The Digital Project Manager

When it comes to getting paid what you’re worth, project managers in 2025 are facing a unique challenge: job switching no longer guarantees a big raise, and most PMs are staying put—even if they feel underpaid. So what now? In this episode, Kelsey Alpaio sits down with Mukhtar Kadiri, Pam Butkowski, and Elaina Martinez to talk real strategies for negotiating a raise where you are—with confidence, clarity, and without burning bridges. You’ll hear honest takes on why PMs feel undercompensated, how the market has shifted, and what leaders actually want to hear in raise conversations. From mapping your invisible impact to understanding company timing cycles and navigating tough “no’s,” this panel brings practical, actionable insights for anyone ready to make the ask—and get results. Resources from this episode: * Join DPM Membership [https://thedigitalprojectmanager.com/membership/] * Subscribe to the newsletter [https://thedigitalprojectmanager.com/subscribe/] to get our latest articles and podcasts * Connect with Mukhtar [https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-kadiri/], Pam [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pambutkowski/], and Elaina [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elaina-martinez-csm-b9408136/] on LinkedIn * Check out WorkTipsPro [https://www.worktipspro.com/] and Horizontal Digital [https://www.horizontaldigital.com/]

Navigating job interviews as a project manager can feel like walking through a minefield of unpredictable questions. In this episode of The Retro, Kelsey sits down with Kayla Quijas—a senior PM and certified career coach—to unpack how to tackle curveball questions with poise and purpose. From candy bar hypotheticals to high-stakes stakeholder slip-ups, Kayla shares actionable frameworks that help PMs answer tough questions with clarity, honesty, and a whole lot of confidence. They dive deep into how interviews aren’t just about your resume—they’re about how you think, lead, and adapt under pressure. Whether you’re pivoting into PM from another field, trying to land your first role, or just looking to sharpen your interview game, this conversation offers the tools to prep smarter, answer authentically, and leave a lasting impression. Resources from this episode: * Join DPM Membership [https://thedigitalprojectmanager.com/membership/] * Subscribe to the newsletter [https://thedigitalprojectmanager.com/subscribe/] to get our latest articles and podcasts * Connect with Kayla on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-quijas/] * Check out Kayla’s website [https://www.kaylaqcareercoaching.com/]

There’s no shortage of AI tools for project managers these days—and they can be pretty amazing. But using them? Often a frustrating, disjointed experience. In this episode, Galen Low is joined by Devin Mahoney, CEO and Co-founder of QTalo, to unpack why AI can feel more like a burden than a boost in our day-to-day project work, and how to fix that. They dive into how AI can truly serve project leaders: from cutting down on context switching to surfacing what actually matters, and building systems that fit into the real workflows of PMs. Devin also shares why privacy matters not just for compliance, but for preserving the creative space we need to do our best work. If you’ve ever felt like AI is both magical and maddening, this one’s for you. Resources from this episode: * Join DPM Membership [https://thedigitalprojectmanager.com/membership/] * Subscribe to the newsletter [https://thedigitalprojectmanager.com/subscribe/] to get our latest articles and podcasts * Connect with Devin on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/devinmahoney/] * Check out QTalo [https://www.qtalo.com/]

Why does time tracking suck—and what can we actually do about it? In this lively and deeply honest panel session, Kelsey Alpaio sits down with agency consultant Marcel Petitpas, PMO leader Kelly Vega, and project operations expert Matthew Fox to get to the root of why time tracking feels so broken. Together, they unpack not just the tactical challenges, but the deeper cultural and strategic dynamics that make time tracking feel like a chore (or worse, a surveillance tool). But this isn’t just a vent session—our panel brings clarity, practical advice, and a few hard truths to help you shift your mindset and your systems. From rethinking data accuracy and redefining utilization to making smarter tooling choices and harnessing AI (without falling for the hype), this conversation delivers actionable insight for PMs, leaders, and anyone in the messy middle of tracking work. Whether you’re tracking time for billing, planning, or just staying afloat, there’s something here to make it suck a little less—and maybe even become a tool for empowerment. Resources from this episode: * Join DPM Membership [https://thedigitalprojectmanager.com/membership/] * Subscribe to the newsletter [https://thedigitalprojectmanager.com/subscribe/] to get our latest articles and podcasts * Connect with Kelly [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-suter/], Matthew [https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewfox/], and Marcel [https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcelpetitpas/] on LinkedIn * Check out Parakeeto [https://parakeeto.com/]

Rolling out a new tool or process sounds simple—until you try it. In this episode, Galen Low sits down with Frances Odera Matthews, founder of The Notion Bar, to unpack why change management is so hard, even with the best intentions and the best tools. From shiny object syndrome to culture gaps, they explore why tool adoption often fails and what project leaders can do to set their teams up for long-term success. Frances shares practical insights from the front lines of Notion implementations, including how phased rollouts, internal champions, and intentional design can make or break adoption. They also dig into the cultural side of change—how open sharing, avoiding silos, and even acknowledging when to rip the band-aid off can help teams navigate tool fatigue and create lasting transformation. Resources from this episode: * Join DPM Membership [https://thedigitalprojectmanager.com/membership/] * Subscribe to the newsletter [https://thedigitalprojectmanager.com/subscribe/] to get our latest articles and podcasts * Connect with Frances on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/francesodera/] * Check out the Notion Bar [https://thenotionbar.com/], The Notion Zeitgeist [https://thenotionzeitgeist.substack.com/] newsletter, and the Coffee & Oysters [https://coffeeandoysters.substack.com/] podcast