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

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. Listen to the podcast to learn more!

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. Listen to the podcast to learn more!

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. Listen to the podcast to learn more.

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 lead to genuine innovations. He also points out that striking design has become the winery’s main business, attracting tourists more than wine production itself. Listen to the podcast to learn more.

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. Listen to the podcast to learn more!

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!

In this episode, Ricardo discusses insights from PwC’s 2024 AI Jobs Barometer, analyzing 500 million job postings across 15 countries. He shows that AI-exposed sectors like IT and project management see 4.8x higher productivity. Jobs requiring AI skills grow three times faster and offer a 25% wage premium. AI’s biggest impact comes from everyday professionals using tools like ChatGPT. Skills in AI-exposed roles shift 20% faster, urging continuous learning. AI enables smaller, more efficient teams and introduces new risks. Importantly, AI drives not only efficiency but also innovation and new business models, making it essential for project managers to adapt and evolve. Listen to the podcast to learn more!

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the dangers of prioritizing speed over strategy in project management. He says that being agile means adapting and learning quickly, not rushing in blindly. Urgency often leads to missed plans, poor decisions, and costly rework. Teams suffer under pressure, and when delays happen, they are unfairly blamed. Ricardo argues that a slower, more thoughtful start—with proper planning and stakeholder engagement—can accelerate long-term progress. He encourages leaders to educate stakeholders on the difference between rushing and smart acceleration. A realistic schedule is not a delay, but an investment in sustainable success. Listen to the podcast to learn more!

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. Listen to the podcast to learn more!

In this episode, Ricardo discusses how AI Agents are transforming project management. Unlike traditional tools, these agents are autonomous, understand context, make decisions, and interact with people and systems to deliver value. With the advancement of models like ChatGPT and platforms such as LangChain, Crew AI, and Google NotebookLM, building smart agents has become much easier. They can update schedules, write meeting notes, draft emails, generate reports, and monitor risks—all integrated with tools like Notion, Slack, Trello, and Google Docs. This shift changes the project manager’s role to that of an “AI orchestrator.” However, caution is needed due to potential errors, hallucinations, and data security concerns. AI isn’t here to replace project managers but to empower them to focus on what truly matters. Listen to the podcast to learn more!