Hope is NOT a Plan

You're a Project Manager and You Don't Even Know It

Kevin Pannell — Sat, 23 Nov 2024 09:04:00 -0500

I originally recorded "You're a Project Manager and You Don't Even Know It" in October 2020. I'm re-releasing it based on a message I received on Reddit from a Teacher looking to transition into Project Management.

Find the Project Management Experience Tracker on my website at https://hopeisnotaplan.org/tools/

A Virtual Wellness Check In

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 22 Nov 2024 14:16:00 -0500

Hey there, friend. It’s Kevin. Welcome back to the Hope is NOT a Plan podcast. Today, I want to have a little check-in with you. It’s like a virtual wellness consult, just you and me.

And if you're looking for some resources to help you work through any challenges you might be facing, head over to our website at hopeisnotaplan.org. We've got a whole toolkit of tips, tricks, and inspiration to keep you moving forward. Want to check in directly? Follow me and the show on @hopesnotaplan on X and Instagram. View workouts, cold plunge, and Jiu Jitsu videos on the Hope is NOT a Plan YouTube channel.

Navigating Life’s Seasons: Beyond Hopeful Thinking | S2EP9

Kevin Pannell — Mon, 04 Nov 2024 18:05:00 -0500

"For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted…" - Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

It is said that Ecclesiastes was written by King Solomon in response to Proverbs in the Bible. In it, King Solomon’s point is that life is not so simple as to fear God and choose wisdom. While important, it is also vital for us to go through journeys, hardships, and seasons, if you will.

In this episode, we'll discuss the importance of understanding and embracing these seasons and provide actionable tips for navigating them effectively.

Accept and acknowledge what season of life we are in
Embrace that season without too much harsh self-judgement
Get to planning and prepare for the next season

Thank you all for listening, subscribing, and sharing the podcast with someone you think this may help.

Stay safe, accept, and move through your seasons of life with hope as fuel and action as a transformative force, and I wish you all Godspeed.

Five Workouts You Can Knock Out in 10 Minutes or Less | Fitness Friday 5

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 09:21:35 -0400

Often, it feels like we don’t have time to exercise. We have to get the kids ready for school, or we have an early meeting, or maybe we’re traveling early. On today’s Fitness Friday, Five Workouts You Can Knock Out in 10 Minutes or Less, I’m sharing five quick and effective workouts you can squeeze in in ten minutes or less.

Tabata
100 burpees
High-rep resistance bands
Run 1 mile for time
10 minutes of mindfulness

Learn more about how to build your body, mind, and spirit at hopeisnotaplan.org, follow me on IG and X @hopesnotaplan, and visit the Hope is NOT a Plan YouTube channel for fitness, Jiu Jitsu, and cold plunge videos.

Thanks again and remember to get up, get after it each day, and I wish you all, Godspeed.

Post-Traumatic Growth After Cancer | S2EP8

Kevin Pannell — Mon, 28 Oct 2024 16:41:00 -0400

Hello and welcome, I’m Kevin Pannell with this episode of the Hope is NOT a Plan podcast, Thriving After Cancer: A Journey of Post-Traumatic Growth. In today’s episode I’ll share what post-traumatic growth is, how it differs from resiliency, and more specifically, how cancer survivors and their families can take actionable steps to turn adversity into opportunity and emerge stronger than ever.

Embrace your emotions
Build your support network
Set meaningful goals
Practice gratitude
Embrace lifelong learning

Stay safe, embrace a growth mindset, and Godspeed,

Kevin

Humans Are Meant to Do Hard Sh&t | Fitness Friday 4

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 25 Oct 2024 09:05:00 -0400

Marcus Aurelius said, "It is not death that a man should fear, but rather he should fear never beginning to live."

So, how are you living? Are you living in total comfort? Is that comfort preparing you for tough times that may come? I submit it is not. I submit to you that making yourself get up and get after it in some form, whether Yoga, weights, Jiu Jitsu, etc., will prepare your mind, body, and spirit for challenges life WILL throw are you.

Get up
Get after it
Godspeed

Kevin

Sometimes People Just Need Pizza and Port-o-Johns | S2EP7

Kevin Pannell — Sun, 20 Oct 2024 16:40:00 -0400

So, in my early incident management career as a Planning Section Chief, I'd go with other people after disasters, help find missing people, or plan big sporting events. I was super rigid in the methodology and the tools we used, and I had to hit every step. I was wrong. Fortunately, good friends of mine helped me realize that sometimes we don't need to work on the whole process; we need to meet the needs of those in front of us. This is where Sometimes People Just Need Pizza and Port-o-Johns comes in.

In this episode, I share how to:

Focus on relationships first
Align the team on outcomes second
Combine and align processes third
Work together on the how fourth
Lastly, set the team loose to get shit done

Until next time...

- Stay safe

- Focus on relationships, then outcomes, then on the shared process

- And Godspeed y’all

Kevin

Lessons from the Roman Mob for Project Managers

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 18 Oct 2024 08:59:00 -0400

In Lessons from the Roman Mob and for Project Stakeholders I talk about how around 52BC, the Roman mob was comprised of Plebeians as they were called or working class people. Individually they weren't that powerful, but together, they created a mob that changed the Roman empire. In projects, our stakeholders can start to sew dissent like the Roman mob did.

So, how do we address the mob mentality we see building in project teams and redirect that energy into efficient and collaborative work?

Listen to hear the mob
Determine where there are truths and where there is false information
Address rudeness and unprofessionalism early
Escalate if needed
Re-baseline the team and move on

Just as Pompey in ancient Rome quelled the mob, so too can modern project leaders restore order and ensure the project's ultimate success.

How to Transition from Rescue to Recovery from Hurricane Helene | S2 EP05

Kevin Pannell — Sun, 06 Oct 2024 12:55:00 -0400

I’m Kevin Pannell, Host of the Hope is NOT a Plan podcast. I am an IT Healthcare Project Management Office leader with a background in Public Safety, Special Event planning, and Incident Management and disaster response. In this episode, Hurricane Helene SITREP as of 06OCT2024, I'm providing a numerical snapshot of the impact of Hurricane Helene, the importance of shifting operations and mindset from rescue to recovery mode, and three opportunities for improvement I've observed from afar as a former Planning Section Chief on an All-Hazards Incident Management Team (AHIMT).

How you can help:

General Guidance
Contact the State Emergency Management agency
Cash is king
Shelf stable food
Water
Volunteer
State Emergency Management Contacts
North Carolina: https://www.ncdps.gov/how-to-donate
South Carolina: https://www.scemd.org/news/hurricane-helene-cleanup-in-south-carolina/
Georgia: https://gema.georgia.gov/hurricane-helene
Florida: https://www.floridadisaster.org/disaster-updates/storm-updates/
Tennessee: https://www.tn.gov/tema/updates/hurricane-helene.html
Virginia: https://www.vaemergency.gov/recover/hurricane-helene

Thank you to all those that stepped up and stepped into harm's way to help their fellow Americans. Godspeed to the survivors and the fallen. God bless America.

Hurricane Helene: What You Need to Know About Disaster Response | Emergency Response Series 01

Kevin Pannell — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 16:41:17 -0400

In What You Need to Know About Disaster Response, I provide my insight as a former Firefighter-EMT and Incident Management Team (IMT) member on the early impact of Hurricane Helene, what should be happening on the ground in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, and how listeners can help those affected by Hurricane Helene.

Focus areas:

Search and Rescue (SAR)
Public Safety and Environmental Hazards
Mass Care and Sheltering
Infrastructure Assessment and Repair
Communication and Coordination

“We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” – 2 Corinthians 4:89

Stay safe people of TN, NC, and VA, don’t give up and help each other, and Godspeed,

Kevin

Comic Book Superheroes and Project Managers | S2EP4

Kevin Pannell — Sun, 29 Sep 2024 16:07:00 -0400

Have you ever wondered what superheroes and project managers have in common? While they may seem worlds apart, there are surprising parallels between the challenges they face and the strategies they employ. In this episode, Parallels Between Comic Book Superheroes and Project Managers, we'll explore five key areas where comic book heroes and project managers share similarities, from problem-solving and leadership to resource management and communication. By understanding these parallels, we can gain valuable insights into effective project management techniques and the qualities that make great leaders.

more at hopeisnotaplan.org

Stay safe, leverage your inner superhero, and Godspeed,

Kevin

Thought from the Road: How to Convert fitness Determinants into Motivational Drivers

Kevin Pannell — Sat, 28 Sep 2024 11:21:00 -0400

This week, I was fortunate to hear from a leader who innovates in changing social determinants of health to social drivers of health. In Thought from the Road: How to Convert Fitness Determinants into Motivational Drivers, I take this guidance to heart and see that it directly applies to ourselves in our fitness and wellness areas.

more at hopeisnotaplan.org

How to Prepare for and Push Through Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) | S2EP3

Kevin Pannell — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 07:57:00 -0400

“Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that's related to seasonal changes. SAD typically begins in the fall and ends in the spring. Symptoms of SAD may include feeling sad, having low energy, overeating, and sleeping too much.” - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

In this episode, How to Prepare for and Push Through Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), we will discuss the importance of hope and action to prepare for and overcome seasonal depression.

Episode outline:

Importance of sunlight
Value of exercise
Cleaner diet
Social connections
Talking to others

Stay safe, prepare to be less SAD, and Godspeed,

Kevin

More at hopeisnotaplan.org

How to Fit Fitness into a Busy Schedule | Fitness Friday 3

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 08:52:00 -0400

If you want to Lower your risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes, improve bone health, and have an overall better quality of life, you’ll make regular fitness part of your life.

Join me on How to Fit Fitness into a Busy Schedule as I share three tips to help you make fitness part of who you are, not just something you do.

Prioritize exercise like you do the Dentist
Incorporate activity throughout your day
Find exercise movements you enjoy doing

Get up, get after it, and Godspeed,

Kevin

More at hopeisnotaplan.org

How to Solve the Resource Allocation Riddle | S2EP2

Kevin Pannell — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 09:21:00 -0400

In How to Solve the Resource Allocation Riddle, I share three planning elements that will help Program Managers, Project Managers, and Team Leaders more effectively plan for, coordinate, and support the resources on their projects.

Conduct thorough resource planning and forecasting
Optimize resource utilization through effective time management and prioritization
Develop a contingency plan for resource shortages

Stay safe, take care of your resources, and Godspeed.

More at hopeisnotaplan.org

Three Nutrition Myths Debunked | Fitness Friday 2

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 12:16:06 -0400

In Three Nutrition Myths Debunked, I debunk common nutrition myths that often trip up people working hard to lose weight and stay in shape.

Myth 1: You can never drink diet soda
Myth 2: All carbs are bad
Myth 3: Low-fat means healthy

More resources, show notes, tools, and templates at hopeisnotaplan.org

Remember to get up, get after it, and I wish you all, Godspeed.

Kevin

How to Tame the Scope Creep Monster | S2EP1

Kevin Pannell — Sun, 08 Sep 2024 17:47:00 -0400

In How to Tame the Scope Creep Monster, I share three key actions Program Managers, Project Managers, and Team Leaders should take to keep the scope on track while leaving room for team and life dynamics to drive the customer's needs.

Define and communicate the scope early
Establish a clear and dynamic change control process
Prioritize customer needs and set clear expectations

Stay safe, visit hopeisnotaplan.org, subscribe, and Godspeed.

Overcoming Gym Intimidation | Fitness Friday 01

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 11:16:00 -0400

Are you nervous about starting an exercise program? Does going to a "globo-gym" fill you with dread? On this inaugural episode of Fitness Friday I share three tips you can follow to get started on your fitness path with or without getting a gym membership.

More at https://hopeisnotaplan.org/strengthen-your-pillars/

Get up
Get after it
Subscribe
Godspeed

Welcome to Season Two of the Hope is NOT a Plan Podcast

Kevin Pannell — Sun, 01 Sep 2024 12:13:00 -0400

Welcome back to the Hope is NOT a Plan podcast! I'm your host, Kevin Pannell. I’m a veteran of the US Navy, Public Safety in Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Public Health and Healthcare, and Information Technology spaces. In this second season, I’ll dive deep into the challenges of program and project management. I’ll identify a problem, discuss the hope, and provide actionable planning steps that will empower you to tackle these challenges head-on.

I'll also keep you motivated with Fitness Friday segments. These short, but impactful five minute or less episodes will offer tips to keep your mind and body healthy to help you stay ready to lead teams and drive organizational success.

More resources, episodes, and a way to contact me at hopeisnotaplan.org.

Until then, remember, while hope ignites, it’s action that transforms.

Godspeed and thank you for listening,

Kevin

August Adjournment - See You in September!

Kevin Pannell — Mon, 05 Aug 2024 10:18:59 -0400

I'm taking this moment to express my sincere gratitude for all of you who have been listening, sharing, and supporting the Hope is NOT a Plan podcast.

Last month, we reached a milestone of 414 downloads, bringing our total to over 2.1k! That's more than 100 high school classrooms worth of listeners! And the best part? Our retention rate is an amazing 84%, which means you're not just listening, you're actually engaged and getting value from every episode. I'm truly humbled and excited to be on this journey with you all.

And let's not forget our YouTube channel! We've hit 454k views and 679 subscribers! Thank you for spreading the word and sharing our content with your friends and family.

Thank you for being an amazing part of this community. I can't wait to see what we accomplish together in the coming months. Until then, take some time for yourself, recharge, and come back ready to conquer your goals. Remember, hope is not a plan, but a good plan can bring hope.

Stay safe, wash your hands, and Godspeed,

Kevin

How to Take More Ownership at Work | Episode 24

Kevin Pannell — Sun, 28 Jul 2024 16:33:00 -0400

In today’s episode, The Top 5 Reasons Taking Ownership at Work is Hard, let's explore why owning our situation at work is the crucial first step towards improving ourselves, our teams, and our organizations. But first…

Episode references:

- Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin

- Unfu*k Yourself by Gary John Bishop

- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

- Joyce Meyer’s Enjoying Everyday Life Radio Podcast

Stay safe out there, take ownership and start moving forward, and Godspeed,

Kevin

How to Complete a Project YOU Self-Check | Five-Minute Friday 19

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 16:43:00 -0400

On today’s Five-Minute Friday,How to Complete a Project YOU Self-Check, I’m checking in. We’ll recap how you can lead the most important project ever: Project YOU!

In this episode:

Review of Project YOU phases
Checking in with yourself
Refining your focus
Self-accountability and support
Making Project YOU a Lifelong Program

Stay safe, invest in yourself, and Godspeed.

How to Plan for Project YOU! | Episode 23

Kevin Pannell — Mon, 22 Jul 2024 15:45:00 -0400

In today’s episode, How to Plan for Project YOU!, I will walk the listener through standard project phases, but with a twist. Today, the project is not new software or some new gadget. Today, the project is Project YOU!

In this episode:

YOUR personal intake process
Initiating Project You
Planning for Action
Executing the Project You plan
Monitoring Project You progress
Closing...there is NO closing

Godspeed y'all.

How Rudyard Kipling's "If" Applies to 2024 America | Five-Minute Friday 18

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 19 Jul 2024 09:12:00 -0400

I'm re-sharing my custom version of Rudyard Kipling's "If" with focus on 2024 America.

How to Make Our Nation's Biggest Events Safer | Episode 22

Kevin Pannell — Sun, 14 Jul 2024 22:17:00 -0400

I've been involved in a couple of National Special Security Events (NSSEs). To say planning for these events is challenging is an understatement. In this episode, How to Make Our Nation's Biggest Events Safer, I share insight on how Federal, State, and Local agencies can and should work together to keep each other, the public, and their public figures safer.

The Ground Rules:

Safety above all
No egos
No silos
One planning process
One planning team
One incident action plan (IAP)
Hope is NOT a Plan

This episode is dedicated to Firefighter Corey Comperatore, who died shielding his family, and to David Dutch and James Copenhaver, who are recovering from their injuries.

Godspeed.

How to Shepherd Your Lost Team Members | Five-Minute Friday 17

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 12 Jul 2024 08:56:00 -0400

Today's episode, The Parable of the Lost Team Member, is inspired by the Parable of the Lost Sheep in Luke 15 in the Bible. While no human can ever life up to Jesus' example, we an aspire to emulate his concern and effort to take care of the one lost member of the team as much as we do about the other ninety-nine members.

"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?" - Luke 15

How Project Managers Can Wield a Shepherd’s Crook | Episode 21

Kevin Pannell — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 09:17:00 -0400

In this episode, How Project Managers Can Wield a Shepherd’s Crook, I’m sharing how Project Managers can redirect the lost flock, or stakeholders, which can become lost during projects.

The Flock:

Scope: The Wandering Sheep
Schedule: The Lost Sheep
Cost: The Indecisive Sheep
Quality: The Half-Shorn Sheep

Stay safe, keep the flock moving in one direction, and Godspeed,

Kevin

How to be imperturbable like Ulysses S. Grant | Five-Minute Friday 16

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 05 Jul 2024 10:32:00 -0400

Even facing battlefield chaos, Ulysses S. Grant remained unshakable. Want that same unshakeable calm? In this episode, How to be imperturbable like Ulysses S. Grant, Kevin Pannell shares three focus areas you can practice bringing more steadiness to your stressful times. Discover how mindfulness, stoicism, and faith can help you achieve imperturbability and navigate life's challenges with greater ease.

How The Battle of Gettysburg is a Leadership Masterclass | From the Archives

Kevin Pannell — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 10:56:00 -0400

The Battle of Gettysburg took place from July 1 to July 3, 1863. In Leadership Lessons from the Battle of Gettysburg, I share what I learned by touring the battlefield in 2019 as part of a Staff Ride leadership development course.

Lessons include:

Flexibility
Indecision
Ego
Poor communication
PACE Contingency Planning

Thank you for listening to this From the Archives episode. I hope the lessons I shared help you as much as they helped me shape my professional career.

How my Dad Faced Death with a Courageous Heart | Five-Minute Friday 15

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 10:54:00 -0400

This week my family and I are gathering to remember my Father's life and legacy. As I prepared myself, I recalled my Father's last week on Earth. I was reminded that we don't have to be a Viking, climb a mountain, or enter a boxing match to show courage. We, as regular people, can show courage every day.

In this Five-Minute Friday,

How these Nine Noble Viking Virtues Can Make You a Better Project Manager | From the Archives

Kevin Pannell — Sun, 23 Jun 2024 12:07:00 -0400

Sharing how Incident Management Team Members and Project Managers can apply the nine Viking virtues of Courage, Truth, Honor, Fidelity, Discipline, Hospitality, Industriousness, Self-Reliance, and Perseverance to fieldwork and in the board room.

Project Manager application:

Courage -> Speaking up for the end user
Truth -> Reporting objective project status
Honor -> Taking ownership of team mistake
Fidelity -> Loyalty to the team's work
Discipline -> Working a combined process
Hospitality -> Welcome team member feedback
Industriousness -> Innovating and iterating your style
Self-Reliance -> Ability to work autonomously
Perseverance -> Pushing through the dog days of the project

Stay safe, lead like a Viking and Godspeed,

Kevin

Kevin Pannell, PMP, CSM, Prosci | Host of the Hope is NOT a Plan podcast and YouTube channel | X & IG: @hopesnotaplan | https://hopesnotaplan.org

*Originally recorded and released in May 2020*

How the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps Got Started | From the Archives

Kevin Pannell — Sat, 22 Jun 2024 18:21:00 -0400

My beloved U.S. Navy Hospital Corps just celebrated its 126th birthday. I served as a Corpsman from 1994 to 2000. My time as a Corpsman was hard and worth every blood-covered, puke-smelling, trauma-inducing moment.

Hooyah Navy, and Happy belated birthday to my Corpsman shipmates.

“Throughout history, corpsmen have been awarded 22 Medals of Honor, 174 Navy Crosses, 31 Distinguished Service Medals, 946 Silver Stars, and 1,582 Bronze Stars for heroics under fire.” - Chief Hospital Corpsman Xavier Perezmendez

*Originally recorded in March 2020*

How Jonas Salk Used the Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) Cycle to Cure Polio | Five-Minute Friday 14

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 21 Jun 2024 15:12:00 -0400

In this episode, How Jonas Salk Used the Plan, Do, Study, Act (PDSA) Cycle to Cure Polio, I evaluate the actions Jonas Salk took to develop the world-changing polio vaccine and how they parallel and exemplify the Plan Do Study Act or "PDSA" cycle used in scientific and medical studies. Further, I share how we can each implement PDSA in personal and professional areas of our lives.

Salk and PDSA:

How he planned:
Altered his initial influenza vaccine techniques to address polio with the killed virus vaccine concept
How he did:
Salk wrote numerous papers that raised awareness and funds for polio vaccine development
How he studied:
Reviewed and studied the reaction of the vaccine in over a million-volunteer test subjects
How he acted
He stuck with his concepts, reduced polio instances by ~80%, and expanded polio vaccination to over 90 countries

Stay safe, consider the PDSA cycle to improve areas of your personal and professional life, and Godspeed,

Kevin

How Juneteenth Came to Be | HINAP Bonus

Kevin Pannell — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 12:16:00 -0400

Have you ever heard of Juneteenth but are unsure what it's about? In this episode, From Emancipation to Juneteenth: A Journey of Discovery, recorded in June 2020, I explored the history of this important holiday alongside the realities of a pandemic, recession, and social unrest. Join them on a journey of learning and reflection, perfect for anyone wanting to fill the gaps in their American history knowledge.

Bonus: Feeling hopeful after listening? Visit hopeisnotaplan.org to turn that hope into action!

How Five Pioneers Turned Hope Into Action (Part 2 of 4) | Episode 20

Kevin Pannell — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 08:27:00 -0400

In this Part 2 of 4 episode, I share the story of five pioneers that identified that identified problems in the world, used their hopes to spark action, and changed human history through their determination, adaptability, empathy, persistence, and selflessness.

The Change Makers:

Rear Admiral Grace Hopper
Hedy Lamarr
Jane Goodall
John Harrison
Jonas Salk

Thank you for having the courage to tune into the Hope is NOT a Plan podcast and listening to these fantastic stories of the power of hope combined with action.

Stay safe, enjoy your summer, and Godspeed,

Kevin

*More at hopeisnotaplan.org

How Florence Nightingale was the Ultimate Change Manager | Five-Minute Friday 13

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 09:14:00 -0400

Florence Nightingale's work exemplified what it means to be an effective Change Manager. In Florence Nightingale Was the Ultimate Change Manager, I highlight how Nightingale's work to improve sanitary conditions in military hospitals and, ultimately, healthcare stands up as a template for modern-day change management best practices.

Nightingale's ADKAR:

A: Awareness of unsanitary conditions
D: Desire to improve patient outcomes
K: Knowledge through data collection
A: Ability to educate and train Nurses
R: Reinforcement through quality checks

So, how will you be a change agent today?

How Viktor Frankl, Ada Lovelace, Alice Waters, Dorothea Dix, and Florence Nightingale turned hope into action (Part 1 of 4) | Episode 19

Kevin Pannell — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 15:30:14 -0400

In this Part 1 of 4 episode, I share problems identified by five of history's most influential people, the hopes each of these influencers possessed, the objectives each focused on, and the actions they took that improved how humans see themselves, use computers, value nutrition, provide mental healthcare, and sanitize medical areas.

The Change Makers:

Viktor Frankl
Ada Lovelace
Alice Waters
Dorothea Dix
Florence Nightingale

Thank you for tuning into the Hope is NOT a Plan podcast and listening to these fantastic stories of the power of hope combined with action.

Stay safe, enjoy your summer, and Godspeed,

Kevin

*More at hopeisnotaplan.org

How D-Day Gave the Workd Hope | Five-Minute Friday 12

Kevin Pannell — Sat, 08 Jun 2024 21:50:00 -0400

Today's Five-Minute Friday shares the power of hope as an ignition point to inspire action. I share an amazing example of the hope the GIs had as their landing crafts approached the beach and as they stood up, buckled in, and prepared to jump into Nazi-occupied territory. I'll also walk you through how a GI may have focused on their own seven pillars of ownership, mindfulness, movement, boundaries, connection, sleep, and faith as they faced seemingly insurmountable odds.

Hope can inspire us to push through terrifying moments, but it must be paired with action. Thank God the men who participated in Operation Overlord 80 years ago this week kept moving as bullets flew and explosions filled the air.

- Keep hoping

- Make a plan

- Take action

More on how to do this and balance your life at hopeisnotaplan.org

Godspeed y'all,

Kevin

How the Planning for D-Day Changed the World | Episode 18

Kevin Pannell — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 05:30:00 -0400

In Five Enduring Leadership Lessons from D-Day | Episode 18, I share how the leaders and planners of the world-changing event known as D-Day continue to provide modern-day leaders and planners with strong professional and personal examples of how to get shit done.

Lessons:

Acting on the need for collaborative planning
Leading up the change with objective feedback
Leveraging positive and negative variances
Being open to crucial conversations
Clearly providing the leader's intent

The world can never truly repay this debt. To try, we humans can take the lessons of leaders like Barker, Sinclair, Morgan, and Eisenhower and apply them to make our work teams and our families better humans while we are here.

Thank you all for listening. Please visit hopeisnotaplan.org for planning, fitness, and wellness resources.

Stay safe. Thank you to all who served and were lost, and Godspeed.

Kevin

How to Honor Five Fallen Heroes with a Workout of the Day (WOD) | Five-Minute Friday 11

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 31 May 2024 08:00:00 -0400

In Hope to Hustle: 5 Fallen Heroes & the WODs That Keep Them Alive, I share the stories of five heroes who died in the line of duty and are honored on the crossfit.com/heroes page with a workout of the day or "WOD".

The WODs:

NORTHRUP
T.J.
LEE
STRANGE
LEDESMA

Take time to honor those who put their lives on the line for us. Suffer with others and bond. Move a muscle and change your thoughts through regular exercise. It has helped me so much and I know it can help you too.

Godspeed y'all,

Kevin

How Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy Turned Hope into Action | Episode 17

Kevin Pannell — Tue, 28 May 2024 07:18:00 -0400

Every year thousands of people, including me, my family, and some friends, complete the “Murph Challenge”. This workout used to be called the “Memorial Day Murph”. The workout is running one mile, then completing a total of 100 pull ups, 200 push-ups, 300 air squats, then running another mile. To do the full workout, a twenty-pound weight vest or plate carrier should be worn. This workout is one that was regularly completed by Lt. Michael Murphy. Lt. Murphy was a Navy SEAL who was killed in Afghanistan in 2005 during Operation Red Wings. On today’s episode, How Navy SEAL Lt. Michael Murphy Turned Hope into Action, I’ll share the story behind the workout and more importantly how Lt. Murphy used the hope of saving his teammates to formulate a plan and took action to execute it.

The Problem:

The SEAL mission was compromised when the team was spotted by local nationals

The Hope:

The SEALs can move towards their exfiltration or exit location and make it back to base

The Plan:

Fight as necessary and escape and evade the larger enemy force

The Solution:

Bound down the mountain, fight, and call for help

Until next time, keep striving, remember the reason for our long Memorial Day weekend and make this an opportunity to kickstart your fitness journey.

Stay safe, thank you to all that served and were lost, and Godspeed.

Kevin

How to Make Organizational Change Stick | Five-Minute Friday 10

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 24 May 2024 15:20:00 -0400

Did you know that according to a study by McKinsey & Company, only around 30% of change initiatives succeed? Yikes! That statistic underscores the importance of actively reinforcing change throughout the process. I'm your host, Kevin Pannell, and on today’s episode, How to Make Organizational Change Stick | Five-Minute Friday 10, we're diving into a cornerstone of effective change management: reinforcement.

How to Empower People to Drive Change, Not Technology | Episode 16

Kevin Pannell — Mon, 20 May 2024 06:48:00 -0400

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, organizations constantly seek ways to optimize processes and improve efficiency. Technology often takes center stage as the perceived solution, but is it the answer?

The Problem:

You have a snazzy new system but noon is using it

The Hope:

The bells and whistles will attract users and enact change

The Plan:

Provide a framework for you to help foster and maintain change with a focus on your people

The Solution:

Dive into the ADKAR Change Management model as the framework to empower your people before a technological band-aid is applied to a broken process.

Thank you for leveraging your podcast player technology to listen to Hope is NOT a Plan.

Stay safe, strive to keep a people-centric change management focus, and Godspeed,

Kevin

How to Accept Our Imperfections as Parents | Five Minute Friday 09

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 17 May 2024 07:14:00 -0400

Hey there, parental achievers! Welcome back to Hope is NOT a Plan. I'm your host, Kevin Pannell, parent for seventeen years to three rambunctious boys, and today we're tackling a topic close to all our hearts, especially those juggling the joys (and meltdowns) of parenthood. Today on How to Accept Our Imperfections as Parents | Five-Minute Friday 09, We're talking about accepting our imperfections as parents.

In this episode, I share two quick tips to help parents balance imperfection with solid parental leadership.

Reframe the narrative
Celebrate the small wins

Going into the weekend, let's ditch the "perfect parent" myth and embrace the "imperfectly awesome" ones we truly are. Remember, hope is not a plan, but accepting yourself as a parent is a powerful first step.

Stay safe out there parents, be OK with imperfection, and I wish you all Godspeed.

Kevin

How to Teach Kids Life Skills They’ll Actually Use | Episode 15

Kevin Pannell — Mon, 13 May 2024 16:30:00 -0400

My inspiration for today’s episode, How to Teach Kids Life Skills They’ll Actually Use, comes from a recent Mother’s Day project I completed, installing a floor receptacle in my living room. This was my second-floor receptacle install. As I measured, cut, wired, and tested, I was reminded of my Father who recently passed away. I appreciated the time he spent with me as a kid, and more so as a man to teach me these kinds of things. So, in today’s episode I’m paying it forward to the current or soon to be parents out there who want to empower, not coddle their kids and provide them with know how superpowers of their own.

The Problem:

You're a new parent and are unsure how to raise your kids

The Hope:

A book or podcast (wink, wink) will help you out

The Plan:

Share my seventeen years of parenting experience to help make your transition into parenthood smoother

The Solution:

Talk through how kids build confidence through chores, develop problem-solving through empowerment, and improve their communication through verbal and non-verbal practice with their parents will reduce your stress and build more self-reliant and confident kids.

Stay safe out there parents, let’s keep empowering our kids, and I wish you all Godspeed.

Kevin

How to Shatter Planning Silos | Five Minute Friday 08

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 10 May 2024 14:33:00 -0400

We should always push for combined and collaborative planning processes. To do so, sometimes we need to start the demolition of silos. In today's episode, How to Shatter Planning Silos | Five Minute Friday 08, I'm sharing three strategies I've found effective in removing silos and building safer and more collaborative planning processes.

Introduce yourself
Break bread
Take on the unwanted tasks

Stay safe out there, wash your hands, and Godspeed,

Kevin

How to Shatter Siloed Planning | Episode 14

Kevin Pannell — Sun, 05 May 2024 11:12:00 -0400

Last week, the Children’s Hospital of Richmond celebrated one year since transferring the first inpatients into the building and opening its doors. I was fortunate to have been chosen to lead the Information Technology Program. As I began to onboard this massive undertaking, I repeated a mantra in my head that we used to say and teach in the Public Safety and All-Hazards Incident Management world, “No egos, No silos.”. In Five Antidotes to Avoid the Disease of Siloed Planning, I'm sharing five critical components that, when combined, form a potent antidote against the disease of siloed planning.

The Problem:

Many departments and organizations working together in one large program

The Hope:

Everyone will work together on their own to get to launch

The Plan:

Share the award-winning tactics my team and I used to help open a children's hospital in April 2024

The Solution:

Dive into how defining and sharing the big picture, breaking down silos and building bridges, embracing the dependency dance, making metrics that matter, and planning for and embracing the change will help your teams plan more openly and effectively together.

How to Avoid the Sunk Cost Fallacy | Five Minute Friday 07

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 03 May 2024 11:53:00 -0400

Hey everyone, and welcome back to Hope Not a Plan podcast, I am your Host Kevin Pannell. Today we're tackling a tricky mental hurdle that can trip us up in both big and small decisions: the sunk cost fallacy.

Sunk costs are exactly that – sunk. They're gone. Dwelling on them clouds our judgment and keeps us from making the best choices moving forward. So, how do we break free from the sunk cost fallacy and make smarter decisions? Tune into this episode to find out how you can:

Focus on the Future, Not the Past
Separate Emotions from Logic
Embrace the Power of "Cutting Your Losses"
Reframe Your Perspective

Thanks for joining me on this exploration of the sunk cost fallacy. By recognizing this mental trap, we can make choices based on what's truly best for us, not just the time or money we've already invested. Now, go out there and make some sunk-cost-free decisions! Until next time, keep hoping, but also keep planning!

Stay safe out there, know that hope ignites and that action transforms, and I wish you all, Godspeed,

Kevin

How to Determine if it's Time to Walk Away from Something | Episode 13

Kevin Pannell — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 13:27:00 -0400

Have you ever been involved in an activity you were no longer excited about? Has your job lost its luster? Do you feel there is more out there for you to give to the world?

On today’s episode, How to Determine if it's Time to Walk Away from Something, I will help you recognize the signs it's time to move on, even if hope is whispering otherwise.

The Problem:

There is a voice telling you something is no longer serving you

The Hope:

You can somehow reignite the spark that got you started

The Plan:

Share realistic and honest insight into considerations I talked through before I stopped training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

The Solution:

Talk through how Lost passion, feeling undervalued, noting more cons than pros, having a sense of stagnation, observing unbalanced recognition, and being stuck in the sunk cost fallacy can leave you swirling with uncertainty.

Stay safe out there, know that hope ignites and that action transforms, and I wish you all,

Godspeed,

Kevin

How to take Action in Sorrow | Five Minute Friday 06

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 08:24:00 -0400

No matter the cause of our pain, sitting around and stewing in misery will not get us to a better place. Taking ownership and planning for action are the only ways. In this Five-Minute Friday I share how taking ownership and moving to action have helped me, and can help you, move through tough times and improve your life.

Anger will not change other people.
Sorrow will not bring back those we’ve lost.
Envy will not get us where we want to be.
Bitterness will not “show them”.
Hoping will not move us off the couch.

Read more on seven pillars that helped me re-balance myself in tough times at https://hopesnotaplan.com/strengthen-your-pillars/

Godspeed y’all,

Kevin

How to Create a Culture of Action in Your Organization | Episode 12

Kevin Pannell — Mon, 22 Apr 2024 12:52:00 -0400

Despite having the tools for success, some organizations often struggle to translate processes and training into effective action. This is not only evident in reading after-action reports or ‘AARs’ from disasters and human attacks; it is also true in the world of project and change management. Upon reading these AARs, you'll consistently find three key themes among the lessons learned: a disconnect between process and practice, a "knowledge-action" gap, and a lack of a culture of action.

The Problem:

Your organization has the know-how, but is not action-oriented

The Hope:

Someone will step up and start doing

The Plan:

Talk about critical steps individuals must take to make a difference before the next failed project or disaster

The Solution:

Equip listeners with practical strategies to transform well-intentioned plans into tangible results by focusing on process optimization, making time for training, and prioritizing realistic practice.

Stay safe out there, know that hope ignites and that action transforms, and I wish you all, Godspeed,

Kevin

How You Can Tap Into the Invisible Power of Human Factors Engineering | Five Minute Friday 05

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:43:00 -0400

Today, we're exploring human factors engineering, a fascinating field that impacts everything from your office chair to the airplane cockpit.

How My Dad went from Sub Surface to Safety Focused Human Factors Engineering | Episode 11 (Part 2)

Kevin Pannell — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 17:05:00 -0400

Imagine a young man growing up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, excelling on the baseball diamond, then trading his cleats for the uniform of a U.S. Navy submariner. This video interview and podcast episode, My Dad Kept Us Safe: A Nuclear Engineer's Journey, isn't just a conversation; it's a window into a life working in the nuclear power industry fueled by dedication, a thirst for knowledge, and a desire to make a positive impact.

The Problem:

How to transition from the U.S. Navy Submarine Service to the U.S. Nuclear Power industry

The Hope:

Navy skills and know-how will translate to the private sector

The Plan:

Begin transition planning while in the Navy and step into the private sector

The Solution:

Highlight the skills that transfer from the Navy to the private sector, share the reality, not the hype and fear-mongering about nuclear power, and discuss how human-centered engineering saved lives.

Thank you all for listening to this second, and more detailed, part of my conversation with my Father George Pannell. His passion for nuclear power and doing the right thing will stay with me forever.

Stay safe, consider the human factors, and Godspeed,

Kevin

More at https://hopesnotaplan.com

How the Body Dies | Five Minute Friday 04

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 12 Apr 2024 05:00:00 -0400

In How the Body Dies, I help prepare the listener for what it is like when their loved one moves through their last moments on Earth. Death is a difficult topic, but knowledge about death can empower us and mentally prepare us for when our loved ones are ready pass on. In this short episode we talk through the stages of physical death.

The Stages:

Decline in body functions
Altered consciousness
The Final moments

As hard as seeing death, particularly seeing our loved one’s die is, remember that hope is not a plan and that with some preparation, we can fuel our hope and better prepare our mind, body, and spirit to support our loved one’s journey to the afterlife.

Stay safe, spend time with your loved ones, and Godspeed,

Kevin

If you found this episode helpful, please share it with someone you think could benefit. For more on caring for an ailing loved one or parent, visit hopesnotaplan.com and listen to the Hope is NOT a Plan podcast on Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter @hopesnotaplan and visit the Facebook page and YouTube channel, both called Hope is NOT a Plan

How to Support Your Parent's End-of-Life Care Planning | Episode 10

Kevin Pannell — Sun, 07 Apr 2024 17:49:00 -0400

End-of-life care can be difficult, but planning is crucial to help have more productive conversations, shore up potential care plans, and, ultimately, face the truth of what’s to come. Feeling overwhelmed or scared is normal, but avoiding the topic can cause more problems later. In this episode, How to Support Your Parent's End-of-Life Care Planning, I’m sharing five considerations to help you support your ailing or end-of-life parent in the most action-oriented and efficient manner.

The Problem:

Your parent is sick or at the end of life, and you're unsure what to do

The Hope:

Your parent has a peaceful and smooth transition to the afterlife

The Plan:

Share what worked and the challenges of traveling the end-of-life road with my Father

The Solution:

Talk through how open the conversations, diving into care options, reviewing the medical and legal considerations, taking stock of finances, and not forgetting to take care of myself all played key roles in keeping me present for my dying Father and my Mom.

Thank you for choosing the Hope is NOT a Plan podcast. I hope the plans in these episodes help you balance your life, mind, body, and spirit.

Stay safe, wash your hands, and Godspeed,

Kevin

More at https://hopesnotaplan.com | IG & Twitter: @hopesnotaplan

How to Fight and Find Joy When Dying | Five Minute Friday 03

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 05 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This one's going to hit a little close to home. You might have noticed I've been a bit off schedule this past week. That's because I was helping to take care of my Dad, George Pannell. As I shared in the previous episode, Dad passed away after a two-year long fight with metastatic prostate cancer on the morning of April 2nd.

Today, I'm sharing how my Dad, George Pannell, held onto hope while keeping his fighting spirit and actively participating in his care plan.

So, take a listen to this, Dad. This one's for you. You may be gone, but the lessons you taught me, the way you faced your challenge – that will stay with me forever. Thanks for showing me what it means to truly fight.

Stay safe out there, wash your hands, and Godspeed y’all,

Kevin

How my Dad went from the Steel Mill to the Submarine Service | Episode 9 (Part 1)

Kevin Pannell — Wed, 03 Apr 2024 14:29:00 -0400

My Father, George Pannell, passed away this week after a courageous battle with cancer. Like us, he had hoped AND devised a plan to fight the horrible disease. And fight he did. A lot of his fighting spirit came from growing up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and as a U.S. Navy Submarine Warfare qualified Sailor.

The Problem:

Coming of age in a steel town during the Vietnam War

The Hope:

Choosing his own path in life would provide a better outcome

The Plan:

Leave Aliquippa and join the U.S. Navy

The Solution:

Became an Enlisted Submarine Warfare qualified U.S. Navy Petty Officer and moved into the Nuclear Power industry

I was fortunate to record this discussion in June 2023 and dive deeper into the stories I heard growing up. Please join me in honoring him by listening to his story.

I love you, Dad,

Kevin

More at https://hopesnotaplan.com

How to Get Started Training Martial Arts | Episode 8

Kevin Pannell — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Today I want to reiterate the core message of Hope is NOT a Plan related to self-defense. Relying solely on hope is not enough to succeed in life, especially in self-defense situations. So, during today’s episode, I will share some broad self-defense and martial arts insight, as well as some specific information about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), my chosen combat sport.

The Problem:

No confidence or overconfidence by untrained people to defend themselves

The Hope:

I will rise to the occasion if a violent situation happens

The Plan:

Share mindset and resources from my 5 1/2 years training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

The Solution:

Emphasize the benefits of confidence, fitness, awareness, and martial skills that come from training in legit combat sports and how to get started by visiting a gym, asking others and online, and finding your martial arts "Why?"

Stay safe, get some training, and Godspeed,

Kevin

How to Practice Radical Candor in Project Risk Management | Five Minute Friday 02

Kevin Pannell — Sat, 23 Mar 2024 14:00:00 -0400

Hey everyone, welcome back to the Hope is NOT a Plan podcast, Radical Candor in Risk Management | Five Minute Friday 02, I'm your host, Kevin Pannell. Today on Five Minute Friday, well, Saturday edition I suppose, I’m diving into a concept crucial for project success: Radical Candor and Risk Management. As an example, my radical candor is that I was traveling yesterday, got home, got some work done, then took advantage of time with my wife and kids. I apologize for not delivering on a Friday, but here we are, and here we go…

Key Concepts:

Not glossing over risks
Kim Scott's concept of Radical Candor
Include the team
Honesty in Project Management

Stay safe, wash your hands, and Godspeed y'all,

Kevin

How the Creation of "We Are the World" is a Project Management Master Class | Episode 7

Kevin Pannell — Mon, 18 Mar 2024 09:33:00 -0400

Today, Beyond the Song: Unpacking "We Are the World's" Project Management Secrets on we're tackling a project that aimed to change the world – literally. We're talking about the iconic charity single, "We Are the World," as highlighted in the Netflix documentary The Greatest Night in Popi, and the herculean task of bringing together some of music's biggest egos for one, history-making night.

The Problem:

Need to raise money to help starving people in Africa

The Hope:

The biggest stars in music will come together to help

The Plan:

Write a blockbuster song and record the unique voices of modern superstars

The Solution:

Break down how the key roles played of The Architects (Leader's Intent), The Conductor (Project Management), The Artists (Resource Allocation), The Gamble (Risk Management), The Secret Weapon (Communication Panning), and The Legacy (Celebrating Wins) were a project management masterclass

Stay safe out there, wash your hands, and Godspeed y'all,

Kevin

How to Start Moving to Reduce Depression Symptoms | Five Minute Friday 01

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 15 Mar 2024 10:35:00 -0400

Exercise is hard. Building up the motivation to exercise when depressed or in a depressive mood is even harder. In Moving Your Body When Depression Holds You Back | Five Minute Friday 01, I'm sharing five practical and action-focused steps we can take to get ourselves moving and get the endorphins flowing through exercise when depression has its grip on us.

Remove friction
Realistic expectations
Find fun
Celebrate wins
Ownership and accountability

Stay safe, wash your hands, and Godspeed y'all,

Kevin

*Read more, listen, and subscribe at https://hopesnotaplan.com

How Moving Your Body Relieves Depression Symptoms | Episode 6

Kevin Pannell — Mon, 11 Mar 2024 09:20:00 -0400

Hey everyone, and welcome back to Hope Not a Plan! I'm your host, Kevin. Today, on Conquer Depression: Move Your Body and Feel Better, we're diving into a powerful tool that can significantly boost your mental health and even combat addiction cravings: exercise.

The Problem:

You feel stuck in depression or a depressive period in your ife

The Hope:

A pill, a talk, a book, or something external will snap you out of it

The Plan:

Share the healing power of exercise for lessening depression and reducing addiction cravings

The Solution:

Highlight the reality of how pulling ourselves out of depression and moving past anxiousness can be accomplished by getting the mood bosting benefits of exercise, pushing past lack of motivation, moving a muscle to change a thought, using exercise to fight addiction cravings, and making exercise fit our needs.

If you're struggling with mental health or addiction, please reach out for help. You are not alone. There are resources available, and support groups can provide invaluable guidance.

Stay safe, wash your hands, get after it, and Godspeed,

Kevin

How to Ask Helpful and Objective Questions | Fixit Friday 5

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 08 Mar 2024 12:25:00 -0500

In this episode of Fixit Friday, The Power of Asking Objective Questions | Fixit Friday 5, we are diving into the importance of staying objective when asking questions and when providing feedback and updates to others.

Staying objective helps us:

Cut through emotional responses and biases
Gather accurate information to make informed decisions
Improve communication and understanding with others

Stay safe, wash your hands, and Godspeed,

Kevin

How to Master the Project Handoff | Episode 5

Kevin Pannell — Mon, 04 Mar 2024 05:00:00 -0500

Whether you're a healthcare professional transitioning patient care, a Project manager handing off a project, or simply passing the baton in any collaborative effort, a smooth handoff is crucial for success. In Master Project Handoffs: Ensure Success Every Time I share what I've found most helpful for both providing and receiving a stellar project handoff.

The Problem:

You're taking over a project from someone else

The Hope:

They had good documentation and will provide helpful background

The Plan:

Share what I've found most helpful for giving and receiving a project handoff

The Solution:

Focus on setting the mindset for being a SENDER by updating documentation, preparing our pitch, reviewing data, and sharing the intangibles. Then, switching to RECEIVER mode so we can review the use case, ask objective questions, and start thinking of next steps.

Stay safe, wash your hands, and Godspeed y'all,

Kevin

How to Put Together Your New Workout Plan | Fixit Friday 4

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 01 Mar 2024 09:57:00 -0500

Welcome to Five Steps To Get Started On Your Fitness Path | Fixit Friday 4 back to on Hope is NOT a Plan! Today, we're tackling a topic close to everyone's heart: how to really get started with a fitness routine. We all want to feel good, move with confidence, and maybe even rock that swimsuit (or whatever makes you feel fierce!). But where do you even begin? Click play on this episode to find out more about the five steps listed below.

Set your baseline
Build on your baseline
Do more, more often
Ad some resistance
Don't forget your diet

Stay safe, wash your hands, and Godspeed,

Kevin

How to Start and Stay on the Fitness Path | Episode 4

Kevin Pannell — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 16:22:00 -0500

What do Kyle Manard, Alex Roca, and Ryan Job all have in common? None of them let their physical challenges overpower their will to improve and accomplish hard things. So, what's our excuse?

The Problem:

Have no idea where or how to get started working out

The Hope:

You'll find the "magic" exercise routine that will burn fat and get you in shape

The Plan:

Provide action-oriented steps and perspectives from my own fitness journey

The Solution:

Share key elements for you to create a sustainable fitness program by owning where are and where we want to be, defining our fitness "Why?", getting a health screening, acquiring fitness education, getting perspective on goals, and getting moving and keeping going.

Stay safe, wash your hands, Godspeed y'all,

Kevin

How to Create a 360-Degree Feedback Survey | Fixit Friday 3

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Today, we're cracking the code on creating 360-degree feedback surveys. Be prepared, because 360 feedback can be scary. It can expose weaknesses, highlight conflicts, and leave egos bruised Buckle up, because we're about to get real about feedback!

Five focus areas should be:

Specific and actionable questions to provide concrete next steps
Balance positive and negative feedback to promote growth
Aim for facts, not feelings
Ensure confidentiality through secure platforms and communication
Relevant to the employee's role and responsibilities

Stay safe out there, wash your hands, and Godspeed,

Kevin

How to Successfully Transition to Leading People and Teams | Episode 3

Kevin Pannell — Mon, 19 Feb 2024 08:46:00 -0500

Hey leaders, hope you're ready to ditch the delusion and dive into the raw reality of leading people. Because let's be honest, hope is not a plan, especially when it comes to building high performing, engaged teams. Today I'm sharing my 20+ years of leadership difficulties, and together we're tackling the cornerstones of becoming a good people leader. No fluff, just actionable advice to level up your leadership game.

The Problem:

You're a new people leader and are unsure where to start

The Hope:

Leadership skills will develop through trial and error

The Plan:

Share tools and techniques new leaders can use to get started and that experienced leaders can reference to stay fresh

The Solution:

A focus on the leadership steps of learning policy, knowing the organization, taking leadership classes, asking for feedback, letting leaders lead, allowing for team pushback, and taking ownership of the good and bad.

Stay safe out there, wash your hands, and Godspeed,

Kevin

How to Start a Project Management Career | From the Archives (2020)

Kevin Pannell — Sat, 17 Feb 2024 07:19:00 -0500

Are you thinking of transitioning to the Project Management career field? You're not alone! In 2018, I made the leap into "project management proper" from a Public Safety and Emergency Management career. This is the first From the Archives series of the Hope is NOT a Plan podcast; I'm sharing the episode I put out in October 2020, originally called "You're a Project Manager, and You Don't Even Know It."

In this episode, you'll realize:

If you have started a process, you have initiated a project
If you've organized teams, you've done project planning
If you've completed tasks, you've executed work in a project plan
If you've provided updates, you've monitored and controlled project work
If you've demobilized teams, you've closed down a project

*Thank you to Isak and Alma for reaching out on LinkedIn and inspiring this From the Archives series*

Stay safe out there, wash your hands, and Godspeed y'all,

Kevin

How to Create a Effective Communication Plan | Fixit Friday 2

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 16 Feb 2024 08:30:00 -0500

Let's face it: crafting a communication plan can feel like trying to build a bridge out of spaghetti noodles. Fear not, fellow planners! Today, we're laying down the five essential Mainstays to build a communication plan that's both sturdy and effective.

Know Your Audience
Clearly Define the Ask
Be Brief, Be Brilliant, Be Gone
Choose the Right Tools
Communications are a Two-Way Street

Bonus: Practice, Practice, Practice

Remember, while hope is NOT a plan, a good plan WILL bring people hope.

Stay safe, wash your hands, and Godspeed y'all,

Kevin

How to Build the Foundation to Any Plan | Episode 2

Kevin Pannell — Sun, 11 Feb 2024 21:04:00 -0500

Have you ever started a plan enthusiastically, only to see it crumble due to poor foundation? In this episode, we uncover the five essential secrets to building a rock-solid and unstoppable plan. Learn how to decode your leader's INTENT, set OBJECTIVES that stick, and create a team ORG structure that thrives. Discover the COMMUNICATION planning hacks that ensure everyone's on the same page and RESOURCE coordination strategies that keep your plan moving forward. No more shaky foundations! This episode is your blueprint for success, no matter what your plan.

The Problem:

Unsure where to start planning for a project

The Hope:

The team will figure out the right direction once it starts planning

The Plan:

Share five key area of focus every successful plan should include

The Solution:

Share how the foundational 5 areas of a clear leader's intent, objectives, organization, resources, and communication will make planning more efficient and effective

"Hope is NOT a plan, but a good plan WILL bring people hope."

Stay safe, wash your hands, and Godspeed y'all,

Kevin

How to Take Action to Balance Your Life | Unfiltered Friday 1

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 09 Feb 2024 13:36:00 -0500

Welcome to the first episode of Unfiltered Friday, the real talk, weekly companion to Hope is NOT a Plan podcast! Today, I'm diving into the seven pillars I shared earlier in the week and providing one actionable exercise for each.

Ownership: Write three things you want to improve on
Mindfulness: Take three deep breaths (in through the nose, out through the mouth)
Movement: Commit to moving at least 10 minutes today
Boundaries: Pick one thing to say "No" to this weekend
Connection: Call someone you love or haven't spoken to in a while
Sleep: Practice good sleep hygiene one night this weekend
Faith: Give thanks to something bigger than you and get out into nature

Stay safe, wash your hands, and Godspeed,

Kevin

How to Bring Balance to YOUR Life - Seven Pillars to Focus On | Episode 1

Kevin Pannell — Mon, 05 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Today's episode is all about building a balanced life, a life that honors the miracle you are while acknowledging the human imperfections that come along with the ride. We're talking about the seven pillars that, when stacked carefully, create a life that's not just planned – it's thriving.

The Problem:

Feeling unbalanced and lost in life

The Hope:

Some outside influence will make me better or five me the hack

The Plan:

Share what I've found helpful to focus on for a more balanced life

The Solution:

Deep dive into how focusing on the 7 pillars of ownership, mindfulness, movement, boundaries, connection, sleep, and faith will improve YOUR mental, physical, and spiritual health

"Hope is NOT a plan, but a good plan WILL bring people hope." - Kevin Pannell, PMP

Stay safe, wash your hands, and Godspeed y'all,

Kevin

Hope Ignites and Action Transforms: Welcome to the Hope is NOT a Plan podcast

Kevin Pannell — Fri, 02 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0500

We all have dreams for a better self, a healthier body, a sharper mind, and a soul that sings. But somewhere between the "I wish I could." and the "I’m glad I did.", the path gets foggy, and the trail gets rocky. Hope is NOT a Plan ain't no pep talk, friend. This podcast, hosted by me, Kevin Pannell, a planner by trade and wellness explorer by necessity, will provide you a practical guide to ditching the wishing well, building your own damn ladder, and climbing yourself out of whatever hole you’re in.

The Problem:

Unsure how to improve personally or professionally

The Hope:

Someone or some app will tell me how to improve

The Plan:

Provide action-oriented steps and perspectives

The Solution:

Hope is NOT a Plan podcast

“And remember good listener, while hope is NOT a plan, good plans WILL bring hope." - Kevin Pannell, PMP, Prosci

Stay safe, wash your hands, and Godspeed y’all,

Kevin