The Project Chatter Podcast

Dale and Val are joined by Lisa Silander, Global Practice and UK Technical Lead for Project Controls at AtkinsRéalis.

With 30 years leading planning and project controls teams across aviation, rail, water, manufacturing, and nuclear, Lisa has shaped delivery on some of the UK's most demanding capital programmes including Heathrow Terminal 5, Heathrow Q6, the Heathrow Expansion Project, Thames Water AMP5, and Yorkshire Water AMP7.

In this episode we cover:

• Lisa's career journey into project controls
• What attracted her to the discipline and kept her there for three decades
• The initiative she's leading to build UK project controls capability at AtkinsRéalis
• Why humans will always be involved in projects, even as AI reshapes the work
• The daily habits that have shaped her career
• Grit, determination, and the human side of leading high-performing teams
• Perspective as a woman building and leading teams in a complex industry

A grounded, practical conversation with one of the most experienced voices in UK project controls.

Connect with Lisa Silander on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-silander-fcasa-b078645/

Follow the Project Chatter Podcast:Website: https://www.projectchatter.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectchatterpodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoudjc2m0ttmAkyvBnf8EnQSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6m6J87LIOHVoY9FlaAXp53Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-project-chatter-podcast/id1869579042

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We recently hosted the Controls and Skills Authority Digital Community of Practice Fight Night in Birmingham. This lively panel debate explores the impact of AI on project delivery, jobs, and industry practices. Experts challenge the notion that AI is just a tool or a threat, examining cultural, technical, and structural factors shaping AI adoption in construction and beyond.

3 Fights

1. Culture is the No.1 Enabler for AI Adoption - Ronald Dyer vs Andrew Knight
2. AI is just a tool, it won't replace jobs - Lisa Silander vs Marco Frisenda
3. AI Does Not Improve Project Delivery - Sarah Crawley vs Kashan Ratyal

https://www.controlsandskills.co.uk/

In this episode, Isabela Parisio, a legal expert in AI regulation, shares insights on the challenges and opportunities of regulating artificial intelligence. Topics include regulatory sandboxes, definitions of AI, accountability, privacy, military applications, and the future of AI governance.

Key Topics

• Regulatory sandboxes for AI testing
• Definitions and scope of AI
• Accountability and liability in AI systems
• Privacy concerns and data protection
• Military applications and ethical considerations
• Legal fictions and AI as a legal entity
• Policy development and international cooperation

Chapters

03:59 Isabela's Background and Transition to AI

07:54 Intersection of Law and AI

11:07 Understanding Regulatory Sandboxes

14:44 Experimentation in AI Development

21:00 Privacy Concerns in AI

28:22 The Role of AI in Self-Regulation

34:39 The Human Element in Technological Advancement

39:30 AI in Military Applications: Accountability and Ethics

46:07 Navigating Accountability in AI Usage

56:40 Education and AI Literacy for Future Generations

01:01:41 The Legal Status of AI: A New Frontier

01:11:36 The Future of AI: Ethical Considerations and Governance

Resources

• Responsible AI UK - https://responsibleaiuk.org/
• European Union AI Act - https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52021PC0206
• Johns Hopkins University AI Policy - https://www.jhu.edu/
• King's College London AI Research - https://www.kcl.ac.uk/
• Bicentennial Man (Movie) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118571/
• UK Data Protection Laws - https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-data-protection/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr/
• California AI Legislation - https://oag.ca.gov/privacy/ccpa
• AI Summit 2023 - https://aibusiness.com/events/ai-summit-2023/

In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Val and Dale welcome Atif Ansar, co-founder of Foresight, to discuss the rapidly evolving world of data centers. Atif shares insights on the explosive growth and increasing complexity of data centers, highlighting the challenges related to energy supply, skilled labor, and technology redundancy. The conversation explores the role of AI in enhancing data center design and construction, the impact of edge computing, and the skills needed for future project professionals in this dynamic field. Atif also touches on innovative concepts like space-based data centers, emphasizing the exciting opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. In this conversation, the speakers explore the intersection of creativity and AI, discussing how technology influences project management and the future of jobs. They emphasize the importance of human essence in a technology-driven world and the evolving nature of data centers amidst global competition. The discussion also touches on the necessity of adapting to technological advancements and the potential for superintelligence in the future.

Takeaways

🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ Data centers are experiencing explosive growth, with construction volume increasing significantly.

🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ The complexity of data centers has evolved, making them more akin to industrial assets than simple warehouses.

🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ Data centers require substantial energy, land, and skilled labor, creating challenges in construction.

🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ The lifespan of data centers is long, but technology within them evolves rapidly, leading to potential obsolescence.

🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ AI can significantly enhance the design and construction processes of data centers.

🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ Edge computing complements data centers, creating a fractal-like relationship between different computing structures.

🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ Project professionals should focus on becoming subject matter experts while also being adaptable and open to using AI.🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ The energy supply for data centers is a critical constraint, but innovation in self-supply and renewable energy is emerging.

🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ Understanding the components and costs associated with data centers is essential for project professionals.

🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ The future of data centers may include innovative concepts like space-based facilities. Creativity enhances the effectiveness of project management.

🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ AI allows generalists to be more valuable than specialists.

🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ Human jobs will evolve rather than disappear due to AI.

🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ The demand for human-specific jobs will be based on human preferences.

🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ Technological advancements can improve quality of life and efficiency.

🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ The luxuries of one generation become necessities for the next.

🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ We are transitioning from an analog to a digital world.

🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ Data centers are crucial in the global tech race.

🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ The construction of data centers will continue to grow exponentially.

🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ Continuous learning is essential in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:58 The Growth and Complexity of Data Centers

05:23 Key Components of Data Centers

08:01 The Future of Data Centers in Space

11:24 Energy Supply Challenges for Data Centers

15:30 Technology Redundancy and Lifespan of Data Centers

20:43 Edge Computing and Its Impact

23:58 AI's Role in Data Center Design and Construction

27:29 Skills for Future Project Professionals in Data Centers

30:44 The Intersection of Creativity and AI

33:46 The Future of Jobs in an AI World

36:18 Human Essence in the Age of Technology

39:39 The Evolution of Technology and Human Experience

43:42 Data Center Dynamics and Global Competition

52:11 The Future of Project Management and Technology

#ProjectManagement #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership #Culture #ProjectCertifications

In this episode, project delivery expert Dave Lockley shares insights on transforming complex change portfolios into measurable business value, the pitfalls of watermelon projects, and how technology can improve project transparency and decision-making.

Key Topics

• Watermelon projects and transparency
• The role of technology and AI in project management
• Leadership and decision-making in projects

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions

03:51 Dave Lockley's Journey into Project Management

06:30 Understanding the Motivation Behind Projects

08:14 The Concept of Watermelon Projects

11:45 The Role of Technology in Project Management

15:32 Decision-Making in Project Management

20:51 The Need for a Chief Projects Officer

22:37 The Impact of Technology on Decision-Making

26:54 Understanding Decision-Making in Project Management

28:19 Identifying Project Risks and Metrics

30:06 The Importance of Transparency in Reporting

31:15 Leadership and Accountability in Projects

33:22 The Need for Qualified Decision-Makers

36:11 Exploring Governance and Control in Projects

38:56 The Role of Human Behavior in Project Management

40:37 Final Thoughts and Reflections on Project Management

In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Dale engages with Rod Whiting, a seasoned expert in project controls, who shares his extensive journey in the field since 1983. Rod discusses the evolution of project controls, emphasizing the importance of a project control-friendly culture within organizations. He highlights how understanding and valuing project controls can significantly impact project success, illustrating his points with anecdotes from his career. Rod also addresses the challenges of demonstrating the value of project controls to stakeholders, offering practical strategies to communicate its importance effectively.

As the conversation progresses, Rod delves into the human aspects of project management, including stakeholder management and team dynamics. He shares insights on building relationships within teams, the significance of effective communication, and the role of technology in enhancing project controls. The discussion culminates in reflections on the highs and lows of Rod's career, emphasizing the importance of kindness and compassion in the workplace, and the need for a supportive culture that fosters collaboration and success in project delivery.

Takeaways

• Project controls is about understanding and valuing the process.
• A project control-friendly culture is essential for success.
• Demonstrating the value of project controls requires effective communication.
• Building relationships within teams is crucial for project success.
• Kindness and compassion in the workplace lead to better outcomes.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Project Chatter Podcast

00:49 Rod Whiting's Journey in Project Controls

03:39 Understanding Project Control-Friendly Culture

06:52 Demonstrating the Value of Project Controls

11:12 Building Strong Team Relationships

19:43 Navigating the Post-COVID Work Landscape

30:37 The Future of Work and Automation

32:12 Creating a Project Controls-Friendly Culture

35:29 Leadership and Compassion in Tough Times

39:00 Common Mistakes in Project Management

42:25 Capturing Knowledge and Experience

45:19 The Role of Technology in Project Controls

49:54 Highs and Lows of a Project Management Career

55:34 Final Thoughts on Kindness and Purpose

In this episode of Project Chatter, hosts Dale and Val welcome Vincent Marsicano, CEO of Adopt It, to discuss the intersection of change management and technology. Vincent shares his unique background, which includes a PhD in physics and extensive experience in change management, emphasizing the importance of human-centered leadership in navigating organizational change. The conversation delves into the challenges of technology adoption, the role of AI in change management, and the necessity of understanding the human side of projects. Vincent argues that while technology can enhance efficiency, the core of successful change management lies in empathy and effective communication.

As the discussion unfolds, Vincent highlights the significance of identifying key influencers within organizations to facilitate change. He also addresses the complexities of human behavior in project management, suggesting that understanding individual differences and fostering a culture of trust can lead to more successful outcomes. The episode concludes with reflections on the evolving landscape of change management, emphasizing the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for practitioners in this field.

Takeaways

• Change management is fundamentally about the people side of projects.
• Technology is driving change, but it also creates challenges in adoption.
• Identifying key influencers within organizations can facilitate smoother change processes.
• Empathy and effective communication are crucial for successful change management.
• AI has the potential to revolutionize change management practices.

Dale flies solo (briefly!) to close out 2025 and welcomes first-time podcast guest Becky Holliday - a project manager turned health coach. Becky shares how redundancy in October 2023 became the catalyst for a career pivot, and why she now helps busy professionals (especially women) build sustainable health habits. Val drops in mid-episode and the conversation expands into discipline vs motivation, managing workload pressure, eating well without weekend meal-prep marathons, and why small wins beat heroic last-minute sprints.

In this episode, you’ll learn

• Why Becky left project management and what she brought with her into health coaching

• How to start improving health when you “don’t have time”

• Why trying to change everything on Monday usually backfires

• A simple way to reduce stress and decision fatigue: the “3-item to-do list”

• Practical approaches to healthier eating that don’t require your Sunday afternoon

  How movement can support mental resilience when work pressure spikes

In this episode, Dale Foong discusses the fascinating world of reality capture with expert Derek Lawrence. They explore Derek's journey into the field, the various applications of reality capture in project management, and the integration of AI in this technology. The conversation also delves into the barriers to adoption, real-world use cases, and the future of reality capture, including its potential in creating digital twins. Derek emphasizes the importance of understanding existing structures and the value of capturing accurate data for decision-making in construction and beyond.

Takeaways

• Reality capture is a digital copy of what is for decision making.
• Derek Lawrence transitioned from traditional engineering to reality capture due to frustrations with conventional methods.
• Laser scanning technology is becoming more accessible and easier to use.
• Reality capture can integrate with cost modeling and project management.
• There are significant barriers to the adoption of reality capture in the industry.
• Real-world applications of reality capture include construction monitoring and historical preservation.
• AI is enhancing reality capture capabilities, making it easier to create 3D models.
• The future of reality capture includes potential uses in various industries beyond construction.
• Derek encourages a fail-fast approach to testing new technologies.
• Digital twins require accurate data, and reality capture can help achieve that.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Reality Capture

05:42 Derek's Journey into Reality Capture

11:59 Understanding Reality Capture

18:52 Integrating Reality Capture with Project Management

22:43 Barriers to Adoption of Reality Capture

30:47 Real-World Applications of Reality Capture

42:46 The Future of Reality Capture and AI

57:39 Final Thoughts on Digital Twins and Reality Capture

Links

• The Furze Underground Complex - https://youtu.be/QKTnx6F-XMo?si=oSfyOTvXwfkv2-gj
• Ian Jenkins talking about Gaussian Splats in the Meta Quest 3 - https://youtu.be/s6ZYbBsbAas?si=NVVz7mHMckj9p5-J
• Derek's YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@twindltd
• Derek's LinkedIn page - www.linkedin.com/in/twindlderek

In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Val and Dale welcome Kevin O'Grady, a director at Cognitive, who shares his extensive experience in project management, particularly in the built environment. The conversation delves into the practical applications of blockchain technology in construction, the importance of carbon tracking, and the emerging role of sustainable aviation fuel. Kevin provides insights into how these technologies can enhance project delivery and efficiency, while also discussing the challenges and opportunities they present. The episode emphasizes the need for transparency and collaboration in the industry, as well as the importance of measuring and improving carbon emissions.

Takeaways

• Kevin O'Grady has a diverse background in project management and engineering.
• Blockchain can enhance transparency and trust in project delivery.
• Carbon tracking is essential for sustainable project management.
• Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is gaining traction but faces infrastructure challenges.
• AI can play a significant role in tracking project progress and carbon emissions.
• Collaboration among stakeholders is crucial for successful project outcomes.
• The construction industry needs to adapt to new technologies for better efficiency.
• Measuring carbon emissions is vital for improving sustainability in projects.
• Project wallets could revolutionize payment transparency in construction.
• Innovation in the industry is driven by the need for better practices and technologies.

Chapters

04:24 Kevin O'Grady's Journey in Project Management

07:33 Transitioning from Engineering to Commercial Management

09:21 Technological Innovations in Project Management

13:12 The Role of Digital Twins in Project Delivery

17:20 Understanding Blockchain Technology

20:58 Blockchain Applications in Construction

27:43 Exploring Real-World Use Cases for Blockchain

30:23 Tokenization in Construction Payments

32:03 Linking Progress and Blockchain

34:54 Smart Contracts and Payment Automation

36:51 Challenges in Implementing Blockchain

39:42 The Role of Profit Margins in Construction

43:03 Carbon Measurement and Blockchain

43:32 Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Its Challenges