In this conversation, Sayali Alia shares her complete journey, from deciding to go directly for PgMP (skipping PMP) to handling the most challenging milestone, the application.Along the way, Kailash Upadhyay shares practical insights on how to approach PgMP with the right mindset, structure, and strategy, including how AI can support your preparation in a smart way.If you’re planning for PgMP or feeling stuck anywhere in your journey, this will give you clarity and direction.Chpater's00:00 Introduction to Shaili's Journey02:10 Choosing PGMP Over PMP07:07 The Importance of Mentorship11:56 Navigating the PGMP Application Process17:20 Structuring the Certification Journey19:40 Overcoming Challenges in Preparation25:12 Final Week Strategies Before the Exam30:19 Exam Center Experience and Logistics33:25 Family & Friends contribution39:12 The Role of AI in Exam Preparation42:48 Applying PGMP Knowledge in the WorkplaceIf PgMP is on your radar and you want a structured, proven approach instead of figuring things out on your own, you can join my upcoming PgMP online cohort. Here is the link for information and enrollmenthttps://www.addonskills.com/course/project-management/pgmp-certification-trainingI’ve supported 850+ professionals globally and authored the widely accepted book Excelling Program Management: A PMI-PgMP Study Companion.For any specific queries or 1:1 discussion, you can reach out directly:📩 Email: info@addonskills.com📱 WhatsApp: +91-98208-45035Or just drop a message saying “PgMP” and we’ll take it forward.Moreover, if this conversation helped you, share it with someone who’s preparing for PgMP.

If you’re preparing for PMP and wondering what it really takes to clear it on the first attempt, this conversation is for you.

I recently sat down with Shikha Thakur, who earned her PMP in her first attempt with two above target and 1 target scores. She opened up about her journey, the doubts she faced, how she structured her preparation, and what actually worked when it mattered the most.

This is not a theory. It’s a real experience, with honest lessons that many aspirants miss.

Take some time and listen to this full episode. If you stay with it, I’m confident you’ll walk away with clarity and a stronger approach towards your own PMP goal.

And if you’re planning your next step, you can explore our upcoming PMP cohorts here

https://www.addonskills.com/course/project-management/pmp-certification-training

If something is holding you back or you just want to talk it through, reach out to team Addon Skills®. Sometimes one right conversation makes all the difference.

info@addonskills.com or WhatsApp at (+91) 898-339-5035.

Is governance really universal?Or does the same governance model behave differently across regions?In this episode of P3M with Kailash Upadhyay, we dive deep into a critical but often overlooked reality: governance must adapt to regional dynamics to truly enable program success.Joined by Qasim Bhatti, a Governance Leader with over 20 years of international experience across the Middle East, North America, and global markets, this conversation explores why many programs appear green on dashboards yet struggle to move decisions.We discuss:• How Enterprise Environmental Factors shape governance outcomes• Why decision velocity matters more than process heaviness• The gap between reporting and real decision enablement• How influence networks differ from formal org structures• Practical examples of governance reset in complex programsThis session is designed for PgMP professionals, PMO leaders, portfolio heads, executive sponsors, and senior program decision-makers who operate across regions and want governance that genuinely supports value delivery.If you work in the P3M domain, this discussion will challenge how you apply governance in real-world contexts.Watch, reflect, and share within your professional network.Subscribe for more conversations that elevate Portfolio, Program, and Project leadership.#P3M #ProgramGovernance #PgMP #PMO #PortfolioManagement #Leadership

In this episode, we explore mega programs—large-scale, high-impact initiatives that shape industries, economies, and societies. Some succeed brilliantly, while others face catastrophic failures. What makes the difference? How can leaders navigate complexity and ensure success?

Joining us is Biren Parekh, a globally recognized expert in program and project management. Together, we discuss:

✅ What makes mega programs unique and different from traditional projects & programs?

✅ The biggest reasons mega programs fail—and how to prevent them.

✅ Mega program success stories and key lessons from them.

✅ Turnaround strategies for failing mega programs.

✅ Essential takeaways for PMP, PgMP, and PfMP professionals managing large-scale initiatives.

Whether you're a project manager, program leader, portfolio executive, or P3M enthusiast, this episode will equip you with valuable insights to elevate your career and leadership skills.

📢 Looking to achieve PMP, PgMP, or PfMP certification?

We provide expert-led training and mentoring to help you succeed! Reach out today:

🌐 Website: www.addonskills.com

📧 Email: info@addonskills.com

📞 Call/WhatsApp: +91 787-556-1193

👉 Subscribe, rate, and share this episode with your network! Stay tuned for more insights on Project, Program, and Portfolio Management.

🔗 Follow us on:

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiV7tmLdd8c9qeC14ObyH6WDAQmdHjXe4

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🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/p3m-with-kailash-upadhyay/id1677731267

#P3M #P3mwithKailashUpadhyay #MegaPrograms #ProgramManagement #ProjectManagement #PMP #PgMP #PfMP #TurnaroundStrategies #PortfolioManagement #LessonsLearned #Leadership #Podcast #KailashUpadhyay #AddonSkills #addingskillstolead

In this episode of P3M, Kailash Upadhyay and Rami Kaibni discuss the critical role of business analysis in program management. They explore how business analysis aligns program outcomes with organizational strategy, the importance of mapping business analysis knowledge areas to the program lifecycle, and the challenges faced when business analysis is lacking. Rami shares insights on developing business analysis capabilities and the evolving role of business analysis in the context of emerging trends like digital transformation and data analytics.Takeaways:1. Business analysis skills are essential for program managers.2. Aligning program outcomes with organizational strategy is crucial.3. Business analysis is a competency required at all management levels.4. Elicitation and collaboration are key throughout the program lifecycle.5. Challenges arise when business analysis is missing from program management.6. Developing business analysis capabilities requires both knowledge and experience.7. Understanding the importance of traceability in business analysis is vital.8. Data analytics will play a significant role in future program management.9. Professional development is essential for program managers.10. The best program managers continuously learn and adapt.Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Business Analysis in Program Management08:07 Mapping Business Analysis Knowledge Areas to Program Lifecycle13:03 Challenges of Missing Business Analysis in Program Management17:49 Developing Business Analysis Capability for Program Managers18:51 The Importance of Experience Over Certification21:14 Business Analysis Techniques: A Tailored Approach27:33 Core Competencies in Business Analysis31:34 Navigating Challenges During Uncertain Times35:28 The Evolving Role of Business Analysis in Digital Transformation37:41 Final Insights for Aspiring Program Managers

✅ If you're a PgMP aspirant and want to pass on your first attempt with above-target scores, register now using the link below. For any queries, WhatsApp us at (+91) 787-556-1193.https://www.addonskills.com/course/project-management/pgmp-certification-training📘 Grab your copy of *"Excelling Program Management – A PMI-PgMP Study Companion"* on Amazon using the link below! Amazon INDIA: https://amzn.in/d/5OmOaEXAmazon USA: https://a.co/d/59O28M0

In this podcast episode, Kailash Upadhyay explores the distinctions between projects and programs, emphasizing the importance of understanding tactical and strategic changes. He discusses how projects drive tactical changes while programs focus on strategic changes that maximize benefits for customers. The conversation also delves into the concepts of uncertainty and complexity in project and program management, highlighting the increased risks and challenges faced at the program level. Through examples and insights, Kailash provides a comprehensive understanding of these critical management concepts.📌 Key Takeaways from the session:🎯 Projects drive tactical change, while programs drive strategic change.🔄 Tactical change focuses on existing benefits, whereas strategic change aims to maximize new benefits.🔍 Understanding the difference between project and program is crucial for effective management.🌪️ Uncertainty is higher at the program level due to multiple components and interdependencies.🎯 Program scope is about why we deliver products, focusing on benefits realization.⚠️ Proactive risk identification is essential for successful program management.🧩 Complexity increases at the program level due to stakeholder involvement and changing product scope.🚀 A program manager's role is vital in delivering benefits aligned with organizational goals.💬 Customer feedback is crucial in determining the need for strategic changes.🌟 Effective program management requires a clear understanding of change dynamics.💡 What are your thoughts? Have you encountered challenges in distinguishing projects from programs? Drop your comments below! 👇🚀 Aspiring PMP, PgMP, PfMP, or PMI-RMP certified professional?At Addon Skills®, we provide expert-led training to help you achieve your certification goals. Visit www.addonskills.comor WhatsApp us at (+91) 797-556-1193 to take the next step in your professional growth.#ProgramManagement #PgMP #ProjectManagement #PMI #Leadership #P3M #AddonSkills #P3MwithKailashUpadhyay #addingskillstolead #PgMPtraining #PgMPCertification

Summary

In this podcast episode, Kailash Upadhyay and Thomas Walenta discuss the challenges of managing portfolios in a chaotic environment. They explore the inevitability of disruption in today's business landscape and the importance of effective portfolio management. The conversation covers common disruptions, the significance of strategy and communication, frameworks for regaining control, cultural aspects, real-world examples of chaos, the role of leadership, and future trends in portfolio management. Thomas emphasizes the need for emotional intelligence and resilience in navigating these challenges, while also highlighting the value of diversity and proactive approaches in managing chaos.

Takeaways:

1. Destruction is inevitable in today's volatile environment.
2. Every organization is doing portfolio management, whether they know it or not.
3. Management changes direction leads to burnout and attrition.
4. You can't stop everything if you don't handle this.
5. Stay proactive and extend your network.
6. Emotional intelligence is key to effective leadership.
7. Chaos is not bad; enjoy chaos because without it, there is no life.
8. Value is perceived differently by different stakeholders.
9. Cultural awareness is crucial in managing teams.
10. Resilience is about how to respond to chaos effectively.

Chapters:

00:00 From Chaos to Control: An Introduction

02:15 Understanding Disruptions in Portfolio Management

24:15 Frameworks for Realigning and Controlling Portfolios

38:37 Cultural Perspectives on Problem-Solving

43:03 Real-World Examples of Chaos in Banking

47:26 Technology as a Disruptor in Organizations

50:17 The Importance of Governance in Managing Chaos

57:11 Leadership and Team Dynamics in Disruption Management

01:01:13 Emotional Intelligence vs. Artificial Intelligence

01:03:55 Future Trends in Portfolio Management

01:10:36 Actionable Advice for Navigating Disruption

01:14:24 educational-intro-high-short.wav

Stay Connected with the P3M Community

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, like, and share it to add value to the P3M community. Your support helps us reach more professionals and share critical insights on portfolio, program, and project management.

For more information on P3M certification, including PMP, PgMP, and PfMP certifications, visit our website athttps://www.addonskills.com

Have questions or need more details? Feel free to reach out on WhatsApp at (+91) 982-084-5035.

Let's connect on LinkedIn for more updates and professional insights: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kailashupadhyay

Thank you for being a part of the P3M community. Together, we can turn chaos into control!

In this podcast episode, I and Gaurav Dhooper discuss the critical importance of building a risk-aware portfolio that aligns with organizational strategic goals. They explore the integration of risk management into strategy, the key steps to create a risk-aware culture, and share real-world examples and practical tips for effective risk management. The conversation emphasizes the need for stakeholder engagement, data-driven decision-making, and continuous monitoring to ensure successful portfolio management.

Takeaways

• Risk management is essential for achieving strategic goals.

• Strategy and risk management are interconnected.

• Everyone in the organization has a role in managing risk.

• Data-driven decision-making enhances risk management effectiveness.

• Building a risk-aware culture is crucial for success.

• Integrating risk management into governance is necessary.

• Data quality impacts risk management outcomes.

• Understanding risks is vital for strategic planning.

• Engaging stakeholders improves risk management processes.

• Breaking down risks into smaller parts facilitates better management.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Risk-Aware Portfolio Management

08:02 Building a Risk-Aware Portfolio

31:50 Aligning Risk Management with Strategic Direction

32:24 Understanding Risk Management Components

33:30 Integrating Risk Management with Strategy

35:07 The Role of Governance in Risk Management

40:17 Real-World Examples of Risk Management

46:50 Practical Tips for Effective Risk Management

For PMP, PgMP, PfMP, RMP certification training program, visit us at https://www.addonskills.com or WhatsApp at (+91) 787-556-1193.