PPP 445 | Unlocking the Power of Productive Failure, with Manu Kapur
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management Podcast
Release Date: 01/23/2025
PPP 459 | Redefining Success: Why IQ Might Not Matter as Much as You Think, with Adrian Kelly
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management Podcast
Summary In this episode, Andy interviews Adrian Kelly, author of . Drawing from history, behavioral science, and personal stories, Adrian offers a compelling redefinition of what it means to succeed. From his humble academic beginnings to building international ventures, Adrian brings a unique perspective on resilience, motivation, and identity. They discuss why IQ may be overrated and how something Adrian calls the “Point Guard Quotient” might better predict success. The conversation dives into increasing your luck, avoiding de-motivation, managing identity through career changes, and...
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PPP 458 | Dreading Monday Mornings? How to Find Joy in the Job You Already Have, with author Elizabeth Lotardo
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management Podcast
Summary In this episode, Andy welcomes Elizabeth Lotardo, author of . Drawing on insights from her book, Elizabeth shares a practical and empowering framework for navigating the everyday challenges that can drain energy and joy from our work lives--things like imperfect bosses, lethargic coworkers, and overwhelming workloads. The conversation explores how we often start a role with excitement, only to find ourselves disengaged over time--and what we can do about it. You’ll learn the key differences between purpose and passion, how to counteract unhelpful workplace narratives, and what it...
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PPP 457 | Virtual Communication Mistakes You Don’t Know You’re Making, with Andrew Brodsky
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management Podcast
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Andrew Brodsky about his new book, . The discussion covers key topics, such as the impact of typos, the use of emojis and exclamation points, and the importance of timely responses. Andrew highlights the pros and cons of different communication mediums, offering evidence-based recommendations on when to use email versus meetings, and the benefits of cameras on or off during virtual meetings. Practical advice is given on mimicking language to build trust, improving small talk to enhance virtual hallway interactions, and preparing younger generations for...
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PPP 456 | Navigating Ambiguity with Confidence, with Kevin Eikenberry
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management Podcast
Summary In this discussion, Andy welcomes back Kevin Eikenberry to talk about his new book . They discuss how leadership complexity increases with career progression and how Kevin’s book offers practical guidance on managing ambiguity. The conversation delves into the concept of flexible leadership, the impact of uncertainty versus fear, the importance of context in decision-making, and why organizations should be seen as both machines and organisms. They also touch on the significance of rituals and handling paradoxes in leadership. If you're looking for insights on how to lead and deliver...
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PPP 455 | The #1 Mistake That Holds Leaders Back (And How to Fix It), with Janet Polach
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management Podcast
Summary In this episode, Andy interviews Janet Polach, author of They discuss the struggles that come with the journey of transitioning from tactical to strategic roles. Janet shares insights from her book on how to develop a strategic mindset, work through people, and stay authentic. The conversation covers key challenges in leadership, such as delegation, decision-making under ambiguity, and the importance of authentic communication. Janet highlights the benefits of structured thinking time and the potential pitfalls of empowerment. The episode provides practical advice for new and...
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PPP 454 | How AI is Changing Leadership (And What You Must Do Now), with Dr. Christie Smith
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management Podcast
Summary In this episode, Andy interviews Dr. Christie Smith, a visionary leader and author, about her new book . They discuss the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence and automation on various industries and how leaders can prepare for these changes. Christie shares insights on the unique challenges of modern leadership, as well as the importance of human-powered approaches. She emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adaptability, especially in a world increasingly reliant on technology. The conversation also touches on the concept of the Power Paradox, safeguarding connection...
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PPP 453 | How to Actually Look Forward to Mondays, with Corinna Freitag
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management Podcast
Summary In this episode, Andy welcomes Corinna Freitag, a coach and project practitioner, to discuss the importance of interpersonal skills in project management. They explore how to navigate workplace conflicts, the significance of understanding others, and the role of Lean Six Sigma in project management. Corinna shares her experiences and insights on coaching STEM professionals, particularly those who may struggle with communication and conflict resolution. The conversation emphasizes the need for emotional intelligence and adaptability in leadership roles. Andy and Corinna delve into the...
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PPP 452 | How to Build Bridges Across Divides at Work and Beyond, with Juliana Tafur
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management Podcast
Summary In this episode, Andy interviews Juliana Tafur, the inaugural director of the Bridging Differences Program at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center. The conversation explores practical strategies for bridging divides in a polarized world, both in personal and professional contexts. Juliana shares insights from her experiences growing up in a divided Colombia, her work in the U.S. post-9/11, and research on bridging differences. The episode also covers the psychological roots of 'othering' and offers practical advice for fostering connections despite differences. Additionally,...
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PPP 451 | Why We’re Still Bad at Listening (And How to Get Better), with Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Robert Biswas-Diener
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management Podcast
Summary In this episode, Andy interviews Christian van Nieuwerburgh and Robert Biswas-Diener, authors of the book . The discussion explores the concept of radical listening, distinguishing it from active listening and emphasizing the importance of creating genuine connections through intent, curiosity, and acknowledgment. Christian and Robert share personal anecdotes and practical applications of their listening framework, both in professional settings and personal relationships. They also address the impact of cultural differences on listening practices and provide tips for parents to improve...
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PPP 450 | Why Most Leaders Fail—And How to Avoid Their Mistakes, with Mark Miller
People and Projects Podcast: Project Management Podcast
Summary In this episode, Andy talks with Mark Miller about his book . They discuss the importance of having leaders who believe in and invest in their teams, contrasting common leaders with those who strive for uncommon greatness. The conversation explores Mark’s journey from a vocational track student to a senior leader at Chick-fil-A, highlighting lessons from his childhood and career. Key topics include seeing the future, engaging and developing others, the power of community in teams, and the importance of lifelong learning. If you're looking to level up your ability to lead, this is a...
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In this conversation, Andy interviews Manu Kapur about his book Productive Failure: Unlocking Deeper Learning Through the Science of Failing. They explore the concept of learning through failure and how it can be intentionally designed to enhance understanding and retention. They discuss the importance of context in learning and the science behind memory. Manu and Andy discuss practical strategies for effective learning, particularly in relation to project management and certification exams. Manu introduces the notion of productive failure and its significance in the learning process. He emphasizes the importance of engaging with challenges, understanding the four A's of learning, and applying these principles in real-world scenarios. Manu even shares some ideas for how parents can help their kids reframe how they look at failure.
Want to improve your memory? Learn faster? This episode is for you!
Sound Bites
- “If you want to remember, try forgetting a little so that you can use forgetting to remember.”
- “Why do we wait for failure to happen instead of designing for it deliberately and intentionally?”
- “Learning doesn’t just happen when you succeed—it’s the failure signal that tells you you’re in the right place to grow.”
- “Knowledge gets coupled with the context, the smells, and the sights in which you’re learning it.”
- “If everything in your life has a success signal, don’t be too happy—chances are you’re playing it too safe.”
- “We should totally change how we introduce ourselves at parties: guess each other’s names!”
Chapters
- 00:00 Introduction
- 02:31 Start Of Interview
- 03:55 Understanding Productive Failure
- 05:22 The Problems of Learning: Remembering, Understanding, and Transfer
- 08:58 The Theory of Disuse
- 11:39 The Fascinating Concept of Situated Cognition
- 16:00 Why Getting Questions Wrong Helps You Learn
- 20:34 Understanding the Zone of Proximal Development
- 23:06 Designing for Productive Failure
- 28:33 Applying Failure Concepts in Parenting
- 32:12 End Of Interview
- 32:34 Andy Comments After The Interview
- 37:52 Outtakes
Learn More
You can learn more about Manu and his work at ManuKapur.com.
For more learning on this topic, check out:
- Episode 15 with Ralph Heath about his book on celebrating failure.
- Episode 432 with Ross Garland regarding why projects fail.
- Episode 116 with Jim Johnson for another discussion about why projects fail.
Thank you for joining me for this episode of The People and Projects Podcast!
Talent Triangle: Power Skills
Topics: Productive Failure, Learning, Memory, Project Management, Education, Teaching, Zone Of Proximal Development, Innovation
The following music was used for this episode:
Music: Summer Morning Full Version by MusicLFiles
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Music: Synthiemania by Frank Schroeter
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license