Join host Kenn Williamson as he chats with project management expert Anne Hamilton about the essential factors that drive project success. Anne shares insights on the difference between project and product management, the importance of a clear vision, stakeholder alignment, and how agile and waterfall can work together. With decades of experience, Anne explains the discovery process, planning essentials, and the value of continuous improvement.

In this episode of the Sec Tech podcast, Kenn Williamson engages with project management expert Anne Hamilton, discussing the nuances between project and product management, the significance of having a clear vision and strategy, and the common pitfalls that lead to project failures. Anne shares her extensive experience in managing projects across various industries, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder management, discovery, and planning in ensuring project success. The conversation also touches on the complementary nature of agile and waterfall methodologies in project execution.

Takeaways

• Project management is distinct from product management, focusing on achieving specific goals.
• A clear vision and strategy are essential for guiding projects effectively.
• Stakeholder management is critical; understanding their needs can mitigate project risks.
• Discovery processes help clarify project goals and requirements before execution.
• Politics often complicates project success; shared vision can help align stakeholders.
• Planning is crucial; rushing into projects without a plan can lead to failure.
• Technology should not drive project decisions; understanding the problem is key.
• Agile and waterfall methodologies can be used together for effective project management.
• Continuous improvement should be integrated into project management practices.
• Successful projects require collaboration and communication among all team members.

Sound Bites

• “Everybody wants Anne on their projects.”
• “Projects are incredibly time-consuming to set up.”
• “You have to do discovery on everything.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Project Management
07:48 Understanding Product vs. Project Management
13:32 The Importance of Vision and Strategy
27:21 Why Projects Fail and How to Succeed