PM Therapy

Mukhtar Kadiri

PM Therapy is where we get real about succeeding in the PM space. We sit down with project leaders, industry experts, and rising stars to talk about their journeys—the wins, the setbacks, and everything in between. From job search strategies to career growth, we have honest conversations about what it’s really like and what it takes to thrive. No fluff, no sugar-coating—just honest stories and insights to help you navigate your career.

  1. 🚨PM Problems. No Easy Answers.

    8h ago

    🚨PM Problems. No Easy Answers.

    In this episode of PM Therapy, Mukhtar Kadiri sits down with project management thought leader Andy Kaufman to tackle some of the toughest dilemmas project managers face throughout their careers. From ethical reporting challenges and stalled career growth to layoffs, project failures, workplace conflict, and burnout, this conversation explores the difficult decisions that rarely have clear answers. In This Episode ✅ What to do when you're pressured to misrepresent project status ✅ Why strong performers sometimes struggle to get promoted ✅ How to lead teams through uncertainty after layoffs ✅ When a failing project should be shut down ✅ Leading with integrity during organizational change ✅ Managing conflict between high-performing team members ✅ Holding senior stakeholders accountable when they're blocking progress ✅ Knowing when to stay and fight versus when it's time to leave Key Topics Discussed The Ethics of Project Reporting
How PMs can navigate situations where leadership wants a more positive status report than reality supports. Breaking Through Career Plateaus
Why successful project delivery alone may not be enough to advance your career. Leading Through Layoffs
Practical strategies for maintaining momentum when morale is low and teams are emotionally exhausted. The Failing Project Dilemma
How to evaluate whether a project should continue and how to raise concerns professionally. Integrity During Transformation
Balancing organizational directives with personal leadership values when change impacts people's careers. Managing Hidden Conflict
Recognizing and addressing collaboration breakdowns before they derail project outcomes. Influencing Upward
Techniques for working with sponsors and executives whose actions are creating project delays. PM Burnout and Career Decisions
How experienced leaders assess whether a difficult situation is worth pushing through or walking away from. Rapid Fire Recommendations Andy also shares: * A book every PM should read * A productivity tool he relies on * A podcast recommendation * His favorite productivity hack * How he resets when stress and burnout start to build Connect with Andy Kaufman Linkedln: https://www.linkedin.com/in/buildleaders?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_ios About PM Therapy PM Therapy is where we get real about succeeding in project management. Each episode features candid conversations with project leaders, industry experts, and rising stars discussing career growth, leadership challenges, job search strategies, and the realities of life as a PM. No fluff. No sugar-coating. Just practical insights to help you navigate your career with confidence. 📉 Need help landing a $100K–$300K PM role?
 Book a free strategy call with us:
 https://tally.so/r/3la956 🚀 Check out PM Therapy on your favorite platforms: * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6kuSAv0ItNewDqAh64PTph * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pmtherapypod * Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pm-therapy/id1812039614 * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pmtherapypod * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pmtherapypod

    1h 7m
  2. 🚨PMs, Feel Stuck in Your Job Search

    Jun 3

    🚨PMs, Feel Stuck in Your Job Search

    Are you a product manager feeling stuck in your job search? In this episode, we dive into the common hurdles PMs face when looking for their next role—from navigating a crowded job market to refining your resume and interview strategy. Learn practical tips to regain momentum, discover how to leverage your network effectively, and uncover actionable steps to stand out as a candidate. Whether you’re switching industries, aiming for your first PM role, or seeking growth in your current field, this episode will help you break free from the job search rut. Key Takeaways: * Identify why you might feel stuck and how to regain clarity. * Strategies to optimize your resume and portfolio for PM roles. * Networking tips that actually work for busy PMs. * How to tackle interviews with confidence and purpose. * Mindset shifts to maintain motivation during a long job search. Who This Episode Is For: * Current and aspiring product managers. * Professionals considering a career pivot into product management. * Anyone struggling with stagnation in their job hunt. Listen And Learn: Unlock actionable strategies and mindset shifts to move forward in your PM career. Your next opportunity is out there—let’s go find it. 📉 Need help landing a $100K–$300K PM role? Book a free strategy call with us: https://tally.so/r/3la956 🚀 Check out PM Therapy on your favorite platforms: * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6kuSAv0ItNewDqAh64PTph * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pmtherapypod * Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pm-therapy/id1812039614 * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pmtherapypod * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pmtherapypod ❤️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on project management, AI in PM, and career growth! #ProjectManagement #CareerGrowth #GooglePM #MentalHealthTech #AppliedAI #PMLeadership

    59 min
  3. 🚨PMs, Getting Interviews but Not Offers

    May 27

    🚨PMs, Getting Interviews but Not Offers

    In this episode, we unpack the biggest challenges product managers face in today’s job market: not getting interviews, struggling to convert interviews into offers, feeling underpaid, and not knowing what’s actually holding them back. We talk through the real reasons candidates get overlooked, what recruiters and hiring managers are actually evaluating, and the common mistakes PMs make in resumes, LinkedIn profiles, outreach, and interviews. We also break down what separates candidates who consistently move forward from those who stay stuck in the cycle of applying and waiting. Inside the episode, we cover: * Why your resume may not be communicating enough impact * Whether you should tailor your applications for every role * What recruiters notice first when they check your LinkedIn * How outreach and networking can change your response rate * Why some candidates make it to final rounds but still lose offers * How to structure stronger PM interview answers * What makes a candidate memorable in competitive hiring processes * How to position yourself for senior-level and higher-paying opportunities * When to negotiate compensation — and how to do it confidently * What to focus on if your job search feels inconsistent or overwhelming We also discuss the mental side of the PM job search: overthinking, burnout, self-doubt, and the feeling of “doing everything right” while seeing little progress. If you’ve been questioning whether you’re applying incorrectly, aiming too high, or simply missing something important, this conversation will help you think about your search more strategically. Whether you’re trying to land your next PM role, break into senior positions, or improve your overall job search approach, this episode will give you practical insight into what actually moves candidates forward in today’s market — and how to future-proof your career as a product manager. 📉 Need help landing a $100K–$300K PM role?
 Book a free strategy call with us:
 https://tally.so/r/3la956 🚀 Check out PM Therapy on your favorite platforms: * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6kuSAv0ItNewDqAh64PTph * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pmtherapypod * Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pm-therapy/id1812039614 * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pmtherapypod * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pmtherapypod


 ❤️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on project management, AI in PM, and career growth!
 #ProjectManagement #CareerGrowth #GooglePM #MentalHealthTech #AppliedAI #PMLeadership

    57 min
  4. 7 Mistakes PMs Make When Trying To Land a $100-300K Role

    May 21

    7 Mistakes PMs Make When Trying To Land a $100-300K Role

    Most product managers aren’t lacking experience—they’re often struggling with strategy. In this episode of PM Therapy, we break down 7 mistakes PMs make when trying to land a $100K–$300K role in their job search and career growth. With actionable advice and real client stories, this episode gives you a blueprint for strategic career growth—whether you’re stuck in your PM search, unsure how to position yourself, or aiming to land a high-paying role. 🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * Out of the Market Too Long: How to reposition after gaps. Example: David had a 2-year break but landed a PM offer in 5 weeks. * Fixing Just One Thing: Why resumes or LinkedIn updates alone won’t cut it—you need a full job search system: clarity, positioning, targeting, networking, interviews, negotiation. * Relying on Certifications: PMP, MBA, AI certificates aren’t magic. Strategy and positioning matter more. * Widening Your Focus Too Much: Applying to everything dilutes your identity. Example: Hina got 2 offers in 6 weeks by emphasizing relevant experience. * Doubling Down on Applications: More applications ≠ strategy. Example: Fawzia applied to 160 roles, got 3 interviews, but landed a high-paying PM role after strategic adjustments. * Applying and Waiting: Submitting isn’t enough—engage with hiring managers and follow up to beat the competition. * Waiting for the “Right Time”: Opportunities exist year-round. Example: Agalya got hired during Christmas/New Year. 📌 Key Takeaway:Most PMs don’t have an experience problem—they have a strategy problem. Sharpening your approach improves clarity, confidence, and results. 📉 Need help landing a $100K–$300K PM role? Book a free strategy call with us: https://tally.so/r/3la956 🚀 Check out PM Therapy on your favorite platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6kuSAv0ItNewDqAh64PTph YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pmtherapypod Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pm-therapy/id1812039614 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pmtherapypod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pmtherapypod

    1h 13m
  5. The PM Role In 10 Years

    May 13

    The PM Role In 10 Years

    The evolving role of project managers (PMs) over the next decade is explored in this episode of the PM Therapy Live podcast. Hosted by Mukhtar Khadiri with guest Mike Clayton, the discussion dives into how AI, evolving methodologies, and rapidly changing tools will reshape the PM profession. Whether you’re aiming to stay ahead in the PM field or pivot your career towards strategic leadership roles, this episode is packed with actionable insights and predictions for the future. If you’ve ever wondered what the PM profession will look like in 10 years, Mike’s perspective will help you understand the key changes to come. From AI taking over routine tasks to new methodologies designed for human-AI hybrid teams, this episode will inspire and equip you to prepare for the future of project management. 🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * How AI will impact PM tasks and shift the focus toward more strategic decision-making * Predictions on the future of PM tools and the rise of AI agents * The changing nature of project complexity and what that means for PMs * How new methodologies could be developed to accommodate human-AI hybrid teams * Insights on PM certifications and burnout potential as AI handles more routine tasks * Rapid-fire recommendations on tools, productivity hacks, and strategies for future-proofing your career 📉 Need help landing a $100K–$300K PM role?
Book a free strategy call with us:
https://tally.so/r/3la956 🚀 Check out PM Therapy on your favorite platforms: * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6kuSAv0ItNewDqAh64PTph * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pmtherapypod * Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pm-therapy/id1812039614 * TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pmtherapypod * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pmtherapypod

 Want to keep up with Mike Clayton? https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeclayton/ https://onlinepmcourses.com/ ❤️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on project management, AI in PM, and career growth!
#ProjectManagement #CareerGrowth #GooglePM #MentalHealthTech #AppliedAI #PMLeadership

    1h 23m
  6. 🚀 What Separates a $100K PM from a $200K PM

    Mar 20

    🚀 What Separates a $100K PM from a $200K PM

    What separates a $100K project manager from a $200K one? Is it experience, certifications, industry, or something else? In this episode of PM Therapy, we tackle this exact question. We dive deep into the current reality of the PM job market, exploring the shifts caused by AI, layoffs, and market volatility. Most importantly, we’ll break down what you need to do to move toward those $200K+ PM roles.🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:🔹The current state of the PM job market and how it’s evolving due to AI and market pressures🔹How to transition from a $100K to $200K PM by developing key leadership and strategic skills🔹The importance of focusing on outcomes vs. outputs to level up your career🔹How AI disruptions are reshaping the PM role and how to stay valuable in an AI-driven world🔹How to position yourself for higher-paying roles by improving your storytelling and reframing your experience…and so much more!📉 Need help landing a 100-300K PM role? Book a free strategy call with us!Join our coaching program and get personalized support to achieve your PM goals! Book a call through our coaching waitlist today:⁠https://tally.so/r/3la956🚀 Check us out on your other favorite platforms!🔹Spotify:⁠ https://open.spotify.com/show/6kuSAv0ItNewDqAh64PTph?si=AyjVp9OZR9yURtUEiu80Vw🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pmtherapypod🔹Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pm-therapy/id1812039614🤓 Want to join live for the next episode? Follow Mukhtar on LinkedInhttp://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=m-kadir👨🏻Keep up with Galen here🔹Digital Project Manager: https://thedigitalprojectmanager.com/🔹LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/galen-low-digital-transformation-advisor/❤️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on project management, career growth, and AI disruption!

    1h 37m
  7. 🚀 How Some Teams Deliver Projects 2X Faster

    Mar 11

    🚀 How Some Teams Deliver Projects 2X Faster

    It’s become almost a running joke in the industry: projects rarely finish on time. But what if that assumption is wrong? What if projects could actually be delivered faster and more reliably without burning out teams or cutting corners?In this episode of PM Therapy, Mukhtar Kadiri sits down with Philip Marris, an expert in Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM), to explore a different way of delivering projects. 🎯 What You'll Learn in This Episode:🔹The real reasons why so many projects end up finishing late🔹What Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM) is and how it works🔹How some teams are able to deliver projects twice as fast without overworking their teams🔹How to identify the real bottleneck in your projects (not just the one everyone complains about)🔹The first practical step any PM can take tomorrow to start improving project delivery speed…and so much more!📉 Need help landing a 100–300K PM role? Book a free strategy call with us!Join our coaching program and get personalized support to achieve your PM goals! Book a call through our coaching waitlist today:https://tally.so/r/3la956👨Connect with Phillip hereLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philipmarris/Website: https://www.marris-consulting.com/en/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCu2Mx7uyErhCUGIh00ZLQiQ 🚀 Check us out on your other favorite platforms!🔹Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6kuSAv0ItNewDqAh64PTph?si=AyjVp9OZR9yURtUEiu80Vw🔹YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pmtherapypod🔹Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pm-therapy/id1812039614🤓 Want to join live for the next episode? Follow Mukhtar on LinkedInhttp://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=m-kadir❤️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on project management, project delivery speed, and career growth!#projectmanagement #careergrowth #criticalchainpm #projectdelivery #pmleadership #pmcommunity

    1h 23m
  8. Bridging the PM–Developer Gap ft. Irina Lamarr

    Mar 4

    Bridging the PM–Developer Gap ft. Irina Lamarr

    We’ve all seen the memes and heard the stereotypes. PMs think developers are difficult to manage, and developers think PMs don’t understand the technical work. But where does this friction actually come from, and more importantly, how do you fix it? In this episode of PM Therapy, Mukhtar Kadiri sits down with Irina Lamarr, who has experienced both sides of the divide, as a developer and now as a project manager. Together, they unpack why misunderstandings between PMs and engineers happen, what each side gets wrong about the other, and how PMs can earn credibility and trust with technical teams.  🎯 What You'll Learn in This Series: Why tension often exists between project managers and developers What developers wish PMs would stop doing immediately How PMs can lead and influence developers without deep technical expertise Communication techniques that help PMs navigate technical discussions confidently Practical ways to build trust and credibility with engineering teams …and so much more! 📉 Need help landing a 100-300K PM role? Book a free strategy call with us! Join our coaching program and get personalized support to achieve your PM goals! Book a call through our coaching waitlist today: https://tally.so/r/3la956 🚀 Check us out on your other favorite platforms! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6kuSAv0ItNewDqAh64PTph?si=AyjVp9OZR9yURtUEiu80Vw YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@pmtherapypod Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pm-therapy/id1812039614 Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@pmtherapypod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pmtherapypod/ 🧓🏻Want to keep up Irina Lamar? LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/irilamarr/ 🤓 Want to join live for the next episode? Follow Mukhtar on LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=m-kadir ❤️ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert advice on project management, PM–developer collaboration, and career growth!

    1h 6m

About

PM Therapy is where we get real about succeeding in the PM space. We sit down with project leaders, industry experts, and rising stars to talk about their journeys—the wins, the setbacks, and everything in between. From job search strategies to career growth, we have honest conversations about what it’s really like and what it takes to thrive. No fluff, no sugar-coating—just honest stories and insights to help you navigate your career.