What has the PMO ever done for us? A conversation with PMO royalty!

Updated:
Published:

What’s the point of a PMO? How do I get execs to buy in to my PMO? What does the future hold for PMOs? These are some of the questions we put to our panel of “PMO Royalty” in an enlightening webinar. Dive into the recording below to discover their insights, along with observations on the PMO year in 2024 and a look forward to trends for 2025 and beyond.

Meet the Panelists

  • Eileen Roden and Lindsay Scott: Known as the powerhouse behind the House of PMO, they bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of PMO practices. Their organization offers resources, certifications, and events aimed at enhancing the PMO profession.
  • Fola Alabi: With a background in managing PMOs for major organizations and now host of The Strategic PMO Leader™ podcast, Fola is passionate about elevating the PMO discipline to drive strategic value.
  • Laura Barnard: Founder of PMO Strategies, Laura has dedicated her career to helping PMO leaders succeed. She is the author of "The Impact Engine" and a strong advocate for aligning PMO efforts with organizational strategy.
  • Stuart Taylor: Creator of the Influential PMO YouTube channel, Stuart shared has journied from a career in project management and PMO to becoming a full-time PMO content creator and coaching consultant.

Key themes

  • The Strategic Role of PMOs:
    • The panelists agreed that PMOs must evolve to remain relevant. Laura and Fola emphasized the need for PMOs to focus on delivering strategic value rather than just managing projects, highlighting the importance of understanding and aligning with the organization's strategy.
  • Leveraging Technology:
    • Fola discussed the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology on PMOs. While AI can automate routine tasks, PMO professionals should focus on strategic thinking and value creation. Lindsay and Eileen added that while AI is a hot topic, many organizations are still grappling with basic project management challenges, and need to focus on building competency and maturity within the PMO before trying to implement new tech.
  • Developing PMO Talent:
    • Eileen and Lindsay stressed the importance of training and developing PMO staff. They introduced the PMO Competency Framework, which provides a clear career path and development opportunities for PMO professionals at all levels.
  • Building Relationships and Influence
    • Stuart shared his experience of the importance of building relationships and demonstrating the value of PMOs. He noted that PMOs need to be seen as indispensable by showcasing their impact on project success and organizational goals.

Practical advice for PMOs

The panelists offered several actionable tips for PMO professionals:

  • Understand the Business Strategy: Take the time to learn about your organization's strategic goals and how your PMO can support them.
  • Invest in Yourself: Continuously develop your skills and knowledge. Consider certifications and training that align with your career goals.
  • Be Curious and Ask Questions: Don't be afraid to challenge the status quo and seek out new ways to add value.
  • Build Strong Relationships: Networking and relationship-building are crucial for demonstrating the value of your PMO.

Summary

By focusing on strategic alignment, leveraging technology, developing talent, and building relationships, PMOs can continue to deliver significant value to their organizations. We hope these takeaways inspire you to elevate your PMO practices and drive impactful change in your organization.

Stay tuned for more webinars and discussions as we continue to explore the evolving world of PMOs!
 New call-to-action