PMO Strategies

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!

PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen

One of the most frustrating realities of organizational life: delayed decision-making. Whether it's analysis paralysis, decision fatigue, or simply poor communication, I’m revealing the common reasons why executive decisions stall—and what YOU can do to drive clarity, urgency, and results.

Learn how to communicate with purpose, frame decisions around business IMPACT, and reduce cognitive load for your leaders. If you're tired of waiting weeks for a simple yes or no, this one’s for you.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why information overload creates decision paralysis
• How to present the right information in the right way
• How to align every communication to strategy and business outcomes
• Tips to reduce decision fatigue and accelerate outcomes
• How to coach your stakeholders to make better decisions, faster

👉 Press play to start turning indecision into IMPACT.

P.S. The IMPACT Insiders Book Club kicks off on April 22, and we’re diving into The IMPACT Engine together—turning powerful ideas into practical action to help you accelerate strategy delivery now. It’s free to join, and you’ll get live access plus recordings, exclusive insights I’m only sharing with Insiders, and a community of changemakers. Don’t miss the first session—sign up for FREE now!

Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!

I welcome your feedback and insights! 

I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!

Warmly,

Laura Barnard

GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!

PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen

Most PMOs fail—not because they aren’t doing enough, but because they aren’t doing the right things. In this episode, Stephen Jenner shares why traditional PMO approaches fall short and how to shift from process obsession to real business outcomes. 

Key Takeaways: 

✔️ Why most PMOs shut down within 18-24 months 

✔️ How to engage executives in better decision-making 

✔️ The importance of transparency in Portfolio Management 

✔️ Why project benefits must align with strategic objectives 

👉 Press play to learn how you can stop managing process and start driving IMPACT. 

Connect with Stephen: 

Follow on LinkedIn 

Connect via email 

P.S. Too many organizations deliver projects without driving real business value. On April 8th at 12 PM EST, I’ll be teaming up with Sciforma to uncover the hidden gaps that derail strategy execution—and show you how to bridge the divide between leadership vision and real results. 🔥 Save your spot for free now! 

Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!

I welcome your feedback and insights! 

I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!

Warmly,

Laura Barnard

GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!

PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen

AI is the shiny new thing that has everyone buzzing. But are we actually solving real problems—or just chasing the hype? Too many companies are diving into AI without considering data readiness, decision-making processes, and real business IMPACT. 

In this episode, Tim Goodman from Sciforma joins me to explore how AI is transforming portfolio and project management, and what organizations need to do to prepare for AI-driven decision-making. 

💡 Key Takeaways: 

🔍 The AI Adoption Problem – What happens when companies are implementing AI without fixing their data first 

📊 AI’s Role in Decision-Making – How AI can support but not replace human leadership 

🚀 How PMO Leaders Can Prepare – Steps to ensure your organization is data-ready before adopting AI 

⚡ Why Strategy & AI Must Align – How AI-driven insights can accelerate business IMPACT 

👉 Press play to learn how you can adopt AI-driven project management into your own practices.

Connect with Tim:

Follow on LinkedIn 

Learn more about Sciforma

P.S. Too many organizations deliver projects without driving real business value. On April 8th at 12 PM EST, I’ll be teaming up with Sciforma to uncover the hidden gaps that derail strategy execution—and show you how to bridge the divide between leadership vision and real results. 🔥 Save your spot for free now!  

Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!

I welcome your feedback and insights! 

I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!

Warmly,

Laura Barnard

GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!

PMI Talent Triangle: Ways of Working

Reading The IMPACT Engine is just the first step—real IMPACT happens when you apply what you’ve learned. That’s why we’re launching the IMPACT Insiders Book Club, a free, interactive experience where we’ll break down key takeaways, explore real-world applications, and engage in discussions designed to help you implement these strategies effectively. 

Each session will guide you through key concepts, provide real-world insights, and help you put these lessons into action. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 

✔️ How the IMPACT Insiders Book Club can help you apply The IMPACT Engine strategies 

✔️ The key benefits of structured discussions, actionable insights, and guided learning 

✔️ Why reading isn’t enough—engagement and implementation create real IMPACT 

👉 Press play and let’s make an IMPACT together! 

🔗 Join the IMPACT Insiders Book Club for FREE! 

Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!

I welcome your feedback and insights! 

I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!

Warmly,

Laura Barnard

GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!

PMI Talent Triangle: Ways of Working

For decades, project management has relied on structured methodologies like Agile and Waterfall. But as business evolves, are these methods keeping up? In this episode, I’m working with Jasmine O'Reilly to challenge the status quo and explore whether rigid processes are limiting innovation rather than enabling success. 

We discuss: 

✅ Why our industry resists innovation and what needs to change 

✅ How structure and flexibility can coexist in modern project management 

✅ The shift from process-driven to people-driven approaches 

✅ How project managers can become IMPACT-driven investment managers 

🚀 Are your projects delivering real business value? Tune in to learn how to modernize your approach and drive meaningful IMPACT. 

Connect with Jasmine: 

Follow on YouTube 

Connect on LinkedIn 

P.S. Stop the chaos—start leading with confidence! The IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind gives you expert coaching, hands-on support, and the blueprint to deliver real business value. Ready to accelerate your success? Join us here! 

Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!

I welcome your feedback and insights! 

I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!

Warmly,

Laura Barnard

GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!

PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills



Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back—it’s about leading with confidence, even under pressure. In this episode, I’m joined by Annmarie Curley to learn about the science of stress, the heart-brain connection, and practical strategies to help you stay calm, focused, and in control. 

What You’ll Learn: 

✅ How emotional intelligence fuels leadership success 

✅ A simple yet powerful breathing technique to reset stress 

✅ Why resilience is a game-changer for high-IMPACT leaders 

Join us as Annmarie Curley shares actionable insights to help you lead with clarity, energy, and purpose—no matter what challenges come your way. 

Connect with Annmarie: 

Follow on LinkedIn 

Learn more about Newgrange IT Consulting 

P.S. Stop the chaos—start leading with confidence! The IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind gives you expert coaching, hands-on support, and the blueprint to deliver real business value. Ready to accelerate your success? Join us here! 

Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!

I welcome your feedback and insights! 

I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!

Warmly,

Laura Barnard

GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!

PMI Talent Triangle: Ways of Working

Agile and PMOs—two worlds that many believe can’t coexist. But the truth is, they must. In this episode, Fatimah Abbouchi joins us to break down the biggest mistakes PMOs make when trying to integrate Agile and governance, and what to do instead. 

We’ll uncover: 

✅ Why aligning your PMO too closely with project delivery methods leads to instability 

✅ How rigid processes slow down decision-making instead of enabling it 

✅ The real role of governance in creating agility at scale 

This conversation is for you if your PMO is struggling to stay relevant in an Agile-driven organization or you need to know how to not only coexist, but accelerate IMPACT together.  

Get in touch with Fatimah: 

Connect on LinkedIn   

Follow Fatimah on YouTube 

Check out her website 

P.S. Stop the chaos—start leading with confidence! The IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind gives you expert coaching, hands-on support, and the blueprint to deliver real business value. Ready to accelerate your success? Join us here! 

Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!

I welcome your feedback and insights! 

I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!

Warmly,

Laura Barnard

GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!

PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen

Executives don’t manage projects day-to-day, but they live with the results. What if the key to successful strategy execution isn’t just delivery—but how projects are set up from the start? 

Most project failures don’t happen during execution—they happen before projects even start. If executives don’t define outcomes, benefits, and value upfront, even the most well-managed project can miss the mark. 

In this episode, Alexandra Chapman joins us to share how PMOs can shift from order-takers to Strategy Navigators and ensure projects are set up for success from day one. 

Key Takeaways: 

✅ Why most projects fail before they even start 

✅ The critical questions executives must ask before approving a project 

✅ Why “on time, on budget” isn’t enough to define success 

👉 Press play to transform your PMO into a true strategy driver. 

Connect with Alexandra Chapman

Follow Alexandra on LinkedIn

Visit Totally Optimized Projects

P.S. Stop the chaos—start leading with confidence! The IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind gives you expert coaching, hands-on support, and the blueprint to deliver real business value. Ready to accelerate your success? Join us here!

Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!

I welcome your feedback and insights! 

I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!

Warmly,

Laura Barnard

GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES

TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN

PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!

PMI Talent Triangle: Business Acumen

AI is no longer a distant future—it’s here, and it’s reshaping how organizations deliver strategy. Some leaders are resisting the change, while others are using AI to gain a competitive edge. The question is: Which side will you be on?

In this week’s episode, Scott Ambler and I explore:

🎯 The real IMPACT of AI on white-collar jobs

💡 The hidden risks of AI adoption most leaders overlook

🚀 How PMO leaders can stay ahead and lead AI-driven transformation

Don’t wait for AI to reshape your role—take charge now.

P.S. Stop the chaos—start leading with confidence! The IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind gives you expert coaching, hands-on support, and the blueprint to deliver real business value. Ready to accelerate your success? Join us here!

Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!

I welcome your feedback and insights! 

I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!

Warmly,

Laura Barnard

GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS

Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!

PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Your technical skills got you here—but your mindset will determine your success. 🚀  

This week on the PMO Strategies Podcast, I welcome Susanne Madsen, an executive coach and leadership expert, to uncover how project leaders can strengthen resilience, manage emotions, and thrive under pressure.  

Key Takeaways:  

✅ How above the line vs. below the line thinking IMPACTs leadership  

✅ Proven breathwork techniques to regulate emotions and reduce stress  

✅ The role of psychological safety in fostering high-performing teams  

Great leaders don’t avoid challenges—they master their mindset to navigate them with confidence.  

👉 Listen to the full episode now to discover how to strengthen your resilience and lead with confidence. 

P.S. Stop the chaos—start leading with confidence! The IMPACT Accelerator Mastermind gives you expert coaching, hands-on support, and the blueprint to deliver real business value. Ready to accelerate your success? Join us here!

Connect with Susanne: 

Follow Susanne on LinkedIn 

Get How to Do the Inner Work on Amazon 

Grab The Power of Project Leadership on Amazon 

Visit Susanne’s Website 

Download Free Leadership Resources 

Subscribe to Susanne’s YouTube Channel 

Connect on LinkedIn 

Follow on TikTok 

Follow on X / Twitter 

Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!

I welcome your feedback and insights! 

I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!

Warmly,

Laura Barnard

GET NOTIFIED ABOUT NEW EPISODES | TELL US WHAT YOU WANT TO LEARN | PDU REPORTING INSTRUCTIONS