In this final episode, we continue our conversation with Dawn Mahan, author of Meet the Players in Projectland®️. Dawn discusses the critical role of team leads in project management, how agile and servant leadership philosophies make an appearance in her book, and how the role of project managers has evolved. She emphasizes the importance of embracing agile skills, thriving in a virtual environment, and becoming a coach to your team. As a sponsor and speaker at the upcoming Indoor Recess Summit, Dawn brings even more value and wisdom. Don’t miss her appearance at this exciting event.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Role of Team Leads: Team leads play a vital role in mentoring, guiding, and ensuring project
2. Agile and Servant Leadership: Dawn explores agile methodologies and servant leadership in her book.
3. The Evolution of Project Managers: Today’s project managers must embrace agile skills, work efficiently in virtual environments, and step into the role of a coach.
4. Dawn’s Advice to Her Younger Self: Lessons learned over the years and reflections on what Dawn would tell her younger self.
5. What Dawn Would Do If Money Were No Object: Dawn shares her personal dreams and passions, offering a unique glimpse into her ambitions.

Resources:

• Guest's Book: Meet the Players in Projectland®️ by Dawn Mahan
• Indoor Recess®️ Summit: Event Details and Registration
• Connect with Dawn Mahan: LinkedIn, Website

Call to Action:

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Dawn Mahan | LinkedIn: in/dawnmahan/ | Website: https://www.pmotraining.com/ | Email: ⁠dmahan@pmotraining.com | The book: https://a.co/d/0gtE1sjl

In this episode, we continue our conversation with Dawn Mahan, author of Meet the Players in Projectland. Dawn discusses the avatars in her book, "Evil Sponsor," behaviors, and why she chose a tiger as the avatar for the project manager. You also get to hear Dawn’s sage advice for effective stakeholder communication.

Key Takeaways:

1. Avatars in Meet the Players in Projectland:
   • Introduction to the avatars and their significance in the book.
   • Detailed discussion on the sponsor's role and the "Evil Sponsor" behaviors to avoid.
2. The Tiger Avatar for Project Managers:
   • Why Dawn chose a tiger to represent project managers.
   • Dig into the chapter of the Project Manager to learn about effective project management.
3. Sage Advice from Dawn:
   • Strategies for improving stakeholder communication.
   • Dawn’s advice on ensuring your message is heard: "If you're tired of hearing yourself talk, your stakeholders are just now hearing you."

Dawn Mahan | LinkedIn: in/dawnmahan/ | Website: https://www.pmotraining.com/ | Email: ⁠dmahan@pmotraining.com | The book: https://a.co/d/0gtE1sjl

In this episode, we welcome Dawn Mahan, an experienced project manager dedicated to helping project people succeed. Dawn shares her journey working with project management newbies and "heart-centered" leaders, leading up to the creation of her seminal book, Meet the Players of Projectland. This is the first part of a four-part series where Dawn discusses her career, the motivation behind her book, and why it's an essential read for those new to project management or struggling with stakeholder engagement.

Key Takeaways:

1. Dawn's Career Journey:
   • Dawn’'s experiences and milestones in project management.
   • How working with newbies and heart-centered leaders shaped her approach.
2. Inspiration Behind the Book:
   • The story and motivation for writing Meet the Players of Projectland.
   • Insights into the challenges faced by new project managers and mentors.
3. Target Audience for the Book:
   • Why the book is invaluable for aspiring project managers.
   • How it helps those struggling with stakeholder engagement.

In the final part of our series, Lori shares her pet peeves in project management and her experiences as a hiring manager. We talk about the value of small career pivots and provide tips on how to be a resource to your mentors, all within the context of today's tough job market.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Small Pivots vs. Big Leaps: Embracing small career pivots can be less daunting and equally effective in achieving career growth.
2. Hiring Insights: Understanding the perspective of hiring managers can help you better prepare for job applications and interviews.
3. Mentorship: Being a valuable resource to your mentors helps maintain and strengthen these crucial professional relationships.

Lori Schoenhard | LinkedIn: in/lorischoenhard/ | Website: https://www.athenaprojectconsulting.com/ | Email: ⁠lori@athenaprojectconsulting.com

Real Life PMP Podcast

Email: crystal@themindsparq.com | LinkedIn: in/themindsparq | Website:⁠⁠ https://www.themindsparq.com/⁠⁠

Did you listen to all four episodes? Get your 1.0 PDU via the PMI.org website.

Category: Online or Digital Media

Provider: MindsparQ

Title: Real Life PMP Podcast, Conversation with Lori Schoenhard

Description: Career path into Project Management

PDU claim: 1.0

In Part 3, Lori shares her experience as one of the first to pivot from education to project management over 20 years ago. We discuss the success of introverted PMs, her advice to "use the tools of your toolbox," and the transferable skills from teaching to project management.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Early Career Pivoter: Lori’s pioneering shift from education to project management serves as inspiration for those considering a career change today.
2. Success for Introverted PMs: Introverted individuals can be successful project managers by leveraging their unique strengths and working styles.
3. Transferable Skills: Skills gained in teaching, such as organization and communication, are highly transferable and beneficial in project management roles.

In Part 2, Lori and I discuss the early days of working remotely, long before it became widespread. Lori shares her top three tips for successfully working remotely and the importance of networking. We also reminisce about the moment we each realized project management was the career for us.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Remote Work Tips: Lori’s top three tips for successful remote work are invaluable for maintaining productivity and work-life balance.
2. Networking: Building and maintaining professional networks is crucial for career development and finding opportunities in project management.
3. Career Epiphanies: That moment of realizing project management was the right career path can be transformative and guiding for one’s professional journey.

In Part 1 of our series with Lori Schoenhard, we delve into how both of us found our way into project management almost by accident. Lori's unique path started in music education, highlighting that project managers are needed in every industry. Join us as we explore the diverse backgrounds that lead to successful careers in project management.

3 Key Takeaways:

1. Unexpected Paths: Many project managers, including Lori, find their way into the field from diverse and unexpected backgrounds, proving that skills from various industries can be transferable.
2. Universal Need for PMs: Project management skills are universally needed across all sectors, from music education to corporate environments.
3. Leveraging Unique Skills: Your previous experiences and unique skill sets can provide a strong foundation for a successful career in project management.