In this episode, Trina and Mathew talk with Joe Pusz, better known as "PMO Joe," about discovering project management, learning from mentors, leading PMOs, and understanding the business value behind project work.
Joe shares why project leaders need to stay focused on purpose, customer needs, executive priorities, and the people doing the work. He also reflects on how being unemployed during the recession shaped his mission and inspired the work behind PMO Squad Staffing.
1:45 | Joe’s project beginnings
Joe shares how he first got started in project work.
5:00 | Preparing for Y2K
Joe talks about where his career went next, including Y2K and learning from his first great mentor.
6:30 | Leading projects across industries
Joe reflects on leading projects at Cessna Aircraft, Bell Helicopter, Textron Financial, and Wellstar Healthcare.
7:05 | First PMO leadership role
Joe shares how he stepped into his first PMO leadership role.
8:25 | Projects have a purpose
Joe talks about one of the most important lessons from his career.
10:30 | Earned-value management
The conversation turns to earned-value management and project performance. Joe shares that it does not matter how well the project is running if the work is not meeting the customer’s need.
12:00 | Understanding the business
Joe reflects on a mentor who helped him understand the business value of the project.
13:00 | Managing experienced teams
Joe talks about motivating and managing people with more experience through coaching, feedback, motivation, and team focus.
14:25 | Not having all the answers
Joe offers advice for PMO leaders managing big teams and large financial projects, including why you can never have too many mentors and why it is okay to say, “I don’t have all the answers.”
15:48 | Translating project information for executives
Joe talks about translating project information so executives can make strategic decisions.
18:44 | Correction
Trina mentions “Ashley Simpson,” but meant to say Ashley Simmons.
20:00 | Never forgetting that feeling
Joe shares what it was like to be unemployed during the recession and never forgot the feeling of struggling to provide for his family. That experience helped inspire PMO Squad Staffing.
23:00 | PMO Squad Staffing
Joe explains the special edge PMO Squad Staffing brings across tech, consulting, and staffing.
24:00 | Resume advice
Joe shares why resumes need to show results and business acumen. Joe explains why project professionals should stop applying for jobs.
27:45 | Be a force multiplier
Joe encourages people to connect with 10 PMO leaders for mentoring advice.
28:15 | Joe’s superpower
Joe shares how staying connected to what people are going through, especially when it mirrors something he has gone through, has become one of his superpowers.
29:00 | Take a bite of everything
Joe closes with the advice to take a bite of everything at the buffet.
PMO Squad Staffing Website: https://www.thepmosquad.com