The Good PM Life Podcast

Are you stuck in task-mode as a project manager and wondering what it takes to truly lead? In this episode of The Good PM Life, host Sandy Lawler shares the game-changing mindset shift from simply managing tasks to becoming a confident, people-first leader.

Sandy gets personal with real-world stories and practical tips from her 25+ years of experience managing projects across tech, infrastructure, and enterprise environments. You’ll learn the difference between being a task chaser and a team anchor—and how leadership can be quiet, consistent, and deeply impactful.

Whether you’re new to project manage...

You’ve got the skills. You’ve updated your resume. You’ve applied to dozens of project management roles—and maybe even landed a few interviews.

But the offers? Still not coming. So... what’s the problem?

In this episode of The Good PM Life, I’m unpacking the real reasons qualified candidates keep getting passed over for project manager jobs—and how to fix it.

Whether you’re transitioning from a different career, coming from a non-traditional background, or just trying to stand out in a sea of applicants, this episode is packed with prac...

What if I told you that you’re already using project management skills in your everyday life — even if you’ve never held the title of “Project Manager”? In this episode, we explore how project management is more than a career path — it’s a life skill. Whether you're planning a vacation, organizing a family move, or launching a side hustle, you're already managing scope, time, resources, and people.

I break down what makes project management essential for everyone — and how recognizing these skills can be the first step toward an exciting, purpose-filled career change.

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In this inspiring episode of The Good PM Life, I sit down with Kelli Hogg, the powerhouse behind Love Runs Deep, a charity organization making a difference one event at a time. We dive into how organizing a successful charity event is a project in disguise — from kickoff to closing.

Kelli shares the behind-the-scenes planning that goes into their annual event, including coordinating volunteers, managing timelines, setting goals, and handling the unexpected — all core aspects of solid project management.

Whether you’re an aspiring project manager or simply curious about how events like these come togeth...

Welcome to The Good PM Life! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the real-world challenges that project managers face and, more importantly, how to overcome them like a pro. From unrealistic deadlines to stakeholder misalignment, team motivation issues, and scope creep—we’ve got you covered with stories from the field and practical strategies to keep your projects on track.

Tune in to learn how to navigate tough situations, build stakeholder trust, and keep your team motivated even when the pressure’s on!

Link to The Comprehensive Guide to Becoming a Project Manager - https...

Are you a project manager wondering why you haven’t been promoted yet? You’re delivering successful projects, meeting deadlines, and keeping everything organized—so what’s missing?

In this episode of The Good PM Life, I break down the five key things that separate project managers who get promoted from those who stay stuck. We’ll talk about what leadership really looks like, how to position yourself as a strategic thinker, and why just "doing your job well" isn’t enough to climb the career ladder.

I’ll also share real-life stories of project managers who m...

If you’ve been applying for project manager roles and getting no callbacks, your resume might be the problem—not you! Many companies use AI-powered Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes before a human ever sees them. That means if your resume isn’t optimized, it could be getting rejected automatically.

In today’s episode, I’m breaking down exactly how to tailor your resume for project management roles so it gets past the bots and in front of hiring managers.

Link to The Comprehensive Guide to Becoming a Project Manager - https://www.thegoodpml...

Are you stuck in a low-paying, unfulfilling job, but afraid to make a career change because of "stability"? If so, this episode is for you!

Today, I’m sharing real stories of people just like you—teachers, retail workers, customer service reps—who took the leap into project management and completely transformed their careers.

Link to Project Management Resources - www.thegoodpmlife.com

In this episode of The Good PM Life Podcast, I answer real questions from listeners about how to start and thrive in a project management career. From transitioning into the field to mastering the tools and methodologies, this Q&A episode is packed with actionable advice and practical tips. Whether you're new to project management or looking to level up, you’ll walk away with a roadmap to success.

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Are you considering a project management certification but unsure which one fits your goals?

In this episode of The Good PM Life, we dive deep into the world of project management certifications to help you make an informed decision. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced professional, there’s a certification out there for you!

Join me, Sandy Lawler, as I break down popular certifications like CAPM, PMP, CSM, PRINCE2, and more. We’ll cover their requirements, governing bodies, and who they’re best suited for. Plus, I’ll share actionable steps to help you choose t...

Are you intrigued by IT project management but worried you don’t have the technical background to make the leap?

In this episode of The Good PM Life, we tackle this very concern. Your host, Sandy Lawler, shares the inspiring story of Alex, a marketing manager who successfully transitioned into IT project management, and provides actionable steps to help you do the same.

From mastering the basics of IT to leveraging transferable skills and earning certifications, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you start your journey into IT project management with confidence.

Are you an engineer thinking about transitioning into project management? You’re in the right place! In this episode of The Good PM Life, we explore how engineers can leverage their technical expertise and leadership skills to thrive in project management. From understanding the role of a PM to taking practical steps for the transition, I’ll guide you through everything you need to know to make this career pivot successfully.

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In this episode of The Good PM Life, we’re diving into one of the most important steps in your project management career—interviewing for project manager roles. Whether you’re a beginner, a mid-level PM, or a seasoned senior project manager, this episode will help you prepare with confidence. I’ll walk you through common interview questions for each level, explain how to answer effectively, and highlight what you should avoid saying. Plus, you’ll get practical tips to tailor your responses and stand out from the competition.

Links to:

The Comprehensive Guide to B...

In this episode of The Good PM Life, we’re diving into the ten most common myths about project management! From the misconception that project managers don’t do much, to the idea that deadlines are always set in stone, these myths can give the wrong impression of what project management is all about. Join Sandy Lawler as we break down each myth, explore where it came from, and explain why it doesn’t hold up in real-world projects. Packed with examples and insights, this episode is perfect for anyone curious about what project managers actually do—and why it’s not...

In this episode of The Good PM Life, we’re exploring one of the most crucial aspects of project management—building a successful project team. A strong team can be the difference between a project that flourishes and one that falters. Join Sandy Lawler as we dive into practical tips for selecting and developing your team, managing team dynamics, and handling conflicts to create a positive, productive environment.

Whether you’re a new project manager or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with insights to help you build a team that collaborates effectively, communicates openly, and achiev...

In this episode of The Good PM Life, we explore how teachers—yes, teachers!—have the perfect skills to transition into a successful project management career. If you’re a teacher feeling the pull for a change, or just curious about new career opportunities, this episode is packed with everything you need to know.

Link to The Comprehensive Guide to Becoming a Project Manager - https://beacons.ai/thegoodpmlife

In this episode of The Good PM Life, we dive into one of the most crucial (but often overlooked) skills in project management: people skills! From mastering communication to resolving conflicts, building empathy, and negotiating like a pro, this episode covers the essential human elements that every project manager needs.

Tune in to discover how these soft skills can make or break your project’s success and how you can level up in this area.

Link to The Comprehensive Guide to Becoming a Project Manager - https://beacons.ai/thegoodpmlife

Welcome to another insightful episode of The Good PM Life—the podcast designed to elevate your project management career. In today's episode, your host [Your Name] explores one of the most essential elements of project management: Leadership and Motivation. Whether you’re new to project management or a seasoned pro, this episode breaks down different leadership styles and offers practical advice on how to keep your team motivated for success.

Link to the free guide - 5 Things to Know About Becoming.a Project Manager - https://beacons.ai/thegoodpmlife

In this episode of The Good PM Life, we dive into the essential tools every project manager needs to know about. Join your host, Sandy Lawler, as we review some of the top project management software on the market—Trello, Asana, Microsoft Project, Monday.com, and Jira. We’ll explore the pros and cons of each tool, who they’re best suited for, and how they can help you streamline your project management processes.

Link to "The Comprehensive Guide to Becoming a Project Manager": https://beacons.ai/thegoodpmlife

In this episode of "The Good PM Life," we dive into one of the most essential topics for any project manager: methodologies. We explore the top project management methodologies, including Waterfall, Agile, Scrum, Kanban, Lean, and Hybrid, breaking down their pros, cons, and best use cases. Whether you’re new to project management or looking to refine your approach, this episode will help you understand which methodology to use and when. Tune in to discover how the right methodology can make or break your projects.

Link to "The Comprehensive Guide to Becoming a Project Manager" - https://be...

In this episode of The Good PM Life, we explore the essential steps to kick-start your career in project management. Whether you're transitioning from another field, a recent graduate, or simply curious about the role, this episode breaks down how to become a project manager.

Link to The Comprehensive Guide to Becoming a Project Manager - ⁠https://beacons.ai/thegoodpmlife

In this episode of "The Good PM Life," host Sandy Lawler takes you through a day in the life of a project manager. From morning emails and daily stand-up meetings to client communication and problem-solving, Sandy provides an inside look at the variety of tasks a project manager handles daily. Discover the importance of organization, transparency, and effective communication in managing projects and learn about the less glamorous but essential parts of the job, like documentation and firefighting. If you've ever wondered what a project manager really does, this episode is for you!

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In this inaugural episode of "The Good PM Life," host Sandy Lawler introduces the world of project management, sharing insights into what project management is, why it’s a great career choice, and how to get started in the field.

Sandy breaks down the core responsibilities of a project manager and highlights the essential skills needed to succeed, such as leadership, problem-solving, time management, and communication. She also touches on the common challenges project managers face, including scope creep, tight deadlines, resource constraints, and team conflicts.

Link to "The Comprehensive Guide to Becoming a Project Ma...