Unraveling the hidden stories behind exceptional leadership

📅 08/01/26 • 48m25s

In this episode of PM Untold, Jan Van Der Vurst, organisational psychologist, leadership consultant, and author, joins us to explore one of the most persistent challenges in project and change environments: territorial behaviour and resistance to change.

Drawing on decades of research and consulting experience across five continents, Jan reframes a common misconception in project management. Resistance, he explains, is not something to fight against, but something to anticipate. Together, we unpack why resistance, lack of trust, and territorial reactions emerge so naturally when people feel their autonomy, identity, or expertise is under threat.

The conversation dives into the three core sources of resistance: “I don’t understand”, “I don’t trust it”, and “I don’t trust you”, and why emotional reactions often block rational arguments. Jan shares practical techniques to move from opposition to ownership, and explains why territorial behaviour is particularly instinctual in expert-driven environments.

Through a powerful real-life example, he also illustrates how vulnerability and reflection can transform conflict into collaboration. This episode is especially relevant for project managers, PMOs, and change leaders who want to stop arm-wrestling with stakeholders and instead build trust, alliances, and sustainable change.

📅 04/12/25 • 20m30s

In this episode of PM Untold, Suzan Haenen, an experienced PMO, program, and transformation director, shares how creativity and human connection can elevate project management. Suzan talks about her journey into the field, the lessons she has learned while leading complex initiatives, and why keeping people at the center of every project makes such a difference.

She also introduces her use of LEGO® Serious Play® as a facilitation method that unlocks creativity, strengthens communication, and helps break down silos between teams. Suzan walks us through real examples, including a case where play became a catalyst for reconnecting people and improving collaboration.

Whether you're curious about new facilitation techniques or looking for fresh ways to energize your projects, this episode offers practical inspiration, thoughtful insights, and a reminder of the importance of following your passion.

📅 06/11/25 • 36m56s

In this episode of PM Untold, Fernando Fernandez Rodriguez, MBA, PMP, Senior Global Transformation Manager at Amazon and Vice President at PMI Luxembourg Chapter, shares his extensive experience in project management across different industries and organization sizes.

Fernando discusses how project management practices differ in large and small organizations, reveals some of Amazon’s unique working methods, and offers practical insights on aligning project goals with company objectives, managing stakeholders and risks, and fostering cross-department collaboration.

Whether you’re leading global teams or managing projects in startups, this episode is full of actionable takeaways, lessons from personal stories, and inspiration to keep learning and adapting.

📅 04/09/25 • 28m38s

In this episode of PM Untold, Anja Vandenbergh, President of PMI Belgium, sits down with Pat Lucey, Chair of the PMI Governance Committee and a keynote speaker at the upcoming BeNeLux Summit.

Together, they reflect on Pat’s career journey, compare project management with entrepreneurship, highlight the value of volunteering in PMI chapters, and share insights on the future of our profession.

Whether you’re a project manager, entrepreneur, or volunteer, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on leadership, growth, and the evolving landscape of project management.

📅 22/08/25 • 23m36s

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Sayma Kuipers — keynote speaker, trainer, entrepreneur, and LinkedIn Top Voice — to explore the true art of collaboration in project management.

Sayma shares her journey from working with children to focusing on team dynamics and effective collaboration in organizations.

The conversation explores:

• the key ingredients for successful collaboration,
• common misconceptions,
• the obstacles to collaboration in project management,
• the normalization of conflicts,
• the leadership in fostering a collaborative culture,
• the evolving nature of collaboration in the modern workplace.

Whether you’re leading a global project team or simply want to build stronger connections at work, this conversation is packed with actionable advice, real-world examples, and plenty of inspiration to help you turn collaboration into a genuine driver of success.

📅 18/07/25 • 31m10s

In this episode of PM Untold, we welcome back Saby Waraich — global thought leader recognized by Thinkers360, ranked among the Top 10 influencers in Project Management and Business Strategy, and among the Top 50 in Leadership — for an inspiring conversation on transformational leadership.

Saby introduces a new leadership framework designed to help professionals evolve from being a leader who SCAREs — marked by Stress, Chaos, Anxiety, Resistance to change, and Ego — to one who CARES: Communicate, Adapt, build Relationships, Empower, and Stay calm. He shares the personal and professional experiences that led him to develop this model, how it stands apart from traditional approaches, and how it can be applied in complex project environments.

Whether you're driving large-scale transformations or simply aiming to grow as a leader, this episode offers practical advice and a fresh perspective on shifting your mindset and leading with purpose.

📅 20/06/25 • 21m54s

In this inspiring episode of PM Untold, we sit down with Vilma Luīze Gertāne, co-founder of Rising Girls Global — a social initiative born from the Women@Dior x UNESCO program. Based in Paris and fluent in multiple languages, Vilma brings her international relations expertise to empower young women worldwide to pursue their dream careers.

We explore:

• How to start and scale a global virtual project
• Effective strategies for engaging Gen Z across cultures
• Tools and tactics to manage distributed teams
• The young women impacted by Rising Girls Global

If you’re passionate about social impact, cross-cultural teamwork, and next-gen empowerment, this episode offers powerful lessons in project leadership beyond business. 

📅 19/05/25 • 31m30s

In this episode of PM Untold, we welcome transformation expert Davy De Regge, Managing Partner at iConnect, to explore an often overlooked but vital topic in project management — project promotion. With a rich background in business analysis, project management, and digital transformations across logistics and finance sectors, Davy shares practical insights on how and why project managers should actively promote their initiatives.

We discover:

• Why promoting your project is not just a “nice to have” but a strategic necessity
• Real-life tactics Davy used to drive engagement across stakeholders
• Common challenges in project promotion — and how to overcome them
• The measurable benefits of strong project communication and visibility

Whether you're delivering digital transformation or simply trying to gain traction for your latest initiative, this episode offers actionable strategies to boost your project's impact and recognition.

📅 18/04/25 • 43m47s

In this inspiring episode of PM Untold, we sit down with Diepak Kasi, a seasoned trainer and coach who made the bold leap from a 20+ year corporate career in Telecom and IT to launching his own leadership coaching journey. Diepak shares the motivations, challenges, and breakthroughs that shaped his path from corporate project management to empowering individuals across the globe.

We explore:

• What triggered his transition to self-employment
• What method he used to analyse what to do as a career
• How project management skills helped him thrive beyond the 9-5
• How he manages risk, motivation, and balance in his new chapter
• Practical advice for anyone thinking of taking a similar leap

Whether you’re dreaming of entrepreneurship or simply want to lead with more intention, this episode is packed with authentic insights and encouragement.

📅 08/03/25 • 52m54s

In this episode, we are exploring project management, women in tech & expat life in Luxembourg with Julia Khalyavko, who is an IT Project Manager at PwC Luxembourg and the Sponsorships Manager at We-Stem, an organization dedicated to supporting and inspiring women and underrepresented groups in STEM. As an expat, Julia also founded her own initiative to help people discover Luxembourg through captivating stories that connect its past and present. Join us as we dive into Julia’s experiences as a female project manager, a passionate advocate for women in tech, and an expat in Luxembourg.

We explore:

• The challenges of being a project manager and strategies to overcome them
• The people who have inspired her career journey
• The key qualities of a successful project manager
• Support available for women pursuing careers in tech
• Insights into expat life in Luxembourg

📅 13/02/25 • 26m41s

In this episode, we explore the human side of Project Management with Dr. Elissa Farrow, who is a futurist, an author, and a strategist. In the world of project management, it's easy to get lost in the sea of deadlines, budgets, and deliverables. But at the heart of every successful project lies the human element. Join us as we explore the challenges and triumphs of project management from a human perspective. We'll discuss topics like building strong teams, effective communication, leadership, and the emotional intelligence needed to navigate the complexities of today's projects.

📅 23/12/24 • 33m20s

As the Christmas and the New Year are approaching, let’s have an inspiring end-of-year reflection on 2024 with Anja Vandenbergh, the president of PMI Belgium Chapter, and Richard Woodham, the president of the PMI Luxembourg Chapter. We explore the standout achievements, overcoming challenges in the PMI chapters, and share untold stories from their careers. Discover their goals for 2025 and gain invaluable advice for project managers to thrive in the new year. Tune in for an episode filled with insight, inspiration, and actionable wisdom for the PM community.

📅 17/10/24 • 39m49s

In this episode, we’re delighted to have Olina Glindevi and Ben Walder, co-authors of the Visual Agile Coach Playbook, for a deep dive into the power of visual communication in Agile and project management. Olina, a senior Agile Coach and expert in visual facilitation, and Ben, a seasoned change management leader, discuss how visual tools can help simplify complex workflows, inspire collaboration, and drive transformation across organizations. They share practical insights on using their playbook, which features templates and tools for Agile practitioners, managers, and teams looking to increase engagement and transparency. From overcoming challenges like remote work and rigid organizational structures to real-life success stories, this episode offers a rich look at how visual methods can boost innovation and effectiveness in today’s fast-paced work environments. Tune in to learn how to enhance your team’s performance with visuals, whether you're an Agile coach, project manager, or change leader!

📅 20/09/24 • 31m24s

In this episode, we’re excited to have Grégor Nicolas back, an experienced project management professional, founder of G Group Solutions, and passionate advocate of the minimalist project management system P3.express. With years of experience in project management and change management across various industries, Grégor has dedicated his career to simplifying complex processes and empowering teams to achieve success.

This time, Grégor dives into the challenges of overly complex project management systems and discovers how P3.express offers a refreshing, simplified approach. We’ll explore the origins of P3.express, how it works, and why it's becoming a go-to methodology for project managers looking for a practical, lightweight system. Grégor shares insights on how to start using P3.express, its key differences from other systems, and how it can be tailored to meet specific project needs.

📅 16/08/24 • 28m50s

In this episode, we talk with Jas Madhur. With over 30 years of international experience in software and systems development across North America, Europe, and the Middle East, Jas is a seasoned expert in business change and operational efficiency. His consulting and coaching focus on maximizing organizational value through people-oriented approaches.

We will explore Jas’s extensive experience in conflict management. We’ll cover:

• The different types of conflicts in project management and how to recognize and categorize them
• The stages of conflict and strategies to navigate them
• The effectiveness of addressing conflicts early versus intervening after escalation
• Tools and strategies for conflict resolution, including the Campfire mechanism
• Prioritizing people-centric approaches in conflict management

📅 22/07/24 • 32m57s

In this episode, we talk with Stijn Janssens, who is a renowned expert in project, program, and portfolio management, and a Certified Trainer & Advisor. His extensive career spans across various sectors, starting as a consultant with companies like KPN and PwC, and later as a project manager for the European Commission and the telecommunications sector. For over seven years, he has been a dedicated trainer in methodologies such as PRINCE2, MSP, MoP, P3O, and PMP.

We'll discuss the evolution and future of PMOs, the clarity of roles between PMOs and PMs, and how to improve their relationship. Stijn will also share real-life experiences, lessons in risk and knowledge management, and advice for project managers on leveraging PMO resources to achieve project goals.

📅 14/06/24 • 45m29s

In this episode, we talk with Saby Waraich, who is recognized by Thinkers360 as a Global Thought Leader and Influencer in the Top 10 for Project Management and Business Strategy, and in the Top 50 for Leadership. Saby Waraich is not just a speaker — he's a practitioner in the trenches every single day. Delivering keynotes and workshops that are as inspiring as they are practical, Saby marries actionable insights with a captivating storytelling style. His mission is not just to inspire but to prepare you with the strategies needed to excel personally and professionally.​

Saby shares his project management journey, his insight in how to develop leadership, his secret equation of building trust, and a life-time story of how to lead a tough and complex project into success.

📅 17/05/24 • 41m40s

In this episode, we talk with Stuart Thorp, who is a senior project and program manager with decades of experience in global corporations across many sectors. Recently, Stuart stepped out of full-time corporate activity to focus on mobilizing climate action on a global scale.

Stuart shares his journey from Telecoms R&D engineer to project/program manager and now to an environmental warrior. With his engineering and project management background, Stuart shares a unique perspective on how to tackle the climate crisis as a project manager.

📅 19/04/24 • 24m19s

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Mark van Helvoort, who is a senior member of IEE, KIV, and EMC as well as a PMP and PBA. He has led and participated in a large variety of public-private partnership projects. He (co-)authored a high number of patents, scientific and technical papers, and has nearly 80 publications, including two books. Mark has been working at Philips for 25 years, and he is currently responsible for Public-Private Partnership Programs in Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Mark shares his journey from electronic engineering PhD to project management and his experience in managing AI projects in Philips.

📅 15/03/24 • 29m52s

In this episode, we talk with Grégor Nicolas, a senior project manager and business consultant with years of experience across various sectors. He is also the founder of the consulting company G Group Solutions, supporting organizations and individuals in project and change management.

Grégor shares his journey from junior consultant to leading multi-million euro projects—and offers insights into “The Grey Zone: Where Project Management Meets Consulting”.

📅 23/02/24 • 45m52s

In this episode, we talk with Geert Vercaeren, a senior business consultant and leadership coach with over 25 years of experience in business transformation, organizational development, and HR transformation. He is also the founder of the consulting company B15 and the author of Humanizing Strategy: How to Master Emotions, Values, and Beliefs When You Execute Plans.

Geert shares his journey from commercial engineering to consulting and offers insights into building high-performing teams—highlighted by a powerful real-life case study.

📅 15/12/23 • 33m47s

In this episode, we talk with Chris F. Kindermans, a seasoned global Project and Portfolio Economy Professional, Board Member of Project Management Educational Foundation (PMIEF), and former president of the PMI Belgium Chapter. Chris shares his journey from economist to PMP and reflects on his commitment to project management education.

He also explores the mission of the PMIEF, and why empowering the next generation with project management skills is more relevant than ever.

📅 17/11/23 • 57m42s

In this episode, we talk with Natalie Boudou, an executive coach, facilitator, and author of “HumanForce: The Power of Emotions in a Changing Workplace.” Natalie shares her unique journey from corporate law to emotional intelligence coaching, and how emotions play a crucial role in today’s workplace.

We explore how to unleash the potential of human capital and create cultures of engagement, innovation, and connection in project management environments.

📅 06/10/23 • 20m16s

In this episode, we talk with Olivier Lazar, Vice President for Social and Community Impact at PMI, about the importance of project sustainability. This special episode is linked to the Sustainability Summit taking place on 8 November.

Olivier shares PMI’s vision for sustainable impact and how project managers can become agents of change in building a better future.