Ep198: Finding the Right People with Michael Shick

Books can help uncover career paths people didn’t even know they were qualified for. In this episode, I speak with Michael Shick, a retired U.S. military leader and now an assistant professor of project management at Western Carolina University, as well as the founder of Rosemet—a business dedicated to helping people enter and advance in project management careers. Michael shares the challenges that many aspiring project managers face: invisible prospects who don’t realize their work experience already qualifies them for high-demand certifications like the CAPM or PMP. He explains how Rosemet offers practical, flexible pathways to certification, combining structured content with mentorship, community, and ongoing support—especially for working professionals, military families, and career changers. We unpack the evolution of his approach, from academic rigor to community-driven support, and discuss how books like his open doors for meaningful conversations with people who never saw themselves as “project managers” but are already doing the work. The strategies are deeply applicable for anyone trying to build relationships with a mid-career audience that needs confidence and clarity more than just information. What I love about Michael’s approach is how focused it is on demystifying the path, not just promoting a program.   SHOW HIGHLIGHTS I explore the transformative journey of Michael Shick from a military career to academia, where he now trains future project management leaders at Western Carolina University. Michael shares insights into the Master's of Project Management program, which is among the first to receive PMI Global Accreditation, emphasizing advanced skills and leadership agility. We discuss the Project Management Institute's forecast of 250 million project management jobs by 2030, highlighting the growing demand for roles in this field. Our conversation covers the importance of certifications like CAPM and PMP in advancing careers and securing higher salaries, alongside the role of community support in this journey. We examine the integration of AI in project management, where technology aids decision-making, yet human insight remains essential for navigating complex projects. Project management principles are shown to enhance efficiency and quality in various sectors, from home renovations to business projects, emphasizing the universal applicability of these skills. We explore the strategic use of books as long-term marketing tools in project management, highlighting their enduring value and potential for organic business growth.   Show notes & video: 90minutebooks.com/podcast/198 How does your book idea score against the 8 book building blocks we use here all the time: Book Blueprint Scorecard Titles & Outline Workshops: 90MinuteBooks.com/Workshops Ready to get started: 90MinuteBooks.com Michael Shick: Website: Rosemet LinkedIn: Michael Shick   Questions/Feedback: Send us an email Extra Credit Listening: MoreCheeseLessWhiskers.com