The Project Chatter Podcast

Most data scientists have never touched a project. Yash Desai looked at the project controls world through the data first, and what he found says a lot about why this industry lags behind others on AI. In Episode 220, Dale is joined by returning co-host Martin and first-time guest Yash Desai, Head of Data and AI at Movar Reply, for a practical conversation on where data, AI and robotics actually f...

88% of project schedules don't follow best practice. So why are we so keen to feed that data into AI and trust the output? In this episode, Dale and Val are joined by Michael Pink, Founder of SmartPM, for a sharp conversation on the forensic side of delay and the state of AI in project controls. Mike has analysed hundreds of thousands of schedules and built a career on working out who delayed what...

Top of his MBA class at the University of Bath, technically sharp, and still firing out 20 to 30 applications a day with little to show for it. Nick Chizuka joins Dale and Val for an honest conversation about what it takes to land a role in project controls and consulting right now, and why the rise of AI has made the graduate market tougher than it was even a year ago. It is a candid look at the...

Dale and Val are joined by Lisa Silander, Global Practice and UK Technical Lead for Project Controls at AtkinsRéalis. With 30 years leading planning and project controls teams across aviation, rail, water, manufacturing, and nuclear, Lisa has shaped delivery on some of the UK's most demanding capital programmes including Heathrow Terminal 5, Heathrow Q6, the Heathrow Expansion Project, Thames...

We recently hosted the Controls and Skills Authority Digital Community of Practice Fight Night in Birmingham. This lively panel debate explores the impact of AI on project delivery, jobs, and industry practices. Experts challenge the notion that AI is just a tool or a threat, examining cultural, technical, and structural factors shaping AI adoption in construction and beyond. 3 Fights Culture is t...

In this episode, Isabela Parisio, a legal expert in AI regulation, shares insights on the challenges and opportunities of regulating artificial intelligence. Topics include regulatory sandboxes, definitions of AI, accountability, privacy, military applications, and the future of AI governance. Key Topics Regulatory sandboxes for AI testing Definitions and scope of AI Accountability and liability i...

In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Val and Dale welcome Atif Ansar, co-founder of Foresight, to discuss the rapidly evolving world of data centers. Atif shares insights on the explosive growth and increasing complexity of data centers, highlighting the challenges related to energy supply, skilled labor, and technology redundancy. The conversation explores the role of AI in enhancing d...

In this episode, project delivery expert Dave Lockley shares insights on transforming complex change portfolios into measurable business value, the pitfalls of watermelon projects, and how technology can improve project transparency and decision-making. Key Topics Watermelon projects and transparency The role of technology and AI in project management Leadership and decision-making in projects Cha...

In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Dale engages with Rod Whiting, a seasoned expert in project controls, who shares his extensive journey in the field since 1983. Rod discusses the evolution of project controls, emphasizing the importance of a project control-friendly culture within organizations. He highlights how understanding and valuing project controls can significantly impact pr...

In this episode of Project Chatter, hosts Dale and Val welcome Vincent Marsicano, CEO of Adopt It, to discuss the intersection of change management and technology. Vincent shares his unique background, which includes a PhD in physics and extensive experience in change management, emphasizing the importance of human-centered leadership in navigating organizational change. The conversation delves in...

Dale flies solo (briefly!) to close out 2025 and welcomes first-time podcast guest Becky Holliday - a project manager turned health coach . Becky shares how redundancy in October 2023 became the catalyst for a career pivot, and why she now helps busy professionals (especially women) build sustainable health habits. Val drops in mid-episode and the conversation expands into discipline vs motivation...

In this episode, Dale Foong discusses the fascinating world of reality capture with expert Derek Lawrence. They explore Derek's journey into the field, the various applications of reality capture in project management, and the integration of AI in this technology. The conversation also delves into the barriers to adoption, real-world use cases, and the future of reality capture, including its...

In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Val and Dale welcome Kevin O'Grady, a director at Cognitive, who shares his extensive experience in project management, particularly in the built environment. The conversation delves into the practical applications of blockchain technology in construction, the importance of carbon tracking, and the emerging role of sustainable aviation fuel. Kevi...

In this episode, Val and Dale engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Jo Lucas, exploring the evolving dynamics of insourcing versus outsourcing in organizations. Jo shares insights from her extensive experience, discussing the importance of human connection, decision-making, and the role of AI in modern workplaces. The discussion delves into the challenges and opportunities of insourcing,...

In this episode, Val and Dale engage with Professor Eddie Obeng to explore the multifaceted implications of AI in today's world. They discuss the hype surrounding AI, its potential benefits and challenges in various sectors, particularly healthcare and governance. The conversation emphasizes the importance of human elements in technology, the need for a balanced perspective on AI's role in...

In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, hosts Val and Dale engage with Riccardo Cosentino to explore the unique aspects of the REM project in Canada, a public-private partnership (PPP) model that has garnered attention for its innovative funding and governance structure. Riccardo shares insights into the project's background, the role of the Quebec pension fund as a project sponsor, and th...

In this episode, the hosts delve into the transformative role of AI in project management, discussing its evolution, practical applications, and the challenges of adoption. They explore the emergence of AI agents, their impact on consulting, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI integration in the workplace. The conversation also touches on the future of work, organisational changes, and t...

In this episode of the Project Chatter Podcast, Dale and Martin are joined by John Ryan, a seasoned project director and construction technology leader, to discuss the intricacies of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM). John shares his extensive background in engineering and project management, emphasising the importance of understanding both capital expenditure (CapEx) and operational expenditure...

In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Dale speaks with Micah Piippo, a leading voice in construction planning and scheduling. They discuss the evolving role of AI in project management, the importance of understanding the fundamentals of scheduling, and how to effectively review and validate schedules without getting lost in the details. Micah shares insights on common mistakes in projec...

In this episode, Barry Hilton, a renowned South African comedian, shares his journey through comedy and mental health. He discusses the importance of vulnerability, humor, and resilience in addressing mental health issues. Barry emphasizes the need for open conversations about mental health, recognizing signs of distress, and the cultural differences in how mental health is perceived. He also high...

Proudly sponsored by Deltek.com In this episode, the hosts celebrate their 200th episode with guest Chirag Shah, discussing the evolving job market, the impact of AI, and the importance of networking and mentorship in career growth. They explore the expectations of candidates in today's market, the significance of soft skills, and the balance between work and personal life. The conversation em...

Proudly sponsored by Deltek. In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, hosts discuss the implications of AI in project management and construction. Doug Vincent shares insights on how AI can be demystified for clients, its potential in industry innovation, and the challenges faced in education regarding AI integration. The conversation explores practical applications of AI, the importance of...

Proudly sponsored by Deltek . In this engaging podcast episode, the hosts introduce their guest, Michael Reinders, who shares his journey into project management and PMO. The conversation explores the evolution of PMO roles, the importance of change management, and the future trends impacting the workforce. The hosts and guests discuss strategies for engaging younger generations in PMO roles, emph...

This episode proudly sponsored by Deltek. n this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Dale and Martin welcome Seyi Daniyan, a project risk manager, who shares her career journey from chemical engineering to risk management. The conversation explores the importance of attracting young talent to the field, the fundamental concepts of risk management, and the skills necessary for success in this p...

This episode is proudly sponsored by Deltek. In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Dale speaks with Ian Quick about his extensive journey in project management, particularly focusing on the concept of alliancing. Ian shares his experiences transitioning from engineering to project management, the importance of collaboration and culture in successful alliances, and the role of leadership...