Hard Knock University Podcast

The Myth of Omniscience - Bruce Graham - Hard Knock University Podcast S1 Ep4

Welcome back to the Hard Knock University Podcast! In Episode 4, titled "The Myth of Omniscience," we dive deep into Chapter 3 of Mark Caples' book, "The Hard Knock School of Project Management," where we challenge the notion that project managers need to know everything. In this episode: Debunking the Myth: We discuss why believing you must know it all can sabotage your projects, leading to burnout and poor decisions. Humility Over Hubris: Real-life examples where humility has trumped overconfidence, showing that admitting you don't know everything can lead to better project outcomes. Book of the Week - Verbal Judo: We explore George J. Thompson's "Verbal Judo" and how effective communication can transform project management when answers aren't readily available. Guest Insight: Join us as we sit down with Bruce Graham, a business coach turned contractor, sharing his experiences on navigating projects without all the answers. Bruce discusses the importance of setting expectations, leveraging team knowledge, and using technology wisely. Snoop Dogg's Reading: In a fun twist, we use Speechify to have Snoop Dogg narrate Chapter 3, exploring the legalities and entertainment value of this unique approach. Listener Interaction: We invite you to share your own "Hard Knock Lessons" using the hashtag #HardKnockLessons for a chance to be featured on the show. Don't miss out on learning how acknowledging your knowledge limits can lead to success in project management and personal growth. Subscribe for more myth-busting, practical advice, and real-world stories in project management. Check out: Mark's book, "The Hard Knock School of Project Management," available at LeadershipKnocks.com for an autographed copy or on Amazon. Join our Hard Knock University group on Facebook or leave your story in the comments below to engage with our community. Thanks for tuning in, and remember, humility in management is not a weakness; it's a strategy for success. Watch Now to embrace the myth of omniscience and turn it into your project management superpower! Hashtags: #ProjectManagement #HardKnockLessons #VerbalJudo #LeadershipKnocks #BruceGraham #SnoopDoggReads #LearningTheHardWay Don't forget to Like, Comment, and Share if you found value in this episode!

Embracing Discomfort - Todd Roth - Hard Knock University Podcast S1 Ep3

Welcome back to the Hard Knock University Podcast! In this episode titled "Embracing Discomfort," we explore how stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to profound growth in both project management and everyday life. Episode Highlights: Deep Dive into Discomfort: We start by revisiting Chapter Two from "The Hard Knock School of Project Management," titled "You're Always Uncomfortable." Discover how constant discomfort fosters personal and professional growth. Book of the Week: We discuss Ben Horowitz's "What You Do Is Who You Are," focusing on how cultural leadership thrives during challenging times. Special Guest: Todd Roth, a blues musician and luthier, joins us to share his journey. We explore the parallels between art, craft, and project management, emphasizing resilience and innovation. Todd's Story: From repairing his own guitars to building custom instruments, Todd gives us a raw look at the trials and triumphs of a self-employed artist in the music industry. Embracing the Uncomfortable: Todd discusses moments in his career where embracing discomfort led to significant achievements, from his early days in music to his current work in lutherie. Key Takeaways: Navigating Change: Learn how to see change as an opportunity rather than an obstacle in project management and personal life. Resilience and Adaptation: Hear firsthand how Todd manages the uncertainties of his dual career paths and how these lessons apply to project management. Embracing Discomfort for Growth: Understand why discomfort is essential for development, drawing from real-life examples and personal anecdotes. Episode Segments: Mark's Week: A humorous yet insightful recount of Mark's week, including a comedic misadventure in Austin. Interview with Todd Roth: Insightful conversation touching on creativity, problem-solving, and the art of balancing business with passion. Closing Thoughts: We conclude with reflections on how to embrace change, turning it into a catalyst for personal and professional development. Connect with Todd Roth: Find Coming Up Muddy on all major streaming platforms for new music! Check out Gilbert and Roth Half Fast Repairs on social media for all your guitar needs. Don't forget to subscribe to the Hard Knock University Podcast for more lessons learned the hard way. Join us next week as we tackle "You'll Rarely Have All the Answers" in Chapter Three of our book, discuss "Verbal Judo," and feature Bruce Graham. Tags: #HardKnockUniversity #ProjectManagement #EmbracingDiscomfort #ToddRoth #Lutherie #BluesMusic #BenHorowitz #CulturalLeadership #GrowthThroughDiscomfort Timestamp: Intro & Mark's Week: [00:00 - 03:00] Chapter Two Review: [03:01 - 10:00] Book of the Week - Ben Horowitz: [10:01 - 15:00] Interview with Todd Roth: [15:01 - 45:00] Embracing Change Discussion: [45:01 - 55:00] Outro & Next Episode Preview: [55:01 - 60:00] Like, Comment, and Share if you found value in embracing discomfort!

Navigating the Uncharted - John Buonadonna - Hard Knock University Podcast S1 Ep2

Step into the raw world of project management with Episode 2 of "The Hard Knock University Podcast" titled "Navigating the Uncharted: Lessons from the Trenches." In this episode, host Mark Caples takes you on a journey through one of his most challenging projects, providing seven invaluable lessons for project managers and enthusiasts alike. Episode Highlights: Story Time: Dive into a real-life tale from "The Hard Knock School Of Project Management" where Mark recounts a daunting Texas renovation project. From language barriers to managing diverse stakeholders, learn how he navigated this project from a $162K budget to an unexpected $217K and from 18 weeks to 11 months. 7 Hard Lessons Learned: You're Always Uncomfortable - Embrace the unknown in project management. You'll Rarely Have All the Answers - Navigate through uncertainty with confidence. Feeling Like the 'Bad Guy' - Understand the tough decisions that come with leadership. Managing People Over Tasks - The human element is often the real challenge. Success Goes Unnoticed - The unsung hero role of a project manager. Translating for Everyone - The art of clear communication across all levels. Best Plans Will Fall Apart - Adaptability is key when plans meet reality. Book of the Week: We review "Trillion Dollar Coach" by Eric Schmidt, exploring how the principles of coaching can revolutionize project management leadership. Discover how to cultivate trust, foster team unity, and adapt your leadership to individual team members for better project outcomes. Exclusive Interview: Meet Johnny Buonadonna, who went from crime fighting to project management. Hear how his unique background shapes his approach to managing projects, and tackle a fun, hypothetical challenge: How to start a contracting company with just $100 and a truck. Interactive Challenge: Join the conversation! Share your strategies for the challenge or discuss your most uncomfortable project experience. Engage with us on social media or via email for a chance to be featured in future episodes. Timestamps: 0:00 - Opening Jingle & Episode 1 Recap 3:00 - Navigating the Uncharted: Story and Lessons 18:00 - Book Review: "Trillion Dollar Coach" 25:00 - Interview with Johnny Buonadonna 40:00 - Hypothetical Challenge Discussion 45:00 - Conclusion & Episode 3 Preview Why Watch? Gain practical insights from real-world project management experiences. Learn leadership lessons that transcend the project management field. Connect with a community passionate about growth through adversity. Join us on this educational journey where every hard knock is a lesson in resilience and innovation. Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes that teach, inspire, and challenge your approach to project management.

Project Management 101 - Mark Caples - Hard Knock University Podcast S1 Ep1

Dive into the inaugural episode of "The Hard Knock University Podcast," where host Mark Caples introduces listeners to a unique blend of project management wisdom from his book, "The Hard Knock School Of Project Management." This episode sets the stage for what's to come, offering an overview of the podcast's structure, what listeners can expect, and a deep dive into the essentials of project management. Learn about the Triple Constraint, stakeholder management, and how to embrace failure as a stepping stone to success. Mark also introduces the "Book of the Week," "Becoming Bulletproof" by Evy Poumpouras, and teases upcoming guests. Whether you're new to project management or a seasoned pro, this episode is your foundation for mastering the art of managing projects through real-world insights and hard knocks. Join the conversation, send in your questions, and become part of the Hard Knock community.