Project Zero

Alex Tuck
  • 5.0 (9)
  • CAREERS

From first steps to best practices — stories that shaped project leaders. Project Zero is a podcast for project managers — and the PM-curious — who want more than frameworks and certifications. Each episode features a project leader, highlighting first projects and the pivotal lessons that shaped their approach to leadership, collaboration, and delivery.   From unexpected missteps to breakthrough moments, these conversations reveal what it really takes to grow into a confident, competent project manager. It’s honest, insightful, and designed to help you lead better — whether you're managing your first task or your hundredth milestone.

  1. 3D AGO

    S2 Episode 3: Guiding Healthcare Projects for the Underserved Populations with Jordyn Seri

    From Care Coordination to Health Tech: Jordyn Seri on Project Zero, Process Automation, and AI in Healthcare PM In this episode of Project Zero. Jordyn Seri, PMP is a healthcare Project Manager who turns operational friction into streamlined systems. With a background in public health and a process optimization mindset, Jordyn specializes in bridging the gap between technical developers and frontline clinicians. Known for her successes in improving operational efficiencies and database development, she is a firm believer in servant leadership and the power of asking "why." In this episode, Jordyn shares her path from studying psychology and public health at Brandeis to working across multiple levels of healthcare, including nonprofit Medicaid programs, health plan network management, and contracting with a health tech startup serving stakeholders like pharma companies, clinical researchers, and clinicians.     00:00 Welcome to Project Zero Season Two     00:27 Jordyn Seri: Background in Healthcare and Product/Project Management     02:40 How Jordyn Transitioned Into an Official Project Manager Role     04:35 Early Career in Care Coordination and Building Excel Dashboards to Track Medicaid Deadlines     07:10 College Experience: Public Health Fellowship Project and Event Planning     09:20 Personal Organization Style and “Spreadsheet Friend” Habits     10:45 Project Zero (Success): Automating Medicaid Claims Documentation to Eliminate 3,500 Manual Claims Annually     13:10 Driving Adoption: End-User Collaboration Group, Communication Plan, and Training Rollout     15:20 Project Zero (Challenge): Attempted Integration into Existing Software That Couldn’t Meet Program Complexities     18:05 Key Lesson: Be Wary of Easy “Yes” Answers and Validate Technical Feasibility; Escalation and Project Pause     20:25 Core PM Skills: Embrace Non-Expert Status, Ask Relentless Questions, and Stay Curious     22:05 Career Advice: Don’t Wait for Permission to Fix Broken Processes; Earn a Seat at the Table     23:25 AI in Jordyn’s Work: Staying Current via Superhuman Zane Newsletter and AI Daily Brief Podcast; Building a Prompt Library     25:10 Favorite AI Prompts: Finding Blind Spots and Risks, Translating Technical Documents into Plain English     26:40 AI Use Case in Medicaid: Consolidating Fragmented State Reporting Data into Dashboards for Operational Decision-Making     29:00 Advice for Early-Career PMs: Talk to Experienced PMs and Map Transferable Skills     30:35 Contact: How to Connect with Jordyn!    AI Resources Mentioned:   Superhuman Zain Newsletter: https://www.superhuman.ai/subscribe Jeff Su’s Website: https://www.jeffsu.org/ai/ AI Daily Brief Podcast Website: https://aidailybrief.ai/ Connect with Jordyn Seri, PMP LinkedIn: Jordyn SeriEmail: hello@jordynseri.com Connect with Alex Tuck  Personal LinkedIn: Alex Tuck Website: www.tuckconsultinggroup.com Company LinkedIn: Tuck Consulting Group Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

    26 min

  2. FEB 19

    S2 Episode 2: Developing the Next Generation of Project Managers with Russ Parker

    In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck interviews Russ Parker, founder of Forty-Four Risk PM. Russ shares his unique journey from the Marine Corps to becoming a project manager and risk management expert. He delves into his accidental entry into project management, the influence of his wife’s PMP certification, and his transition to the financial sector. Russ emphasizes the importance of risk management in project planning and the evolving role of AI in simplifying administrative tasks for PMs. This episode offers valuable insights into leveraging lessons learned and the critical role of risk management in successful project execution. Russ also shares anecdotes about his early project experiences in Iraq and the impact of thorough planning.  00:00 Welcome to Project Zero Season Two  00:40 Meet Russ Parker: From Marine to Project Manager  02:09 The Accidental Journey into Project Management  09:42 Project Zero: A Defining Moment in Iraq  16:50 The Importance of Risk Management  22:50 AI in Project Management: The Future is Here  28:50 Lessons Learned and Final Thoughts  Connect with Russ Parker  LinkedIn: Russ Parker  Website: 44RiskPM.comYouTube: 44RiskPMEmail: Russ@44rickpm.comConnect with Alex Tuck  Personal LinkedIn: Alex Tuck Website: www.tuckconsultinggroup.com Company LinkedIn: Tuck Consulting Group Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

    31 min

  3. FEB 12

    S2 Episode 1: Navigating Complex Projects and Embracing Challenges in Project Management with Vidura Stich

    In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck welcomes Vidura Stich, a healthcare management consultant from Freed Associates. Vidura shares his journey into project management, starting from his early career and the pivotal moments that led him to where he is today. He discusses the importance of structure and people skills in project management, as well as the impact of mentorship on his career. Vidura also provides insights into how AI is transforming the project management landscape, emphasizing the need to adapt and leverage AI tools for greater efficiency. The episode wraps up with advice for aspiring project managers and a look at the future of AI in the industry.  00:00 Welcome to Season Two of Project Zero  00:16 Meet Vidura Stitch: Healthcare Management Consultant  01:27 Vidura's Journey into Project Management   09:35 The Impact of Mentorship  10:56 Project Zero: A Defining Moment  16:58 Reflecting on Early Projects  17:29 The Thrill of Big Projects  19:14 Key Skills for Project Managers  21:46 The Impact of AI on Project Management  27:05 Innovative Uses of AI in Projects  32:17 Final Thoughts and Contact Information    Connect with Vidura Stich  LinkedIn: Vidura Stich Connect with Alex Tuck  Personal LinkedIn: Alex Tuck Website: www.tuckconsultinggroup.com Company LinkedIn: Tuck Consulting Group Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

    33 min

  4. 11/20/2025

    Episode 25: Season One Finale Featuring Project Management Institute (PMI) Global Attendees

    In this season one finale of Project Zero, Alex celebrates the show's success and shares memorable moments and favorite highlights from past episodes. The episode features insightful interviews with project leaders whom Alex met at PMI (Project Management Institute) Global. Guests include Marc Verbist discussing the intersection of music and project management, Tanya Boyd on her gumbo recipe metaphor for business success, Shawn Harris on AI integration in project management, and Alex Monroe on agile transformations in a marketing agency. We've brought you an extended episode, packed with valuable insights, practical takeaways, and reflections on the PMI Global conference. Enjoy the final episode and the diverse perspectives from PMI Global attendees.  00:00 Season One Finale Kickoff  00:14 Highlighting Top Episodes and Insights  01:57 Special Guests from PMI Global  04:03 Interview with Mark Verbist  16:52 Interview with Tanya Boyd  32:11 Interview with Shawn Harris  33:45 Exciting Developments in Remote Work and AI Integration  35:21 Insights from PMI Global Conference  36:05 The Role of AI in Project Management  37:53 Practical Applications of AI and Project Management  40:33 Shawn's Project Zero Experience  44:55 Alex Monroe's Journey in Project Management  59:50 Reflections and Future Directions  Connect with Marc Verbist   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcverbist/  Connect with Tanya Boyd:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-boyd-pmp-project-personality/  Listen to Tanya’s Full Project Zero Episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2504123/episodes/17516816  Connect with Shawn Harris:   Email: shawn@coworked.ai  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnharris/  Connect with Alex Monroe:   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-monroe-pmp-a3131224/  Gorilla76: https://www.gorilla76.com/  Connect with Alex Tuck  Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alextuck/ Website: www.tuckconsultinggroup.com Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/tuckconsultinggroup/ Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

    1h 1m

  5. 11/13/2025

    Episode 24: The Importance of Process Implementation for Nonprofits

    In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck speaks with Galanda Brooker, Alex Morgan, and Martin Quatt about business process mapping. The discussion kicks off with introductions and highlights the importance of this method in improving organizational efficiencies. Martin explains the basics of business process mapping, starting from leadership acknowledgment of the need for change to gathering stakeholder input and creating iterative drafts. The guests share their favorite mapping tools and practical examples of successful implementations, detailing projects for organizations like CCL and St. Michael's College. The conversation also touches on adoption strategies and the value of thorough planning. Tune in for actionable insights on streamlining your company's processes and achieving substantial time and cost savings.  00:00 Introduction to Project Zero  00:09 Meet the Guests: Galanda, Alex, and Martin  02:08 Understanding Business Process Mapping  04:30 Favorite Mapping Tools  07:04 Real-World Examples of Process Mapping  07:43 Client Success Stories: CCL and St. Michael's College  13:36 Implementing Process Maps with Clickup  17:26 Project Timelines and Stakeholder Involvement  25:03 Ensuring Adoption of New Processes  27:37 Conclusion and Wrap-Up  Connect with Galanda Brooker  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrooker/ Connect with Martin Quatt  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-quatt/ Connect with Alex Morgan  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderdmorgan/ Connect with Alex Tuck  Personal LinkedIn: Alex Tuck Website: www.tuckconsultinggroup.com Company LinkedIn: Tuck Consulting Group Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

    28 min

  6. 11/06/2025

    Episode 23: Prioritizing People in Project Management with Cathy Matosky

    In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck interviews Cathy Matosky, a strategic program manager for a digital advertising company and a consultant in operational excellence. Cathy shares her journey into project management, starting from her initial career in medical technology to her current roles. She discusses the importance of focusing on both technical execution and people management, the value of certifications like PMP and Prosci, and how AI is reshaping project management. Cathy emphasizes active listening and curiosity as crucial skills for project managers and advises continuous learning and mentorship for career growth.    00:00 Welcome to Project Zero  00:20 Meet Cathy Matosky: Strategic Program Manager  00:49 Cathy's Journey into Project Management  02:04 The Importance of Certifications  02:57 Embracing Change Management  05:51 The Cyclical Nature of Projects  07:44 Project Zero: Cathy's First Major Project  13:00 The Impact of AI on Project Management  16:02 Essential Skills for Project Managers  18:29 Advice for Aspiring Project Managers  22:22 Defining Project Success  25:07 Conclusion and Contact Information    Connect with Cathy  LinkedIn: Cathy Matosky Connect with Alex Tuck  Personal LinkedIn: Alex Tuck Website: www.tuckconsultinggroup.com Company LinkedIn: Tuck Consulting Group Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

    26 min

  7. 10/30/2025

    Episode 22: Top Leadership Takeaways for Project Managers with Alec Jacobson

    In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck interviews Alec Jacobson, an ESG consultant and co-founder of AB Power. Alec shares his unique career journey from a freelance journalist and nonprofit founder to his current roles at TetraTech and AB Power. He discusses the skills he developed along the way, including project management as a journalist and leadership lessons learned at Booz Allen. Alec also elaborates on his Project Zero experience, founding a nonprofit news group, and the crucial lessons he learned about communication, giving feedback, and team leadership. They also touch on how AI could impact project management tasks and the importance of junior roles in the professional pipeline.    00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome   00:42 Alec's Background and Career Journey   02:22 First Encounters with Project Management   03:46 Lessons from Booz Allen   06:31 Project Zero: Founding a Nonprofit News Group   09:05 Key Lessons Learned    15:45 Advice for Aspiring Project Managers    17:46 The Future of AI in Project Management    24:10 Career Reflections and Final Thoughts    27:11 Conclusion and Contact Information  Connect with Alec Jacobson  LinkedIn: Alec Jacobson Connect with Alex Tuck  Personal LinkedIn: Alex Tuck Website: www.tuckconsultinggroup.com Company LinkedIn: Tuck Consulting Group Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

    28 min

  8. 10/23/2025

    Episode 21: Key Priorities for Project Managers to Achieve Effective Service Delivery

    This discussion focuses on key areas project managers should prioritize for effective service delivery in small businesses or departments. Emphasis is placed on the importance of comprehensive communication plans, the cadence of communication methods, and ensuring stakeholders are well-informed and engaged throughout the project. The conversation also addresses practical approaches to organizing project documentation, transitioning projects into operations, creating project plans using methodologies like waterfall and agile, and managing risks and issues. The panel also discusses negotiation and escalation tactics to foster better teamwork and adherence to project goals.     00:00 Introduction to Project Management Focus Areas  00:20 Importance of Communication in Project Management  01:14 Effective Communication Strategies  03:43 Live Meetings vs. Asynchronous Communication  06:17 Organizing Project Artifacts  11:56 Building a Project Plan  21:41 Risk and Issue Management  28:38 Assessing Project Risks and Their Impact  29:45 Documenting and Tracking Decisions  30:58 Simplifying Risk Management Processes  31:45 Leveraging AI for Decision Tracking  32:09 Client Communication and Conflict Resolution  33:08 Learning from Past Projects  34:48 Fear Setting and Risk Management  37:14 Negotiation and Escalation Tactics  39:01 Building Strong Relationships for Project Success  43:36 Aligning Projects with Company Mission  51:39 Final Thoughts and Next Steps  Connect with Galanda Brooker  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrooker/  Connect with Jessica Caresse LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-caresse/ Connect with Alex Morgan  LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderdmorgan/  Connect with Alex Tuck  Personal LinkedIn: Alex Tuck Website: www.tuckconsultinggroup.com Company LinkedIn: Tuck Consulting Group Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

    37 min
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5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

From first steps to best practices — stories that shaped project leaders. Project Zero is a podcast for project managers — and the PM-curious — who want more than frameworks and certifications. Each episode features a project leader, highlighting first projects and the pivotal lessons that shaped their approach to leadership, collaboration, and delivery.   From unexpected missteps to breakthrough moments, these conversations reveal what it really takes to grow into a confident, competent project manager. It’s honest, insightful, and designed to help you lead better — whether you're managing your first task or your hundredth milestone.

Information

  • Creator
    Alex Tuck
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Project Zero
  • Show Website
    Project Zero