The Digital Project Manager

In this episode, Galen Low sits down with Brian Kessman of Lodestar Agency Consulting to tackle a big question: is AI finally the deathblow to billable hours? Brian argues yes—and not because AI “broke” the model, but because it’s exposed just how misaligned hourly billing has always been with the real value agencies deliver. Instead of rewarding efficiency and innovation, time-based pricing incentivizes dragging things out and commoditizes expertise. The real shift, Brian says, isn’t just about swapping billing methods—it’s about fundamentally rethinking what you sell, how you position it, and how you prove its impact. They dig into the Agency Value Model—a framework for moving from selling time to selling outcomes. Brian explains how to define your best-fit clients, identify their high-value problems, and design structured solutions that command higher prices while delivering measurable impact. Along the way, they unpack how to navigate the “race to the bottom” fueled by AI, nearshoring, and automation; why confidence in your positioning can help you turn away misaligned clients; and how to operationalize repeatable, scalable value delivery without falling back into chaos. 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 Brian on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/briankessman/] * Check out Lodestar Agency Consulting [https://www.lodestaragencyconsulting.com/] * Value Model Assessment [https://value-model.lodestaragencyconsulting.com/] * Agencies building business models around AI offerings: * Go Supergood [https://www.gosupergood.com/] — an AI-native creative agency * Silverside.ai [https://www.silverside.ai/] — an AI innovation lab * Skeptic™ [https://known.is/powered-by-skeptic-os] by Known — uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to deploy rapid scientific experimentation and persistent optimization * Jellyfish [https://www.jellyfish.com/en-us/agents/] — social media AI agents * Magnolia [https://magnolia-made.com/] by Newfangled — is an AI-powered strategic planner * Content Symphony [https://www.dentsu.com/content-symphony]

AI is transforming the creative workflow—but not in the ways we first expected. In this conversation with Galen Low, creative and PM leaders Sara Fisher, Sara Doubleday, and Greg Storey talk through the practical and philosophical implications of AI’s growing role in creative work. This isn’t about flashy tools or end-to-end automation. It’s about realigning how teams work, communicate value, and preserve the human essence in their process. From misinformed client expectations to the strategic reframing of creative outputs, the panel explores how project leaders and creatives can use AI to amplify their strengths rather than replace them. Spoiler: there’s still no shortcut for trust, authenticity, or thoughtful strategy. 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 Sara Fisher [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-ann-fisher/], Sara Doubleday [https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-doubleday/], and Greg Storey [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brilliantcrank/] on LinkedIn * Check out Vye [https://www.vye.agency/] and Seer Interactive [https://www.seerinteractive.com/] * Check out Greg’s book – “Creative Intelligence: Don’t Ask AI, Think With AI [https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/ebook/creative-intelligence-don-t-ask-ai-think-with-it]”

Navigating a career in project management today means wrestling with more than just Gantt charts and stakeholder standups—it means making high-stakes decisions about your salary, your specialization, and what brings you meaning at work. In this panel episode, Kelsey Alpaio brings together PM thought leaders Ben Chan, Mackenzie Dysart, and Elizabeth Harrin for a candid conversation on how to design your PM career with both pay and purpose in mind. Together, they unpack fresh data from DPM’s 2025 Salary Guide and tackle some of the most pressing questions PMs are facing right now: Should you specialize or stay a generalist? When do certifications actually help? Is it ever too late to take control of your career? And how do you make confident moves when AI and automation are reshaping the role in real time? This is a jam-packed episode full of tactical tools, honest reflections, and grounded advice for anyone looking to take the reins of their project career. 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 Ben [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmcoachben/], Mackenzie [https://www.linkedin.com/in/mackenziedysart/], and Elizabeth [https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethharrin/] on LinkedIn * Check out Thoughtworks [https://www.thoughtworks.com/] and Rebel’s Guide to Project Management [https://rebelsguidetopm.com/] * Organized Chaos Café [https://open.spotify.com/show/5Mr9Fo04GHdmJo2gsjuuCx] – Ben’s podcast * Managing Multiple Projects [https://elizabeth-harrin.com/managing-multiple-projects-online-resources/] – Elizabeth’s book

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/]