindset, communication skills, and strategic thinking needed to lead successful projects today. 00:00 Introduction to Rebecca Woods and Her Journey 07:27 The Importance of Problem Solving in Project Management 10:28 Understanding Customer Needs and Problem Identification 13:21 Clarifying Requirements and Asking the Right Questions 16:32 Navigating Change and Maintaining Focus on Goals 19:28 Decision-Making Frameworks and Options 22:17 Encouraging Creativity and Open Dialogue in Problem Solving 29:57 Navigating Project Challenges 32:41 Empowering Teams for Problem Solving 34:52 Effective Communication in Project Management 36:01 Continuous Improvement: Balancing Tradition and Innovation 39:50 Resource Management and Strategic Planning 44:38 Future-Proofing Skills in Project Management 46:11 Understanding Stakeholder Needs 48:42 The Importance of Practice in Problem Solving Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccatwoods/ Presented by ProSymmetry https://www.prosymmetry.com/ Learn More About What’s the Plan? https://www.prosymmetry.com/whats-the-plan Hosted and produced by Samantha Varner https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthavarner21/ Produced and edited by Kyle Wertz

Resource management doesn’t fail because organizations lack effort. It fails because there’s no consistent process, governance, or structure behind it. In this episode, Beth Hunter shares practical approaches to operationalizing resource management. From establishing governance and decision-making frameworks to creating repeatable processes teams can actually follow. We discuss: Why inconsistent resource planning creates chaos The importance of governance in resource management How mature organizations create structure around planning Practical ways to standardize resource management practices The role of frameworks like the JITR Wheel in improving visibility and alignment If your organization relies on spreadsheets, disconnected planning conversations, or “tribal knowledge” to manage resources, this episode offers a more sustainable path forward. 00:00 The Importance of Governance in Resource Management 02:59 Understanding the Jitterwheel Framework 05:57 Skills as a Core Component of Resource Management 09:08 The Complexity of Staffing Decisions 12:04 The Role of Forecasting in Resource Management 14:55 Data Quality and Its Impact on Forecasting 18:08 The Challenges of Timesheet Management 32:24 Navigating Timesheet Management 34:24 Understanding the 10% Per Month Out Concept 36:15 Bridging Finance and Resource Management 38:40 Workforce Planning and Talent Development 40:13 Building Strong HR Partnerships 42:43 Addressing Staffing Challenges 44:47 The Role of Technology in Resource Management 48:43 Common Mistakes in Resource Management Technology 51:52 The Importance of Governance in Resource Management 54:36 Measuring Resource Management Success 58:52 Implementing the Jitter Framework Connect with Beth Hunter on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethhunter1/ Presented By: ProSymmetry https://www.prosymmetry.com/ Learn More About What’s the Plan? https://www.prosymmetry.com/whats-the-plan Hosted and produced by Samantha Varner https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthavarner21/ Produced and edited by Kyle Wertz

What does it take for a PMO to stop being the "project police" and start driving real organizational value? In this episode, host Samantha Varner sits down with Jerry Manas, internationally bestselling author of the Resource Management and Capacity Planning Handbook, to explore why terminology confusion stalls progress, how PMOs can shift from methodology enforcers to strategic change drivers, and why storytelling is one of the most underrated tools in a leader's toolkit. You'll learn: · Why getting hung up on terminology blocks organizational progress · How PMOs can shift from enforcing processes to delivering business value · What leaders need to understand about resource and capacity planning — regardless of what they call it · How storytelling drives adoption and helps teams understand the "what's in it for me" If you're a PMO, portfolio, or resource management leader ready to move from compliance to impact, this one's for you. 00:00 The Importance of Productivity and Value 02:57 Terminology in Project Management 05:58 Core Concepts of Resource Management 08:55 Visibility and Decision Making 11:56 The Capacity Quadrant Framework 15:08 Patterns in Organizational Maturity 18:06 The Role of PMOs in Strategic Alignment 21:04 Deprioritizing Resource Management 24:01 The Evolving Role of PMOs 27:03 Aligning Productivity with Value 30:01 The Power of Storytelling in Leadership 33:00 Future Plans and Closing Thoughts Connect with Jerry on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmanas/ Learn more about Jerry’s Strategic Advisory practice https://www.jerrymanas.com/strategic-advisory Order The Resource Management and Capacity Planning Handbook https://www.jerrymanas.com/resourcemanagement Order Projectland Goes to the Movies https://www.amazon.com/Projectland-Goes-Movies-Blockbuster-Strategies-ebook/dp/B0G8TYDSR7 Presented By: ProSymmetry https://www.prosymmetry.com/ Learn More About What’s the Plan? https://www.prosymmetry.com/whats-the-plan Hosted and produced by Samantha Varner https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthavarner21/ Produced and edited by Kyle Wertz

Resource planning often gets treated like a numbers game: capacity, utilization, and forecasts. Our plans fail because we forget the people behind the work. In this episode, Jill Savage, a resource management pioneer, shares how great resource management goes beyond a list of names and allocations. From understanding personalities and career goals to recognizing when someone is overloaded or misaligned, we explore how to build plans that actually work in the real world. You’ll learn: · Why treating people like “resources” leads to burnout and disengagement · How to balance business demands with human needs · What great resource managers do differently · How to build trust, improve productivity, and retain top talent If you’re leading projects or teams this is the side of resource planning you can’t afford to ignore. 00:00 The Dynamics of Labor and Exploitation 03:07 Resource Management: A Strategic Necessity 05:54 The Human Element in Resource Management 08:51 Balancing Tasks and Human Needs 12:06 The Role of AI in Resource Management 15:02 Building Trust and Understanding in Teams 18:04 The Consequences of Ignoring Human Factors 20:53 The Importance of Retaining Talent 24:05 Finding the Right Fit for Tasks 26:48 Opportunities for Growth and Learning 28:23 Creating Opportunities in Unique Spaces 30:04 The Importance of Active Listening 31:52 Navigating Team Dynamics and Relationships 34:02 Building Trust and Collaboration 36:59 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Management 39:57 Adapting to Remote Work Challenges 45:14 Balancing Data and Humanity in Resource Management 48:34 Future Directions in Resource Management Connect with Jill Savage on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/scootersavage/ Presented By: ProSymmetry https://www.prosymmetry.com/ Learn More About What’s the Plan? https://www.prosymmetry.com/whats-the-plan Hosted and produced by Samantha Varner https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthavarner21/ Produced and edited by Kyle Wertz

How do you plan when everything keeps changing? Hosted by Samantha Varner of ProSymmetry, this panel features Melissa Fry from Choice Hotels and Sarah Vincent from Honda sharing how they manage mid-cycle pivots, balance demand vs. capacity, and communicate trade-offs to leadership. Packed with real-world strategies, this session highlights how PMOs are staying flexible and effective in a fast-moving environment. 00:00 Navigating Change in PMOs 10:04 Responding to Mid-Plan Changes 20:08 Planning Cycles and Capacity Management 23:58 Demand vs. Capacity: The Balancing Act 27:33 Collaborative Hiring Strategies 30:23 Resource Forecasting and Capacity Management 34:37 Balancing Operational and Strategic Work 41:32 Setting Expectations for Resource Allocation 44:32 Leveraging AI for Future Planning 49:49 Establishing a Source of Truth for Data 54:49 Embracing Change in Project Management Presented By: ProSymmetry https://www.prosymmetry.com/ Learn More About What’s the Plan? https://www.prosymmetry.com/whats-the-plan Hosted and produced by Samantha Varner https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthavarner21/ Produced and edited by Kyle Wertz

Most PMOs stall on resource planning because the data isn't perfect. Bob Blackburn, a PMO leader with 20+ years of experience, says stop waiting and explains exactly how to start. In this episode, Bob and host Samantha Varner break down: → Staffing vs. forecasting - and why most teams confuse the two → How to build capacity models for projects that don't exist yet → Why directionally accurate beats waiting for perfect → The real risk of the blank sheet of paper Perfect for PMO leaders, portfolio managers, and resource managers ready to move from paralysis to progress. 00:00 The Importance of Data Quality in Resource Planning 06:10 Understanding Resource Planning: Staffing vs. Forecasting 12:16 The Role of PMO in Project Intake and Planning 18:54 Agile Capacity Planning: A New Approach 25:53 Defining Roles: Project Managers, Resource Managers, and Functional Managers 31:28 Aligning Project and Functional Managers for Success 36:24 Directionally Right: Metrics and Signals for Resource Planning 38:54 Starting Resource Planning: Practical Steps for Implementation 41:39 Future Focus: Strategic Portfolio Management and Value Connect with Bob on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobblackburn22/ Presented By: ProSymmetry https://www.prosymmetry.com/ Hosted and produced by Samantha Varner https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthavarner21/ Produced and edited by Kyle Wertz

A podcast for PMO leaders, portfolio managers, and resource management professionals focused on strategic portfolio management, capacity planning, and connecting strategy to execution. In this trailer, host Samantha Varner shares what to expect from candid conversations about prioritization, demand vs. capacity, and the human side of planning. Follow to hear real-world insights on aligning strategy, portfolios, and the people doing the work.