Episodes

In this episode of the KEV Talks Podcast, meet Larry Hagner, the visionary behind The Dad Edge – a platform that inspires men to create and sustain strong relationships with their spouses and children, while also achieving overall wellness in various aspects of their lives.

In The Right Move at the Wrong Time is the Wrong Move | Foundations Friday #105, I share Rener Gracie's quote on episode #399 of the Jocko Podcast. I also share how Project Managers and Planning Section Chiefs should consider this sentiment when pulling together multi-disciplinary teams. Rener Gracie's book is available on Amazon (no affiliate) Listen to Jocko Podcast #399 with Rener Gracie Hope is NOT a plan - No egos - No silos - Godspeed

Being able to describe our processes succinctly is critical. Summarizing our elevator pitch is also very important as well. Often we don't get a lot of time with our executive leaders, so we have to maximize the face time we do get. This is where we can deliver the "bottom line up front" approach to queuing up leadership decisions. In 2 minutes or less, be able to: Summarize the thing you need a decision on State the decision the team needs the leader to make Describe the impact on scope, sc...

Having hope is crucial. It helps us persevere when we're feeling stuck, motivates us when we're unwell, and pulls us out of the depths of despair during difficult times. However, while hope can be a powerful driving force, it's not enough on its own to get things done. Hope won’t build a fire, make a shelter or find a water source when you’re stranded Hope will not get you out of bed; push your body to move through the trauma and begin to heal Hope alone will not help you succeed at work and ...

In this episode "How Project Managers Can Apply Three Critical Lessons From Gavin De Becker’s Book 'The Gift Of Fear'," I discuss three lessons that I believe are relevant to the daily work of Program and Project Managers. The Lessons: Trusting our instincts (Chapter 2) Prediction using JACA (Chapter 6) Paying attention to alarming behaviors (Chapter 9) *Bonus: Know the survival signs Remember hope is NOT a plan, and there should be no egos nor silos in our planning processes. Godspeed y'...

As a tribute to one of my favorite documents, The Declaration of Independence, I created The Declaration for Project Managers. Although the original is a timeless classic, I enjoyed putting my own spin on it by outlining the best practices that every Project Manager should adhere to from the start to the end of each project they undertake.

Sharing the perspective that leaders that allow negative behaviors to go on imply support for that activity to continue.

In 5 Ways to Reduce Level Zero Incidents in EMS and Improve EMS Employee Retention, I elaborate on how Emergency Medical Services (EMS) leaders can improve EMS worker retention and reduce the risk of having "level zero" EMS systems.

In Discover the Reality of the American Nuclear Energy Sector with George Pannell (Part 2) | KEV Talks #32, George Pannell, an expert in American Nuclear Energy, expertly explains the mechanics of nuclear power plants and the contributing factors to America's nuclear power stagnation and proposes measures to mitigate our dependence on foreign nations for energy.

In Four Reasons Why Hierarchy Matters | Foundations Friday #98 I share why I believe and have seen the benefits of having a hierarchy in organizations and on program and project teams. Basic Points: Shows who's who Tells who is accountable Provides protective umbrella Clarifies Unity of Command

In From the Steel Mill to the Submarine Service with George Pannell (Part 1) | KEV Talks 31, I talk to U.S. Navy Veteran and Nuclear Power pioneer George Pannell about his journey from the steel mills of Pennsylvania to the Silent Service of the U.S. Navy. Stay tuned for Part 2 of our discussion coming next week as Dad and I talk through changes in the Nuclear Power world from the 1970s through today. Thank you all for watching here and for listening to the podcast.

I recently watched A Man Called Otto starring Tom Hanks, Mariana Treviño, and Rachel Keller. I cried. A lot. In addition to the emotional story, A Man Called Otto reminded me that we've all had "Ottos" on our project teams. In How to Support the Otto on Your Project Teams | Foundations Friday #97, I share 5 traits Ottos shares and how we as team leaders can leverage them and support the human behind the gruff and direct personality that Otto displays.

In One Action Can Change Someone's Life | Foundations Friday #96, remind us how Rob from McDojoLife's friend's one act of giving him a card to call a martial arts school after he was beaten by other students changed the course of Rob's life. I also talk about how a single question to Rob during a Jiu-Jitsu class led him to create the McDojoLife movement that now has thousands of followers around the world and will soon put out a documentary supported by leaders from the Martial Arts industry.

Rob's life trajectory was changed by one act from a friend. In our almost two hours discussion, Rob and I talk about: How his friend's suggestion changed his life Rob's martial arts path The question that prompted him to start McDojoLife Balancing tradition with being an adult martial artist Insight into the McDojoLife documentary Life-changing surgeries Operation Smile facilitates correcting smile and cleft conditions Rob's vision of a martial arts convention for all and more! Thank yo...

Travis Motl (Moat+L), is a Husband, Father, U.S. Navy Veteran, BJJ Blue Belt, and fellow podcaster. Travis hosts the Elbows Tight podcast where he talks "...to everyone from brand new white belts to well-established black belts to discuss their experiences, challenges, and successes.". In this episode, Travis and I talk about where he's from, and share our U.S. Navy lessons learned, and challenges with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), provide tips for starting a podcast, and discuss the future of the ...

In 5 Lessons from American Revolutionary Leaders to Build a Project Team of Giants | KEV Talks #28 I share 5 lessons I learned from reading Jack Kelly's amazing book, "Band of Giants: The Amateur Soldiers Who Won America's Independence". More specifically, how these lessons can be implemented by Program and Project Managers to establish their own team of giants to increase program and project success. The 5 lessons: Review lessons learned ahead of time Accept the messy beginning Set the tone,...

I share 5 things I do daily that have improved my mental, spiritual, and physical health and that I recommend to each of you. Get up early Get exercise Take a cold shower Fast or eat good food Practice mindfulness

Sharing how both the principles and documents from the Incident Command System work when planning projects, programs, or other events.

I've been traveling lately, and I took my BJJ gear this past trip. It was great to visit the BJJ gym I started at and train with a different group of people. In this episode, I expand on the value of training at other gyms and provide perspective on the diversity of the BJJ community.

I recorded this one in the hotel gym this morning as I reflected on some recent work balancing how our team efforts look with what we're accomplishing. I submit to the listener to consider how many calories to put into the appearance of solid planning and support with providing results-driven outcomes for program and project go-lives and milestones.

As a Program Manager, we need to be ready to jump into any Project level work on behalf of our people or our organization. In Be a Good Project Manager to be an Effective Program Manager | Foundations Friday #91, I share my journey from Status Check-In Recorder to Planning Section Chief and the parallels to becoming a Senior Project Manager and Program Manager in the Healthcare IT space.

Ted Lasso is one of my favorite streaming shows. It is a show starring Jason Sudeikis as Ted. Ted is an American Football coach who goes to England to coach and lead a Soccer team there. In addition to the humor and lessons in leadership I get from the show, I am also glad the writers highlight how stress and anxiety can negatively affect those who seemingly have no issues. In How to Deal with Anxiety Like Ted Lasso | Foundations Friday #90, I talk about anxiety and re-share interviews I've had...

Five positive life-impacting statements that inspired and encouraged me and continue to give me a kick in the pants I need sometimes. “Those who have a 'why' to live, can bear with almost any 'how.'” – Viktor E. Frankl quoting Friedrich Nietzsche in Man’s Search for Meaning “There is no shortcut. There is no hack. There’s only one way. So, get after it.” – Jocko Willink, Discipline Equals Freedom Field Manual. “Well, why don’t you just do it afraid?” – Joyce Meyer quoting a friend of hers. “...

In There's Always Opportunity for Rebirth | Foundations Friday 89, I share how the study of Passover and Easter has reminded me that we always have the opportunity to make changes in our personal and professional lives.