How to Build Your Career Story with Microsoft's Karen Ngo

How to Build Your Career Story with Microsoft's Karen Ngo

In this episode of the PM-ProShow, we sit down with Karen Ngo, CEO Communications Manager at Microsoft and creator of the #1 ranked career blog kkarenism, to talk about one of the biggest challenges facing professionals today: translating experience into opportunity. Karen shares how she built her own career journey, why networking unlocks the hidden job market, and how she uses the Career Walking Deck—a visual storytelling tool designed to help candidates stand out beyond a traditional resume—to help job seekers land senior-level roles. We dive into: * Why your career story matters more than your job title * How veterans can translate military experience into corporate value * Why a resume gets you the interview, but storytelling can get you the offer * The power of personal branding and vulnerability in professional settings * How certifications and continuous learning build long-term career growth * Lessons from Microsoft's approach to developing and retaining talent Whether you're preparing for a military transition, advancing your career, or looking for ways to communicate your value more effectively, Karen provides practical strategies to help you sharpen your edge and take control of your professional story. Visit PM-ProLearn.com to learn more about how to use certification training to enhance your career - fully funded by many military benefits.

Organizational Change Management in High-Stakes Projects with Clint Keeley, PMP

How do you get more than 160 sites to adopt a new system? Or lead a team through a $300 million water crisis? That takes more than solid project management skills. It takes effective Organizational Change Management. In this episode of the PM-ProShow, we sit down with Clint Keeley, MS, PMP, Senior Organizational Change Manager at BAE Systems, to discuss the human side of complex, high-stakes projects. Clint shares practical insights on driving adoption, overcoming resistance, and helping organizations navigate major transformations successfully. An Army veteran and former consultant, Clint has led enterprise-wide IT rollouts, supported healthcare initiatives for SimonMed, and mentored transitioning service members through American Corporate Partners (ACP). Whether you're a project manager, military leader, or professional responsible for leading change, this episode offers actionable lessons you can apply immediately. Want to strengthen your project management and leadership skills? Explore PMP, PMI-ACP, Lean Six Sigma, and other certification training at PM-ProLearn.com

From Military to Civilian: Networking, Leadership & PM Skills That Actually Work | Donald Gray

Transitioning from military service to civilian project and program management isn't about starting over — it's about translating experience the right way. In this episode of PM-ProShow, we're joined by Donald Gray, Program Manager at Tiber Creek Consulting and a veteran leader with 20+ years of executive, training, and program management experience. Donald shares real-world stories from his transition, how networking actually works outside the uniform, and what veterans should focus on 12–18 months before separation to set themselves up for success. We dig into: * Leading 15+ integrated project teams across technical, contractual, and financial lanes * What military leaders need to unlearn to succeed with civilian clients and contracts * How credentials like PMP, CSPO, CMMI, and ISO fit into a smart transition plan * Practical unit-level habits that immediately improve performance * Where Agile practices and classic PM discipline work best in government and defense programs * What companies get wrong (and right) about hiring, training, and retaining veteran talent Whether you're transitioning out, already in industry, or responsible for training teams, this conversation is packed with lessons you can apply immediately. If you're serious about translating military leadership into civilian project management credentials, this is exactly what we help veterans and professionals do every day. Learn how our certification programs work and request more info here: https://www.pm-prolearn.com/enroll

From CW5 to Corporate: Mike Theroux on Turning Military Sustainment Into Civilian Advantage

What does it really take to move from leading $6B+ in military sustainment to winning in corporate industry? In this episode of PM-ProShow, retired Army CW5 Mike Theroux breaks down how senior military leaders can stop underselling themselves—and start translating readiness, sustainment, and change leadership into real civilian impact. Mike shares how certifications like PMP, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, PMI-ACP, and CCMP became accelerators in his transition, not just résumé fillers. We dig into what "future fight readiness" actually looks like at the unit level, how project management and Agile thinking sharpen both military and corporate teams, and what companies still get wrong about hiring—and retaining—veteran talent. We wrap with a rapid-fire Blind Slot Rank Game ranking pay, work-life balance, leadership responsibility, sense of purpose, and civilian bureaucracy. If you're preparing to transition, leading troops today, or hiring veterans tomorrow—this episode delivers clarity you can use.

Bridging the Battlefield and the Boardroom with Brian Smetana | PM-ProShow

This week on the PM-ProShow, we sit down with Brian Smetana — Inspector General NCO, senior Army leader, and 23-year veteran — to break down what it really takes to transition, lead, and win beyond the uniform. Brian gives a raw, ground-level perspective on preparing for retirement after more than two decades of service across logistics, recruiting, law enforcement, and leadership. From the emotional side of transition to the practical tools that actually move the needle, he lays out what soldiers need now to own their next chapter. We get into: * How to approach military transition like a mission — and crush it. * Why cross-trained, adaptable leaders dominate the future fight. * How certifications like PMP and Agile strengthen soldiers today, not "after the Army." * What companies get right (and wrong) when hiring and keeping veteran talent. * What environment helps veterans thrive in the civilian world. * Rapid-fire Blind Slot Rank Game — Brian ranks service experiences 1–5, no repeats. Whether you're an active-duty leader, a transitioning service member, or a company trying to understand veteran firepower, this episode brings clarity, honesty, and straight-up value. Subscribe to PM-ProShow and join the community that refuses to play small.