Category: Podcast

Have you ever been told your company is “shifting to a product-based model” — and immediately felt the tension rise? 

You’re not resisting change. You’re just tired of watching the labels shift while the same execution issues play out: unclear roles, siloed teams, and a strategy that never seems to land. 

This isn’t about methods. It’s about what’s missing underneath them. 

In this week’s episode of the PMO Strategies Podcast, we’re looking at what really derails transformation — and how to fix the system that’s holding you back. 

It’s not a model problem. It’s a misalignment problem. 

Stop Debating the Method — Fix the System 

Most leaders assume that changing the delivery model will change the results. But if the system underneath it is broken, no framework will make a difference. 

It’s not about what you call the work. It’s about how the work gets done — and whether the roles, responsibilities, and strategy are truly aligned. 

That’s where so many organizations lose traction. They focus on the method, not the mechanics. And when results stall, they assume it’s time for another shift — instead of fixing what actually matters. 

Build Alignment Before You Scale Ambition 

If you’re trying to fix delivery with a new model, you’ll keep running into the same wall — misalignment. The work doesn’t stick because the system isn’t ready for it. 

Start small by fixing what’s slowing people down. Clarify who owns what. Make the invisible blockers visible. Show how execution improves when roles and responsibilities are finally clear. 

Then bring others in. Don’t roll out a “solution.” Invite feedback, test assumptions, and create space for your delivery teams and product owners to collaborate on the how — not just react to the what. 

Once you’ve built that alignment, scaling doesn’t feel like a leap. It feels like the next logical step — because your system is already working, and people are already bought in. 

Outcomes Don’t Need to Be Forced 

Organizations that fight over frameworks tend to push their teams harder, hoping the model will create results. But when your system is aligned, the results don’t need to be forced — they flow. 

When people know their role, understand the strategy, and see how their work contributes, they move with purpose. Execution stops being a grind and starts being momentum. 

It’s not about energy. It’s about clarity. And clarity is what makes the machine run — quietly, effectively, and consistently. 

Make the Shift 

If you’re feeling stuck — caught between new frameworks and old results — it’s probably not your strategy. It’s how your system supports it. 

Align first. Then clarify roles. Then connect delivery to outcomes. Then embed that rhythm into how your teams operate. 

That’s the progression that moves organizations out of stalled execution and into strategic traction. 

Ready to stop choosing sides and start building a system that actually works? This episode unpacks exactly how to do it. 

👉 Click play to learn how high-performing organizations move beyond the project vs. product debate and start delivering real results. 

P.S. The IMPACT Insiders Book Club is so much more than reading a book — it’s a movement. Join us for live calls, deep conversations, and a behind-the-scenes look at how to create real change with The IMPACT Engine. It’s completely free — grab your seat now and don’t miss what’s next. 

You’ve assigned the task. Everyone nodded. Deadlines were mentioned. And yet… nothing moves. Sound familiar?  

In the latest episode of the PMO Strategies podcast, we outline five simple but powerful questions that will help you hold your team and stakeholders accountable for doing their part…without you having to beg or constantly nag them.  

 1. Did You Know I Wanted You to Do It?

Tasks often fall through the cracks when ownership isn’t explicit. General phrases like “let’s make sure this gets done” can lead to confusion, especially in fast-paced environments with overlapping priorities. 

✔️ Best practice: Assign responsibility by name. Clarify expectations in the moment and follow up in writing to ensure alignment. 

 2. Did You Know What I Wanted You to Do?

Even when team members are aware of an ask, the specifics of what’s required can be misunderstood. Ambiguous instructions like “get this moving” can mean vastly different things depending on the role or perspective. 

✔️ Best practice: Define success clearly. Spell out the exact deliverables expected, not just the intention behind the request. 

 3. Did You Know How to Do It?

Skill gaps, uncertainty about tools or methods, or fear of doing something wrong can all cause delays—even with experienced professionals. Many hesitate to admit when they’re unclear on how to proceed. 

✔️ Best practice: Invite open conversation by asking, “How are you thinking about tackling this?” or “Do you feel confident in the approach?”

4. Did You Know When I Wanted It Done?

Loose timelines like “ASAP” or “next week” are productivity killers. Without a clearly defined due date, priorities become subjective and deadlines slip. 

✔️ Best practice: Replace ambiguity with specificity. Use time-blocking strategies and collaborative deadline setting to ensure commitment and feasibility.

5. What’s Blocking You?

Once clarity around ownership, task, method, and timing is achieved, it’s time to uncover what’s really in the way. It may be fear of conflict, unclear prioritization, or simply lack of motivation. 

✔️ Best practice: Normalize open conversations about blockers. Regular check-ins with questions like “What’s in the way?” or “What support do you need?” can surface challenges before they derail progress. 

The Bottom Line 

These five questions serve as a practical blueprint for diagnosing accountability breakdowns and resetting alignment. When used consistently, they shift the focus from blame to clarity, from assumption to understanding. 

Teams that adopt this approach move faster, communicate more effectively, and achieve stronger outcomes—without the drama of repeated misfires or unclear expectations. 

👉 Click play above for the 5 Questions That Unlock Real Accountability in Your Projects 

Something BIG is coming to London 

On June 13, I’m hosting a small-group, full-day workshop: IMPACT Engine Fundamentals. If you’re tired of being stuck in the task trap and ready to drive measurable business value, this is your chance. We’ll walk through the Strategy Lifecycle, explore the IMPACT Driver mindset, and give you the foundation to transform your PMO or delivery team into a strategic powerhouse. Reserve your seat now. Space is extremely limited, so don’t wait! 

Have you ever walked into a room, unveiled your perfectly planned PMO strategy, and felt the air go flat? You’ve done the research. You’ve got the tools. You know this will help the business. And yet… crickets. Blank stares. Maybe a few polite nods, but no real engagement. 

If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. 

This week on the PMO Strategies Podcast, we’re talking about one of the most common missteps PMO and transformation leaders make — jumping ahead to the big proposal before we’ve earned the trust that makes it land. 

It’s like proposing marriage on the first date. Even if you’re “the one,” it’s too soon. 

Trust First, Strategy Second 

Here’s the hard truth: stakeholders won’t buy into your PMO initiatives just because they make sense. Even the most rock-solid strategy will fall flat if the people you’re pitching it to don’t trust you yet. 

And trust isn’t about your title, experience, or credentials. It’s about what you’ve demonstrated to them. It’s about how well you’ve listened. What problems you’ve helped solve. Whether they believe you understand their world — and can improve it. 

This is where so many well-intentioned leaders stumble. They get so excited about the transformation they can see on the horizon that they forget the relationship-building needed to get others on board. 

The Real Work Happens Before the Big Pitch 

Before you roll out your full roadmap, you need to earn your way in. That starts with building credibility — not by talking about how valuable your PMO is, but by proving it through small, meaningful wins. 

Something as simple as solving a clunky manual process, fixing a communication breakdown, or bringing visibility to a hidden risk can go a long way. When people see real value — value that makes their job easier or helps them look good — they start to lean in. 

Then it’s about connection. Invite stakeholders into the process. Build solutions with them, not for them. This isn’t about handing over a final product. It’s about co-creating something that reflects their input, their needs, and their unique challenges. 

Only then — after they’ve seen you show up, deliver, and collaborate — do you get to go big. Only then do you pitch the enterprise-wide rollout or the cultural transformation. Because by that point, it won’t feel like a risk. It’ll feel like the obvious next step. 

Pull, Don’t Push 

Too many leaders try to push their way into acceptance. But real influence is about creating pull. When stakeholders feel heard, supported, and understood, they start to want what you’re offering. They see you as someone who makes things easier, not harder. 

That’s how you go from just being “the PMO” to being the team everyone turns to for strategic support. That’s how you shift from process enforcer to trusted advisor. 

It’s not flashy. It’s not fast. But it works — and it lasts. 

Make the Shift 

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by a lack of engagement, know this: it’s not about your strategy being wrong. It’s about the order of operations. 

Trust first. Then try. Then buy. Then repeat. And finally, refer. 

That’s the ladder to long-term stakeholder engagement. That’s how you create lasting IMPACT. 

Ready to shift from resistance to real results? Listen to the full episode now — it’s packed with insights that will help you build trust, influence, and buy-in for the long haul. 

👉 Click play to uncover how to create pull, not push, for your transformation plans! 

🎉 International PMO Day is almost here — Tuesday, May 13! 🎉 

That’s right… it’s time to celebrate YOU and all the hard work PMOs do to drive IMPACT. 

Start planning your PMO party now! Whether it’s a team lunch, a virtual toast, or just a moment to treat yourself (hello, coffee break!), take time to recognize the powerhouse that is your PMO. Or better yet, team up with other PMOs in your organization and turn it into a full-on celebration! 

We’re cooking up something special behind the scenes, so keep an eye on the newsletter—details coming soon! 

Let the countdown to PMO greatness begin… 🥳