Episodes

  • In this episode of Project Management Paradise, host Aaron Murphy engages in a deep dive with Dr. Randy Ross, CEO of Remarkable and bestselling author, exploring the essence of corporate culture, employee engagement, and navigating challenging times in the workplace. Dr. Ross shares invaluable insights on fostering positive work environments, enhancing employee happiness, and addressing toxic elements within organizations.

    Key Highlights:

    00:23 - Introduction and background to the guest Dr. Randy Ross

    04:52 - The Silent Killer

    07:17 - Navigating VUCA

    12:48 - Investing in People

    15:28 - Building Relationally Rich Environments

    16:12 - Creating a Relationally Rich Environment

    16:30 - Embracing Feedback

    21:59 - Axiology in Practice

    23:01 - Passion, Strengths, and Problem-Solving

    30:13 - Purpose-Driven Business

    This episode serves as an engaging discussion on the importance of renewable energy and how it can positively impact individuals, communities, and the environment.

    Learn More About Dr. Randy Ross here

    Explore Dr. Randy Ross' authored works here

  • In this episode of the Project Management Paradise podcast, host Aaron Murphy is joined by Neal Frick, a leadership guru and author, to explore the topic of empathetic leadership. Neil shares insights into the definition of empathetic leadership, common misconceptions, and the keys to successful implementation. He emphasizes transparency, trust, active listening, and logical decision-making as crucial elements. Neil also discusses the return on investment (ROI) of empathetic leadership, highlighting its impact on effort, productivity, and customer relations.

    Key Highlights:

    00:23 - Introduction to Neal Frick and Empathy in leadership

    00:57 - Neal’s Background and Journey to Empathy to Leadership

    02:33 - Empathetic Leadership

    07:50 - Trust and Listening in Empathetic Leadership

    08:14 - Empathy and Sympathy, Underlining the Need for Setting Boundaries

    09:23 - Emotional Connections Affected Decision-Making

    10:13 - Explores Return on Investment (ROI) in Empathetic Leadership

    11:10 - Empathetic Leadership Boosts Effort and Productivity

    11:50 - Empathetic Leadership on Customer Satisfaction, Marketing, and Sales

    12:47 - ROI to the Keys of Success: Trust and Listening

    15:22 - Field of Empathetic Leadership

    Learn More About Neal Frick here

    Bonus

    Learn the keys to effective “change management” by accessing a complimentary copy at corasystems.com/changeguide

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  • In this episode, we're joined by Paul Gill, who has spent over eight years at PayPal as a program manager.

    Paul shares his experiences and tips for successfully developing cross-functional teams and managing company strategy.

    Key Highlights:

    Introduction to Paul Gill and program management within business operations Why good ideas require good execution Definition of cross-functional teams Definition of Agile and adaptability in project management How effective diverse, cross-functional teams can be a competitive advantage Why is corporate culture and collaboration important to successful project execution

    Connect with Paul on LinkedIn here

    Bonus

    Access a complimentary guidebook, Empowering Strategy Realization Using OKRs, at corasystems.com/okrguide

  • In this episode, we're joined by Lauren C. Ayers, former director of program analysis and business transformation for the deputy assistant secretary of the U.S. Navy.

    Lauren shares her experiences and learnings for successful change transformation, in particular in the area of acquisition and procurement.

    Key Highlights:

    Introduction to Lauren C. Ayers and business transformation in mega projects Strategic advice for efficient procurement and maintenance of military hardware How best to work in a team environment Skills for negotiating, contract management and future planning How to navigate DCMA and GovCon processes Tips for how to effectively communicate with multiple stakeholders Bonus

    Learn how software can combat 8 headaches keeping PMOs in the aerospace & defense sector awake at night by accessing a complimentary copy at corasystems.com/defensesoft

  • This episode of The Project Management Paradise Podcast is the part of a unique limited series called "Unlocking Project Success with Professor John McGrath”.

    In this episode, we're joined by Hardeep Kaur, a Global Director – Operational Excellence, Strategy, Transformation, Change Management and Communications, at Merck, with over 25 years’ experience in Pharmaceutical Operations and General Management.

    Hardeep shares her experience and advice for successful change and transformation, in particular in the area of strategy execution.

    Key Highlights:

    Introduction to Hardeep Kaur and change management The difference between change and transformation Misconceptions about the role of the project sponsor and their importance to project success Tips for improving stakeholder communication 3 lessons learned for successful execution of change Agility and how to make your organization change ready

    Connect with Hardeep on LinkedIn here

    Bonus

    Learn the keys to effective “digital transformation” by accessing a complimentary guidebook at corasystems.com/transformationguide

  • This episode of The Project Management Paradise Podcast is the part of a unique limited series called "Unlocking Project Success with Professor John McGrath”. In this episode, we're joined by Carl Bernie, an Operations Director with DPS Group with extensive KAM, project management and commercial experience on global semi-conductor mega construction projects.

    Carl shares his experience in dealing with project fatigue in complex projects. He discusses his journey into the world of project management, which began in the 1990s, and today entails managing multi-year projects with budgets of billions of euro.

    Carl explores how large, complex projects differ from more traditional projects, including initiation, execution, delivery and project close-out.

    Key Highlights:

    ● Introduction to Carl Bernie and mega projects

    ● Agile, iterative approaches to project execution

    ● Diversity in project teams and creating a team dynamic

    ● Traits for a good project manager

    ● Essence, experience and pitfalls of project fatigue

    ● Effects of global events – including supply chain stresses, Brexit, Covid, remote working – on project management capabilities

    Connect with Carl on LinkedIn here

  • In this episode, we're joined by Pamela Ann Sinclair, a training specialist for Cora Systems and change management expert, who shares her expertise in change management preparation. Pamela discusses her journey into the world of change management, highlighting its increasing relevance in project management over the past decade. She emphasizes the pivotal role of change management in successful project execution and provides a practical checklist of industry best-practices to ensure smooth transitions. Pamela also explores common pitfalls in change management based on her extensive experience, offering insights on how to avoid them.

    Key Highlights:

    00:58 - Introduction to Pam Sinclair and Change Management

    02:30 - Change Management: A Marketing Buzzword

    05:36 - Pam on the Basics of Change Management

    08:13 - The Two Biggest Pitfalls

    14:58 - Pam’s Key Learning Experience

    ● 17:38 - Importance of Change on People

    Connect with Pamela on LinkedIn here

    Bonus

    Learn the keys to effective change management by accessing a complimentary copy at www.corasystems.com/changeguide

  • In this episode, Aaron Murphy hosts Jeremiah Broz, the CEO and founder of Energy Advantage Roof and Solar, to delve into how renewable energy is reshaping our world. Jeremiah's commitment to sustainability and renewable energy is transforming both the industry and the communities he serves.

    Key Highlights:

    00:54 - Introduction to Jeremiah Broz and Renewable Energy

    01:07 - Jeremiah's Background and Journey to Renewable Energy

    02:00 - The Birth of Energy Advantage

    05:30 - The Long-Term Worth of Switching to Solar

    09:57 - Metrics for Comparing Energy Sources

    12:08 - The Transition from Fossil Fuels to Renewables

    13:52 - Addressing Fears and Concerns about Solar Adoption

    16:29 - Monetary Benefits and Incentives of Solar Energy

    17:00 - Controlling Energy Costs and Time-of-Use Rates

    18:58 - Empowerment and Core Values

    19:23 - Navigating Energy Banking and Net Metering

    20:39 - Connecting with Energy Advantage

    This episode serves as an engaging discussion on the importance of renewable energy and how it can positively impact individuals, communities, and the environment.

    Learn More About Jeremiah Broz here or visit his website:
    https://www.yourenergyadvantage.com/

    Bonus

    Find out how grid modernization can facilitate decarbonizing of the energy sector by accessing a complimentary copy at corasystems.com/gridmodernization

  • In this episode, Aaron Murphy discusses leadership skills with guest Pat D'Amico, a leadership expert and CEO of About-Face Development. Pat's military background informs his insights on leadership. He talks about how important it is for leaders to deal with their own stress, become more self-aware, and learn how to coach. They also talk about how important mentorship is, what the most common reasons are for people to quit their jobs, and why leaders need to keep learning. The conversation touches on the effects of tools for learning from a distance, and it ends by pointing out that coaching and hiring skills are important leadership skills. Pat's contact information is given so that you can get in touch with him. Listen to the episode to learn more!

    Important Timestamps:

    00:00 - Introduction

    00:23 - Who Is Our Guest For Today?

    05:12 - Being Aware Of Your Emotion

    06:09 - Having A Mentor Is Important

    07:06 - Why Are People Leaving Their Jobs?

    07:56 - Manager's Role in Job Losses

    08:30 - Lack Of Development

    08:53 - How To Retain People

    13:01 - The Importance Of Keeping Good Managers

    16:35 - The Adaption Of Asynchronous E-Learning

    18:26 - Top Three Leadership Skills Most People And Organizations Lack

    Learn More About Pat D'Amico

    https://aboutfacedevelopment.com/about-1

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/patjdamico/

    Bonus

    Learn the keys to effective “digital transformation” by accessing a complimentary guidebook at corasystems.com/transformationguide

  • In this episode, Brian Jackson, Director of Project Management and Third Party Governance at Centennial Bank, shares his 47-year journey in the banking industry, witnessing the incredible transformation from manual operations to today's digital marvels. He discusses the importance of contractual compliance in the banking sector and how Centennial Bank adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling remote work. They explore the impact of digital transformation on modern banks, including real-time payments like FedNow. Tune in for valuable insights and inspiring stories.

    Important Timestamps:

    00:00 - Introduction

    00:23 – Brian’s background

    02:30 - Banking Through the Decades

    06:15 - Banking's Unstoppable Technological Journey

    08:20 - Time-Saving, Compliance Crucial, Pandemic Impact

    11:10 - Revolutionizing the Post-COVID Workplace

    15:01 - Reach Out To Brian!

    Connect with Brian on LinkedIn here
    Or email Brian at [email protected]

    Bonus

    Learn the keys to effective “digital transformation” by accessing a complimentary guidebook at corasystems.com/transformationguide

  • In this episode of the Project Management Paradise podcast, Aaron Murphy interviews Dr. Barry Devereux, an expert in artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics. Dr. Devereux discusses his background in cognitive science and his research on natural language processing. He explains that AI has become a hot topic due to the development of chatbots like ChatGPT, which are intuitive and easy to use. Deep learning, a type of machine learning that uses neural network models, has greatly contributed to the success of AI systems. Dr. Devereux predicts that AI will become increasingly integrated into everyday life and professional work, with applications in areas like synthetic media generation. He also highlights the advantages of AI, including increased productivity and economic efficiency. Learn more by listening to this episode!

    Important Timestamps:

    00:00 - Introduction

    00:27 - Who Is Dr. Barry Devereux?

    03:23 - Why Is AI Such A Hot Topic Nowadays?

    08:18 - What Is Natural Language Processing?

    12:26 - AI In The Next Five Years

    15:00 - The Advantages Of AI

    18:30 - The Disadvantages Of AI

    Learn More About Dr. Barry Devereaux

    https://pure.qub.ac.uk/en/persons/barry-devereux

    Bonus

    Learn about the magic of digital twins by accessing a complimentary guidebook at corasystems.com/digitaltwins

  • Today, we are talking with Jessica Rivard, a senior business analyst at Cora Systems, and previously she worked at Fincantieri Marine Group, where she spent over 15 years working in the defense sector in a range of roles, including senior corporate applications manager and both as a business and systems analyst.

    We discuss the increasing concern over cybersecurity threats from actors like China and North Korea, the importance of competitiveness and innovation in the defense space, and the use of AI in areas such as virtual reality simulations and data analysis. Jessica also highlights the significance of adhering to earned value management techniques and the challenges faced by the industry, including the longer product life cycles caused by factors like knowledge loss and resource demand. Overall, the podcast emphasizes the need for organizations to stay updated, comply with regulations, and leverage technological advancements to address industry challenges effectively.

    Important Timestamps:

    00:00 - Introduction

    03:28 - The critical trend in the aerospace and defense industry

    05:47 - The process on Cybersecurity

    07:17 - Strengthening Cybersecurity

    07:59 - AI in Aerospace

    11:29 - Importance of getting more information

    11:51 - Earned Value Management

    15:01 - The product life cycle analysis

    21:29 - Management is key

    Connect with Jessica Rivard
    Email: [email protected]

    Bonus

    Jessica explores this topic in more detail in her guide at https://corasystems.com/guidebook/aerospace-defense-projects-8-headaches-keeping-your-pmo-awake-at-night/

  • Today, we are talking with LaRae Quy, an undercover counterintelligence agent for the FBI for 24 years, and now she’s an author. In this episode, we will discuss mental toughness and how it can be developed over time. We will also look at some examples of mental toughness. We will get to know LaRae’s thoughts on resilience and how to gain good values. Is it truly necessary to have a good understanding of oneself? This and more questions will be answered as we go along with the episode!



    00:00 - Introduction
    00:21 - Who is LaRae Quy?
    03:54 - Mental toughness is something you develop
    05:18 - Tips on developing mental toughness
    08:08 - What is resilience?
    10:39 - Values in mental toughness
    13:39 - Source of good values
    15:32 - Responding to failure
    20:56 - Mental toughness is the same for men and women
    22:40 - The importance of self-awareness
    25:15 - How to be self-aware?

    Connect with LaRae Quy

    LinkedIn: LaRae Quy

    Website: https://laraequy.com/

    Twitter: @LaRaeQuy

    Bonus

    Access a complimentary guidebook, Empowering Strategy Realization Using OKRs, at corasystems.com/okrguide

  • In this episode, we speak with Patti Viri-Cruz, the Director of PT Portfolio, Design, and Construction at Genentech. Patti is a project management professional who has built processes and programs from the ground up, putting the business's needs first. In this episode, we'll talk about diversity and how it's important for running a group or team. How does Patti get the most out of what each team member's strength? Is it through inspiration? We'll also find out what is project management's role in the biotech sector and how the Cora software solution has helped to streamline a global corporation like Genentech and its sister companies around the world.

    Important Timestamps:
    00:00 - Introduction
    01:01 - Who is Patti Viri-Cruz?
    01:38 - Diversity in a nutshell
    02:48 - Patti’s fun experiment with Aaron
    06:56 - Maximizing team performance
    10:11 - The importance of leading by example
    12:15 - Pandemic and post-pandemic comparison
    15:57 - Project management in biotech
    24:00 - How did Cora Systems help Genentech?

    Connect with Patti Viri-Cruz here

    Bonus

    Learn how to accelerate your product development by downloading a complimentary guidebook at corasystems.com/pharmaspeed

  • The Project Foundry, founded by Declan Ryan, helps business and technology leaders deliver business-driven technology change and realize value by bridging strategy and execution. He is also the CEO and today, he is our guest for this episode. Today, we are going to talk to him about the ways in which the company makes its clients’ lives better. Was Declan surprised by how companies managed their strategies? Did he notice a recurring set of fears? What impact do certain issues have on government and business? Also, where does leadership in a company reside? How do businesses actually put their strategies into action?

    In this episode, we will also learn how an individual can assist the leadership team of a company with the goals that they have set for themselves. Is it really as simple as outlining a route that can lead to success? Learn more as you listen to this episode.

    Important Timestamps:
    00:00 - Introduction
    00:14 - Introducing Declan Ryan
    00:47 - Declan Ryan’s story
    02:55 - How does The Project Foundry improve client lives?
    04:08 - How do certain issues affect business and government?
    05:34 - Helping business leaders with their strategy
    10:55 - Where does the leadership in a company reside?
    14:17 - How do businesses execute their strategies?

    Connect with Declan Ryan here

    Bonus

    Learn the keys to effective “digital transformation” by accessing a complimentary guidebook at corasystems.com/transformationguide

  • Josh Lee is the co-founder of Rev Technologies, a company that specializes in SAP implementation and technology strategy for heavy manufacturing and project-centric firms. In this episode, we discuss the major trends affecting the aerospace and defense industries, as well as how these trends impact the line of business. In addition, we will find out whether or not the industry will experience the impending shifts that we have been speculating about. What kinds of issues could come up in the future, and how he thinks we should handle them? Lastly, we will talk about how adjusting to new circumstances can be the most effective strategy for companies.

    Important Timestamps:

    00:00 - Introducing Josh Lee
    00:48 - Who is Josh Lee and what does he do?
    02:50 - The major trends affecting the aerospace and defense industry
    11:04 - Will there be a future change in the industry?
    14:51 - How will this change look from an executive perspective and how will it help?
    15:34 - What is their plan for resolving future problems that may emerge?
    18:17 - How does working in pharma differ from working in aerospace?
    20:00 - The power of adaptation
    21:27 - Where can we find Josh Lee?

    Connect with Joshua Lee here

    Reach out to Josh through email: [email protected]

    *Bonus*

    Learn about the magic of digital twins by accessing a complimentary guidebook at corasystems.com/digitaltwins

  • Ron Schmelzer and Kathleen Walch are the managing partners of Cognilytica, an AI research and advisory firm. Ron is also a judge for the South by Southwest Innovation Awards and started and runs the Tech Breakfast. Kathleen is a serial entrepreneur, an expert in AI and machine learning, a savvy marketer, and a tech industry connector.

    The birth of Cognilytica is when they both realized that the world is taking a huge leap in technology as AI is becoming more popular. The drive for them to create these podcast episodes came when they realized that people were still surprisingly thirsty for knowledge.

    In this episode, they debunk the idea that technology is really the problem; in fact, it’s the challenge of getting people to understand technology. Ron also stated that the world of AI has a much higher overlap than people might have thought. Together, they describe the phases and actions they take whenever they run into a technological issue, outlining the procedure for resolving such issues. Listen to this episode to learn more!

    Show Notes

    Connect with Ron Schmelzer here

    Connect with Kathleen Walsh here

    Check out Cognilytica

    Check us out the AI Today Podcast here

    *Bonus*

    Learn the keys to effective “digital transformation” by accessing a complimentary guidebook at corasystems.com/transformationguide

  • Jeff Hopkins is Honeywell's global program management office leader and is responsible for their end-to-end project solutions processes. He also serves as the program management office leader for Honeywell Integrated.

    Prior to joining Honeywell, Jeff held R&D roles at Procter & Gamble Company across multiple regions and business segments. He is the industry leader in enterprise-wide digitally enabled work process transformation.

    In this episode, Jeff Hopkins is going to discuss: “5 Tips To Accelerate Digital Transformation”.

    Show Notes

    Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn here

    *Bonuses*

    Learn the keys to effective “digital transformation” by accessing a complimentary guidebook at corasystems.com/transformationguide

    Join Jeff Hopkins at Project Controls Expo’s case studies zone in London, UK, on November 16th. Learn more about the event at projectcontrolexpo.com/uk

  • Joe Stalder has over 10 years of experience managing drug development projects in a variety of company sizes and cultures, including Pfizer, Roche, and AstraZeneca.

    Joe is a regular speaker at biopharma project and portfolio management conferences and he’s the author of an upcoming book on managing drug development projects.

    In this episode, Joe Stalder is going to discuss: “Keys to Effective Project Prioritization in Biopharma”.

    Learn the keys to effective “project prioritization in biopharma” by accessing a complimentary guidebook by Joe Stalder at https://corasystems.com/prioritizationguide

    Tune in to a bonus webinar by Joe Stalder on “project prioritization in biopharma” by visiting https://corasystems.com/effectivewebinar

  • Dr. Alexia Nalewaik has over 25 years of experience in audit, estimating, and cost/risk management. She is a Fellow of the RICS, AACE International, the Guild of Project Controls, and ICEC.

    Alexia is a member of the Governing Council for the RICS, representing the US Market Seat. She is also a Past President of AACE International, and Past Chair of the International Cost Engineering Council. She has published two books, on performance audit and reporting.

    In this episode, Dr Alexia Nalewaik is going to discuss: “Why Cost Indices Are Important for Project Management”.

    *Bonus*

    This year’s Project Controls Expo USA takes place in Washington D.C. at the Nationals Park, between October 4-6th. Cora will be at Stand 37 and they have 10 tickets to give away. Enter now