Real Life PMP

In this episode, we welcome Dawn Mahan, an experienced project manager dedicated to helping project people succeed. Dawn shares her journey working with project management newbies and "heart-centered" leaders, leading up to the creation of her seminal book, Meet the Players of Projectland. This is the first part of a three-part series where Dawn discusses her career, the motivation behind her book, and why it's an essential read for those new to project management or struggling with stakeholder engagement.

Key Takeaways:

1. Dawn's Career Journey:
   • Dawn's experiences and milestones in project management.
   • How working with newbies and heart-centered leaders shaped her approach.
2. Inspiration Behind the Book:
   • The story and motivation for writing Meet the Players of Projectland.
   • Insights into the challenges faced by new project managers and mentors.
3. Target Audience for the Book:
   • Why the book is invaluable for aspiring project managers.
   • How it helps those struggling with stakeholder engagement.

In the final part of our series, Lori shares her pet peeves in project management and her experiences as a hiring manager. We talk about the value of small career pivots and provide tips on how to be a resource to your mentors, all within the context of today's tough job market.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Small Pivots vs. Big Leaps: Embracing small career pivots can be less daunting and equally effective in achieving career growth.
2. Hiring Insights: Understanding the perspective of hiring managers can help you better prepare for job applications and interviews.
3. Mentorship: Being a valuable resource to your mentors helps maintain and strengthen these crucial professional relationships.

Lori Schoenhard | LinkedIn: in/lorischoenhard/ | Website: https://www.athenaprojectconsulting.com/ | Email: ⁠[email protected] 

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 Lori Schoenhard

Description: Career path into Project Management

PDU claim: 1.0 

In Part 3, Lori shares her experience as one of the first to pivot from education to project management over 20 years ago. We discuss the success of introverted PMs, her advice to "use the tools of your toolbox," and the transferable skills from teaching to project management.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Early Career Pivoter: Lori’s pioneering shift from education to project management serves as inspiration for those considering a career change today.
2. Success for Introverted PMs: Introverted individuals can be successful project managers by leveraging their unique strengths and working styles.
3. Transferable Skills: Skills gained in teaching, such as organization and communication, are highly transferable and beneficial in project management roles.

In Part 2, Lori and I discuss the early days of working remotely, long before it became widespread. Lori shares her top three tips for successfully working remotely and the importance of networking. We also reminisce about the moment we each realized project management was the career for us.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Remote Work Tips: Lori’s top three tips for successful remote work are invaluable for maintaining productivity and work-life balance.
2. Networking: Building and maintaining professional networks is crucial for career development and finding opportunities in project management.
3. Career Epiphanies: That moment of realizing project management was the right career path can be transformative and guiding for one’s professional journey.

In Part 1 of our series with Lori Schoenhard, we delve into how both of us found our way into project management almost by accident. Lori's unique path started in music education, highlighting that project managers are needed in every industry. Join us as we explore the diverse backgrounds that lead to successful careers in project management.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Unexpected Paths: Many project managers, including Lori, find their way into the field from diverse and unexpected backgrounds, proving that skills from various industries can be transferable.
2. Universal Need for PMs: Project management skills are universally needed across all sectors, from music education to corporate environments.
3. Leveraging Unique Skills: Your previous experiences and unique skill sets can provide a strong foundation for a successful career in project management.

Quote of the Day:

"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." - Seneca

In this episode, we delve into the intersection of preparation and opportunity, inspired by the timeless wisdom of Seneca. We challenge the notion of settling for rejection and encourage listeners to embrace a proactive approach, particularly when facing unemployment. How can one treat the job search as a project? Tune in to discover actionable strategies and insights.

Key Takeaways:

• Exploring the concept of luck through Seneca's perspective.
• Rejecting complacency and embracing proactive measures amidst challenges.
• Applying project management principles to the job search process.

Join us for an engaging discussion on turning setbacks into opportunities and navigating the job market with purpose.

Sabina Sulatl | LinkedIn: in/sabinasulat-employmentexpert/                                   Website: https://www.reworkingworks.com/ | Email: ⁠[email protected]

Check out Sabina’s book: Agile Unemployment: Your Guide to Thriving While Out of Work

Tune into Sabina’s podcast: The Agile Unemployment Podcast

Real Life PMP  Podcast

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

Did you listen to all three 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 Sabina Sulat, Resilience During Unemployment

Description: 3-part episodes discussing strategies to remain resilient during times of unemployment and job insecurity.

PDU claim: 1.0 Leadership/Power Skills

In this episode, we tackle the challenges of long-term unemployment head-on, offering practical strategies to stay motivated and maintain well-being during this transitional period. From volunteering and self-care practices to embracing personal time, we explore avenues to preserve balance and resilience. Additionally, we discuss the importance of preparedness amidst job insecurity, providing listeners with valuable insights to navigate uncertain times with confidence.

Join us for an insightful conversation with Sabina Sulat, a seasoned entrepreneur and expert in employment and unemployment dynamics. In this episode, Sabina shares her expertise and personal journey, offering valuable insights on navigating unemployment with agility and resilience. From discovering Sabina's zone of genius to delving into her latest book, "Agile Unemployment," listeners will gain practical wisdom for thriving amidst career transitions. 

In this episode, we explore the duality of social media: its ability to both entertain and distract us. While social media can be a source of fun, inspiration, and connection, it also has the potential to disrupt our productivity and focus. Our discussion centers around the importance of striking a balance. How do we continue to enjoy the benefits of these platforms while ensuring they don't hinder our work and personal growth? Take a listen.

 Based in Atlanta, Twanna is the CEO of Empress Business Solutions, where she passionately empowers entrepreneurs with strategic technology and systems. Holding degrees in Computer Information Systems and Project Management, she excels in refining processes for enhanced efficiency and profitability. Twanna's blend of technological expertise and strategic insight not only creates time-saving solutions but also cultivates high-value customer experiences that boost profits. In her dual role as a Creative Project Manager and Fractional CIO, Twanna champions partnership and customized strategies to meet her clients' unique needs. Among her notable collaborations is the work with MindsparQ, where she, alongside Crystal, provides key project management guidance and execution. Twanna Gill |  IG: twannagill | | LinkedIn: in/twannagill | Website: https://twannagill.com | Email: ⁠[email protected]

Real Life PMP  Podcast

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

Did you listen to all three 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 Twanna Gill, Digital Detox

Description: 3-part episodes discussing digital detox experiment during the holiday season

PDU claim: 1.0 Leadership/Power Skills

Additional resource: https://www.webmd.com/balance/what-is-digital-detox