PM Untold Podcast
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Episode #24: The politics of getting things done with Joachim Dehais
In our latest episode of PM Untold, Dr Joachim Dehais explaines, an enterprise architect and leadership coach with 15 years of experience, explains how the best decisions happen in the grey areas, where influence matters more than authority. Politics is about relationships, trust, and aligning goals when certainty is scarce. He breaks down how soft skills and nuanced stakeholder management can turn conflict into collaboration.
From understanding power dynamics to influencing without formal authority, these are the skills every project leader needs.
One standout insight: volunteering is one of the best training grounds for political intelligence, eaching patience, empathy, and influence rooted in genuine care.
If you want to lead with impact and integrity, this conversation is worth your time.
Episode #23: Dealing with territorial behaviour & resistance to change with Jan Van Der Vurst
Resistance. Territorial behaviour. Lack of trust. If you’ve led projects or change initiatives, you’ve seen all three—and probably felt the frustration that comes with them.
In our latest episode of PM Untold, we sit down with Jan Van der Vurst, PhD , an organizational psychologist, leadership consultant, and author, to explore a powerful shift in mindset: Resistance is not the problem — it’s the starting point.
In this conversation, Jan shares:
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Why resistance should be anticipated, not fought
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The three core sources of resistance: “I don’t understand,” “I don’t trust it,” and “I don’t trust you”
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How emotional reactions block rational arguments—and what to do instead
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Practical techniques to turn resistance into ownership and cooperation
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Why territorial behaviour is instinctual, especially in expert-driven environments
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A powerful real-life example of how vulnerability and reflection transformed conflict into collaboration
Packed with real-life examples and immediately applicable tools, this episode is a must-listen for project managers, PMOs, and change leaders navigating complex stakeholder landscapes.
Episode #22: Building Collaboration, Brick by Brick with Suzan Haenen
In this episode of PM Untold, we sit down with Suzan, a seasoned PMO, program, and transformation director, to explore the power of creativity and human connection in project management. With years of experience leadingcomplex initiatives, Susan shares her personal journey into the field and the lessons she’s learned about aligning teams, fostering clarity, and keeping people at the heart of every project.
A highlight of the conversation is Susan’s innovative use of LEGO® Serious Play®—a dynamic facilitation method thatunlocks creativity, strengthens communication, and breaks down silos. She walks us through real-world examples, including a compelling case study where play became the catalyst for bridging gaps between teams.
Whether you’re curious about new facilitation tools or looking for fresh ways to energize your projects, this episode offers practical inspiration and a reminder of why following your passion matters in project management.
Tune in and discover how a bit of play can lead to a serious impact. Follow your passion, follow your energy!
Episode #21: Navigating Projects in Large Organizations with Fernando Fernandez Rodriguez
In this episode, Fernando Fernandez Rodriguez, a senior global transformation manager at Amazon and the Vice President at PMI Luxembourg chapter, discusses his extensive experience in project management across various industries. He shares insights on different project management practices in different-sized organizations, and some significant Amazon working methods.
We explore:
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Different Project Management methodologies: Agile or Waterfall
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Stakeholder and Risk Management strategies in different organizations
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Aligning Project Goals with Company Objectives
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Cross-departmental Collaboration Strategies
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Practical tools and systems for different phases and purposes in project management
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Some unique Amazon’s ways of working, such as Working Backwards and more
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Continuous learning and adapting
Whether you're leading a cross-functional team in a global organization or managing projects for startups, this episode is packed with real-world insights, learnings from personal stories, practical advice, and plenty of inspiration.
Episode #20: From PM to Entrepreneur with Pat Lucey
In this episode of PM Untold, Anja Vandenbergh, President of PMI Belgium, sits down with Pat Lucey, Chair of the PMI Governance Committee and a keynote speaker at the upcoming BeNeLux Summit.
Together, they reflect on Pat’s career journey, compare project management with entrepreneurship, highlight the value of volunteering in PMI chapters, and share insights on the future of our profession.
Whether you’re a project manager, entrepreneur, or volunteer, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on leadership, growth, and the evolving landscape of project management.
Episode #19: Collaboration for Project Success with Sayma Kuipers
In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Sayma Kuipers — a keynote speaker, trainer, entrepreneur, and LinkedIn Top Voice — to explore the true art of collaboration in project management.
Sayma shares her journey from working with children to focusing on team dynamics and effective collaboration in organizations. The conversation explores:
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the key ingredients for successful collaboration,
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common misconceptions,
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the obstacles in collaboration in project management,
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the normalization of conflicts,
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the leadership in fostering a collaborative culture.
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the evolving nature of collaboration in the modern workplace.
Whether you’re leading a global project team or simply want to build stronger connections at work, this conversation is packed with actionable advice, real-world examples, and plenty of inspiration to help you turn collaboration into a genuine driver of success.
Episode #18: From SCARE to CARES with Saby Waraich
In this episode of PM Untold, we welcome back global thought leader by Thinkers360, influencer in the Top 10 for Project Management and Business Strategy and the Top 50 for leadership, Saby Waraich for an inspiring conversation on transformational leadership.
Saby introduces a powerful new leadership framework designed to guide professionals from being a leader that is SCARE (Stress, Chaos, Anxiety, Resistance to change and Ego) to one that CARES (Communicate, Adapt, Relationships, Empower and Stay Calm). He shares what inspired him to create this model, how it differs from traditional methodologies, and how it can be applied in real-world complex project environments.
Whether you're leading large-scale transformations or simply seeking to grow as a leader, this episode is packed with actionable insights and practical advice on how to shift your mindset and make a meaningful impact.
Episode #17: Global Collaboration for Social Impact with Vilma Luīze Gertāne
In this inspiring episode of PM Untold, we sit down with Vilma Luīze Gertāne, co-founder of Rising Girls Global—a social initiative born from the Women@Dior x UNESCO program. Based in Paris and fluent in multiple languages, Vilma brings her international relations expertise to empower young women worldwide to pursue their dream careers.
We explore:
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How to start and scale a global virtual project
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Effective strategies for engaging Gen Z across cultures
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Tools and tactics to manage distributed teams
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The young women impacted by Rising Girls Global
If you’re passionate about social impact, cross-cultural teamwork, and next-gen empowerment, this episode offers powerful lessons in project leadership beyond business.
Episode #16: Promote Your Project! with Davy De Regge
In this episode of PM Untold, we welcome transformation expert Davy De Regge, Managing Partner at iConnect, to explore an often overlooked but vital topic in project management—project promotion. With a rich background in business analysis, project management, and digital transformations across logistics and finance sectors, Davy shares practical insights on how and why project managers should actively promote their initiatives.
We discover:
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Why promoting your project is not just a “nice to have” but a strategic necessity
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Real-life tactics Davy used to drive engagement across stakeholders
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Common challenges in project promotion—and how to overcome them
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The measurable benefits of strong project communication and visibility
Whether you're delivering digital transformation or simply trying to gain traction for your latest initiative, this episode offers actionable strategies to boost your project's impact and recognition.
Episode #15: The Leap: from Desk to Dream with Diepak Kasi
In this inspiring episode of PM Untold, we sit down with Diepak Kasi, a seasoned trainer and coach who made the bold leap from a 20+ year corporate career in Telecom and IT to launching his own leadership coaching journey.
Diepak shares the motivations, challenges, and breakthroughs that shaped his path from corporate project management to empowering individuals across the globe.
We explore:
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What triggered his transition to self-employment
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What method he used to analyse what to do as a career
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How project management skills helped him thrive beyond the 9-5
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How he manages risk, motivation, and balance in his new chapter
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Practical advice for anyone thinking of taking a similar leap
Whether you’re dreaming of entrepreneurship or simply want to lead with more intention, this episode is packed with authentic insights and encouragement.
Episode #14: A Woman PM in Luxembourg with Julia Khalyavko
In this episode, we are exploring project management, women in tech & expat Life in Luxembourg with Julia KhalyavkoIn, who is an IT Project Manager at PwC Luxembourg and the Sponsorships Manager at We-Stem, an organization dedicated to supporting and inspiring women and underrepresented groups in STEM. As an expat, Julia also founded her own initiative to help people discover Luxembourg through captivating stories that connect its past and present.Join us as we dive into Julia’s experiences as a female project manager, a passionate advocate for women in tech, and an expat in Luxembourg.
We’ll explore:
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The challenges of being a project manager and strategies to overcome them
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The people who have inspired her career journey
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The key qualities of a successful project manager
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Support available for women pursuing careers in tech
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Insights into expat life in Luxembourg
Episode #13: Human side of PM with Dr. Elissa Farrow
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In this episode, we explorethe human side of Project Management withDr. Elissa Farrow, who is a futurist, an author, and a strategist.
In the world of project management, it's easy to get lost in the sea of deadlines, budgets, and deliverables. But at the heart of every successful project lies the human element.
Join us as we explore the challenges and triumphs of project management from a human perspective. We'll discuss topics like building strong teams, effective communication, leadership, and the emotional intelligence needed to navigate the complexities of today's projects.
Episode #12: End of Year Reflection with PMI Local Chapter Leaders
As the Christmas and the New Year are approaching, let’s have an inspiring end of year reflection on 2024 with Anja Vandenbergh, the president of PMI Belgium Chapter and Richard Woodham, the president of PMI Luxembourg Chapter.
we explore the standout achievements, overcoming challenges in the PMI chapters, and sharing untold stories from their careers. Discover their goals for 2025 and gain invaluable advice for project managers to thrive in the new year. Tune in for an episode filled with insight, inspiration, and actionable wisdom for the PM community.
Episode #11: Visual Communication in Agile with Olina Glindevi and Ben Walder
In this episode, we’re delighted to have Olina Glindevi and Ben Walder, co-authors of the Visual Agile Coach Playbook, for a deep dive into the power of visual communication in Agile and project management.
Olina, a senior Agile Coach and expert in visual facilitation, and Ben, a seasoned change management leader, discuss how visual tools can help simplify complex workflows, inspire collaboration, and drive transformation across organizations. They share practical insights on using their playbook, which features templates and tools for Agile practitioners, managers, and teams looking to increase engagement and transparency. From overcoming challenges like remote work and rigid organizational structures to real-life success stories, this episode offers a rich look at how visual methods can boost innovation and effectiveness in today’s fast-paced work environments.
Tune in to learn how to enhance your team’s performance with visuals, whether you're an Agile coach, project manager, or change leader!
Episode #10: Simplifying PM: the P3.Express Approach with Grégor Nicolas
In this episode, we’re excited to have Grégor Nicolas back, an experienced project management professional, founder of G Group Solutions, and passionate advocate of the minimalist project management system P3.express. With years of experience in project management and change management across various industries, Grégor has dedicated his career to simplifying complex processes and empowering teams to achieve success.
This time, Grégor dives into the challenges of overly complex project management systems and discover how P3.express offers a refreshing, simplified approach. We’ll explore the origins of P3.express, how it works, and why it's becoming a go-to methodology for project managers looking for a practical, lightweight system. Grégor shares insights on how to start using P3.express, its key differences from other systems, and how it can be tailored to meet specific project needs.
Episode #09: Conflict Resolution with Jas Madhur
In this episode, we talk with Jas Madhur. With over 30 years of international experience in software and systems development across North America, Europe, and the Middle East, Jas is a seasoned expert in business change and operational efficiency. His consulting and coaching focus on maximizing organizational value through people-oriented approaches.
we will explore Jas’s extensive experience in conflict management. We’ll cover:
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The different types of conflicts in project management and how to recognize and categorize them
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The stages of conflict and strategies to navigate them
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The effectiveness of addressing conflicts early versus intervening after escalation
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Tools and strategies for conflict resolution, including the Campfire mechanism
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Prioritizing people-centric approaches in conflict management
Episode #08: PMO & PMs: Partners or Rivals? with Stijn Janssens
In this episode, we talk with Stijn Janssens, who is a renowned export in project, program, portfolio management and a Certified Trainer & Advisor. His extensive career spans across various sectors, starting as a consultant with companies like KPN and PwC, and later as a project manger for the European Commission and the telecommunications sector. For over seven years, he has been a dedicated trainer in methodologies such as PRINCE2, MSP, MoP, P3O, PMP.
We'll discuss the evolution and future of PMOs, the clarity of roles between PMOs and PMs, and how to improve their relationship. Stijn will also share real-life experiences, lessons in risk and knowledge management, and advice for project managers on leveraging PMO resources to achieve project goals.
Episode #07: Developing Leadership and handling complex projects with Saby Waraich
In this episode, we talk with Saby Waraich, who is recognized by Thinkers360 as a Global Thought Leader and Influencer in the Top 10 for Project Management and Business Strategy, and in the Top 50 for Leadership, Saby Waraich is not just a speaker—he's a practitioner in the trenches every single day. Delivering keynotes and workshops that are as inspiring as they are practical, Saby marries actionable insights with a captivating storytelling style. His mission is not just to inspire but to prepare you with the strategies needed to excel personally and professionally.
Saby shares his project management journey, his insight in how to develop leadership, his secret equation of building trust and a life-time story of how to lead a tough and complex project into success.
Episode #06: Responding to the Climate Crisis as a PM with Stuart Thorp
In this episode, we talk with Stuart Thorp, who is a senior project and program manager with decades years of experience in global corporations across many sectors. Recently, Stuart stepped out of full-time corporate activity to focus on mobilizing climate action on a global scale.
Stuart shares his journey from Telecoms R&D engineer to project/program manager and now to an environmental warrior. With his engineering and project management background, Stuart shares a unique perspective on how to tackle climate crisis as a project manager.
Episode #05: Managing AI projects with Mark van Helvoort
In this episode, we talk with Dr. Mark van Helvoort, who is a senior member of IEE, KIV and EMC as well as a PMP and PBA. He has led and participated in a large variety of public-private partnership projects. He (co-)authored a high number of patents, scientific and technical papers, and has nearly 80 publications, including two books. Mark has been working at Philips for 25 years, and he is currently responsible for Public-Private Partnership Programs in Magnetic Resonance Imaging.
Mark shares his journey from electronic engineering PhD to project management and his experience in managing AI projects in Philips.
Episode #04: The Grey Zone: Where Project Management Meets Consulting with Gregor Nicolas
In this episode, we talk with Grégor Nicolas, a senior project manager and business with years of experience across various sectors. He is also the founder of the consulting company G Group Solutions to better serve organizations and individuals with their project management needs and change management.
Grégor shares his journey from a junior consultant to a professional who led millions of euro projects and provides insights into “The Grey Zone: Where Project Management Meets Consulting”
Episode #03: Building High Performing Team with Geert Vercaeren
In this episode, we talk with Geert Vercaeren, a senior business consultant and leadership coach with more than 25 years of experience in leading complex business transformation, organizational development, and HR transformation projects. He is also the founder of the consulting company B15 and the author of "Humanizing Strategy: How to Master Emotions, Values, and Beliefs When You Execute Plans."
Geert shares his journey from commercial engineering to consulting and provides insights into building a high-performing team and a real-life case study.
Episode #02: Project Management in Young Generation with Chris F. Kindermans
In this episode we talk with Chris F. Kindermans, a very knowledgeable global Project / Portfolio Economy Professional, a Board Member of PMIEF and past president at PMI Belgium chapter.
Chris tells us his journey from an economist to a PMP. He also shares his knowledge and experience in project management educational foundation and why it is so important for the young generation to arm themselves with project management skills.
Episode #01: Emotional Intelligence with Natalie Boudou
In this episode we talk with Natalie Boudou, an executive coach and facilitator and the author of “HumanForce. The Power of Emotions in a Changing Workplace.”
Natalie tells us her journey from a corporate lawyer to working in the field of emotional intelligence. She also shares her knowledge and experience in unleashing the potential and strength of human capital and building cultures of engagement, innovation and connection in project management.
Episode #00: Pilot episode: Project Sustainability with Olivier Lazar
In this episode we talk with Olivier Lazar, Vice President for Social and Community Impact at PMI on Project Sustainability.
This special episode linked to the Sustainability summit, which is taking place on the 8th of November 2023.