In this episode of the iPrograms Podcast, host Dr. Bill Bersing—a leader in engineering, construction, and program management—sits down with Dr. Jim Chambers, an expert in educational leadership, learning & development, and instructional design. Together, they break down why traditional project management training often overlooks critical leadership skills, communication strategies, and emotional intelligence—and how filling these gaps can lead to outstanding project success.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:
✅ The biggest mistakes project managers make—and how to fix them
✅ Why technical skills alone won’t guarantee success
✅ How leadership, soft skills, and AI can transform your workflow
✅ Why the PURE Management approach is redefining project leadership

If you’re ready to stop managing chaos and start leading with clarity, this episode will give you real-world insights you can start applying today.

💡 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more expert insights from top professionals in the industry!

📌 YouTube Chapters:
00:00 Introduction
01:10 Intro
01:54 Project Zodiac
04:00 The Struggle Between Big Companies and Small Business Partnerships
06:50 PURE Certification
11:11 What’s Missing from Traditional Project Management
11:37 Using AI as a Tool for Project Management
14:59 The Biggest Mistake Project Managers Make
19:36 Key to Preventing Project Failure
23:50 How to Communicate with Emotional Intelligence
28:40 Leadership vs. Micromanagement
31:06 How to Build Trust in Project Teams
35:18 What Makes a Great Project Manager
36:08 PURE Management Alliance Program Details
37:44 A New Kind of Project Certification
38:58 The Qualities of Great Project Managers
44:23 Why Soft Skills Matter
56:49 Final Thoughts

🔗 Resources & Links:
📘 Learn more about PURE Management Alliance
🎓 Access FREE Project Management Resources
🎙 Follow the iPrograms Podcast for More Episodes

#ProjectManagement #Leadership #PUREManagement #iProgramsPodcast #AIinProjects #SoftSkills #TeamManagement #BusinessLeadership

Together, they explore:

• Practical applications and ethical considerations of AI.
• How AI is reshaping leadership in sales, education, and engineering.
• The evolving role of leaders in driving innovation while managing change.
• Tools and strategies to integrate AI into project management and team collaboration.

Whether you're a project manager, a tech enthusiast, or a leader looking to future-proof your organization, this episode offers actionable takeaways to help you succeed in an AI-enabled world.

Chapters

00:00  Intro & AI

00:48 Legal & Policy Frameworks

04:38 Practical AI Applications & Limitations

07:39 AI in Education & Ethics

11:45 AI in Risk & Project Management

18:27 Leadership in the AI Era

35:00 AI for Strategic Innovation

37:03 Tools of Collaboration & Innovation

43:47 Future Prospects & Closing Reflections

General Resources:

📚🔗🤖 AI Resources:

1. Co-Pilot
2. Lucidchart
3. Visio
4. Primavera P6
5. Acumen
6. Microsoft Access
7. FileMaker Pro
8. eBuilder
9. Aconex (Oracle)
10. Grammarly
11. Cardanit
12. Kiteworks (We have an agreement with Kiteworks. Check their services out on our website and if you decide this is something you like Dr. Bill Bersing would be happy to get on a call with you to talk to you more about it.)

🔗 Other Links:
To find out more about Dr. Bill and iPrograms go to iPrograms.com
To join the conversation click here to find us on LinkedIn

📚 Other Resources:
Project Management https://pmi.org
Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) 
Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling by Harold Kerzner
Project Management - Dennis Lock

General Resources:

📚🔗🤖 AI Resources:

1. Co-Pilot
2. Lucidchart
3. Visio
4. Primavera P6
5. Acumen
6. Microsoft Access
7. FileMaker Pro
8. eBuilder
9. Aconex (Oracle)
10. Grammarly
11. Cardanit
12. Kiteworks (We have an agreement with Kiteworks. Check their services out on our website and if you decide this is something you like Dr. Bill Bersing would be happy to get on a call with you to talk to you more about it.)

🔗 Other Links:
To find out more about Dr. Bill and iPrograms go to iPrograms.com
To join the conversation click here to find us on LinkedIn

📚 Other Resources:
Project Management https://pmi.org
Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) 
Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling by Harold Kerzner
Project Management - Dennis Lock

Fast forward almost 20 years, and the world has changed dramatically. With rapid technological advances and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, virtual work has become the norm. In this episode, Dr. Bersing revisits the same questions, exploring how leadership practices have evolved. He also shares his plans to expand the scope of these questions to leaders across industries for future episodes, aiming to uncover fresh insights for a new era of work.

Join us as we dive into Dr. Bersing’s reflections, hear his responses to the very questions he created, and learn how he’s using this research to spark a broader conversation about the future of leadership. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the challenges and opportunities of leading virtually across the world.

Timestamps:
1:37 Introduction - The Study: Revisiting Virtual Executive Leadership
10:11 How do you and your organization use communication tools to create and preserve trust in the virtual team setting?
18:24 How do you ensure virtual member diversity is accepted and clear?
25:41 How do you properly manage meetings and work-life cycle in the virtual work setting?
31:15 How do you or your organization use technology to observe virtual team performance?
37:25 How do you evaluate virtual team progress?
39:15 How do you allow for virtual team members to gain something from being on the team?
41:18 What makes an outstanding virtual team leader or project manager?
43:34 What differences, if any, do you see in organizing new virtual teams versus organizing teams face-to-face?
47:36 What project success factors are different when working on virtual teams versus face-to-face teams?
55:47 How has technology changed your approach in developing effective virtual managers within the last 10 years?
59:25 Do you see new emerging technologies in the next 5 or 10 years which you feel may change the industry or customer base?
1:03:07 Are you or your organization working on new ways to improve virtual team performance, organization, or knowledge management?
1:07:14 Closing Thoughts: Virtual Teams and Executive Leadership After COVID

Resources from this episode:
NVivo: NVivo is the most powerful and most cited software for qualitative data analysis.

General Resources:

📚🔗🤖 AI Resources:

1. Co-Pilot
2. Lucidchart
3. Visio
4. Primavera P6
5. Acumen
6. Microsoft Access
7. FileMaker Pro
8. eBuilder
9. Aconex (Oracle)
10. Grammarly
11. Cardanit
12. Kiteworks (We have an agreement with Kiteworks. Check their services out on our website and if you decide this is something you like Dr. Bill Bersing would be happy to get on a call with you to talk to you more about it.)

🔗 Other Links:
To find out more about Dr. Bill and iPrograms go to iPrograms.com
To join the conversation click here to find us on LinkedIn

📚 Other Resources:
Project Management https://pmi.org
Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) 
Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling by Harold Kerzner
Project Management - Dennis Lock

Key Topics:
0:00 - Introduction to Hurricanes Helene and Milton
0:45 - Guest Introduction: David Dodd, Global Leader in Economic Development and Resilience
1:58 - Rapid Intensification of Hurricanes
3:20 - Comparing Hurricane Impacts: Helene and Superstorm Sandy
5:04 - Extreme Weather Patterns and Climate Change
6:31 - Public and Private Sector Debt in Resilience Funding
7:43 - Resilience as Investment and the Role of Private Investment
8:33 - Financial Impact of Recent Hurricanes
10:05 - The Ready Movement and Community Preparedness
11:07 - Community Preparedness and Cultural Shifts
13:34 - Challenges of Disaster Recovery in Tornado-Prone Areas
14:45 - Project Management in Disaster Recovery
15:19 - Certification and Coordination in Disaster Recovery
17:24 - Federal Agency Alignment in Recovery Efforts
19:00 - Funding and Climate Adaptation Explained
20:57 - Global Debt and Its Implications for Resilience
22:01 - Adaptation and Relocation of Infrastructure
24:50 - Toolkit for Measuring Economic and Social Resilience Impact
26:58 - AI’s Potential in Disaster Recovery and Modeling
28:15 - Civil Engineering Challenges in Africa
29:17 - AI and Accountability in Resilience Efforts
30:06 - Comparing US Resilience to Global Standards
31:33 - Case Study: Japan’s Resilience Post-Fukushima
32:32 - Importance of Economic Opportunity in Recovery
34:04 - Integrated City and Economic Recovery Planning
35:48 - Resilience vs. Recovery
37:12 - Private Sector’s Role in Funding Climate Adaptation
39:09 - Investment in Resilience as a Cost-Effective Strategy
40:51 - Shifting Perspectives on Resilience in Public-Private Partnerships
42:07 - Learning from Global Standards in Resilience
43:27 - International Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing
44:46 - David’s Upcoming Talk on Economic Development and Resilience
46:01 - Outro and The Arkansas Hogs

Resources:

📚🔗🤖 AI Resources:

1. Co-Pilot
2. Lucidchart
3. Visio
4. Primavera P6
5. Acumen
6. Microsoft Access
7. FileMaker Pro
8. eBuilder
9. Aconex (Oracle)
10. Grammarly
11. Cardanit
12. Kiteworks (We have an agreement with Kiteworks. Check their services out on our website and if you decide this is something you like Dr. Bill Bersing would be happy to get on a call with you to talk to you more about it.)

🔗 Other Links:
To find out more about Dr. Bill and iPrograms go to iPrograms.com
To join the conversation click here to find us on LinkedIn

📚 Other Resources:
Project Management https://pmi.org
Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) 
Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling by Harold Kerzner
Project Management - Dennis Lock

This engaging discussion offers valuable insights into program management, project funding, and the pivotal role of global cooperation in building adaptable and sustainable communities.

#Resilience, #ProgramManagement, and #EconomicRecovery

In this transformative episode of the iPrograms podcast, "The Art of Program Management," hosted by Dr. Bill Bersing, we explore the evolving landscape of program management and its intersection with innovative leadership. With over 30 years of experience leading major programs, Dr. Bersing delves into key concepts that are revolutionizing program management.

Our guest, Charles "Greg" Bess, shares invaluable insights from his 40 years in the tech and telecommunications industries. Together, we discuss:

• The significance of emphasizing observation and human connection in problem-solving
• Building reliable teams through experience and overcoming failure
• Recognizing self-taught talent to create dynamic and versatile teams
• The importance of balancing the adoption of emerging technologies like AI with proper risk management strategies
• How maintaining a healthy work-life balance and fostering effective communication can pave the way for more resilient and engaged leaders in program management

Join us as we redefine success in program management and empower the next generation of leaders with actionable strategies and invaluable insights from industry experts. Don't miss out on this opportunity to transform your approach to program management from the inside out.

🕐 Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:26 Introduction to Greg Bess
02:26 From Electrical Engineering to Project Mastery
05:22 Challenges in Program Management
06:30 Leadership Skills and Team Dynamics
10:23 International Experience and Cultural Challenges
13:23 Cultural Communication and International Projects
21:23 Being OK with a Team that Fails | Fail Quickly and Get to Better Solutions
22:22 Good Leadership Skills in Large Programs
34:25 Leverage AI but Don't Keep Your Eyes Off the Task
35:27 Unpredictability and Risk Management
36:21 Safety and Preparedness
37:19 Leadership in Crisis
39:02 Managing Conflicts Between Experience and Ambition in Teams
41:28 Creating High-Performance Teams
47:23 Encouraging Team Communication
51:38 Unlikely Leadership Lessons: Build Team Trust with Creativity
54:38 How to Break the Ice with Teams | Get Your Team Communicating!
57:27 The Importance of Hobbies and Stress Relief
1:00:31 Final Thoughts

🔔 #ProgramManagement #Leadership #Innovation #GregBess #iProgramsPodcast #RiskManagement #FutureOfWork #SelfTaughtTalent

Resources:

📚🔗🤖 AI Resources:

1. Co-Pilot
2. Lucidchart
3. Visio
4. Primavera P6
5. Acumen
6. Microsoft Access
7. FileMaker Pro
8. eBuilder
9. Aconex (Oracle)
10. Grammarly
11. Cardanit
12. Kiteworks (We have an agreement with Kiteworks. Check their services out on our website and if you decide this is something you like Dr. Bill Bersing would be happy to get on a call with you to talk to you more about it.)

🔗 Other Links:
To find out more about Dr. Bill and iPrograms go to iPrograms.com
To join the conversation click here to find us on LinkedIn

📚 Other Resources:
Project Management https://pmi.org
Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) 
Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling by Harold Kerzner
Project Management - Dennis Lock

Our guest today is Dr. Jim Chambers, he is a renowned expert in leadership development with over 30 years of experience. As the founder of the Institute for Organizational Leadership, he has provided strategic planning, leadership development, and organizational models for public and private organizations worldwide. Dr. Chambers is also a dedicated educator, serving as a faculty member at the University of Phoenix's School for Advanced Studies and mentoring doctoral candidates. Tune in to discover practical insights on leadership, change management, and transformational leadership from Dr. Chambers' extensive knowledge and experience.

Chapters: 
00:00 Adapting to change, cooperation in higher education.

05:13 Navigating change in programs require managing risks.
06:13 Strategy 1: Empathy

07:26 Psychotherapist Morris R. Shechtman, Working Without a Net - emphasizes understanding loss.
08:28 Strategy 2: Understanding Human Behavior - Complex but Predictable

12:47 Helping leaders learn to listen actively is crucial.

14:18 Disloyalty is rare.

17:35 Teaching empathy in instructional design and coding.

25:23 Strategy 3: Communicate early and often for better results.
27:00 Strategy 4: Involve Everyone

29:13 Course Changes - People in the trenches need to be involved!

31:39 Engage with vested interest for successful change.

35:22 Strategy 5: Anticipate resistance.

37:57 Leaders must involve their teams in risk management.

41:32 Empower people by accepting their expertise.

49:11 Transformational model better than transactional in most teams, except during the heat of a battle.

50:15 Transactional works in extreme situations, not long-term.
51:41 Anecdotal example about Transformational leadership from Dr. Bill Bersing about writing his son a letter for his first week at VMI.

52:52 Anecdotal example following up with this Dr. Jim Chambers gives about his wife and President Bush.

📚Resources recommended by Dr. Jim Chambers
Mentioned during the podcast:
Working Without a Net: How to Survive and Thrive in Today's High Risk Business World

 Working without a Net by Morris R. Shechtman

• Coaching for LifeTM Executive Coaching Program
• Getting Ready to Go TM Life Planning
• Emotional and Social EQ and Knowledge Workers
• Recruiting, Hiring, and Retaining IT Knowledge Workers for a Global Economy
• Transformational Leadership for IT ProfessionalsTM
• Transformational Leadership and Innovation
• Developmental and Learning Theories: Theory and Practice
• Organizational Leadership and Strategic Planning for the 21st Century
• Adopting a Transformational Work Culture
• A Change Management Model: The Human FactorsTM
• Decision Making and Avoidance: A Look at Corporate Leadership
• Customer Service Excellence: The Human Side of ServiceTM
• Top 10 Things that Keep Small Business Owners Up at NightTM
• Team-Based Strategic Planning and Organizational DevelopmentTM
• Organizational Change Management for Corporate Leaders/Managers
• Ministry-Based Strategic Planning and Organization

🔗 Other Links:
To find out more about Dr. Bill and iPrograms go to iPrograms.com
To join the conversation click here to find us on LinkedIn

📚 Dr. Bill's Resources:
Project Management https://pmi.org
Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) 
Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling by Harold Kerzner
Project Management - Dennis Lock

00:00 The definition of AI and the role it plays in company use.

03:05 Discusses innovative AI application for Program Management. 

06:25 Drafting and fine-tuning communication plan in teams meetings.

11:34 How do you overcome security issues with AI?
13:20 Overcoming resistance in Team with using AI.

14:48 Different tools have different strengths. Understanding which tools to use for what.
19:13 How can someone new to AI get started

22:31 Resistance to technology and fear of change, especially related to artificial intelligence, in older and younger generations.

23:59 Calls for improvement in program management!

📚🔗🤖 AI Resources:

1. Co-Pilot
2. Lucidchart
3. Visio
4. Primavera P6
5. Acumen
6. Microsoft Access
7. FileMaker Pro
8. eBuilder
9. Aconex (Oracle)
10. Grammarly
11. Cardanit
12. Kiteworks (We have an agreement with Kiteworks. Check their services out on our website and if you decide this is something you like Dr. Bill Bersing would be happy to get on a call with you to talk to you more about it.)

🔗 Other Links:
To find out more about Dr. Bill and iPrograms go to iPrograms.com
To join the conversation click here to find us on LinkedIn

📚 Other Resources:
Project Management https://pmi.org
Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) 
Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling by Harold Kerzner
Project Management - Dennis Lock

Today, we tackle an array of critical topics including the development of effective communication plans, the necessity of risk assessments and mitigation strategies, resource allocation, and the unique challenges faced in international projects. Dr. Bill shares his wealth of experience and practical wisdom on managing change orders, navigating different regulatory environments, and maintaining transparency with stakeholders.

From facing unexpected challenges like asbestos and radiological risks to understanding cultural differences in conflict management, this episode is packed with actionable advice for anyone involved in complex programs Don't miss out on learning how to keep your projects and programs on track, even when the unexpected happens.

**Timestamps:**
00:00 Mitigation plans and effective communication are crucial.

04:29 Thick skin essential in construction and international business. Different cultures have different ways of dealing with conflict.

06:45 Enthusiastic agreement with positive feedback reiterated twice.

Tune in and boost your program management skills with this invigorating shot of Dr. Bill's experience and wisdom!

🔗 Links:
To find out more about Dr. Bill and iPrograms go to iPrograms.com
To join the conversation click here to find us on LinkedIn

📚 Resources:
Project Management https://pmi.org
Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide) 
Project Management: A Systems Approach to Planning, Scheduling, and Controlling by Harold Kerzner
Project Management - Dennis Lock

Welcome to the 4th episode of iPrograms in our quick series called PM Espresso Shots from our podcast The Art of Program Management, where Dr. Bill Bersing dives deep into the art of program and project management.

In this episode, co-host Virginia asks Dr. Bill Bersing, a seasoned expert in the field, to share his invaluable insights and real-world experiences that you won't find in any textbook.

🔑 Key Topics Covered:
- Dr. Bersing's fascinating journey from civil engineering to computer engineering and ultimately to program management.
- The evolution of program management and how it differs from project management.
- Real-world examples and personal anecdotes from Dr. Bersing's illustrious career, including his work with NAVFAC and his humanitarian projects in Africa.
- Essential strategies for managing large-scale programs and the importance of a holistic approach.
- Overcoming challenges and capitalizing on opportunities in the field.

Discover how to leverage standards, algorithms, and coordinated efforts to elevate your program management game. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting, this episode is packed with potent insights that can transform your career.

🔔 Subscribe and Hit the Bell Icon to never miss an episode!

👍 Like & Share if you find the content valuable!

⭐ Leave a 5-Star Review on Apple Podcasts to support our show!

📅 Chapters:

0:00 Introduction

1:02 Dr. Bill’s Journey

2:21 Early Challenges and Solutions

5:17 Distinguishing Project and Program Management

8:17 International Project Experiences

13:29 The Human Element in Program Management

📢 Join the Conversation:
- LinkedIn: Follow Dr. Bill Bersing for more expert insights.
- Twitter: Share your thoughts and favorite takeaways from the episode using #IprogramsPodcast.
- Instagram: Our Brand New Account! Please follow us!

🌍 Stay Connected:
- Website: (http://iprograms.com for more resources and exclusive content.

Enhance your program management practice with us! Let's navigate this program management world together.

Today, we're diving into a topic that has become increasingly relevant in today's work environment – virtual versus in-person collaboration. As we explore the question, 'Does it really matter?', we invite you to consider the unique benefits and challenges of each approach and how they impact program management. Let's brew some fresh ideas together and energize our professional growth!"

Don't miss out on this engaging and concise discussion – tune in now to gain valuable insights and stay ahead in the world of program management! This is your PM Espresso Shot!

To find out more about Dr. Bill and iPrograms go to iPrograms.com
To join the conversation click here to find us on LinkedIn

Tune in as David and Dr. Bill explore the critical importance of stakeholder coordination, the nuances of quality standards, and the complexities of cost management in both disaster recovery and construction programs. They share invaluable insights on handling conflicts, regulatory compliance, and the revolutionary adoption of agile program management in non-IT sectors, especially in the wake of COVID-19.

From the frontline challenges faced during disaster recovery efforts in developing countries to the cultural intricacies of international program management, this episode is packed with actionable strategies and compelling anecdotes. Join us for a deep dive into the mechanisms that drive successful program management and learn how quality, trust, and expertise blend to navigate the unpredictability of large-scale programs.

Join us for a thought-provoking episode packed with expert insights and inspiring stories. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more powerful conversations on program management and beyond!

00:00 iPrograms podcast: Exploring program complexities with experts.

05:45 Differing perspectives on managing construction stakeholder alignment.

09:14 Challenges with regulations and conflicting opinions.

10:53 Public-private group coordinates and ensures comfortable rebuilding.

15:00 Estimate costs carefully and prepare for change.

17:36 Program manager emphasizes budget aspect of programs.

22:06 Importance of risk management in program scheduling.

25:25 Understanding cultural norms and regulations in program management.

28:19 Understanding country requirements for standardization and translation.

31:37 Construction management involves inspections and quality control.

35:32 Universal bedrock principles in business and quality.

38:38 Expertise and trust crucial in construction programs.

42:09 Conflict in disaster recovery over quality standards.

Disaster Relief, Hurricanes, Tsunamis, Earthquakes, Program Management, Disaster Recovery, Construction Quality, Resilience, Agile Program Management, Risk Management, Infrastructure, Program Costs, Regulatory Compliance, Puerto Rico, Inspiring Stories

Follow Us:
- Twitter: [@iProgramsPodcast](https://twitter.com/iProgramsPodcast)
- Instagram: [@iProgramsPodcast](https://www.instagram.com/iProgramsPodcast)
- LinkedIn: [iPrograms Podcast](https://www.linkedin.com/company/iProgramsPodcast)

Key Topics Discussed:
1. Effective Communication: Emphasizing clear and concise communication to assess styles, manage risks, and foster understanding.
   
2. Unforeseen Risks Management: Strategies for regular risk assessments, stakeholder engagement, and involving appropriate personnel to mitigate unforeseen risks.
   
3. Boundaries: Understanding the importance of setting clear boundaries, learning management skills early, and distinguishing between day-to-day tasks and long-term planning.
   
4. Eearly Risk Management: Proactive risk identification and mitigation strategies, such as those implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic, to avoid issues in programs.
   
5. Effective Meeting Management: Exploring the need for qualitative and quantitative management approaches, establishing standards for effective communication and team management, and addressing challenges in managing different communication styles.

Join Virginia and Dr. Bersing as they explore these challenges, sharing real-world examples, expert insights, and actionable advice for program management success.

Don't miss out on the next episode where they delve deeper into program management intricacies. Stay tuned for more valuable discussions and expert interviews on "Iprograms Podcast, The Art of Program Management" podcast.

To learn more about Iprograms visit iprograms.com or contact Dr. Bill Bersing directly at Bill@iprograms.com