The Feisty Project Podcast

The Feisty Project Podcast

By The Feisty PMBusinessEducationSelf-ImprovementCareersManagement
Download on the App Store

The Feisty Project Podcast episodes

  • The Feisty Manifesto: Flavor and Fearlessness

    In this podcast episode, Amber and Martin discuss the origins and meaning behind the Feisty Manifesto. Inspired by her professional journey and the Agile Manifesto, Amber creates her own set of tenets to guide her personal and professional life. Feisty, originally a name for Amber's signature spice blend, evolves into a philosophy about having grounded courage, harnessing fear with curiosity, and embracing authentic expression. The conversation explores what it means to be genuinely feisty, seeing it not as aggression, but as a state of audacious hope and collaboration.

    28 min
  • Exploring Bias: When Personal Values Meet Professional Obligations
    This episode delves into the complex world of bias and integrity in project management. Amber and Martin explore how personal values and biases can influence project decisions, especially when dealing with controversial topics like armaments or sex toys. They emphasize the importance of understanding stakeholder biases without marginalizing them. Key insights include the role of bias as a unique perspective and the importance of making personal integrity decisions when choosing projects. The conversation also highlights the danger of people-pleasing, stressing that it's not always necessary for everyone to agree, but rather to maintain professionalism and mutual respect.
    28 min
  • Challenging Societal Expectations: Generational Conversations on Success
    In this podcast episode, an intriguing discussion unfolds around the non-traditional paths taken by Azure, the child of one of the hosts, who shares their experience of living with family and challenging societal expectations. The conversation highlights the common North American belief that young adults should move out by 18 and pursue a linear educational and career path. Azure provides insight into their personal journey, emphasizing how social norms don't universally apply to everyone. The episode further delves into the importance of designing life intentionally and embracing intergenerational living as a viable and enriching choice.
    29 min
  • Navigating Uncertainty: The Creative Mindset in Action
    In this episode, the hosts explore the concept of uncertainty in both personal and professional contexts. Amber shares her journey from seeking absolute certainty to embracing ambiguity, especially in her role as a project manager. The discussion delves into project management tools like agile and plan-do-act cycles, highlighting their role in creating a sense of certainty in the unknown. The hosts also touch on the potential of AI in enhancing decision-making and reducing human error. Ultimately, they emphasize the importance of creativity and adaptability in navigating a constantly changing world, especially in leadership roles.
    29 min
  • Relationship-Centered Community Work: The Oak Bay Story
    This podcast episode delves into the unique initiative of a global podcast-a-thon, where hosts discuss the profound impact of Oak Bay Volunteer Services Society. Executive Director Kara shares the significance of the organization's history and community-focused mission, illustrating how volunteers engage directly with those in need. With ties to Royal Roads, known for its connection to pop culture as Xavier Institute, the episode offers insights into community leadership. Kara's journey through formal education shaped her leadership style, emphasizing relationship-centered work, highlighting the broader concept of social prescribing in promoting holistic wellness beyond traditional medicine.
    29 min
  • Why We Need to Talk About 'Unprofessional' Topics
    In this podcast episode, the hosts dive into the complexities of workplace dynamics, focusing on the balance between respect and pettiness. They explore the importance of acknowledging human experiences, such as menstruation, in professional settings. The conversation touches upon the discomfort some male colleagues might feel discussing topics traditionally deemed 'unprofessional.' The hosts argue for a more human-centered approach to work cultures, emphasizing the need for safe and open communication about personal and physiological matters. By sharing personal anecdotes, they highlight the benefits of addressing these issues constructively to improve overall workplace harmony.
    28 min
  • The Art of Presence: Amber's Keynote Speaking Journey
    In this podcast episode, Amber discusses the ongoing struggle of dealing with cords in a wireless era, expressing frustration at the tangled mess of wiring even in modern spaces and setups. The hosts then transition into a conversation about public speaking, focusing on the unexpected challenges speakers face. Amber shares personal experiences of speaking engagements that didn’t go as planned, emphasizing the importance of balancing feedback and staying true to one's message. The dialogue explores the role of presence and adaptability in speaking, drawing parallels between teaching in various mediums and the broader challenge of audience engagement.
    28 min
  • Preparing for Waves of Change: Amber's Surfer Guide

    In this episode, the conversation begins with a light-hearted discussion on surfing and ocean swimming, diving into the topic of personal and professional preparation for change, particularly looking ahead to 2026. Amber shares insights on the importance of focusing energy effectively to not become overwhelmed by inevitable changes. They discuss the significance of consistency and intentionality in developing resilience, much like preparing the body for cold ocean swims. The conversation underscores the value of being present and mindful, choosing meaningful engagements over numerous superficial interactions, and highlights the continuous journey of self-awareness and ego work.

    28 min
  • Navigating the AI Wave: Project Management in 2026

    In this podcast episode, Amber and Martin discuss the evolving role of AI in project management, focusing on advancements up to early 2026. They explore PMI's use of AI through PMI Infinity, a proprietary LLM that compiles vast data and historical knowledge from the project management field. Amber stresses the inevitability of change and the importance of adopting AI to remain relevant in the industry. While addressing the fears surrounding AI, they emphasize that understanding and integrating this technology can protect careers and enable professionals to leave a lasting legacy in the evolving landscape.

    29 min
  • How Volunteer Coordination became Project Management
    In this episode, Martin and Amber revisit a conversation about their past experiences, focusing on Amber's transition from a volunteer manager in a religious organization to a dedicated professional in project management. Thirteen years ago, Amber was managing large-scale events with hundreds of volunteers, a role that prepared her for a career as a project manager. Despite initial disillusionment, she found solace and purpose in project management, a field that not only validated her skills but also facilitated her departure from an organization whose values she no longer shared. Amber's journey underscores the alignment between her intrinsic project-driven nature and her professional aspirations.
    29 min

About The Feisty Project Podcast

From the publisher's feed

Ready to unleash your inner feisty? The Feisty Project Podcast dives into the real talk of professional life, hosted by Martin Castellani with thoughts from the Feisty PM. Every two weeks, we tackle…