Episode 168: "Navigating Project Pricing & Project Estimation Challenges" with Richard Minney

In this episode, we sit down with Richard Minney, a seasoned expert with over 20 years in the Aerospace & Defense (A&D) and business software industries. Richard is the founder of Twenty5, a company that delivers specialized SAP software solutions tailored for large manufacturers and government contractors. With a strong focus on program management, costing, and pricing, Twenty5 effectively addresses critical gaps within SAP’s ERP suite. Richard shares his journey from a career in business software to founding his own company, driven by a passion for helping organizations manage complex project pricing and estimation. Tune in as Richard dives into the fundamentals of project pricing and estimation, shedding light on the differences between these two concepts and the keys to getting them right. He shares common pitfalls that organizations face, insights into why projects often exceed budgets, and what might surprise listeners about project estimation. Richard also explains how Twenty5’s innovative solutions empower businesses to overcome these challenges and offers invaluable advice from his own career. Don’t miss this episode for expert insights on mastering project pricing and achieving cost efficiency in large-scale projects! Connect with Richard on LinkedIn Learn more about Twenty5 here Thanks for listening to the Project Management Paradise Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite platform. Stay tuned for more episodes where we bring you the latest insights from industry leaders. Bonus Find out what you can learn from megaprojects by accessing a complimentary copy at corasystems.com/megaguide

In this episode, we sit down with Jessica Wilson, a seasoned expert in scheduling and project management within the aerospace and defense industry. With extensive experience at leading companies like Northrop Grumman and Honeywell, Jessica specializes in Department of Defense contracts, earned value management, and integrated master schedules. Over the course of her career, she’s tackled complex scheduling issues, compliance demands, and reporting challenges in the aerospace and defense space. Jessica shares how she got started in the industry and offers her perspective on how technology is transforming scheduling and earned value management. She also discusses why IPMDAR is such a hot topic and how tools and processes have changed over the past decade. Tune in to hear valuable lessons she’s learned and gain insights into overcoming the unique challenges faced in this highly regulated and demanding industry. Connect with Jessica on LinkedIn Thanks for listening to the Project Management Paradise Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite platform. Stay tuned for more episodes where we bring you the latest insights from industry leaders. Bonus Learn how software can combat 8 headaches keeping PMOs in the aerospace & defense sector awake at night by accessing a complimentary copy at corasystems.com/defensesoft

In this episode, we sit down with Carol Cone, a trailblazer in the purpose movement with over 35 years of experience. Carol currently leads Carol Cone ON PURPOSE (CCOP), dedicated to advancing purpose strategies for corporations, brands, nonprofits, and professionals worldwide. She shares insights from her journey, starting with the founding of Cone Inc., the first and largest social impact agency, through her leadership roles at Omnicom and Edelman, to establishing CCOP and the Purpose Collaborative, a global network of purpose-driven firms. Carol discusses how she became an expert in corporate culture and leadership, emphasizing the importance of a company’s purpose and how to approach it effectively. Join us as Carol reveals the secrets of good corporate leadership, traits to be wary of in leaders, and how transparency afforded by the internet has transformed the work environment. She also explains the importance of viewing suppliers as partners and shares the most valuable piece of advice she has received in her career, offering listeners actionable insights to apply in their own professional journeys. Connect with Carol on LinkedIn Listen to the Purpose 360 podcast  Thanks for listening to the Project Management Paradise Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite platform. Stay tuned for more episodes where we bring you the latest insights from industry leaders. Bonus Learn the keys to effective change management by accessing a complimentary copy at corasystems.com/changeguide  

In this episode, we explore the fascinating career of Steve Kershaw, the Global Government Defense Leader for PwC. Steve shares his unique journey from serving as a submariner in the Royal Navy for 21 years to leading global defence strategies at PwC. He provides captivating insights into life in a submarine, including how submariners maintain physical fitness and the critical importance of controlling noise. These experiences have significantly influenced his meticulous approach to program management in the aerospace and defense (A&D) sector. Steve discusses the substantial changes in programme management over the past 15-20 years, emphasizing the impact of digitization. He addresses the challenges of digitizing program development and the strategies to overcome them, highlighting the importance of ROI in transformation programs and how benefits are measured. Steve also explains the tangible advantages PwC has gained through using Cora’s platform for program management. Looking ahead, he predicts significant technological advancements and transformative changes in the A&D sector. Additionally, Steve reflects on the most valuable career advice he has received, offering practical wisdom that has guided his professional journey. This episode is packed with expert insights and thought-provoking reflections on the past, present, and future of program management and digitization in the defense sector. Connect with Steve Kershaw on LinkedIn Thanks for listening to the Project Management Paradise Podcast. Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast on your favorite platform. Stay tuned for more episodes where we bring you the latest insights from industry leaders. Bonus Learn how software can combat 8 headaches keeping PMOs in the aerospace & defense sector awake at night by accessing a complimentary copy at corasystems.com/defensesoft 

Today, we are thrilled to have Rebecca Zung, a renowned conflict resolution specialist and bestselling author, as our guest. Rebecca has written extensively on corporate and social themes, including her latest USA Today bestseller, "SLAY the Bully: How to Negotiate with a Narcissist and Win." In this episode, we dive into "How to Outsmart a Narcissist in a High-Conflict Situation." Join us as Rebecca shares her journey to becoming an expert in conflict resolution. She defines what a narcissist is and reveals the keys to negotiating effectively with them. Learn how to handle narcissists who don’t respond to logic and discover practical strategies to prevent and minimize bullying in the workplace. Rebecca also discusses the most important piece of advice she has received in her career and how it has shaped her approach to conflict resolution. Whether you're managing complex projects or navigating personal relationships, Rebecca’s insights will equip you with the tools to succeed. Tune in to Project Management Paradise and gain valuable knowledge from Rebecca Zung on outsmarting narcissists and mastering high-conflict negotiations. Follow Rebecca on: YouTube  Instagram  Rebecca's new book "SLAY the Bully: How to Negotiate with a Narcissist and Win" can be found here   BONUS! Access a complimentary guidebook, Empowering Strategy Realization Using OKRs, at https://corasystems.com/guidebooks/free-okr-guide-empowering-strategy-realization-using-okrs/

Join us as we explore digital transformation in aerospace and defense with Nils Herzberg, a seasoned business leader with over 35 years of experience, primarily at SAP. Key Points: Defining Digital Transformation: Nils explains what digital transformation means for aerospace and defense, highlighting its importance for modernization and efficiency. The Why Behind It: Discover the strategic reasons driving organizations to embark on digital transformation programs, as explained by Nils. Avoiding Pitfalls: Nils shares common pitfalls to watch out for during a digital transformation journey and offers practical advice to navigate them successfully. Tips for Success: Learn three actionable tips for planning and executing a digital transformation program, based on Nils's extensive experience. Sectoral Differences: Understand how digital transformation varies across industries and gain insights into its unique challenges in aerospace and defense compared to other sectors. PPM & ERP Systems: Nils explains the importance of Project Portfolio Management (PPM) alongside Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, especially for CEOs unfamiliar with PPM. Real-Time Data in A&D: Explore the significance of near real-time data for progress tracking in aerospace and defense, and how it enhances decision-making. Career Advice: Nils shares the most valuable advice he's received and how it shaped his career, offering insights for professionals at all levels.

In this episode of the Project Management Paradise podcast, special guest host Pamela Sinclair talks with the Associate Director of Digital Portfolio Management Office for Queensland University of Technology (QUT) about the implementation of Cora Systems' project and portfolio management solution at QUT. The guest details the benefits of Cora's portfolio management capabilities, reporting functionality, and user-friendly interface. They highlight the significant time and resource savings achieved since implementing Cora, with streamlined reporting processes and increased user adoption. Key Highlights: • Accidental project management career path.  • Tech careers and project management at Queensland University of Technology. • Digital transformation and project management at a university. • Digital transformation and PPM tool challenges at a university. • Selecting a project management tool and its benefits. • Using a PPM tool to streamline project management processes. • Implementing a project management tool. • Implementing a new product at a university. • Core Project Management tool implementation.   Learn how to achieve best practice SPM in the delivery of public projects by accessing a complimentary copy at https://www.corasystems.com/publicspm

In this episode of Project Management Paradise, host Aaron Murphy engages in a deep dive with Dr. Randy Ross, CEO of Remarkable and bestselling author, exploring the essence of corporate culture, employee engagement, and navigating challenging times in the workplace. Dr. Ross shares invaluable insights on fostering positive work environments, enhancing employee happiness, and addressing toxic elements within organizations.   Key Highlights: ●      00:23 - Introduction and background to the guest Dr. Randy Ross ●      04:52 - The Silent Killer ●      07:17 - Navigating VUCA ●      12:48 - Investing in People ●      15:28 - Building Relationally Rich Environments ●      16:12 - Creating a Relationally Rich Environment ●      16:30 - Embracing Feedback ●      21:59 - Axiology in Practice ●      23:01 - Passion, Strengths, and Problem-Solving ●      30:13 - Purpose-Driven Business   This episode serves as an engaging discussion on the importance of renewable energy and how it can positively impact individuals, communities, and the environment.    Learn More About Dr. Randy Ross here Explore Dr. Randy Ross' authored works here

In this episode of the Project Management Paradise podcast, host Aaron Murphy is joined by Neal Frick, a leadership guru and author, to explore the topic of empathetic leadership. Neil shares insights into the definition of empathetic leadership, common misconceptions, and the keys to successful implementation. He emphasizes transparency, trust, active listening, and logical decision-making as crucial elements. Neil also discusses the return on investment (ROI) of empathetic leadership, highlighting its impact on effort, productivity, and customer relations. Key Highlights: ●      00:23 - Introduction to Neal Frick and Empathy in leadership ●      00:57 - Neal’s Background and Journey to Empathy to Leadership ●      02:33 - Empathetic Leadership ●      07:50 - Trust and Listening in Empathetic Leadership ●      08:14 - Empathy and Sympathy, Underlining the Need for Setting Boundaries ●      09:23 - Emotional Connections Affected Decision-Making ●      10:13 - Explores Return on Investment (ROI) in Empathetic Leadership ●      11:10 - Empathetic Leadership Boosts Effort and Productivity ●      11:50 - Empathetic Leadership on Customer Satisfaction, Marketing, and Sales ●      12:47 - ROI to the Keys of Success: Trust and Listening ●      15:22 - Field of Empathetic Leadership   Learn More About Neal Frick here   Bonus Learn the keys to effective “change management” by accessing a complimentary copy at corasystems.com/changeguide

In this episode, we're joined by Paul Gill, who has spent over eight years at PayPal as a program manager.   Paul shares his experiences and tips for successfully developing cross-functional teams and managing company strategy.  Key Highlights:  Introduction to Paul Gill and program management within business operations   Why good ideas require good execution   Definition of cross-functional teams  Definition of Agile and adaptability in project management   How effective diverse, cross-functional teams can be a competitive advantage   Why is corporate culture and collaboration important to successful project execution Connect with Paul on LinkedIn here Bonus Access a complimentary guidebook, Empowering Strategy Realization Using OKRs, at corasystems.com/okrguide