There’s no shortage of AI tools for project managers these days—and they can be pretty amazing. But using them? Often a frustrating, disjointed experience. In this episode, Galen Low is joined by Devin Mahoney, CEO and Co-founder of QTalo, to unpack why AI can feel more like a burden than a boost in our day-to-day project work, and how to fix that.

They dive into how AI can truly serve project leaders: from cutting down on context switching to surfacing what actually matters, and building systems that fit into the real workflows of PMs. Devin also shares why privacy matters not just for compliance, but for preserving the creative space we need to do our best work. If you’ve ever felt like AI is both magical and maddening, this one’s for you.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Devin on LinkedIn
• Check out QTalo

Why does time tracking suck—and what can we actually do about it? In this lively and deeply honest panel session, Kelsey Alpaio sits down with agency consultant Marcel Petitpas, PMO leader Kelly Vega, and project operations expert Matthew Fox to get to the root of why time tracking feels so broken. Together, they unpack not just the tactical challenges, but the deeper cultural and strategic dynamics that make time tracking feel like a chore (or worse, a surveillance tool). But this isn’t just a vent session—our panel brings clarity, practical advice, and a few hard truths to help you shift your mindset and your systems.

From rethinking data accuracy and redefining utilization to making smarter tooling choices and harnessing AI (without falling for the hype), this conversation delivers actionable insight for PMs, leaders, and anyone in the messy middle of tracking work. Whether you’re tracking time for billing, planning, or just staying afloat, there’s something here to make it suck a little less—and maybe even become a tool for empowerment.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Kelly, Matthew, and Marcel on LinkedIn
• Check out Parakeeto

Rolling out a new tool or process sounds simple—until you try it. In this episode, Galen Low sits down with Frances Odera Matthews, founder of The Notion Bar, to unpack why change management is so hard, even with the best intentions and the best tools. From shiny object syndrome to culture gaps, they explore why tool adoption often fails and what project leaders can do to set their teams up for long-term success.

Frances shares practical insights from the front lines of Notion implementations, including how phased rollouts, internal champions, and intentional design can make or break adoption. They also dig into the cultural side of change—how open sharing, avoiding silos, and even acknowledging when to rip the band-aid off can help teams navigate tool fatigue and create lasting transformation.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Frances on LinkedIn
• Check out the Notion Bar, The Notion Zeitgeist newsletter, and the Coffee & Oysters podcast

In this episode of The Digital Project Manager podcast, Kelsey Alpaio sits down with Oliver Yarbrough—founder of Not Your Father’s AI and a LinkedIn Learning instructor—to talk about the AI-driven future of project management. With automation creeping into every corner of our workflows, PMs are no longer just task managers; they're becoming AI operators, process optimizers, and digital workforce leaders.

Oliver breaks down what PMs should be doing today to stay ahead: learning to communicate effectively with AI tools, mastering process optimization, and strengthening foundational PM skills. Whether you're just starting to explore AI tools or already dabbling in automation, this episode gives you a roadmap for evolving your skill set and redefining your value as a project manager in an increasingly digital workplace.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Oliver on LinkedIn
• Check out Not Your Father's A.I.

The agency world is undergoing major shifts, with evolving business models, leaner teams, and new demands on project leaders. While disruption can feel overwhelming, it also presents opportunities for growth—if you know how to adapt. As roles blur and responsibilities pile up, resilience and flexibility have never been more essential.

Joining us is Harv Nagra, Head of Brand Communications at Scoro and host of The Handbook: Agency Ops podcast, to break down how operating models are changing and what project managers can do to stay ahead. From navigating uncertainty to leading with a growth mindset, this episode offers actionable insights for anyone facing rapid change in agency life.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Harv on LinkedIn
• Check out Scoro and  The Handbook: Agency Ops podcast
• Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World

We’re joined live by Crystal Richards, PMP trainer and founder of MindsparQ, to dive into everything you need to know about passing the challenging Project Management Professional (PMP) exam. With its high failure rate and tough reputation, the PMP remains a highly respected certification that can open significant career doors—but balancing exam prep with work and life can be daunting.

Crystal shares practical strategies to help candidates navigate the exam process with clarity and confidence, drawing on her experience training project managers and her new book, PMP Exam Prep For Dummies. Whether you’re just starting your PMP journey or feeling overwhelmed, this conversation offers valuable tips to help you succeed.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Crystal on LinkedIn
• Check out MindsparQ

Fractional remote job opportunities are growing, offering professionals the chance to break free from the traditional rat race and take on multiple roles, be their own boss, and avoid the transactional nature of full-time work. But how do you get started in this new world of fractional work, and what if it doesn’t work out?

Michael Gold, a fractional project management expert and founder of The Fractional Hub, discusses the growing trend of fractional project management roles. He shares insights on how this model could become just as common as, or even replace, traditional full-time positions in the future, helping you make an informed decision about whether this path is right for you.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Michael on LinkedIn
• Check out The Fractional Hub

Getting laid off as a project manager can feel like more than just a job loss—it brings up uncertainty, self-doubt, and tough career questions. This episode features a live panel with three PMs who’ve been through it and come out stronger, offering real talk and practical advice for navigating career transitions.

Nicolassa Galvez, Thako Harris, and Nadaa Baqui share their personal layoff stories, lessons learned, and what helped them rebuild. From freelancing to career pivots, they offer insights for anyone facing a layoff or looking to future-proof their career in a volatile job market.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Nadaa, Nicolassa, and Thako on LinkedIn
• Check out Chingona Coach, 3MBET, and Skillshare

When project goals feel disconnected from broader business objectives, it can be challenging to stay motivated and on track. You may find yourself questioning the purpose of your work, only to discover that the strategic objective is simply to "build an app." If you're struggling to link your projects to the bigger organizational picture, this episode is for you.

Carsten Ley, an expert in project management and OKRs, shares valuable insights on how to use Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) to align project delivery with overall business strategy. He discusses how integrating OKRs into your project management practice can drive better alignment, measure impact, and keep your team focused on the bigger picture.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Carsten on LinkedIn
• Check out Asia PMO and OKR Asia

Landing a new project manager role is a huge achievement, but before you accept the offer, don’t skip the crucial step of negotiating your salary. Failing to negotiate can cost you millions over your career, yet many find the process intimidating and awkward.

Yonelly Gutierrez, Senior Project Manager at Palo Alto Networks and Founder of Velvet Vision, joins us to share her expert advice on negotiating with confidence. With her experience coaching women into $100K+ project management roles, she offers practical strategies for securing the compensation you deserve without the stress.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Yonelly on LinkedIn
• Check out Palo Alto Networks

AI projects aren’t just another trend—they’re already reshaping workplaces in ways big and small. From HR to finance, employees are integrating AI into daily tasks, often without formal initiatives. Yet many organizations are still struggling to align teams and create a clear strategy for AI adoption. So, how can companies move from scattered, anxiety-driven adoption to a cohesive, strategic approach?

In this episode, host Galen Low sits down with Ron Schmelzer, Global Head of AI Partnerships at PMI, to explore how organizations can better support AI-driven projects. They discuss what it takes to get teams on the same page, manage AI’s impact on workflows, and create a mindset shift that ensures businesses thrive in this new wave of digital transformation.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Ron on LinkedIn
• Check out Project Management Institute

Looking to land a senior project manager role but feeling stuck? You’re not alone. The path to senior PM isn’t always clear, and setbacks can be frustrating. In this episode, we break down what might be holding you back and how to position yourself for that next big opportunity.

Host Kelsey Alpaio sits down with Logan Langin, Senior Project Manager at Sanford Health, to discuss the mindset shifts and strategies that helped him make the leap. With experience running the “30 Days to PM” program, Logan shares practical insights to help you level up your career.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Logan on LinkedIn
• Check out Sanford Health

Thinking about pivoting into project management but feeling lost in a sea of acronyms and conflicting advice? You’re not alone. The path to becoming a PM can seem unclear, with vague skill requirements and misleading job descriptions making it even harder to break in.

Host Galen Low sits down with Barbara Kephart, founder of Projects Pivot, to cut through the confusion. They dive into what it really takes to transition into project management, how to decode industry jargon, and why community support is key to navigating this rewarding career shift.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• The PM Coffee Spot — the community for new and aspiring project people
• Connect with Barbara on LinkedIn
• Check out Projects Pivot
• Projects Practice — learning management system 

Breaking into project management can feel overwhelming, but the biggest challenge isn’t lack of experience—it’s learning to translate your skills effectively.

In this episode, host Kelsey Alpaio speaks with Ogaga Johnson, founder and CEO of Verisult, about how professionals can position themselves for their first PM role. Ogaga emphasizes the importance of a strategic job search, focusing on industries where your background provides a natural entry point. Whether you’re transitioning careers or formalizing your PM skills, this episode provides actionable steps to land your first role.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Ogaga on LinkedIn and Instagram
• Check out Verisult

How technical do you really need to be as a technical project manager in 2025? Host Galen Low sits down with Kayla Keizer, Team Lead and Senior Technical PM at Plank, to explore the balance between technical know-how and leadership skills.

They discuss how PMs can thrive without mastering every technology their teams use, and how leaders can foster high-impact project managers without requiring a DevOps degree. Tune in for insights on mentoring, growth, and navigating the evolving role of technical PMs.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Kayla on LinkedIn
• Check out Plank

Can playing The Sims help people build career skills? For Kelsey Alpaio, Executive Editor of The Digital Project Manager and new co-host of the DPM Podcast, the answer is yes. In this episode, we introduce Kelsey and discuss how she’s bringing fresh perspectives on industry trends, career navigation, and professional growth to the DPM community.

Host Galen Low gives listeners a sneak peek into the exciting new directions for the podcast and beyond. From career storytelling to industry insights, get ready for a revamped DPM experience with Kelsey on board!

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Kelsey on LinkedIn

Dealing with a toxic client can drain your team, hurt your business, and feel impossible to escape. But what if the problem isn’t you—it’s them? If you’re stuck in a difficult client relationship and unsure what to do next, this episode is for you.

Host Galen Low is joined by agency expert Melissa Morris to discuss when and how to fire a client, along with strategies for protecting your team and business. Tune in to learn how to navigate tough client dynamics and set your agency up for success.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn
• Check out Agency Authority
• Book a free discovery call with Melissa

Generative AI is everywhere—transforming industries, dominating conversations, and yet, for many, it’s still just a tool for note-taking and meal planning. If you’re a project professional feeling stuck in a GenAI rut, this episode is for you.

Host Galen Low sits down with AI expert Kathleen Walch to explore how project managers can move beyond basic chatbot use, rethink their AI approach, and unlock new career opportunities. Tune in to discover what GenAI truly has to offer beyond prompt engineering.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Kathleen on LinkedIn
• Check out The Project Management Institute and AI Today Podcast

Trust isn’t free—especially when you inherit a project that's completely off the rails. But instead of going in guns blazing, what if you could build trust with authenticity and strategic partnership?

Galen Low sits down with Melissa Morris, founder of Agency Authority, to discuss practical strategies for establishing trust, improving collaboration, and proving your value as a strategic partner. Whether you’re struggling with client rapport or looking to refine your approach, this conversation will give you the tools to strengthen relationships and keep your projects on track.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn
• Check out Agency Authority
• Book a free discovery call with Melissa

Presentation day is here, and it’s not going smoothly—slides are being read off, demos are falling flat, and you’re winging it after forgetting your notes. Stakeholders are disengaged, but the project continues, and more presentations are ahead.

Galen Low chats with presentation expert Renaud Taburiaux about how project managers can help their teams deliver clear, impactful presentations without wasting time preparing. Tune in to learn how to frame your work for executives and ace your next presentation!

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Renaud on LinkedIn
• Check out Presentation Sprint
• Presentation Sprint on Amazon

To some folks, a Project Management Office sounds like a stale concept more than a hotbed of innovation. But in a world where non-PM roles are increasingly expected to deliver projects and emerging tech is aggressively forcing us to change the way we work, the PMO may actually be the key to unlocking the future of project management.

Galen Low is joined by Olivia Montgomery (Associate Principal Analyst at Gartner), Bruno Morgante (Board Member at The PMO Leader), and Lauren Selley (Director of Program Management at Code and Theory) to delve into the challenges faced by PMOs, the importance of dynamic leadership, and the integration of innovative strategies like artificial intelligence to enhance project success.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Olivia, Bruno, & Lauren on LinkedIn
• Check out Gartner, The PMO Leader, and Code and Theory

What sets top-tier project managers apart from everyone else? High-performance project management goes beyond mastering processes and tools; it involves cultivating a blend of adaptability, communication, leadership, and mindset.

Galen Low is joined by Ben Willmott—Founder of The PPM Academy—to explore the key traits that differentiate top-tier project managers from the rest.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Ben on LinkedIn
• Check out The PPM Academy

What do you do when you top out as a project manager? More and more Senior PMs are turning to coaching and consulting. But what's really driving that trend, and do PMs have what it takes to be an entrepreneur?

Galen Low is joined by Stephanie Best—Managing Director at Greannmhar—to delve into the transition from project management to consulting and how ageism and hustle culture are influencing such career choices.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn
• Check out Greannmhar

Starting a new role as a project manager can be both exhilarating and daunting, especially in today's unpredictable job market.

Galen Low is joined by Mukhtar Kadiri—Program Director, Career Coach, and PM Recruiter at WorkTipsPro—to share how to successfully navigate the initial phase of a new PM job.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Mukhtar on LinkedIn
• Check out Mukhtar’s YouTube Channel: WorkTipsPro

Your process documentation sucks. Don't worry — so do most people's. It's because it's tedious and manual to create and takes away from the fun parts of work. But wait — couldn't AI help?

Galen Low sat down with Alyson Caffrey (Co-founder of Operations Agency), Gray Mackenzie (Co-founder of ZenPilot), and Brian Kessman (Founder of Lodestar Agency Consulting) to explore whether a healthy culture of AI, automation, and iterative knowledge transfer can get your teams out of process documentation hell.

Resources from this episode:

• Fill out our 2025 salary survey
• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Alyson, Brian, and Gray on LinkedIn
• Check out ZenPilot, Operations Agency, and Lodestar Agency Consulting