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NASA is known for pushing the limits of human capability, but its greatest strength lies in its leadership culture. Dr. Dave Williams, a retired astronaut, physician, and former NASA executive, joins us to share valuable leadership lessons from his time at the agency. Drawing from real-life experiences, he explores how NASA leaders transitioned from technical experts to highly effective project managers and executives.

Throughout this episode, Dr. Williams highlights the key leadership principles that helped NASA build high-performing teams. We discuss the "knowing-doing gap" and how organizations can ensure they implement best practices rather than just acknowledging them. He also shares insights on creating a culture where speaking up about risks is encouraged, reducing the likelihood of normalized deviant behavior that can lead to project failures. By understanding the significance of humble leadership, active listening, and continuous learning, project managers can apply these principles to their teams and organizations, ensuring long-term success.

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https://www.pm-podcast.com/515 - Dependency management is a crucial yet often overlooked aspect of project success. In this episode, Bryan Barrow, author of Dependency Management, shares his expertise on how project managers can effectively navigate and manage dependencies to ensure timely and efficient project delivery. With decades of experience in helping organizations tackle complex projects, Bryan emphasizes the importance of communication, collaboration, and proactive planning.

The discussion highlights common pitfalls in dependency management, such as failing to identify all dependencies, inadequate communication with stakeholders, and lack of accountability. Bryan offers actionable advice to avoid these mistakes, including practical steps to identify, validate, and monitor dependencies. He also introduces his six-step framework—Identify, Agree, Plan, Validate, Monitor, and Communicate—to streamline the process. Throughout the episode, Bryan shares insightful analogies and real-world examples, making these strategies relatable and actionable for project managers at all levels.

Earn PDUs for This Episode:
- Visit https://www.pm-podcast.com/Earn-PDUs to see how many PDUs you can claim for your PMI certification renewal.

Play Video: https://youtu.be/t79ET8pNDrQ

This is the Preview of our Premium Episode 514.

https://www.pm-podcast.com/514 Drew Dudley, one of the world’s most dynamic keynote speakers and leadership advocates, joins us to redefine what it means to be a leader. Recognized for his TEDx talk, "Leading with Lollipops," Drew emphasizes that leadership is not reserved for the extraordinary. Instead, it’s about creating moments of impact through consistent daily actions. In this conversation, Drew shares his journey from a life-changing TEDx moment to becoming a global thought leader, highlighting the transformative power of recognizing everyday leadership.

The discussion delves into Drew’s "Day One" leadership process, which empowers individuals to surface their core values and operationalize them into actionable daily behaviors. Drew also introduces his "leadership test," a set of questions designed to ensure alignment with personal values. This conversation offers actionable advice on bridging the gap between the values we believe in and those we practice, making leadership accessible to all.

Whether you're seeking to inspire your team or strengthen your personal leadership journey, Drew’s insights provide a roadmap for consistent growth and meaningful impact. His engaging anecdotes, such as the famous "Lollipop Moment," will leave you reflecting on your own leadership potential and the legacy you’re creating daily.

*In This Episode, You Will Learn:*

- The Power of Everyday Leadership – How small, meaningful actions can create lasting impact.
- Operationalizing Leadership Values – Strategies to turn values into consistent, actionable behaviors.
- The Leadership Test – A practical framework to ensure daily alignment with your core values.

*Quotes from This Episode*

- "The biggest legacy you'll leave is how people feel after interacting with you." - Drew Dudley
- "Good leaders live their values when opportunities arise; great leaders create those opportunities." - Drew Dudley
- "Leadership is about consistency in daily actions, not extraordinary moments." - Drew Dudley

*Time-Stamped Show Notes*

[00:00] – Episode introduction and overview of topics.
[05:00] – Drew Dudley’s journey to TEDx and the “Lollipop Moment.”
[17:26] – Introduction to the "Day One" leadership process.
[26:57] – Exploring values and their role in decision-making.
[47:56] – Bridging the gap between believed and practiced values.
[54:00] – Practical steps for developing a personal leadership philosophy.
[1:02:10] – Closing thoughts on embracing leadership through daily actions.

*Listen to the complete episode*
- Visit https://www.pm-podcast.com/premium to sign up for the PM Podcast Premium subscription.

Play Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/dIfnbCitUJ4

https://www.pm-podcast.com/513.9 After highlighting AI in nearly every prediction, it’s clear that this technology is the driving force behind the biggest shifts in project management. From integrated software features to new skill requirements, the landscape is quickly moving from AI hype to hands-on practicality.

My final takeaway for you: Become an AI literate project manager.

*What’s Driving This Trend*

For years, AI has been presented as a futuristic game-changer. Now, in 2025, we see PM tools and methodologies adapting to real-world capabilities—replacing fantasies with actionable solutions that genuinely streamline project workflows.

This transition is vital because PMs stand at the crossroads of technology and people. Whether facilitating better software integration or upskilling to handle AI gaps, project managers are the lynchpin for successful implementation.

*What You Can Do to Get Ahead of the Trend*

- Embrace AI wherever it adds tangible value, but keep honing the human-centric skills that machines can’t match.

- Identify at least one new AI tool or training opportunity to explore in the coming quarter.

- Keep your focus on strategy: AI can handle tasks, but you’re responsible for guiding the bigger picture.

Play Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/F4hGZp3ARUQ

https://www.pm-podcast.com/513.8 Organizations will begin creating virtual replicas—“digital twins”—of their projects to test scenarios and optimize solutions before going live. Although this concept has thrived in engineering, it’s just now crossing into mainstream project management.

*What’s Driving This Trend*

Better data practices, more affordable simulation tools, and AI/ML integration have converged to make digital twins more accessible to a wide range of PMs. Instead of being a specialized perk for high-budget industries, the technology is reaching everyday projects, allowing managers to identify potential hurdles and tweak processes in a risk-free environment.

At the same time, like other emerging trends, the full impact won’t hit immediately. In 2025, the volume may only be turned up slightly, but as more PMs see the benefits of “previewing” a project virtually, digital twin adoption will keep growing.

*What You Can Do to Get Ahead of the Trend*

- Review your project data for completeness—digital twins rely heavily on accurate, up-to-date information.

- Explore simulation software options: many now offer user-friendly interfaces for PMs without engineering backgrounds.

- Begin small—pilot digital twins on a less critical project to gain confidence and discover best practices.

Play Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/37Ncr83WlEI

https://www.pm-podcast.com/513.7 In a rapid-fire look at three smaller trends, project management will see big changes in how we engage stakeholders, build custom PM tools, and draft contracts. These shifts each address a different pain point, but collectively move PM into a more dynamic, flexible era.

*What’s Driving These Trends*

Algorithmic Stakeholder Engagement taps into advanced analytics to predict the best communication strategies, reducing pushback and confusion. Meanwhile, low-code or no-code platforms enable “Citizen-Developed PM Apps,” giving everyday users the power to create custom tools tailored to their project’s needs.

Finally, “Reinvention of Contracting & Procurement” reflects the broader move toward agility in business. Rather than relying on rigid, lengthy documents, teams will explore more flexible, iterative contracts that can adapt to rapid changes in project scope or technology.

*What You Can Do to Get Ahead of the Trends*
- Experiment with analytics dashboards that suggest the optimal timing and tone for stakeholder updates.

- Encourage team members to try low-code PM platforms—start small and refine as you go.

- Discuss with procurement or legal teams how you can adopt more flexible, agile-inspired contract models.

Play Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/KzqWofotHXk

https://www.pm-podcast.com/513.6 Many organizations will realize that using AI and big data without ethical standards can lead to biases, compliance issues, and costly mistakes. In 2025, PMs will take the first real steps toward owning data ethics, though the volume on this trend is only slightly turned up. We may have to wait until 2026 until this is a full roar.

*What’s Driving This Trend*

The explosion of AI-driven workflows means projects are awash in massive datasets, including sensitive information about customers and employees. Project managers, who oversee data-driven projects, increasingly become the gatekeepers of responsible data handling—ensuring privacy, fairness, and compliance.

Yet, in 2025 this awareness won’t be fully mainstream; it will just start to gain traction as more teams recognize that “ethics” can’t be left solely to the legal department or IT. As frameworks evolve and regulations tighten, PMs who understand the ins and outs of data ethics will be better positioned to mitigate risks and protect their organizations.

*What You Can Do to Get Ahead of the Trend*

- Review and update your project’s data policies, even if it’s just a basic code of conduct for how data is collected and stored.

- Engage legal or compliance teams early so you can spot potential ethical pitfalls before they disrupt your project.

- Stay informed about emerging data ethics guidelines in your industry—adapt them to your project as best you can.

Play Video: https://youtube.com/shorts/u8vGPZsikFg

https://www.pm-podcast.com/513.5 AI will continue to handle repetitive tasks, but it won’t replicate human-centric skills like leadership and relationship management. PMs who focus on these softer skills will secure their place in an AI-driven world.

*What’s Driving This Trend*

As AI tools advance, they will take over repetitive tasks such as data entry, basic reporting, and administrative scheduling. It is predicted that over 80% of "PM busywork" can be handled by AI. However, certain aspects of project management—such as stakeholder negotiations, strategic visioning, and team leadership—remain uniquely human. These skills require emotional intelligence, creativity, and nuanced decision-making, which AI cannot emulate.

For PMs, this is an opportunity to shift their focus toward high-value, human-centric roles. By upskilling in areas where AI falls short, project managers can maintain relevance and add irreplaceable value to their teams and organizations.

*What You Can Do to Get Ahead of the Trend*

- Identify key areas in your role where human skills are indispensable, such as conflict resolution or strategic planning.

- Invest in professional development programs that strengthen your leadership and communication abilities.

- Reimagine your role as one that leverages AI for efficiency while focusing your energy on uniquely human contributions.