Truth, Lies and Work

145. Why projects fail and how to fix them: A masterclass with Laura Barnard


Listen Later

Welcome to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network.


In this episode, we’re joined by Laura Barnard, also known as “The PMO Lady” and the 2021 World's Top PMO Influencer. Laura is the founder of PMO Strategies and creator of the IMPACT Engine, a revolutionary approach to managing projects and accelerating strategy delivery.


She shares her deep insights on why most projects fail, how to make sure your brilliant ideas don’t fall apart, and how to structure your project management office (PMO) for success.


We discuss why effective project management is critical for employee engagement and business success. Most employee disengagement stems from overloaded teams and inefficient processes. In a small business, where workloads are often high, efficiency becomes key—people should spend their time on tasks that truly add value.


In this episode, we aim to answer three key questions:
  1. Why do we need project managers or Project Management Offices (PMOs)?
  2. Why do most projects fail, and how can we fix them?
  3. Why do my brilliant ideas never seem to pan out the way I expect?

  4. Key Takeaways:
    1. What is a PMO (Project Management Office)? Laura breaks down the role of a PMO and why it's essential for businesses of all sizes, especially small teams.
    2. Why Projects Fail Laura highlights common reasons projects fail, including lack of clarity on business goals and failure to prioritize effectively.
    3. The IMPACT Engine System Laura shares how her IMPACT Engine system can help organizations drive successful projects.
    4. Methodology Debate: Agile vs. Waterfall Laura provides a fresh perspective on project management methodologies like Agile and Waterfall.
    5. The Strategy Execution Gap Laura explains why organizations often struggle to close this gap and offers solutions on how to integrate strategy development and execution for smoother outcomes.


      Links and Resources:
      • Learn more about Laura and her resources at PMO Strategies
      • The Impact Engine book, available now: Read More
      • Follow Laura on LinkedIn

      • Get involved in the podcast:

        If you like hearing from experts who share powerful strategies and insights for success in the workplace, tune in every Thursday for more interviews with thought leaders like Laura.


        Don’t forget, every Tuesday we bring you the latest in workplace news, our Hot Takes from experts, and of course, the world-famous Workplace Surgery, where Leanne answers your toughest workplace questions.


        Support with Mental Health and Well-being

        If any of the topics in this episode have affected you, or if you need mental health support, please reach out to one of the following resources:


        • UK: Mind offers mental health support and information. For those in distress, call Samaritans at 116 123 or email [email protected].
        • US: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
        • Rest of the World: Visit Befrienders Worldwide to find a helpline in your country.


          Connect with Truth, Lies & Work


          • YouTube: Truth, Lies & Work YouTube Channel
          • TikTok: Truth, Lies & Work TikTok
          • Instagram: Truth, Lies & Work Instagram
          • LinkedIn: Truth, Lies & Work LinkedIn
          • Connect with Al Elliott: LinkedIn
          • Connect with Leanne Elliott: LinkedIn
          • Email: Reach out at [email protected]
          • Book a Meeting: Schedule a meeting with Al & Leanne here.
          • ...more
            View all episodesView all episodes
            Download on the App Store

            Truth, Lies and WorkBy HubSpot Podcast Network

            • 5
            • 5
            • 5
            • 5
            • 5

            5

            33 ratings


            More shows like Truth, Lies and Work

            View all
            The Martin Lewis Podcast by BBC Radio 5 Live

            The Martin Lewis Podcast

            59 Listeners

            The Infinite Monkey Cage by BBC Radio 4

            The Infinite Monkey Cage

            2,060 Listeners

            The Food Chain by BBC World Service

            The Food Chain

            350 Listeners

            Eat Sleep Work Repeat - better workplace culture by brucedaisley.com

            Eat Sleep Work Repeat - better workplace culture

            284 Listeners

            The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett by DOAC

            The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

            8,792 Listeners

            Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee by Dr Rangan Chatterjee: GP & Author

            Feel Better, Live More with Dr Rangan Chatterjee

            3,912 Listeners

            Happy Place by Fearne Cotton

            Happy Place

            1,086 Listeners

            How To Fail With Elizabeth Day by Elizabeth Day and Sony Music Entertainment

            How To Fail With Elizabeth Day

            1,156 Listeners

            Sliced Bread by BBC Radio 4

            Sliced Bread

            130 Listeners

            Success Story with Scott D. Clary by Success Story Media

            Success Story with Scott D. Clary

            316 Listeners

            Parenting Hell with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe by Keep It Light Media / Spotify Studios

            Parenting Hell with Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe

            972 Listeners

            The Green Insider Powered by eRENEWABLE by The Green Insider Powered by eRENEWABLE

            The Green Insider Powered by eRENEWABLE

            54 Listeners

            Russell Howard’s Five Brilliant Things by Avalon Television

            Russell Howard’s Five Brilliant Things

            127 Listeners

            The Romesh Ranganathan Show by Ranga Bee / Listen

            The Romesh Ranganathan Show

            161 Listeners