Big Project Energy is hosted by Rachel Losser, CEO of Losser Consulting Solutions. Join us as we engage industry leaders in conversations that tackle a modern approach to project management. Whether you are a people leader looking to inspire your team or just looking for a greater understanding on how to plan and organize your life, this look inside the mindset of chaos coordination will help you execute, strategize, and impact your projects and life.
Are you feeling overwhelmed and searching for community? We’re not afraid to get into the nitty-gritty to learn from failure and celebrate small successes. To be a part of the conversation, get in touch with hello@losserconsultingsolutions.com (mailto:hello@losserconsultingsolutions.com) and follow us here to get your monthly dose of project power.
Adding Value to your Projects with Change Management
This episode explores how change management can become more effective when it’s embedded in project delivery rather than treated as a separate, box-checking function.
More traditional approaches, like lengthy assessments, large training binders, and disconnected change teams, often struggle to keep up with the speed of modern projects.
In this short episode, Rachel Losser explores the big questions of - Should we just do this part too? In our experience, most signs point to yes.
Connect with us on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/losser-consulting-solutions) or reach out to hello@losserconsultingsolutions.com (mailto:hello@losserconsultingsolutions.com) to join the conversation!
1 Oct 2026
Negotiating Through Your Toughest Projects
Rachel Losser sits down with Dave Thompson, CEO of Wicklander-Zulawski and Associates, certified forensic interviewer, and host of the Truth Be Told Podcast, to explore how investigative interviewing principles translate directly into leadership, project management, and change management.
The conversation focuses on getting cooperation without authority, building rapport fast, and leading with curiosity instead of assumption.
In this episode, Rachel and Dave connect the worlds of difficult conversations, major organizational change, and high-stakes decision-making.
If you lead projects, teams, or transformations, this one is packed with practical ways to get better information, reduce resistance, and keep people engaged.
Connect with Dave at:
https://w-z.com/ (https://w-z.com/)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davethompsoncfi/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/davethompsoncfi/)
Connect with Rachel:
www.losserconsultingsolutions.com (https://www.losserconsultingsolutions.com)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachellosser/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachellosser/)
2 Sept 2026
Is the PMP Worth It?
PMP, CAPM, PgMP, or PfMP - which certification actually moves your project management career forward? Rachel Losser cuts through the noise and gives you the practical framework for deciding whether certification is worth your time, money, and effort.
If you are early in your PM journey, trying to prove your experience, or wondering whether the PMP is really the gold standard people say it is, this episode gives you the clarity you need. Rachel breaks down the core PMI certifications, who each one is for, and why the "best" choice depends on your end goal, not just the badge.
To get in touch with your questions about your PM journey, reach out to hello@losserconsultingsolutions.com
19 Aug 2026
The Art of Stakeholder Management
In this episode of Big Project Energy, Rachel Losser sits down with John Rigoli, a Federal IT Project Management consultant with 28+ years of experience, to unpack what really drives successful project delivery in complex environments. From stakeholder politics and timeline management to relationship-building and the realities of virtual collaboration, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom for project managers, program leaders, and consultants alike.
What you'll learn in this episode:
Why federal and corporate project work are fundamentally different
How stakeholder politics can make or break a project
The importance of direct engagement, listening, and relationship-building
How to manage difficult stakeholders without losing momentum
Why high-level timelines and detailed action tracking both matter
How to set realistic expectations while still moving projects forward
What “Big Project Energy” looks like in real life
Connect:
Please connect with John through his LinkedIn Profile (https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-rigoli/)
To apply as a guest please fill out this form (https://forms.gle/C52tfueyhanqNebN6)
And for all other inquiries, please get in touch at hello@losserconsultingsolutions.com
31 Jul 2026
Project Management Basics: Where Do We Begin?
Start any project with confidence.
Ever wonder what truly makes a project, and how to kick one off without getting lost in the chaos? In this episode, Rachel Losser reveals the simple, three-step blueprint to transforming vague ideas into actionable projects that get results. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned pro, learn how to secure stakeholder buy-in, assemble the right team, and create a repeatable cadence that keeps your projects on track.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Projects: Definition and Importance
03:50 Initiating a Project: Steps to Success
09:09 Identifying Stakeholders and Team Dynamics
11:11 Project Examples: Distinguishing Projects from Operations
15 Jul 2026
The One Thing Missing From Every Project Timeline
What really determines whether a project succeeds isn't just the timeline—it's the people behind it.
In this episode, Nick Clarkson shares his unconventional journey from 13 years as a Professor of Gender Studies to becoming a Project Manager, revealing how systems thinking, leadership, and empathy became his greatest professional assets.
The conversation dives into one of Nick's most compelling ideas: capacity planning beyond resource allocation. Rather than simply tracking hours, Nick encourages leaders to consider the hidden costs of context switching, cognitive load, and mental energy. Drawing from his experience leading a volunteer team of individuals living with chronic pain, he explains why protecting people's attention is just as important as managing project schedules.
Rachel and Nick also discuss the power of curiosity in stakeholder management, why great Project Managers ask better questions instead of assuming they have the answers, and how calm, trust-building leadership consistently outperforms fear-based management in high-pressure environments.
Whether you're transitioning into project or program management or looking to become a more effective leader, this conversation offers practical insights into building healthier teams, better plans, and more successful projects.
Connect with Nick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nlclarkson/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nlclarkson/)
Portfolio site: nlclarkson.com (http://nlclarkson.com) to view the Capacity Planning Worksheet
Join the BPE conversation at hello@losserconsultingsolutions.com
1 Jul 2026
The Project Manager's Gold Standard
Most project managers ignore the simple, foundational habits that keep complex initiatives on track—until it’s too late. This episode reveals the one guarantee to drastically improve your project execution: mastering the essentials every PM must know, but few follow.
Imagine consistently delivering projects on time, with clarity and confidence, simply by refining three core practices. With clear meeting notes, a single source of truth for action items, and a realistic project timeline, you can eliminate chaos and elevate your leadership. Whether you're managing a small team or an enterprise-level initiative, these disciplined habits are your secret weapon against missed deadlines and stakeholder misunderstandings.
In this Bonus Episode, Rachel gives advice for new Project Managers who want to follow the gold standard. Make sure to save this episode to listen back as you prepare for your first role, taking the PMP, or elevating your current position.
15 Jun 2026
Getting Real About Performance with my Ex-Boss
In this episode, Rachel Losser sits down with Joe Ciway, a seasoned product management leader, to delve into the realities of project management. From leadership philosophies to navigating chaos and uncertainty, Joe shares practical insights that bridge traditional frameworks with real-world challenges in product development and beyond.
This episode distills decades of project management experience into actionable advice, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, organizational awareness, and emotional intelligence in leading successful projects. Whether you're starting out or a seasoned professional, Joe's insights challenge conventional wisdom and highlight the nuanced art of managing chaos with confidence.
In this episode, we'll cover:
The importance of right-sizing projects based on team capabilities and leadership support
The concept of the "tripod" — balancing product, R&D, and project management for successful product launches
How to communicate effectively with different organizational levels, especially executives
Strategies for handling pressure without losing your composure
The impact of leadership support and organizational culture on project success
Navigating uncertainty and planning for the unpredictable in fast-paced product environments
Practical advice for new project managers, including aligning with company culture and managing stakeholder expectations
Resources & Links:
PMBOK Guide (https://www.pmi.org/pmbok-guide-standards) — Project Management Body of Knowledge
Joe Ciway on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephciway/)— Connect with Joe for further insights
Losser Consulting Solutions (https://losserconsultingsolutions.com/) — For more on Rachel’s work
15 Jun 2026
Introduction | Building Real Authority with Rachel Losser
How to command a room when no one actually reports to you.
In this premier episode of Big Project Energy, we discuss the importance of crafting authority through building trust, commanding a room, and driving real business value, rather than operating from a place of ego. While a bit tongue-in-cheek, Rachel discusses how using the phrase Big Project Energy in her PM career and in her personal life was a catalyst for making bold moves.
Subscribe so you never miss an episode and join the conversation at hello@losserconsultingsolutions.com (mailto:hello@losserconsultingsolutions.com).
10 Jun 2026
Trailer | Big Project Energy
Introducing Big Project Energy, the project management podcast from Losser Consulting Solutions.
Unlock the secret to transforming chaotic projects into impactful successes. If you've ever felt stuck navigating tight timelines, shifting scopes, or unaligned teams, this episode is your game-changer. Rachel Losser, a PMP-certified project manager, reveals how mastering project management can unlock accountability, speed up delivery, and drive real change. Discover key strategies to lead with confidence and clarity, turning chaos into clarity. Perfect for anyone ready to elevate their project game.
To be a part of the conversation, get in touch with hello@losserconsultingsolutions.com (mailto:hello@losserconsultingsolutions.com) and follow us here to get your monthly dose of project power.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
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5 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
5 ratings
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