5 Minutes Podcast with Ricardo Vargas

By Ricardo Viana Vargas

What's 5 Minutes Podcast with Ricardo Vargas about?

Since 2007, Ricardo Vargas publishes the 5 Minutes Podcast where he addresses in a quick and practical way the main topics on project, portfolio and risk management.

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5 Minutes Podcast with Ricardo Vargas episodes:

04.22.2024
Making Sense of the Stanford University AI Index Report 2024
In this episode, Ricardo talks about findings from the "Stanford University AI Index Report," which emphasizes the advantages that industry has over academia in AI research, the efficacy of AI in specific activities, and the high expense of creating sophisticated...
04.14.2024
Myth or Reality: Were Human Skills Only Highlighted in PMBOK Guide 7th Edition?
In this episode, Ricardo talks about the importance of soft skills in project management, noting their relevance since the inception of the PMBOK guide in 1996. The 7th edition introduces a principles-based approach, diverging from the process-based structure of the...
04.08.2024
The Power of Managing By Exception to Control Project Variations
In this episode, Ricardo talks about "management by exception" in PRINCE2 methodology, which encourages communication and action only in exceptional cases, saving time on routine updates. As an example, meetings are only called when there is a significant delay, a...
03.31.2024
Why Even Tiny and Simple Projects Fail
In this episode, Ricardo discusses how even small projects like assembling IKEA furniture can become overwhelming if not planned and executed efficiently. He highlights the need for attention, commitment, and streamlined communication to prevent such tasks from accumulating and disrupting...
03.25.2024
The Hype Cycle of Projects
In this episode, Ricardo talks about the hype cycle, which was first used in relation to technology but is also applicable to project management. He describes how projects go through phases of exhilaration that peak upon release, problems, and disillusionment....
03.18.2024
FOMO Should Not Be a Metric of Your AI Project
In this podcast, Ricardo discusses the importance of implementing AI projects with metrics, cautioning against the fear of missing out (FOMO) as a driving force. He draws attention to the high expenses of AI, especially those related to hiring qualified...
03.11.2024
5 Quick Tips for Effective Remote Project Management
In this episode, Ricardo talks about remote project management, drawing from years of experience. He stresses using online tools like Asana and Slack to stay organized and talk to people. Clear communication rules are fundamental and should include casual office...
03.04.2024
Balancing Executive Demands for Transparency, Resources, and Deadlines with the Need for Agility
In this episode, Ricardo talks about the dilemma of balancing executive demands for transparency, resources, and deadlines with the need for agility. He makes it clear that agility doesn't mean having any control but rather a mix of control and...
02.26.2024
Harnessing AI for Smarter Risk Identification in Projects
In this episode, Ricardo talks about AI's role in risk management, particularly in risk identification, which is based on human experience and often involves techniques such as brainstorming. AI can analyze large amounts of data to identify links that people...
02.19.2024
From Plans to Pandemonium: A Project Manager's Home Move Journey
In this episode, Ricardo talks about his recent adventure of moving homes. He shares insights from selling his old house and buying a new one, planning the move for a less busy time, and the unexpected turn of events when...
02.05.2024
Mastering Uncertainty in Projects: The Art of Recognizing Triggers and Early Warning Signs
In this 5 Minutes Podcast, Ricardo covers the necessity of recognizing triggers in project management and artificial intelligence. Triggers indicate patterns, risks, or occurrences before they happen. Ricardo uses analogies such as plane catastrophes and building collapses to illustrate the...
01.29.2024
You Can Change Almost Anything in a Project, But You Must Not Change Its Purpose
In this episode, Ricardo emphasizes the need for change in project environments while cautioning against modifying the project's primary purpose or DNA. He underlines that while adapting and evolving is essential, changing fundamental goals can lead to confusion and a...
01.22.2024
Why Project Managers Can't Miss the Bigger Picture: Lessons From Davos
In this episode, Ricardo discusses the World Economic Forum in Davos, emphasizing the need for project managers to expand their perspectives beyond the immediate concerns of the project. He highlights the rapid pace of global change, including technological advances that...
01.15.2024
AI and Misinformation at the Top of the World Economic Forum Global Risk Report 2024
In this week's episode, Ricardo addresses the Global Risk Report recently released by the World Economic Forum. He emphasizes and validates some clear risks, such as climate change and extreme weather, as well as long-term risks, noting that although they...
01.08.2024
Welcome to 2024: Exploring the Top 3 Game-Changing Trends in Global Project Management
In this first episode of 2024 of the Five Minutes podcast, Ricardo addresses the current presence of artificial intelligence and its impact on project management and the job market. The podcast offers insights into Ricardo's considerations for this year, covering...
12.18.2023
Why Projects are Like War: Quite Easy to Start and Almost Impossible to Finish
In this episode, Ricardo explores the difficulty in completing projects, highlighting three leading causes. First, anxiety causes you to start more projects than you can finish, resulting in a backlog of work. Second, planning based on ideal conditions leads to...
12.11.2023
Google's Gemini: AI Revolution or Refined Illusion?
In this episode, Ricardo talks about Google's latest AI endeavor, Gemini. It includes a native multimodal environment, allowing people to write, talk, or draw and get answers live. One of its demo videos was so impactful that it instantly got millions of...
12.04.2023
What is Reality?
In this episode, Ricardo discusses a prank at the Web Summit where two individuals posed as a rapper and an Adidas executive, promoting absurd ideas like implanting SIM cards in workers to control productivity. The audience applauded, highlighting a concerning...
11.27.2023
Surviving the AI Wave: Skills, Adaptation, and the Future
In this episode, Ricardo talks about the recent developments at OpenAI, including the departure and return of Sam Altman. Rumors say that OpenAI is creating a potentially revolutionary language model with the capacity to pose a threat to humanity. In...
11.20.2023
OpenAI Leadership Crisis: The Governance and Communications Madness
In this episode, Ricardo discusses the recent upheaval at OpenAI, likening it to a dramatic chapter from HBO's succession. CEO Sam Altman was fired on a turbulent weekend, leading to speculation and confusion. Microsoft, unaware of the decision, expressed concern....
11.13.2023
It's Dangerous to Give an Opinion About Anything
In this episode, Ricardo highlights the danger of uninformed opinions, especially in the era of influencers. Ricardo emphasizes the need for a "place of speech" where individuals speak from a position of knowledge. Drawing from personal experiences in conflict zones,...
11.06.2023
The Cult of Immediacy is Dangerous and Very Risky for Your Project
In this episode, Ricardo emphasizes the modern cult of immediacy and the impact it has on professionals' patience and ability to concentrate. The younger generation seeks instant results in various aspects of life, including work and learning. This mindset is...
10.30.2023
Project Management, AI, and Sustainability: Is This the New Triple Constraint?
In this episode, Ricardo discusses the broader context of AI in sustainability. While environmental sustainability is often the focus, Ricardo emphasizes the importance of social, environmental, and economic sustainability. He draws an analogy with the project management triangle (scope, time,...
10.22.2023
How the Calculation of the Risk's Expected Monetary Value Can Mislead Our Project Reserves
In this episode, Ricardo discusses the common practice of calculating Expected Monetary Value (EMV) for risk management. EMV involves multiplying the probability of a risk by its impact to determine the exposure and, in turn, the financial reserves needed. He...
10.15.2023
Organizations Want to Change Everything Without Changing Anything
In this episode, Ricardo discusses the standard rhetoric of change in organizations and individuals. While many talk about the need for change, they often struggle to take action. Ricardo emphasizes the importance of understanding the purpose of change and how...
10.08.2023
The Devastating Uncertainty of Life: The Tragedy of The Recent Events in Israel
In this podcast, Ricardo expresses deep sadness and extends condolences to those affected by the recent tragic events in Israel and Gaza. He emphasizes his personal connection, mentioning that he has brothers and sisters in both Israel and Palestine. Ricardo highlights...
10.01.2023
How to Poorly Manage Crisis: My Swiss Airlines Nightmare
In this podcast episode, Ricardo shares a recent experience with Swiss Airways that highlights the mishandling of a crisis in the airline industry. Ricardo's flight from Lisbon to Punta Cana via Zurich was delayed progressively, ultimately leading to a seven-hour...
09.24.2023
Unlocking the AI Potential: Top 5 Courses to Advance Your Skills in Generative AI
In this podcast episode, Ricardo emphasizes the increasing relevance of artificial intelligence (AI) across various professions, particularly in project management. He recommends several free online AI courses, including those by PMI, Google, Linkedin, and Microsoft, highlighting their differences and merits....
09.17.2023
My Participation at Burning Man Was Much More Than Attending an Event
A new Podcast is on the air and this week Ricardo discusses how our work and personal relationships tend to feed back into our perspective and set of implications. In the last Newsletter he published, Ricardo spoke about an event that...
09.03.2023
My Insights About Our First Research of Artificial Intelligence in Project Management - Part 2/2
In this "5 Minutes Podcast" episode, Ricardo discusses topics 6 to 10 of the research on AI in project management. Topic 6 reveals that 25 to 26% of experts see AI as a tool to enhance diversity and reduce bias, while...
08.26.2023
My Insights About Our First Research of Artificial Intelligence in Project Management - Part 1/2
In the "5 Minutes" podcast, Ricardo discusses the AI-driven Project Management Revolution Research he did with Antonio Nieto Rodriguez, covering critical aspects of AI's role in project management. The survey involved nearly 800 experts from 95 countries. The first insight...
08.20.2023
Will We Need Reports, Templates and Analysis of Our Projects in Times of AI?
In this episode of the 5 Minutes Podcast, Ricardo delves into the implications of AI's rapid evolution, particularly about generating reports and analysis. He highlights using AI-generated insights to replace conventional statements and analytical tools. Ricardo envisions a future where...
08.13.2023
Why People Got Surprised When I Shared My Certificate Last Week?
In the newest episode of "Why People Got Surprised When I Shared My Certificate Last Week?" Ricardo shares a surprising experience. After completing an AI certification program often chosen by younger professionals, many people sent positive notes and called him...
08.06.2023
The Challenge of Building Trust When People Want to Hear Only What They Like
In this episode, Ricardo discusses the dilemma of maintaining trust while conveying truths that may not always be pleasant to hear. He emphasizes the critical role of honesty and transparency in project management, despite the challenges they might bring. Ricardo uses his...
07.30.2023
My Golden Rule of 5-80% to Improve The Work with Generative AI
In this episode, Ricardo introduces the 'Golden Rule of 5-80%' concept for enhancing your work with Generative AI. He starts by explaining how the first 5% of the process depends on us - the users, discussing the significance of context,...
07.23.2023
Understanding Minimax Strategy in Project Decisions Under Uncertainty
In this episode, Ricardo discusses the Minimax Strategy, highlighting its role in decision-making under uncertainty. Instead of focusing on the technical aspects of the algorithm, he explores its philosophical underpinnings. He underscores how this approach aids in prioritizing risks that could...
07.16.2023
Zombie Projects: Why They Exist and How to Kill Them
In this episode, Ricardo digs into the uncanny world of zombie projects - the projects that refuse to die despite their draining effects on organizational resources. He explores the mystery behind their existence, highlighting factors such as the fear of failure...
07.09.2023
Why Do We Need to Learn How to Swallow the Fish if We Want to Deliver Successful Projects?
In this week's episode, Ricardo explores a crucial concept for achieving successful project delivery: "swallowing the fish." This idea, originating from the book "Technology as a Service Playbook" by Thomas Lah and JB Wood, is represented by a graph that forms...
07.02.2023
Will Project Management Offices (PMO) Survive in the Age of AI?
In this week's podcast, Ricardo talks about the future of PMOs in an AI-dominated world. He explores the fundamental question: Can Project Management Offices (PMOs) stay relevant in the age of AI? AI will change the work we all do inside...
06.25.2023
What Can Be Learned from the Tragedy of Titan Submersible?
In this episode, Ricardo discusses the tragedy of the Titan Submersible, highlighting what we can learn from this deep-sea catastrophe. He discusses the inherent complexities of oceanic exploration and their implications on project management, using the submersible's story as a case...
06.18.2023
Self-Reflection on Burnout: Five Proactive Strategies for Personal Resilience
In this episode, Ricardo goes deeper into the importance of understanding burnout. In a very personal and reflective approach, Ricardo shares his own experience with burnout in recent weeks. His stories and insights offer an intimate look at a struggle several...
06.09.2023
3 Quick Tips to Use ChatGPT in Your Projects
In this week's episode, Ricardo explores how generative AI, specifically ChatGPT, can transform project management. He highlights the nuances of adapting this technology to your projects, potentially supporting everything from the conception of the Project Charter to risk management and preparation...
06.04.2023
4 Ways to Improve The Relationship With Your Boss
In this episode, Ricardo explores the core principles of building stronger connections with our boss and how it is critically relevant if we want to deliver our project and get the work done. It covers how building trust, establishing connections, avoiding...
05.28.2023
Occam's Razor: The Power of Simplicity in Project Management
In this episode, Ricardo introduces the timeless philosophy of Occam's Razor, a principle that champions simplicity. Coined by 14th Century philosopher William of Ockham, this concept prompts us to choose the most straightforward explanation or solution when faced with equally...
05.21.2023
The Cobra Effect: Unraveling Second-Order Consequences
In today's episode, Ricardo guides you through the fascinating world of second-order consequences, focusing on the Cobra Effect. He explores how solutions that seemed reasonable in the short term can sometimes spawn more complex issues in a project environment if not...
05.14.2023
Is there Something to Learn from Bayes' Theorem That Will Change Your Perceptions of Risks?
In this episode, Ricardo explores the practical facets of Bayesian thinking, demonstrating how previous events and knowledge can reshape our evaluation of future risks. In his discussion, he avoids complex formulas, highlighting the theorem's real-world implications. He also underscores the significance...
05.07.2023
Is the Future of Artificial Intelligence the Future We Want for Us?
In this thought-provoking episode of the podcast, Ricardo explores the possibility of AI surpassing human intelligence and developing emotions to the point where it has a soul and feelings, as the philosopher Nick Bostrom proposed in his Big Think video. With...
04.30.2023
Three Strategies for Improving Your Remote Work
In this episode, Ricardo discusses three strategies for improving your remote work experience. These strategies include establishing clear boundaries between work and personal time, proactively and effectively communicating with your team using different channels, and embracing remote work's flexibility. As remote...
04.23.2023
How Gamification Can Maximize the Results of your Project
In this episode, Ricardo shares his experience learning Spanish using the Duolingo app and diving into how gamification can boost the productivity and morale of project teams. Using micro-rewards, project managers can create fun and healthy competition among project teams to...
04.16.2023
Three Uses of AI that can Bring Agile Development to the Next Level
In this episode of "5 Minutes Podcast About Project Management and AI," Ricardo explores three key areas where AI can bring Agile Development to the next level. Firstly, he discusses how AI can help teams plan and prioritize sprints for greater...

What's 5 Minutes Podcast with Ricardo Vargas about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

5 Minutes Podcast with Ricardo Vargas episodes:

Making Sense of the Stanford University AI Index Report 2024

Myth or Reality: Were Human Skills Only Highlighted in PMBOK Guide 7th Edition?

The Power of Managing By Exception to Control Project Variations

Why Even Tiny and Simple Projects Fail

The Hype Cycle of Projects

FOMO Should Not Be a Metric of Your AI Project

5 Quick Tips for Effective Remote Project Management

Balancing Executive Demands for Transparency, Resources, and Deadlines with the Need for Agility

Harnessing AI for Smarter Risk Identification in Projects

From Plans to Pandemonium: A Project Manager's Home Move Journey

Mastering Uncertainty in Projects: The Art of Recognizing Triggers and Early Warning Signs

You Can Change Almost Anything in a Project, But You Must Not Change Its Purpose

Why Project Managers Can't Miss the Bigger Picture: Lessons From Davos

AI and Misinformation at the Top of the World Economic Forum Global Risk Report 2024

Welcome to 2024: Exploring the Top 3 Game-Changing Trends in Global Project Management

Why Projects are Like War: Quite Easy to Start and Almost Impossible to Finish

Google's Gemini: AI Revolution or Refined Illusion?

What is Reality?

Surviving the AI Wave: Skills, Adaptation, and the Future

OpenAI Leadership Crisis: The Governance and Communications Madness

It's Dangerous to Give an Opinion About Anything

The Cult of Immediacy is Dangerous and Very Risky for Your Project

Project Management, AI, and Sustainability: Is This the New Triple Constraint?

How the Calculation of the Risk's Expected Monetary Value Can Mislead Our Project Reserves

Organizations Want to Change Everything Without Changing Anything

The Devastating Uncertainty of Life: The Tragedy of The Recent Events in Israel

How to Poorly Manage Crisis: My Swiss Airlines Nightmare

Unlocking the AI Potential: Top 5 Courses to Advance Your Skills in Generative AI

My Participation at Burning Man Was Much More Than Attending an Event

My Insights About Our First Research of Artificial Intelligence in Project Management - Part 2/2

My Insights About Our First Research of Artificial Intelligence in Project Management - Part 1/2

Will We Need Reports, Templates and Analysis of Our Projects in Times of AI?

Why People Got Surprised When I Shared My Certificate Last Week?

The Challenge of Building Trust When People Want to Hear Only What They Like

My Golden Rule of 5-80% to Improve The Work with Generative AI

Understanding Minimax Strategy in Project Decisions Under Uncertainty

Zombie Projects: Why They Exist and How to Kill Them

Why Do We Need to Learn How to Swallow the Fish if We Want to Deliver Successful Projects?

Will Project Management Offices (PMO) Survive in the Age of AI?

What Can Be Learned from the Tragedy of Titan Submersible?

Self-Reflection on Burnout: Five Proactive Strategies for Personal Resilience

3 Quick Tips to Use ChatGPT in Your Projects

4 Ways to Improve The Relationship With Your Boss

Occam's Razor: The Power of Simplicity in Project Management

The Cobra Effect: Unraveling Second-Order Consequences

Is there Something to Learn from Bayes' Theorem That Will Change Your Perceptions of Risks?

Is the Future of Artificial Intelligence the Future We Want for Us?

Three Strategies for Improving Your Remote Work

How Gamification Can Maximize the Results of your Project

Three Uses of AI that can Bring Agile Development to the Next Level