The Human Side of Project Leadership 004: Why Project Managers Need Recess | Crystal Richards

What if some of your best project thinking happens when you stop working? In this conversation, I’m joined by Crystal Richards, founder of MindSpark and author of PMP Exam Prep For Dummies, to talk about the idea behind her Digital PM Summit 2026 keynote, “Recess for Grown Ups: Why Your Best Project Thinking Happens When You Stop Working.” We talk about why project managers so often equate their value with being available, how to recognize when you’re running out of energy for the work, and why stepping away can actually make you a better thinker and leader. We also get into the responsibility leaders have to model healthy boundaries, how saying “yes, if” can protect overloaded teams, and whether AI is actually creating more space for us to think—or simply giving us the ability to pile on more work. Crystal leaves us with a simple challenge: make yourself your own project. In this conversation: Why PMs equate availability with value Recognizing your own signs of burnout Why creativity and connection matter to recovery How leaders can model healthier work habits Setting boundaries without simply saying no Why AI may be increasing our cognitive load The growing importance of human judgment and critical thinking Why you should make yourself your own project Crystal will present “Recess for Grown Ups: Why Your Best Project Thinking Happens When You Stop Working” at the Digital PM Summit 2026, October 19–21 in Asheville, North Carolina. Learn more and join us at the Digital PM Summit: https://thebureau.community/2026-digi... This conversation is part of The Human Side of Project Leadership, my series featuring speakers from the Digital PM Summit 2026 and exploring the human skills, challenges, and ideas shaping the future of project leadership.