Are meetings really a waste of time—or are we just doing them wrong?
In this solo episode of PM Insights Unplugged, host Silke Deul challenges the common complaint that meetings are useless and unproductive. Silke explores why meetings are essential in project environments—especially when teams are newly formed, projects are complex, and stakeholders come from different cultures and disciplines.
Sharing practical strategies to make meetings effective, from setting clear purposes and agendas to managing participant expectations and dealing with last-minute meetings. She also addresses the realities of hybrid work, remote teams, and the all-too-familiar dilemma of who to invite—and who not to.
Whether you're tired of endless meetings or trying to improve your project communication, this episode offers a thoughtful and practical take on when and how meetings can truly drive project success.
Host: Silke Deul
PDU’s: For PMI members who have viewed this episode, this content is eligible for 0.25 PDU under Leadership or Strategic and Business Management. You can self-claim this via your PMI account.
#ProjectManagement #MeetingsMatter #PMInsights #Leadership #TeamCommunication #PMI
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Episode 5: (I) Teaching Children Project Management
What if we could teach kids the fundamentals of project management before they ever enter the workforce?
In this inspiring episode, host Silke Deul is joined by Gary Nelson—seasoned project and program manager and author —to explore how project management can be introduced to children in fun and practical ways. Drawing from his children's books, Gary shares how storytelling, relatable challenges, and simplified language can help young minds grasp project principles such as planning, budgeting, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Together, they discuss:
Why project management is really a life skill
The ideal age range for introducing abstract project thinking
How schools in New Zealand and globally are adopting project-based learning
Real-world examples of how kids apply PM concepts (including a "planning is cool" cooking story!)
Why adults can benefit just as much from reading these simplified, story-driven books
Whether you're a parent, teacher, project manager—or all three—this episode will change how you think about early education, life skills, and the future of the profession.
Host: Silke Deul
Guest: Gary Nelson, Programme Manager and author
PDU’s: For PMI members who have viewed this episode, this content is eligible for 1 PDU under Leadership or Strategic and Business Management. You can self-claim this via your PMI account.
#ProjectManagement #PMInsights #ChildrenAndPM #LifeSkills #Education #Leadership #PMI
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Episode 4: (I) Scale Shift: From Millions to Billions
PM Insights – PMI New Zealand Podcast | Episode 4: (I) Scale Shift: From Millions to Billions
In this edition of PM Insights , we dive into the high-stakes world of mega-projects with seasoned project leader Kanat Sultanbekov, who has managed initiatives from $50 million to over $50 billion across continents.
Kanat shares firsthand lessons from working on massive infrastructure and energy projects in locations like Australia, Nigeria, and Kazakhstan. From political risks and joint venture disagreements to on-the-ground challenges like strikes and worker welfare, this episode reveals how scale changes everything — from interface management to financial controls.
🎧 Highlights include:
Why risk management looks completely different on billion-dollar projects
Lessons learned from demobilizing and remobilizing entire mega-projects
Navigating international politics, joint ventures, and cultural dynamics
The importance of standardization, modularity, and constructability
Practical advice for project managers aiming to move into global mega-projects
Kanat also recommends the must-read book “How Big Things Get Done” by Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner — a roadmap for anyone entering the world of large-scale delivery.
This is a must-listen for anyone curious about what it really takes to scale from millions to billions.
🔊 Tune in now and subscribe for more insights from PMI New Zealand.
Host: Silke Deul
Guest: Kanat Sultanbekov – Over two decades of construction and project management experience on energy projects of increasing size and complexity in Australia, Kazakhstan, and the United States.
PDU’s: For PMI members who have viewed this episode, this content is eligible for 1 PDUs under Ways of Working. You can self-claim this via your PMI account.
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Episode 3: (I) How AI will change Project Management
PM Insights – PMI New Zealand Podcast | Episode 3: (I) How AI will change Project Management
In this episode, we are talking with Andeed Ma how AI is transforming project management and why it's essential for project managers to stay ahead of the curve. From automating tasks to enhancing decision-making, AI is becoming an indispensable tool for driving efficiency and innovation. We’ll discuss the different stages of AI literacy, how AI can amplify project outcomes, and what project managers can do today to start integrating AI into their workflows.
We also delve into the potential risks and benefits of AI, from enhancing productivity to the ethical considerations we must keep in mind as we adopt this technology. Whether you’re just starting to explore AI or already using it in your projects, this episode provides valuable insights into how AI can shape the future of project management.
Host: Silke Deul
Guest: Andeed Ma - President of Risk and Insurance Management Association of Singapore (RIMAS) and Partner, AI International Institute (AIII)
PDU’s: For PMI members who have viewed this episode, this content is eligible for 1 PDUs under Leadership or Strategic and Business Management. You can self-claim this via your PMI account.
#ProjectManagement #AIinPM #PMInsights #Innovation #Technology #PMI
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Episode 2: (S) Risks vers Issues
We’ll be looking at the difference between risks and issues and why it actually matters in project management. Mixing them up can cause confusion, slow things down, or even make problems worse. If you call something a risk when it’s actually an issue, people might not take action fast enough. And if you treat a risk like an issue, you could end up wasting time and resources on something that hasn’t even happened yet.
Knowing the difference helps teams stay on top of things, make better decisions, and keep projects running as smoothly as possible.
Host: Silke Deul
PDU’s: For PMI members who have viewed this episode, this content is eligible for 0.25 PDUs under Ways of Working. You can self-claim this via your PMI account.
#ProjectManagement #RiskManagement #IssuesManagement #PMInsights
Welcome to PM Insights, brought to you by PMI New Zealand, your go-to resource for all things about project management in New Zealand. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, this podcast dives into the stories, lessons learned, and best practices from experts shaping the future of project delivery.
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