Episode 334

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Published on:

16th Nov 2025

334: Be the One They Can’t Lead Without

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

PMI Talent Triangle: Power Skills

Being useful is fine. But being indispensable? That’s a whole other level. 

This is what it means to be the ride-or-die right hand. The person leaders don’t have to chase, double-check, or worry about. The one who delivers relief and results when the pressure is on. 

So if leaders are looking for someone they can truly count on, how do you make sure that’s you? 

In this week’s episode of the PMO Strategies podcast, I share why being the “I’ve got your back” leader changes everything, how to shift from optional to essential, and what it takes to earn the kind of loyalty that executives reward with trust, opportunity, and investment. 


What You'll Learn:  

  • Why executives don’t need more reports. 
  • How to become the “ride-or-die” right hand to your leaders. 
  • Why being indispensable goes beyond doing your job well. 
  • How to anticipate problems and protect your leader’s credibility. 
  • What loyalty looks like when you show up as the calm in the storm. 
  • How to ask the right questions to shift from staff to essential. 


👉 Press play to learn how to become the one your leaders can’t lead without, and build the trust, loyalty, and presence that drive IMPACT. 

 

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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About the Podcast

PMO Strategies
with Laura Barnard
In this podcast, PMO leaders and those wanting to capitalize on the best of project management to deliver the organization’s strategy will uncover the hidden secrets of the best PMOs, learn the game-changing techniques that transform any PMO into a value-driven IMPACT Engine, and explore the best ways for the PMO to become an integral part of the fabric and future of an organization. After spending two and a half decades helping organizations deliver change, with 15 of those years in the shoes of PMO leader inside organizations, Laura strongly believes that there is more to making an IMPACT than templates, tools, and process. She’ll show you how to make the shifts necessary to become a business-focused PMO that will become an invaluable organizational asset. With her guests and insights, we explore the sticky situations and tough challenges PMO leaders face, from sorting through all of the “noise” about what the PMO “should” do to finding the best ways for your PMO to make an IMPACT. Listen in, and you can discover how to shift your focus from outputs to outcomes, fundamentally changing the game for your PMO and personal success.

About your host

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Laura Barnard