The Digital Project Manager

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 lea...

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 dynami...

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 lo...

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 workfo...

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...

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 sha...

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 Fr...

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,...

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 exp...

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 negotia...

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 appro...

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...

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 real...

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 indus...

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...

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...

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 b...

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 unl...

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 partn...

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 w...

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 An...

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 e...

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 influencin...

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 late...

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 whe...