The Godfather of DPM is having a moment

Madonna’s back. I’m on three project management recognition lists. Apparently, we’re both giving you reasons to pay attention again.

Apparently, I’m an influencer now. Please alert my children.

Actually, I told my daughter Sylvie. She laughed. So that should keep things in perspective.

The Digital Project Manager recently included me in three of its roundups: project management mentors, influencers, and speakers. And on the mentors list? Number one.

I have a funny relationship with this kind of recognition. I tend to think the work should speak for itself. Then I remember that I run a business, and the work could probably use a publicist.

But the mentoring recognition means a lot to me. I love working with my clients: talking through complicated situations, helping people trust their judgment, and seeing them approach something differently because of a conversation we had. Getting to play a part in someone’s growth is a pretty great way to spend a working day.

“Influencer” is harder to get comfortable with. I’ve mostly been writing about the job, sharing what I’ve learned, and occasionally complaining in public. If that’s helped someone, I’m happy to keep doing it. I cannot promise a skincare routine.

Being recognized for speaking is lovely, too, even if I’m more comfortable putting together a session than putting myself on a “top speakers” list. I care about making those sessions useful, honest, and worth leaving the hallway conversation for. There’s nothing better than hearing that someone took an idea back to their team and actually used it.

The timing makes this especially fun. I’m launching a new version of this site that feels much more like me, opening registration for a new book club, and finally have January 2027 on the calendar for the second edition of Project Management for Humans. My calendar is also full of work I’m excited about, with clients and communities I love spending time with. It’s a lot, but it’s the kind of busy I was hoping to build toward. So I’m letting myself enjoy the moment. Before I remember the other twelve things I need to finish.

Thank you to Mariah, Galen, and the team at The Digital Project Manager for noticing the work and including me alongside people I respect. And thank you to the clients, readers, attendees, and community members who keep giving me reasons to do it.

If you’re looking for coaching, a speaker, or help untangling how your team works, I’d love to talk. Apparently, I come recommended.

Sylvie remains unconvinced.

T L ; D R - The Digital Project Manager named me its #1 project management mentor and included me among its top influencers and speakers. Between that, a new site, a new book club, and Project Management for Humans, Second Edition arriving in January 2027, it’s a pretty exciting moment. I’m grateful. My daughter is unimpressed.