Author of PMP Exam Prep For Dummies, Crystal Richards, wrote for those who were made to feel they didn’t belong in the project management field. Using this opportunity to be warm, welcoming and encouraging to those who never had the life spoken into them. #PMP #ExamPrep #MindsparQ

In this opening episode, host Crystal Richards and guest Barbara Kephart reflect on how they connected during Covid and the opportunities that came with navigating a world in transition. They share candid experiences of embracing life’s pivots, managing decision fatigue, and balancing career success with life outside of work. As two business besties, they remind listeners of the importance of staying open to the unknown and leaning into resilience.

Key Takeaways

• Connection During Covid: How building and maintaining relationships carried them through.
• Embracing Opportunities: Recognizing and seizing new paths when life shifts.
• Decision Fatigue: Strategies for staying focused in overwhelming times.
• Life Beyond Work: Finding fulfillment in both career and personal growth.

Resources

• Connect with Barbara Kephart on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Crystal’s project management training at themindsparq.com

Call to Action

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Follow us on social media for more #RealTalk about project management.

#RealTalk #RealLifePMP

Author of PMP Exam Prep For Dummies, Crystal Richards, retells the daily routine of a focused writer who kept her pace by assigning a table at  Panera Bread to be her desk. #PMP, #ExamPrep, #MindsparQ

Author of PMP Exam Prep For Dummies, Crystal Richards, wrote from anywhere using Voice-to-Text on Google Docs. This tool saved her from staring at that dreaded blank screen with a blinking cursor. #PMP #ExamPrep #MindsparQ

Excited to be a guest on the Digital Project Manager Retro podcast sharing my insights on everything you need to know about passing the challenging Project Management Professional (PMP) exam. With its high failure rate and tough reputation, the PMP remains a highly respected certification that can open significant career doors—but balancing exam prep with work and life can be daunting. Take a listen!

In the wrap-up to this episode, Mike and I explore why Agile certifications are more relevant than ever in today’s competitive job market. We discuss how certifications establish a shared standard across industries, making it easier for organizations to identify skilled professionals. Mike also shares why Kairise stands out as an agile training provider and emphasizes the importance of learning from those with real-world experience. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The Industry's Demand for Certifications: Why certifications remain essential for project managers and Agile practitioners.
• Setting Standards: How certifications ensure a baseline of knowledge and skills, enabling professionals to deliver consistent results.
• Getting the Most from Your Training: Tips for selecting a training program that prepares you for certifications and practical application.

Follow & Connect:

• Host: Crystal Richards | I train people to be better project managers – Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Guest: Mike Lyons | Reformed PMP turned Agile Delivery Expert – Follow on LinkedIn

Register today to earn the Agile ICP Certification. Sign up for Mike's ICP self-paced course using promo code Mindsparq24.  Code expires 12/31/2024 >>> https://www.kairise.com/courses/agile-foundations.

Real Life PMP  Podcast

Email: [email protected] | LinkedIn: in/themindsparq | Website:⁠⁠ https://www.themindsparq.com/⁠⁠

Did you listen to all four episodes?  Get your 1.0 PDU via the PMI.org website.

Category: Online or Digital Media

Provider: MindsparQ

Title: Real Life PMP Podcast, Conversation with Mike Lyons

Description: Real Talk About Agile Delivery 

PDU claim: 1.0 

Subscribe & Leave a Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us grow and provide more valuable content to project management professionals like you!

In Part 3 of this episode, we tackle the challenging topic of job loss and how project professionals can turn this experience into an opportunity for growth. We discuss proactive steps to master Agile skills, deepen technical knowledge, and build resilience. This episode encourages listeners to recognize their value as project professionals, adapt to new technologies like AI, and continue building skills that position them for future success. 

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Sharpening Agile Skills: Why revisiting the Scrum Guide and learning frameworks like Extreme Programming (XP) can keep you competitive.
• Recognizing Your Role as a Project Manager: How to own your value and confidently position yourself as a leader.
• Mastering AI: Practical advice on integrating AI into your skillset and why avoiding it isn’t an option.

Follow & Connect:

• Host: Crystal Richards | I train people to be better project managers – Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Guest: Mike Lyons | Reformed PMP turned Agile Delivery Expert – Follow on LinkedIn

Register today to earn the Agile ICP Certification. Sign up for Mike's ICP self-paced course using promo code Mindsparq24.  Code expires 12/31/2024 >>> https://www.kairise.com/courses/agile-foundations.

Additional Resources:

• Read the Scrum Guide for free at scrumguides.org.
• Explore Extreme Programming at extremeprogramming.org.

Subscribe & Leave a Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us grow and provide more valuable content to project management professionals like you!

In Part 2 of this episode with Mike Lyons, we dive into the practical realities of implementing Scrum. We explore the importance of understanding the concept of “lowercase-a agility,” the relationship between a team’s maturity and agile success, and when it's appropriate for mature teams to adapt Scrum practices. We also issue a word of caution—while some modifications to Scrum can enhance delivery, skipping all steps can leave teams questioning why their Scrum efforts are falling short.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Lowercase-a agility: What it means to be flexible in your agile approach without strict adherence to rules.
• The Role of Team Maturity: How the maturity of a team impacts their ability to succeed with agile frameworks.
• Adapting Scrum Practices: When experienced teams might skip or modify steps while still delivering value.
• The Risk of Over-Adapting: A warning about cutting too many corners and finding yourself wondering, “Why isn’t Scrum working?”

Follow & Connect:

• Host: Crystal Richards | I train people to be better project managers – Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Guest: Mike Lyons | Reformed PMP turned Agile Delivery Expert – Follow on LinkedIn

Register today to earn the Agile ICP Certification. Sign up for Mike's ICP self-paced course using promo code Mindsparq24.  Code expires 12/31/2024 >>> https://www.kairise.com/courses/agile-foundations.

Subscribe & Leave a Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us grow and provide more valuable content to project management professionals like you!

In Part 1 of this series, I sit down with Mike Lyons to dive into his experience working with tech development teams and the current state of agile. We discuss the nuanced differences between “Big A Agile” (the structured frameworks) and “little a agile” (the mindset of flexibility). Mike offers insights into how sometimes the rigidity of Big A Agile can hinder teams from truly adopting agile practices as intended. And by the way, Missouri is the "Show Me State."  Take a listen!

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• The difference between Big A Agile and little a agile: How mindset and structure can either complement or conflict.
• Does Big A Agile get in the way? Exploring how following frameworks too strictly might stifle agile practices.
• The current state of agile: What teams need to succeed in today’s fast-paced environment.

Follow & Connect:

• Host: Crystal Richards | I train people to be better project managers – Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Guest: Mike Lyons | Reformed PMP turned Agile Delivery Expert – Follow on LinkedIn

Ready to earn the Agile ICP Certification? Sign up for Mike's ICP self-paced course using promo code Mindsparq24.  Code expires 12/31/2024 >>> https://www.kairise.com/courses/agile-foundations. 

Subscribe & Leave a Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Your feedback helps us grow and provide more valuable content to project management professionals like you!

In this final episode, we continue our conversation with Dawn Mahan, author of Meet the Players in Projectland®️. Dawn discusses the critical role of team leads in project management, how agile and servant leadership philosophies make an appearance in her book, and how the role of project managers has evolved. She emphasizes the importance of embracing agile skills, thriving in a virtual environment, and becoming a coach to your team. As a sponsor and speaker at the upcoming Indoor Recess Summit, Dawn brings even more value and wisdom. Don’t miss her appearance at this exciting event.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Role of Team Leads: Team leads play a vital role in mentoring, guiding, and ensuring project goals are met.
2. Agile and Servant Leadership: Dawn explores agile methodologies and servant leadership in her book. 
3. The Evolution of Project Managers: Today’s project managers must embrace agile skills, work efficiently in virtual environments, and step into the role of a coach.
4. Dawn’s Advice to Her Younger Self: Lessons learned over the years and reflections on what Dawn would tell her younger self.
5. What Dawn Would Do If Money Were No Object: Dawn shares her personal dreams and passions, offering a unique glimpse into her ambitions.

Resources:

• Guest's Book: Meet the Players in Projectland®️ by Dawn Mahan
• Indoor Recess®️ Summit: Event Details and Registration
• Connect with Dawn Mahan: LinkedIn, Website

Call to Action:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Follow us on social media for updates and more insights into the world of project management.  **PLEASE NOTE** There are only 3 parts to this podcast.  If you made it this far, you are done!

Dawn Mahan | LinkedIn: in/dawnmahan/ | Website: https://www.pmotraining.com/  | Email: ⁠[email protected] | The book: https://a.co/d/0gtE1sjl