Most conversations about AI in project management focus on meeting notes, summaries, and chatbots. But what happens when you use AI to solve a real project management problem?

In this episode, Molly Beran shares how she used Microsoft Copilot to build a custom reporting solution that transformed project visibility and executive reporting. Rather than chasing the latest AI trend, Molly started with a specific challenge: understanding project progress over time and providing leaders with the context needed to make better decisions.

We discuss:

· Why the best AI initiatives start with a real business problem

· How curiosity helps project managers build solutions without being developers

· The difference between point-in-time reporting and over-time reporting

· Why context is more valuable than raw project data

· Using Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT and Claude, to improve project reporting

· The role of AI in project management beyond note taking and meeting summaries

· Where human judgment is still essential when working with AI

If you're exploring AI for project management, Microsoft Copilot, project reporting, project visibility, or executive reporting, this episode offers a practical look at how AI can help teams solve meaningful problems and deliver insights that actually matter.

00:00 Introduction to Projects by Molly

06:04 Molly's Journey in Project Management

09:59 The Importance of Data in Project Management

16:01 Point-in-Time vs. Overtime Reporting

20:59 Leveraging AI in Project Management

28:10 Understanding Snapshots in Reporting

32:26 Tailoring Reports to Executive Needs

35:11 Impact of Effective Reporting on Organizations

36:46 Leveraging Existing Software for Reporting

39:34 Enhancing Transparency in Conversations

40:19 The Role of AI in Project Management

43:54 Building AI Agents for Efficiency

47:34 Navigating AI Limitations and Human Intervention

48:31 Curiosity and Frustration in AI Implementation

53:13 Practical Applications of AI in Daily Tasks

54:15 Future Plans and Personal Insights

Connect with Molly Beran on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollyberan/ Presented By: ProSymmetry https://www.prosymmetry.com/

Learn More About What’s the Plan? https://www.prosymmetry.com/whats-the-plan

Hosted and produced by Samantha Varner https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthavarner21/

Produced and edited by Kyle Wertz

In this episode of What’s the Plan?, Samantha sits down with PMO leader Rebecca Woods to discuss why modern project management is really about problem solving, strategic thinking, and navigating complexity — not just managing timelines and tasks.

Drawing from her experience leading IT and PMO initiatives, Rebecca shares practical insights on how project managers can uncover root causes, ask better questions, improve stakeholder communication, and guide teams through changing priorities, shifting requirements, and resource constraints.

Together, they explore:

• Problem solving in project management

• Continuous improvement strategies for PMOs

• How to identify the real business problem

• Why communication gaps derail projects

• Managing changing project requirements

• Strategic decision-making and stakeholder alignment

• Resource constraints, prioritization, and portfolio planning

• The human side of leadership, collaboration, and organizational change

Rebecca also shares real-world examples of navigating complex enterprise projects, balancing “keep the lights on” work with strategic initiatives and helping organizations become more adaptable in an increasingly fast-changing business environment.

Whether you're a project manager, PMO leader, operations leader, or executive navigating organizational complexity, this episode offers actionable insights into the mindset, communication skills, and strategic thinking needed to lead successful projects today.

00:00 Introduction to Rebecca Woods and Her Journey

07:27 The Importance of Problem Solving in Project Management

10:28 Understanding Customer Needs and Problem Identification

13:21 Clarifying Requirements and Asking the Right Questions

16:32 Navigating Change and Maintaining Focus on Goals

19:28 Decision-Making Frameworks and Options

22:17 Encouraging Creativity and Open Dialogue in Problem Solving

29:57 Navigating Project Challenges

32:41 Empowering Teams for Problem Solving

34:52 Effective Communication in Project Management

36:01 Continuous Improvement: Balancing Tradition and Innovation

39:50 Resource Management and Strategic Planning

44:38 Future-Proofing Skills in Project Management

46:11 Understanding Stakeholder Needs

48:42 The Importance of Practice in Problem Solving

Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccatwoods/

Presented by ProSymmetry https://www.prosymmetry.com/

Learn More About What’s the Plan? https://www.prosymmetry.com/whats-the-plan

Hosted and produced by Samantha Varner https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthavarner21/

Produced and edited by Kyle Wertz

Resource management doesn’t fail because organizations lack effort. It fails because there’s no consistent process, governance, or structure behind it.

In this episode, Beth Hunter shares practical approaches to operationalizing resource management. From establishing governance and decision-making frameworks to creating repeatable processes teams can actually follow.

We discuss:

Why inconsistent resource planning creates chaos

The importance of governance in resource management

How mature organizations create structure around planning

Practical ways to standardize resource management practices

The role of frameworks like the JITR Wheel in improving visibility and alignment

If your organization relies on spreadsheets, disconnected planning conversations, or “tribal knowledge” to manage resources, this episode offers a more sustainable path forward.

00:00 The Importance of Governance in Resource Management

02:59 Understanding the Jitterwheel Framework

05:57 Skills as a Core Component of Resource Management

09:08 The Complexity of Staffing Decisions

12:04 The Role of Forecasting in Resource Management

14:55 Data Quality and Its Impact on Forecasting

18:08 The Challenges of Timesheet Management

32:24 Navigating Timesheet Management

34:24 Understanding the 10% Per Month Out Concept

36:15 Bridging Finance and Resource Management

38:40 Workforce Planning and Talent Development

40:13 Building Strong HR Partnerships

42:43 Addressing Staffing Challenges

44:47 The Role of Technology in Resource Management

48:43 Common Mistakes in Resource Management Technology

51:52 The Importance of Governance in Resource Management

54:36 Measuring Resource Management Success

58:52 Implementing the Jitter Framework

Connect with Beth Hunter on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethhunter1/

Presented By: ProSymmetry https://www.prosymmetry.com/

Learn More About What’s the Plan? https://www.prosymmetry.com/whats-the-plan

Hosted and produced by Samantha Varner https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthavarner21/

Produced and edited by Kyle Wertz