The Project Chatter Podcast

Dale Foong and Val Matthews
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Welcome to Project Chatter,  the podcast where project professionals, specialists and experts from various sectors talk about the latest trends in project management and PMO. Listen to Val and Dale as they talk about tried and tested best practices and share their unfiltered thoughts about the industry. Whether you're here to learn how to progress your career, improve your project controls skills, or just want to hear an Aussie and South African rant about projects, then you've come to the right place. Welcome to the Project Chatter Podcast, with your hosts Dale Foong and Val Matthews.

  1. S10E217: Lisa Silander on 30 Years in UK Project Controls

    MAY 1

    S10E217: Lisa Silander on 30 Years in UK Project Controls

    Dale and Val are joined by Lisa Silander, Global Practice and UK Technical Lead for Project Controls at AtkinsRéalis. With 30 years leading planning and project controls teams across aviation, rail, water, manufacturing, and nuclear, Lisa has shaped delivery on some of the UK's most demanding capital programmes including Heathrow Terminal 5, Heathrow Q6, the Heathrow Expansion Project, Thames Water AMP5, and Yorkshire Water AMP7. In this episode we cover: Lisa's career journey into project controlsWhat attracted her to the discipline and kept her there for three decadesThe initiative she's leading to build UK project controls capability at AtkinsRéalisWhy humans will always be involved in projects, even as AI reshapes the workThe daily habits that have shaped her careerGrit, determination, and the human side of leading high-performing teamsPerspective as a woman building and leading teams in a complex industry A grounded, practical conversation with one of the most experienced voices in UK project controls. Connect with Lisa Silander on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-silander-fcasa-b078645/ Follow the Project Chatter Podcast:Website: https://www.projectchatter.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/projectchatterpodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoudjc2m0ttmAkyvBnf8EnQSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6m6J87LIOHVoY9FlaAXp53Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-project-chatter-podcast/id1869579042 If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share with someone in your network. Keep listening, keep liking, and keep paying it forward.

    55 min
  2. S10E216: CaSA Digital Community of Practice Fight Night

    APR 22

    S10E216: CaSA Digital Community of Practice Fight Night

    We recently hosted the Controls and Skills Authority Digital Community of Practice Fight Night in Birmingham. This lively panel debate explores the impact of AI on project delivery, jobs, and industry practices. Experts challenge the notion that AI is just a tool or a threat, examining cultural, technical, and structural factors shaping AI adoption in construction and beyond. 3 Fights Culture is the No.1 Enabler for AI Adoption - Ronald Dyer vs Andrew KnightAI is just a tool, it won't replace jobs - Lisa Silander vs Marco FrisendaAI Does Not Improve Project Delivery - Sarah Crawley vs Kashan Ratyalhttps://www.controlsandskills.co.uk/

    43 min
  3. S10E215: AI Regulation - Navigating the Future of Responsible Innovation with Isabela Parisio

    APR 3

    S10E215: AI Regulation - Navigating the Future of Responsible Innovation with Isabela Parisio

    In this episode, Isabela Parisio, a legal expert in AI regulation, shares insights on the challenges and opportunities of regulating artificial intelligence. Topics include regulatory sandboxes, definitions of AI, accountability, privacy, military applications, and the future of AI governance. Key Topics Regulatory sandboxes for AI testingDefinitions and scope of AIAccountability and liability in AI systemsPrivacy concerns and data protectionMilitary applications and ethical considerationsLegal fictions and AI as a legal entityPolicy development and international cooperationChapters 03:59 Isabela's Background and Transition to AI 07:54 Intersection of Law and AI 11:07 Understanding Regulatory Sandboxes 14:44 Experimentation in AI Development 21:00 Privacy Concerns in AI 28:22 The Role of AI in Self-Regulation 34:39 The Human Element in Technological Advancement 39:30 AI in Military Applications: Accountability and Ethics 46:07 Navigating Accountability in AI Usage 56:40 Education and AI Literacy for Future Generations 01:01:41 The Legal Status of AI: A New Frontier 01:11:36 The Future of AI: Ethical Considerations and Governance Resources Responsible AI UK - https://responsibleaiuk.org/European Union AI Act - https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A52021PC0206Johns Hopkins University AI Policy - https://www.jhu.edu/King's College London AI Research - https://www.kcl.ac.uk/Bicentennial Man (Movie) - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118571/UK Data Protection Laws - https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-data-protection/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr/California AI Legislation - https://oag.ca.gov/privacy/ccpaAI Summit 2023 - https://aibusiness.com/events/ai-summit-2023/

    1h 22m
  4. S10E214: Understanding the Complexity of Modern Data Centers with Dr Atif Ansar

    MAR 20

    S10E214: Understanding the Complexity of Modern Data Centers with Dr Atif Ansar

    In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Val and Dale welcome Atif Ansar, co-founder of Foresight, to discuss the rapidly evolving world of data centers. Atif shares insights on the explosive growth and increasing complexity of data centers, highlighting the challenges related to energy supply, skilled labor, and technology redundancy. The conversation explores the role of AI in enhancing data center design and construction, the impact of edge computing, and the skills needed for future project professionals in this dynamic field. Atif also touches on innovative concepts like space-based data centers, emphasizing the exciting opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. In this conversation, the speakers explore the intersection of creativity and AI, discussing how technology influences project management and the future of jobs. They emphasize the importance of human essence in a technology-driven world and the evolving nature of data centers amidst global competition. The discussion also touches on the necessity of adapting to technological advancements and the potential for superintelligence in the future. Takeaways 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ Data centers are experiencing explosive growth, with construction volume increasing significantly. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ The complexity of data centers has evolved, making them more akin to industrial assets than simple warehouses. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ Data centers require substantial energy, land, and skilled labor, creating challenges in construction. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ The lifespan of data centers is long, but technology within them evolves rapidly, leading to potential obsolescence. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ AI can significantly enhance the design and construction processes of data centers. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ Edge computing complements data centers, creating a fractal-like relationship between different computing structures. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ Project professionals should focus on becoming subject matter experts while also being adaptable and open to using AI.🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ The energy supply for data centers is a critical constraint, but innovation in self-supply and renewable energy is emerging. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ Understanding the components and costs associated with data centers is essential for project professionals. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ The future of data centers may include innovative concepts like space-based facilities. Creativity enhances the effectiveness of project management. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ AI allows generalists to be more valuable than specialists. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ Human jobs will evolve rather than disappear due to AI. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ The demand for human-specific jobs will be based on human preferences. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ Technological advancements can improve quality of life and efficiency. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ The luxuries of one generation become necessities for the next. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ We are transitioning from an analog to a digital world. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ Data centers are crucial in the global tech race. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ The construction of data centers will continue to grow exponentially. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ Continuous learning is essential in a rapidly changing technological landscape. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:58 The Growth and Complexity of Data Centers 05:23 Key Components of Data Centers 08:01 The Future of Data Centers in Space 11:24 Energy Supply Challenges for Data Centers 15:30 Technology Redundancy and Lifespan of Data Centers 20:43 Edge Computing and Its Impact 23:58 AI's Role in Data Center Design and Construction 27:29 Skills for Future Project Professionals in Data Centers 30:44 The Intersection of Creativity and AI 33:46 The Future of Jobs in an AI World 36:18 Human Essence in the Age of Technology 39:39 The Evolution of Technology and Human Experience 43:42 Data Center Dynamics and Global Competition 52:11 The Future of Project Management and Technology #ProjectManagement #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership #Culture #ProjectCertifications

    57 min
  5. S10E213: Unmasking Watermelon Projects: How to Achieve True Transparency in Projects with Dave Lockley

    MAR 6

    S10E213: Unmasking Watermelon Projects: How to Achieve True Transparency in Projects with Dave Lockley

    In this episode, project delivery expert Dave Lockley shares insights on transforming complex change portfolios into measurable business value, the pitfalls of watermelon projects, and how technology can improve project transparency and decision-making. Key Topics Watermelon projects and transparencyThe role of technology and AI in project managementLeadership and decision-making in projectsChapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions 03:51 Dave Lockley's Journey into Project Management 06:30 Understanding the Motivation Behind Projects 08:14 The Concept of Watermelon Projects 11:45 The Role of Technology in Project Management 15:32 Decision-Making in Project Management 20:51 The Need for a Chief Projects Officer 22:37 The Impact of Technology on Decision-Making 26:54 Understanding Decision-Making in Project Management 28:19 Identifying Project Risks and Metrics 30:06 The Importance of Transparency in Reporting 31:15 Leadership and Accountability in Projects 33:22 The Need for Qualified Decision-Makers 36:11 Exploring Governance and Control in Projects 38:56 The Role of Human Behavior in Project Management 40:37 Final Thoughts and Reflections on Project Management

    45 min
  6. S10E212: Building a Project Control-Friendly Culture with Rod Whiting

    FEB 2

    S10E212: Building a Project Control-Friendly Culture with Rod Whiting

    In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Dale engages with Rod Whiting, a seasoned expert in project controls, who shares his extensive journey in the field since 1983. Rod discusses the evolution of project controls, emphasizing the importance of a project control-friendly culture within organizations. He highlights how understanding and valuing project controls can significantly impact project success, illustrating his points with anecdotes from his career. Rod also addresses the challenges of demonstrating the value of project controls to stakeholders, offering practical strategies to communicate its importance effectively. As the conversation progresses, Rod delves into the human aspects of project management, including stakeholder management and team dynamics. He shares insights on building relationships within teams, the significance of effective communication, and the role of technology in enhancing project controls. The discussion culminates in reflections on the highs and lows of Rod's career, emphasizing the importance of kindness and compassion in the workplace, and the need for a supportive culture that fosters collaboration and success in project delivery. Takeaways Project controls is about understanding and valuing the process.A project control-friendly culture is essential for success.Demonstrating the value of project controls requires effective communication.Building relationships within teams is crucial for project success.Kindness and compassion in the workplace lead to better outcomes.Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Project Chatter Podcast 00:49 Rod Whiting's Journey in Project Controls 03:39 Understanding Project Control-Friendly Culture 06:52 Demonstrating the Value of Project Controls 11:12 Building Strong Team Relationships 19:43 Navigating the Post-COVID Work Landscape 30:37 The Future of Work and Automation 32:12 Creating a Project Controls-Friendly Culture 35:29 Leadership and Compassion in Tough Times 39:00 Common Mistakes in Project Management 42:25 Capturing Knowledge and Experience 45:19 The Role of Technology in Project Controls 49:54 Highs and Lows of a Project Management Career 55:34 Final Thoughts on Kindness and Purpose

    54 min
  7. S10E211: AI and Change Management - A New Era with Vincent Marsicano

    JAN 17

    S10E211: AI and Change Management - A New Era with Vincent Marsicano

    In this episode of Project Chatter, hosts Dale and Val welcome Vincent Marsicano, CEO of Adopt It, to discuss the intersection of change management and technology. Vincent shares his unique background, which includes a PhD in physics and extensive experience in change management, emphasizing the importance of human-centered leadership in navigating organizational change. The conversation delves into the challenges of technology adoption, the role of AI in change management, and the necessity of understanding the human side of projects. Vincent argues that while technology can enhance efficiency, the core of successful change management lies in empathy and effective communication. As the discussion unfolds, Vincent highlights the significance of identifying key influencers within organizations to facilitate change. He also addresses the complexities of human behavior in project management, suggesting that understanding individual differences and fostering a culture of trust can lead to more successful outcomes. The episode concludes with reflections on the evolving landscape of change management, emphasizing the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for practitioners in this field. Takeaways Change management is fundamentally about the people side of projects.Technology is driving change, but it also creates challenges in adoption.Identifying key influencers within organizations can facilitate smoother change processes.Empathy and effective communication are crucial for successful change management.AI has the potential to revolutionize change management practices.

    59 min
  8. S9E210: Healthy Habits for Busy Project Professionals with Becky Holliday

    12/17/2025

    S9E210: Healthy Habits for Busy Project Professionals with Becky Holliday

    Dale flies solo (briefly!) to close out 2025 and welcomes first-time podcast guest Becky Holliday - a project manager turned health coach. Becky shares how redundancy in October 2023 became the catalyst for a career pivot, and why she now helps busy professionals (especially women) build sustainable health habits. Val drops in mid-episode and the conversation expands into discipline vs motivation, managing workload pressure, eating well without weekend meal-prep marathons, and why small wins beat heroic last-minute sprints. In this episode, you’ll learn Why Becky left project management and what she brought with her into health coaching How to start improving health when you “don’t have time” Why trying to change everything on Monday usually backfires A simple way to reduce stress and decision fatigue: the “3-item to-do list” Practical approaches to healthier eating that don’t require your Sunday afternoon How movement can support mental resilience when work pressure spikes Discipline vs motivation—and why habit size matters The role of identity, purpose, and values (and a thoughtful detour into spirituality) To get your FREE 5-Step Guide to Creating Healthy Habits that Stick, click here: beckyholliday.com/free-guide Join 400+ women getting free health tools and advice every Wednesday by signing up for Becky's FREE newsletter here: beckyholliday.com/free-newsletter

    58 min
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About

Welcome to Project Chatter,  the podcast where project professionals, specialists and experts from various sectors talk about the latest trends in project management and PMO. Listen to Val and Dale as they talk about tried and tested best practices and share their unfiltered thoughts about the industry. Whether you're here to learn how to progress your career, improve your project controls skills, or just want to hear an Aussie and South African rant about projects, then you've come to the right place. Welcome to the Project Chatter Podcast, with your hosts Dale Foong and Val Matthews.

Information

  • Creator
    Dale Foong and Val Matthews
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    218
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Dale Foong and Val Matthews
  • Show Website
    The Project Chatter Podcast