Burn That Project Down

A Salty Project Manager’s Guide to Stand Out Without Burnout

“This is not yet another book offering the steps in project management. It is a complement to those books. Stewart talks about you and me, where we are likely to get into trouble, and how we can avoid those pitfalls. I love the way he writes. He is clear, easy to read, and often quite funny. I highly recommend this book.”
– Rick Maurer, Author, Speaker & Coach

Tired of the project management slog—red tape, indecisive leaders, and unrealistic expectations?

You’re not alone. And no, you’re not the problem.

Burn That Project Down is your funny, irreverent no-BS guide to leading high-friction projects without losing your sanity. If you’re done with sugar-coated advice, Ken Stewart delivers the blunt truth and dark humor you actually need to lead when things get messy.

This isn’t a test-prep manual. It’s a survival guide built for the chaotic middle—where real work gets done and real leaders are made.

This book is for:

New project managers trying to figure out what they just signed up for
Frustrated PMs sick of dysfunction, chaos, and broken communication
Leaders of PMs looking to develop stronger project leadership and fix what’s not working

Inside, you’ll learn how to:

Lead tough projects without burning out or selling out
Cut through noise, politics, and shifting priorities to move things forward
Build your brand as a trusted, respected project leader
Coach project managers who are stuck, stressed, or spiraling

Whether you’re managing your first project or leading a team through the fire, this book gives you the clarity, confidence, and edge to survive—and thrive—in modern project management.

If you’re ready to rise above the chaos, lead with grit, and stop cleaning up other people’s messes—this is your playbook.

“You’ve nailed it! This is the kind of practical advice that’s tough to find in the overwhelming sea of project management guidance. This is exactly what those new or struggling PMs need.”
– Viraj Kasbekar, Founder & Principal Consultant, PMOrbit, Inc.

“I recommend this book to anyone managing projects, as it clearly lays out the realities of project management.”
– Roy Mathena, President, PSI Project Management