PM Happy Hour

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PM Happy Hour

PM Happy Hour is the place for frank and honest discussion about real world issues in project management.

We do it in a way that’s not too dry, though it may get a bit salty from time to time. Come and join your hosts Kim Essendrup and Kate Anderson! Each episode, we will cover a problem faced in project management today, and share practical advice, real-life examples and the occasional project horror story. Not only that, but every podcast is also an online class! Our host is a PMI Registered Educati

on Provider, who has structured each podcast as an easy-to-listen-to lesson. To get credit, go to our web site at PMHappyHour.com, purchase your class, take the test (based on the content from our podcast) and you get your PDU certificate instantly!

10/07/2025

Let’s play a game:

You're starting a new project. Which group definitely doesn’t need to be involved?

A. The team who will support the system after launch
B. The department that uses the thing you’re building
C. That random exec who always has strong opinions
D. Trick question! They ALL need to be involved 😏

In Episode 2 of Project Management Happy Hour, Kim and I talk about one of the biggest silent killers of projects: missing stakeholders.

The ones who don’t know what’s coming.The ones who should have had a say.The ones who pop up mid-way with, “Wait, WHAT are you doing?”
Spoiler alert: they’re always there.

That’s why one of the first things we coach is stakeholder recon—find ‘em, talk to ‘em, get them engaged. Not just to check a box, but to build real alignment and support.

At PM Happy Hour, we’re building a community where you can get practical tools, real talk, and a little bit of cheeky fun to help you do just that.

👉 Tune into Episode 2 🎙️https://pmhappyhour.com/002-first5questions-2/, and sign up for the newsletter at pmhappyhour.com

💬 How do you handle the “surprise stakeholder” on your projects?

09/07/2025

Ever walked into a project and thought, “Cool. I see the goal. But… what exactly are we doing here?” 🤨

That, friends, is your cue to ask the second make-or-break project question:

👉 “What’s in scope—and what’s NOT?” And if the answer is “Everything’s on the table,” then congratulations—you’re in for some serious scope creep.

In Episode 002 of Project Management Happy Hour, we tackle the deceptively simple beast that is scope. Because if you think scope is just a to-do list in Jira… oh, boy, is there more!

Here's what we’ve learned the hard way (so you don’t have to):
🧭 Scope is not just what you're building, but why it matters and how it gets delivered.
🙋‍♀️ Engage everyone impacted early—yes, even that team that “doesn’t usually come to meetings.”
🧹 If the scope’s a mess, own it. Waiting around won’t make it clearer.
🔧 Change control isn’t bureaucracy—it’s your survival kit.
💣 Ask the tough stuff upfront. “Are we sure this API even exists?” is a valid kickoff question.

You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to be proactive. Scope can be wrangled. But only if you grab the reins early (and probably wear gloves).

Want to hear real-world stories and actionable tips without the MBA jargon? Tune in at projectmanagementhappyhour.com. We’ve got your back—and your backlog.

🎙️https://pmhappyhour.com/002-first5questions-2/

What’s the most random thing that ever snuck into your project scope? 👇

08/07/2025

Ever walk into a project kickoff and realize nobody really knows what the heck the project actually is?

Whether you're handed a crisp charter or a scribbled napkin, the truth is: scope is rarely as “defined” as people think it is.

That’s why, in Episode 2 of the Project Management Happy Hour, we talk about one of the most important—and empowering—steps a PM can take:

🛠️ Own. The. Scope.

Don’t wait around for someone else to fix it. Don’t wait for perfect requirements. If the scope’s unclear (spoiler: it usually is), grab the reins. Ask the tough questions. Challenge the vague bits. Clarify what matters.

Because here’s the deal:
If you don’t own it, the chaos will.

At PM Happy Hour, we’re not just about tips and templates—we’re about giving you the confidence and tools to take control of your projects, even when it’s messy. Especially when it’s messy.

Check out Episode 2 to hear how Kate and I tackle scope confusion, wrangle stakeholder input, and push for clarity when everyone else is dodging it. 🎙️https://pmhappyhour.com/002-first5questions-2/

👉 projectmanagementhappyhour.com — Sign up for the newsletter and start managing like a boss.

💬 When’s the last time you had to untangle a murky scope? How did you take control?

07/07/2025

Ever wish project management came with a potion of stakeholder alignment? 🧙‍♀️ Yeah, us too.

That’s why Episode 079—our Project Management RPG—was such a blast to make. We rolled for initiative, faced the Dungeon of Unrealistic Expectations, and used our Negotiation modifier to escape a fiery Scope Creep trap. All in a day’s work, right?

We’re thrilled this episode hit home for so many listeners—and especially grateful for the kind words from those who said it was their favorite. (You know who you are. You have excellent taste and probably a well-organized inventory sheet.)

At PM Happy Hour, we’re all about making PM more accessible, more practical, and way more fun. If we can turn risk logs into a storytelling adventure, we’re doing our jobs right.

Catch the full episode here:🎙https://pmhappyhour.com/ep079/

🎲 If your project was a tabletop RPG, what role would you play? (Tank, wizard, rogue, snack manager?)

And while we’re at it—what wild idea should we tackle in a future episode? Drop your character class and episode requests below—we’ll add them to the quest log!

04/07/2025

🗣 “Wait… what are we actually trying to do here?”

In Episode 001 of PM Happy Hour, we kick off our First 5 Questions series by digging into the real first question every project should start with:

👉 “What does success look like?”

Not in 12 pages of bullet points. Not in four competing definitions from different teams. Just one, clear, human sentence.

Because if you don’t know what success means, how will you know when you get there?

Here’s the cheat sheet we wish every PM got on day one:

✅ Define success in one sentence (seriously, one)
👑 Identify who gets to decide if we’re successful
📏 Make it measurable—“vibes” don’t make Gantt charts
🚩 Spot the red flags: moving targets and shifting definitions = danger ahead
🧰 Communicate it everywhere—slides, dashboards, Slack memes, whatever works

It’s a deceptively simple question that can save your entire project (and your sanity). Because misaligned success criteria? That’s the opening for scope creep and budget bloat. 👀

Want to hear how we handle this live and unfiltered? Refresh your coffee, and tune in here: 🎙️https://pmhappyhour.com/001-first5questions-1/

What’s the most memorable version of “success” you’ve ever heard at a kickoff?

03/07/2025

You walk into your kickoff meeting. The sponsor says, “This project will be a success if it goes smoothly.”

Oh no.

Smooth like what, exactly? We need specifics, folks.

On Project Management Happy Hour, we don’t just help you survive that moment—we help you lead it.

In our very first episode, Kim and I break down the first critical question every PM needs to ask when starting a project. And spoiler alert: it’s not about the timeline or budget.

It’s this:

👉 “How will we know if this project is successful?”

One sentence. One outcome. One shared understanding.

Because too many projects fall apart not from bad ex*****on, but from fuzzy goals and wandering priorities. And that’s just rude. You deserve better. 💪

At PMHH, we’re building more than a podcast. We’re creating a place where you can:

🎧 Learn from real PMs (not just the textbook)🎯 Get strategies you can use tomorrow💬 Ask the tough questions—and get honest answers🍹 And yes, laugh a little while doing it

Swing by pmhappyhour.com, catch the pod🎙️https://pmhappyhour.com/001-first5questions-1/, and join the newsletter crew. We’ve always got room at the (virtual) happy hour for you.

What’s your go-to question when starting a new project?

02/07/2025

Ever had a sponsor give you a 15-minute TED Talk when you ask what success looks like? 😬

Spoiler alert: if they can’t say it in one sentence… you might already be off the rails.

In Episode 001 of Project Management Happy Hour, we kick things off with the question we always ask before a project starts:

What does success look like?

No, not a feature list. Not a “happy customer” vibe.

We mean: What is the one outcome that defines a win? 🏆

Here's why that sentence matters:

🧭 It’s your North Star. When things get messy (and they will), that one line keeps you—and your team—pointed in the right direction.
🗣️ It gives everyone the same answer. No more “Well I thought success meant…” conversations six weeks into the build.
🚨 It exposes red flags early. If your sponsor waffles, gives you a novel, or just stares blankly? That’s your cue to pause and dig deeper.
📊 It makes success measurable. “Do a good job” isn’t a metric. “Increase adoption by 20% in Q3” is.

Want to build trust and cut confusion from day one? Lock in a one-sentence success statement before anything else.

Listen to the podcast here:🎙️https://pmhappyhour.com/001-first5questions-1/

What’s your best advice for interpreting confusing or contradictory definitions of “success” from a sponsor?

01/07/2025

“So… what does success look like for you?”

That’s it. That’s the first question I ask when I sit down with stakeholders at the start of a new project.

Not “what are your requirements?” or “what’s the deadline?”
Nope.
Just: “How will you know this project is a win?”

Why? Because if you can’t answer that in one sentence, we’re already heading for trouble.

At PM Happy Hour, we believe that success should be clear, measurable, and agreed on before you even build the first Gantt chart. Otherwise, you’ll end up chasing shifting targets, arguing over interpretations, or worse—delivering exactly what they asked for, only to be told it’s not what they wanted.

In Episode 001, we break down:
✅ Defining success in one sentence✅ Identifying who gets to declare success✅ Sussing out red flags early—before they become flaming dumpster fires

We started PMHH to bring real, practical PM wisdom to folks tired of fluff and academic theory. If you've ever walked into a kickoff meeting and thought, “Wait—do these people even know what they want?”... this one's for you.

👉 Check out Project Management Happy Hour and sign up for the newsletter while you're there.

Tune in here: 🎙️https://pmhappyhour.com/001-first5questions-1/

What’s the strangest version of "success" you’ve ever heard in a kickoff meeting? We’d love to hear it.

30/06/2025

🎯 Let’s play a game called “When is your project actually DONE?”(Hint: If your stakeholder is still emailing you two months later… it’s not.) 😬

In Episode 042 of PM Happy Hour, we talk about The Closer—that final, glorious, elusive moment when you can officially say your project is done, signed, sealed, and delivered. And no, “done-ish” doesn’t count. 🫠

We’ve all been there:
👉 “Can we just tweak this one little thing?”
👉 “Oh, we thought that was included.”
👉 “Let’s keep it open, just in case…”

Friends, if your project never ends, it never wins. 💀🏁

Here’s how to get that sweet, sweet closure without needing a Ouija board:
⚫Define ‘done’ early. Set success criteria up front—or risk negotiating it while packing your desk.
⚫Milestone sign-offs. Bite-sized approvals beat one giant “surprise” review at the end.
⚫Hand off like a pro. Bring in support teams before go-live so you’re not the forever helpdesk.
⚫Implied acceptance FTW. Add language that says silence = approval after X days. Saves your sanity.
⚫Respect the process. Solid closure processes = fewer delays, fewer headaches, more margaritas. 🍹

Closing isn’t just an admin task—it’s how you protect your time, your team, and your reputation. Wrap it up right and move on to your next great win.

Get our take on it here:🎙️https://pmhappyhour.com/ep042/

So tell us:📦 What’s your go-to trick for getting that final project sign-off without endless “one more things”?

27/06/2025

🏁 You crossed the finish line! 🎉
Or… did you? 😬

Ever been there? Project’s technically “done,” but the business keeps raising their hand like "uhhh… one more thing?" Meanwhile, you’re trapped in closure limbo with a half-celebrated team, a cake that’s gone stale, and stakeholders still trying to sneak in last-minute requests like it’s Black Friday. 🎂📋

In Episode 042 of PM Happy Hour, Kate and I pull back the curtain on why project closure is often the most underrated beast of the project lifecycle—and how to tame it before it tames you.

Here’s the deal:If you didn’t define what done looks like up front, you’re not closing anything. You’re just moving the goalposts until someone gives up. 🥱

✅ Success criteria? Lock those in early.
✅ Sign-offs? Break ‘em into digestible milestones—don’t save the drama for the last act.
✅ Handoffs? Get those support teams in the loop before the final curtain call.

And here’s a cheeky tip: implied acceptance is your best friend. If no one shouts “fire” in five days, we’re calling it good and moving on. 🔥😎

Listen in for our full checklist of how to close clean, get sign-off without begging, and actually celebrate crossing that finish line.

Tune in for our discussion here:🎙️https://pmhappyhour.com/ep005/ 🎧 Your sanity will thank you.

So, tell us:👉 What’s your go-to move when someone tries to sneak in a change after you’ve started the closure process?

26/06/2025

🧨 Ever get handed a flaming hot mess of a project and told, “You’ve got this!”
That’s how you know you’ve become The Fixer. 😎

When the timelines are wrecked, stakeholders are grumpy, and the last PM has vanished in a puff of smoke... someone calls Kate Anderson.

Before she was co-host of PM Happy Hour, Kate was already known for jumping into critical projects mid-freefall—and landing them, with structure, calm, and a killer RAID log.

In Episode 043 – How to be “The Wolf”, we unpack what it really takes to take over a broken project and turn it around. (And yes, the title is definitely a nod to Pulp Fiction. You’re welcome.)

Being “The Wolf” isn’t about heroics. It’s about:
✔️ Clarifying chaos
✔️ Building trust
✔️ Delivering small wins
✔️ Keeping cool when others don’t

And no—just because you get all the “dirty” jobs doesn’t mean you drew the short straw. It means leadership trusts you. You’re the PM with the guts (and spreadsheet skills) to make the hard stuff happen.

🚑 Check us out at PMHappyHour.com sign up for our newsletter. We’ve got more real-talk PM wisdom where that came from.🎧— Listen now at https://pmhappyhour.com/ep043/

🧠 What’s your go-to first step when you inherit a project in crisis?

25/06/2025

🛠️ Ever get that call: “Hey, we need you to just take a quick look at this project…”You know the one. It’s on fire. Has no docs. The last PM vanished like a magician at a kid’s party. 🎩🔥💨

Congratulations! You’re “The Wolf.” Not the howler kind. The Pulp Fiction, clean-up-the-mess-and-save-the-day kind. 🕶️

In Episode 043 of PM Happy Hour, we break down how to survive (and even thrive) when you’re thrown into a broken project. Yes, it’s stressful. Yes, it’s hard. But it’s also a sign your leadership trusts you to deliver when it really matters.

Here’s how to channel your inner fixer:

🔘Own it. You’re not the janitor—you’re the pilot now. Step in with clarity, not apologies.
🔘Kill ambiguity first. Get the requirements, success criteria, and expectations nailed down before you try to fix anything.
🔘Back to basics. Review what’s there (if anything), ID the gaps, and build a real plan.
🔘Small wins = big trust. Don’t promise miracles. Deliver progress—consistently—and watch confidence grow.
🔘Keep it classy. No blame games. No drama. Just clean, clear, solution-focused comms.

These dumpster fires can feel like punishment—but they’re actually career rocket fuel. Each one makes you stronger, faster, and way more valuable. 💪💼

Listen to the conversation:🎙️https://pmhappyhour.com/ep043/

So, here’s the million-dollar question:👉 When you’ve had to take over a hot mess, what’s the very first thing you do to take back control?

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