Welcome to the PMO Strategies Podcast + Blog, where PMO leaders become IMPACT Drivers!

PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Everyone says PMOs manage projects. We say they build leaders.

If you’re only focused on timelines and templates, you're missing your biggest opportunity: using real work to grow real leadership.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dawn Mahan, founder of PMOtraining.com, international speaker, and creator of the award-winning ProjectFlo® Process Learning System. Dawn coined the term Projectland® and is the bestselling author of Meet the Players in Projectland, a game-changing guide to aligning roles and driving project success.

Together, we show exactly how your PMO can become a leadership engine by turning everyday project roles into development opportunities. This isn’t about adding more to your plate — it’s about seeing the work already in motion as a platform for growth.

Whether you're leading a small team or managing a full portfolio, you’ll walk away with clear strategies to build talent while delivering results.

What You'll Learn:

Why every role in “Projectland” is a chance to lead
How to spot and support hidden talent across your organization
Creative ways to build leadership skills in fast-paced environments
How to frame the PMO as a leadership development partner for executives
Why rotational roles, peer learning, and project-based growth can outperform traditional training

👉 Press play to discover how your PMO can shape the leaders your organization needs most.

Connect with Dawn:

Follow Dawn on LinkedIn

Visit PMOtraining.com

Access Meet the Players in Projectland

🎧 Companion Episode: Don't miss Episode 250 – How to Build a PMO That Drives Results for deeper insights on this topic.

Receive a confidential sample of Meet the Players in Projectland: Decide the Right Project Roles & Get People on Board

P.S. The IMPACT Insiders Book Club is so much more than reading a book — it's a movement. Join us for live calls, deep conversations, and a behind-the-scenes look at how to create real change with The IMPACT Engine. It’s completely free — grab your seat now and don’t miss what’s next.

Thanks for taking the time to check out the podcast!

I welcome your feedback and insights!

I’d love to know what you think and if you love it, please leave a rating and review in your favorite podcast player. Please leave a comment below to share your thoughts. See you online!

Warmly,

Laura Barnard

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312: Your Next Leader Is Already in the Room with Dawn Mahan

PMO Strategies

312: Your Next Leader Is Already in the Room with Dawn Mahan