The Feisty Project Podcast

In the final episode of their second podcast season, hosts reflect on two years of conversations, focusing on a significant topic in their manifesto: leading with fire. Amber shares a personal story about a childhood experience with a demanding summer camp that instilled in them a perfectionistic drive. This compulsion, born out of a trauma response, led to a complex dance with feistiness. They ex...

In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the importance of acknowledging and learning from mistakes in leadership. Amber shares her experience of teaching an asynchronous course and the challenges of connecting with students remotely. She shares insights into her struggles with ego and perfectionism early in her career and highlights how owning her missteps has become a cornerstone of her leader...

In this episode, the hosts delve into the concept of undiluted, authentic leadership. They discuss personal experiences in different climates, metaphorically connecting them to the 'heat' leaders may face in their roles. The conversation emphasizes embracing one's true identity and not succumbing to pressures that demand conformity. As the co-hosts break down the 'feisty manifesto,' they highlight...

In this intriguing episode, the hosts celebrate their 50th podcast milestone while revisiting the topic of DEI, a subject touched upon in their very first episode. They discuss the transformation in societal attitudes toward diversity, equity, and inclusion from 2024 to 2026. The hosts delve into the complexity of embracing differences in an increasingly polarized world. By sharing personal experi...

In this poignant podcast episode, the speaker shares a personal story about a moment of profound disruption with a family member. Faced with harsh judgments about their parenting and their children's worth, the speaker makes a tough choice. They decide to set a boundary, prioritizing self-respect and love for their children and themselves over maintaining a toxic relationship. This conversation un...

In this podcast episode, the hosts delve into the intricate dynamics of receiving and processing feedback. They share personal stories to illustrate the emotional impact feedback can have and emphasize the concept of feedback as a choice. Rather than seeing it as a definitive judgment, feedback can be a mirror, reflecting what we might not see and challenging us to grow. The conversation offers in...

In this podcast episode, hosts discuss the importance of emotional intelligence (EQ) in leadership. They argue that true leadership goes beyond authority, highlighting engagement and influence as key components. Emotional intelligence is presented as a transformative skill, not a 'soft skill,' but rather a 'power skill' that enhances respect and trust. The conversation delves into the complexity o...

In this episode, the hosts delve into the often underestimated power of silence in leadership. A compelling personal story unfolds, where silence during a confrontation taught invaluable lessons about presence, ego, and empathy. Instead of reacting defensively, the speaker embraced silence, allowing space for reflection and growth. This moment reshaped her understanding of leadership, demonstratin...

In this podcast episode, Amber and Martin delve into the insights of the 'Feisty Manifesto', focusing particularly on the idea that 'worth is not a reward'. They explore personal journeys from workaholism to finding inherent self-worth, emphasizing that true value lies not in achievements but in recognizing one's intrinsic value. Through personal anecdotes and metaphors of team collaboration, nota...

In this podcast episode, the hosts delve into the first principle of the Feisty Manifesto—'I am not here to play small.' They discuss the journey of finding one's voice and using it with clarity, compassion, and conviction. Through personal anecdotes, the conversation explores experiences of being underestimated, the impact of gendered environments, and the continuous journey of self-discovery. Th...

In this podcast episode, Amber and Martin discuss the origins and meaning behind the Feisty Manifesto. Inspired by her professional journey and the Agile Manifesto, Amber creates her own set of tenets to guide her personal and professional life. Feisty, originally a name for Amber's signature spice blend, evolves into a philosophy about having grounded courage, harnessing fear with curiosity, and...

This episode delves into the complex world of bias and integrity in project management. Amber and Martin explore how personal values and biases can influence project decisions, especially when dealing with controversial topics like armaments or sex toys. They emphasize the importance of understanding stakeholder biases without marginalizing them. Key insights include the role of bias as a unique p...

In this podcast episode, an intriguing discussion unfolds around the non-traditional paths taken by Azure, the child of one of the hosts, who shares their experience of living with family and challenging societal expectations. The conversation highlights the common North American belief that young adults should move out by 18 and pursue a linear educational and career path. Azure provides insight...

In this episode, the hosts explore the concept of uncertainty in both personal and professional contexts. Amber shares her journey from seeking absolute certainty to embracing ambiguity, especially in her role as a project manager. The discussion delves into project management tools like agile and plan-do-act cycles, highlighting their role in creating a sense of certainty in the unknown. The host...

This podcast episode delves into the unique initiative of a global podcast-a-thon, where hosts discuss the profound impact of Oak Bay Volunteer Services Society. Executive Director Kara shares the significance of the organization's history and community-focused mission, illustrating how volunteers engage directly with those in need. With ties to Royal Roads, known for its connection to pop culture...

In this podcast episode, the hosts dive into the complexities of workplace dynamics, focusing on the balance between respect and pettiness. They explore the importance of acknowledging human experiences, such as menstruation, in professional settings. The conversation touches upon the discomfort some male colleagues might feel discussing topics traditionally deemed 'unprofessional.' The hosts argu...

In this podcast episode, Amber discusses the ongoing struggle of dealing with cords in a wireless era, expressing frustration at the tangled mess of wiring even in modern spaces and setups. The hosts then transition into a conversation about public speaking, focusing on the unexpected challenges speakers face. Amber shares personal experiences of speaking engagements that didn’t go as planned, emp...

In this episode, the conversation begins with a light-hearted discussion on surfing and ocean swimming, diving into the topic of personal and professional preparation for change, particularly looking ahead to 2026. Amber shares insights on the importance of focusing energy effectively to not become overwhelmed by inevitable changes. They discuss the significance of consistency and intentionality i...

In this podcast episode, Amber and Martin discuss the evolving role of AI in project management, focusing on advancements up to early 2026. They explore PMI's use of AI through PMI Infinity, a proprietary LLM that compiles vast data and historical knowledge from the project management field. Amber stresses the inevitability of change and the importance of adopting AI to remain relevant in the indu...

In this episode, Martin and Amber revisit a conversation about their past experiences, focusing on Amber's transition from a volunteer manager in a religious organization to a dedicated professional in project management. Thirteen years ago, Amber was managing large-scale events with hundreds of volunteers, a role that prepared her for a career as a project manager. Despite initial disillusionment...

In this podcast episode, the speakers explore the concept of commitments within project environments and the impact of individual perceptions on meeting deadlines. They discuss the distinction between negotiables and non-negotiables in team deliverables, emphasizing the challenges of managing different personalities. The speakers reflect on their own experiences with timeliness, highlighting how p...

In this podcast episode, hosts Amber and Martin discuss the evolving nature of leadership roles within organizations. The conversation touches upon the shift from traditional management roles to a coaching-focused approach, citing examples such as WD40's decision to replace 'managers' with 'coaches.' The duo explores the implications of this shift on workplace culture and engagement, challenging t...

This podcast episode explores the concept of gratitude as a powerful practice for leaders and individuals. The hosts discuss how gratitude can redefine success by focusing on everyday micro moments rather than waiting for major achievements. They explore the difference between peak performance and optimized effort, emphasizing how gratitude helps us accept the best we can give on any given day. Th...

The podcast episode discusses the importance of confronting workplace conflicts instead of just trying to 'get over it.' They emphasize that unresolved issues linger and can affect current and future situations. They stress that the only way to truly overcome challenges is by going through them, not avoiding them. This process often requires support from others, such as mentors, coaches, or friend...

In this podcast episode, the hosts delve into the crucial role of team charters in fostering successful collaboration and trust. They discuss the importance of setting clear communication boundaries and how team charters provide an opportunity for team members to agree on expectations, ultimately leading to better teamwork. The conversation underscores that while project charters are important, te...