The P3M Playbook Podcast

Laura

The P3M Playbook Podcast brings together experts in the field of programme and portfolio management to discuss the complexities of running effective programmes of work. Our company, Verto, is a P3M software provider and, having worked almost extensively with UK public sector organisations since 2008, we can talk with experience on best practices to embrace and pitfalls to avoid within programme delivery. 

  1. May 14

    Episode 12: Vix Watson on running LGR in reality - Planning through uncertainty in Local Government

    Our episode focuses on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), which many councils are currently navigating or preparing for.  For those less familiar, LGR is about reshaping how local authorities are structured and how services are delivered || often under significant time pressure and with evolving direction from central government.  Joined by Vix Watson, Senior Business Analyst at Warwickshire County Council, who is closely involved in setting up and planning their LGR programme, host, Laura Watts, speaks to Vix about this work and the fact that it's still unfolding and there are still decisions to be made, including the potential future structure of the council itself.  We explore how they’re approaching that uncertainty, how they’ve adapted their delivery model, and how they’re thinking about scenario planning in a programme where timelines and outcomes are tightly constrained.

    39 min

  2. Jan 23

    Episode 11: Cristina Niculescu on People-First Leadership in Delivery and Change

    Summary:  In this episode of the PPM Playbook podcast, host Laura Watts chats to Christina Nicolescu, an experienced IT consultant and programme delivery specialist, to explore the complexities of running effective programs and portfolios.  They discuss the importance of aligning people, processes, and technology in project management, the role of PMOs in driving transformation, and the necessity of real-time data visibility for leaders. Christina emphasises the significance of data quality, cultural shifts in digital transformation, and the need for continuous training and empowerment of delivery teams. The conversation also highlights the evolving role of PMOs from policing functions to strategic partners, and the importance of celebrating small wins in project delivery.  Takeaways:  Technology should not be the starting point for PMO. Understanding processes is crucial before implementing technology. Leaders need real-time visibility of project statuses. PMOs should create consistency and transparency in reporting. Data quality is essential for effective decision-making. Cultural aspects of digital transformation are often neglected. Training and guidance are necessary for effective process adoption. Empower delivery teams by providing clarity and visibility. PMOs should evolve from policing functions to strategic partners. Celebrating small wins can enhance team morale and motivation.  Links: Cristina Niculescu LinkedInLaura Watts LinkedInVerto website Chapters:   00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest  02:31 The Trifecta of People, Process, and Technology  05:06 The Importance of PMO in Transformation  09:07 Visibility and Real-Time Data for Leaders  12:05 Shifting from Reactive to Proactive Management  16:12 Data Quality as a Strategic Asset  19:18 Cultural Aspects of Digital Transformation  24:36 Building Delivery Maturity through Training  28:57 Training Needs for New Managers  36:12 Empowering Delivery Teams  38:58 The Evolving Role of PMOs  43:16 Priorities for PMOs in the Coming Year  44:45 Measuring Value in Delivery Functions  48:04 Changing Mindsets in Leadership  50:44 Celebrating Small Wins in Delivery

    53 min

  3. Jan 2

    Episode 10: Simon Sharp review of his first year as Verto's CEO

    In this episode, we sit down with Simon to reflect on his first year in role and explore how leadership, technology, and delivery are evolving across the public sector. Simon shares how his perspective on Verto’s purpose, people, and impact has developed over the past year, alongside honest reflections on what it really takes to lead in the public-sector tech space. We discuss the changing role of P3M support, how platforms like Verto can enable transformation at scale, and what separates organisations that thrive through change from those that struggle. The conversation also explores the balance between public and private sector delivery and what each can learn from the other, how cross-sector experience shapes the evolution of Verto, and where greater collaboration could unlock real value. A thoughtful and grounded discussion on leadership, pragmatism, and building technology that genuinely supports better outcomes.

    48 min

  4. 11/13/2025

    Episode 9: AI meets PMO live from DigiGov 2025

    At DigiGov 2025, Verto’s Chief Product Officer, Ross Mardell, delivered a standing-room-only talk on the role of AI in supporting portfolio, programme and project management across the UK public sector. The demand was so high that many people couldn’t even get into the session. Watch the live session, recorded from the stage at the event.

    32 min

  5. 10/23/2025

    Episode 8: Inside DigiGov - Real Conversations, Real Challenges

    This special edition of The PPM Playbook Podcast takes you behind the scenes at DigiGov, where we spent two packed days speaking with clients, prospects, and colleagues about the real challenges shaping public sector transformation today. It’s a mash-up of spontaneous, authentic conversations that were full of insight, capturing honest reflections from people at every stage of their digital and programme delivery journey. These booth-side discussions and quick chats with our own team are best watched rather than listened to and the on-screen captions help you follow every word amid the energy of the event floor. If you want to see what’s really happening across the public sector, the problems people are tackling and the innovations that are making a difference, this episode is for you.

    57 min

  6. 09/12/2025

    Episode 7: Understanding Your Starting Point - The Verto Maturity Assessment

    In this episode of The PPM Playbook Podcast, I’m joined by Natasha Osborne (Head of Client Success at Verto) and Simon Hall (Chief Client Officer at Verto) to introduce an exciting new initiative: the Verto Maturity Assessment. The assessment is designed to help organisations gain a clear picture of their starting point across ten key areas of programme delivery. From governance and reporting to RAID and benefits realisation, it provides a structured way to understand where you are today, so you can make informed decisions about where to go next. Together, we discuss why this matters, how the tool works, and the value it can bring to clients looking to strengthen delivery, increase confidence, and drive better outcomes from their programmes of work. Listen here, or watch over on YouTube

    20 min
  7. Episode 6 - Local Government Reorganisation: Getting Ahead of the Change

    08/13/2025

    Episode 6 - Local Government Reorganisation: Getting Ahead of the Change

    Recorded in February 2025, this episode explores the early conversations and predictions around local government reorganisation plans. We discuss what these changes could mean for the councils affected, the potential challenges they may face, and the opportunities that come with proactive preparation. From strategic planning and stakeholder engagement to ensuring the right systems and processes are in place, we share our recommendations for councils looking to stay ahead, so they’re ready to navigate change confidently when the pace picks up. Subscribe to hear each new episode as it goes live and don't forget to leave a comment or review, as we'd love to hear your thoughts on topics you'd like us to cover within the PPM space.

    9 min
  8. Episode 5 - Talking agile, AI and assurance within the financial sector with Emma McMillan

    07/31/2025

    Episode 5 - Talking agile, AI and assurance within the financial sector with Emma McMillan

    Join me as I speak to Emma McMillan about running a Project Management Office within a large financial institution. Alongside Emma, Natasha Osborne, who heads up Client Success at Verto and brings her own experience from the financial sector, adds valuable perspective.The conversation was enlightening and highlighted many aspects of the evolving role of the PMO—from balancing regulatory demands and strategic transformation, to selecting the right tools and methodologies, and building a culture that supports change. Whether you're working in finance or simply navigating complex programmes of work, this episode is full of insight, experience, and ideas you can take back to your own organisation.

    28 min
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About

The P3M Playbook Podcast brings together experts in the field of programme and portfolio management to discuss the complexities of running effective programmes of work. Our company, Verto, is a P3M software provider and, having worked almost extensively with UK public sector organisations since 2008, we can talk with experience on best practices to embrace and pitfalls to avoid within programme delivery. 

Information

  • Creator
    Laura
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The P3M Playbook Podcast
  • Show Website
    The P3M Playbook Podcast