In this episode, Ricardo talks about the ongoing importance of earned value analysis in project management. Despite advancements in AI, real-time dashboards, earned value remains a precise, structured, and effective tool—especially in complex environments. AI can automate data collection and forecasting, but it cannot replace human judgment. Metrics like the cost performance index (CPI) require interpretation to guide decisions. Earned value analysis integrates scope, time, and cost, providing actionable insights. Ricardo emphasizes that while technology enhances our tools, it doesn’t replace core principles. He also announces an upcoming course on earned value application.

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#earnedvalue, #projectindicators, #risks


Why Earned Value Still Matters — Even with AI

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the impact of fear on project management and the role of psychological safety in transforming fear into positive and effective actions. Fears such as making mistakes, being judged, or losing your job can silence teams, hindering decisions and innovation. Psychological safety, a concept developed by Amy Edmondson, allows people to express themselves without fear of punishment. Leaders play a fundamental role in demonstrating vulnerability and encouraging participation. This does not eliminate discipline, but it dissociates it from fear, replacing it with respect and trust. Authoritarian cultures can generate quick results, but they compromise the team’s potential. To reduce fear, genuinely listen to your team and share your own concerns. Projects are made by people, and people need trust.

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#leadership, #risks, #communication


The Fear That Sabotages Your Projects — And How to Overcome It

Neste episódio, Ricardo aborda o impacto do medo no gerenciamento dos projetos e o papel da segurança psicológica em transformar o medo em ações positivas e eficazes. Medos tais como errar, ser julgado ou perder o emprego, podem silenciar as equipes, prejudicando decisões e inovações. A segurança psicológica, conceito de Amy Edmondson, permite que pessoas se expressem sem medo de punição. Líderes têm papel fundamental ao demonstrar vulnerabilidade e incentivar a participação. Isso não elimina disciplina, mas a dissocia do medo, substituindo-o por respeito e confiança. Culturas autoritárias podem gerar resultados rápidos, mas comprometem o potencial do time. Para reduzir o medo, ouça genuinamente sua equipe e compartilhe suas próprias dúvidas. Projetos são feitos por pessoas, e pessoas precisam de confiança.

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#leadership, #risks, #communication


O Medo Que Sabota Seus Projetos — E Como Vencê-lo

In this episode, Ricardo visits the Marqués de Riscal winery, highlighting the hotel designed by Frank Gehry as an example of creativity outside the box. He reflects on how disruptive ideas, like this architectural work made of titanium and stainless steel, often emerge when rigid frameworks are abandoned and “ordered chaos” is explored. Ricardo emphasizes that, in projects, thinking outside the box can generate real innovations. He also points out that striking design has become the winery’s main business, attracting tourists more than wine production itself.
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Not Every Project Has to Be Straight: The Magic of Frank Gehry

Neste episódio, Ricardo visita a vinícola Marqués de Riscal, destacando o hotel projetado por Frank Gehry como exemplo de criatividade fora dos padrões. Ele reflete sobre como ideias disruptivas, como essa obra arquitetônica feita de titânio e aço inox, muitas vezes surgem quando se abandona frameworks rígidos e se permite explorar o "caos ordenado". Ricardo ressalta que, em projetos, pensar fora da caixa pode gerar inovações reais. Além disso, destaca que o design impactante tornou-se o principal negócio da vinícola, atraindo turistas mais do que a própria produção de vinho.
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Nem Todo Projeto Precisa Ser Reto: A Mágica de Frank Gehry

In this episode, Ricardo talks about the importance of staying calm when everything seems out of control. He shares eight practical tips for dealing with moments of chaos in projects — from doing a reality check to taking care of your well-being. Ricardo highlights that under pressure, common sense is often the first thing to go, and impulsive decisions tend to make things worse. That’s why creating strategic pauses, seeking support from trusted people, and going back to the basics of the project can be key to regaining focus. By communicating clearly and accepting uncertainty as part of the process, the project manager can navigate with balance even in the middle of turbulence.
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In the Eye of the Storm: How to Stay Calm Amid Uncertainty

Neste episódio, Ricardo fala sobre a importância de manter a calma quando tudo parece fora de controle. Ele compartilha oito dicas práticas para lidar com momentos de caos em projetos — desde fazer uma análise realista até cuidar do próprio bem-estar. Ricardo destaca que, diante da pressão, o bom senso costuma ser o primeiro a desaparecer, e que decisões impulsivas tendem a agravar a situação. Por isso, criar pausas estratégicas, buscar apoio de pessoas de confiança e voltar ao básico do projeto pode ser fundamental para retomar o foco. Ao comunicar com clareza e aceitar a incerteza como parte do processo, o gestor consegue navegar com equilíbrio mesmo em meio à turbulência.
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No Olho do Furacão: Como Manter a Calma em Meio à Incerteza

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

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.

Why Earned Value Still Matters — Even with AI

Ricardo Viana Vargas - 5 Minutes Podcast

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