Ever wonder why some remote project teams thrive while others drown in chaos—even when using the same tools? In this second and final installment of our series on remote project management, Business Breaks hosts John Byrne and Dante Healy dive deep into the real-world essentials of making distributed teams work. With the pandemic’s impact still reshaping the way we work, hybrid and remote teams have become the new norm—but technology alone won’t bridge the gaps. John and Dante get practical, exposing the pitfalls of “tool overload,” inconsistent training, and misunderstood access privileges that can tank productivity. Through relatable stories and a dash of humor, they reveal the importance of unified toolsets, clear communication standards, and regular training to get everyone genuinely collaborating—rather than just navigating tech. But remote success isn’t just about the digital setup. The hosts challenge listeners to rethink how they manage productivity and work-life balance in a world where the lines between home and office are easily blurred. Learn why focusing on outcomes over hours, setting realistic expectations, and encouraging deep work are critical—not just for delivery, but for preventing burnout. Whether you’re fine-tuning infrastructure (think: reliable backup internet and power), wrestling with notification overload, or nurturing your team’s sense of connection, this episode is your actionable playbook. Discover how intentional leadership, consistent processes, and genuine care for your people turn remote obstacles into opportunities—and help remote and hybrid teams do more than just cope. They thrive. Tune in and take away practical strategies to help your project teams stay sharp, connected, and truly productive—no matter where they’re working from. Links: Catch episodes and more here: https://businessbreaks.club/episodes Subscribe to our newsletter: https://share.businessbreaks.club/email

Ever find yourself buried in a sea of pings, emails, and oversized video calls - wondering if your remote project team is even rowing in the same direction? In this first installment of our two-part series, “Remote Teams That Work: A Playbook for Project Managers”, hosts Dante Healy and John Byrne pull back the curtain on the real-world struggles and smart strategies that come with leading distributed project teams in today's hybrid workplace. As remote and hybrid work move from pandemic workaround to standard operating procedure, project leaders must rewrite the playbook to keep teams connected, accountable, and productive—often without ever sharing a physical space. Dante and John leave the buzzwords behind and dig into practical steps you can use right away to cut through communication chaos, avoid siloed teams, and manage accountability when "standing over a desk" just isn’t possible. Listen in as they unravel questions like: - How do you break silos and avoid information black holes when quick desk chats are gone? - What's the trick to keeping everyone aligned—without defaulting to endless, bloated meetings? - How can you build team cohesion and trust, when face-to-face time is rare (or nonexistent)? - And how do you set expectations and ensure quality—without falling into the trap of micromanagement? Packed with candid stories, honest confessions, and field-tested advice, this episode is a must-listen for project managers navigating the new normal of distributed work. Whether your team is spread across time zones or just toggling between home and the office, you’ll find actionable ideas to sharpen your project management edge and lead with purpose. Tune in and discover how to make remote teamwork not just possible, but powerful. And don’t miss part two, where the hosts dive deep into the tools and cultural moves that truly make remote project delivery work. Links: Catch episodes and more here: https://businessbreaks.club/episodes Subscribe to our newsletter: https://share.businessbreaks.club/email

Have you ever wondered why one-size-fits-all just doesn’t work in project management? In this episode of Business Breaks, Dante Healy and John Byrne dive deep into the world of hybrid project management—the art of blending agile flexibility with the structure of waterfall to suit the unique needs of every project. Join us as we cut through the noise, sharing real-world examples, honest challenges, and practical advice on finding your own perfect mix. From overcoming resistance to change and navigating undefined frameworks, to managing stakeholder expectations and mastering essential soft skills, this discussion is packed with insights for anyone who wants to level up their project delivery game. Thought hybrid was just a fad? Think again. Tune in and discover why it’s the future of our field. Catch episodes and more here: https://businessbreaks.club/episodes Subscribe to our newsletter: https://share.businessbreaks.club/email

Is AI making project managers sharper—or just making us lazy? In this episode of Business Breaks, hosts Dante Healy and John Byrne cut through the AI buzz and get real about what it means for project management today. Drawing on firsthand experience, they tackle the promise and pitfalls of using AI on real projects from smart scheduling to generative "fluff" that could threaten your credibility. Should you trust AI to make decisions, or does it put your entire project at risk? Which tasks benefit from AI support, and where does human judgment remain irreplaceable? How can project managers safeguard their value (and jobs) in a world of evolving tech? Packed with sharp insights, cautionary tales, and practical advice, this episode is essential listening for project professionals who want to stay ahead without losing the edge that makes them indispensable. Whether you're an AI skeptic or enthusiast, you'll walk away with actionable ideas to keep your skills sharp and your projects on track. Tune in to discover how to get the best from AI without letting it run the show. Catch episodes and more here: https://businessbreaks.club/episodes Subscribe to our newsletter: https://share.businessbreaks.club/email

Ever had your project derailed by a dependency you didn’t even know existed? You’re not alone! In this episode of Business Breaks, hosts Dante Healy and John Byrne dive deep into the “messier” side of project management: cross-project dependencies. Forget simple Gantt chart task links—think shared resources, delayed approvals, budget surprises, and those dreaded “waiting on another team” situations. John draws on real-world war stories, including a six-month standstill caused by a late upstream project, and candidly shares how communication breakdowns and shifting priorities can quietly sabotage success. Dante and John dissect the people side of dependency management—where relationships and proactive transparency often matter more than any tool or template. They explore practical mechanics, from living dependency registers to visual mapping, and confront the uncomfortable truth: sometimes you’re just at the mercy of forces beyond your control. Whether you’re leading multi-strand programs or juggling a few interconnected projects, this candid conversation is packed with lessons learned, survival strategies, and ways to reduce those sleepless project nights. Perfect for anyone who wants to get ahead of the hidden risks that can make or break big deliveries! Tune in to discover: • What cross-project dependencies really look like in practice • How to spot, communicate, and manage them before they turn into crises • Why your dependency register should be a living, breathing document • The crucial role of communication—and what happens when it breaks down Don’t let hidden dependencies unravel your next project. Listen in to build resilience, improve your project smarts, and keep delivery on track! Links: Catch episodes and more here: https://businessbreaks.club/episodes Subscribe to our newsletter: https://share.businessbreaks.club/email

What if the real reason Agile transformations fail isn’t about processes or tools but something deeper in the organization’s DNA? In this episode of Business Breaks, John Byrne flips the script and interviews Dante Healy on the painful realities of Agile transformation failure. Dante, with experience in both finance and technology across global corporations, shares candid stories of where Agile goes wrong and why so many organizations never see the promised benefits. They dive into the misconceptions that Agile is just another software delivery method, revealing that the true challenge is cultural change, not just ceremonies or Jira boards. Dante explains the pitfalls of “Agile theatre,” when companies adopt the language of Agile without changing decision-making structures, leadership behaviours, or reward systems. The conversation explores why toxic dynamics—like middle management clinging to control, or technical debt slowing everyone down, so often sabotage transformation efforts. Through real-world examples, Dante unpacks how metrics like velocity and burndown can mislead, and why top-down mindsets inevitably clash with Agile’s need for autonomy and trust. Crucially, the episode also covers what leadership behaviours actually enable Agile success, the invisible costs of failed transformations (like lost talent and growing skepticism), and how even the latest AI tools can fuel “Agile theatre” if core problems aren’t addressed. Whether you’re new to Agile, have suffered through a stalled transformation, or want to avoid common traps, this episode is full of hard-won insights and practical advice, wrapped in a refreshingly honest discussion. Links: Catch episodes and more here: https://businessbreaks.club/episodes Subscribe to our newsletter: https://share.businessbreaks.club/email

Are your Agile rituals really making your team better, or just creating a facade of progress? In this episode of Business Breaks, hosts Dante Healy and John Byrne dig into the dangers of Agile “anti-patterns”,those common behaviours that look like Agile but actually undermine delivery and demoralises teams. From daily standups that have morphed into endless status meetings, to “Agile transformations” that are little more than rebranded project management with shiny tools, Dante and John break down the most widespread myths and dysfunctions they’ve seen. You’ll hear why “doing Agile” is not the same as “being Agile,” why Kanban boards and JIRA tickets don’t guarantee progress and how chasing optics leads to surface-level change instead of real outcomes. Packed with hard-won insights, practical examples and a few laughs, this episode helps you spot “and break” the anti-patterns holding your projects back. If you want real agility instead of Agile theatre, tune in for an honest conversation about what works, what doesn’t, and how to reclaim the value at the heart of Agile ways of working. Preview audience notes • Both bring valuable perspectives: Dante is the agile expert, John is the practical (and skeptical) project manager. • The dynamic works well because of their openness and willingness to explore each other’s viewpoints. • Dante’s expertise shines when demystifying Agile, while John grounds the conversation in real organizational contexts. Links Catch episodes and more here: https://businessbreaks.club/episodes Subscribe to our newsletter: https://share.businessbreaks.club/email

Are you leading, managing, or coaching—or just winging it? Project success doesn’t come from picking one style. It comes from knowing when to shift gears. This episode breaks down the real-world differences between leadership, management, and coaching - not as job titles, but as tools. Tools that help you give direction, drive delivery, and grow your team without losing control or burning out. We get into what leadership actually means when you’re under pressure. How to manage without smothering. And how to coach your team without slipping into bias or performance theatre. Whether you're a project manager, agile lead, or stuck in the middle—this one’s for you. Clarity. Accountability. Support. Know when to use each -- or risk losing all three. Catch episodes and more here: https://businessbreaks.club/episodes Subscribe to our newsletter: https://share.businessbreaks.club/email Negotiation episode: https://businessbreaks.club/negotiation-strategies

What kills a digital project faster — bad planning or ignored signals? In this episode, Dante Healy and John Byrne unpack the kind of risks that don’t sit neatly in a register like the ones that show up when a sponsor quits, a cloud platform fails, or a key supplier quietly disappears. They share real stories from ERP disasters, finance transformations, and cyber breaches that didn’t make the risk log, but wrecked the plan anyway. From contingency mindset to political blind spots, they dig into what it takes to build teams and systems that can cope when plans fall apart. This isn’t theory — it’s what happens when risk gets real! Key Talking Points: • The one risk that killed a project outright — and no one saw it coming • How planning alone won’t save you when conditions shift mid-stream • The hidden traps of sponsor exits and quiet org changes • Why the most important risks aren’t always the loudest • How culture and team dynamics shape your ability to respond • What every PM should know about vendor reliance and cyber exposure • Two types of risk registers — and why both matter • When to speak up, when to watch, and when to act before you’re ready Catch episodes and more here: https://businessbreaks.club/episodes

Tired of project plans that fall apart the second reality hits? In this fireside chat, Dante and John peel back the curtain on what it really takes to steer complex projects through resource chaos, shifting priorities, and never-ending scope creep. Forget textbook theory—these are the gritty, hard-won lessons you only learn by living through the mess. Packed with candid stories and actionable strategies, this episode arms senior project managers with the tools to build plans that genuinely survive the real world. If you’ve ever found yourself firefighting when things go sideways, this conversation is the practical guide you’ve been waiting for. Key talking poinst: • How the “iron triangle” really holds up when projects hit unexpected bumps. • Why resource planning is never as simple as it looks on paper. • Creative ways senior PMs keep their projects on track—even when the best-laid plans go sideways. • The secret to preventing scope creep (and the surprisingly easy trick almost everyone overlooks). • Honest insights on stakeholder wrangling, risk management, and knowing when to push back. • Stories from the trenches: learning to adapt, recover, and still deliver value. Catch the full episodes and more here: https://www.businessbreaks.club

In Part 2 of the Change Management series, Dante and John tackle the hard bit: measuring whether change has actually worked. Beyond the business case and ROI slides, they break down what success really means—what to look for, what often gets missed, and why traditional KPIs don't always tell the full story. They explore the difference between actual outcomes and assumptions made in the planning phase, challenge the idea of return on investment as a useful success measure, and look at real-world signs that a change has embedded or failed. Key Talking Points: Why ROI is often guesswork in finance transformation projects The gap between forecasted vs actual results, and how to adjust for change Why staff morale and adoption rates matter more than spreadsheets How to define success clearly from the start—but stay open to recalculating it The value of feedback loops and behavioural change as indicators of impact Using productivity gains and avoidance of future costs as valid measures Why listening to users post-implementation is a better gauge than ticking boxes Catch the latest episodes and more here: https://businessbreaks.club/episodes

In this episode of Business Breaks, Dante Healy and John Byrne dig into one of the most misunderstood parts of transformation—why people resist change. They break down the emotional and practical factors that drive resistance, discuss the importance of psychological safety, and highlight how habits and culture can block even the best-planned initiatives. This is Part 1 of a two-part series on Change Management. The focus here is on the people side of change: what drives resistance, how poor communication erodes trust, and why some well-intended employees push back—for reasons that aren't always selfish. Key Talking Points: The two main reasons why change fails: lack of communication and people feeling ignored The impact of change fatigue and constant reorganisation Real-world examples of resistance due to unspoken agreements, legacy workarounds, and cultural friction When resistance to change is actually about helping others, not self-preservation How to build trust through honesty, transparency, and follow-through Why culture trumps frameworks, and buzzwords without backing behaviour lead nowhere The role of project managers as behavioural leaders, not positional ones. Catch latest episodes and more here: https://businessbreaks.club/episodes

Welcome to Business Breaks. In this episode, Dante Healy and John Byrne tackle the art of influence without formal authority. They break down practical strategies for handling tough conversations, reading subtle cues, and guiding outcomes without direct control. Learn how to build confidence, guiding outcomes, and align stakeholder expectations while maintaining credibility. Whether you're managing up, across, or within your team, this episode equips you with the tools to amplify your impact. https://businessbreaks.club/episodes

In this episode of Business Breaks, co-hosts Dante Healy and John Byrne discuss effective communication strategies for project managers. They discuss why communication is a critical skill, how to shift from self-consciousness to situational awareness, and the art of influencing without formal authority. From managing high-stakes meetings to navigating tricky stakeholder dynamics, this episode offers practical insights and real-world examples to help project managers lead with clarity and confidence. Tune in to learn how mastering communication can make or break your project success. Find out more here: https://businessbreaks.club/

Why do project teams keep making the same mistakes? In this episode of Business Breaks, hosts Dante Healy and John Byrne dive into the real cost of ignoring lessons learned. Despite the potential to prevent failures, organisations repeatedly overlook past mistakes, leading to budget overruns and delays. Dante and John share first-hand experiences with poor knowledge management and discuss how better stakeholder engagement, resource planning, and risk management can break the cycle. Making lessons stick requires more than documentation—it demands cultural and systemic change. Tune in to uncover how to turn lessons learned into real project success. 🎧 Listen now at [https://businessbreaks.club/]

When Buzzwords and Bad Practices Wreck Real Results! Welcome to Business Breaks, hosted by Dante Healy and John Byrne. Agile was once the go-to framework for speed, adaptability, and innovation. But in many companies today, it’s not delivering on its promises. Instead, we see "Agile Theatre" - teams going through the motions without real agility. Terms like Fake Agile and Dark Agile have emerged to describe the misapplications that create more chaos than efficiency. In this episode, "How Misapplied Agile Fails" Dante and John cut through the noise. They discuss how short-term thinking leads to crippling technical debt, why poor governance and lack of discipline turn Agile into a free-for-all and how forcing Agile into the wrong projects does more harm than good. If your organisation is stuck in Agile frameworks that seem more like red tape than real progress, this episode is for you. Tune in to learn how to use Agile the right way- without falling for the hype.

In this episode of Business Breaks, hosts Dante Healy and John Byrne discuss the hidden reasons behind project delays and why many project teams overlook critical factors that contribute to failure. Key Themes Discussed: The Business Case Blind Spot: Many project managers fail to revisit the original business case, leading them to work with outdated assumptions. Business needs evolve, but projects often continue based on old forecasts rather than real-time insights. The Sunk Cost Trap: Companies hesitate to cancel failing projects because of the money already invested. However, strong project managers assess whether continued investment is still justified rather than persisting out of fear of wasted resources. The Brooks’ Law Dilemma: Adding more people to a late project often makes it even later. The hosts explain how resource ramp-ups create complexity, onboarding delays, and communication bottlenecks, which slow progress rather than accelerating it. Actionable Insights for Project Managers: Schedule quarterly business case reviews to ensure projects still align with business goals. Be transparent when a project no longer makes financial or strategic sense—stopping it can be a better decision than forcing completion. Instead of adding more people, focus on removing blockers and managing scope creep effectively. This episode takes a practical approach to project management, highlighting the importance of adaptability and decision-making based on real business value rather than rigid adherence to initial plans. Visit www.businessbreaks.club

Welcome back to Business Breaks! In today's episode, we're diving deep into a comprehensive review of Jira, the agile project management tool. Join our hosts John, John Byrne, and Dante Healy, along with special guest John Born, as we explore the ins and outs of using Jira from its security and compliance aspects to its robust data management and analytics capabilities. We’ll discuss its scalability and the financial implications of its tiered pricing structure, contrasting it with other tools like Smartsheet and MS Project. Our hosts will also share insights and ratings on Jira's customization flexibility, integration capabilities, and overall user experience, providing valuable takeaways for both beginners and experienced users. Don't miss this insightful discussion as we navigate the pros and cons, highlight key features, and analyze how Jira stacks up in the world of project management tools. Tune in, and let's break down Jira together! 

For more insightful episodes, visit the website here:

https://businessbreaks.club/

If you're interested in exploring lifetime deals please visit AppSumo's marketplace:

https://share.dantehealy.com/lifetimedeals 

Dante Healy, co-host of the popular podcast "Business Breaks" podcast has navigated through a multitude of projects and challenges in his career. Alongside his partner John Byrne, Dante has been balancing day jobs, side projects and significant administrative tasks that sprung up recently. Just over a month ago, he faced a major setback when their podcast hosting service, acquired through a lifetime deal, unexpectedly went out of business. This experience inspired the latest episode of their podcast, where Dante and John discuss the risks and rewards of software lifetime deals—a payment model offering one-time upfront payments instead of the traditional subscription. Through insightful storytelling and strategic thinking, Dante and John continues to engage and educate his audience about business nuances and practical implications.

For more insightful episodes, visit the website here: 

https://businessbreaks.club/

If you're interested in exploring lifetime deals please visit AppSumo's marketplace: 

https://share.dantehealy.com/lifetimedeals

Welcome to Business Breaks, the podcast where practical business tools and software solutions are put to the test. In today's episode, hosts John Byrne and Dante Healy dive into the world of project management tools with a detailed review of Smartsheet. Dante, an experienced user in digital transformation projects, shares his insights on the tool's integration capabilities, update frequency, subscription model and overall functionality. With a comprehensive breakdown of Smartsheet's strengths and weaknesses, this episode provides valuable insights for anyone considering this tool for their project management needs. Tune in as we explore the features, reliability, security, and scalability of Smartsheet and how it stacks up against other industry players in the market.