In this conversation, Andy and Marie-Helene Pelletier explore the concept of resilience, particularly in the context of workplace challenges and personal well-being. They discuss the importance of understanding resilience as a state that can fluctuate rather than a fixed personality trait. Marie shares insights from her book, The Resilience Plan: A Strategic Approach to Optimizing Your Work Performance and Mental Health. She emphasizes the need for strategic planning to enhance resilience and manage burnout. The discussion also covers cognitive patterns that can hinder resilience, the balance of life's demands and supplies, and practical steps to create a personalized resilience plan. Additionally, they touch on the role of parents in fostering resilience in children.

This episode prepares you to handle the demands that come with leading teams and projects. Enjoy!

• “The class went great. I was a wreck.”
• "We know from research that resilience is not a personality trait. It’s a state, which means it will fluctuate over time, which also means we can influence it."
• "Resilience is our ability to go through adversity and come out even stronger."
• "People will tend to minimize the demands they have, and then on the supply side, people will tend to overestimate the sources of energy they have."
• "I think we too easily sacrifice our self-care. We wait for things to fall apart and then we’re like, ‘Oh, I hit burnout.’ What if we were able to put together a resilience plan?”

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:02 Start of Interview
• 02:14 What Got You Into Psychology?
• 04:00 Understanding Resilience Misconceptions
• 05:45 Is Resilience Just Genetics And Personality?
• 08:01 The Role Of Context In Resilience
• 10:43 BEAR Thinking
• 14:25 Supply And Demands Inventory
• 18:13 The Role Of Values
• 26:02 Applying Resilience Strategies To Parenting
• 28:42 End Of Interview
• 29:07 Andy Comments After The Interview
• 32:17 Outtakes

You can learn more about Marie-Helene and her work at DrMarie-Helene.com/.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 398 with Dr. Neha Sangwan about her book on burnout.
• Episode 132 with StrengthsFinder author Tom Rath about energizing the burned out project manager.
• Episode 106, also with Tom Rath, about his book Eat, Move, Sleep.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Resilience, Burnout, Mental Health, Self-Care, Leadership, Personal Development, Emotional Intelligence, Workplace Wellness, Project Management

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: ImageFilm34 by Sascha Ende
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this conversation, Andy talks with Michael Chad Hoeppner to discuss his new book Don't Say Um: How to Communicate Effectively to Live a Better Life. The book is packed with practical drills and insights to improve communication skills. Andy and Michael explore common misconceptions about public speaking, the importance of delivery over content, and practical exercises to enhance communication skills to help you become more confident and effective communicators at work and home.

Michael emphasizes that everyone is a public speaker in their daily lives and that good communication is fundamentally about being other-focused.

Want to speak in a way that people actually listen? This episode is for you!

• “You do make a living by speaking.”
• "There’s no such thing as public speaking—there’s just speaking."
• "If you ever get advice that features the words ‘don’t’ and ‘just’ in a single sentence, you should probably run away from it."
• "Filler words aren’t the problem. They’re a symptom."
• "AI is about to give us perfect content. The real skill? Delivering it well."
• "If every time you speak, you’re trying to sound smart, you’re going to sound dumb."
• "Every time you say 'um,' your brain is asking for time. Give it the time—without the 'um'."
• "If you can tolerate silence, you’ll always sound smarter."
• "The first rule of better posture? Stop thinking about posture."
• "If you’re not getting better at speaking, you’re limiting your career without even realizing it."

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:16 Start Of Interview
• 03:52 Why Are We All Professional Speakers?
• 07:34 What Is Some of the Worst Speaking Advice?
• 11:09 What is Good Communication?
• 14:29 Why is Delivery More Important Than Content?
• 20:40 The GK Lego Drill
• 26:52 About Filler Words Like Um
• 31:32 What You Need to Know About Posture
• 39:19 Advice for Parents
• 44:08 End Of Interview
• 44:39 Andy Comments After The Interview
• 47:50 Outtakes

You can learn more about Michael and his work at GKTraining.com/Michael-Chad-Hoeppner.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 378 with Bill McGowan about his book Pitch Perfect.
• Episode 98 with communications expert Nancy Duarte.
• Episode 349 with Tina Kuhn about her book on communication scenarios.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Public Speaking, Communication Skills, Speaking Tips, Leadership, Filler Words, Posture, Parenting, Storytelling, Project Management

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: The Fantastical Ferret by Tim Kulig
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Synthiemania by Frank Schroeter
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this conversation, Andy talks with Adam Galinsky about his new book Inspire: The Universal Path for Leading Yourself and Others. Adam discusses the elements that make a leader truly inspiring, debunking the myth that inspirational qualities are innate rather than developed. The conversation covers Adam's Inspiring Trifecta (being visionary, an exemplar, and a mentor) along with the leader amplification effect. Additionally, they explore actionable strategies from Adam's research, including the importance of perspective-taking, the impact of the leader amplification commitment, and techniques for improving self-awareness and daily practices for sustained inspiration.

Looking for practical advice to inspire those around you? This episode is for you!

• “It’s not, ‘Are you inspiring or infuriating?’ It’s, ‘Are you currently inspiring or infuriating?”
• “Your passion can become their passion. Your calmness in a crisis can become their calmness. But on the flip side, your anxiety can become their anxiety.”
• “Never tell someone, ‘We need to talk,’ without telling them why.”
• “What if every single morning, over a cup of coffee, you sent one email just thanking someone for something they did?”
• “Shame turns us into ostriches. Guilt moves us toward action.”
• “To be visionary, you don’t need to be loud—you need to be clear.”
• “Your leadership isn’t just what you say—it’s what people see.”
• “The question isn’t ‘Are you a great leader?’ The question is, ‘What are you doing right now that makes you one?”

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:37 Start Of Interview
• 01:45 What Inspired You To Get Into Psychology?
• 02:51 What Are Some Common Myths About Inspiration?
• 03:49 Do You Have to Be Extroverted to Be Inspiring?
• 05:51 What's The Difference Between Inspiring and Infuriating Leaders?
• 08:48 Why You Should Never Say "We Need to Talk"
• 13:45 What Is the Leader Amplification Effect?
• 19:07 How Can I Better Get Someone Else's Perspective?
• 22:59 How Does Adam Overcome Feeling Insecure?
• 25:21 What's The Role of Self-Talk In Helping Us Be Inspiring?
• 29:15 How Does Ranking Our Values Help?
• 30:56 How Does Adam Practice Being Inspiring (Introduction to REAP)
• 32:43 Advice for Parents
• 36:11 End Of Interview
• 36:34 Andy Comments After The Interview
• 42:11 Outtakes

You can learn more about Adam and his work at AdamGalinsky.com.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episodes 416 and 153 with Jim Kouzes about leadership.

• Episode 362 with Ayelet Fishbach about her book on motivation.
• Episode 94 with Heidi Grant and Torry Higgins about their work on motivation.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Inspiration, Leadership, Communication, Self-Awareness, Emotional Intelligence, Parenting, Project Management

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Echo by Alexander Nakarada
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Tuesday by Sascha Ende
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this conversation, Andy interviews Manu Kapur about his book Productive Failure: Unlocking Deeper Learning Through the Science of Failing. They explore the concept of learning through failure and how it can be intentionally designed to enhance understanding and retention. They discuss the importance of context in learning and the science behind memory. Manu and Andy discuss practical strategies for effective learning, particularly in relation to project management and certification exams. Manu introduces the notion of productive failure and its significance in the learning process. He emphasizes the importance of engaging with challenges, understanding the four A's of learning, and applying these principles in real-world scenarios. Manu even shares some ideas for how parents can help their kids reframe how they look at failure.

Want to improve your memory? Learn faster? This episode is for you!

• “If you want to remember, try forgetting a little so that you can use forgetting to remember.”
• “Why do we wait for failure to happen instead of designing for it deliberately and intentionally?”
• “Learning doesn’t just happen when you succeed—it’s the failure signal that tells you you’re in the right place to grow.”
• “Knowledge gets coupled with the context, the smells, and the sights in which you’re learning it.”
• “If everything in your life has a success signal, don’t be too happy—chances are you’re playing it too safe.”
• “We should totally change how we introduce ourselves at parties: guess each other’s names!”

• 00:00 Introduction
• 02:31 Start Of Interview
• 03:55 Understanding Productive Failure
• 05:22 The Problems of Learning: Remembering, Understanding, and Transfer
• 08:58 The Theory of Disuse
• 11:39 The Fascinating Concept of Situated Cognition
• 16:00 Why Getting Questions Wrong Helps You Learn
• 20:34 Understanding the Zone of Proximal Development
• 23:06 Designing for Productive Failure
• 28:33 Applying Failure Concepts in Parenting
• 32:12 End Of Interview
• 32:34 Andy Comments After The Interview
• 37:52 Outtakes

You can learn more about Manu and his work at ManuKapur.com.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 15 with Ralph Heath about his book on celebrating failure.
• Episode 432 with Ross Garland regarding why projects fail.
• Episode 116 with Jim Johnson for another discussion about why projects fail.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Productive Failure, Learning, Memory, Project Management, Education, Teaching, Zone Of Proximal Development, Innovation

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Summer Morning Full Version by MusicLFiles
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Synthiemania by Frank Schroeter
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this episode, Andy interviews Rick Czaplewski, who discusses the intersection of project management and negotiation. They explore the importance of negotiation skills for project managers, the significance of building strong relationships with stakeholders, and strategies for dealing with difficult stakeholders. Rick shares personal experiences, including lessons learned from being a cancer survivor, and emphasizes the importance of taking action when delivering bad news. The conversation concludes with advice on teaching negotiation skills to the next generation.

Want to improve your ability to negotiate more confidently? This episode is for you!

• "Project management is a verb. It's an action sport. We're on offense. We have the ball."
• "You want to put out fires as a project manager when they're small campfires before they're raging infernos."
• "If you're in control of yourself, you're in control of the situation."
• "It's okay if you hear the word no."
• "Take that feeling of 'I’m not willing to walk away with a loss' and hang in there."
• "Negotiation isn’t just a skill; it’s a mindset that transforms projects."

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:18 Start Of Interview
• 01:40 Rick's Career Journey
• 03:25 Why Negotiating Skills Are Critical for Project Managers
• 05:30 How We Can Accidentally Set Up Negotiations to Fail
• 08:05 How To Deal With Difficult Stakeholders
• 12:50 Common Mistakes Delivering Bad News
• 17:05 What If Someone Thinks They're Not a Good Negotiator?
• 20:20 How Has Surviving Cancer Shaped Your Perspective?
• 23:00 How Can Parents Help Their Kids Become Better Negotiators?
• 26:46 End Of Interview
• 27:05 Andy Comments After The Interview
• 30:13 Outtakes

You can learn more about Rick and his work at NoOneWalksAlone.com. Also, please leave us feedback about this episode at Talk.ac/rickc?code=PEOPLE.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 412 with hostage negotiator Scott Walker.
• Episode 365 with Christie Hunter Arscott about her book for women.
• Episode 258 with Kari Mirabal about You Already Have the No.
• Episode 148 with Daniel Shapiro, founder of the Harvard International Program on Negotiation.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Negotiation, Project Management, Stakeholder Management, Communication Skills, Leadership, Cancer Survivor, Relationship Building, Delivering Bad News, Negotiation Skills, Personal Growth

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Summer Morning Full Version by MusicLFiles
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Chillhouse by Frank Schroeter
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this conversation, Andy welcomes Scott Millson, author of Frequency of Excellence: Tuning in to Everyday Lessons of Life and Leadership. Scott and Andy discuss the importance of lifelong learning and mentorship, the difference between excellence and perfection, and practical strategies for overcoming challenges, such as public speaking anxiety. Scott shares his personal leadership lessons, including the notion of inattentional blindness and the power of a growth mindset. He emphasizes the value of recognizing learning opportunities in daily life and how mentors can shape our professional and personal growth.

• "At any moment of any day, excellence is out there. You just have to be tuned into the right frequency in order to see it."
• "When things seem to be falling apart, they may be falling into place."
• "How you do anything is how you do everything."
• "Excellence and perfection are diametrically opposed. Excellence inspires and motivates, while perfection sucks the life out of you."
• "I’ve never formally asked anyone to be my mentor. Instead, I watched, learned, and surrounded myself with excellent people."
• "Speak with a purpose. When you speak, there’s a currency to your words—treat them as valuable."
• "ADD isn’t a disorder—it’s my superpower. My ability to hyperfocus lets me outwork anyone."
• "Above all else, choose family."

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:54 Start Of Interview
• 02:02 How ADHD Is Scott's Superpower
• 04:53 Inattentional Blindness And Key Lessons
• 10:00 The Concept Of Frequencies
• 12:40 About Mentorship
• 15:53 Overcoming The Fear Of Public Speaking
• 20:22 Excellence Vs. Perfection
• 22:11 Pursuit Of Excellence
• 23:24 Handling Stress And Pressure
• 24:00 A Personal Story Of Resilience
• 28:24 Et Loqueris Ad, And Why It Matters
• 31:47 Parenting And Leadership
• 35:32 End Of Interview
• 35:58 Andy Comments After The Interview
• 40:06 Outtakes

You can learn more about Scott and his book at ScottMillson.com/author.

For more learning on this topic, check out:

• Episode 410 with Ryan Hawk about his book on excellence. It's a good read!
• Episode 418 with my friend Randy Fox about pursuing excellence.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: Leadership, Mentorship, Excellence, Public Speaking, Personal Development, ADHD, Learning, Lessons, Growth Mindset, Project Management, Perfectionism, Stress Management, Communication, Parenting

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Tranceverse by Sascha End
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Funny by Frank Schroeter
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

In this discussion, Andy welcomes Michaela Flick to discuss her journey in project management, the importance of people skills, practical tools for managing projects, and the balance between work and personal life. They discuss the significance of understanding stakeholders, the value of hands-on experience, and the insights gained from teaching and writing about project management. Michaela shares her experiences and lessons learned throughout her career, emphasizing the need for empathy and connection in leadership.

• "Projects are made by people, for people. When this people thing is not working for you, forget it--it ain’t working."
• "If you wait until you’re confident to jump in, you will never jump in."
• "What I consider success might not be what my customer considers success."
• "Children are natural born project managers."

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:30 Start Of Interview
• 06:00 Lessons on Leadership and Project Management
• 08:24 Metaphors for Project Management
• 10:30 Practical Management Practices
• 15:23 Key Career Decisions for PMs
• 18:30 Confidence vs Competence
• 23:25 Priorities Beyond Work
• 25:05 Books by Michaela
• 32:23 End Of Interview
• 33:00 Outtakes

You can learn more about Michaela on LinkedIn at LinkedIn.com/in/michaela-flick/.

Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!

Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Topics: project management, leadership, career development, people skills, stakeholder analysis, project tools, work-life balance, personal growth

The following music was used for this episode:

Music: Great Great Lengths by Blue Dot Sessions
Licensed under a Attribution-Noncommercial License

Music: Feelin Good by Kevin MacLeod
License (CC BY 3.0): http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/