James Louttit, Founder and lead trainer at Impactful Project Management, PMI's Project Management Professional of the Year, and award-winning author of Leading Impactful Teams, joins Host Simon Hodgkins on this episode of VistaTalks. The conversation explored James's personal journey, his people-first philosophy, and his practical approach to solving real-world project challenges.

From Burnout to Breakthrough

James's story begins in the high-pressure world of consulting. By 2016, he was a senior manager running major programs, delivering results at the expense of his own health. A week-long spiral of stress landed him in the hospital, forcing him to reassess how he worked and lived.

That turning point led him to a new role as Head of Project Management Competency at a large bank, where he noticed something important: most problems in project delivery were not solved by methodology. Instead, they required conversations about prioritization, capability-building, and stakeholder management.

This realization laid the foundation for his approach to project leadership, one that values human factors as much as process.

The People-First Philosophy

James champions a simple but powerful principle: put yourself in the other person's shoes. Inspired by Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People," he emphasizes empathy as a cornerstone of effective collaboration, particularly in multicultural and international teams.

Working across borders, languages, and time zones, leaders must bridge cultural differences. James points to tools like Erin Meyer's "The Culture Map" to help leaders better understand and adapt to diverse working styles.

Simplicity Over Process

When asked about methodologies, James did not shy away from challenging convention. Heavy, rigid processes often stifle creativity and disempower teams, he argued. Instead, he advocates for simpler structures and more empowerment.

One of his favorite tools is a prioritized list. Whether it's a list of tasks or potential risks, clarity on what matters most helps teams navigate complexity and reduces friction across different working cultures.

Balancing Priorities Without Politics

One of the recurring challenges in project management is competing stakeholder demands. James recommends grounding discussions in value and effort. By framing decisions around measurable outcomes and the resources required, conversations shift from personal agendas to shared organizational goals.

This approach, he explained, takes "the sting and the politics" out of prioritization and allows leaders to create transparency and alignment.

The Impactful PM Hub

James is also building the Impactful Project Management Community, a global space where practitioners can learn, share, and collaborate on solving delivery challenges together. Hosted on the School platform, the hub is designed for interaction rather than passive content. From drop-in clinics to practical toolkits, the aim is to foster collaboration and real-world application.

And while the name suggests it is only for project managers, James makes a strong case that "everybody is a project manager" in some capacity. The skills apply far beyond Gantt charts and risk logs, extending to leadership, teamwork, and personal productivity.

Leading Impactful Teams

James's book, Leading Impactful Teams, has reached readers worldwide and is soon to be translated into Chinese. In his training sessions, he grounds lessons in the real needs of participants. Common questions, such as how to prioritize effectively, manage difficult stakeholders, or handle remote teams, shape the structure of his sessions.

 For James, it comes back to fundamentals: build clarity, foster trust, and empower people.

Recognition and Authority

James's recognition as PMI's Project Management Professional of the Year, alongside his reputation as one of Ireland's leading experts in project management, has given him a platform to drive change at scale. He blends authority with accessibility, using stories and even cartoons to bring concepts to life.

Looking Ahead

While many are focused on artificial intelligence, James pointed to another trend worth watching: global arbitrage. As remote work expands, organizations can tap into talent worldwide. He predicts that leaders who invest in face-to-face connection and human interaction will remain highly valued, while those who avoid in-person collaboration may find themselves competing in a more crowded, cost-sensitive global market.

 His advice is simple: "Go and meet people. Have a real coffee, not a virtual one."

A Project Management Reminder

James Louttit's story is a reminder that project management is not about following a process for its own sake. It is about people, clarity, and building long-term capability. His work with Impactful Project Management and the Impactful PM Hub embodies this ethos, creating tools and communities that enable leaders and teams to deliver with purpose.

Audiobook Available to VistaTalks Listeners

For those interested in learning more, James offers a special gift: connect with him on LinkedIn, mention the VistaTalks podcast, and he will share a free copy of the audiobook version of Leading Impactful Teams.