How to Fund Your Innovation Projects Without Venture Capital

AI is touching every role, every industry, and every level of an organization—but that doesn’t mean every project manager needs to become an engineer. In this conversation, Galen Low sits down with AI strategist and engineering leader Kesha Williams to talk about what PMs really need to know to stay relevant in an AI‑infused world.They explore how to lead AI‑related projects without getting lost in the technical weeds, how to confidently translate between business and technical teams, and how to focus on outcomes over hype. With clear examples, sharp insights, and a dash of humor, this episode is packed with guidance for delivery leaders navigating AI today—and preparing for what’s next.Resources from this episode:Join the Digital Project Manager CommunitySubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Kesha on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter/XCheck out KeySoft websiteKesha on AI – LinkedIn PageKesha on AI – SubstackEveryday AI Challenge – LinkedIn Learning

Navigating government grants and funding opportunities can feel like deciphering ancient runes, but for project leaders working in innovation and R&D, cracking that code could be a game-changer. In this episode, Galen chats with Rachel Huang, founder of ClaimKit, about how public and private funding mechanisms can be more accessible—and faster—for startups and innovation projects. Drawing on her background as a chemical engineer, tech commercialization expert, and former professional tennis player, Rachel shares how she's helping companies secure capital through automated, human-assisted grant applications.They explore the often-underutilized world of R&D tax credits, debunk the myth that only big corporations benefit, and spotlight why smaller, scrappier teams might be better positioned to innovate quickly—if they can unlock funding. From navigating complex eligibility rules to reframing grant-writing as a strategic lever rather than an afterthought, this episode is a practical look at how to fund innovation in a fast-moving, competitive world.Resources from this episode:Join the Digital Project Manager CommunitySubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Rachel on LinkedInCheck out ClaimKit

In a world where AI hype is everywhere, what does meaningful, grounded transformation actually look like? In this episode, Galen Low sits down with Michael Domanic, VP and Head of AI at UserTesting, to unpack how AI is being strategically integrated into core business functions—not just to ride the hype wave, but to unlock measurable value. From demystifying the ROI of AI to cultivating a culture of experimentation and enablement, Michael shares his real-world approach to driving AI transformation that sticks.They dive into the mindset shifts needed as organizations mature in their AI journey, how UX professionals are becoming more essential than ever, and why the future of AI in business may not be about tech at all—but about how people adapt to ongoing change.Resources from this episode:Join the Digital Project Manager CommunitySubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Michael on LinkedInCheck out UserTesting

Amid the buzz around AI in project management, what’s actually changing on the ground? In this special episode of The Digital Project Manager podcast, producer Becca Banyard steps in as host alongside Tim Fisher, VP of AI at Black & White Zebra, for a live conversation from our "Future of AI in Project Management" event series. They’re joined by Harv Nagra from Scoro to dig into how AI is transforming project delivery today—not someday, but right now.Together, they unpack the day-to-day realities of managing shifting timelines, growing complexity, and tool sprawl, and how AI is starting to relieve some of that burden. You’ll hear a grounded, tactical take on what “practical AI” actually looks like, how Scoro is approaching it differently, and what project managers can expect next.Resources from this episode:Join the Digital Project Manager CommunitySubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Harv and Tim on LinkedInCheck out ScoroWatch the full event with Scoro’s live demo: The Future Of AI In Project Management with Scoro

Building AI teammates isn’t a future-state fantasy—it’s already happening. Megan Ratcliff shares how she tackled resource constraints in SaaS marketing by creating a custom AI ecosystem that filled key gaps across content, strategy, and cross-functional alignment. The result? Less time on execution, more space for strategic leadership.This conversation brings grounded insight into how AI can be used to replace tasks, not people—while creating opportunities to reimagine roles entirely. From demystifying the learning curve to managing team adoption and navigating the future of work, Megan offers a clear-eyed look at how to use AI meaningfully without losing the human judgment that drives results.Resources from this episode:Join the Digital Project Manager CommunitySubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Megan on LinkedInCheck out Clarity and Motion Collective

Project managers are often tasked with delivering “on time and on budget”—but what if that’s not enough? In this episode, Galen Low sits down with Stephen Devaux, a longtime project management theorist and the mind behind techniques like critical path drag and value breakdown structures. Together, they unpack why project leaders need to start managing their work like investors—not just builders—and why this mindset shift matters more than ever in the AI era.From projects that save lives to projects that launch products, Stephen explains how understanding a project’s value profile—not just its deliverables—is the key to smarter decision-making. They cover real-world applications of treating projects as investments, explore the bridge-building metaphor that will stick with you for life, and discuss how AI could (and should) support project managers in this paradigm shift.Resources from this episode:Join the Digital Project Manager CommunitySubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Stephen on LinkedInStephen’s books:Managing Projects as Investments: Earned Value to Business ValueTotal Project Control: A Practitioner’s Guide to Managing Projects as Investments

Feeling behind on your agency's data game? Marcel Petitpas, CEO of Parakeeto, joins Galen Low to reframe what it really takes to build profitable, data-driven operations. Hint: it’s not about buying software or pushing for time tracking compliance. Marcel breaks down why starting with metrics, models, and meaning—not tools—is the real shortcut to operational clarity.With real-talk on utilization myths, data fluency for PMs, and how AI can actually drive measurable impact (without overwhelming your team), this episode is a field guide for agency leaders who want to do more than just keep up. It's about building a smarter foundation for the long haul—and doing it in a way that doesn’t burn you out.Resources from this episode:Join the Digital Project Manager CommunitySubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Marcel on LinkedInCheck out ParakeetoAgency Profit PodcastParakeeto Profitability Framework & Toolkit

What if regulation wasn’t a blocker to AI transformation—but a strategic advantage? Galen sits down with Lauren Wallace—former Chief Legal Officer at RadarFirst and a veteran in legal, product, and AI governance—to explore how regulated industries can harness their existing compliance muscle to lead responsibly in the AI era.They get into the practicalities of building privacy-first AI strategies, setting clear ethical baselines, and creating internal momentum across cross-functional teams. If you’re navigating digital transformation in a high-stakes, high-compliance environment, this episode delivers grounded advice and hard-won insights you can act on.Resources from this episode:Join the Digital Project Manager CommunitySubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Lauren on LinkedInCheck out RadarFirstNOYB - None of Your Business (Max Schrems' privacy rights organization)AI Incident Database

Work sometimes triggers our fight‑or‑flight responses—especially in agency life. In this episode, Galen sits down with leadership coach and operations strategist Abigail Jones and project manager/coach Matthew Fox to explore what happens when we ignore the signals our bodies are giving us, and how tapping into our “body intelligence” can help us lead more consciously in a technology‑driven world. They unpack how our nervous systems get hijacked by stress in modern work, how noticing our physical responses becomes a tool (not just a symptom), and how teams and agencies can shift culture to reclaim better performance and wellbeing.This is a grounded, real‑world conversation—no fluff—about how our bodies, our minds, and our projects intersect.Resources from this episode:Join the Digital Project Manager CommunitySubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Abigail on LinkedIn and InstagramCheck out SouthleftConnect with Matthew on LinkedIn and The BureauThe Leadership Circle Profile assessment What it is: The most comprehensive 360-degree leadership assessment that measures both competencies (what you do) and internal assumptions (how you think)Why I use it: It's the only tool I've found that measures both reactive leadership patterns (controlling, protecting, complying) and creative leadership capacities (relating, self-awareness, authenticity, systems thinking)Visual profile shows leaders exactly where they're operating from fear vs. trustI'm certified to administer and interpret this assessmentSomatic & Body Intelligence PracticesWindow of Tolerance (from Polyvagal Theory): there's a "window" where you can think clearly and respond consciously. When stress pushes you outside that window, you go into survival mode.Concept from Dr. Stephen Porges' Polyvagal TheoryUnderstanding your nervous system's capacity to handle stress before going into fight/flight/freezeHelps leaders recognize when they're dysregulated and need to pauseLinks to learn morehttps://www.polyvagalinstitute.org/whatispolyvagaltheoryhttps://www.stayingsane101.com/post/polyvagal-theory-enhancing-the-window-of-toleranceBody Scan PracticeSimple 60-second practice: scan from head to toe and notice sensations without judgmentBefore big decisions, difficult conversations, or anytime you feel activatedBrings you into present-moment awareness and accesses somatic intelligenceFree guided meditationshttps://www.uclahealth.org/uclamindful/guided-meditationshttps://www.mindful.org/beginners-body-scan-meditation/https://ggia.berkeley.edu/practice/body_scan_meditationTech solutionsHeadspace body scan guide: https://www.headspace.com/meditation/body-scanCalm bo

Healthcare is hiring — and not just for clinicians. As digital health systems expand and AI transformation efforts ramp up, there’s a growing demand for technical project professionals who can bring experience from tech, product, and government IT into healthcare environments. But if the opportunities are there, why aren’t more people making the pivot?Galen chats with Rachel M. Keyser — healthcare IT consultant and founder of Project Elevation Partners — about what’s holding project professionals back, how to navigate the complexity and pace of healthcare work, and why your existing skills might be more transferable than you think. Whether you’re burned out by big tech or just curious about how to break into health tech, this conversation offers grounded, practical guidance for taking the leap.Resources from this episode:Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Rachel on LinkedInCheck out Project Elevation Partners