Step into the raw world of project management with Episode 2 of "The Hard Knock University Podcast" titled "Navigating the Uncharted: Lessons from the Trenches." In this episode, host Mark Caples takes you on a journey through one of his most challenging projects, providing seven invaluable lessons for project managers and enthusiasts alike. Episode Highlights: Story Time: Dive into a real-life tale from "The Hard Knock School Of Project Management" where Mark recounts a daunting Texas renovation project. From language barriers to managing diverse stakeholders, learn how he navigated this project from a $162K budget to an unexpected $217K and from 18 weeks to 11 months. 7 Hard Lessons Learned: You're Always Uncomfortable - Embrace the unknown in project management. You'll Rarely Have All the Answers - Navigate through uncertainty with confidence. Feeling Like the 'Bad Guy' - Understand the tough decisions that come with leadership. Managing People Over Tasks - The human element is often the real challenge. Success Goes Unnoticed - The unsung hero role of a project manager. Translating for Everyone - The art of clear communication across all levels. Best Plans Will Fall Apart - Adaptability is key when plans meet reality. Book of the Week: We review "Trillion Dollar Coach" by Eric Schmidt, exploring how the principles of coaching can revolutionize project management leadership. Discover how to cultivate trust, foster team unity, and adapt your leadership to individual team members for better project outcomes. Exclusive Interview: Meet Johnny Buonadonna, who went from crime fighting to project management. Hear how his unique background shapes his approach to managing projects, and tackle a fun, hypothetical challenge: How to start a contracting company with just $100 and a truck. Interactive Challenge: Join the conversation! Share your strategies for the challenge or discuss your most uncomfortable project experience. Engage with us on social media or via email for a chance to be featured in future episodes. Timestamps: 0:00 - Opening Jingle & Episode 1 Recap 3:00 - Navigating the Uncharted: Story and Lessons 18:00 - Book Review: "Trillion Dollar Coach" 25:00 - Interview with Johnny Buonadonna 40:00 - Hypothetical Challenge Discussion 45:00 - Conclusion & Episode 3 Preview Why Watch? Gain practical insights from real-world project management experiences. Learn leadership lessons that transcend the project management field. Connect with a community passionate about growth through adversity. Join us on this educational journey where every hard knock is a lesson in resilience and innovation. Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes that teach, inspire, and challenge your approach to project management.

Dive into the inaugural episode of "The Hard Knock University Podcast," where host Mark Caples introduces listeners to a unique blend of project management wisdom from his book, "The Hard Knock School Of Project Management." This episode sets the stage for what's to come, offering an overview of the podcast's structure, what listeners can expect, and a deep dive into the essentials of project management. Learn about the Triple Constraint, stakeholder management, and how to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. Mark also introduces the "Book of the Week," "Becoming Bulletproof" by Evy Poumpouras, and teases upcoming guests. Whether you're new to project management or a seasoned pro, this episode is your foundation for mastering the art of managing projects through real-world insights and hard knocks. Join the conversation, send in your questions, and become part of the Hard Knock community.