In this episode of PM Therapy, Mukhtar Kadiri sits down with project management thought leader Andy Kaufman to tackle some of the toughest dilemmas project managers face throughout their careers.

From ethical reporting challenges and stalled career growth to layoffs, project failures, workplace conflict, and burnout, this conversation explores the difficult decisions that rarely have clear answers.

In This Episode

✅ What to do when you're pressured to misrepresent project status

✅ Why strong performers sometimes struggle to get promoted

✅ How to lead teams through uncertainty after layoffs

✅ When a failing project should be shut down

✅ Leading with integrity during organizational change

✅ Managing conflict between high-performing team members

✅ Holding senior stakeholders accountable when they're blocking progress

✅ Knowing when to stay and fight versus when it's time to leave

Key Topics Discussed

The Ethics of Project Reporting
How PMs can navigate situations where leadership wants a more positive status report than reality supports.

Breaking Through Career Plateaus
Why successful project delivery alone may not be enough to advance your career.

Leading Through Layoffs
Practical strategies for maintaining momentum when morale is low and teams are emotionally exhausted.

The Failing Project Dilemma
How to evaluate whether a project should continue and how to raise concerns professionally.

Integrity During Transformation
Balancing organizational directives with personal leadership values when change impacts people's careers.

Managing Hidden Conflict
Recognizing and addressing collaboration breakdowns before they derail project outcomes.

Influencing Upward
Techniques for working with sponsors and executives whose actions are creating project delays.

PM Burnout and Career Decisions
How experienced leaders assess whether a difficult situation is worth pushing through or walking away from.

Rapid Fire Recommendations

Andy also shares:

* A book every PM should read

* A productivity tool he relies on

* A podcast recommendation

* His favorite productivity hack

* How he resets when stress and burnout start to build

Connect with Andy Kaufman

Linkedln: https://www.linkedin.com/in/buildleaders?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios

About PM Therapy

PM Therapy is where we get real about succeeding in project management. Each episode features candid conversations with project leaders, industry experts, and rising stars discussing career growth, leadership challenges, job search strategies, and the realities of life as a PM.

No fluff. No sugar-coating. Just practical insights to help you navigate your career with confidence.

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