In this podcast, Ricardo discusses how many project failures are due not to technical issues, budgets, or deadlines but to weak project sponsorship. A senior sponsor is not enough if they are disengaged or unaware of the project’s progress. Sponsors are crucial to solving complex problems and providing executive support. Changes in sponsorship often introduce new risks, as new sponsors bring different priorities and behaviors. To mitigate these risks, Ricardo advises tracking sponsor engagement, identifying early warning signs, and delivering projects in smaller, faster phases to reduce volatility. He discusses the importance of proactive risk management and adaptability in such situations.

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In this podcast, Ricardo talks about the importance of what-if analysis in navigating volatile scenarios, such as geopolitical changes or unexpected project disruptions. By anticipating potential challenges—like new taxes, supply chain issues, or key team members leaving—project managers can develop contingency plans to adapt quickly. Ricardo highlights that dismissing unlikely scenarios can be dangerous, as even improbable events can occur. He stresses reducing project lifecycles to minimize exposure to volatility and using what-if scenarios to stay prepared. Ultimately, adaptability and proactive planning are essential for managing projects in uncertain environments.

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In this episode, Ricardo talks about DeepSeek, a groundbreaking AI application from a small Chinese startup. Unlike other AI models, DeepSeek was trained for just $5.7M—far less than OpenAI’s $100M+ investments—yet it rivals top models like OpenAI’s O1. This breakthrough could disrupt the AI industry, enabling smaller companies to develop advanced models without massive infrastructure. The news has already impacted major tech stocks, including Nvidia and Microsoft. If DeepSeek’s claims hold true, AI accessibility will skyrocket, reshaping project management and beyond. Ricardo urges listeners to explore DeepSeek and stay alert to its potential impact.

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In this episode, Ricardo discusses the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2025. Released annually, this report highlights the most pressing global challenges and trends, shaping discussions at Davos and significantly influencing project management worldwide.

Ricardo examines the top risks for 2025, such as armed conflicts, extreme weather events, and the rise of misinformation, while comparing them to previous years' findings. He also explores how these risks directly impact project management, emphasizing the growing importance of agile strategies, sustainability, and effective risk mitigation practices.

This episode is a must-listen if you’re a professional aiming to stay ahead of global shifts. Join Ricardo to discover how to align your projects with the trends that will shape the future.

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See the report at this link: https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-risks-report-2025/

In this episode of the #5minpodcast, Ricardo discusses a challenge every project manager faces: making and living with imperfect decisions. He explains that critical project decisions are often open-ended and filled with uncertainty, unlike the straightforwardness of mathematical problems. Ricardo shares three practical tips he uses to navigate complex, high-stakes scenarios, helping project managers embrace uncertainty and turn imperfect decisions into opportunities.

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Ricardo kicks off the first 5 Minutes Podcast of 2025 with five priorities for project managers to focus on for personal and professional growth. He encourages continuous education, attending impactful events, learning AI, exploring projects outside one's expertise, and strengthening soft skills like crisis management and conflict resolution. Ricardo emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and adapting to evolving challenges. He closes by wishing listeners a fantastic year and inviting them to join him weekly for insights and guidance.

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Ricardo wraps up the year on the 5 Minutes Podcast, discussing recurring project delays during the holiday season, a predictable yet often overlooked challenge. He highlights the importance of planning to avoid issues caused by holidays and vacations, emphasizing that these situations occur annually and can be managed proactively. To address this, he stresses the need for practices that reduce pressure and provide better control over deadlines, ensuring quality time during celebrations. Ricardo underscores that learning from these challenges helps prevent repeating the same mistakes in the future.

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Ricardo Vargas recently published 10 short videos about the 10 big ideas on his mind regarding what could happen in 2025, essentially exploring trends for the future. In doing so, he wanted to record a podcast reflecting on these ideas, but not just from his own perspective.

Ricardo aimed to showcase the disruption caused by artificial intelligence, using Google Notebook LM to generate a reflection on these 10 big ideas with AI support. What listeners will hear, apart from the introduction and the first few seconds, was entirely generated by artificial intelligence.

The goal is to demonstrate how this disruption is much closer than we think.

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In this episode, Ricardo talks about the importance of evaluating scenarios and macro trends when planning projects. He explains that the end of the year is an ideal time to reflect on retrospectives and forecasts, using a variety of sources, such as The Economist and Wired, for a broad and informed view. Ricardo shares Big Ideas, a series of reflections based on these trends, as a way to help people prepare for the future. He reinforces that understanding global changes and risks, such as wars and economic fluctuations, is essential to adapt plans and transform challenges into opportunities.

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In this episode, Ricardo reflects on the remarkable five-year restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral after its devastating 2019 fire. He highlights five key project management lessons: (1) setting ambitious goals, driven by a bold timeline tied to the Paris 2024 Olympics; (2) unifying diverse stakeholders, managing over €1 billion in grants, ensuring transparency, and resolving debates about preserving historical integrity versus modernization; (3) managing resilient risk, overcoming challenges such as lead contamination, COVID-19 delays, and the unexpected death of project leader Jean-Louis Georgelin; (4) blending innovation and tradition with 3D scanning alongside centuries-old craftsmanship; and (5) balancing speed and quality, ensuring historical integrity while using modern fire prevention measures. This achievement celebrates human ingenuity and teamwork.

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