In this episode, Ricardo discusses the “Jeitinho Brasileiro” — the Brazilian way of solving problems creatively, often with limited resources. While this ingenuity is a strength, it becomes risky when improvisation turns into standard practice. He shares a story of a glass installer who used chewing gum instead of putty, which worked but became a habit. In projects, this mindset can lead to poor documentation, rushed timelines, and weak planning. Flexibility is vital, but it must not replace structured processes. True project maturity comes from building sustainable systems, not relying on last-minute fixes. Creativity should be embraced, but always directed toward lasting, professional solutions — not temporary patches.

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#processes, #risks, #projectplan


When the Brazilian Way Becomes a Trap: The Risk of Normalizing Improvisation

In this episode, Ricardo discusses a case involving the CEO of Astronomer, who was caught with a subordinate during a concert, leading to both of their departures from the company. The episode highlights three main lessons: (1) A leader's reputation is a strategic asset, directly linked to the company's image. (2) There is no longer a separation between personal and professional life; behavior outside of work also impacts the organization. (3) Organizational culture begins with leadership, and misconduct can compromise the company's governance and credibility. The case serves as a warning about how individual attitudes can negatively impact projects, teams, and business broadly and immediately.

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Leadership in Crisis: 3 Lessons for Projects from the Astronomer Case

Neste episódio Ricardo comenta um caso envolvendo o CEO da empresa Astronomer, flagrado com uma subordinada durante um show, o que levou à saída de ambos da empresa. O episódio destaca três lições principais: (1) A reputação do líder é um ativo estratégico, diretamente ligada à imagem da empresa. (2) Não há mais separação entre vida pessoal e profissional; comportamentos fora do trabalho também impactam a organização. (3) A cultura organizacional começa na liderança, e desvios de conduta podem comprometer a governança e a credibilidade da empresa. O caso serve de alerta sobre como atitudes individuais podem afetar negativamente projetos, equipes e negócios de forma ampla e imediata.

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Liderança em Crise: 3 Lições para Projetos no Caso Astronomer

In this episode, Ricardo shares five tips to optimize meetings. First, keep them short and focused—long calls often waste time. Second, ask if a meeting is truly necessary; many decisions can be handled via Slack or email. Third, when a meeting is needed, send a clear agenda and define objectives in advance. Fourth, use AI tools to record and summarize meetings so participants can focus on the discussion. Tools like Claude help create action-based summaries. Fifth, assign a facilitator to keep the meeting on track and ensure outcomes turn into actions. Finally, gather team feedback to improve future meetings. Effective meetings can truly accelerate project success.

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#artificialintelligence, #communication, #timemanagement


Cut the Talk, Keep the Impact: 5 Tips for Better Meetings in the times of AI

Neste episódio, Ricardo compartilha cinco dicas para otimizar reuniões. Primeiro, mantenha reuniões curtas e focadas, evitando longas chamadas improdutivas. Segundo, questione se a reunião é mesmo necessária — muitas decisões podem ser tomadas via Slack ou e-mail. Terceiro, quando for necessária, envie uma agenda clara com antecedência e defina objetivos. Quarto, use a IA para registrar e resumir as reuniões, permitindo foco na participação. Plataformas como Claude ajudam a gerar resumos com tarefas e prazos. Quinto, nomeie um facilitador para manter o foco e transformar decisões em ações. Por fim, colete feedback da equipe para melhorar continuamente. Boas reuniões aceleram projetos.


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#artificialintelligence, #communication, #timemanagement


Corte o Blá-Blá-Blá, Mantenha o Impacto: 5 Dicas para Reuniões Melhores em Tempos de IA

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.

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#artificialintelligence, #globalprojects, #negotiation

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

Neste episódio, Ricardo comenta o impacto da AI Act, regulamentação europeia da inteligência artificial (General Purpose AI models). A lei, aprovada em 2024 e em vigor plena em 2026, começou a impor, desde 2/08/25, regras rígidas aos modelos de IA de uso geral, como GPT, Claude e Gemini. Os projetos que usam essas IAs, mesmo como integração simples, também devem seguir exigências sobre ética, privacidade e transparência. Isso muda o papel do gerente de projetos, que agora precisa garantir conformidade legal. Apesar das críticas de que a lei limita a inovação, Ricardo destaca que ela sinaliza maturidade tecnológica. Para ele, adaptar-se é essencial para evitar riscos e agregar valor aos projetos.

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#artificialintelligence, #globalprojects, #negotiation

AI de Propósito Geral no Foco: O que o EU AI Act Significa para Nossos Projetos

In this episode, Ricardo explores the paradox of projects that were executed with excellence — on time, on budget, and within the original scope — but ultimately fail to deliver real value because the world changed during execution. The pandemic, accelerated digital transformation, new regulations, or even political and social shifts can make what was promised at the start of the project no longer relevant at the time of delivery.

Project Delivered, Relevance Lost: When Reality Outpaces Your Scope

Neste episódio, Ricardo explora o paradoxo de projetos que foram executados com excelência — dentro do prazo, do orçamento e do escopo original — mas que, no final, não entregam valor real porque o mundo mudou durante a execução. A pandemia, a transformação digital acelerada, novas regulamentações ou até mudanças políticas e sociais podem fazer com que o que foi prometido no início do projeto já não faça mais sentido no momento da entrega.

Projeto Entregue, Impacto Perdido: Quando a Realidade Supera o Escopo

In this episode, Ricardo Vargas talks about the importance of recognizing and acting on early warning signs — the famous red flags — before small issues become full-blown crises. He shares practical advice and real examples to help create a culture of active risk awareness and psychological safety in project environments.
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Ignoring the Signs Is Costly: The Art of Seeing Red Flags in Projects

Neste episódio, Ricardo Vargas fala sobre a importância de reconhecer e agir diante dos sinais de alerta — os famosos red flags — antes que pequenos desvios se tornem grandes crises. Ele compartilha exemplos práticos e orientações para criar uma cultura de vigilância ativa e segurança psicológica nos projetos.
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Ignorar os Sinais Custa Caro: A Arte de Enxergar Red Flags em Projetos

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.

When the Brazilian Way Becomes a Trap: The Risk of Normalizing Improvisation

Ricardo Viana Vargas - 5 Minutes Podcast

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