The Digital Project Manager

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What NATO Taught Me About EQ in High-Stakes Transformation Mar 03, 2026

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Emotional intelligence has always mattered in project work—but in the age of AI, it’s becoming a differentiator. In this episode, Galen sits down with Nadja El Fertasi, founder of Thrive with EQ and former NATO leader, to unpack how EQ shows up in high-stakes digital transformation—and why it may be the most overlooked risk mitigation strategy in your toolkit.

Drawing from nearly two decades inside NATO’s cyber and digital transformation initiatives, Nadja shares how stakeholder engagement, influence, and emotional resilience directly impact everything from project delivery to cybersecurity. As AI accelerates automation and amplifies both opportunity and risk, the real question isn’t whether EQ still matters—it’s whether we’re investing in it fast enough.

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- Thrive with EQ

Zapier’s Blueprint for Modern Project Management Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

In a job market that’s already shaky, it’s easy to see AI-led automation as salt in the wound. But Wade Foster flips that framing: pushing into AI is actually one of the kinder things organizations can do—because it strips away the “mysticism” and replaces it with something more useful: a pragmatic understanding of what AI can save you from (tedious, brain-draining tasks) and what it can’t replace (problem-solving, judgment, taste).

What comes through in this conversation is a more grounded promise: AI doesn’t erase the job—it helps in the “messy middle.” And when you use it as a thought partner (not just a shortcut), it can actually increase the time you spend on meaningful work… because it makes the process more enjoyable and the output better.

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Check out Wade’s website and Zapier
Zapier MCP (Model Context Protocol)

The Four Pillars of Trustworthy AI—and Who Owns Them Feb 17, 2026

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Trust in AI isn’t a vibe—it’s something you can intentionally design for (or accidentally break). In this episode, Galen sits down with Cal Al-Dhubaib to unpack “trust engineering”: a shared toolkit that helps cross-functional teams (engineering, UX, governance, risk, and business) talk about the same trust risks in the same language. They get into why “boring AI is safe AI,” how guardrails and human handoffs actually preserve trust, and why the biggest failures often aren’t the model—they’re the systems (and incentives) wrapped around it.

You’ll also hear real-world examples of trust going sideways—from biased outcomes to hallucinated “gaslighting,” to AI-assisted deliverables causing accuracy issues—and what project leaders can do to prevent finger-pointing when it happens.

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Check out Further
AI Incident Database

The PMO’s Strategic Role in Digital Transformation Feb 10, 2026

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PMOs are at a crossroads. As AI-led transformation accelerates, many organizations are still treating PMOs as project police—while quietly expecting them to deliver strategic clarity, risk foresight, and business value. In this conversation, Galen sits down with Amireh Amirmazaheri to unpack why that disconnect exists, what PMOs need to unlearn to move forward, and how the role must evolve if it’s going to earn (and keep) a seat at the table.

They explore the real difference between managing projects and enabling business success, why AI won’t save broken processes, and what it takes to lead a PMO with purpose instead of power. The result is an honest, human-centered look at the future of PMOs—one that prioritizes judgment, ethics, and clarity over templates, tools, and false certainty.

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Adapting Project Methodologies for AI Without Losing Control Feb 03, 2026

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Do project management methodologies still matter when AI can generate plans, notes, and schedules in seconds? In this episode, Galen sits down with Stan Yanakiev to unpack why the answer is still a firm yes—but with an important caveat: methodologies have to adapt. Together, they explore how PMs can move faster with AI without losing control, context, or the human side of delivery.

The conversation digs into lightweight project management, human-in-the-loop AI, and why speed without structure leads to “speed wobbles.” Stan shares practical examples of using AI to reduce documentation overhead, strengthen decision-making, and free PMs up to do what they do best: lead people, align stakeholders, and navigate complexity.

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Check out Mindrise

What Non-Technical PMs Really Need to Know About AI Jan 28, 2026

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AI is touching every role, every industry, and every level of an organization—but that doesn’t mean every project manager needs to become an engineer. In this conversation, Galen Low sits down with AI strategist and engineering leader Kesha Williams to talk about what PMs really need to know to stay relevant in an AI‑infused world.

They explore how to lead AI‑related projects without getting lost in the technical weeds, how to confidently translate between business and technical teams, and how to focus on outcomes over hype. With clear examples, sharp insights, and a dash of humor, this episode is packed with guidance for delivery leaders navigating AI today—and preparing for what’s next.

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Connect with Kesha on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Twitter/X
Check out KeySoft website
Kesha on AI – LinkedIn Page
Kesha on AI – Substack
Everyday AI Challenge – LinkedIn Learning

How to Fund Your Innovation Projects Without Venture Capital Jan 21, 2026

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Navigating government grants and funding opportunities can feel like deciphering ancient runes, but for project leaders working in innovation and R&D, cracking that code could be a game-changer. In this episode, Galen chats with Rachel Huang, founder of ClaimKit, about how public and private funding mechanisms can be more accessible—and faster—for startups and innovation projects. Drawing on her background as a chemical engineer, tech commercialization expert, and former professional tennis player, Rachel shares how she's helping companies secure capital through automated, human-assisted grant applications.

They explore the often-underutilized world of R&D tax credits, debunk the myth that only big corporations benefit, and spotlight why smaller, scrappier teams might be better positioned to innovate quickly—if they can unlock funding. From navigating complex eligibility rules to reframing grant-writing as a strategic lever rather than an afterthought, this episode is a practical look at how to fund innovation in a fast-moving, competitive world.

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Connect with Rachel on LinkedIn
Check out ClaimKit

How to Actually Measure AI’s Business Impact Jan 13, 2026

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In a world where AI hype is everywhere, what does meaningful, grounded transformation actually look like? In this episode, Galen Low sits down with Michael Domanic, VP and Head of AI at UserTesting, to unpack how AI is being strategically integrated into core business functions—not just to ride the hype wave, but to unlock measurable value. From demystifying the ROI of AI to cultivating a culture of experimentation and enablement, Michael shares his real-world approach to driving AI transformation that sticks.

They dive into the mindset shifts needed as organizations mature in their AI journey, how UX professionals are becoming more essential than ever, and why the future of AI in business may not be about tech at all—but about how people adapt to ongoing change.

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Connect with Michael on LinkedIn
Check out UserTesting

Where AI Actually Helps Project Managers in Delivery Work Jan 08, 2026

Show notes

Amid the buzz around AI in project management, what’s actually changing on the ground? In this special episode of The Digital Project Manager podcast, producer Becca Banyard steps in as host alongside Tim Fisher, VP of AI at Black & White Zebra, for a live conversation from our "Future of AI in Project Management" event series. They’re joined by Harv Nagra from Scoro to dig into how AI is transforming project delivery today—not someday, but right now.

Together, they unpack the day-to-day realities of managing shifting timelines, growing complexity, and tool sprawl, and how AI is starting to relieve some of that burden. You’ll hear a grounded, tactical take on what “practical AI” actually looks like, how Scoro is approaching it differently, and what project managers can expect next.

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Connect with Harv and Tim on LinkedIn
Check out Scoro
Watch the full event with Scoro’s live demo: The Future Of AI In Project Management with Scoro

The Playbook for Creating AI Teammates That Actually Work Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

Building AI teammates isn’t a future-state fantasy—it’s already happening. Megan Ratcliff shares how she tackled resource constraints in SaaS marketing by creating a custom AI ecosystem that filled key gaps across content, strategy, and cross-functional alignment. The result? Less time on execution, more space for strategic leadership.

This conversation brings grounded insight into how AI can be used to replace tasks, not people—while creating opportunities to reimagine roles entirely. From demystifying the learning curve to managing team adoption and navigating the future of work, Megan offers a clear-eyed look at how to use AI meaningfully without losing the human judgment that drives results.

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Connect with Megan on LinkedIn
Check out Clarity and Motion Collective

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