The Retro: Why Time Tracking Sucks (And How to Make it Suck Less)

The Digital Project Manager

Why does time tracking suck—and what can we actually do about it? In this lively and deeply honest panel session, Kelsey Alpaio sits down with agency consultant Marcel Petitpas, PMO leader Kelly Vega, and project operations expert Matthew Fox to get to the root of why time tracking feels so broken. Together, they unpack not just the tactical challenges, but the deeper cultural and strategic dynamics that make time tracking feel like a chore (or worse, a surveillance tool). But this isn’t just a vent session—our panel brings clarity, practical advice, and a few hard truths to help you shift your mindset and your systems.

From rethinking data accuracy and redefining utilization to making smarter tooling choices and harnessing AI (without falling for the hype), this conversation delivers actionable insight for PMs, leaders, and anyone in the messy middle of tracking work. Whether you’re tracking time for billing, planning, or just staying afloat, there’s something here to make it suck a little less—and maybe even become a tool for empowerment.

Resources from this episode:

• Join DPM Membership
• Subscribe to the newsletter to get our latest articles and podcasts
• Connect with Kelly, Matthew, and Marcel on LinkedIn
• Check out Parakeeto

Chapters

1. Welcome and Introduction (00:00:00)

2. The Problem with Time Tracking (00:01:46)

3. Benefits of Effective Time Tracking (00:09:05)

4. Time Tracking Horror Stories (00:12:43)

5. AI's Impact on Time Tracking (00:21:19)

6. Addressing Culture and Trust Issues (00:30:40)

7. Improving Team Time Tracking Compliance (00:39:24)

8. Final Thoughts and Conclusion (00:47:53)