With wildlife populations plummeting, conservation teams are fighting back, using cutting-edge technology to track and protect the world’s flora and fauna. We discuss this with: Shannon Dubay, director of conservation technology, Panthera, Cape Town, South Africa: Dubay discusses how teams use camera traps, satellite imagery, AI and other technologies in cat conservation, how teams are analyzing and acting on data faster in Zambia, how tech advancements have changed teams’ success metrics in conservation projects, plus how predictive analytics could transform conservation efforts moving forward. Dave Thau, global data and technology lead scientist, World Wildlife Fund (WWF), San Francisco: Thau talks about how the role of AI has evolved in conservation and helped boost efficiency. He also discusses WWF’s ManglarIA Project, which uses AI and other tech to measure the impact of climate change on mangroves in Mexico. Plus, Thau takes listeners through how the team is leaning into innovation and adaptability as well as working with community members to futureproof their efforts. Key themes[02:33] Using camera traps, drones and AI to conserve cats in the wild[07:41] How teams are analyzing—and acting on—data faster [11:10] Tech’s impact on success metrics for conservation projects[12:02] How predictive analytics could change future conservation projects[14:58] The evolution of AI in conservation projects[17:35] How WWF is using AI to measure the impact of climate change on mangroves in Mexico[20:26] Focusing on innovation, adaptability and community engagement in conservation
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26:19
How to Avoid AI Project Failure
More and more project professionals are managing artificial intelligence (AI) projects, but teams are struggling to make sure they deliver real value. What makes AI projects different—and what are some common reasons they fail? What does it take to lead successful AI projects—and how do you build those must-have skills? We discuss the big issues with two experts at PMI Cognilytica: Kathleen Walch, CPMAI, director, and Ron Schmelzer, CPMAI, director and general manager. Both are based in Columbia, Maryland, USA. Key themes[02:37] Common reasons why AI projects fail[07:42] How to make sure your AI project delivers real ROI [09:22] What makes AI projects different than others—and what it takes to manage them[17:05] Ways to keep your AI knowledge up to date [19:30] How to set smart metrics for AI projects and the rise of agentic AI
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23:05
Gender Equality in Action: The Role of Project Leaders
International Women’s Day is a clarion call for gender equality—and project professionals around the globe are taking bold action to advance the cause. Our guests discuss the projects they’re leading to empower girls and women, how they ensure they’re delivering positive social impact, and how they keep themselves—and their teams—motivated in the face of adversity. Our guests include Cecile Pilot, senior project and capacity building officer at Defence for Children International in Geneva, and Marwa Hammad, head of global gender strategy and the Youth Education and Entrepreneurship program at Schneider Electric Foundation in Cairo. Key themes[02:17] Supporting young women to drive change in their local communities and on the global stage[05:43] Creating Schneider Electric Foundation’s global gender strategy and a program for youth education and entrepreneurship[09:48] Overcoming funding and legal challenges along with battling stereotypes [17:13] How to stay motivated and—resilient—in the face of adversity[21:25] Measuring success and positive social impact[23:48] The vision for greater gender equality in the years ahead
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27:57
What to Expect in 2025: A Guide for Project Professionals
What can project professionals around the globe expect to face in 2025? We talk with project leaders to help you prepare. Sanjukta Ghosh, PMP, data and AI leader at Siemens in Erlangen, Germany, and Alexandra Schutz, PMI-ACP, PMP, director of the program management office at Appfire in Washington, D.C., discuss what’s next for artificial intelligence in the project sphere, the increasing role sustainability and project management offices (PMOs) will play in value delivery and the must-have skills for 2025. They also share what they’re excited for in the new year. Key themes [02:31] How AI will dominate projects in 2025 [11:20] Using AI to elevate sustainability objectives [13:07] PMOs stepping up to drive business transformation and deliver value[16:01] Adaptability, strategic thinking, AI acumen: Skills you need for 2025[20:40] The biggest surprises from 2024—and takeaways for the year ahead
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26:26
Measuring Up: How to Track and Deliver Positive Social Impact
To ensure projects deliver real social impact, organizations and their teams need to set clear targets, track progress—and adjust when plans and variables shift. We host a joint discussion with Karlijn Sibbel, innovation director at Notpla in London, and Grzegorz Wach, refugee employment initiative lead at NESsT in Warsaw. They discuss their work on two of the PMI 2024 Most Influential Projects, detailing the metrics used to track progress and measure positive social impact as well as the challenges teams face when aggregating this data. They also share their biggest lessons learned when it comes to measuring social impact.Key themes[02:46] How Notpla uses seaweed and plants to make biodegradable packaging[06:23] How NESsT is empowering refugees and migrants to access quality jobs[08:49] Using multiple metrics to track progress and measure a project’s social impact[15:03] Top challenges teams face when measuring social impact[23:04] Delivering positive social impact in the face of increased scrutiny[27:13] Lessons learned: Embracing partners and pushing industry benchmarks forward
Projectified[R] is your guide to the future of project management. Created by Project Management Institute, this podcast is for people who lead strategic initiatives and collaborate on teams to deliver value to their organizations. It features dynamic thought leaders and practitioners who share their real-world experiences and expertise to inform, inspire and prepare you for success.
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