Managing Projects with Half Double - Half the Time or Double the Impact with Mattias Petrén

I sat down with longtime friend and fellow PMI volunteer Mattias Georgson Petrén to get schooled on Half Double, the Danish hybrid framework that has been around for over ten years but I only just learned about. Mattias walks through where it came from (a frustrated group of practitioners, industrial funding, and research backing from Aarhus University), what it promises — half the time or double the impact — and how it blends Agile cadence with the discipline of traditional, stage-based product management. We get into co-location, the 50% staffing rule, and why he treats Half Double as a lens layered on top of existing frameworks rather than a replacement for any of them. We close out with a conversation about where project managers fit into an AI-driven future that left me probably less worried than I've been about this in months.

drunkenpmradio · Managing Projects with Half Double - Half the Time Double the Impact with Mattias Petrén

Key Themes

• How Dave and Mattias met at a PMI chapter event in Malta back in 2008, and how that network led to real client work together
• Mattias's path from engineering physics PhD to "accidental" project manager
• The early days of Agile inside PMI circles, and the influence of conferences like Øredev
• What Half Double actually is: a hybrid method built on impact, flow, and leadership
• The origin story — Danish practitioners, an industrial fund, and Aarhus University research
• Why Half Double performs best on complex projects, not predictable, fully-plannable ones
• Co-location, the 50% staffing rule, and designing cadence into distributed teams
• Why Mattias treats Half Double as a set of lenses layered on top of an existing framework (PMI, PRINCE2, Scrum) rather than a replacement for one
• The "chasing tasks vs. chasing impact" trap that both traditional and Agile PMs fall into
• Where project managers fit in an AI-driven future — and why Mattias isn't worried

Chapters

00:00 The Value of Networking in Project Management

02:47 Mattias Petrén's Journey into Project Management

05:11 The Evolution of Agile in Project Management

07:47 Introduction to Half Double Methodology

10:47 Understanding the Half Double Framework

13:15 Hybrid Approaches in Project Management

16:03 Leadership and Co-location in Half Double

18:47 Embracing Chaos in Project Management

19:51 The Role of Project Owners

21:41 Understanding Project Impact and Stakeholder Management

23:44 Integrating Agile with Traditional Project Management

26:01 The Half Double Methodology Explained

29:23 The Future of Project Management in an AI-Driven World

Links from the Podcast

• Half Double Institute - https://halfdoubleinstitute.org
• PMI Agile 2026 https://agilealliance.org/pmi-agile-2026/
• Dave and John Tanner’s session at Agile 2026 When AI Starts Doing Your Job: Surviving the PM Identity Crisis https://tinyurl.com/23jc8uhs

Contact Mattias

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattiasgeorgsonpetren/

Email - mattias@georgson.com

The Journey from Project Manager to Chief of Staff with Darby Strong

In this conversation, Dave Prior and Darby Strong explore the transition from project management to the role of chief of staff, emphasizing the importance of interpersonal skills, empathy, and systems thinking. They discuss how experiences in the restaurant industry can shape effective project managers and the significance of creating a supportive work environment. The dialogue highlights the need for leaders to be aware of their impact on team dynamics and the importance of fostering a culture of collaboration and trust. In this conversation, Darby and Dave explore the nuances of leadership roles, particularly the differences between project managers and chiefs of staff. They discuss the importance of trust, courage, and the ability to absorb ambiguity in leadership. Darby shares her personal journey and insights on transitioning from project management to a chief of staff role, emphasizing the need for cooperation and systems thinking. The conversation also touches on the significance of taking action and the value of interdisciplinary approaches in effective leadership.

drunkenpmradio · The Journey from Project Manager to Chief of Staff with Darby Strong

 Takeaways

• The restaurant experience provides valuable skills for project management.
• Effective project managers are often generalists with a systems thinking approach.
• Communication and empathy are crucial in leadership roles.
• Creating a supportive environment helps teams thrive.
• The role of chief of staff involves strategic partnership with leadership.
• Project managers can influence organizational culture positively.
• Understanding team dynamics is essential for effective leadership.
• Compassion for leaders can enhance team performance.
• Interdependence is key in collaborative work environments.
• Project managers should focus on nurturing both teams and leadership.
• Chiefs of staff need to absorb ambiguity for clarity.
• Building trust takes time and consistent effort.
• Courage to be candid is crucial in leadership roles.
• Project managers can transition to chief of staff roles with the right mindset.
• Creating systems for cooperation is essential in leadership.
• Influence is a key skill for project managers and scrum masters.
• Taking action can help overcome inertia and open new opportunities.
• Interdisciplinary approaches can enhance leadership effectiveness.
• Understanding natural systems is vital for effective project management.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:58 The Restaurant Experience and Project Management

06:03 The Importance of People in Project Management

08:56 Transitioning from Project Management to Chief of Staff

12:04 The Role of a Chief of Staff

14:53 Navigating Leadership and Team Dynamics

18:02 Empathy and Perspective in Leadership

25:26 Interdependence Day: A Unique Celebration

26:10 Traits of a Chief of Staff vs. Project Manager

30:12 Building Trust and Courage in Leadership

32:23 Absorbing Ambiguity: The Role of a Chief of Staff

33:20 Transitioning from Project Management to Chief of Staff

35:15 Creating Systems for Cooperation

37:12 The Influence of Project Managers and Scrum Masters

41:56 Taking Action: Overcoming Inertia

43:42 Interdisciplinary Approaches in Leadership

Contacting Darby

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darbystrong/

Integrating AI into Scrum Teams: Insights with Claudio Lassala

Discover how AI can be seamlessly incorporated into Scrum teams to enhance productivity, storytelling, and problem-solving. Claudio Lassala shares real-world experiences of leveraging AI to fill skill gaps, automate tasks, and scale solutions, challenging traditional notions of team roles and developer identities.

Key Insights:

• The importance of teaching AI your principles for better, personalized outcomes

• AI's role in automating routine tasks allows developers to focus on high-value stakeholder engagement

• Emphasizing a solution-oriented mindset rather than coding as an identity

• Managing resistance by framing AI as a problem-solving partner, not a threat

• Continuous re-skilling and mindset shifts needed for teams to thrive with AI

• Leaders should focus on enabling their teams to leverage AI ethically and effectively

 

drunkenpmradio · How AI is Transforming Scrum Teams - Practical Strategies from Claudio Lassala

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and Claudio's background in IT and agile coaching

02:21 - How AI is integrated into Scrum teams

03:45 - Using AI to write user stories and acceptance criteria

05:24 - The importance of conversations and stories in Agile

07:01 - Teaching AI to reflect team principles and critique solutions

08:15 - Addressing fears of losing roles with AI integration

09:42 - Resistance from team members and how to approach it

11:08 - Demonstrating productivity gains with AI-driven planning

12:13 - Balancing automation with the human touch in problem-solving

15:03 - Clarifying misconceptions about AI automating all tasks

16:38 - Managing detailed task decomposition with AI

18:04 - The evolution of developer roles and knowledge retention

20:17 - Using analogies like cars with carburetors to explain technological shifts

21:34 - Passion projects and opportunities AI unlocks

23:29 - How AI might change the identity of developers

26:38 - The need for continuous retraining and knowledge updating

29:43 - Supporting team members in adapting to AI tools

33:01 - Leadership strategies for leveraging AI ethically and effectively

36:16 - Personal storytelling: AI in content creation and blogging

37:04 - Claudio’s favorite guitar solo and closing thoughts

Contact Claudio

• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiolassala/

• Web / Blog https://lassala.net/

• Improving https://www.improving.com/profile/claudio-lassala/

Mastering AI in Business - RAG vs CAG with Braden Cundiff

Braden Cundiff joins Dave to explore some of the emerging ways  AI tools can be used to support project management, including RAG and CAG approaches. During the interview they cover what they are, how they are different, and how they can transform organizational processes. The discussion covers practical applications, ethical considerations, and strategies for learning AI effectively.

Key Topics

• Differences between RAG and CAG in AI
• Practical applications of AI in project management
• Ethical considerations in AI deployment
• Strategies for learning and adopting AI technologies

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to AI in Project Management

00:55 Meet the Expert: Brayden Cundiff and BloomFilter

01:56 BloomFilter's Role in AI and SDLC Integration

03:52 AI as a Scrum Master: Enhancing Agile Processes

05:09 Limitations of ChatGPT for Project Contexts

05:37 Understanding RAG and CAG Approaches

18:27 Differences Between RAG and CAG Explained

23:05 Implementing CAG for Consistent AI Responses

29:01 Security, Bias, and Ethical Considerations in AI

34:06 Learning AI: Resources and Strategies

42:46 Closing Remarks and Next Steps

LInks

• AI Ready for PMs - One Day Accelerator https://www.beforeaiready.com/
• BloomFilter AI - https://bloomfilter.ai

Contacting Braden

• Braden’s Book - Flip: Projects to Products: A Problem Playbook https://tinyurl.com/599y6fpf
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/braden-cundiff-52479121/

Mastering Troubled Projects: Strategies from Richard Broo

In this insightful interview, Richard Broo shares his expertise on managing troubled projects, the importance of scope and risk management, and how traditional and agile methodologies can be effectively integrated. Learn practical strategies to improve project success and navigate the complexities of modern project management.

Click here to watch the video version

Click here to listen to the audio version

Navigating AI in Business Strategy with John Tanner

In this conversation, John Tanner discusses the evolving role of AI in business strategy, emphasizing the need for leaders to understand AI's impact on their organizations. He highlights the challenges of integrating AI, the importance of data management, and the necessity for project managers to adapt their skills in the face of new technologies. Tanner also introduces his course on AI readiness, which aims to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the AI landscape effectively.

Watch the video version here.

Listen to the audio version here.

Navigating Uncertainty: Preparing for Success in 2026 with Johanna Rothman and Mark Kilby

In this episode of the Reluctant Agilist, host Dave Prior welcomes Mark Kilby and Johanna Rothman to discuss their reflections and plans for the new year. The conversation begins with a candid admission from Dave about feeling lost in setting goals for 2026, prompting Johanna to suggest a shift in focus from preparing for risks to preparing for success. The trio explores the importance of collaboration and the need to let go of what hinders progress, particularly in the context of AI and its implications for project management. They emphasize the necessity of resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing world, advocating for a more positive outlook on success rather than a fear-based approach to risk management.

As the discussion unfolds, they delve into the challenges posed by generative AI, the importance of trust in technology, and the need for personal and organizational resilience. The episode culminates in a reflection on the significance of collaboration and the value of learning from one another, highlighting the importance of community in navigating the complexities of modern work environments. Ultimately, the conversation serves as a reminder to focus on personal growth, inclusivity, and the pursuit of meaningful connections in both professional and personal spheres.

The video version of this podcast is here

The audio version of this podcast is here

You Need Comms More Than You Think with Ashley Lucio

In this conversation, Dave Prior speaks with Ashley Lucio about her extensive experience in communications, particularly focusing on the differences between internal communications and marketing. They discuss the challenges organizations face in deploying AI technologies and the importance of having communication professionals involved in these processes. Ashley emphasizes the need for effective communication strategies to manage organizational change and the potential pitfalls of neglecting this aspect. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of AI in communications and the necessity for a balanced approach that leverages technology while maintaining human insight.

The podcast is here: https://tinyurl.com/42h5evwd

No One Is Coming to Save You - Johanna Rothman Takes Over DrunkenPM

Johanna Rothman offered to interview Stuart Young and me about our new book 'No One Is Coming to Save You'. This was only my second time handing over the podcast to someone and it was a gerat interview. 

If you are curious about the book, you can check the interview here.

Revolutionizing Team Coordination with Steady featuring Henry Poydar

In this conversation, Henry Poydar joins Dave on the podcast to discuss the innovative platform Steady, which aims to enhance team coordination and communication in the workplace. Henry shares his extensive background in engineering and web development, emphasizing the importance of context and intentions in project management. They explore the challenges of cross-team coordination, especially in the wake of the pandemic, and how Steady seeks to unburden teams from the coordination crisis. The discussion also highlights the concept of 'echoes' as a new way to provide contextual insights and the significance of celebrating individual contributions within teams. Overall, the conversation sheds light on the future of work and the role of technology in fostering collaboration and productivity.

You can find the podcast here.

Navigating Your Job Search in the Age of AI with Ed Stockwell

Looking for work is never easy but if you work in IT, Project Management or Agile and you're looking for a gig this may totally feel like the darkest timeline.

In this conversation, Ed Stockwell joins drunkenpm to discuss the current challenges in the job market, particularly for those in project management and Agile roles. Ed and Dave explore the importance of networking, volunteering, and maintaining mental health during the job search process. Ed shares his experiences and strategies for navigating the job landscape, including leveraging AI tools, the significance of community support, and the necessity of clarity in job seeking. They also touch on the importance of personal routines and the role of physical activity in maintaining a positive mindset. Throughout the discussion, Ed emphasizes the value of being of service to others and the power of relationships in finding new opportunities.

You can find the interview here.

(Re)Defining Project Success with Dennis Stevens

PMI has redefined how we measure Project Success. OrgWright's Dennis Stevens joins drunkenPM Radio for a discussion on how to interpret and apply this at the project and organizational level.

In this conversation, Dave Prior and Dennis Stevens explore the evolving definition of project success as outlined in PMI's recent report. They discuss the implications of this new definition, emphasizing the need for continuous transformation in organizations and the role of project managers in delivering value. The conversation also touches on the importance of reducing friction in project management, the impact of AI on the profession, and the necessity for project managers to navigate the political landscape of project success. Ultimately, they highlight the need for project managers to adapt to a rapidly changing environment and the skills required to thrive in this new landscape.

You can check out the interview here: 
https://www.projectmanagement.com/blog-post/78332/-re-defining-project-success-with-dennis-stevens

How to update Jira without using Jira

I did an interview with Preston Hunter from Lucid about using the Lucid tools with Jira. It has bidirectional sync, which I am sure is very helpful for those who struggle with Jira. The best part though is that in Lucidl you can look at the data any way you like - in a Kanban board OR a Gantt chart. This could make it so much easier to report to the people upstairs.

You can watch the podcast here:

https://www.projectmanagement.com/blog-post/78177/using-lucid-to-update-jira-with-preston-hunter

Is Your Team Operating At Its' Full Potential? w/ Brett Harned and Greg Storey from Same Team Partners

In this conversation, Dave Prior, Brett Harned, and Greg Storey discuss the importance of creating a humane workspace through effective communication and collaboration. They share their backgrounds, the founding of Same Team Partners, and the significance of addressing communication issues within teams. The discussion highlights the need for leaders to be trained in facilitating meaningful conversations and the role of Team Angle in diagnosing and improving team dynamics. The conversation emphasizes the importance of empathy, cultural understanding, and creating a safe environment for teams to thrive. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the importance of understanding and communicating company values, the necessity of documentation and effective communication within teams, and the role of visualization in work processes. They emphasize creating safe spaces for team discussions, empowering teams through inclusivity, and the need for transformation at the team level rather than just implementing new processes. The conversation highlights the challenges leaders face in fostering a healthy team culture and the significance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration to improve team dynamics.

Video: https://tinyurl.com/3fpuzccc

Audio: https://on.soundcloud.com/1Ws8j1m5acwExqan8

Overcoming Fear as a Non-Techical Project Manager with Kay Keizer

 

The 2024 Digital PM Summit is just days away and Kay Keizer will be there leading a session called "Leading with Confidence: Overcoming Fear as a Non-technical Project Manager".  In this interview, she shares a few key takeaways from her DPM Summit presentation.

You can find the video version of the interview here.

You can find the audio version of the interview here.

Unleashing the Power of Project Management with Val Hinze

Mighty Citizen's Val Hinze joins the podcast to offer a preview of her upcoming 2024 Digital PM Summit Talk "Unleashing the Power of Project Management: A Path to Scalable Growth"

You can watch the video interview here

You can listen to an audio version here

The 2024 Digital PM Summit will take happen in Austin, TX on October 14-15, 2024. To learn more about the Summit and come attend Val's talk go here: https://bureauofdigital.com/event/digital-pm-summit-2024

Leading Creative Teams Through Change with Sara Doubleday

 Sara Doubleday offers some tips from her upcoming session at the 2024 Digital PM Summit. 

Summary

In this conversation, Dave Prior and Sara Doubleday discuss the complexities of managing change within creative teams, the integration of AI in creative processes, and the importance of maintaining human connections in a remote work environment. Sara shares her experiences with team mergers, the challenges of efficiency versus human connection, and the need for a supportive agency culture that fosters collaboration and creativity. The discussion highlights the nuances of change management and the significance of treating team members as individuals rather than mere processes.

The video version of the podcast is here

The audio version of the podcast is here

An interview with Jimi Fosdick of Fearless Agility

Fearless Agility's Jimi Fosdick is back! 

If you don't know Jimi, you should definitely listen to this. 

If you do know Jimi, and are curious about why he wants to cause physical harm to Henry Gantt, you should listen to this. 

There are very few people who can truly exist in both traditional and agile spaces with the same degree of ease.

And even in that small crowd, there is no one like Jimi Fosdick.

You can find the interview here

Successful Independent Consulting with Johanna Rothman

Johanna Rothman is one of my favorite people to interview and in this episode, she’s back to talk about her new book Successful Independent Consulting: Relationships That Focus on Mutual Benefit. The book is full of insights and practical tips not just for consultants but anyone looking to establish themself and make their presence known in their profession. The conversation also covers the book she published last year, Free Your Inner Nonfiction Writer: Educate, Influence, and Entertain Your Readers because a big part of making your presence known is making sure your voice is heard. 

Video: https://bit.ly/3PMRCV6

Audio: https://on.soundcloud.com/7AKm9

The Art of War with Gary Gagliardi

In the classes I teach and the podcasts I record I talk frequently about how deeply Sun Tzu’s The Art of War has impacted the way I understand the opportunities that show up in my life. Once you get past the title, you can begin to understand how it is really a book about collaboration. I have MANY translations of the Art of War in my apartment but none of them have reshaped my brain as profoundly as the ones by Gary Gagliardi. His book The Amazing Secrets of Sun Tzu's The Art of War: The Mysteries of History's Most Powerful Strategy helped me to understand the work on a completely different level and was the basis for my Five Measures Canvas tool.

And, he is the guest on this episode of the podcast!!!!

You can listen to the interview here.