Episode description

In this episode we speak to Eileen Roden, Director and Co-Founder of House of PMO and all-around PMO enthusiast - with a tattoo to prove it.

Eileen begins by discussing the history of House of PMO. She then shares how she defines the PMO role itself, and we learn that PMO’s can now be considered a career in its own right - or at minimum, a development opportunity. Eileen suggests that PMOs provide “incremental delivery of value into organizations.” She discusses how the role of PMO has moved from its original function as project support; and that in some organizations, PMOs operate at a strategic level. In Eileen's words the role is about “establishing best practice, and working with senior executives to ensure organizations are working on the right projects.”

Eileen further addresses some of the common challenges PMO'ers face. She reveals that one reoccurring challenge is the clarity of language across the industry, which she feels might be due to the varying nature of the role. Additionally, Eileen discusses the absence of discourse and training for all levels of PMO roles, which the House of PMO have resolved with their essentials suite of courses that range from Administrator to Director levels. 

We also consider whether PMOs are only relevant to larger organizations. Eileen suggests that in today’s climate, it's arguably difficult to find organizations that aren’t working on projects, and as a result, the role of PMO is highly sought after in all organizations - both large and small.

Finally, Eileen reveals what she would've liked to have known when starting out in her career. Eileen states that “all PMOs have a half-life;” and that you cannot rely on the same approach in every organization.

Listen in to find out more tips from Eileen Roden, our leading expert of the week.

Links:
🔗 Connect with Eileen: linkedin.com/in/ejroden
📝 Find out more about how a House of PMO Essentials certification can improve your organization: apmg-international.com/product/house-pmo-essentials
📝 Find out more about House of PMO: houseofpmo.com
📝 Find out more about APMG Certifications: apmg-international.com/services/certifications-solutions