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Project Zero
From first steps to best practices — stories that shaped project leaders.
Project Zero is a podcast for project managers — and the PM-curious — who want more than frameworks and certifications. Each episode features a project leader, highlighting first projects and the pivotal lessons that shaped their approach to leadership, collaboration, and delivery.
From unexpected missteps to breakthrough moments, these conversations reveal what it really takes to grow into a confident, competent project manager. It’s honest, insightful, and designed to help you lead better — whether you're managing your first task or your hundredth milestone.
Project Zero
Episode 04: From Business Analyst to Project Leader with ClickUp's AJ Castellucci
In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck interviews AJ Castucci, the Senior Manager of Services at Clickup. AJ discusses his career trajectory, starting as a business analyst and consulting in healthcare IT to his roles at Smartsheet and Clickup. They delve into AJ's project management experiences, his views on the evolution of project management tools from Excel to sophisticated platforms like Smartsheet and Clickup, and the differences between these tools. The conversation also covers essential project management skills, the impact of data-driven insights, the value of MBA education, and AJ's perspective on industry certifications.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
00:27 AJ's Role at Clickup
01:40 Early Career and First Job Experience
04:37 Project Management Challenges
07:29 Transition to Smartsheet
11:54 Smartsheet vs Clickup
15:33 Key Skills for Project Managers
17:46 Defining Success Criteria
18:26 Career Journey and MBA Experience
21:26 Transition to Clickup
23:17 Speed Round: Preferences and Tools
26:45 Certifications in Project Management
28:45 Advice for Young Professionals
30:29 Dream Project with Unlimited Resources
31:55 Conclusion and Contact Information
Connected with Alex Tuck: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alextuck/
Connect with AJ Castellucci: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ajcastellucci/
www.tuckconsultinggroup.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tuckconsultinggroup/
