"Networking is like investing in a future bank."

In this episode of the Pulse Podcast, Lisa Hendry shares her extensive journey in the recruitment industry, detailing her transition from a recruitment consultant to a project manager and product owner. She discusses her global implementation experiences, the impact of COVID on her contracting career, and the dynamics of working with recruitment businesses. Lisa emphasises the importance of building relationships with recruiters, standing out as a contractor, and the significance of data in product ownership. Her insights provide valuable lessons for professionals navigating the recruitment landscape. In this conversation, Lisa Hendry and Mark Pratt discuss the critical importance of data strategy in business, emphasising the need to ask 'why' when capturing data. They explore the role of data in business transformation and the significance of change management, highlighting that people are key to successful implementation. The discussion also touches on mentorship and networking, stressing the value of building relationships throughout one's career. Finally, they delve into the future of contracting, suggesting a shift towards consultancy as a more flexible and beneficial approach for both contractors and clients.

Key Takeaways

✨ How transitioned from recruitment consultant to project manager.
✨ Global implementation experiences provided her with diverse exposure.
✨ Building relationships with recruiters is crucial for success.
✨ Understanding the dynamics of recruitment can help contractors.
✨ Personal accountability is key in contracting roles.
✨ Networking significantly increases chances of securing roles.
✨ Effective communication and planning are vital in project management.
✨ Asking 'why' can lead to better business decisions.
✨ Change management should focus on people, not just systems.
✨ Understanding the psychology of people can enhance project success.
✨ Legacy systems can hinder progress; adapt to new technologies.
✨ The future of contracting may lie in outcome-based services.

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Thanks for tuning into The Pulse Podcast. Remember, we're always looking for new voices and perspectives to enrich our discussions. Think you've got something to share? Fill out our guest application form here.

Catch new episodes every Tuesday. Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated.

Until next time,
Mark and the team!

"What do you want to achieve?"

In this episode of the Pulse Podcast, host Mark Pratt engages with Benjamin Smith, an experienced project manager, to explore his journey from engineering to leading global project teams. They discuss key strategies for empowering teams, navigating cultural differences, and the importance of governance and metrics in project management. Benjamin shares insights on the shift towards outcome-based working, the challenges of defining outcomes, and the role of language in securing opportunities in the European market. The conversation also touches on the future of project management in the age of AI and the significance of personal connections in securing freelance roles.

Key Takeaways

✨ Empowering teams is crucial for project success.
✨ Understanding cultural differences enhances global project management.
✨ Defining clear outcomes is essential for project alignment.
✨ Outcome-based working is a growing trend in project management.
✨ Effective governance and metrics drive project success.
✨ Language skills can open doors in the European market.
✨ Building personal networks is key to securing freelance work.
✨ AI will augment project management roles but won't replace human skills.
✨ Soft skills will become increasingly important in project management.
✨ Embracing change is vital for project success.

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Thanks for tuning into The Pulse Podcast. Remember, we're always looking for new voices and perspectives to enrich our discussions. Think you've got something to share? Fill out our guest application form here.

Catch new episodes every Tuesday. Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated.

Until next time,
Mark and the team!

"Keep your hand on the pulse" - Amit Shah

In this episode of the Pulse Podcast, Amit shares his career journey from consulting to his current role at HSBC, emphasising the importance of specialisation in regulatory compliance and project management. He discusses unique selling points that set professionals apart in the consulting field, the value of mentorship, and practical advice for early-career individuals. Amit also highlights the significance of continuous professional development, effective networking, and learning from mistakes. He concludes with insights on engaging with new technologies, including AI, and their impact on project management. In this conversation, Amit discusses the transformative impact of AI on project management, emphasising its potential to enhance efficiency and support specialised roles. He shares insights on the evolving gig economy, the importance of servant leadership, and the necessity of maintaining work-life balance. Amit also highlights the significance of continuous learning and adapting to new technologies in a rapidly changing landscape.

Key Takeaways
✨ Amit's career began in consulting with a big four firm.
✨ Specialisation in regulatory compliance is crucial for career longevity.
✨ Building relationships is a key unique selling point.
✨ Mentorship can provide valuable perspectives and growth opportunities.
✨ Early career professionals should define their career direction.
✨ Continuous professional development is essential in a fast-changing environment.
✨ Networking should be maintained even when secure in a role.
✨ Learning from mistakes is vital for professional growth.
✨ Engaging with new technologies can enhance project delivery.
✨ AI tools are becoming increasingly relevant in project management. AI can significantly reduce administrative burdens for specialized roles.
✨ The gig economy's evolution will depend on industry-specific factors.
✨ Servant leadership fosters trust and credibility among teams.
✨ Work-life balance is essential for long-term career sustainability.
✨ Continuous learning is vital in adapting to technological advancements.
✨ AI tools can help summarise vast amounts of information quickly.
✨ Effective communication is key to successful leadership.
✨ Career growth is non-linear and should be approached with flexibility.

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Thanks for tuning into The Pulse Podcast. Remember, we're always looking for new voices and perspectives to enrich our discussions. Think you've got something to share? Fill out our guest application form here.

Catch new episodes every Tuesday. Don't forget to subscribe to stay updated.

Until next time,
Mark and the team!