Episode 11: Cristina Niculescu on People-First Leadership in Delivery and Change

Episode 12: Vix Watson on running LGR in reality - Planning through uncertainty in Local Government

Our episode focuses on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR), which many councils are currently navigating or preparing for.  For those less familiar, LGR is about reshaping how local authorities are structured and how services are delivered || often under significant time pressure and with evolving direction from central government.  Joined by Vix Watson, Senior Business Analyst at Warwickshire County Council, who is closely involved in setting up and planning their LGR programme, host, Laura Watts, speaks to Vix about this work and the fact that it's still unfolding and there are still decisions to be made, including the potential future structure of the council itself.  We explore how they’re approaching that uncertainty, how they’ve adapted their delivery model, and how they’re thinking about scenario planning in a programme where timelines and outcomes are tightly constrained.

Episode 11: Cristina Niculescu on People-First Leadership in Delivery and Change

Summary:  In this episode of the PPM Playbook podcast, host Laura Watts chats to Christina Nicolescu, an experienced IT consultant and programme delivery specialist, to explore the complexities of running effective programs and portfolios.  They discuss the importance of aligning people, processes, and technology in project management, the role of PMOs in driving transformation, and the necessity of real-time data visibility for leaders. Christina emphasises the significance of data quality, cultural shifts in digital transformation, and the need for continuous training and empowerment of delivery teams. The conversation also highlights the evolving role of PMOs from policing functions to strategic partners, and the importance of celebrating small wins in project delivery.  Takeaways:  * Technology should not be the starting point for PMO.  * Understanding processes is crucial before implementing technology.  * Leaders need real-time visibility of project statuses.  * PMOs should create consistency and transparency in reporting.  * Data quality is essential for effective decision-making.  * Cultural aspects of digital transformation are often neglected.  * Training and guidance are necessary for effective process adoption.  * Empower delivery teams by providing clarity and visibility.  * PMOs should evolve from policing functions to strategic partners.  * Celebrating small wins can enhance team morale and motivation.  Links: * Cristina Niculescu [https://www.linkedin.com/in/cristina-niculescu-pmp-b8768513/] LinkedIn * Laura Watts [https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurawatts1/] LinkedIn * Verto [https://vertocloud.co.uk/] website Chapters:   00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest  02:31 The Trifecta of People, Process, and Technology  05:06 The Importance of PMO in Transformation  09:07 Visibility and Real-Time Data for Leaders  12:05 Shifting from Reactive to Proactive Management  16:12 Data Quality as a Strategic Asset  19:18 Cultural Aspects of Digital Transformation  24:36 Building Delivery Maturity through Training  28:57 Training Needs for New Managers  36:12 Empowering Delivery Teams  38:58 The Evolving Role of PMOs  43:16 Priorities for PMOs in the Coming Year  44:45 Measuring Value in Delivery Functions  48:04 Changing Mindsets in Leadership  50:44 Celebrating Small Wins in Delivery

Episode 10: Simon Sharp review of his first year as Verto's CEO

In this episode, we sit down with Simon to reflect on his first year in role and explore how leadership, technology, and delivery are evolving across the public sector. Simon shares how his perspective on Verto’s purpose, people, and impact has developed over the past year, alongside honest reflections on what it really takes to lead in the public-sector tech space. We discuss the changing role of P3M support, how platforms like Verto can enable transformation at scale, and what separates organisations that thrive through change from those that struggle. The conversation also explores the balance between public and private sector delivery and what each can learn from the other, how cross-sector experience shapes the evolution of Verto, and where greater collaboration could unlock real value. A thoughtful and grounded discussion on leadership, pragmatism, and building technology that genuinely supports better outcomes.

Episode 9: AI meets PMO live from DigiGov 2025

At DigiGov 2025, Verto’s Chief Product Officer, Ross Mardell, delivered a standing-room-only talk on the role of AI in supporting portfolio, programme and project management across the UK public sector. The demand was so high that many people couldn’t even get into the session. Watch the live session, recorded from the stage at the event.

Episode 8: Inside DigiGov - Real Conversations, Real Challenges

This special edition of The PPM Playbook Podcast takes you behind the scenes at DigiGov, where we spent two packed days speaking with clients, prospects, and colleagues about the real challenges shaping public sector transformation today. It’s a mash-up of spontaneous, authentic conversations that were full of insight, capturing honest reflections from people at every stage of their digital and programme delivery journey. These booth-side discussions and quick chats with our own team are best watched rather than listened to and the on-screen captions help you follow every word amid the energy of the event floor. If you want to see what’s really happening across the public sector, the problems people are tackling and the innovations that are making a difference, this episode is for you.