The Good PM Life Podcast

The Good PM Life Podcast

by Sandy Lawler
Careers
Season 3
S3E5 - Stop Rejecting Yourself Before They Do!
Stop Rejecting Yourself Before They Do Have you ever found the perfect project management job—then decided not to apply because you hadn’t used the exact software listed? In this episode, Sandy explains why knowing a specific tool isn’t the same as knowing how to manage a project. You’ll learn how to recognize transferable software skills, answer interview questions about unfamiliar platforms, choose the right tools to learn, and stop eliminating yourself from opportunities before the employer even sees your résumé.
S3 · E5
Sep 16, 2026
13:56
S3E4 - AI Is Coming For Your Project Management Job - Now What!?
AI is changing project management—and fast. In this episode of The Good PM Life, we tackle the big question: Is AI coming for your project management job? We’ll look at which PM tasks are likely to be automated, why that doesn’t mean project managers are going away, and where PMs need to start adding more value. From embracing AI tools to strengthening leadership, business knowledge, stakeholder management, and decision-making skills, this episode is about preparing now for what’s next.
S3 · E4
Sep 2, 2026
17:08
S3E3 - This Meeting Could Have Been an Email
This Meeting Could Have Been an Email We’ve all been there: sitting in a meeting, watching the clock, and wondering, “Why am I here?” Meetings aren’t the problem. Bad meetings are. In this episode of The Good PM Life, Sandy takes on one of the most universally frustrating parts of the workday—the unnecessary meeting. Whether you’re a project manager, team leader, business owner, or simply someone whose calendar is packed with invitations, this episode is about being more intentional with one of our most valuable resources: time. We’ll talk about why meetings have become the default solution for almost everything, when an email really is the better choice, and when getting people together for an actual conversation can save hours of back-and-forth. In This Episode Why a one-hour meeting with 10 people actually consumes 10 hours of organizational time The difference between sharing information and actually needing collaboration When you should skip the meeting and send the email When you should stop emailing and get everyone together Why vague meetings like “Project Discussion” are a red flag How to decide who really needs to attend—and who simply needs the outcome Why every meeting doesn't need to be 30 or 60 minutes The dreaded “meeting after the meeting” and what it tells you Three questions to ask before sending your next meeting invitation 🎙️ The Good PM Life Real-world lessons about projects, people, leadership, and getting things done—whether “Project Manager” is in your title or not.
S3 · E3
Aug 20, 2026
10:59
S3E2 - Busy All Day. Accomplished Nothing.
Ever finish a workday completely exhausted…only to wonder what you actually accomplished? For project managers, it’s incredibly easy to spend the entire day answering emails, responding to Teams messages, sitting in meetings, chasing updates, and handling everyone else’s “urgent” requests—without actually moving the project forward. In this episode of The Good PM Life, I’m talking about the difference between being busy and being productive, and why your biggest challenge may not be time management at all. It may be priority management. In this episode, we’ll talk about: Why project managers are especially vulnerable to the “busy trap” How your inbox and Teams messages can quietly start running your day Why urgent doesn’t always mean important How to identify the work that actually moves your project forward The danger of letting the loudest stakeholder determine your priorities Why PMs need protected thinking time The simple Big Three strategy you can start using tomorrow 🎧 Listen now and start taking control of your workday instead of letting your workday control you. The Good PM Life — practical conversations about project management, leadership, careers, and making life as a PM a little bit better.
S3 · E2
Aug 19, 2026
14:26
S3E1 - GOOOAAALLLL! 6 World Cup Lessons Every Project Manager Needs
What can project managers learn from the world's biggest sporting event? In this episode of The Good PM Life, Sandy Lawler explores the surprising parallels between project management and the FIFA World Cup. From years of preparation before kickoff to leadership under pressure, stakeholder alignment, risk management, adaptability, and team culture, the World Cup provides a masterclass in the fundamentals that drive successful projects. Whether you're leading a technology implementation, business transformation, or organizational initiative, the same principles that help teams win championships can help you deliver successful projects.
S3
Jun 24, 2026
17:10
Season 2
S2E12 - From YouTube to CEO: What Project Managers Can Learn from Amy Landino
In this inspiring episode of The Good PM Life, host Sandy Lawler sits down with none other than Amy Landino—renowned YouTube creator, keynote speaker, coach, and author of Good Morning, Good Life. Amy opens up about her journey from launching videos in 2007 to building an internationally recognized personal brand. But what does all this have to do with project management? Everything. Amy and Sandy dive into the often-overlooked truth: many aspiring project managers already have the skills—they just haven’t given themselves the credit yet. Amy shares powerful advice on taking the leap before you feel fully ready, embracing your past experiences, and managing self-doubt along the way. ***To get exclusive access to the Extraordinary Action Framework Amy mentioned during today's episode, follow Amy on Instagram and send her a direct message with the text "Good PM"*** 🔑 In This Episode You’ll Learn: How creating content can teach you project management principles Why courage often comes before clarity in your career journey How to reframe “I’m not ready” into action and growth The parallels between managing a brand and managing projects Why sharing your voice publicly (like on LinkedIn or YouTube) builds confidence and community 💬 Notable Quotes: 🗣️ “You learn so much by putting yourself out there.” — Amy Landino 🗣️ “If you’ve ever planned, organized, scoped, or solved a problem—you’ve practiced project management.” — Sandy Lawler 📚 Mentioned in the Episode: Good Morning, Good Life by Amy Landino Amy’s YouTube channel: AmyTV Connect with Amy on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/schmittastic/?hl=en 🌟 Who Should Listen: Aspiring project managers questioning if they’re “ready” Creatives looking to turn passion into process Anyone navigating a career leap with fear and excitement 🙌 Connect with Sandy: LinkedIn: Sandy Lawler Website: The Good PM Life
S2 · E12
Jun 4, 2025
51:39
S2E11 - From Task Manager to True Leader: How Project Managers Level Up
Are you stuck in task-mode as a project manager and wondering what it takes to truly lead? In this episode of The Good PM Life, host Sandy Lawler shares the game-changing mindset shift from simply managing tasks to becoming a confident, people-first leader. Sandy gets personal with real-world stories and practical tips from her 25+ years of experience managing projects across tech, infrastructure, and enterprise environments. You’ll learn the difference between being a task chaser and a team anchor—and how leadership can be quiet, consistent, and deeply impactful. Whether you’re new to project management or looking to grow into a more strategic role, this episode gives you the roadmap. www.thegoodpmlife.com
S2 · E11
May 21, 2025
11:07
S2E10 - The Real Reasons You're Being Overlooked for PM Jobs
You’ve got the skills. You’ve updated your resume. You’ve applied to dozens of project management roles—and maybe even landed a few interviews. But the offers? Still not coming. So... what’s the problem? In this episode of The Good PM Life, I’m unpacking the real reasons qualified candidates keep getting passed over for project manager jobs—and how to fix it. Whether you’re transitioning from a different career, coming from a non-traditional background, or just trying to stand out in a sea of applicants, this episode is packed with practical, honest advice to help you finally get noticed and get hired. https://www.thegoodpmlife.com
S2 · E10
May 7, 2025
14:29
S2E9 - Project Management Is a Life Skill — Here’s Why It Matters More Than You Think
What if I told you that you’re already using project management skills in your everyday life — even if you’ve never held the title of “Project Manager”? In this episode, we explore how project management is more than a career path — it’s a life skill. Whether you're planning a vacation, organizing a family move, or launching a side hustle, you're already managing scope, time, resources, and people. I break down what makes project management essential for everyone — and how recognizing these skills can be the first step toward an exciting, purpose-filled career change. https://www.thegoodpmlife.com
S2 · E9
Apr 23, 2025
11:35
S2E8 - Charity Meets Project Management: Behind the Scenes with Kelli Hogg with Love Runs Deep
In this inspiring episode of The Good PM Life, I sit down with Kelli Hogg, the powerhouse behind Love Runs Deep, a charity organization making a difference one event at a time. We dive into how organizing a successful charity event is a project in disguise — from kickoff to closing. Kelli shares the behind-the-scenes planning that goes into their annual event, including coordinating volunteers, managing timelines, setting goals, and handling the unexpected — all core aspects of solid project management. Whether you’re an aspiring project manager or simply curious about how events like these come together, you’ll love hearing how heart and strategy collide to create real impact. Mentioned in this episode: Love Runs Deep - https://www.loverunsdeep.org Whitley Vineyards - https://www.whitleyvineyards.com Basecamp - https://www.basecamp.com Asana - https://www.asana.com Click-Up - https://www.clickup.com Riscky's Barbecue - https://www.riscky.com
S2 · E8
Apr 9, 2025
53:06
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