Dawn Mahan returns to talk about her latest book, a movie-themed anthology that uses film as a practical way to explain project management lessons. The conversation covers how the book came together, why metaphor makes complex work easier to grasp, and how teams can use movie moments to improve communication, leadership, and delivery.
Dawn also shares what it was like working with co-editor Jerry Manis, why the book includes internationalperspectives, and how AI may support project managers without replacing the human side of the work.
Chapters
00:00 - Welcome back and introduction to the new movie-themed project management book
03:16 - Why the concept moved from animals to movies
04:00 - How the author casting call and contributor selection worked
06:28 - Why the book’s chapter structure is designed for the reader
08:10 - Using movie metaphors in real project conversations
09:31 - How clips can help before, during, and after project pressure points
10:26 - Making complex project ideas accessible for non-project managers
12:54 - Why the right movie can lighten stress inside a project “pressure cooker”
14:45 - Why metaphor is central to Dawn’s work
15:19 - Dawn’s early love of metaphor and simplifying complexity
16:43 - How the term “Project Land” was created
19:21 - Why project management is really about problem solving
20:32 - Balancing business, writing, and a year-long editing process
22:50 - Working with expert authors and setting clear roles
24:47 - How local PMI chapters can help people network and grow
27:13 - Sneak peek at Jerry Manis’s next leadership fable
30:19 - Dawn’s next possible book for executive sponsors and leaders
31:45 - Why the audiobook format may be the strongest version of the book
34:08 - Dawn’s view on AI and whether it threatens project managers
36:25 - Using AI as a strategic thinking partner rather than a replacement
40:57 - Why poor project outcomes are often about people, not process
41:41 - Closing thoughts and what’s next
Get Dawn's latest book: Project Management Consulting & Training | PMOtraining.com
Here's the link to the post where you can hear the audiobook trailer and Eric's voice talent...would love to know what you think!
PMI page where you can find yourlocal chapter to network with project managers in your area: https://www.pmi.org/membership/chapters
