Summary

In this episode of the Pulse podcast, host Mark Pratt interviews Julie Gibson, a seasoned program manager with extensive experience in project delivery and business transformation. Julie shares her journey into project management, highlighting her impactful work at the Brakes Group during a period of significant mergers and acquisitions. The conversation delves into key principles of M&A, effective project delivery strategies, and the importance of stakeholder management. Julie emphasises the need for effective communication and the human side of change management, offering practical advice for navigating complex organisational changes, particularly in the context of SaaS implementations. In this conversation, Mark Pratt discusses the balance between customisation and standardisation in product offerings, the significance of mentorship in professional growth, and the importance of networking for career advancement. He shares insights from his diverse industry experiences and emphasises the need for opportunity identification in program management. Mark highlights the satisfaction derived from leading change and making a tangible impact within organisations.

Key Takeaways
✨ Her journey into project management was driven by a love for change.
✨ The Brakes Group experience was pivotal in her career, focusing on M&A.
✨ Understanding stakeholders is crucial for successful project delivery.
✨ A varied approach to communication helps engage different audiences.
✨ The Hansel and Gretel approach aids in managing change.
✨ Feedback should be sought throughout the project, not just at the end.
✨ Mentorship plays a vital role in personal and professional development.
✨ Diverse experiences across industries enhance career opportunities.
✨ Networking is essential for securing new roles and opportunities.
✨ A strategic approach to career development can prevent being pigeonholed.
✨Embracing challenges can lead to personal and professional growth.

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Thanks for tuning into The Pulse Podcast. Remember, we're always looking for new voices and perspectives to enrich our discussions. Think you've got something to share? Fill out our guest application form here.

Catch new episodes every Tuesday. Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated.

Until next time,
Mark and the team!

"Networking is like investing in a future bank."

In this episode of the Pulse Podcast, Lisa Hendry shares her extensive journey in the recruitment industry, detailing her transition from a recruitment consultant to a project manager and product owner. She discusses her global implementation experiences, the impact of COVID on her contracting career, and the dynamics of working with recruitment businesses. Lisa emphasises the importance of building relationships with recruiters, standing out as a contractor, and the significance of data in product ownership. Her insights provide valuable lessons for professionals navigating the recruitment landscape. In this conversation, Lisa Hendry and Mark Pratt discuss the critical importance of data strategy in business, emphasising the need to ask 'why' when capturing data. They explore the role of data in business transformation and the significance of change management, highlighting that people are key to successful implementation. The discussion also touches on mentorship and networking, stressing the value of building relationships throughout one's career. Finally, they delve into the future of contracting, suggesting a shift towards consultancy as a more flexible and beneficial approach for both contractors and clients.

Key Takeaways

✨ How transitioned from recruitment consultant to project manager.
✨ Global implementation experiences provided her with diverse exposure.
✨ Building relationships with recruiters is crucial for success.
✨ Understanding the dynamics of recruitment can help contractors.
✨ Personal accountability is key in contracting roles.
✨ Networking significantly increases chances of securing roles.
✨ Effective communication and planning are vital in project management.
✨ Asking 'why' can lead to better business decisions.
✨ Change management should focus on people, not just systems.
✨ Understanding the psychology of people can enhance project success.
✨ Legacy systems can hinder progress; adapt to new technologies.
✨ The future of contracting may lie in outcome-based services.

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Thanks for tuning into The Pulse Podcast. Remember, we're always looking for new voices and perspectives to enrich our discussions. Think you've got something to share? Fill out our guest application form here.

Catch new episodes every Tuesday. Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated.

Until next time,
Mark and the team!

"What do you want to achieve?"

In this episode of the Pulse Podcast, host Mark Pratt engages with Benjamin Smith, an experienced project manager, to explore his journey from engineering to leading global project teams. They discuss key strategies for empowering teams, navigating cultural differences, and the importance of governance and metrics in project management. Benjamin shares insights on the shift towards outcome-based working, the challenges of defining outcomes, and the role of language in securing opportunities in the European market. The conversation also touches on the future of project management in the age of AI and the significance of personal connections in securing freelance roles.

Key Takeaways

✨ Empowering teams is crucial for project success.
✨ Understanding cultural differences enhances global project management.
✨ Defining clear outcomes is essential for project alignment.
✨ Outcome-based working is a growing trend in project management.
✨ Effective governance and metrics drive project success.
✨ Language skills can open doors in the European market.
✨ Building personal networks is key to securing freelance work.
✨ AI will augment project management roles but won't replace human skills.
✨ Soft skills will become increasingly important in project management.
✨ Embracing change is vital for project success.

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Thanks for tuning into The Pulse Podcast. Remember, we're always looking for new voices and perspectives to enrich our discussions. Think you've got something to share? Fill out our guest application form here.

Catch new episodes every Tuesday. Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated.

Until next time,
Mark and the team!