KEV Talks Podcast | Empowering People, Improving Process and Facilitating Progress

In this episode, Kim Colegrove and I talk about her growing up in Kansas City, how she learned Meditation at a young age, the loss of her husband David to suicide, and how she and Pause First Academy provide First Responders and U.S. Military Veterans resilience training focusing on holistic wellness and work-life balance.* Reach out to Kim directly at kimcolegrove@pausefirst.com (mailto:kimcolegrove@pausefirst.com)* Get practical tools by reading Mindfulness for Warriors* Learn more about Pause First Academy (https://pausefirst.com/)Kim Colegrove is a veteran meditator and speaker with over 40 years of experience and the Author of Mindfulness for Warriors. In 2014, Kim lost her husband David to suicide, less than three months after he retired from a 30-year law enforcement career. She created The PauseFirst Project to honor David’s memory and to help other first responders cope with stress and trauma.

I share my perspective on creating more efficiencies when we teach people core troubleshooting and problem-solving skills like the Foundational Five (https://kevtalkspod.com/the-foundational-five/).

My thesis:"Teaching Hospital and Healthcare personnel the skills and principles of All-Hazards Incident Management pay more positive dividends and develops more well-rounded response skills than teaching the same people how to follow the Hospital Incident Command System (HICS) structures."So, I believe using the standard ICS is more holistic and beneficial than using HICS.Episode takeaways:* Choose the most qualified for ICS positions, not the highest ranking* Let the situation dictate what's needed in Operations, not the preset HICS structure* Use ICS for planned events and unplanned incidents* Practice with internal and external partners, often* Create a Policy Group that complements the core ICS org structureRemember...* Have a plan* Stay informed* Get involved

I've found that I can raise an issue, whether asking for a critical decision, guidance, or awareness, that sometimes isn't enough. Sometimes, as Project or Program Managers, we can raise awareness, but maybe we don't have the right people assembled. Or, perhaps we have room to improve our communication around the issue.In this week's Foundations Friday, I elaborate a bit more on this.

In How to Produce Powerful Product Solutions with Jillian Funes, I was fortunate to speak with Jillian Funes, Technical Product Manager at Canopy Servicing. During our fun discussion, Jillian shared how she started in the Tech sector after transitioning from Psychology. We also learn how Jillian didn't enjoy Project Management very much, but that led her to a career field she enjoys, Product Management.Essential Product Management Tips:* Use the R.I.C.E. +D methodology when working with clients* Determine if you can solve one or many customer's problems* Use the "5 Whys, 5 Times" approach* Discuss whether the solution aligns with the company's objectives* and more!Thank you for listening to How to Produce Powerful Product Solutions with Jillian Funes. To learn more from Jillian, connect with her on LinkedIn here (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillianfunes/). Learn more about the Fintech solutions Canopy provides at https://canopyservicing.com (https://canopyservicing.com)/.If you found this episode helpful, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kev-talks-podcast-empowering-people-improving-process/id1494758972), subscribe (https://blubrry.com/peopleprocessprogress/subscribe/), and share with your friends and family.Godspeed,Kevin

During my conversation with Chase O'Donnell, Chase mentioned she had extensive training. She also mentioned that the level of formal training she completed is not necessary for acting or comedy. Throughout our conversation, Chase talked about how many times she was able to act, write jokes, and cold open shows. To me, this practical application is more valuable than the training that sets the foundation. This is what I expand on in this brief episode.*Check out Chase's comedy special on YouTube February 9, 2023 at https://youtu.be/5hGJ7x8b6ekRemember...* Have a plan to keep teams aligned* Stay informed with facts, not fear or rumors* Get involved so you can make a difference...and GodspeedKevin

Chase O'Donnell is hilarious, and her Instagram series of reels "If Musicals Were Real" is amazingly entertaining. Chase has been in "the biz" for quite some time. Chase grew up in a suburb of Los Angeles, started dancing at a young age, and made appearances on hit shows, including "Judging Amy."As Chase grew, she knew she wanted to make people laugh and pursued a career in standup comedy. Along the way, Chase wrote a play called "Too Blondes," in which she and Savannah Brown starred and received rave reviews. Feeling the call for home Chase went back west, kept doing standup comedy, and was fortunate (but also worked hard) to connect with Christina P., who is acting as a mentor in many ways.Chase is now opening for Christina P. on a national comedy tour, and now Chase has her very own comedy special coming out. Chase's special is called "People Pleaser" and will be released on YouTube on February 2, 2023.It was a pleasure to meet and talk with Chase, and I look forward to watching her continued success.* Follow Chase on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/chase_odonnell/ and check her website out at http://chaseodonnell.com/Thank you for listening, subscribing, and sharing the KEV Talks Podcast. Read and listen to more great episodes at https://kevtalkspod.com/.

While walking this morning I listened to one of my favorite podcasts, Masters of Scale with Reid Hoffman. This episode from Thursday, January 26, 2023, was part of the Rapid Response series and focused on how Lululemon CEO Calvin McDonald not only kept the doors of Lululemon open during COVID, but grew the business.In the episode, Calvin shares how within your first 100 days as a leader it's important to share experiences for teams to consider, but not necessarily your opinion that may sway projects in one direction or another. Calvin also states that your opinion when a leader new to the company may also be wrong.* Listen to "Stay Versatile: Lululemon Athletica's Calvin McDonald" at https://mastersofscale.com/stay-versatile-calvin-mcdonald/Thank you for coming back to the KEV Talks Podcast, and for subscribing, and please leave a review on Apple Podcasts.Remember...* Have a plan to keep teams aligned* Stay informed with facts, not fear or rumors* Get involved so you can make a differenceGodspeed,Kevin

In this week’s episode, we’re lucky to have seasoned Information Technology and Healthcare leader Katie McCullough. During this episode, Katie shares her over 25 years of Healthcare and IT experience as Katie, and I talk through her top 5 tips leaders should consider if they want to start up and maintain high functioning ProjectManagement Office (PMO) for their organization.* Connect with Katie on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-mccullough-8a75252a/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-mccullough-8a75252a/)Thank you all for listening. It was great to catch up with one of the best leaders I've had in my professional career.* More on Project Management from the KEV Talks Podcast at https://kevtalkspod.com/?s=project+management&orderby=relevance&order=DESC (https://kevtalkspod.com/?s=project+management&orderby=relevance&order=DESC)* More on the ADKAR change management model from Prosci at https://kevtalkspod.com/manage-the-change-with-the-prosci-adkar-model/ (https://kevtalkspod.com/manage-the-change-with-the-prosci-adkar-model/)* Have a plan to keep teams aligned* Stay informed with facts, not fear or rumors* Get involved so you can make a differenceGodspeed,Kevin

Deion Sanders or "Prime Time" is one of the greatest Defensive Backs to ever play in the National Football League (NFL). In fact, he was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2011. In addition to being a professional American Football player, Deion Sanders also put in a respectable career in Major League Baseball (MLB).But that's not why we're here today. Instead, we're going to focus on Deion Sanders' (now Coach Prime) positive impact on Jackson State University and the coaches, staff, and players there. Coach Prime leads from the front in the show of the same name on Amazon Prime.Coach Prime's statement, "Are you effective or infective?", the title of this episode, comes from the last episode of the series where Coach Prime puts a vote up to this team and coaching staff to help deal with someone spreading negative vibes throughout the Jackson State University football family.So, hit play and hear more about how this decision went and how we can all benefit from asking ourselves, "Am I being effective or infective?" when leading or part of sports, project, or public safety teams.Remember...* Have a plan to keep teams in sync* Stay informed with facts, not fear* Get involved so you can make a differenceGodspeed,Kevin

In November 2014, I was fortunate to meet JD Baker on the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg National Military Park. JD walked my fellow Public Safety and Incident Management Team (IMT) members and me through leadership decisions made on the same grounds 151 years earlier. This event was called a "staff ride" and was part of the L-580 Leadership is Action course. L-580 is designed to teach senior IMT leaders historical leadership lessons that can be applied in the modern era. This staff ride has had a lasting impact on me personally and professionally ever since.I'm fortunate to have JD Baker as a guest on this episode as we talk about the leaders, decisions, and actions that shaped the Union and Confederate Armies leading up to the Battle of Gettysburg.* Listen to my previous episode on the Battle of Gettysburg at https://kevtalkspod.com/leadership-lessons-from-the-battle-of-gettysburg/ (https://kevtalkspod.com/leadership-lessons-from-the-battle-of-gettysburg/)* Hear JD dive deep into Civil War history with Jocko Willink on the Jocko Podcast at https://jockopodcast.com/2022/12/15/363-the-principle-weapon-is-the-mind-read-study-learn-with-jd-baker/ (https://jockopodcast.com/2022/12/15/363-the-principle-weapon-is-the-mind-read-study-learn-with-jd-baker/)* Reserve your spot to hear from JD himself by booking a staff ride to Gettysburg or other pivotal locations in American history with OMNA International at https://theomna.com/ (https://theomna.com/)Thank you for listening, subscribing, and leaving a review. Remember...* Have a plan to keep your teams aligned* Stay informed with facts, not fear or rumors* Get involved so you can make a differenceGodspeed

Sharing the concept of 360-degree feedback as a way to gather objective and anonymous feedback from your teams. Then, you can use this feedback to do continuous improvement on yourself as a leader.* Check out this great write-up about 360-feedback from qualtrics at https://www.qualtrics.com/experience-management/employee/360-degree-feedback/* Have a plan* Stay informed* Get involved* Godspeed

Sharing the leadership principles from Unit 2 of the United States Fire Administration (USFA) Type 3 Incident Management Team Training or O-305 course.* Take a deep dive and jump on the way back machine with me to hear more on the O-305 course from my 2018 episode at https://kevtalkspod.com/o-305-course-summary/ (https://kevtalkspod.com/o-305-course-summary/)* Listen to the Civil War series on Jocko podcast at https://jockopodcast.com/2022/12/15/363-the-principle-weapon-is-the-mind-read-study-learn-with-jd-baker/ (https://jockopodcast.com/2022/12/15/363-the-principle-weapon-is-the-mind-read-study-learn-with-jd-baker/)* Subscribe to this podcast here (https://link.chtbl.com/fqIpimC3)so you will get notified when my Civil War leadership discussion episode with Judd "JD" Baker releases on 1/17/2023Remember...Have a plan | Stay informed | Get involved | Godspeed

On January 5, 2023, my wife and I decided to put our dog Gringo down. He fought a good fight against Lyme Disease and old age, but it was time. This is never easy. We've had to make this decision twice before, and each time it broke our hearts.Gringo was a true Alpha Dog. He loved humans and set the tone around other dogs. In this episode, I'm sharing three life lessons I'll carry with me that Gringo taught me.* Walk with confidence* Control your emotions* Keep up the fightGodspeed and RIP Gringo. We know you're leading the pack in Heaven.

In Practical Application of 12 Project Management Principles from the PMBOK 7th Edition, I share my $.02 on applying these helpful principles in the real world of Program and Project Management. The 12 principles listed and detailed in the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) 7th Edition provide helpful guardrails for new and seasoned Project and Program Managers.Throughout this episode, I'll list each principle from the PMBOK, then elaborate on how I've seen the principles applied well and not so well and how the listener can consider using the concepts in their day-to-day work.The 12 Principles* Be a diligent, respectful, and caring steward* Create a collaborative project team environment* Effectively engage with stakeholders* Focus on value* Recognize, evaluate, and respond to system interactions* Demonstrate leadership behaviors* Tailor based on context* Build quality into processes and deliverables* Navigate complexity * Optimize risk responses* Embrace adaptability and resiliency* Enable change to achieve the envisionedHave a plan | Stay informed | Get involvedMore at https://kevtalkspod.com