3 more podcasts, to help analytics leaders master project management

Do you feel that you master project management, or at the mercy of project rollercoasters?

As Tony has shared in his 2 part series, everything from adequate planning & motivation to sponsor management & communication can make a difference. So, with so many tricks of the trade to learn, how do busy data & analytics leaders keep up to speed. How can you invest in project management CPD?

In previous posts on CPD for leaders like you, we’ve recommended books and other resources, including podcasts. You may recall our previous reviews recommending podcasts:

• 3 Podcasts to help hone your skills
• 4 more podcasts to keep you informed
• 3 podcasts to find your next leadership book

Given the popularity of those posts and how convenient I find podcasts as a medium for learning, I’ve been researching project related podcasts.

In this post, I share 3 podcasts that I would recommend to any customer insight leaders who want to master project management. Each has different benefits to offer and so, if you have time, they are all worth hearing. I also end with “something completely different…” (not just for Monty Python fans).

1) People & Projects podcast

I first came across this podcast via the host, Andy Kaufman, being a guest on one of my favourite podcasts. I have previously recommended Coaching for Leaders podcast, and when a guest on that, I realised Andy was well worth hearing.

In his own podcast, Andy usefully offers advice from practical experience, resources and interviews different experts. What I really love is the focus on the people side of projects. From leading the team to managing key stakeholders, there is so much practical wisdom here.

Finally, Andy also offers clear episode titles & covers different stages of projects and challenges. So, it is well worth searching back episodes for your own CPD interests. Enjoy…

2) Project Management podcast

This is the most well known and Ronseal (“does exactly what it says on the tin”) of my recommendations. It covers all aspects of project management and is a suitable support for anyone looking to study project management qualifications (though with a US emphasis).

Like many successful podcasts, it is built around the interview format. Each episode the host, Cornelius Fichtner, interviews a different speaker from the world of project management. Many are educators themselves or associated with project management institutes.

A really useful foundation for those learning project management. Plus, each episode, there are tips which can help experienced practitioners too. If you want a comprehensive source, this is hard to beat. A great way to master project management, but with less of the people emphasis that (1) brings.

3) 5 Minutes Project Management Podcast

Project managers are busy people and for most of my audience this is only one of the many leadership hats you wear. So, I recognise that you don’t have lots of spare time to be listening to extra podcasts. For that reason, I also want to recommend a rapid podcast.

In this podcast, host Ricardo Viana Vargas, shares short tips on a range of project & change management topics. Episodes actually range from 3-8 minutes in length, but are fascinatingly diverse as well as brief.

From the ethics of change, to reviews of latest PMBOK guide. From positive psychology to VUCA & DfX techniques. This short monthly podcast is a great way to keep this topic in your thinking, without committing significantly more time.

I recommend giving this a try as your entry point. As your start to identify relevant lessons or challenges for your role, then I hope you will see the value in diving deeper via the other podcasts.

Now for something completely different…

Having focussed on podcasts and brevity, let me now go slightly off topic and recommend a longer vodcast. Ive shared before on the benefits of reading more widely as a leader. It is also worth stepping back and thinking about the need or project or change management & what you are trying to achieve.

For that reason, I want to recommend having a look & listen to a new vodcast focussed on the wider challenges of change. Entertaining & challenging, the 91 Untold Change Project vodcast interviews leaders with challenging views.

I was pleased to see that one of our regular guest bloggers, Kevin Watson, was one of their early guests. In this conversation, Kevin shares his take on Occupational Philosophy & its implications for doing things differently. From dropping the idea of change management, to stopping appraisals & maybe even manager roles.

There is much here to challenge your thinking & so get you thinking. So, embrace the difference and enjoy something different…