Click above to play either the audio-only episode or video episode in a new window.
Episode Summary
When stakeholders doubt the schedule, they doubt the leader behind it. Project schedules are more than a collection of dates... they are instruments of leadership that can either inspire confidence or create skepticism. In this conversation, Michael Pink, CEO of SmartPM Technologies, joins Cornelius Fichtner to explain how schedule visibility enables project leaders to see risks early, prevent overruns, and lead with credibility. Drawing from his experience in analyzing thousands of construction projects, Michael explains how transparent and data-driven schedules elevate leadership trust, keep teams aligned, and ensure projects stay on course.
Click above to play either the audio-only preview episode or video preview episode in a new window.
Episode Summary
Leadership comes in many styles, and the podium of a conductor offers striking lessons for project managers. In this conversation, Itay Talgam brings his wealth of experience as a classical conductor to shed light on what leadership means when you are tasked with guiding a group of experts toward a shared goal. Using vivid stories about Riccardo Muti, Leonard Bernstein, and other legendary maestros, he shows how leadership style is not fixed but evolves with culture, context, and experience. Just as conductors must adapt to each orchestra, project leaders must adapt to the unique culture of their teams and organizations. The discussion emphasizes how authority and autonomy can coexist, why culture and leadership are inseparable, and how leaders can expand their own style without losing authenticity.
Click above to play either the audio-only preview episode or video preview episode in a new window.
Episode Summary
Leadership expert Shyam Ramanathan joins Cornelius Fichtner to unpack what great leadership looks like for project managers. Shyam brings over two decades in IT, an extensive leadership blog with 400 plus posts, and two books, “Maximise Potential” and “Maximise Potential 2.” He outlines a clear, three-part foundation for leading well, then connects it to day-to-day project work. You hear how vision sets the direction, how the ability to inspire moves people to act, and how leading by example creates credibility. Shyam ties these principles to project realities like reading the charter, clarifying scope and budget, selecting and positioning the right people, and building a balanced team through honest self-awareness.
Click above to play either the audio-only episode or video episode in a new window.
Episode Summary
This episode flips the script on traditional project management education by using memes to deliver real, applicable insights. Cornelius Fichtner selects seven past podcast interviews and distills their core lessons into memorable memes. Each meme acts as a springboard into deeper project truths, making this a visually rich episode that’s equal parts fun and functional. Topics span remote leadership, stakeholder communication, power skills, data literacy, and more. This creative format makes complex ideas stick and gives project managers simple reminders they can laugh at and learn from.
Click above to play either the audio-only episode or video episode in a new window.
Episode Summary
Project teams often finish on time and on budget only to face silent rejection from users. Change-management practitioner Mario González joins Cornelius Fichtner to map out the “adoption gap” and how to close it. Mario manages public-sector projects and brings fifteen years of leading agile transformations. He explains practical ways to detect early signs of low adoption, measure real usage with crisp KPIs, and listen for informal feedback that exposes hidden concerns. Listeners learn why classifying stakeholders as supporters, neutrals, or resistors creates clarity and how to move each group toward active buy-in.
Click above to play either the audio-only episode or video episode in a new window.
Episode Summary
For many project managers, the urge to command every meeting and own every milestone feels natural. But veteran program manager Anisha Manvatkar proves that the most effective leaders often work in silence. In this conversation with Cornelius Fichtner she shares how “invisible leadership” unites purpose, communication, and AI-powered efficiency to deliver high-performing projects at Nvidia and beyond. Listeners hear why stepping out of the spotlight lets teams step up, how a clear “why” keeps momentum when priorities shift, and where AI can shoulder the busywork so people focus on innovation.
Click above to play either the audio-only preview episode or video preview episode in a new window.
Episode Summary
Genocide survivor, educator, and leadership consultant Dr. Emad Rahim joins host Cornelius Fichtner to share the S.A.L.T. model—Survive, Adaptation, Love, Transformation—a framework he forged while rebuilding his life from the Khmer Rouge killing fields to the executive boardroom. Rahim explains why acknowledging a “survival state” is the first step toward meaningful change and how project managers can move beyond firefighting into strategic growth by embracing adaptation through value-based decisions. He highlights the critical role of supportive networks (“love”) in sustaining momentum and shows how transformation becomes attainable when leaders combine clear goals with short- and long-term wins.
Click above to play either the audio-only preview episode or video preview episode in a new window.
Episode Summary
Project managers know that clear schedules and smart strategies cannot guarantee success. Jackie Barretta, award-winning CIO and author of Primal Teams, shows how emotion sits at the heart of team performance and why leaders who understand this outpace those who ignore it. Drawing on twenty-five years in Fortune 500 IT leadership and consulting, Jackie explains how authentic emotional awareness activates sharper thinking, faster creativity, and stronger collaboration, turning ordinary groups into high-performance engines.
Click above to play either the audio-only episode or video episode in a new window.
Episode Summary
Constant change, evolving stakeholder needs, and dispersed teams can twist even the best-planned projects into knots. Leadership expert Kevin Eikenberry (Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group and author of Flexible Leadership) joins Cornelius Fichtner to unpack a practical roadmap for staying effective when everything around you shifts. Drawing on three decades of coaching leaders in more than 50 countries, Kevin explains why rigid command-and-control approaches snap under real-world pressure, how “flexors” help you bend without breaking, and where to start if your calendar already looks like a game of Tetris.
Click above to play either the audio-only episode or video episode in a new window.
Episode Summary
Project environments rarely slow down, yet outstanding leaders keep schedules intact, teams motivated, and stakeholders confident even when interruptions pile up. Leadership strategist Robert Heath Sr. joins the show to explain how he transforms shifting priorities into opportunities for greater impact. A former Marine officer and combat-tested communications expert, Robert now advises Fortune 500 firms on building cultures that thrive under pressure. He shares field-tested techniques that help project managers cut through noise, protect focus, and make decisions at speed while maintaining team morale.
Click above to play either the audio-only preview episode or video preview episode in a new window.
Episode Summary
Leadership in complex environments requires a clear focus on practical methods, teamwork, and risk mitigation. Retired General Stan McChrystal joins the discussion to share proven approaches for navigating high-stakes situations. He draws on his experience as a former commander who led large-scale military operations around the globe. His insights emphasize that genuine leadership combines strategic planning with a profound understanding of your team’s capabilities, motivations, and communication needs.
Click above to play either the audio-only episode or video episode in a new window.
Episode Summary
Leadership is more than just managing tasks—it’s about inspiring teams, fostering collaboration, and guiding change. In this episode, we break down what true leadership means in a project management context and beyond. Whether you're leading a small initiative or a large-scale transformation, understanding leadership principles can significantly impact your success.
Click above to play either the audio-only preview episode or video preview episode in a new window.
Episode Summary
NASA is known for pushing the limits of human capability, but its greatest strength lies in its leadership culture. Dr. Dave Williams, a retired astronaut, physician, and former NASA executive, joins us to share valuable leadership lessons from his time at the agency. Drawing from real-life experiences, he explores how NASA leaders transitioned from technical experts to highly effective project managers and executives.
Click above to play either the audio-only preview episode or video preview episode in a new window.
Episode Summary
Drew Dudley, one of the world’s most dynamic keynote speakers and leadership advocates, joins us to redefine what it means to be a leader. Recognized for his TEDx talk, "Leading with Lollipops," Drew emphasizes that leadership is not reserved for the extraordinary. Instead, it’s about creating moments of impact through consistent daily actions. In this conversation, Drew shares his journey from a life-changing TEDx moment to becoming a global thought leader, highlighting the transformative power of recognizing everyday leadership.
Click above to play either the audio-only preview episode or video preview episode in a new window.
Episode Summary
In this premium episode, we break down how OSP International approaches change management in a way that balances the theoretical with the practical. From handling large-scale changes like PMP exam updates to smaller, partial updates, the discussion highlights the importance of tailoring strategies to fit the specific needs of each initiative. By sharing real-world experiences, this episode provides actionable insights into managing changes that resonate with stakeholders and align with project goals.
Click above to play either the audio-only episode or video episode in a new window.
Episode Summary
Effective stakeholder management is critical to project success. This episode features Barbara Kephart, a UC Berkeley-certified project manager, who shares her expertise in building trust and navigating complex stakeholder dynamics. With decades of experience and a reputation as the "C-Suite Whisperer," Barbara provides insights into understanding stakeholder needs, managing their influence, and fostering collaboration for smoother project execution.
Click above to play either the audio-only episode or video episode in a new window.
Episode Summary
Project management can be a high-stress profession filled with tight deadlines, scope changes, and budget pressures. James Louttit, a project management leader and former CIO, joins us to share his insights into reducing stress in project management and leading teams more effectively. Drawing from his personal experiences with burnout and recovery, James has developed practical, human-centered approaches that prioritize team well-being while achieving project goals. This episode explores the roots of project stress and provides actionable solutions for creating healthier project environments.
Click above to play either the audio-only episode or video episode in a new window.
Episode Summary
Achieving project success involves more than managing timelines and deliverables; it starts with assembling the right team. In this episode, award-winning project management consultant and speaker, Dawn Mahan, shares her expertise on creating cohesive, effective project teams and maximizing the impact of each role. With her extensive experience advising senior leaders, Dawn brings a wealth of practical insights to help project managers make the best use of their team members’ skills and ensure everyone is aligned with the project’s objectives.
Click above to play either the audio-only episode or video episode in a new window.
Episode Summary
Remote leadership has become an essential skill in today’s project-driven environment, and mastering it can give you a distinct competitive advantage. In this episode, Cornelius Fichtner welcomes Wayne Turmel, an expert in remote work and leadership, to discuss how project managers can adapt their leadership styles to meet the demands of virtual teams. Wayne shares practical strategies and tools managers can use to build trust, communicate effectively, and foster engagement in remote work.
PM PrepCast, Agile PrepCast, PM Exam Simulator, PDU Podcast, PM Podcast are marks of OSP International LLC.
PMI, PMBOK, PMP, PgMP, PfMP, CAPM, PMI-SP, PMI-RMP, PMI-ACP, and PMI-PBA are registered marks of the Project Management Institute, Inc.
