About Podcast
Leading a large-scale technology upgrade in a high-stakes environment is a test of both skill and resilience, and few are better equipped for that challenge than Cheryl Taylor. From her early career at BellSouth to navigating multi-million-dollar government projects, Cheryl has consistently leveraged her project management expertise to transform complex initiatives into measurable successes. In this episode, she shares how she led a complete overhaul of a 17-year-old jail management system, balancing technology, people, and processes under an ambitious 14-month timeline.
Cheryl walks listeners through her meticulous approach to scaling the project, starting with assembling the right team and creating a “war room” that served as the nerve center for planning, training, and data migration. She details the technical challenges of transitioning 800+ employees to a new system, including automating manual processes and re-engineering workflows across the entire facility. Beyond technology, Cheryl emphasizes the human element, training, engagement, and culture change as critical to project success. Her disciplined use of project management principles, combined with creative problem-solving, led to an on-time, under-budget go-live and earned the project an award for technology innovation.
Key Takeaways:
- How to structure and scale a complex technology project from planning to execution.
- The importance of assembling the right internal and external team for project success.
- Using visual controls and dedicated workspaces (war rooms) to maintain alignment and momentum.
- Integrating technology, data management, and process re-engineering for seamless adoption.
- Applying project management principles beyond work into personal life and everyday operations.
Join us with Cheryl Taylor as she reveals how to lead high-stakes technology upgrades, align people and processes, and deliver transformative results under pressure.
- Embrace Career Transitions: Stay open to new opportunities and leverage skills for growth.
- Manage Complex Projects: Lead large-scale projects by scaling operations, managing people, and meeting deadlines.
- Build Effective Teams: Identify and lead diverse teams, even when working with unfamiliar roles.
- Optimize Data & Processes: Re-engineer systems to improve efficiency and accuracy.
- Commit to Lifelong Learning: Pursue certifications and continuous learning for personal and professional development.
Special Guest: Cheryl Taylor, Co-Founder – TPM Services
Location: Atlanta, GA USA
Air Date: September 29, 2024
Websites:
- Project Management Foundations: an online course available on LinkedIn Learning.
- Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC): the largest certifying body of women-owned businesses in the U.S. Learn more about their certification process.
- National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC): a certifying body of minority-owned businesses in the U.S. It is “…the longest-operating business growth engine for the broadest group of systematically excluded communities of color.”
Professional Organizations:
- Project Management Institute (PMI): the world’s leading project management organization with over 500,000 Global Members.
Books:
- Project Management Book Of Knowledge (PMBOK): the definitive guide for all certified project management professionals.
Producer & Host: Alicia Butler Pierre
Audio Editor: Olanrewaju Adeyemo
Sound Design: Sabor! Music Enterprises
Video Editor: Gladys Jimenez
Show notes: Erika Ve Revilla
Sponsor: Equilibria, Inc.More About Guest, Cheryl Taylor, PMP:
Cheryl Taylor is the Founder and CEO of TPM Services and the current Vice-President of System Integration at CommonSpirit Health. She is a veteran leader with earned expertise in leading and successfully completing projects. She specializes in considerate collaboration with others that drives business performance and operational excellence.Under her leadership and project management, Cheryl ensures clear understanding and clarity across all leadership and employee engagements. She prides herself on the professional standards of collaboration, kindness, integrity, quality and clo
sure. She is a certified project management professional (PMP) and a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
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. 
