PM Insights Unplugged

Episode 8: (S) No More Unicorns

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Is the “unicorn project manager” helping us—or quietly sabotaging our profession?

In this sharp and honest solo episode, Kate Fursova challenges the legend of the all-knowing, all-fixing project manager—the mythical "unicorn" who can tame budgets, charm stakeholders, and deliver the impossible on schedule. Sound familiar?

Drawing from lessons in Episode 7 ("Lies of a Profession"), this episode takes the myth-busting further, exploring how even today’s newest buzzwords—like AI, 10x productivity, and plug-and-play templates—are becoming the new unicorns. But without real leadership, honest conversations, and support for growth, these tools risk becoming just more glitter covering the same unrealistic expectations.

🧠 Key takeaways:

  • Why the unicorn myth persists—and how it harms projects and people
  • How to trade perfectionism for adaptability and resilience
  • Why AI won’t save us without critical thinking and skills to match
  • The role of project managers as educators and expectation-setters
  • How mentoring and sustainable leadership can shift the culture
  • Why embracing the routine, messy, human side of project work is key to long-term success

    • Whether you're a PM veteran, a newcomer, or someone trying to manage unicorn-level expectations, this episode is a call to ground ourselves in reality—and lead from there.

    Host: Kate Fursova


    PDU’s: PMI members can self-claim 0.25 PDU under Leadership or Strategic and Business Management, depending on listening duration and reflection.

    #ProjectManagement #PMInsights #KillTheUnicorn #Leadership #Expectations #SustainablePace #AI #RealityCheck #PMI #WorkplaceCulture #Mentorship

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