Hey y’all, my name is WP Grandma, and I’m thrilled to be the new “face” of The WP Project Manager’s Academy. Beth Livingston, the Academy’s founder, asked me to take on this role because:
- PM is boring, and we’re here to make it fun (and still effective).
- The WordPress community—and web dev world—is facing growing pains with AI, algorithm changes, governance shifts, and more. We’re here to sprinkle in some humor for relief.
- Some of y’all are leaving money on the table because you won’t implement basic PM principles. You need a good talkin’ to—from your grandma who tell
Here’s a short video with all you need to know about me or if you’d rather read instead, keep scrolling.
Who is WP Grandma?
I call myself WDOG—Web Development Old Gal. I’ve been around long enough to remember when Windows 3.1 was a “toy” and no respectable business touched a Mac. My first “portable” computer had a 6-inch green screen and weighed as much as a small boulder.
I’m a Y2K survivor, a project management nerd, and I’ve got 20+ years of knowledge to help you finish projects on time, on budget, and with profit.
How did you get into the web development space?
Sugar, I started web dev to escape corporate life. Built a hideous website for myself, a slightly less hideous one for a friend, and before I knew it, I was doing it full-time. Later, I saw a gap in the market: no one was teaching how to finish projects on time, within budget, and with the right features. And let’s be real: project management is as exciting as watching paint dry. So I figured, why not add some laughs while sneaking in old-fashioned wisdom? That’s how the Web Agency PM Hotline was born.
What does WP stand for?
It started as WordPress Grandma, but now I’m rebranding to Web Professional Grandma. Whether you’re on WordPress, Wix, or hard coding HTML, I’ve got the processes and tough love you need. Call me WP Grandma or the one who warned you about scope creep before it ate your profit. Whatever works, sweetie pie.
What would you say to folks who think you’re too old to give tech advice?
Darlin’, best practices from the ‘80s and ‘90s are still golden. And let’s be honest—most “new trends” are just rebranded ideas we perfected while wearing shoulder pads and blasting Duran Duran. Think I’m too old? Bless your heart—you either need my help or you don’t.
Tell us about the Web Agency PM Hotline.
Angel, the web dev space is more stressful than a cat at a dog show. AI, Google’s moving goalposts, social media drama, and government regulations? It’s a lot. The PM Hotline is a series of short videos answering real questions from web dev pros, with humor and tough love. We all need to laugh more—at our industry, clients, and ourselves.
Are you worried your southern accent makes folks take you less seriously?
Seriously, pumpkin? The whole point is to bring value in a non-serious way. If you’re too busy judging my twang to hear my truth bombs, well, bless your heart.
Where do you think WordPress is going?
If I had a crystal ball, I’d use it for lottery numbers, not predictions. But one thing’s sure: change is coming. People say, “This isn’t the WordPress I fell in love with.” Well, sugar, neither is my high school sweetheart, but he still makes a mean barbecue. Things evolve. Keep your eyes, mind, and maybe a bottle of wine open—embracing change beats fighting it any day.
Where do you think web development is going?
Many “gurus” will tell you it’s all about SaaS platforms like Wix and Shopify. And hardcore WordPress providers say just the opposite. The truth is, options are growing and developers need to diversify. If you’re married to one platform, you’re a Blockbuster in a Netflix world. As my granddaddy said, don’t hitch your wagon to just one horse.
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Embrace change. Fighting it is as productive as arguing with a client about their logo size. Change is inevitable, sugar. Roll with it.
I hope this gives you a good sense of who I am. If you’re a member of The WP Project Manager’s Academy or if you follow us, you’ll be seeing me a lot.
And don’t forget to check out the PM for Profit newsletter or subscribe to our channel. See you soon, sweetie pie!
Want to see more of WP Grandma and learn how to consistently get your projects completed on time and within budget?
Join the WP Project Manager’s Academy – a FREE membership program where you can learn everything you need to know to consistently get your projects completed on time, within budget, with features that meet the client’s business requirements WITHOUT sacrificing profit.
You might also want to Join our Facebook Group where we have weekly live trainings on all things project and productivity management as well as a Friday chat session.
