In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Dale engages with Rod Whiting, a seasoned expert in project controls, who shares his extensive journey in the field since 1983. Rod discusses the evolution of project controls, emphasizing the importance of a project control-friendly culture within organizations. He highlights how understanding and valuing project controls can significantly impact project success, illustrating his points with anecdotes from his career. Rod also addresses the challenges of demonstrating the value of project controls to stakeholders, offering practical strategies to communicate its importance effectively.

As the conversation progresses, Rod delves into the human aspects of project management, including stakeholder management and team dynamics. He shares insights on building relationships within teams, the significance of effective communication, and the role of technology in enhancing project controls. The discussion culminates in reflections on the highs and lows of Rod's career, emphasizing the importance of kindness and compassion in the workplace, and the need for a supportive culture that fosters collaboration and success in project delivery.

Takeaways

• Project controls is about understanding and valuing the process.
• A project control-friendly culture is essential for success.
• Demonstrating the value of project controls requires effective communication.
• Building relationships within teams is crucial for project success.
• Kindness and compassion in the workplace lead to better outcomes.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Project Chatter Podcast

00:49 Rod Whiting's Journey in Project Controls

03:39 Understanding Project Control-Friendly Culture

06:52 Demonstrating the Value of Project Controls

11:12 Building Strong Team Relationships

19:43 Navigating the Post-COVID Work Landscape

30:37 The Future of Work and Automation

32:12 Creating a Project Controls-Friendly Culture

35:29 Leadership and Compassion in Tough Times

39:00 Common Mistakes in Project Management

42:25 Capturing Knowledge and Experience

45:19 The Role of Technology in Project Controls

49:54 Highs and Lows of a Project Management Career

55:34 Final Thoughts on Kindness and Purpose

In this episode of Project Chatter, hosts Dale and Val welcome Vincent Marsicano, CEO of Adopt It, to discuss the intersection of change management and technology. Vincent shares his unique background, which includes a PhD in physics and extensive experience in change management, emphasizing the importance of human-centered leadership in navigating organizational change. The conversation delves into the challenges of technology adoption, the role of AI in change management, and the necessity of understanding the human side of projects. Vincent argues that while technology can enhance efficiency, the core of successful change management lies in empathy and effective communication.

As the discussion unfolds, Vincent highlights the significance of identifying key influencers within organizations to facilitate change. He also addresses the complexities of human behavior in project management, suggesting that understanding individual differences and fostering a culture of trust can lead to more successful outcomes. The episode concludes with reflections on the evolving landscape of change management, emphasizing the exciting opportunities that lie ahead for practitioners in this field.

Takeaways

• Change management is fundamentally about the people side of projects.
• Technology is driving change, but it also creates challenges in adoption.
• Identifying key influencers within organizations can facilitate smoother change processes.
• Empathy and effective communication are crucial for successful change management.
• AI has the potential to revolutionize change management practices.

Dale flies solo (briefly!) to close out 2025 and welcomes first-time podcast guest Becky Holliday - a project manager turned health coach. Becky shares how redundancy in October 2023 became the catalyst for a career pivot, and why she now helps busy professionals (especially women) build sustainable health habits. Val drops in mid-episode and the conversation expands into discipline vs motivation, managing workload pressure, eating well without weekend meal-prep marathons, and why small wins beat heroic last-minute sprints.

In this episode, you’ll learn

• Why Becky left project management and what she brought with her into health coaching

• How to start improving health when you “don’t have time”

• Why trying to change everything on Monday usually backfires

• A simple way to reduce stress and decision fatigue: the “3-item to-do list”

• Practical approaches to healthier eating that don’t require your Sunday afternoon

  How movement can support mental resilience when work pressure spikes

• Discipline vs motivation—and why habit size matters

  • The role of identity, purpose, and values (and a thoughtful detour into spirituality)

  
  

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