Conversations With #AskAsh Ashley Shuler

In this episode, you will learn from my favorite Business Process Consultant Marquis Murray as we discuss navigating business growth from his early days owning a recording studio to building systems with Think Ditto. Listen in as Marquis reflects on his fascinating path from a childhood passion for Lego and model planes to his present-day expertise in systems and organization. This conversation isn't just about the nuts and bolts of business building; it's an intimate look into how personal interests can lay the foundation for professional pursuits. Marquis candidly discusses the growing pains of leadership, the invaluable lessons learned about team capacity, and the strategic pivots that redefine a company's trajectory. Discover how aligning team workflows and combating workplace burnout can catalyze a business's evolution, and how a chance encounter at a mastermind event can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Timestamps
(00:00) - Building Systems From Scratch
(15:50) - Evolution of Business Systems and Processes
(21:47) - Building a Mentorship Network
(29:45) - Leadership Growth and Learning Pain Points
(40:31) - Entrepreneurial Growth and Visionary Strategy
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Connect with Marquis Murray
Marquis is a Business Process Consultant on a mission to eliminate team burnout and to empower teams so they can focus on the work without the issue of not knowing where or how the work is happening. With over 15 years of experience in various roles, including Digital Marketing Manager, Founder & CEO, and VP of Efficiency, Marquis has gained extensive expertise in improving processes and driving revenue growth. More recently, he started a consultancy firm which he successfully scaled and sold to a competitor within two years after launching.
In addition to helping clients optimize their processes and technology, Marquis is also an accomplished speaker and host of a popular podcast, "In Systems We Trust." He also speaks at in-person conferences, virtual webinars and his own YouTube Channel, where he shares process improvement methodologies and how to get the most out of software applications. Later this year, Marquis will be releasing his book, Process Over Perfect, which will focus on the 4D Process Improvement Framework he developed to help companies improve how they work within their teams and feature case studies from real clients.
When he's not working, Marquis enjoys reading, photography, kayaking, playing bass, and spending time with his family and dog, Taco.
Connect with Marquis
https://marquismurray.com/
Connect with Ashley
Website: https://www.ashleyshuler.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyshuler/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyshuler_/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyshuler
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How does Software Engineer build a business centered on virtual summits? Krista Miller takes us on a journey from her early days as a website developer to building successful and impactful virtual summits.  
Explore how Krista's faith has impacted her entrepreneurial journey, as she reflects on how God has shaped her trajectory of her business.
Discover the humble beginnings of Summit in a Box as Krista recounts her experience hosting a virtual summit to grow her development business, which unexpectedly led to demand for her expertise in teaching others.
Krista shows us that building from scratch is not just about following a set formula, but about being willing to adapt, learn, and grow along the way.
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Connect with Krista Miller
At Summit in a Box®, Krista helps you replace slow-growth and costly marketing strategies with a high-converting virtual summit that will multiply your revenue and lead to your biggest course, membership, or group program launch yet.
Her method incorporates highly-targeted positioning and feel-good, engagement based strategies that lead to  higher than average conversion rates, true connections, and making a difference through your summit in a way that creates ongoing benefits for months after the event wraps up.
https://www.summitinabox.co/
Krista’s Offer:
https://www.summitinabox.co/series
Connect with Ashley
Website: https://www.ashleyshuler.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyshuler/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyshuler_/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyshuler
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In this digital-first world, we are seeing a shift in the way we are approaching everyday work. From AI to Automation, the focus is on adopting a mindset for agility and the increasing reliance on technological advancements to streamline project execution. The motivating catalyst behind these technological advancements is efficiency
This is the central theme of many teams and organizations. How can we become more efficient?
In this episode, we discuss the evolution of the Next-Gen digital PM, covering organizational awareness, data acumen, and the ability to foster cross-functional collaboration, developing efficient workflows, and key elements of building digital operations for your organization.
Future of Work & Project Management[00:02:00] Discussion on the evolving work environment and the role of project managers.[00:03:00] Overview of a Harvard Business Review article on the future of work for project managers.
Next Generation Skills[00:09:00] Skills for the next generation of project management.[00:10:00] Discussion on organizational awareness, data acumen, and cross-functional collaboration.
Team Operations[00:15:00] Transition into team operations and the importance of building better workflows.[00:17:00] Re-evaluating team operations and the concept of "blowing things up."
Self Awareness & Team Dynamics[00:18:00] The value of self-awareness and understanding team dynamics for effective operations.
Workflow Refinement[00:24:00] Strategies for inventorying and refining workflows across the organization.
App and Tool Evaluation[00:27:00] Evaluating current tools and apps, considering replacements or new adoptions.
Collaboration Plan[00:29:00] Introduction to creating a team agreement or collaboration plan to enhance teamwork.
Action Items & Wrap-Up[00:33:00] Summary of action items and the importance of piloting projects.
Link to Article Mentioned:
https://hbr.org/2023/11/what-the-next-generation-of-project-management-will-look-like
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Connect with Ashley
Website: https://www.ashleyshuler.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyshuler/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyshuler_/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyshuler
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Are you ready to risk it all? This is the question that I love to ask everyone! Every project is risky. That’s the nature of the game. You will always be uncertain about the outcomes, tasks, budget, and how it’s all going to get done.
But the real question is, how do you plan for project risk? In today’s episode, we will follow Casey Nicole Jackson as she navigates identifying and managing risks.
Whether you know nothing about risk management or think you don’t need it at all, this episode is necessary for your project success.
Episode Timestamps
[00:00:00] - Introduction to Risk ManagementWelcome and overview of the Built From Scratch series.The significance of risk management in project leadership.[00:05:00] - Exploring the State of Work 2023 ReportInsights from Slack's State of Work 2023 report.The impact of a digital-first work environment on project management.[00:10:00] - Flexibility and Trust in Work EnvironmentsThe role of flexibility in fostering a productive work environment.Trust as the core of healthy team dynamics.[00:15:00] - Team Agreements and Productive CollaborationThe importance of team agreements in ensuring effective collaboration.Strategies for managing work schedules and locations purposefully.[00:20:00] - Tech Stack Integration and Efficient WorkflowsThe significance of integrating tools for streamlined workflows.Examples of siloed tools and recommendations for centralization.[00:25:00] - Case Study on Risk Management: The Journey of CaseyIntroduction to Casey's project and its challenges.Delving into risk identification and mitigation strategies.[00:30:00] - Ongoing Risk Management ProcessThe continuous nature of risk management throughout project stages.Practical steps for identifying, evaluating, and managing risks.[00:35:00] - Leveraging Tools for Risk ManagementRecommendations for using Miro, ClickUp, Asana, and Coda in risk management.The collaborative approach to risk management as a team effort.
Links & Resources:
Slack's State of Work Report 2023: https://slack.com/blog/news/state-of-work-2023
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Connect with Ashley
Website: https://www.ashleyshuler.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyshuler/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyshuler_/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyshuler
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We gotta talk about the MONEY!
A budget can make or break your project. We do not have enough conversations on creating and developing a budget strategy for projects and programs.
In this episode, we discuss the critical role of budgeting in project management, insights from the Slack report on productivity and the potential of AI and automation, and continue with our episodic case study involving Casey, a digital project manager, and the challenges of managing budgets for app development.
Episode Timestamps
[00:05:00 - 00:10:00] The Slack Report & Productivity Insights
Discussion on "The State of Work" report from Slack, focusing on productivity challenges and the untapped potential of AI and automation.
[00:10:00 - 00:15:00] The Importance of Mindset in Productivity
Ashley dives deeper into how a mindset shift towards intentional use of technology can enhance work efficiency.
[00:15:00 - 00:20:00] Exploring AI and Automation
An exploration of how AI and automation are reshaping the landscape of project management and operational efficiency.
[00:20:00 - 00:25:00] Case Study Introduction: Budgeting for Success
Introduction to Casey's case study, focusing on the importance of budgeting and resource allocation in project management.
[00:25:00 - 00:30:00] Budget Strategy and Resource Management
Learn effective budget management strategies and the significance of having a contingency plan.
[00:30:00 - 00:35:00] Internal and External Failure Costs
Discussion on managing internal and external failure costs and their impact on the project's budget and success.
[00:35:00 - 00:40:00] Quality Management in Project Execution
The role of quality management in ensuring project deliverables meet or exceed standards.
Links & Resources:
Slack's State of Work Report 2023: https://slack.com/blog/news/state-of-work-2023
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Connect with Ashley
Website: https://www.ashleyshuler.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyshuler/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyshuler_/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyshuler
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If you don’t have the right foundation, nothing that you build will last. For most project leaders, we’ve experienced the pain, confusion, and outright frustration of being dropped into a middle of a project with no documentation, wondering what is going on.
Perhaps, you’ve been handed a project with barely any direction or scope.
This is why the start of a project is just as important as how it is completed.
In this episode, we dive into Slack’s 2023 State of Work Report. Why? Because the world has been turned upside down and the way we work and communicate is drastically different before 2020 vs. now.
Plus, I've got a case study that's all about initiating state-wide change with a mobile app aimed at serving underserved communities. Whether you're a project leader, a team member, or just curious about efficient project execution, this episode packs insights, laughs, and some real talk on navigating the digital era of teamwork and productivity.
Episode Timestamps
[00:02:00] Launching the 'Built From Scratch' Season: Unveiling what it means to build projects from scratch, setting the stage for a season filled with insights and case studies.[00:05:00] The Future of Work and Productivity Tools: Discussing the dramatic shift in work culture and how tools like Slack facilitate better communication and project management.[00:10:00] Executive vs. Non-Executive Perspectives on Productivity: Delving into differing views on productivity and work efficiency between management levels.[00:15:00] The Power of Automation and AI in Project Management: Highlighting the untapped potential of automation and AI in enhancing project efficiency.[00:24:00] Case Study – Casey Nicole Jackson's Challenge: A deep dive into a case study involving a state-wide initiative to design a mobile app for underserved populations, highlighting the importance of requirements, scope, and stakeholder engagement.[00:34:00] Building a Requirements Template: Guidance on crafting a comprehensive requirements template for successful project outcomes.[00:41:00] Concluding with Project Management Best Practices: Summarizing key strategies for project vision, preventing scope creep, and organizing for success.
Links & Resources:
Slack's State of Work Report 2023: https://slack.com/blog/news/state-of-work-2023
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Connect with Ashley
Website: https://www.ashleyshuler.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyshuler/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleyshuler_/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashleyshuler
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