PM Therapy

Ever wondered how to monetize your project management skills beyond the corporate 9–5? In this episode of PM Therapy, I sat down with Mehnaz Tabassum , a multipotentialite entrepreneur & PM who left a stable government job to build multiple ventures, including She-Leads, NL Eats, and CognicoAI. We dive into how she leveraged PM skills, mindset shifts, and modern tools like AI to scale her work...

Is project management being buried under buzzwords, bureaucracy, and bloated frameworks? In this bold and brutally honest episode, Mukhtar sits down with Tom Kirkman—LinkedIn power poster, seasoned project leader, and unfiltered truth-teller—to challenge the status quo of modern PM practices. Together, they unpack why certifications like PMP might be more about profit than performance, and why man...

What does it look like to build a project management career from the very beginning—and rise all the way to VP?  In this episode of PM Therapy , we sit down with Alahna Anderson, a powerhouse PM leader whose career began as an admin assistant and evolved into executive-level leadership at top firms. She didn’t take the traditional path, and that’s exactly why her story resonates. If you've eve...

I can’t believe we’ve officially wrapped up Season 1 of PM Therapy! Thank you so much for tuning in, sharing, and supporting the podcast—it truly means the world to me. My team and I are already working on Season Two (and trust me, it’s going to be good 👀). We’ll be back in just a few weeks with deeper convos, new guests, and more real talk on life and leadership as a PM. 👉 In the meantime, if y...

Join us for a live session of the PM Therapy podcast with your hosts Mukhtar and PM career coach Bunmi Oluwasade. In this episode, we dive into the impact of AI on the job search process, from tailoring resumes to interview prep and applications. Learn how to leverage AI while maintaining a human touch in your job hunt, and get strategic advice on building your professional brand and networking ef...

What does it really take to grow from a first-time project manager to a trusted executive leader? In this powerful episode, we sit down with Fola Alabi, CIO and Strategic Project Leader, to unpack her incredible career evolution—from starting out unsure about her direction, to leading multimillion-dollar initiatives across continents. If you've ever felt stuck, questioned your progress, or won...

What’s going on in the world of project management right now? In this week’s episode of PM Therapy, we react to some of the most talked-about trends in the PM space—from companies removing middle management to the rise of AI job interviews and deepfake candidates. It’s part news breakdown, part therapy session. We explore what it means when titles don’t reflect your impact, when layoffs target the...

What happens when a seasoned PM leader opens up about the moments they felt completely out of their depth? In this episode, Steven J. Smith gets real about the invisible struggles behind the title. From executive-level uncertainty to leading a PMO in a company that builds tools for PMs, Steven unpacks what it truly means to grow in this field—mentally, emotionally, and strategically. If you're an...

Job hunting as a Project Manager can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. In this special AMA session, PM career coach, Bunmi Oluwasade, joins us to answer your biggest questions about landing a high-paying PM role. We cover everything from standing out in a crowded job market to preparing for interviews, making career transitions, and overcoming common job search struggles....

AI is here—but it's not replacing project managers. In this episode, Galen Low (co-founder of The Digital Project Manager) joins Mukhtar to unpack how PMs can adapt and thrive in an AI-driven world. This is not a tech demo—it’s a real talk about strategy, skill, and staying relevant when the ground keeps shifting. If you're feeling unsure about where you fit in a world of ChatGPT prompts, automate...

Ever wonder why some PMOs fail before they even start? Or why PMs in startups are still overlooked despite drowning in chaos? In this candid episode of PM Therapy, Mukhtar sits down with Hussain B—PMO expert, coach, and organizational strategist—to uncover the real talk behind PM leadership today. Whether you're trying to scale a PMO, navigate company politics, or step into a leadership role, this...

Ever wonder what it really takes to go from managing projects to managing people—and thriving while doing it? In this raw and honest episode of PM Therapy, Julia Kranjac takes us through the messy middle of career pivots, self-doubt, and leadership at the highest level. From recruiting to PM to leading teams at Shopify, she’s seen it all—and she’s here to share the lessons that don’t make it into...

Ever feel like project management is more about people than projects? You’re not wrong—and this episode proves it. We sit down with Elizabeth Harrin, founder of Rebel’s Guide to Project Management , to explore the truth behind the PM grind, from dealing with burnout to navigating tough stakeholders and owning your career path. Elizabeth shares personal stories from her journey—including moving cou...

How do you go from being a translator to leading global programs? In this episode of PM Therapy, we sit down with Raquel Narvajas, a Global Program Director, to explore her unconventional career journey. Raquel shares the pivotal moments that shaped her path, the challenges she faced climbing the PM ladder, and the invisible struggles that come with leadership. From imposter syndrome to navigating...

Ever wonder why your application gets rejected within minutes? Or what recruiters actually look for in a resume? In this episode of PM Therapy , we pull back the curtain on the hiring process with Lindsay Cohen , an experienced recruiter who shares insider knowledge on what really happens behind the scenes. From navigating job applications to nailing interviews and salary negotiations, Lindsay bre...

AI is changing the game in project management—but should PMs be worried or excited? In this episode of PM Therapy , we sit down with Lloyd Skinner to explore how AI is reshaping the PM landscape. From automating tasks to providing better decision-making insights, AI has the potential to enhance productivity—but it also raises big questions about job security and the future of the role. If you’ve b...

Transitioning from a project management role to an executive position can feel like an uphill battle. How do you break through career ceilings, build influence, and navigate challenges like burnout and imposter syndrome? And for PM moms, how do you balance career growth with family responsibilities?  In this episode, we sit down with Samantha Wallace, Director at AstraZeneca and Founder of reMom,...

Job hunting as a Project Manager can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to navigate it alone. In this special AMA session, PM career coach, Treasure Akiokpo, joins us to answer your biggest questions about landing a high-paying PM role. We cover everything from standing out in a crowded job market to preparing for interviews, making career transitions, and overcoming common job search struggles....

Your personal brand is your superpower, but where do you start? In this episode, we talk with Allison Peck, a career development advisor and PM influencer, who shares her expert strategies for growing your brand, engaging your audience, and even going viral on social media. Whether you're looking to boost your LinkedIn presence or establish yourself as a thought leader, this episode is packed with...

Job hunting for a $100K-$300K project management role can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone! In this AMA in Job search Series, we sit down with PM industry experts for an Ask Me Anything (AMA) session, tackling the biggest challenges project managers face in their job search. Whether you're struggling with applications, interviews, or career transitions, this episode is packed wi...

Freelancing as a project manager offers flexibility, independence, and unlimited growth potential—but where do you start? In this episode, we sit down with Kayla McGuire, founder of Kayla McGuire Consulting, to dive into the world of freelancing & consulting for PMs. Kayla shares her journey from traditional employment to freelancing and consulting, breaking down step-by-step how to break into...

The PMP exam is a game-changer for project managers, but preparing for it can feel overwhelming. In this episode, we talk with Gabor Stramb, a seasoned PMP coach, who shares his proven framework for mastering the PMP in just 8 weeks. From effective study techniques to avoiding common pitfalls, this episode is full of practical advice to help you achieve PMP success.🎯 What You'll Learn in This Epi...