The Project Chatter Podcast

In this week’s pod, we were joined by Eoin Condren to discuss "Building with Conscience: Cement's Eco Dilemma"! Eoin is corporate development director at Ecocem, in charge of the strategic structuring of the business to allow it to take advantage of the many opportunities that it currently has in front of it. He’s been with the company 2.5 years. His background is in finance and he s...

Dale and Val meet in person for the first time (ever) on the show to get deep and dirty on how simplification can or will save projects from themselves. We've all been on complex and complicated projects, but some times simple efficiencies can be found in the most obvious of places. Paul is part of the Jacobs Major Project and Programs Group with over 20 years’ experience in Controls; 15 of wh...

In this episode the boys talk to Sarah Crawley about the barriers to technology adoption on construction projects. Organisations play a really big part in the sense of they need to recognise that they need multiple stakeholders to input their knowledge and there needs to be a movement in capturing data that really matters not to keep other people in jobs or it's a tick box exercise according to Sa...

In this episode the fellas talk about the role and future of the newPM and explore how Project Managers will move toward a data-centric project environment and just what does that men for project delivery? Donne and Jonathan are approaching this differently, they are focusing on the human centred approach, and in a world of tech, gadgets and information, perhaps this is what projects really need?...

In this episode, Dale and (Martin) stepped in to talk with long-time colleague Joe Little about the value and importance of the project management approach for major signalling rail programs. Unlike other fields of project management CBTC or Communication Based Train Control systems present unique challenges for project managers, often dealing with the pressure of fixed and digital asset delivery...

In this episode, Dale and Val talk to Rob about the hidden methods, approaches and systems of a post-production world. Whilst it's not our normal 'bread and butter' the amazing world of production is opened up and the synergies between our world and theirs. Rob started his career in Media, like so many others, as a Runner. He moved into project managing the Post Production of films after a few yea...

In this episode Dale and Val talk with Rupert about the next generation of PMO, how important the facets of PMO are and why we need to continue to build out these particular skills on projects. Rupert has over 35 years immersed in the leadership of change programmes and portfolios. Rupert founded Kivue Limited in 2013 responding to the need for a simple to use, outcome focussed PPM tool for optimi...

In this week’s pod, we were joined by Richard Medcalf to discuss making time for strategy. Richard Medcalf describes himself as "what you get if you were to put a McKinsey consultant, a slightly unorthodox pastor and an entrepreneur into a blender". He is the founder of Xquadrant and a trusted advisor to exceptional CEOs and entrepreneurs, and their leadership teams. The main topics we d...

In this episode Dale and Val talk to the infamous Greg Lawton about the impact of AI and how it may be used, abused and help enhance our cognitive abilities for real-world practical application. Greg does an incredible job of making us understand the simplicities and subtle notions that may provide the biggest increase in service support, innovation and climate. How might AI be the driver of the c...

Welcome to another exciting episode! In this edition, Dale engages in a captivating conversation with Michael Lepage & Chirag Shah, discussing the fascinating realm of planning, both in its current state and its future trajectory. While Val sadly couldn't be present, the discussion with Michael provides a wealth of insights on the disruptive nature of technology in the industry and the ess...

In this episode Dale speaks to Steve Wake, Christine McLean and Eddie Obeng to bring you a bitesize episode from the EVA28 conference. The key themes emerging from the various presenters were on how we actively seek to change the way we deliver projects. The mindset we need to apply rather than the toolset, and also the fact that we should think about what problems our solutions are creating. Prou...

In this episode, Dale, Martin and Val explore the hype and ethics of such technology as Chat GPT. How can we use this for leveraging in projects, or are we all doomed? We explore the exciting times now and ahead related to AI and associated technologies. There has been a lot of signs and outreach by known people in the field that we should be careful and even slow down our race towards AI. is this...

In this week’s pod, we were joined by Micah Piippo to discuss Planning Projects: Past, Present & Future. Micah has spent the last 14 years in Project Controls. While he's performed a wide variety of roles, his passion and main focus is Planning and Scheduling. During his career he's tore down nuclear facilities, built large ferries, built data centers all over the world and more recent...

In this week’s pod, we were joined by Ellen Mellington to discuss Streamlining Operations with Agile Controls: The Key to Business-As-Usual Performance. As a transformation and governance leader Ellen has delivered change portfolios and major projects in transport, healthcare and environment sectors. Having direct exposure to the challenges faced financially, culturally and commercially in deliver...

In this week’s pod, we were joined by Shane Forth to discuss Navigating the Project Control Landscape: A Journey Through the Decades and Beyond. Shane’s project controls career began on Phillips Petroleum Teesside Oil Terminal, a 1970s mega-project. Aged 20, he learnt the fundamentals of scheduling using manual techniques. Career progression followed with three further mega-projects worth tens of...

In this week’s pod, we were re-joined by Hezron Ricketts to discuss Box to Box: the 'Black' boxes of Controls and Systems. Director of PMO Services at CPC Project Services, Hezron has 19 years working in Projects and Programmes as well as building a consultancy business and business units. Working across the construction, rail, defence to name a few, he enjoys the challenge of delivery and the imp...

In this week’s pod, we were joined by Christine McLean to discuss EQ, IQ, and MQ: Unlocking the Power of Softer Skills Christine is the newly elected president of the ACostE, the professional home for project controls. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the utilities, oil and gas and nuclear sectors. She gained her fellowship in 2018 and is a certified cost engineer. Two years ago...

In this week’s pod, we welcomed back Alan Mosca to discuss AI in Project Controls – Separating fact from fiction. Alan is the co-founder and CTO of nPlan, where he leads technology, research, and product, whilst developing thought leadership about forecasting and risk. Before nPlan, Alan spent 7 years as a technologist in quantitative finance, on live trading systems, research, and front-office in...

Welcome to this week's episode of the Project Chatter Podcast! In this episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Jeff Quantrill and Jordan Cannon to discuss how to maximise efficiency with NEC cross-functional processes. Jeff brings 15 years of experience in enterprise IT services with IBM, and has recently delved into the AEC sector with PM Information Systems. He has a wealth of experien...

In this episode Dale and Val talk with Susanne Madsen about the value of leadership, the skills and tactics for successful emotional intelligence, as well as how to navigate stress in the post COVID project environment. Susanne Madsen is an internationally recognised leadership coach and mentor for project and change managers. She has partnered and founded the Project Leadership Institute , which...

In this week’s pod, we were joined by Paul Waskett to discuss Project Controls in design and engineering stages. Paul is a Director of Adept Management where he takes responsibility for the development of their Project Controls tools and services, as well as supporting clients and projects across the construction industry. Since 2014, Paul has been supporting two major rail projects. He is a Mecha...

In this week’s pod, we were joined by Tony Welch to discuss the five levers for change. Following a career in the Royal Navy, Tony has had a wide and varied career in industry, rooted in project controls, assurance and programme management. He has operated at the senior executive level and has a track record of business/programme turnarounds, transformational change and performance improvement. Mi...

In this week’s pod, we welcomed back Paul Goodge to discuss why we’re bad at promoting the industry. Paul is internationally regarded as a Programme Management and Change Management specialist. He is noted for his ability to swiftly and accurately diagnose issues and evolve solutions both from a technical and a behavioural point of view. In all of his most senior roles he successfully implemented...

In this week’s pod, we welcomed Dr Alan Barnard to discuss the theory of constraints & decision-making. Dr. Alan Barnard is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, strategy advisor, research scientist, app developer, author, coach, lecturer, podcaster, and lifelong learner. Alan is considered one of the world’s leading Decision Scientists and Theory of Constraints experts. Alan is the CEO of Goldratt...

In this week’s pod, we welcomed Rita Arrigo to discuss AI in Infrastructure and how it is going to change our cities. As a natural storyteller excited by the opportunities the tech world brings, Rita can translate complex technical ideas across the ‘IT divide’ to those less tech-minded, an enthusiastic advocate and sought-after speaker for many years on all thing's innovation and digital. The main...