The Digital Project Manager

Galen Low and Kelsey Alpaio
  • 4.7 (19)
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The Digital Project Manager is the home of digital project management inspiration, how-to guides, tips, tricks, tools, funnies, and jobs. We provide project management guidance for the digital wild west where demanding stakeholders, tiny budgets and stupid deadlines reign supreme.

  1. Beyond the Billable Hour: How AI Is Making Time & Materials Irrelevant

    14 AGO

    Beyond the Billable Hour: How AI Is Making Time & Materials Irrelevant

    In this episode, Galen Low sits down with Brian Kessman of Lodestar Agency Consulting to tackle a big question: is AI finally the deathblow to billable hours? Brian argues yes—and not because AI “broke” the model, but because it’s exposed just how misaligned hourly billing has always been with the real value agencies deliver. Instead of rewarding efficiency and innovation, time-based pricing incentivizes dragging things out and commoditizes expertise. The real shift, Brian says, isn’t just about swapping billing methods—it’s about fundamentally rethinking what you sell, how you position it, and how you prove its impact. They dig into the Agency Value Model—a framework for moving from selling time to selling outcomes. Brian explains how to define your best-fit clients, identify their high-value problems, and design structured solutions that command higher prices while delivering measurable impact. Along the way, they unpack how to navigate the “race to the bottom” fueled by AI, nearshoring, and automation; why confidence in your positioning can help you turn away misaligned clients; and how to operationalize repeatable, scalable value delivery without falling back into chaos. Resources from this episode: Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Brian on LinkedInCheck out Lodestar Agency ConsultingValue Model AssessmentAgencies building business models around AI offerings:Go Supergood — an AI-native creative agencySilverside.ai — an AI innovation labSkeptic™ by Known — uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to deploy rapid scientific experimentation and persistent optimizationJellyfish — social media AI agentsMagnolia by Newfangled — is an AI-powered strategic plannerContent Symphony

    56 min
  2. How Can We Lead Creative Projects Now That AI Has Entered The Chat?

    5 AGO

    How Can We Lead Creative Projects Now That AI Has Entered The Chat?

    AI is transforming the creative workflow—but not in the ways we first expected. In this conversation with Galen Low, creative and PM leaders Sara Fisher, Sara Doubleday, and Greg Storey talk through the practical and philosophical implications of AI’s growing role in creative work. This isn’t about flashy tools or end-to-end automation. It’s about realigning how teams work, communicate value, and preserve the human essence in their process. From misinformed client expectations to the strategic reframing of creative outputs, the panel explores how project leaders and creatives can use AI to amplify their strengths rather than replace them. Spoiler: there’s still no shortcut for trust, authenticity, or thoughtful strategy. Resources from this episode: Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Sara Fisher, Sara Doubleday, and Greg Storey on LinkedInCheck out Vye and Seer InteractiveCheck out Greg’s book – “Creative Intelligence: Don’t Ask AI, Think With AI”

    38 min
  3. The Retro: Designing Your PM Career for More Pay and Purpose

    24 JUL

    The Retro: Designing Your PM Career for More Pay and Purpose

    Navigating a career in project management today means wrestling with more than just Gantt charts and stakeholder standups—it means making high-stakes decisions about your salary, your specialization, and what brings you meaning at work. In this panel episode, Kelsey Alpaio brings together PM thought leaders Ben Chan, Mackenzie Dysart, and Elizabeth Harrin for a candid conversation on how to design your PM career with both pay and purpose in mind. Together, they unpack fresh data from DPM’s 2025 Salary Guide and tackle some of the most pressing questions PMs are facing right now: Should you specialize or stay a generalist? When do certifications actually help? Is it ever too late to take control of your career? And how do you make confident moves when AI and automation are reshaping the role in real time? This is a jam-packed episode full of tactical tools, honest reflections, and grounded advice for anyone looking to take the reins of their project career. Resources from this episode: Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Ben, Mackenzie, and Elizabeth on LinkedInCheck out Thoughtworks and Rebel’s Guide to Project ManagementOrganized Chaos Café – Ben’s podcastManaging Multiple Projects – Elizabeth’s book

    48 min
  4. The Retro: How to Negotiate a Raise as a PM (And Actually Get It)

    15 JUL

    The Retro: How to Negotiate a Raise as a PM (And Actually Get It)

    When it comes to getting paid what you’re worth, project managers in 2025 are facing a unique challenge: job switching no longer guarantees a big raise, and most PMs are staying put—even if they feel underpaid. So what now? In this episode, Kelsey Alpaio sits down with Mukhtar Kadiri, Pam Butkowski, and Elaina Martinez to talk real strategies for negotiating a raise where you are—with confidence, clarity, and without burning bridges. You’ll hear honest takes on why PMs feel undercompensated, how the market has shifted, and what leaders actually want to hear in raise conversations. From mapping your invisible impact to understanding company timing cycles and navigating tough “no’s,” this panel brings practical, actionable insights for anyone ready to make the ask—and get results. Resources from this episode: Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Mukhtar, Pam, and Elaina on LinkedInCheck out WorkTipsPro and Horizontal Digital

    45 min
  5. The Retro: How Great PMs Tackle Interview Curveballs

    8 JUL

    The Retro: How Great PMs Tackle Interview Curveballs

    Navigating job interviews as a project manager can feel like walking through a minefield of unpredictable questions. In this episode of The Retro, Kelsey sits down with Kayla Quijas—a senior PM and certified career coach—to unpack how to tackle curveball questions with poise and purpose. From candy bar hypotheticals to high-stakes stakeholder slip-ups, Kayla shares actionable frameworks that help PMs answer tough questions with clarity, honesty, and a whole lot of confidence. They dive deep into how interviews aren’t just about your resume—they’re about how you think, lead, and adapt under pressure. Whether you’re pivoting into PM from another field, trying to land your first role, or just looking to sharpen your interview game, this conversation offers the tools to prep smarter, answer authentically, and leave a lasting impression. Resources from this episode: Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Kayla on LinkedInCheck out Kayla’s website

    30 min
  6. AI Is Amazing. So Why Does It Still Suck for Project Managers?

    1 JUL

    AI Is Amazing. So Why Does It Still Suck for Project Managers?

    There’s no shortage of AI tools for project managers these days—and they can be pretty amazing. But using them? Often a frustrating, disjointed experience. In this episode, Galen Low is joined by Devin Mahoney, CEO and Co-founder of QTalo, to unpack why AI can feel more like a burden than a boost in our day-to-day project work, and how to fix that. They dive into how AI can truly serve project leaders: from cutting down on context switching to surfacing what actually matters, and building systems that fit into the real workflows of PMs. Devin also shares why privacy matters not just for compliance, but for preserving the creative space we need to do our best work. If you’ve ever felt like AI is both magical and maddening, this one’s for you. Resources from this episode: Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Devin on LinkedInCheck out QTalo

    19 min
  7. The Retro: Why Time Tracking Sucks (And How to Make it Suck Less)

    24 JUN

    The Retro: Why Time Tracking Sucks (And How to Make it Suck Less)

    Why does time tracking suck—and what can we actually do about it? In this lively and deeply honest panel session, Kelsey Alpaio sits down with agency consultant Marcel Petitpas, PMO leader Kelly Vega, and project operations expert Matthew Fox to get to the root of why time tracking feels so broken. Together, they unpack not just the tactical challenges, but the deeper cultural and strategic dynamics that make time tracking feel like a chore (or worse, a surveillance tool). But this isn’t just a vent session—our panel brings clarity, practical advice, and a few hard truths to help you shift your mindset and your systems. From rethinking data accuracy and redefining utilization to making smarter tooling choices and harnessing AI (without falling for the hype), this conversation delivers actionable insight for PMs, leaders, and anyone in the messy middle of tracking work. Whether you’re tracking time for billing, planning, or just staying afloat, there’s something here to make it suck a little less—and maybe even become a tool for empowerment. Resources from this episode: Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Kelly, Matthew, and Marcel on LinkedInCheck out Parakeeto

    49 min
  8. How to Give Your New AI Tool or Process the Best Chance of Being Adopted

    17 JUN

    How to Give Your New AI Tool or Process the Best Chance of Being Adopted

    Rolling out a new tool or process sounds simple—until you try it. In this episode, Galen Low sits down with Frances Odera Matthews, founder of The Notion Bar, to unpack why change management is so hard, even with the best intentions and the best tools. From shiny object syndrome to culture gaps, they explore why tool adoption often fails and what project leaders can do to set their teams up for long-term success. Frances shares practical insights from the front lines of Notion implementations, including how phased rollouts, internal champions, and intentional design can make or break adoption. They also dig into the cultural side of change—how open sharing, avoiding silos, and even acknowledging when to rip the band-aid off can help teams navigate tool fatigue and create lasting transformation. Resources from this episode: Join DPM MembershipSubscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcastsConnect with Frances on LinkedInCheck out the Notion Bar, The Notion Zeitgeist newsletter, and the Coffee & Oysters podcast

    40 min
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The Digital Project Manager is the home of digital project management inspiration, how-to guides, tips, tricks, tools, funnies, and jobs. We provide project management guidance for the digital wild west where demanding stakeholders, tiny budgets and stupid deadlines reign supreme.

Información

  • Creador
    Galen Low and Kelsey Alpaio
  • Años de actividad
    2017 - 2025
  • Episodios
    209
  • Clasificación
    Apto
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Digital Project Manager
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    The Digital Project Manager

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