Project Management & Leadership - Life After the PMP Exam

Phill Akinwale, PMP, OPM3

The Project Leadership Institute Podcast is a podcast led by Phill Akinwale that explores how to effectively lead as a project leader and what happens next after PMP and other PM Certifications. In each episode, Phill interviews experienced project leaders and experts to share their insights on topics such as: The skills and qualities of an effective project leader How to overcome common project challenges What to do after you've earned your PMP or other PM Certification Join the PLI at http://projectleadershipinstitute.com

  1. JAN 31

    How to SET Your 2026 Goals - (John Maxwell PLAN AHEAD Method)

    2026 will not reward hope. It will reward intention.In this video, I walk you through a bold, practical framework for goalsetting in 2026—not wishful thinking, not hype, but deliberate planning backed by action. If you want 2026 to be your strongest year yet, it starts with deciding in advance what success looks like and building the discipline to pursue it relentlessly.I break down the PLAN AHEAD framework step by step, showing you how to:• Set macro goals aligned to each quarter• Define non-negotiable outcomes instead of vague intentions• Build flexibility without losing momentum• Communicate your vision so others can support it• Take action even when conditions aren’t perfect• Anticipate problems instead of being surprised by them• Maintain a strong mental posture when pressure shows up• Review, reprioritize, and protect what truly mattersThis isn’t about doing more.It’s about doing what matters.If you’ve ever felt busy but not moving forward…If your goals keep slipping into “next year”…If you’re ready to stop negotiating with your future—This message is for you.Your 2026 is waiting.Plan ahead.Be bold.And take it head on.2026 BOLD GOALSETTING0:00 – Welcome to 2026 & why this year must be intentional0:45 – Hope vs action: why planning separates winners1:38 – Macro goals & the quarterly mindset (Q1–Q4)2:13 – PLAN AHEAD framework overview2:19 – P: Predetermine your course of action2:52 – Deciding success in advance (vision before movement)3:29 – Quarterly goals & highest return / reward thinking4:08 – Real story: climbing out of major debt through planning4:44 – Mapping major moves & eliminating hesitation5:16 – Defining non-negotiable goals & outcomes6:06 – L: Lay out your goals6:14 – Why vague goals produce vague results6:20 – SMART goals explained (specific, measurable, time-bound)6:50 – Macro goals vs micro goals7:07 – Breaking annual goals into quarterly, monthly, weekly wins7:31 – Visibility, accountability & goal tracking8:02 – A: Allow time for adjustments8:08 – Why plans break and flexibility wins8:44 – COVID lesson: pivoting when reality shifts9:16 – Buffer time, reviews, and contingency planning9:42 – AI, market shifts & knowing when to pivot10:32 – N: Notify key personnel10:38 – You cannot win alone10:55 – Alignment, trust, and momentum11:14 – Communicating vision to family, teams, stakeholders11:32 – A: Allow time for acceptance11:39 – Why big change needs time to land11:47 – Kayaku: bad change vs meaningful change12:25 – Leading people at their pace13:01 – Family, teams & avoiding shock change13:16 – Patience now prevents resistance later14:10 – H: Head into action14:21 – Planning without execution is paralysis14:35 – “Do it ugly” & imperfect action15:02 – First 48 hours: momentum rules15:25 – Public accountability & bias toward action15:53 – E: Expect problems15:58 – Obstacles are inevitable, not anomalies16:12 – BEHAG mindset: big, bold, uncomfortable goals16:46 – Risk thinking & if-then scenarios17:23 – Reframing problems as puzzles17:39 – A: Always point to the positive17:46 – Narrative, mindset & strategic optimism17:53 – Zig Ziglar: attitude vs aptitude18:31 – Cutting negativity & complaint cycles19:10 – Wins reviews & gratitude practices19:45 – D: Daily review & reprioritize19:54 – Aggressive prioritization (Jack Welch example)20:49 – Killing noise & focusing on the vital few21:48 – Time as your most valuable asset22:09 – Daily recalibration habit23:26 – Reward, risk & value prioritization filter24:12 – BHAG decisions & early execution24:37 – Be bold, aggressive, and decisive with goals26:39 – Final charge: Your 2026 awaits27:04 – Closing message: plan ahead and take no prisoners

    27 min
  2. 07/29/2025

    Generative AI: 5 Uses

    🎬 Ready to See How I Created This Video from Nothing? Welcome to the World of Generative AI! 🌟Ever wondered how you can go beyond typical AI search engines and actually create something new? Welcome to the incredible power of Generative AI—the game-changer in content creation! 🚀 In this exciting demo, I’ll show you five unique pieces of content you can generate from scratch using the magic of AI. Think you know AI? Let me blow your mind! 🤯📊 1. Spreadsheets with Dummy DataNeed a spreadsheet for your next project but don’t want to build it from scratch? With AI, you can generate a fully functional Excel file tailored to your needs! Imagine asking AI to create a detailed project charter with just one prompt. It’s that simple—no more manual data entry! 💻✨🖼️ 2. PowerPoint PresentationsPresentations made easy—just provide the topic, and AI generates a sleek, ready-to-use PowerPoint in seconds. Whether it's for a solar system webinar or your next big pitch, AI can give you a polished slide deck with minimal effort. Want it? You got it! 🎨📈📷 3. Images That Speak to YouHow about an image of your project team posing in front of the Statue of Liberty? With AI, you can turn this vision into reality in seconds. Whether it’s for business or fun, generative AI can craft eye-popping visuals with just a few words. 🗽🤩🎥 4. Turning Images Into VideosEver thought you could turn a still image into a dynamic video? With generative AI, it’s possible! You’ll see how to upload an image, describe a scene, and watch AI create an engaging video in moments. This tech opens up a whole new level of creativity and storytelling! 🎞️🎬🎶 5. Creating Audio from a Simple CommandAnd my favorite part—music! 🎹 Want an F major 7th chord? AI can generate the exact sound you're looking for, from WAV to MIDI files. It doesn’t just replay old tracks—it creates entirely new sounds based on your input. How cool is that? 🎧🎶Generative AI goes far beyond answering questions—it brings your ideas to life. From spreadsheets to presentations, from images to videos and audio, it’s an endless well of creativity just waiting to be tapped into. 🌐💡Ready to harness the true power of AI? Join me, and I’ll show you how to make the impossible, possible. 💪👨‍💻 Let’s explore together—sign up today for more insights and a deep dive into the world of Generative AI.📢 Don’t miss out on the future—It’s happening NOW!

    1h 10m
  3. 06/30/2025

    Risk Management in the Ai Age & PMI-RMP Prep

    Discover how to master risk management using cutting-edge AI-powered tools in this comprehensive guide tailored for program managers, project leaders, and risk professionals. Drawing on my 20 years of experience as a PMP and 15 years as a certified PMI RMP, I’ll share real-world insights and actionable strategies to navigate uncertainty, complexity, and risk in your projects. ### What You’ll Learn: - **The Basics of Risk Management**: Understand the foundational principles of risk planning, identification, and analysis. - **AI-Driven Solutions**: Explore how artificial intelligence can revolutionize risk management through predictive analytics and robust data-driven insights. - **Positive & Negative Risks**: Learn to manage threats and seize opportunities with practical examples and strategies. - **PMI RMP Certification Insights**: Get insider tips for mastering the PMI RMP exam, including key focus areas and study recommendations. - **Interactive Strategies**: Discover tools like risk registers, Monte Carlo simulations, and AI-powered templates to enhance program management. ### Why Watch This Video? In this session, I leverage my extensive experience in program management and leadership to provide a structured yet engaging breakdown of risk management practices. Whether you're new to project management or an experienced professional seeking advanced AI tools, this video offers actionable takeaways you can implement immediately. ### Key Highlights: - Step-by-step walkthroughs of risk management processes based on PMBOK and real-world scenarios. - How to effectively balance qualitative and quantitative risk analysis. - Practical examples of integrating AI tools into risk management workflows. - Insights into PMI’s Infinity AI tool and other advanced resources. - Pro strategies for planning, implementing, and monitoring risk responses. --- Join us by subscribing to the channel for more leadership tips, program management insights, and practical tools tailored to PMP and PMI RMP professionals. Don’t forget to check out Dr. David Hillson's acclaimed program at RiskResponder.com for in-depth learning on managing risks like a pro. Let’s elevate your risk management expertise together! #ethicalaidevelopment #aiaccountability #responsibleai #riskmanagement #ethicalconsiderations CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction 04:32 - Plan Risk Management 05:51 - Risk Management Plan 08:43 - Identify Risks 11:03 - Qualitative Risk Analysis 17:03 - Quantitative Risk Analysis 26:34 - Planning Risk Responses 33:26 - Risk Response Strategies 38:04 - Implement Risk Responses 42:02 - Monitor Risks 49:15 - Total Risk Exposure 51:30 - Leveraging AI for Risk Management 57:55 - Ideas for Using AI in Different Industries 1:01:20 - PMI Infinity AI 1:05:00 - Miro Mind Map Generator 1:11:55 - How to get PDUs 1:19:57 - PESTLE Analysis - Generate a Risk Register 1:26:40 - PMI-RMP Exam 1:32:50 - PMI-RMP Exam Requirements 1:36:20 - PMI-RMP Exam Domains and Tasks - Domain I 1:45:44 - Risk Analysis 1:47:48 - Risk Identification 1:48:36 - Risk Responses 1:50:03 - Monitor and Close Risks 1:52:00 - Final Exam Questions 1:56:10 - Final Thoughts 1:56:52 - Claiming PDUs 1:57:00 - Self-directed learning 1:57:06 - Closing

    1h 57m
  4. 06/19/2025

    AI-Powered PMOs: The Future of Project Management

    Unlock the future of project management with "AI-Powered PMOs: The Future of Project Management"! In this transformative session, we explore how AI is revolutionizing project management offices (PMOs) and redefining organizational success. Discover the secrets behind the OPM3 (Organizational Project Management Maturity Model) framework and how it bridges strategy and execution for sustainable growth. Are you tired of outdated methods and misaligned portfolios? Learn how AI, Agile and Hybrid methodologies, and a mindset for success can drive value and efficiency in today’s dynamic business landscape. From tackling knowledge gaps to mastering tools that enhance team collaboration, this video provides practical advice and actionable insights for leaders, PMPs, and aspiring professionals alike.Whether you're preparing for the PMP exam, navigating the complexities of Agile and Hybrid frameworks, or simply seeking a strategic approach to elevate your PMO, this is your ultimate guide. Hear real-world examples, industry anecdotes, and proven strategies to foster continuous improvement and achieve organizational excellence. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your project management journey. Ready to take the next step? Sign up for our live training sessions or visit Praizion's website for free templates, resources, and more expert guidance. Together, let's transform challenges into triumphs and lead your organization into the future of project management.Subscribe now and embark on this transformative journey to PMO excellence!#projectmanagementtools #projectmanagementmaturity #projectclosure #pmomaturity #pmoleadershipCHAPTERS:00:00 - Intro06:13 - Maturity Development09:20 - Organizational Success and Failure17:13 - The Role of PMOs in Organizations22:15 - Common Reasons PMOs Fail29:28 - OPM3 Lifecycle Overview34:51 - Bridging Gaps with OPM337:41 - Key OPM3 Enablers39:08 - Understanding OPM3 Assessments41:15 - AI Powered Strategic Insights48:20 - Creating AI Powered Roadmaps51:20 - Steps for Maturity Implementation56:30 - Conducting an Assessment1:02:29 - Practical Recommendations for Success1:05:30 - OPM3 and the Three Ps Framework1:07:50 - SMCI Methodology: Standardize, Measure, Control, Improve1:13:51 - Final Reflections on Maturity1:15:30 - Essentials for Maturity Success1:16:20 - Book Launch Announcement1:18:37 - Conclusion and Takeaways

    1h 20m
  5. 05/28/2025

    The Art of D-I-G-C-I-V Problem-Solving Framework

    DIGCIV: A Model for Problem Solving, Critical Thinking & Creativityhttps://www.amazon.com/DIGCIV-Problem-Critical-Thinking-Creativity/dp/B0D3QM9Q2K Authored by renowned leadership, Agile, and project management trainer and coach Phill Akinwale, PMP, this book serves as a seminal guide to mastering the DIGCIV model—a comprehensive framework for decision-making in the modern digital landscape. "Unlocking DIGCIV" is an indispensable resource for anyone looking to refine their decision-making processes in a world dominated by information overload. Structured around the DIGCIV model's core phases—Define, Identify, Generate, Choose, Implement, and Verify—"Unlocking DIGCIV" offers a step-by-step approach to navigating complex decisions with precision and strategic foresight. Phill Akinwale brings decades of experience and insights into effective project management, combining rigorous analysis with practical, actionable advice. This book is tailored for a wide range of professionals, including corporate leaders, IT managers, consultants, and government officials. Through engaging studies and detailed explanations, Phill illustrates how the DIGCIV model can be applied to enhance problem-solving, decision-making, critical thinking and creativity across various sectors and project types. Whether you are tackling daily operational decisions, strategic business moves, or technology implementation challenges, "DIGCIV" equips you with the tools to achieve clarity and success. Embrace the journey through each phase of the DIGCIV model and transform your approach to making decisions that are informed, timely, and impactful.

    36 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

The Project Leadership Institute Podcast is a podcast led by Phill Akinwale that explores how to effectively lead as a project leader and what happens next after PMP and other PM Certifications. In each episode, Phill interviews experienced project leaders and experts to share their insights on topics such as: The skills and qualities of an effective project leader How to overcome common project challenges What to do after you've earned your PMP or other PM Certification Join the PLI at http://projectleadershipinstitute.com

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