Writer | Speaker | Project Leader
This record has always been treated like an afterthought. Not the debut, not the myth, just the second one that came out too fast and didn’t change the world. Which feels about right for a band like the New York Dolls. It’s a weird, lopsided album. Half originals, half covers, all of it a bit…
I see a lot of organizations rely heavily on tools and frameworks to run projects. Gantt charts, dashboards, and automated workflows are helpful, but they are not the solution. The solution is the people. I start by understanding the team. What are their strengths, weaknesses, and communication styles? What motivates them? I spend time aligning…
I’ve been on projects where nothing makes sense at first. The scope is unclear, stakeholders have conflicting priorities, and deadlines feel impossible. These are the moments where good project management really counts. Step one is assessment. I map out what I know: objectives, constraints, team strengths, and dependencies. Then I identify gaps. Where is the…
Mentoring PMs has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. Across the USA and Canada, I’ve worked with people at different levels, and one lesson keeps coming up: confidence matters as much as technical skill. I often see new PMs fixate on the “perfect plan.” My advice is simple: start small, focus…
I’ve run projects that span multiple teams, countries, and technologies. The first thing I do is break complexity into structure. I start with milestones, then tasks, then dependencies. Visual maps help teams see the path forward and identify risks early. Next, I prioritize ruthlessly. Not everything can happen at once. I focus on what delivers…
Risk management is usually thought of as charts, logs, and spreadsheets. In my experience, the real risks are always human. Miscommunication, unclear responsibilities, or disengaged stakeholders can derail a project faster than a missed deadline. I focus on understanding the team and the stakeholders. Who has the most influence? Where are the bottlenecks? What motivates…
Sometimes projects land on your desk and suddenly you are the manager. I’ve been there more than once, stepping into roles without a title or a plan. At first, it feels overwhelming, but that’s also where the growth happens. The key is to focus on clarity. Start by understanding the goal, the stakeholders, and the…
Punk rock mosh pits may seem worlds apart from the boardroom, but they teach similar lessons about energy, risk, and focus. In a pit, people react fast, communicate non-verbally, and trust each other to stay safe. In leadership, the parallels are striking. Teams move fast, situations are unpredictable, and trust is everything. Leaders who embrace…
Mentoring is hard when everything around you is unpredictable. Teams, organizations, and projects are constantly shifting. I’ve mentored professionals across the USA and Canada and one consistent challenge is helping people find focus amid the noise. The first step is clarity. Define the goal and the steps needed to reach it. Next, prioritize. Not everything…
Disorder is uncomfortable, but it is also a catalyst. In my experience, teams that face disruption head-on often discover solutions they would never have considered otherwise. Leaders play a key role by framing challenges as opportunities. Start by identifying what can be controlled and what cannot. Focus energy on areas where impact is possible. Next,…