Getting laid off as a project manager can feel like more than just a job loss—it brings up uncertainty, self-doubt, and tough career questions. This episode features a live panel with three PMs who’ve been through it and come out stronger, offering real talk and practical advice for navigating career transitions.

Nicolassa Galvez, Thako Harris, and Nadaa Baqui share their personal layoff stories, lessons learned, and what helped them rebuild. From freelancing to career pivots, they offer insights for anyone facing a layoff or looking to future-proof their career in a volatile job market.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Nadaa, Nicolassa, and Thako on LinkedIn
• Check out Chingona Coach, 3MBET, and Skillshare

When project goals feel disconnected from broader business objectives, it can be challenging to stay motivated and on track. You may find yourself questioning the purpose of your work, only to discover that the strategic objective is simply to "build an app." If you're struggling to link your projects to the bigger organizational picture, this episode is for you.

Carsten Ley, an expert in project management and OKRs, shares valuable insights on how to use Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) to align project delivery with overall business strategy. He discusses how integrating OKRs into your project management practice can drive better alignment, measure impact, and keep your team focused on the bigger picture.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Carsten on LinkedIn
• Check out Asia PMO and OKR Asia

Landing a new project manager role is a huge achievement, but before you accept the offer, don’t skip the crucial step of negotiating your salary. Failing to negotiate can cost you millions over your career, yet many find the process intimidating and awkward.

Yonelly Gutierrez, Senior Project Manager at Palo Alto Networks and Founder of Velvet Vision, joins us to share her expert advice on negotiating with confidence. With her experience coaching women into $100K+ project management roles, she offers practical strategies for securing the compensation you deserve without the stress.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Yonelly on LinkedIn
• Check out Palo Alto Networks

AI projects aren’t just another trend—they’re already reshaping workplaces in ways big and small. From HR to finance, employees are integrating AI into daily tasks, often without formal initiatives. Yet many organizations are still struggling to align teams and create a clear strategy for AI adoption. So, how can companies move from scattered, anxiety-driven adoption to a cohesive, strategic approach?

In this episode, host Galen Low sits down with Ron Schmelzer, Global Head of AI Partnerships at PMI, to explore how organizations can better support AI-driven projects. They discuss what it takes to get teams on the same page, manage AI’s impact on workflows, and create a mindset shift that ensures businesses thrive in this new wave of digital transformation.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Ron on LinkedIn
• Check out Project Management Institute

Looking to land a senior project manager role but feeling stuck? You’re not alone. The path to senior PM isn’t always clear, and setbacks can be frustrating. In this episode, we break down what might be holding you back and how to position yourself for that next big opportunity.

Host Kelsey Alpaio sits down with Logan Langin, Senior Project Manager at Sanford Health, to discuss the mindset shifts and strategies that helped him make the leap. With experience running the “30 Days to PM” program, Logan shares practical insights to help you level up your career.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Logan on LinkedIn
• Check out Sanford Health

Thinking about pivoting into project management but feeling lost in a sea of acronyms and conflicting advice? You’re not alone. The path to becoming a PM can seem unclear, with vague skill requirements and misleading job descriptions making it even harder to break in.

Host Galen Low sits down with Barbara Kephart, founder of Projects Pivot, to cut through the confusion. They dive into what it really takes to transition into project management, how to decode industry jargon, and why community support is key to navigating this rewarding career shift.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• The PM Coffee Spot — the community for new and aspiring project people
• Connect with Barbara on LinkedIn
• Check out Projects Pivot
• Projects Practice — learning management system 

Breaking into project management can feel overwhelming, but the biggest challenge isn’t lack of experience—it’s learning to translate your skills effectively.

In this episode, host Kelsey Alpaio speaks with Ogaga Johnson, founder and CEO of Verisult, about how professionals can position themselves for their first PM role. Ogaga emphasizes the importance of a strategic job search, focusing on industries where your background provides a natural entry point. Whether you’re transitioning careers or formalizing your PM skills, this episode provides actionable steps to land your first role.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Ogaga on LinkedIn and Instagram
• Check out Verisult

How technical do you really need to be as a technical project manager in 2025? Host Galen Low sits down with Kayla Keizer, Team Lead and Senior Technical PM at Plank, to explore the balance between technical know-how and leadership skills.

They discuss how PMs can thrive without mastering every technology their teams use, and how leaders can foster high-impact project managers without requiring a DevOps degree. Tune in for insights on mentoring, growth, and navigating the evolving role of technical PMs.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Kayla on LinkedIn
• Check out Plank

Can playing The Sims help people build career skills? For Kelsey Alpaio, Executive Editor of The Digital Project Manager and new co-host of the DPM Podcast, the answer is yes. In this episode, we introduce Kelsey and discuss how she’s bringing fresh perspectives on industry trends, career navigation, and professional growth to the DPM community.

Host Galen Low gives listeners a sneak peek into the exciting new directions for the podcast and beyond. From career storytelling to industry insights, get ready for a revamped DPM experience with Kelsey on board!

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Kelsey on LinkedIn

Dealing with a toxic client can drain your team, hurt your business, and feel impossible to escape. But what if the problem isn’t you—it’s them? If you’re stuck in a difficult client relationship and unsure what to do next, this episode is for you.

Host Galen Low is joined by agency expert Melissa Morris to discuss when and how to fire a client, along with strategies for protecting your team and business. Tune in to learn how to navigate tough client dynamics and set your agency up for success.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn
• Check out Agency Authority
• Book a free discovery call with Melissa