In this episode, Ricardo discusses the impact of the AI Act, the European regulation on artificial intelligence (General-Purpose AI models). The law, passed in 2024 and fully in force in 2026, began imposing strict rules on general-purpose AI models such as GPT, Claude, and Gemini on August 2, 2025. Projects using these AIs, even for simple integration, must also follow ethical, privacy, and transparency requirements. This changes the role of the project manager, who now needs to ensure legal compliance. Despite criticism that the law limits innovation, Ricardo emphasizes that it signals technological maturity. For him, adapting is essential to avoid risks and add value to projects.

Listen to the podcast to learn more!
#artificialintelligence, #globalprojects, #negotiation

General-Purpose AI in the Spotlight: What the EU AI Act Means for Your Projects

Hello

Thanks for visiting my profile. 

I am an experienced leader in global operations, project management, business transformation, and crisis management. My main focus is implementing innovative global initiatives, capital projects, and product development. I have directed dozens of projects across industries and continents, managing more than $20 billion in global initiatives over the past 25 years.

I am a seasoned board member who has participated in the Brazilian Institute of Corporate Governance (IBGC) board member program. I was the first Latin American to become chairman of the board of the Project Management Institute globally, where I served for four years. I am also a member of the advisory board of Yera, an Estonian startup dedicated to improving employee performance and engagement through technology and artificial intelligence.

I share my expertise with millions of professionals around the globe through my "5 Minutes Podcast," which I have hosted since 2007 and has reached 12 million views. I've written 16 books on project management, risk and crisis management, and transformation, which have been translated into six languages and sold over half a million copies.

I am a seasoned speaker and have delivered over 250 keynote addresses in 40 countries. My influence on the sector was affirmed when I became the first Latin American to be elected Chairman of the Project Management Institute.

My work as a venture capitalist and entrepreneur in artificial intelligence, blockchain, big data, chatbots, and machine learning resulted in tools and products that have revolutionized how users bring agility and agile management into project management software.

More than two decades ago, I founded Macrosolutions, a global consulting firm with international operations in energy, infrastructure, IT, oil, and finance.

Between 2016 and 2020, I envisioned and led the Brightline Initiative, a Project Management Institute think tank in partnership with leading organizations dedicated to helping executives bridge the expensive, unproductive gap between strategy design and delivery.

Before Brightline, I was Director of the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Infrastructure and Project Management Group, leading over 1,000 projects and $1.2 billion in humanitarian and development projects. I was also responsible for the first ESG Report in the UN System, published in 2015.

I have a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, an undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering, and a master's degree in Industrial Engineering.

General-Purpose AI in the Spotlight: What the EU AI Act Means for Your Projects

Ricardo Viana Vargas - 5 Minutes Podcast