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.

Listen to the podcast to learn more!
#processes, #risks, #projectplan


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

Neste episódio, Ricardo reflete sobre o “Jeitinho Brasileiro”, destacando nossa criatividade em resolver problemas com poucos recursos. Embora essa habilidade seja admirável, ela se torna perigosa quando improvisos viram padrão. Ele conta a história de um instalador de vidro que usou chiclete no lugar de massa para fixar um vidro, e depois passou a adotar isso como prática. Ricardo alerta que, em projetos, essa mentalidade leva à improvisação constante, prazos apressados e falta de estrutura. Flexibilidade é essencial, mas não pode substituir planejamento. A verdadeira maturidade em projetos está em criar processos sustentáveis. Criatividade deve ser canalizada para soluções duradouras, não apenas para “remendos” de última hora.

Escute o podcast para saber mais! 
#processes, #risks, #projectplan


Quando o Jeitinho Brasileiro Vira Armadilha: O Risco de Normalizar o Improviso

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.

New tracks tagged #projectplan