Episode 11: The Case for Transformative Change with Dave Kester and Daniel Goldsmith
Release: 03/20/2026
Episode 11 explores a big question facing the earned value community today: is incremental improvement enough, or is it time for something more transformative?
Amber Young and Barbara Phillips are joined by returning guest Daniel Goldsmith and special guest Dave Kester for a thoughtful conversation about the case for transformative change in how Earned Value Management Systems are understood, implemented, and assessed. With decades of experience across government and industry, Dave brings a perspective shaped by nearly 40 years in project management, including leadership roles at the Department of Energy.
The discussion centers on a growing recognition within the community that improving EVMS may require more than small adjustments to compliance practices. Instead, the conversation explores the idea of rethinking the broader system: the structures, behaviors, and organizational culture that influence whether EVMS actually delivers useful, credible data for decision-making.
A key theme throughout the episode is the role of environment. Drawing on research conducted through the Arizona State University IP2M METRR study, the guests discuss the emerging understanding that EVMS maturity is closely tied to the environment surrounding a project. In other words, culture, collaboration, leadership behavior, and stakeholder alignment may matter just as much as the technical mechanics of the system itself.
Listeners will also hear insights from a real-world facilitation of an IP2M METRR environment assessment conducted during the week of the recording. The group shares what these assessments look like in practice, how they bring together different stakeholder perspectives, and how structured conversations around culture, people, practices, and resources can reveal pressure points that traditional compliance reviews might miss.
The conversation touches on the power of “light-bulb moments” when project teams begin to see how communication, collaboration, and shared understanding shape the effectiveness of their EVMS. It also explores how a more collaborative, non-punitive approach can help teams surface honest insights and move toward meaningful improvement.
At its core, this episode is about rethinking how we pursue project success. Instead of focusing only on the mechanics of the system, the discussion invites listeners to consider the human and organizational factors that ultimately determine whether earned value becomes a powerful management tool—or just another reporting requirement.
For practitioners, program leaders, and anyone interested in the future of earned value, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at where the discipline may be headed next.
