About Podcast
Turning strategic growth ideas into reality is never just about vision it’s about execution, discipline, and the people who make it happen. That’s the expertise Eileen Terrell brings to the table. With over two decades of experience in professional learning and development, combined with her credentials as a certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Eileen has guided organizations in structuring, executing, and delivering complex projects across industries.
In this episode, Eileen Terrell walks us through how project management serves as the backbone of strategic growth. She shares how to start with the right people, identify stakeholders, and assemble teams using tools like RACI charts. Eileen breaks down the difference between project plans and schedules, explains how to create risk management and communication plans, and explores the role of technology including Smartsheet, ClickUp, and Monday.com to maintain transparency and accountability. Along the way, she demonstrates how modern project management blends methodologies like Lean, Scrum, and Agile, while emphasizing systems thinking, leadership, and relationship-building as core principles.
Here’s what you’ll take away:
- How to structure projects that turn strategic growth goals into actionable outcomes.
- The difference between project plans and project schedules, and why both are essential.
- Strategies for identifying and engaging stakeholders, SMEs, and project team members effectively.
- How to integrate technology tools to improve transparency, collaboration, and accountability.
- Best practices for risk management, communications, and project closeout to ensure successful execution.
Join us for a masterclass in project management that turns strategy into results, equipping leaders to deliver growth efficiently, effectively, and collaboratively.
- Clarify Roles with RACI : Learn to assign responsibility, accountability, consultation, and information across teams.
- Leverage Cloud Tools : Use Smartsheet, ClickUp, or Monday.com to boost visibility and reporting.
- Adapt Project Frameworks : Apply Agile, Scrum, Lean, or hybrid methods based on project needs.
- Integrate Risk and Schedule: Build dynamic plans that link tasks, dependencies, and mitigation strategies.
- Establish Ways of Working : Set meeting cadences and communication norms to maintain alignment and transparency.
Special Guest: Eileen Terrell
Location: Chicago, IL
Air Date: June 02, 2024
Website:
- Project Management Institute: The PMP certification proves you have the project leadership and expertise in any way of working
Software:
- Asana: Connect your work to company goals, while streamlining workflows and managing resources. From lists to boards, to calendars and gantt charts, organize work your way in Asana. Visualize Work. Track All Your Work.
- ClickUp: Stop Switching Between Multiple Tools. With ClickUp™, Manage Everything In One Platform. An All-In-One Suite To Manage People, Projects, And Everything In Between. Free Forever!
- Monday.com: The Work OS that lets you shape workflows, your way. Boost your team’s alignment, efficiency and productivity by customizing any workflow to fit your needs.
Article: - RACI: Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed. It’s a framework used in project management to clarify roles and responsibilities for tasks and activities.
- Producer & Host: Alicia Butler Pierre
- Audio Editor: Olanrewaju Adeyemo
- Sound Design: Sabor! Music Enterprises
- Video Editor: Gladys Jimenez
- Show Notes: Hashim Tale
- Sponsor: Equilibria, Inc.
More About Guest, Eileen Terrell:
Eileen Terrell is a project management and professional learning strategist with deep expertise in translating strategic growth initiatives into actionable, results driven projects. After starting her career in HR administration and benefits consulting, Eileen pursued a master’s degree in learning and development, combining her organizational insight with formal education to transition into a learning professional role. Two decades ago, she earned her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification a milestone that shaped her approach to integrating learning, project management, and stakeholder engagement.
Eileen’s journey began under visionary leadership that challenged her to not only design impactful learning experiences but also manage budgets, timelines, and client deliverables. This formative experience taught her the value of structured project management, risk mitigation, and cross-functional collaboration, laying the foundation for a career that bridges methodology with human-centered leadership.
As an independent consultant, Eileen has guided organizations across industries in implementing complex initiatives using structured frameworks such as X-matrix planning, RACI charts, and hybrid project management methodologies. She emphasizes systems thinking, adaptive leadership, and authentic team relationships to ensure projects succeed both operationally and culturally. Eileen combines this disciplined approach with modern, cloud-based tools like Smartsheet, ClickUp, and Monday.com, enabling visibility, accountability, and seamless collaboration across global teams.
Beyond tools and processes, Eileen is a champion of people-centered project leadership. She integrates stakeholder input, subject matter expertise, and team communication into every project plan, creating living documents that evolve with the work and mitigate risks. From risk management to work prioritization, project closeouts, and celebration of team successes, her approach ensures efficiency, transparency, and sustainable growth.
Eileen’s story underscores the power of combining formal project management expertise with strategic learning and leadership, empowering organizations to implement initiatives efficiently, foster capable teams, and translate strategic goals into tangible outcomes.
More About Host, Alicia Butler Pierre:
Alicia Butler Pierre is the Founder & CEO of Equilibria, Inc.. Her career in operations began over 25 years ago while working in various chemical plants and oil refineries. She invented the Kasennu™ framework for business infrastructure and authored, Behind the Façade: How to Structure Company Operations for Sustainable Success. She is the producer of the weekly top 2% Business Infrastructure podcast with a global audience across 70+ countries.Alicia is also an adjunct instructor of Lean Principles at Purdue University and serves as the USA Chair of the G100’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises. The Process Excellence Network recognized her as a Top 50 Thought Leader in Operational Excellence. A chemical engineer turned entrepreneur, she’s designed and optimized processes for small businesses, large enterprises, non-profits, and government organizations alike.
More About Sponsor, Equilibria:
Equilibria, Inc. is an 19-year-old boutique operations management firm. We build the business infrastructure necessary for fast-growing businesses to scale with less pain. With a range of services and products, entrepreneurs can get the operational support and resources they need on demand. 
