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The Digital Project Manager

Galen Low

The Digital Project Manager is the home of digital project management inspiration, how-to guides, tips, tricks, tools, funnies, and jobs. We provide project management guidance for the digital wild west where demanding stakeholders, tiny budgets and stupid deadlines reign supreme.

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22 episodes
weekly
Avg 48 min
English

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Tuesday · 55 min
How to Work With a Founder Who Keeps Changing Direction
Founders are wired to look ahead: spotting opportunities, chasing possibilities, and imagining what the business could become. Project and operations people tend to live closer to today, turning those ideas into something teams can actually deliver. The friction between those two perspectives isn’t necessarily a problem—it can be the engine that moves a business forward. Galen Low sits down with Derek Fredrickson, founder of The COO Solution, to unpack how operators can become the bridge between vision and execution. They explore why trust and clarity matter more than simply “getting things done,” how to challenge a founder without becoming the resident no-machine, and why strong project leaders need to know when to step out of the details and into strategic dialogue. Resources from this episode: Join the Digital Project Manager Community Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts Connect with Derek on LinkedIn Visit The COO Solution
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August 18 · 50 min
How to Build Real AI Fluency Across Your Team
AI fluency isn’t about knowing the latest tools, collecting certificates, or casually dropping “agentic” into a meeting. It’s about knowing where AI fits into the work—and where human judgment still matters most. Justin Bateh joins Galen Low to unpack why the real advantage comes from building an operating layer above AI’s increasingly capable execution layer. They dig into what separates genuine AI fluency from familiarity, why hands-on practice and feedback matter, and what employers can do to build capability without turning AI training into homework. They also explore a bigger career question: when technical skills are becoming easier to replicate, what makes a project leader’s career durable? Resources from this episode: Join the Digital Project Manager Community Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts Connect with Justin on LinkedIn Visit AI Operators Lab and Tactical Memo
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August 11 · 47 min
How AI Can Help You Make Better Project Decisions
Projects are, in many ways, a collection of decisions. But when work is moving fast, information is scattered, and the stakes are high, making a well-informed call isn’t always straightforward. AI can pull together more context than any one person could realistically hold in their head—but that doesn’t mean we should hand over the decision-making reins. Galen Low sits down with Cali Collins, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Optimality, to explore how AI can support better decisions without removing humans from the equation. They dig into decision context, bias, traceability, accountability, and why the rise of AI could actually make project leaders more—not less—important. Resources from this episode: Join the Digital Project Manager Community Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts Connect with Cali on LinkedIn Visit Optimality
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August 4 · 36 min
What It Really Takes to Build AI for Government
Government projects are often dismissed as slow, bureaucratic, and overly reliant on expensive consultants. But according to William Moroz, that narrative is increasingly outdated. Drawing on experience across both government and consulting, William explains how modern public sector teams are leading ambitious, mission-driven initiatives with a stronger focus on accountability, transparency, and measurable public value. In this conversation, Galen and William explore how AI is reshaping government procurement, why collaboration is replacing traditional vendor relationships, and what it really takes to become a trusted government collaborator. From auditability and AI literacy to balancing innovation with responsible governance, this episode offers a grounded look at delivering technology that serves citizens—not just stakeholders. Resources from this episode: Join the Digital Project Manager Community Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts Connect with William on LinkedIn
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July 28 · 50 min
Why Smart People Get Generic Results From AI
Generative AI is changing how project teams work—but too many professionals are still treating it like a smarter search engine. The result? Generic prompts, generic outputs, and a growing tendency to trust polished responses without applying the critical thinking that makes great project leaders valuable in the first place. In this episode, Galen Low sits down with AI consultant and educator Mashhood Ahmed to explore why curiosity, context, and strategic questioning matter more than ever. Together, they unpack how AI can amplify—not replace—human judgment, and share practical ways leaders can help their teams move beyond surface-level prompting toward more thoughtful, effective collaboration with AI. Resources from this episode: Join the Digital Project Manager Community Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts Connect with Mashhood on LinkedIn and TikTok Visit M1 Consultants Inc.
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July 21 · 50 min
Why 70% of Digital Transformations Still Fail (And How AI Can Help)
Digital transformation has been a business buzzword for decades—but despite years of experience, most enterprise transformation initiatives still fail. Why? And can AI finally help organizations break the cycle? In this episode, Galen Low sits down with Rick Catalano, founder and CEO of AMIGO and author of The AI Project Manager, to unpack why large-scale transformation projects continue to struggle, what AI can (and can't) solve, and why the future of project leadership is less about replacing people and more about helping them make better decisions. Resources from this episode: Join the Digital Project Manager Community Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts Connect with Rick on LinkedIn Visit AMIGO Check out Rick’s book – “The AI Project Manager: The Framework for Successful AI-Enabled Enterprise Transformation”
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July 14 · 42 min
How the Construction Industry is Laying the Groundwork for the Future of AI PM
Project management in construction is often dismissed as traditional, but when it comes to AI and data, the industry may be further ahead than many people realize. In this conversation, James Garner, Head of AI and Data at Gleeds and founder of Project Flux, shares why construction is becoming a proving ground for AI adoption—and what project professionals in every industry can learn from it. From overcoming resistance to new technology to navigating career shifts and building AI literacy, James offers a refreshingly balanced perspective on the future of project management. Whether you're leading digital initiatives or considering a career pivot, this episode explores why judgment, curiosity, and creativity will become even more valuable in the age of AI. Resources from this episode: Join the Digital Project Manager Community Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts Connect with James on LinkedIn Visit Gleeds and Project Flux
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July 9 · 13 min
Where AI Actually Fits on a Project Team
AI is starting to reshape project management—but its biggest impact isn't replacing project managers. It's removing the operational overhead that keeps them buried in admin so they can focus on the work that actually moves projects and client relationships forward. In this conversation, Tim Fisher sits down with Bernarda Vrbat from Productive to explore how AI is evolving beyond chatbots into skills and autonomous agents. They discuss where AI is already delivering practical value for professional services businesses, what teams are (and aren't) comfortable delegating to AI, and why the future of project management is less about doing repetitive work and more about making high-value decisions. Resources from this episode: Join the Digital Project Manager Community Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts Connect with Bernarda on LinkedIn Visit Productive
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July 7 · 42 min
How AI-Native Teams Deliver Creative Work Differently
Some people see AI as a threat to creativity. Others see it as the next evolution of the creative toolkit. In this episode, Galen Low sits down with Tom Brown and Eric Oldrin, co-founders of Original Model, an AI-native creative agency, to explore what happens when creative thinking—not AI—stays at the center of the process. Together, they unpack how agencies can embrace AI without sacrificing originality, storytelling, or quality. Broadcast live from the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, this conversation explores why so much AI-generated work falls flat, how thoughtful agencies are integrating AI across strategy, ideation, and production, and why the future of creative work may depend less on mastering tools and more on strengthening human judgment. Resources from this episode: Join the Digital Project Manager Community Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts Connect with Eric and Tom on LinkedIn Visit Original Model Creative Agency
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June 30 · 56 min
The Collaboration Problem Most Remote Teams Ignore
Remote and hybrid work is no longer a temporary adjustment—it’s how many project teams operate every day. But while we've become better at working asynchronously and using AI to boost productivity, it's worth asking whether we've unintentionally lost some of the human elements that make collaboration truly effective. In this conversation, Galen Low sits down with Karen Chong to explore what remote teams are missing, why intentional collaboration matters more than ever, and how project leaders can recreate the trust, creativity, and learning that once happened naturally in shared office spaces. They also dive into AI's growing role in team collaboration—and why efficiency alone isn't enough to build high-performing teams. Resources from this episode: Join the Digital Project Manager Community Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts Connect with Karen on LinkedIn Visit Abracademy & The Mind Blend podcast
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June 23 · 55 min
Why Project Management Is Becoming Everyone’s Job
Project management often gets framed as a career path, but increasingly it's becoming a skill that professionals across every function need to develop. As organizations navigate AI-driven transformation, cross-functional initiatives, and constant change, more people are finding themselves responsible for leading projects—whether or not "project manager" appears in their job title. Galen Low sits down with Stuart Taylor, founder of Influential PMO and author of Becoming The Project Manager, to explore what separates effective project leaders from accidental coordinators. They unpack common misconceptions about project management, the leadership and communication skills that matter most when plans don't go as expected, and why learning to lead projects may become a defining career milestone for professionals at every level. Resources from this episode: Join the Digital Project Manager Community Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts Connect with Stuart on LinkedIn and YouTube Visit Influential PMO Check out Stuart’s book: “Becoming The Project Manager”
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June 16 · 59 min
I’m Building A Digital PM AI Agent Whether I Like It Or Not
AI is forcing every function to reevaluate what creates value—and project management is no exception. In this conversation, Alla Tarasenko, Principal Technical Program Manager at Gusto, shares why building AI agents isn't about replacing program managers. It's about reclaiming capacity for the work that matters most: coaching teams, improving processes, and driving cross-functional alignment. Alla walks through the practical realities of building an AI-powered intake and triage system that serves more than 1,000 internal stakeholders, the unexpected challenges that emerge after the first successful prompt, and why change management may become one of the most important leadership skills in the AI era. More importantly, she offers a thoughtful perspective on how AI could break down silos and create stronger collaboration across technical teams—if leaders are intentional about how they implement it. Resources from this episode: Join the Digital Project Manager Community Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts Connect with Alla on LinkedIn Visit Gusto
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June 9 · 43 min
Why Public Speaking Is Becoming a Career Multiplier for Project Leaders
Public speaking is often framed as a stage skill—but for project leaders, it’s really a leadership skill. In this episode, Galen Low sits down with fractional PM, consultant, and award-winning Toastmaster Megan Cotterman to explore how communication, audience awareness, active listening, and adaptability show up in the everyday realities of project work. From project kickoffs and stakeholder updates to difficult conversations and team alignment, they unpack why strong communication is becoming even more valuable in an AI-powered world. They also dive into practical ways introverted and ambiverted project managers can build confidence, develop resilience, and strengthen their ability to think on their feet—without becoming the loudest person in the room. Resources from this episode: Join the Digital Project Manager Community Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts Connect with Megan on LinkedIn Visit Managed By Megan
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June 2 · 52 min
Why More Marketing Teams Are Choosing Boutique Agencies in 2026
In a marketing landscape shaped by lean teams, rising expectations, and an ever-expanding stack of AI tools, many leaders are asking the same question: do agencies still have a role to play? In this episode, Galen Low sits down with Tammy Valentine, President of LuckyTamm Marketing Group, to explore how boutique agencies are evolving in the age of AI—and why human expertise, trust, and collaboration still matter. Together, they unpack where AI genuinely adds value, where it falls short, and how marketing leaders can build stronger agency partnerships that help them achieve more with less. Along the way, they share practical lessons on experimentation, brand trust, onboarding, and the fundamentals that continue to drive marketing success regardless of technology shifts. Resources from this episode: Join the Digital Project Manager Community Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn Visit LuckyTamm
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May 26 · 57 min
Why AI Conversations Feel Fake (And How To Fix That)
What happens when AI stops being a tool you type into and starts becoming something you talk to? In this episode, Galen Low sits down with Oliver Shoulson, Agent Design and Engineering Lead at PolyAI, to unpack the surprisingly human problem at the heart of conversational AI: most AI conversations still feel weird. From clunky chatbot scripts to overly polite “LLM voice” personas that sound like they were trained by a committee of HR robots, Oliver explains why good conversational design is less about mimicking humans perfectly and more about removing friction. The conversation explores the psychology of trust, the mechanics of social presence, and why the future of AI interfaces may depend less on visual design and more on understanding how people naturally speak, interrupt, hesitate, clarify, and collaborate. Resources from this episode: Join the Digital Project Manager Community Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts Connect with Oliver on LinkedIn Check out Oliver’s website Visit PolyAI
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May 19 · 52 min
No One Cares About Your Deck – Here's Why
Slide decks aren’t going away. Despite years of corporate eye-rolls, overloaded bullet points, and “this could’ve been an email” energy, presentations still sit at the center of how organizations align people around ideas. And now AI is crashing directly into that workflow. In this episode, Galen sits down with Morgan Cornelius, Chief of Staff at Decky and founder of mrcantile, to unpack why presentations still matter, where most AI-generated decks fall apart, and how teams can use AI as a collaborative thought partner instead of a slop machine. They dig into the real purpose of slides—not transferring information, but creating resonance—and explore what happens when AI removes the production bottleneck but leaves humans responsible for the thinking. Resources from this episode: Join the Digital Project Manager Community Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts Connect with Morgan on LinkedIn Check out Decky and use promo code DeckyDPM for one month free of Decky Pro Visit mrcantile
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May 12 · 1 hr 5 min
You Don’t Need a New AI PM Tool—You Need to Fix the One You Have
AI-powered PM tools promise everything from predictive risk alerts to automated status reports—but what happens when the tool you picked doesn’t actually deliver on the features that sold you in the first place? In this episode, Galen Low sits down with Emmanuels Magaya, Director of Technology at Tech Legends and Founder & CEO of Project Managers Africa, to unpack what organizations should do when their AI-powered project management platform falls short. Drawing from his experience testing hundreds of AI tools, Emmanuels shares a practical framework for evaluating AI software, explains why organizations shouldn’t rely on one tool to do everything, and walks through how AI agents and automation workflows can augment existing PM ecosystems. The conversation also dives into AI literacy, predictive PMOs, and why emerging markets have a unique opportunity to leapfrog traditional delivery models—if they approach AI strategically instead of reactively. Resources from this episode: Join the Digital Project Manager Community Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts Connect with Emmanuels on LinkedIn Visit Project Managers Africa and Tech Legends
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May 5 · 57 min
How To Build In-Demand Skills At The Speed Of AI Disruption
The pace of change in today’s workforce isn’t just fast—it’s compounding. In this episode, Galen sits down with higher education leaders Sasha Thackaberry-Voinovich and Charlotte Bencaz to unpack what it actually takes to stay relevant when roles, tools, and expectations are shifting in real time. From the decline of entry-level roles to the rise of AI-augmented “power workers,” this conversation challenges the idea that learning is a one-time investment—and reframes it as a continuous, strategic habit. They also dig into what’s broken (and fixable) in traditional education, how to build skills without taking on massive debt, and why the real risk isn’t AI itself—but uneven access to it. If you’re trying to pivot, level up, or just keep up, this episode offers a grounded look at what’s actually working right now. Resources from this episode: Join the Digital Project Manager Community Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts Connect with Sasha and Charlotte on LinkedIn Visit Newstate University
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April 28 · 39 min
Should You Care If Your Project Manager Is Certified?
Project management certifications have become the industry’s favorite shorthand for competence—but what are they actually signaling? In this candid panel, Galen Low sits down with Crystal Richards, Dave Prior, and Karthick Nivas Ramdoss to unpack what certifications do (and just as importantly, what they don’t). From PMP to CSM to emerging AI-focused credentials like CPMAI, the conversation cuts through the alphabet soup and gets to the real question: are we hiring for capability, or just filtering for compliance? What emerges is a more uncomfortable truth. Certifications can open doors, create shared language, and signal commitment—but they’re also being misused as blunt instruments in hiring systems that are already overwhelmed. The result? Talented people get filtered out, hiring managers get false confidence, and organizations end up chasing “unicorn” candidates that don’t exist. This episode is a reality check—and a practical guide—for anyone trying to make smarter decisions about project talent. Resources from this episode: Join the Digital Project Manager Community Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts Connect with Crystal, Dave, and Karthick on LinkedIn Visit MindsparQ, The Agile Network, and PMI Check out these books: PMP Exam Prep For Dummies (2nd Edition) By Crystal Richards No One Is Coming to Save You: The Power-Ups to Help Surf the Chaos By Dave Prior
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April 21 · 39 min
AI For Kids: How Project Teams Can Build It Responsibly
Most AI tools weren’t designed with kids in mind—but kids are using them anyway. That tension sits at the heart of this conversation with Aderonke Akinbola, where the question isn’t if we should build AI for children, but how we do it responsibly. From digital playgrounds that shape behavior to the long-term implications of data exposure, this episode explores why the stakes are fundamentally different for younger users—and why product teams can’t afford to treat child safety as an afterthought. Galen and Ade dig into what it really means to design AI experiences that protect, educate, and develop young users. They unpack practical ways teams can introduce ethical friction, rethink data handling, and advocate for safer systems—while also looking ahead to a future where AI itself may act as a guardian for children navigating an increasingly intelligent digital world. Resources from this episode: Join the Digital Project Manager Community Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts Connect with Aderonke on LinkedIn
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