Summary: 

In this episode of the PPM Playbook podcast, host Laura Watts chats to Christina Nicolescu, an experienced IT consultant and programme delivery specialist, to explore the complexities of running effective programs and portfolios. 

They discuss the importance of aligning people, processes, and technology in project management, the role of PMOs in driving transformation, and the necessity of real-time data visibility for leaders. Christina emphasises the significance of data quality, cultural shifts in digital transformation, and the need for continuous training and empowerment of delivery teams. The conversation also highlights the evolving role of PMOs from policing functions to strategic partners, and the importance of celebrating small wins in project delivery. 

Takeaways: 

• Technology should not be the starting point for PMO. 
• Understanding processes is crucial before implementing technology. 
• Leaders need real-time visibility of project statuses. 
• PMOs should create consistency and transparency in reporting. 
• Data quality is essential for effective decision-making. 
• Cultural aspects of digital transformation are often neglected. 
• Training and guidance are necessary for effective process adoption. 
• Empower delivery teams by providing clarity and visibility. 
• PMOs should evolve from policing functions to strategic partners. 
• Celebrating small wins can enhance team morale and motivation. 

Links:

• Cristina Niculescu LinkedIn
• Laura Watts LinkedIn
• Verto website

Chapters:  

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 

02:31 The Trifecta of People, Process, and Technology 

05:06 The Importance of PMO in Transformation 

09:07 Visibility and Real-Time Data for Leaders 

12:05 Shifting from Reactive to Proactive Management 

16:12 Data Quality as a Strategic Asset 

19:18 Cultural Aspects of Digital Transformation 

24:36 Building Delivery Maturity through Training 

28:57 Training Needs for New Managers 

36:12 Empowering Delivery Teams 

38:58 The Evolving Role of PMOs 

43:16 Priorities for PMOs in the Coming Year 

44:45 Measuring Value in Delivery Functions 

48:04 Changing Mindsets in Leadership 

50:44 Celebrating Small Wins in Delivery 

In this episode, we sit down with Simon to reflect on his first year in role and explore how leadership, technology, and delivery are evolving across the public sector.

Simon shares how his perspective on Verto’s purpose, people, and impact has developed over the past year, alongside honest reflections on what it really takes to lead in the public-sector tech space. We discuss the changing role of P3M support, how platforms like Verto can enable transformation at scale, and what separates organisations that thrive through change from those that struggle.

The conversation also explores the balance between public and private sector delivery and what each can learn from the other, how cross-sector experience shapes the evolution of Verto, and where greater collaboration could unlock real value.

A thoughtful and grounded discussion on leadership, pragmatism, and building technology that genuinely supports better outcomes.

In this episode, we sit down with Simon to reflect on his first year in role and explore how leadership, technology, and delivery are evolving across the public sector.

Simon shares how his perspective on Verto’s purpose, people, and impact has developed over the past year, alongside honest reflections on what it really takes to lead in the public-sector tech space. We discuss the changing role of P3M support, how platforms like Verto can enable transformation at scale, and what separates organisations that thrive through change from those that struggle.

The conversation also explores the balance between public and private sector delivery and what each can learn from the other, how cross-sector experience shapes the evolution of Verto, and where greater collaboration could unlock real value.

A thoughtful and grounded discussion on leadership, pragmatism, and building technology that genuinely supports better outcomes.

At DigiGov 2025, Verto’s Chief Product Officer, Ross Mardell, delivered a standing-room-only talk on the role of AI in supporting portfolio, programme and project management across the UK public sector. The demand was so high that many people couldn’t even get into the session.

Watch the live session, recorded from the stage at the event. 

This special edition of The PPM Playbook Podcast takes you behind the scenes at DigiGov, where we spent two packed days speaking with clients, prospects, and colleagues about the real challenges shaping public sector transformation today.

It’s a mash-up of spontaneous, authentic conversations that were full of insight, capturing honest reflections from people at every stage of their digital and programme delivery journey. These booth-side discussions and quick chats with our own team are best watched rather than listened to and the on-screen captions help you follow every word amid the energy of the event floor.

If you want to see what’s really happening across the public sector, the problems people are tackling and the innovations that are making a difference, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The PPM Playbook Podcast, I’m joined by Natasha Osborne (Head of Client Success at Verto) and Simon Hall (Chief Client Officer at Verto) to introduce an exciting new initiative: the Verto Maturity Assessment.

The assessment is designed to help organisations gain a clear picture of their starting point across ten key areas of programme delivery. From governance and reporting to RAID and benefits realisation, it provides a structured way to understand where you are today, so you can make informed decisions about where to go next.

Together, we discuss why this matters, how the tool works, and the value it can bring to clients looking to strengthen delivery, increase confidence, and drive better outcomes from their programmes of work.

Listen here, or watch over on YouTube

Recorded in February 2025, this episode explores the early conversations and predictions around local government reorganisation plans. We discuss what these changes could mean for the councils affected, the potential challenges they may face, and the opportunities that come with proactive preparation.

From strategic planning and stakeholder engagement to ensuring the right systems and processes are in place, we share our recommendations for councils looking to stay ahead, so they’re ready to navigate change confidently when the pace picks up.

Subscribe to hear each new episode as it goes live and don't forget to leave a comment or review, as we'd love to hear your thoughts on topics you'd like us to cover within the PPM space.

Join me as I speak to Emma McMillan about running a Project Management Office within a large financial institution. Alongside Emma, Natasha Osborne, who heads up Client Success at Verto and brings her own experience from the financial sector, adds valuable perspective.The conversation was enlightening and highlighted many aspects of the evolving role of the PMO—from balancing regulatory demands and strategic transformation, to selecting the right tools and methodologies, and building a culture that supports change. Whether you're working in finance or simply navigating complex programmes of work, this episode is full of insight, experience, and ideas you can take back to your own organisation.

In this month’s podcast, we’re joined by The Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero's, Deputy Director of Delivery Capability, Murray Harper and Verto's Chief Product Officer, Ross Mardell, to explore how the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) successfully tackled its project and programme management challenges by implementing Verto. 

The conversation looks back at the hurdles they faced, from disparate tools to inconsistent processes, and shares practical insights into their digital transformation journey. Plus, we look ahead to the future of PPM, discussing the exciting role AI could play in public sector project delivery, alongside key considerations around data security and responsible use. 

Whether you want to understand the cultural impact of structured tools or explore the potential of AI in public sector change, this episode is packed with real-world lessons and practical takeaways. 

Miranda Craig, Director of Strategy and Change at the Financial Reporting Council, shares how they recognised the tipping point for change, and why a PPM platform became essential to future-proofing their programme delivery.

This episode dives into the challenges faced by the FRC, how they chose the right solution, and what transformation looks like in practice.

Join Laura Watts and Simon Hall as they interview Miranda about following the guidance that suits them, and using a tool that understands those frameworks, their initial challenges, how they are rolling out the platform with their people and their processes in mind and how they seem to be doing it just right!