Episode 17

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Published on:

26th Jan 2026

Fixing Complex Programs with Processes w/ Angela Thurman | Ep. 17 | SWL Podcast

Welcome back to Systems with Laura, the space where we talk about building businesses, creative work, and lives that feel intentional, sustainable, and aligned with who we are becoming.

Today, I’m joined by Angela Thurman, Founder and CEO of Thurman Co, a Houston-based consulting firm specializing in project management, technical program management, and supplier capability services for organizations operating in manufacturing, aerospace, defense, and technology sectors.

But this conversation isn’t about theory. It’s about how Thurman Co works today, how Angela and her team step into complex environments, assess what’s breaking down, and rebuild clarity through process, communication, and disciplined execution.

In this conversation, we explore:

- What Angela actually does when a client calls with a struggling program or unclear processes

- The difference between project management and technical program management in real-world practice

- How supplier capability and risk management impact entire organizations more than leaders realize

- The frameworks Angela uses from PMP, Lean, Agile, and AI-driven process optimization to bring structure to chaos

- What it takes to run a consulting firm where continuous improvement is applied internally, not just taught to clients


Angela also shares how she balances strategic leadership with operational oversight, how her team maintains consistency across highly regulated industries, and why integrity and communication are central to Thurman Co’s success.


If you’ve ever dealt with unclear ownership, broken processes, or supplier issues that ripple across your organization, this conversation will provide a practical look at how structure and systems can restore control.


📘 Whether you’re a founder, operator, consultant, or team leader responsible for delivering complex work, this episode offers a grounded, practical look at how disciplined project management and supplier strategy create measurable impact.


🔗 Connect with Angela Thurman

- Website: https://thurmanco.com


🤝 Episode Sponsor: Proprium Agency

We help service-based businesses replace chaos with clarity through smart tools, automation, and intentional system design.


Book a 15-minute discovery call:

👉 https://connect.proprium.agency/discovery-call


Join the Proprium Digital Network for founders and operators who want better systems, smarter workflows, and sustainable growth:

👉 https://proprium.agency/proprium-digital-network


🧠 Stay connected with Laura Plantak

- Website: https://www.lauraplantak.com

- Newsletter: https://lauraplantak.com/newsletter

- LinkedIn: Systems With Laura Podcast


💬 If this episode helped you think differently about project leadership, process clarity, or supplier relationships, share it with someone responsible for delivering complex work. And subscribe for more slow, grounded conversations that make space for doing meaningful work.

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About the Podcast

Systems With Laura
Systems are behind everything that works, whether we’re talking about business, mindset, habits, or communication, systems are what keep things running and scalable. I created this podcast to explore the strategies and structures that help entrepreneurs and professionals grow, without burning out.

About your host

Profile picture for Laura Plantak

Laura Plantak

Laura Plantak is a Business & IT Consultant, founder of Proprium Agency. Through her consultancy, Laura helps teams optimize workflows with automation and software, guiding them toward scalable, streamlined operations.

She is the host of The Laura Plantak Podcast, where she shares honest insights on entrepreneurship, and Systems with Laura, a show focused on turning business chaos into clarity through practical system design. Laura also leads the Proprium Digital Network, a community built to support business owners through strategic systemization and digital growth.

Her company, Proprium, produces the Processes & Platforms Podcast. Laura and her team explore real-world implementation stories, no-code tools, and automation strategies that help small teams achieve big results.

Whether she’s consulting, building systems, or sharing stories on air, Laura is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs work smarter, not harder, through thoughtful tech and efficient operations.