Lifelong Learning Podcast series

More than 90 certifications and over 500 Accredited Training Organizations as well as hundreds of thousands of candidates regularly engage and communicate with APMG on a daily basis. In Lifelong Learning: Implementing Best Practice in Business we reveal insights, perspectives and valuable advice from some of the most respected members of our global community.

Organisations invest in best practice in areas such as project and programme management, business relationships, change, cyber security, governance, IT and more, but often don’t reap the benefits. Listen to APMG’s CEO, Richard Pharro, speak to a range of senior leaders and practitioners who share lessons learned through implementation and offer practical advice that can be applied by anyone to improve their work processes.

Whether you're on the train, in the car, doing spreadsheets in the office or relaxing with a cup of coffee - listen in to these fascinating industry experts and learn how you can add value to your organisation starting today

In this episode, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG, speaks with Steve Jenner, a global authority on benefits and portfolio management. Known as the "Rottweiler of Benefits Management," Steve shares his expertise on how organisations can better prioritise and manage project portfolios.

He explains the importance of "doing the right projects, at the right time, in the right way," and how to avoid common pitfalls like resource constraints and "zombie" projects.

Steve also introduces the concept of "strategic buckets" to help compare and prioritise projects.

Packed with practical insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in optimising project portfolios.

Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, talks with Mike Battistella, President and CTO of Solutions3, about common cybersecurity misconceptions.

Mike highlights that passing a compliance audit is just the starting point, not a guarantee of long-term security. He emphasises the importance of continuous improvement and integrating security into everyday operations; where cybersecurity is seen as essential, not just a technical requirement.

Listen in to discover why cybersecurity is more than just compliance.

In this episode, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, engages in a comprehensive discussion with Terry Neal, distinguished expert in AI and cybersecurity training.

They begin by defining AI as a machine’s ability to perform tasks requiring human intelligence. Richard and Terry then explore the AI Practitioner Program, which combines courses for AI engineers and marketeers. Terry emphasises AI’s role in enhancing productivity and job creation, urging skills development in prompt engineering, data analysis, and human-AI collaboration.

They also discuss the risks of generative AI like cybercrime and deep fakes, stressing the need for responsible governance.

Gain insights into AI’s impact on society and the workforce in this transformative episode.

Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, is joined by Robert den Broeder, managing director of OBM Dynamics B.V. and a seasoned coach and trainer, who shares his insights on the vital role of human behaviour in achieving management excellence. He discusses how Organizational Behavior Management (OBM) addresses business challenges related to safety, compliance, quality, and productivity by focusing on behavioural aspects.

Robert explains the impact of KPIs, SLAs, and XLAs on performance and customer satisfaction, emphasising the importance of understanding and influencing behaviour to foster a positive organisational culture. He highlights the need for leaders to recognise behavioural motivations and implement effective interventions to drive desired outcomes.

Tune in to discover how OBM principles can transform leadership practices, enhance employee engagement, and improve customer experiences. Learn practical tips for developing leadership skills, setting clear behavioural expectations, and reinforcing positive actions to create a motivated and productive workforce.

Richard Pharro, CEO of AMPG International, explores the complex and ever-evolving nature of change management training with Karla Micallef, newly elected global president chair of the board for the Change Management Institute.

Karla provides insights on raising the strategic profile of change management and underscores the importance of building change capability and maturity within organisations, as well as the critical role of leadership in effective change management and the evolution of change management training.

Karla emphasises that leaders are pivotal in either facilitating or hindering successful change initiatives. She also highlights the growing demand for agile methodologies and the necessity for organisations to adapt their training approaches accordingly, particularly in our complex world of remote work and digital transformation.

Tune in to gain pragmatic insights on how organisations can better navigate the complexities of change management in today's dynamic environment.

Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, delves into the future of IT service management with Anthony Orr, expert ITSM consultant and hypnotherapist.

They delve into the impact of SLAs on organisational behaviour, exploring both their benefits and shortcomings. Through thought-provoking questions, Richard prompts Anthony towards the broader implications of service excellence and the importance of understanding service value from a customer-centric perspective.

Anthony explores the industry shift from service level agreements (SLAs) to experience level agreements (XLAs), and the profound impact of customer-focus on organisational success.

Tune in to gain invaluable insights into the complexities of ITSM and customer engagement.

Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, delves into organisational change and agility with Sarah Hills, Change expert and Founder of Carpe Omnia Training.

They discuss the importance of behavioural shifts, emphasising trust and openness in client relationships. Sarah's consulting approach prioritises understanding current organisational behaviours before delivering tailored training solutions.

They explore the delicate balance between agility and anarchy, and the role of visible sponsorship in driving successful projects.

Tune in for actionable insights on navigating change and fostering agility within organisations.

Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, speaks with Tibisay Vera, neuroscientist, and creator of the PEPE model – Neuroscience for Change.

We explore Tibi’s extensive experience in change management, her research into neuroscience, and how an understanding of brain behaviour enhances leadership effectiveness amidst the backdrop of today’s dynamic work environments.

Richard and Tibi turn the spotlight on the groundbreaking PEPE model – a neuroscience-based framework - dissecting each domain: “Pain, Energy, Peaks and Valleys”, and ways to navigate change positively.

The discussion extends to the nuanced terrain of organisational culture, psychological safety, and the age-old question of resilience across generations.

Listen in to gain invaluable insights and revolutionise your approach to leadership and change management.

Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, speaks to Eileen Roden, Director & Co-Founder of House of PMO.

Richard and Eileen start the episode by delving into the pivotal role of Project Management Offices (PMOs) in today's Project Economy business landscape. They next explore PMOs' ability to streamline project delivery, tackle optimism bias, and enhance decision-making through evidence-based approaches.

The discussion extends to integrated PMO models in government settings, senior management support, and the emergence of PMO directors at Board level. Eileen shares her insights on portfolio management's evolution and the imperative for PMO directors to balance project demands with business-as-usual operations.

Listen in to gain invaluable insights and elevate your proficiency in modern project management practices.

Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG International, engages in a dynamic conversation with Liz Herman, elected Vice President of the Society for Technical Communication.

Together, they explore the profound impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on technical communicators,emphasizing the Society's commitment to supporting members through technological shifts. Liz passionately advocates for human collaboration with AI, coining technical writers as "co-pilots" and highlighting the significance of creative thinking skills.

The discussion delves into professional development, addressing challenges like remote work and celebrating the pivotal role of in-person conferences. Amidst reflections on the Society's 70th anniversary, Liz emphasizes sustainability and stability, acknowledging the ongoing support needed in the face of pandemic-induced changes.

As the episode concludes, Liz underscores the Society's role in nurturing a community of technicalcommunicators, weaving together human connections and optimism for the future.

Join Richard and Liz on this compelling journey through the evolving realm of technical communication and the delicate balance between human ingenuity and artificial intelligence.

In this episode, APMG International CEO Richard Pharro hosts a discussion with thought leaders Melanie Franklin and Andrew Craddock on the evolution of Agile Project Management.

They explore its impact on businesses, cultural transformation, and the extension of Agile beyond IT. Melanie, a Change Management expert, and Andrew, a prominent figure in Agile, share insights on project delivery complexities, agility fostering, and the significance of cultural change.

The episode covers Agile's origins, its principles, certifications, collaboration, and communication. Richard, Melanie and Andrew also discuss integrating Scrum in non-software projects, AI's influence on Agile Change Management, and the evolving roles in an AI-driven work environment. This dynamic episode highlights the convergence of Agile and Change Management, driving innovation and reshaping the future of work and organizational dynamics.

Listen in to this compelling discussion with thought leaders Melanie Franklin and Andrew Craddock, exploring the transformative impact of Agile methodologies, Change Management, and emerging technologies on businesses worldwide.