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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In this episode, Dale Foong discusses the fascinating world of reality capture with expert Derek Lawrence. They explore Derek's journey into the field, the various applications of reality capture in project management, and the integration of AI in this technology. The conversation also delves into the barriers to adoption, real-world use cases, and the future of reality capture, including its potential in creating digital twins. Derek emphasizes the importance of understanding existing structures and the value of capturing accurate data for decision-making in construction and beyond.

Takeaways

• Reality capture is a digital copy of what is for decision making.
• Derek Lawrence transitioned from traditional engineering to reality capture due to frustrations with conventional methods.
• Laser scanning technology is becoming more accessible and easier to use.
• Reality capture can integrate with cost modeling and project management.
• There are significant barriers to the adoption of reality capture in the industry.
• Real-world applications of reality capture include construction monitoring and historical preservation.
• AI is enhancing reality capture capabilities, making it easier to create 3D models.
• The future of reality capture includes potential uses in various industries beyond construction.
• Derek encourages a fail-fast approach to testing new technologies.
• Digital twins require accurate data, and reality capture can help achieve that.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Reality Capture

05:42 Derek's Journey into Reality Capture

11:59 Understanding Reality Capture

18:52 Integrating Reality Capture with Project Management

22:43 Barriers to Adoption of Reality Capture

30:47 Real-World Applications of Reality Capture

42:46 The Future of Reality Capture and AI

57:39 Final Thoughts on Digital Twins and Reality Capture

Links

• The Furze Underground Complex - https://youtu.be/QKTnx6F-XMo?si=oSfyOTvXwfkv2-gj
• Ian Jenkins talking about Gaussian Splats in the Meta Quest 3 - https://youtu.be/s6ZYbBsbAas?si=NVVz7mHMckj9p5-J
• Derek's YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@twindltd
• Derek's LinkedIn page - www.linkedin.com/in/twindlderek

In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Val and Dale welcome Kevin O'Grady, a director at Cognitive, who shares his extensive experience in project management, particularly in the built environment. The conversation delves into the practical applications of blockchain technology in construction, the importance of carbon tracking, and the emerging role of sustainable aviation fuel. Kevin provides insights into how these technologies can enhance project delivery and efficiency, while also discussing the challenges and opportunities they present. The episode emphasizes the need for transparency and collaboration in the industry, as well as the importance of measuring and improving carbon emissions.

Takeaways

• Kevin O'Grady has a diverse background in project management and engineering.
• Blockchain can enhance transparency and trust in project delivery.
• Carbon tracking is essential for sustainable project management.
• Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is gaining traction but faces infrastructure challenges.
• AI can play a significant role in tracking project progress and carbon emissions.
• Collaboration among stakeholders is crucial for successful project outcomes.
• The construction industry needs to adapt to new technologies for better efficiency.
• Measuring carbon emissions is vital for improving sustainability in projects.
• Project wallets could revolutionize payment transparency in construction.
• Innovation in the industry is driven by the need for better practices and technologies.

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Chapters

04:24 Kevin O'Grady's Journey in Project Management

07:33 Transitioning from Engineering to Commercial Management

09:21 Technological Innovations in Project Management

13:12 The Role of Digital Twins in Project Delivery

17:20 Understanding Blockchain Technology

20:58 Blockchain Applications in Construction

27:43 Exploring Real-World Use Cases for Blockchain

30:23 Tokenization in Construction Payments

32:03 Linking Progress and Blockchain

34:54 Smart Contracts and Payment Automation

36:51 Challenges in Implementing Blockchain

39:42 The Role of Profit Margins in Construction

43:03 Carbon Measurement and Blockchain

43:32 Sustainable Aviation Fuel and Its Challenges

In this episode, Val and Dale engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Jo Lucas, exploring the evolving dynamics of insourcing versus outsourcing in organizations. Jo shares insights from her extensive experience, discussing the importance of human connection, decision-making, and the role of AI in modern workplaces. The discussion delves into the challenges and opportunities of insourcing, the impact of generational shifts, and the future of work in a rapidly changing world.

Key Takeaways:

• Jo Lucas emphasizes the importance of human connection in organizational success.
• The conversation explores the shift from outsourcing to insourcing in modern workplaces.
• AI is seen as a tool for abstraction, while humans provide connection.
• Generational shifts impact workplace dynamics and decision-making.
• Insourcing offers opportunities for stability and purpose in jobs.
• The role of consultants is evolving with the trend towards insourcing.
• Decision-making is a key responsibility for clients in organizations.
• The future of work involves balancing technology and human relationships.
• AI can assist but not replace human decision-making and connection.
• Organizations must adapt to changing contexts and embrace flexibility.

In this episode, Val and Dale engage with Professor Eddie Obeng to explore the multifaceted implications of AI in today's world. They discuss the hype surrounding AI, its potential benefits and challenges in various sectors, particularly healthcare and governance. The conversation emphasizes the importance of human elements in technology, the need for a balanced perspective on AI's role in society, and the necessity of dreaming a better future rather than getting swept up in the gold rush mentality.

📖 All Change! [Project Chatter Edition]

Takeaways

• AI is both a potential savior and a threat.
• The hype around AI often overshadows its practical applications.
• Understanding the human element is crucial in technology adoption.
• Persuasion plays a significant role in the AI gold rush.
• AI can enhance healthcare but must be approached cautiously.
• The future of work will be shaped by how we integrate AI.
• Governance can benefit from AI, but ethical considerations are paramount.
• Community values should guide the implementation of AI.
• AI's limitations must be acknowledged to avoid over-reliance.
• Dreaming a better future is essential for meaningful progress.

Chapters

00:00 The AI Gold Rush: Promise or Peril?

13:19 Understanding AI: Tools vs. Jobs

22:40 The Human Element in Technology

31:49 Leadership in the Age of AI

33:09 Evolve, Dominate or Die: The New Business Paradigm

34:32 Harnessing AI: A Practical Approach

38:49 The Human Element in AI and Technology

41:07 AI in Healthcare: Opportunities and Challenges

44:47 Reimagining Community and Governance with AI

56:32 The Future of AI in Administration and Decision Making

In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, hosts Val and Dale engage with Riccardo Cosentino to explore the unique aspects of the REM project in Canada, a public-private partnership (PPP) model that has garnered attention for its innovative funding and governance structure. Riccardo shares insights into the project's background, the role of the Quebec pension fund as a project sponsor, and the implications of risk management and return calculations. The conversation delves into the importance of early stakeholder involvement, the challenges of public opinion, and the potential for replicating this model in other sectors. Throughout the discussion, the significance of governance, long-term perspectives, and the necessary skill sets for project professionals are emphasized, providing valuable takeaways for listeners interested in infrastructure projects and PPPs.

Takeaways

• The REM project is a unique public-private partnership model.
• Risk management is crucial in financing infrastructure projects.
• The obligation to repay investments can shift from taxpayers to private entities.
• Calculating returns involves considering ridership and land value capture.
• Contingency planning is integrated into the rate of return.
• Early involvement of stakeholders leads to better project outcomes.
• Governance structures can significantly impact project success.
• Long-term perspectives are essential for managing infrastructure investments.
• Curiosity and risk-taking are important traits for project professionals.
• The REM model could be applied to other sectors beyond transportation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

03:24 Understanding Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)

06:11 The REM Project Overview

08:56 Funding and Risk Management in the REM Project

11:55 Calculating Returns and Land Value Capture

14:33 Governance and Project Delivery

17:21 Long-Term Perspectives and Lifecycle Management

22:47 Changing Dynamics in Project Management

24:35 Governance and Change Management in Projects

26:38 Replicating Successful Project Models

29:08 Applying the Model Beyond Rail Projects

31:07 Reporting Mechanisms and Governance Structures

33:55 Skill Sets for Successful Project Delivery

35:39 Advice for Aspiring Project Professionals

37:27 Resilience in Today's Project Challenges

39:40 Future of the CDPQ Model and Its Replicability