
145. Why projects fail and how to fix them: A masterclass with Laura Barnard
11/14/24 • 48 min
Welcome to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network.
In this episode, we’re joined by Laura Barnard, also known as “The PMO Lady” and the 2021 World's Top PMO Influencer. Laura is the founder of PMO Strategies and creator of the IMPACT Engine, a revolutionary approach to managing projects and accelerating strategy delivery.
She shares her deep insights on why most projects fail, how to make sure your brilliant ideas don’t fall apart, and how to structure your project management office (PMO) for success.
We discuss why effective project management is critical for employee engagement and business success. Most employee disengagement stems from overloaded teams and inefficient processes. In a small business, where workloads are often high, efficiency becomes key—people should spend their time on tasks that truly add value.
In this episode, we aim to answer three key questions:
- Why do we need project managers or Project Management Offices (PMOs)?
- Why do most projects fail, and how can we fix them?
- Why do my brilliant ideas never seem to pan out the way I expect?
Key Takeaways:
- What is a PMO (Project Management Office)? Laura breaks down the role of a PMO and why it's essential for businesses of all sizes, especially small teams.
- Why Projects Fail Laura highlights common reasons projects fail, including lack of clarity on business goals and failure to prioritize effectively.
- The IMPACT Engine System Laura shares how her IMPACT Engine system can help organizations drive successful projects.
- Methodology Debate: Agile vs. Waterfall Laura provides a fresh perspective on project management methodologies like Agile and Waterfall.
- The Strategy Execution Gap Laura explains why organizations often struggle to close this gap and offers solutions on how to integrate strategy development and execution for smoother outcomes.
Links and Resources:
- Learn more about Laura and her resources at PMO Strategies
- The Impact Engine book, available now: Read More
- Follow Laura on LinkedIn
Get involved in the podcast:
If you like hearing from experts who share powerful strategies and insights for success in the workplace, tune in every Thursday for more interviews with thought leaders like Laura.
Don’t forget, every Tuesday we bring you the latest in workplace news, our Hot Takes from experts, and of course, the world-famous Workplace Surgery, where Leanne answers your toughest workplace questions.
Support with Mental Health and Well-being
If any of the topics in this episode have affected you, or if you need mental health support, please reach out to one of the following resources:
- UK: Mind offers mental health support and information. For those in distress, call Samaritans at 116 123 or email [email protected].
- US: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
- Rest of the World: Visit Befrienders Worldwide to find a helpline in your country.
Connect with Truth, Lies & Work
- YouTube: Truth, Lies & Work YouTube Channel
- TikTok: Truth, Lies & Work TikTok
- Instagram: Truth, Lies & Work Instagram
- LinkedIn: Truth, Lies & Work LinkedIn
- Connect with Al Elliott: LinkedIn
- Connect with Leanne Elliott: LinkedIn
- Email: Reach out at [email protected]
- Book a Meeting: Schedule a meeting with Al & Leanne here.
Welcome to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network.
In this episode, we’re joined by Laura Barnard, also known as “The PMO Lady” and the 2021 World's Top PMO Influencer. Laura is the founder of PMO Strategies and creator of the IMPACT Engine, a revolutionary approach to managing projects and accelerating strategy delivery.
She shares her deep insights on why most projects fail, how to make sure your brilliant ideas don’t fall apart, and how to structure your project management office (PMO) for success.
We discuss why effective project management is critical for employee engagement and business success. Most employee disengagement stems from overloaded teams and inefficient processes. In a small business, where workloads are often high, efficiency becomes key—people should spend their time on tasks that truly add value.
In this episode, we aim to answer three key questions:
- Why do we need project managers or Project Management Offices (PMOs)?
- Why do most projects fail, and how can we fix them?
- Why do my brilliant ideas never seem to pan out the way I expect?
Key Takeaways:
- What is a PMO (Project Management Office)? Laura breaks down the role of a PMO and why it's essential for businesses of all sizes, especially small teams.
- Why Projects Fail Laura highlights common reasons projects fail, including lack of clarity on business goals and failure to prioritize effectively.
- The IMPACT Engine System Laura shares how her IMPACT Engine system can help organizations drive successful projects.
- Methodology Debate: Agile vs. Waterfall Laura provides a fresh perspective on project management methodologies like Agile and Waterfall.
- The Strategy Execution Gap Laura explains why organizations often struggle to close this gap and offers solutions on how to integrate strategy development and execution for smoother outcomes.
Links and Resources:
- Learn more about Laura and her resources at PMO Strategies
- The Impact Engine book, available now: Read More
- Follow Laura on LinkedIn
Get involved in the podcast:
If you like hearing from experts who share powerful strategies and insights for success in the workplace, tune in every Thursday for more interviews with thought leaders like Laura.
Don’t forget, every Tuesday we bring you the latest in workplace news, our Hot Takes from experts, and of course, the world-famous Workplace Surgery, where Leanne answers your toughest workplace questions.
Support with Mental Health and Well-being
If any of the topics in this episode have affected you, or if you need mental health support, please reach out to one of the following resources:
- UK: Mind offers mental health support and information. For those in distress, call Samaritans at 116 123 or email [email protected].
- US: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
- Rest of the World: Visit Befrienders Worldwide to find a helpline in your country.
Connect with Truth, Lies & Work
- YouTube: Truth, Lies & Work YouTube Channel
- TikTok: Truth, Lies & Work TikTok
- Instagram: Truth, Lies & Work Instagram
- LinkedIn: Truth, Lies & Work LinkedIn
- Connect with Al Elliott: LinkedIn
- Connect with Leanne Elliott: LinkedIn
- Email: Reach out at [email protected]
- Book a Meeting: Schedule a meeting with Al & Leanne here.
Previous Episode

144. Why Trump won, Nike's 'new' CEO and engaging seasonal staff. PLUS! Wistia CEO Chris Savage's Hot Take on B2B influencers
Welcome to Truth, Lies & Work, the award-winning psychology podcast brought to you by the HubSpot Podcast Network.
Join your hosts, Leanne Elliott, business psychologist, and Al Elliott, business owner, as they dive into the latest trends in B2B influencer marketing, the challenges of blending personal brand with professional communication, and, of course, we tackle your burning workplace questions in our famous Workplace Surgery.
Segment 1: News Round-up
Donald Trump’s 2024 Election Victory
We break down the psychological responses to Donald Trump’s victory and the reactions from both sides of the political spectrum.
Nike’s ‘Company Lifer’ CEO
Elliott Hill’s return to Nike as CEO after a 32-year career has sparked debate: Should companies promote from within or bring in fresh faces from outside?
Encore’s Innovative Overtime Savings Program
We explore how Encore is helping their seasonal workers by introducing an overtime savings program that’s boosting retention by 14%.
Segment 2: Hot Take with Chris Savage
Chris Savage, co-founder of Wistia, discusses his hot take on the rise of B2B influencers. He explains why B2B content creators are the future, sharing how these individuals, like Dave Gerhart and Scott Clary, are transforming the marketing landscape and why businesses should pay attention.
Key points from Chris’ Hot Take:
- The rise of B2B influencers and how they’re reshaping marketing strategies.
- How content creators in the B2B space can have a meaningful impact on businesses.
- The future of founder branding in the B2B sector.
Segment 3: Workplace Surgery
Company Culture Post-Acquisition
A listener’s company was recently acquired by a larger firm, and they’re seeing their company culture change drastically.
Adapting to Green Initiatives
A business faces a generational divide as younger employees push for faster green initiatives, but the older workforce resists change.
Understanding a Jekyll-and-Hyde Boss
A listener struggles with their boss’s inconsistent behavior, switching from harsh and demanding at work to kind and patient in personal settings.
Connect with Chris Savage:
- Visit Chris’s company, Wistia
- Follow Chris on LinkedIn for updates and insights.
- Listen to his podcast Talking Too Loud for more on building human-centric brands.
Support with Mental Health and Well-being
If any of the topics in this episode have affected you, or if you need mental health support, please reach out to one of the following resources:
- UK: Mind offers mental health support and information. For those in distress, call Samaritans at 116 123 or email [email protected].
- US: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
- Rest of the World: Visit Befrienders Worldwide to find a helpline in your country.
Connect with Truth, Lies & Work
- YouTube: Truth, Lies & Work YouTube Channel
- TikTok: Truth, Lies & Work TikTok
- Instagram: Truth, Lies & Work Instagram
- LinkedIn: Truth, Lies & Work LinkedIn
- Connect with Al Elliott: LinkedIn
- Connect with Leanne Elliott: LinkedIn
- Email: Reach out at [email protected]
- Book a Meeting: Schedule a meeting with Al & Leanne here.
Next Episode

146. Basecamp bans politics and Fortnum & Mason's Diversity Fail. PLUS! Luis Camejo’s Hot Take on Content Creation - This Week in Work Tuesday 19th November 2024
This week’s episode is packed with thought-provoking insights, as we dive into important workplace topics, from Gen-Z's skill gap to hot takes from podcasting legend Luis Camejo. Plus, we wrap it up with the Workplace Surgery, where Leanne provides actionable advice on managing workplace toxicity, navigating bullying in the workplace, and dealing with workplace jealousy.
Segment 1: News Roundup
The Gen-Z Skill Gap: Are They Really Unemployable?
A recent article from Fortune raises concerns about Gen-Z’s readiness for the workforce, citing soft skills gaps like communication and long-term commitment. You can read the full article here: Gen-Z Skill Gap Article
Basecamp’s Controversial Ban on Political Discussions
Basecamp CEO Jason Fried stirred the pot in 2022 with a decision to ban "societal and political discussions" on company chat forums, creating controversy. Read more on this issue: Basecamp’s Policy Controversy
Fortnum & Mason’s Paralympic Diversity Blunder
Fortnum & Mason faced backlash for excluding Paralympians from an after-party following a royal reception. This sparked discussions about inclusivity and what truly represents diversity in today’s business world. The full story is here: Fortnum & Mason Diversity Issue
Segment 2: Hot Take with Luis Camejo
This week’s Hot Take is from Luis Camejo, co-host of the Content is Profit podcast. Luis shares his spicy take on content creation:
Not Everyone Should Be a Content Creator
Luis argues that while content creation is all the rage, not everyone is cut out for it. He explains the myths surrounding viral success and why it’s more about long-term dedication than instant success.
The Content Creation Pressure
Luis challenges the pressure many entrepreneurs feel to create content just because it’s trendy. He breaks down why understanding your personal strengths and resources is key to a successful content strategy.
The Reality Behind Content Creation
Luis gives a candid account of the challenges that come with content creation, emphasizing that it’s not just about the tools or a catchy topic—it’s about commitment, consistency, and finding your voice.
Listen to Luis’s podcast: Content is Profit
Segment 3: Workplace Surgery
In today’s Workplace Surgery, Leanne tackles some tough questions from our listeners:
Toxic Employee, Massive Revenue – What Do I Do?
A listener is struggling with a high-performing but toxic employee. They worry that removing the employee might harm the business, but they’re also aware of the damage this behavior is causing to the culture.
Dealing with Bullying from a Manager
A listener works at a small brewery where they feel excluded and bullied by a long-time manager. With no formal HR department, they’re unsure if they should escalate the issue or look for another job.
Workplace Jealousy: How to Handle Hostile Colleagues
A department head is dealing with hostility from colleagues who are envious of their team’s success.
Follow Luis Camejo:
Support with Mental Health and Well-being
If any of the topics in this episode have affected you, or if you need mental health support, please reach out to one of the following resources:
- UK: Mind offers mental health support and information. For those in distress, call Samaritans at 116 123 or email [email protected].
- US: Contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
- Rest of the World: Visit Befrienders Worldwide to find a helpline in your country.
Connect with Truth, Lies & Work
- YouTube: Truth, Lies & Work YouTube Channel
- TikTok: Truth, Lies &...
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