Episode 533: Your PMP Covers Scope. My PBP Covers Business. (Free)

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Episode Summary

Many project managers are trained to manage scope, schedule, and cost. But what happens when the project itself is the business? In this solo episode, Cornelius Fichtner introduces the Project Business Professional (PBP) certification and explains why it fills a major gap in traditional project management education. Drawing on his own recent experience earning the PBP credential, Cornelius walks through what makes project business fundamentally different from internal project delivery and why nearly half of all project managers are already operating in this external, client-facing space—whether they realize it or not.

You’ll hear how external projects introduce legal risk, contract complexity, financial exposure, and reputational stakes that are not typically addressed in PMP, CSM, or PMI-ACP training. Cornelius explains the scope and purpose of the PBP certification, which is designed to support those managing outsourced, client-facing, and cross-corporate projects. He shares his motivation for becoming certified, highlights what he learned, and outlines the value this certification brings to any project manager working at the intersection of business and delivery.

If you’ve ever been the prime contractor, the subcontractor, or customer in a multi-party delivery structure, the PBP equips you with the mindset and practical tools to lead confidently. And yes, it really does help when the client suddenly wants to "talk contract terms" and you know exactly what you're doing.

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

• What project business is and how it differs from traditional internal project management.
• Why external, client-facing projects require unique skills in contracts, legal scope, and financials.
• The structure, format, and benefits of earning the PBP certification.
• Key takeaways from the seminar attended by both Cornelius and Marie Spark.
• Why the PBP boosts your credibility, visibility, and capability in project business environments.

Resources Mentioned

• Project Business Professional - Overview of the PBP Certification.
• Project Business Foundation - The official organization behind the PBP certification and training resources.

Quotes from This Episode

• "Most project managers manage cost. Project business professionals manage profit instead." - Cornelius Fichtner
• "Cross corporate projects are successful when contract parties are turned into project partners. PBPs know how to do that." - Oliver Lehmann
• "The PMP helps you blend in. The PBP helps you stand out." - Oliver Lehmann
• "If your project is a profit center, you need the PBP." - Cornelius Fichtner

Time-Stamped Show Notes

• [00:00] - Introduction to project business vs traditional project management.
• [01:28] - Oliver Lehmann quote: turning contract parties into project partners.
• [02:03] - Survey results: many PMs lead external, customer-funded projects.
• [03:14] - Overlooked risks in external projects: legal, financial, reputational.
• [05:14] - What the PBP certification covers and why it was created.
• [07:01] - Cornelius explains his motivation for earning the PBP.
• [08:11] - Seminar and exam format, timeline, and simplicity of the process.
• [09:03] - Three major mindset shifts from the seminar with Marie Park.
• [12:04] - FAQ: How PBP differs from PMP and who should consider it.
• [15:52] - Final thoughts and call to action: consider earning your PBP.

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