What's the Plan? Portfolio, Project & Resource Management
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Podcast Overview
<p>What's the Plan? is where project, portfolio, and resource management meet real-world solutions. Join host Samantha Varner for candid conversations with experts tackling PMO challenges from aligning strategy with execution to mastering resources and leading transformations. We skip the jargon and bring practical insights in a friendly, conversational style. Perfect for PMO leaders, portfolio managers, and operations pros. Sponsored by ProSymmetry. Subscribe for new episodes!</p>
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Publishing Since
2/23/2026
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Recent Episodes
July 6, 2026
Project Management is Problem Solving: Navigating Complexity with Rebecca Woods
<p>In this episode of What’s the Plan?, Samantha sits down with PMO leader Rebecca Woods to discuss why modern project management is really about problem solving, strategic thinking, and navigating complexity — not just managing timelines and tasks.</p><p></p><p>Drawing from her experience leading IT and PMO initiatives, Rebecca shares practical insights on how project managers can uncover root causes, ask better questions, improve stakeholder communication, and guide teams through changing priorities, shifting requirements, and resource constraints.</p><p></p><p>Together, they explore:</p><p>• Problem solving in project management</p><p>• Continuous improvement strategies for PMOs</p><p>• How to identify the real business problem</p><p>• Why communication gaps derail projects</p><p>• Managing changing project requirements</p><p>• Strategic decision-making and stakeholder alignment</p><p>• Resource constraints, prioritization, and portfolio planning</p><p>• The human side of leadership, collaboration, and organizational change</p><p></p><p>Rebecca also shares real-world examples of navigating complex enterprise projects, balancing “keep the lights on” work with strategic initiatives and helping organizations become more adaptable in an increasingly fast-changing business environment.</p><p></p><p>Whether you're a project manager, PMO leader, operations leader, or executive navigating organizational complexity, this episode offers actionable insights into the mindset, communication skills, and strategic thinking needed to lead successful projects today.</p><p></p><p>00:00 Introduction to Rebecca Woods and Her Journey</p><p>07:27 The Importance of Problem Solving in Project Management</p><p>10:28 Understanding Customer Needs and Problem Identification</p><p>13:21 Clarifying Requirements and Asking the Right Questions</p><p>16:32 Navigating Change and Maintaining Focus on Goals</p><p>19:28 Decision-Making Frameworks and Options</p><p>22:17 Encouraging Creativity and Open Dialogue in Problem Solving</p><p>29:57 Navigating Project Challenges</p><p>32:41 Empowering Teams for Problem Solving</p><p>34:52 Effective Communication in Project Management</p><p>36:01 Continuous Improvement: Balancing Tradition and Innovation</p><p>39:50 Resource Management and Strategic Planning</p><p>44:38 Future-Proofing Skills in Project Management</p><p>46:11 Understanding Stakeholder Needs</p><p>48:42 The Importance of Practice in Problem Solving</p><p></p><p>Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccatwoods/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccatwoods/</a></p><p>Presented by ProSymmetry <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.prosymmetry.com/" target="_blank">https://www.prosymmetry.com/</a></p><p>Learn More About What’s the Plan? <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.prosymmetry.com/whats-the-plan" target="_blank">https://www.prosymmetry.com/whats-the-plan</a></p><p>Hosted and produced by Samantha Varner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthavarner21/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthavarner21/</a></p><p>Produced and edited by Kyle Wertz </p><p></p>
June 1, 2026
Why Resource Management Needs Governance, Not Guesswork with Beth Hunter
<p>Resource management doesn’t fail because organizations lack effort. It fails because there’s no consistent process, governance, or structure behind it.</p><p>In this episode, Beth Hunter shares practical approaches to operationalizing resource management. From establishing governance and decision-making frameworks to creating repeatable processes teams can actually follow.</p><p>We discuss:</p><p>Why inconsistent resource planning creates chaos</p><p>The importance of governance in resource management</p><p>How mature organizations create structure around planning</p><p>Practical ways to standardize resource management practices</p><p>The role of frameworks like the JITR Wheel in improving visibility and alignment</p><p>If your organization relies on spreadsheets, disconnected planning conversations, or “tribal knowledge” to manage resources, this episode offers a more sustainable path forward.</p><p>00:00 The Importance of Governance in Resource Management</p><p>02:59 Understanding the Jitterwheel Framework</p><p>05:57 Skills as a Core Component of Resource Management</p><p>09:08 The Complexity of Staffing Decisions</p><p>12:04 The Role of Forecasting in Resource Management</p><p>14:55 Data Quality and Its Impact on Forecasting</p><p>18:08 The Challenges of Timesheet Management</p><p>32:24 Navigating Timesheet Management</p><p>34:24 Understanding the 10% Per Month Out Concept</p><p>36:15 Bridging Finance and Resource Management</p><p>38:40 Workforce Planning and Talent Development</p><p>40:13 Building Strong HR Partnerships</p><p>42:43 Addressing Staffing Challenges</p><p>44:47 The Role of Technology in Resource Management</p><p>48:43 Common Mistakes in Resource Management Technology</p><p>51:52 The Importance of Governance in Resource Management</p><p>54:36 Measuring Resource Management Success</p><p>58:52 Implementing the Jitter Framework</p><p>Connect with Beth Hunter on LinkedIn <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethhunter1/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethhunter1/</a></p><p>Presented By: ProSymmetry <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.prosymmetry.com/" target="_blank">https://www.prosymmetry.com/</a></p><p>Learn More About What’s the Plan? <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.prosymmetry.com/whats-the-plan" target="_blank">https://www.prosymmetry.com/whats-the-plan</a></p><p>Hosted and produced by Samantha Varner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthavarner21/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthavarner21/</a></p><p>Produced and edited by Kyle Wertz</p>
May 4, 2026
From Project Police to Value Driver: Unlocking PMO Value with Jerry Manas
<p>What does it take for a PMO to stop being the "project police" and start driving real organizational value?</p><p>In this episode, host Samantha Varner sits down with Jerry Manas, internationally bestselling author of the Resource Management and Capacity Planning Handbook, to explore why terminology confusion stalls progress, how PMOs can shift from methodology enforcers to strategic change drivers, and why storytelling is one of the most underrated tools in a leader's toolkit.<br /></p><p>You'll learn:</p><p>· Why getting hung up on terminology blocks organizational progress</p><p>· How PMOs can shift from enforcing processes to delivering business value</p><p>· What leaders need to understand about resource and capacity planning — regardless of what they call it</p><p>· How storytelling drives adoption and helps teams understand the "what's in it for me"</p><p>If you're a PMO, portfolio, or resource management leader ready to move from compliance to impact, this one's for you.<br /></p><p>00:00 The Importance of Productivity and Value</p><p>02:57 Terminology in Project Management</p><p>05:58 Core Concepts of Resource Management</p><p>08:55 Visibility and Decision Making</p><p>11:56 The Capacity Quadrant Framework</p><p>15:08 Patterns in Organizational Maturity</p><p>18:06 The Role of PMOs in Strategic Alignment</p><p>21:04 Deprioritizing Resource Management</p><p>24:01 The Evolving Role of PMOs</p><p>27:03 Aligning Productivity with Value</p><p>30:01 The Power of Storytelling in Leadership</p><p>33:00 Future Plans and Closing Thoughts<br /></p><p>Connect with Jerry on LinkedIn <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmanas/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmanas/</a></p><p>Learn more about Jerry’s Strategic Advisory practice <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.jerrymanas.com/strategic-advisory" target="_blank">https://www.jerrymanas.com/strategic-advisory</a></p><p>Order The Resource Management and Capacity Planning Handbook <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.jerrymanas.com/resourcemanagement" target="_blank">https://www.jerrymanas.com/resourcemanagement</a> </p><p>Order Projectland Goes to the Movies <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.amazon.com/Projectland-Goes-Movies-Blockbuster-Strategies-ebook/dp/B0G8TYDSR7" target="_blank">https://www.amazon.com/Projectland-Goes-Movies-Blockbuster-Strategies-ebook/dp/B0G8TYDSR7</a> </p><p>Presented By: ProSymmetry <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.prosymmetry.com/" target="_blank">https://www.prosymmetry.com/</a> </p><p>Learn More About What’s the Plan? <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.prosymmetry.com/whats-the-plan" target="_blank">https://www.prosymmetry.com/whats-the-plan</a></p><p>Hosted and produced by Samantha Varner <a rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthavarner21/" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthavarner21/</a></p><p>Produced and edited by Kyle Wertz</p><p></p>
7 total episodes available
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- What is What's the Plan? Portfolio, Project & Resource Management?
<p>What's the Plan? is where project, portfolio, and resource management meet real-world solutions. Join host Samantha Varner for candid conversations with experts tackling PMO challenges from aligning strategy with execution to mastering resources and leading transformations. We skip the jargon and bring practical insights in a friendly, conversational style. Perfect for PMO leaders, portfolio managers, and operations pros. Sponsored by ProSymmetry. Subscribe for new episodes!</p> - How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates daily.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 4 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
Yes, this podcast regularly features guests.
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