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. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 10/16/2025

    Episode 20: The Project Manager’s Balancing Act with Pete Walker

    In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck interviews Peter Walker, a co-founder of Navigate, about his extensive experience in project management. Pete shares his journey from being an industrial engineer and psychologist to a project manager working on transformation projects and process re-engineering. Highlighting his 'Project Zero'—an ERP transformation at General Dynamics—Pete recounts the challenges and lessons learned, emphasizing the importance of communication and adaptability. The discussion covers the evolving role of project managers, the significance of organization skills, and actionable advice for aspiring project managers. 00:00 Introduction to Project Zero 00:08 Meet Pete Walker: Co-founder of Navigate 00:30 Pete's Journey into Project Management 01:45 The Role of Engineering and Psychology 03:04 First Major Project: ERP Transformation 10:33 Lessons from Project Zero 15:41 The Importance of Communication 18:31 Future of Project Management 23:01 Advice for Aspiring Project Managers 26:51 Conclusion and Contact Information   Connect with Pete Walker  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/walkerbusinessconsulting/  Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigate-and-company/  Connect with Alex Tuck  Personal LinkedIn: Alex Tuck Website: www.tuckconsultinggroup.com Company LinkedIn: Tuck Consulting Group Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

    27 min

  7. 10/09/2025

    Episode 19: Breaking Through Your Comfort Zone as a Project Manager with Saby Waraich

    In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck welcomes keynote speaker and upcoming author, Saby Waraich. Saby shares his extensive experience spanning 30 years in technology, currently serving as Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at Clackamas Community College. He discusses his journey from software development in India to becoming a PMO manager in the U.S., highlighting key projects, especially a challenging transformation at the City of Portland. Saby introduces his framework ‘SCARE to CARES’ for managing complex transformations, touching on key topics such as leadership and communication. He emphasizes the importance of influence as a fundamental skill for project leaders and shares advice for aspiring project managers on achieving career growth. The episode closes with Saby's insights on the practical applications and ethical considerations of AI in project management.  00:00 Introduction to Project Zero Podcast  00:34 Meet Saby: A Journey in Technology and Leadership  02:35 From Software Developer to Project Manager  04:00 The PMP Certification: A Turning Point   06:59 Project Zero: The High-Stakes Challenge   08:28 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Challenges   12:26 Delivering Success Against All Odds   14:16 From Scare to CARES: Leadership Lessons   15:26 Building Trust and Empowering Teams   15:50 Scare to Cares Framework   16:00 Handling Media and Public Perception   18:26 Project Success Amidst COVID-19   19:14 Internal Team Dynamics and Challenges   22:59 Advice for Aspiring Project Managers   27:10 The Role of AI in Project Management   31:36 Final Thoughts and Contact Information  Connect with Saby Waraich  LinkedIn: @Saby Waraich   Website: sabywaraich.com YouTube: @SabyWaraich Connect with Alex Tuck  Personal LinkedIn: @Alex Tuck Website: www.tuckconsultinggroup.com Company LinkedIn: @Tuck Consulting Group Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

    32 min

  8. 09/25/2025

    Episode 18: Developing a Custom Onboarding Plan from Scratch with Matt Mayabb

    In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck interviews Matt Mayabb, Senior Director of Program Management at NeuroFlow. Matt discusses his journey from working at Humana to being part of NeuroFlow through its acquisition of Quartet Health. He details his nonlinear path in project management, sharing experiences from his early career in a call center to leading complex healthcare projects. Matt highlights key skills for project managers, the importance of listening and empathy, and the potential impacts of AI on the field. He also shares insights into his first major project, onboarding a new executive at Humana, and offers advice for aspiring project managers.    00:00 Introduction to Project Zero   00:18 Meet Matt Mayabb: Senior Director at NeuroFlow   01:20 Journey from Quartet Health to NeuroFlow   01:52 Matt's Pathway into Project Management   04:56 Implementing Innovative Programs at Quartet   15:54 Advice for Aspiring Project Managers   17:53 The Impact of AI on Project Management   21:28 Defining Success in Project Management   23:26 Final Thoughts and Contact Information  Connect with Matt Mayabb  LinkedIn: Matt Mayabb Connect with Alex Tuck  Personal LinkedIn: Alex Tuck Website: www.tuckconsultinggroup.com Company LinkedIn: Tuck Consulting Group Email: alex@tuckconsultinggroup.com

    25 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
    2K
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Project Zero
  • Show Website
    Project Zero