PMO & Project Leadership Podcast

What does AI really mean for the future of project management, PMOs and agile delivery? And how can organisations take advantage of the opportunities without losing the human skills that make projects successful?

In this episode, Louise Gardner, Founder and Managing Director of Pledge Consulting, is joined by Gilli Aliotti, a Los Angeles-based project management, PMO and agile specialist with extensive experience working with major technology and entertainment organisations including Google, Yahoo and Paramount.

Drawing on her experience in Silicon Valley and beyond, Gilli shares how AI is already changing the way organisations operate, from automating portfolio reporting and improving decision-making to accelerating software development and supporting high-performing teams.

Louise and Gilli also explore some of the bigger questions surrounding AI adoption, including intellectual property, data security, the impact on creative industries and what the technology could mean for the future project management workforce.

It's an engaging and practical conversation about where AI is delivering real value today, where caution is needed and why human expertise remains essential.

How organisations are incorporating AI into project management, PMO operations and portfolio reporting

Opportunities to reduce administrative effort and provide better, faster insights to executives and boards

Using generative AI to improve risk identification, planning, product development and decision-making

Why effective prompting and subject matter expertise are essential to getting meaningful results from AI

The emergence of agentic AI and tools that can build applications and websites using natural language

How AI could transform agile delivery, from automated code reviews to AI-supported Scrum teams

The risks associated with AI-generated content, intellectual property and data privacy

The challenges of AI adoption, including technology fatigue, training and changing workforce expectations

Whether AI will replace project management professionals or create opportunities for different roles and capabilities

00:00 – Introducing Gilli Aliotti and her background in technology, PMOs and agile

03:48 – Gilli's AI journey and what she's seeing across organisations

07:03 – AI, creativity, copyright and intellectual property

10:21 – Data privacy, governance and protecting organisational information

14:20 – AI opportunities in PMO and portfolio management

16:57 – Using AI for product roadmaps, planning and delivery workflows

18:12 – Better prompting, risk identification and the importance of human judgement

22:02 – Agentic AI, app-building tools and the speed of development

25:39 – Balancing AI efficiency with human creativity

27:23 – AI adoption, workforce expectations and resistance to change

30:39 – Technology fatigue and making AI easier to use

32:51 – The impact of AI on agile development

35:58 – Could AI become a member of your Scrum team?

38:40 – The future of the project management workforce

42:18 – New opportunities in data infrastructure and emerging technologies

45:18 – Final thoughts and where to connect with Gilli

Chapter times are based on the original 46-minute recording and may need adjusting following editing.

Throughout the discussion, Louise and Gilli reference a range of AI platforms and development tools:

ChatGPT – Generative AI for research, analysis, content development and productivity

Claude – AI assistant for writing, analysis and complex tasks

Microsoft Copilot – AI assistance across Microsoft's productivity environment

Manus – AI agent platform for completing multistep tasks

Lovable – AI-powered application and website development

Base44 – Building applications using natural-language instructions

Writer – Enterprise AI and content workflows

GitHub – Software development and collaboration

Jira – Agile project and software delivery management

Other tools discussed include Yahoo Scout, Supernova, Super Cool and an application referred to as "With Me". The exact product names or links for some of these should be confirmed before publication.

Gilli works with organisations and leaders to improve agility, operational effectiveness and organisational performance.

Website: gilli.net

LinkedIn: Search for Gilli Aliotti

Substack: The Crea8ve (publication link to be confirmed)

The PMO and Project Leadership Podcast is hosted by Louise Gardner, Founder and Managing Director of Pledge Consulting.

Through conversations with experienced professionals and industry leaders, the podcast explores the issues, opportunities and emerging trends shaping project management, PMOs and project leadership.

In this special AI series, Louise speaks with people from across the profession about how artificial intelligence is changing the way we work, lead and deliver projects.

Find out more about Pledge Consulting at www.pledgeconsulting.com.au.

In this short special edition we talk about a couple of upcoming events for those interested in how AI is, and will impact our profession.

On Wednesday 12th June Louise Gardner, MD Pledge Group will be hosting a Webinar discussing how generative AI can be used right now to support projects, programs and PMOs. The webinar is free and will be starting at 4pm Sydney/Melbourne time, 7am UK time and 8am CET. If you register but are unable to make it we will send you a recording. Registrations details are here: https://bit.ly/4e1BBUV

On the 30th & 31st July we will be hosting a technology focused event in p at the Hilton Hotel in Sydney. The Project Management Technology Showcase is Australia's only event looking at how technology is supporting project management. We have two full days of expert speakers, featuring case studies and first hand experience of using PPM tools. 

Our technology partners at the event include Rego Consulting (Clatiry/Broadcom), Opentext,  Smartsheet, Zoho Project, Monday.com, Planview, Hexagon and Transparent Choice. 

For details on the full program including how to register, check out the website: https://bit.ly/PMTS

If you are in Australia you won't want to miss it. For 50% off admission use the code PMO50 and don't forget to come and say hi on the day.

Watch out for a new, full series of the PMO & Project Leadership Podcase coming soon!

In the final episode of this short series on PMO Basics we look forward to what the future hold for PMOs across technology, leadership and beyond. 

This series has be brought to you by Pledge Consulting's Elevate Program. If you're looking to level up your PMO or Project Management career, talk to us today!

https://www.pledgeconsulting.com.au/our-services-pmo-project-control-specialists/register-your-interest-in-our-elevate-program/

This episode delves into the common challenges faced by Project Management Offices (PMOs) and offers practical solutions to navigate them. Topics covered include resistance to change within organisations, the importance of consistent processes, managing resource constraints, ensuring alignment with organisational goals, maintaining effective communication, and securing executive support. Throughout the episode, emphasis is placed on clear communication, adaptability, and alignment as key strategies. The discussion aims to equip listeners with insights to turn these challenges into growth opportunities for their PMOs.

The PMO Basics Series is sponsored by Pledge Consulting. Need professional mentoring for you or your team? Get in touch today [email protected] - www.pledgeconslting.com.au

In this episode of our PMO Basics series we take a look at the best practices that relate to establishing a new (or existing) PMO.

Segment 1: Engaging Stakeholders 

• Importance of stakeholder engagement for PMO success.

1. Identify Key Stakeholders: Recognize those with a vested interest in project outcomes.

Segment 2: Measuring Success 

• The necessity of metrics to gauge PMO effectiveness.

1. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Metrics such as project completion rates, budget adherence, and stakeholder satisfaction.

Segment 3: Continuous Training 

• Emphasizing the dynamic nature of project management and the need for ongoing training.

1. Stay Updated with Trends: Keep the team informed of industry changes.

Segment 4: Encouraging Flexibility and Adaptability 

• The importance of balancing standardized processes with adaptability.

1. Review Processes Regularly: Ensure the PMO remains agile with periodic reviews.

Segment 5: Leveraging Technology 

• The role of technology in enhancing PMO capabilities.

1. Integrated Project Management Tools: Platforms for collaboration, tracking, and analytics.

In Episode 2, we talk about the steps required in setting up a PMO and the criticality of understanding the need. Why does your organization require a PMO? What is the problem that needs to be solved. Sometimes that can be inconsistent processes or poor delivery outcomes, sometimes the need can emerge because projects are getting bigger and more complex. What ever the driver for the PMO it’s important to understand it and highlight those needs to the team. If you don’t publicise the needs and the pain points enough there is a risk you won’t get the buy in you need to succeed.

In this 5 episode series we're going to uncover what a PMO is, how to set one up and how to make it great. In episode 1 we dive into what PMO is, explore some different types of PMO, and delve into the roles and responsibilities that generally define it. Whether you're just starting off in PMO  or a seasoned pro, there's something here for everyone.

Liz Connolly is a Gold Coast based PMO Leader who accidentally found her way into the project management arena. Having worked across a number of project environments, Liz shares her thoughts on transferable skills, certifications  and provides some tips for those staring off on their PMO leadership journey. 

The PMO Masterclass Series is sponsored by Pledge Consulting's Elevate Program - a 5 month professional development program to help project professionals to take their career to the next level! 

https://www.pledgeconsulting.com.au/services/training-courses-and-professional-development/

Jim Livesey is a UK based PMO leader and the founder of the successful PMO networking group, PMO North. In this wide ranging chat, Jim explains why things are not always as they seem in PMOs and we cover a number of hot button PMO topics, from PM tools to Agile and many other topics, drawing on Jim's depth of experience.

The PMO Masterclass Series is sponsored by Pledge Consulting's Elevate Program - a 5 month professional development program to help project professionals to take their career to the next level! 

https://www.pledgeconsulting.com.au/services/training-courses-and-professional-development/

In this episode Michael Taylor, Strategic Change lead with the Smith Family and veteran PMO leader, talks about developing strong teams, building organisational support and becoming addicted to achieving strategic goals. Michael also talked the benefits of connecting to an organisational purpose and how that helped the PMO in his previous role.

The PMO Masterclass Series is sponsored by Pledge Consulting's Elevate Program - a 5 month professional development program to help project professionals to take their career to the next level! 

https://www.pledgeconsulting.com.au/services/training-courses-and-professional-development/