In this episode, we explore mega programs—large-scale, high-impact initiatives that shape industries, economies, and societies. Some succeed brilliantly, while others face catastrophic failures. What makes the difference? How can leaders navigate complexity and ensure success?

Joining us is Biren Parekh, a globally recognized expert in program and project management. Together, we discuss:

✅ What makes mega programs unique and different from traditional projects & programs?

✅ The biggest reasons mega programs fail—and how to prevent them.

✅ Mega program success stories and key lessons from them.

✅ Turnaround strategies for failing mega programs.

✅ Essential takeaways for PMP, PgMP, and PfMP professionals managing large-scale initiatives.

Whether you're a project manager, program leader, portfolio executive, or P3M enthusiast, this episode will equip you with valuable insights to elevate your career and leadership skills.

📢 Looking to achieve PMP, PgMP, or PfMP certification?

We provide expert-led training and mentoring to help you succeed! Reach out today:

🌐 Website: www.addonskills.com

📧 Email: [email protected]

📞 Call/WhatsApp: +91 787-556-1193

👉 Subscribe, rate, and share this episode with your network! Stay tuned for more insights on Project, Program, and Portfolio Management.

🔗 Follow us on:

📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiV7tmLdd8c9qeC14ObyH6WDAQmdHjXe4

🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2ncT7WLvFCO9dUeawQr6CB?si=c08f444dd3fc444c

🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/in/podcast/p3m-with-kailash-upadhyay/id1677731267

#P3M #P3mwithKailashUpadhyay #MegaPrograms #ProgramManagement #ProjectManagement #PMP #PgMP #PfMP #TurnaroundStrategies #PortfolioManagement #LessonsLearned #Leadership #Podcast #KailashUpadhyay #AddonSkills #addingskillstolead

In this episode of P3M, Kailash Upadhyay and Rami Kaibni discuss the critical role of business analysis in program management. They explore how business analysis aligns program outcomes with organizational strategy, the importance of mapping business analysis knowledge areas to the program lifecycle, and the challenges faced when business analysis is lacking. Rami shares insights on developing business analysis capabilities and the evolving role of business analysis in the context of emerging trends like digital transformation and data analytics.Takeaways:1. Business analysis skills are essential for program managers.2. Aligning program outcomes with organizational strategy is crucial.3. Business analysis is a competency required at all management levels.4. Elicitation and collaboration are key throughout the program lifecycle.5. Challenges arise when business analysis is missing from program management.6. Developing business analysis capabilities requires both knowledge and experience.7. Understanding the importance of traceability in business analysis is vital.8. Data analytics will play a significant role in future program management.9. Professional development is essential for program managers.10. The best program managers continuously learn and adapt.Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Business Analysis in Program Management08:07 Mapping Business Analysis Knowledge Areas to Program Lifecycle13:03 Challenges of Missing Business Analysis in Program Management17:49 Developing Business Analysis Capability for Program Managers18:51 The Importance of Experience Over Certification21:14 Business Analysis Techniques: A Tailored Approach27:33 Core Competencies in Business Analysis31:34 Navigating Challenges During Uncertain Times35:28 The Evolving Role of Business Analysis in Digital Transformation37:41 Final Insights for Aspiring Program Managers

✅ If you're a PgMP aspirant and want to pass on your first attempt with above-target scores, register now using the link below. For any queries, WhatsApp us at (+91) 787-556-1193.https://www.addonskills.com/course/project-management/pgmp-certification-training📘 Grab your copy of *"Excelling Program Management – A PMI-PgMP Study Companion"* on Amazon using the link below! Amazon INDIA: https://amzn.in/d/5OmOaEXAmazon USA: https://a.co/d/59O28M0

In this podcast episode, Kailash Upadhyay explores the distinctions between projects and programs, emphasizing the importance of understanding tactical and strategic changes. He discusses how projects drive tactical changes while programs focus on strategic changes that maximize benefits for customers. The conversation also delves into the concepts of uncertainty and complexity in project and program management, highlighting the increased risks and challenges faced at the program level. Through examples and insights, Kailash provides a comprehensive understanding of these critical management concepts.📌 Key Takeaways from the session:🎯 Projects drive tactical change, while programs drive strategic change.🔄 Tactical change focuses on existing benefits, whereas strategic change aims to maximize new benefits.🔍 Understanding the difference between project and program is crucial for effective management.🌪️ Uncertainty is higher at the program level due to multiple components and interdependencies.🎯 Program scope is about why we deliver products, focusing on benefits realization.⚠️ Proactive risk identification is essential for successful program management.🧩 Complexity increases at the program level due to stakeholder involvement and changing product scope.🚀 A program manager's role is vital in delivering benefits aligned with organizational goals.💬 Customer feedback is crucial in determining the need for strategic changes.🌟 Effective program management requires a clear understanding of change dynamics.💡 What are your thoughts? Have you encountered challenges in distinguishing projects from programs? Drop your comments below! 👇🚀 Aspiring PMP, PgMP, PfMP, or PMI-RMP certified professional?At Addon Skills®, we provide expert-led training to help you achieve your certification goals. Visit www.addonskills.comor WhatsApp us at (+91) 797-556-1193 to take the next step in your professional growth.#ProgramManagement #PgMP #ProjectManagement #PMI #Leadership #P3M #AddonSkills #P3MwithKailashUpadhyay #addingskillstolead #PgMPtraining #PgMPCertification

Summary

In this podcast episode, Kailash Upadhyay and Thomas Walenta discuss the challenges of managing portfolios in a chaotic environment. They explore the inevitability of disruption in today's business landscape and the importance of effective portfolio management. The conversation covers common disruptions, the significance of strategy and communication, frameworks for regaining control, cultural aspects, real-world examples of chaos, the role of leadership, and future trends in portfolio management. Thomas emphasizes the need for emotional intelligence and resilience in navigating these challenges, while also highlighting the value of diversity and proactive approaches in managing chaos.

Takeaways:

1. Destruction is inevitable in today's volatile environment.
2. Every organization is doing portfolio management, whether they know it or not.
3. Management changes direction leads to burnout and attrition.
4. You can't stop everything if you don't handle this.
5. Stay proactive and extend your network.
6. Emotional intelligence is key to effective leadership.
7. Chaos is not bad; enjoy chaos because without it, there is no life.
8. Value is perceived differently by different stakeholders.
9. Cultural awareness is crucial in managing teams.
10. Resilience is about how to respond to chaos effectively.

Chapters:

00:00 From Chaos to Control: An Introduction

02:15 Understanding Disruptions in Portfolio Management

24:15 Frameworks for Realigning and Controlling Portfolios

38:37 Cultural Perspectives on Problem-Solving

43:03 Real-World Examples of Chaos in Banking

47:26 Technology as a Disruptor in Organizations

50:17 The Importance of Governance in Managing Chaos

57:11 Leadership and Team Dynamics in Disruption Management

01:01:13 Emotional Intelligence vs. Artificial Intelligence

01:03:55 Future Trends in Portfolio Management

01:10:36 Actionable Advice for Navigating Disruption

01:14:24 educational-intro-high-short.wav

Stay Connected with the P3M Community

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, like, and share it to add value to the P3M community. Your support helps us reach more professionals and share critical insights on portfolio, program, and project management.

For more information on P3M certification, including PMP, PgMP, and PfMP certifications, visit our website athttps://www.addonskills.com

Have questions or need more details? Feel free to reach out on WhatsApp at (+91) 982-084-5035.

Let's connect on LinkedIn for more updates and professional insights: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kailashupadhyay

Thank you for being a part of the P3M community. Together, we can turn chaos into control!

In this podcast episode, I and Gaurav Dhooper

Takeaways

• Risk management is essential for achieving strategic goals.

• Strategy and risk management are interconnected.

• Everyone in the organization has a role in managing risk.

• Data-driven decision-making enhances risk management effectiveness.

• Building a risk-aware culture is crucial for success.

• Integrating risk management into governance is necessary.

• Data quality impacts risk management outcomes.

• Understanding risks is vital for strategic planning.

• Engaging stakeholders improves risk management processes.

• Breaking down risks into smaller parts facilitates better management.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Risk-Aware Portfolio Management

08:02 Building a Risk-Aware Portfolio

31:50 Aligning Risk Management with Strategic Direction

32:24 Understanding Risk Management Components

33:30 Integrating Risk Management with Strategy

35:07 The Role of Governance in Risk Management

40:17 Real-World Examples of Risk Management

46:50 Practical Tips for Effective Risk Management

For PMP, PgMP, PfMP, RMP certification training program, visit us at https://www.addonskills.com or WhatsApp at (+91) 787-556-1193.

In this podcast episode, I and Dr. Sriram Rajagopalan discuss the implementation of agile practices in portfolio management. We explore the benefits of agility, the challenges organizations face in adopting these practices, and the importance of a cultural shift towards collaboration and continuous improvement. The conversation emphasizes the need for strategic alignment, customer collaboration, and the significance of context in portfolio management. Real-world case studies illustrate the successful application of agile principles, highlighting the transformative impact on organizational performance.

Takeaways:

1. Agility in portfolio management focuses on ongoing strategic alignment.

2. Responding to change is more important than following a rigid plan.

3. Cultural resistance is a significant challenge in implementing agile practices.

4. Customer collaboration is essential for successful portfolio management.

5. Simplicity in processes can lead to better outcomes in portfolio management.

6. Regular reflection and retrospection can enhance team effectiveness.

7. Empowering teams leads to better decision-making and innovation.

8. Contextual understanding is crucial for effective portfolio management.

9. Leadership plays a vital role in fostering an agile culture.

10. Continuous improvement is key to maintaining competitive advantage.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Agile in Portfolio Management

02:50 Understanding Agile Practices at Portfolio Level

13:09 Benefits of Agile in Portfolio Management

33:06 Challenges in Transitioning to Agile Portfolio Management

38:45 Unlearning and Agility

39:09 Leadership and Competency Gaps

40:44 Transformational Leadership Principles

41:13 Cultural and Funding Challenges

42:23 Business-Centric Metrics

43:44 Value Addition in Training

44:24 Impact of Training on Careers

46:28 Contextual Understanding in Agile

51:09 Best Practices for Agile Portfolio Management

55:11 Self-Organizing Teams and Leadership

01:05:15 Case Study: Whirlpool's Agile Transformation

If you want to achieve PMP, PgMP, or PfMP certification, visit our website ⁠https://addonskills.com⁠ or contact us at (+91) 787-556-1193.

In today’s dynamic business environment, the strategy-execution gap is one of the most critical challenges organizations face. Despite robust strategies, many fail to deliver tangible outcomes due to misalignment, governance barriers, and cultural resistance.

In this episode, host "Kailash Upadhyay" and guest "Kareem Streek" delve into the often-overlooked topic of organizational politics in portfolio management. They discuss how politics can be both beneficial and detrimental, emphasizing the importance of transparency, ethical considerations, and cultural sensitivity. The conversation explores frameworks for navigating political landscapes, managing conflicting priorities, and the necessity of building alliances within organizations. Kareem shares practical tips for portfolio managers, highlighting the significance of data-driven decisions and effective communication in mitigating political struggles. The episode concludes with a focus on the ethical dimensions of organizational politics and the need for integrity in decision-making.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Organizational Politics in Portfolio Management

01:55 Understanding Organizational Politics

06:01 Positive and Negative Influences of Politics

09:49 Navigating Conflicting Priorities

16:04 Frameworks for Managing Political Landscapes

22:41 The Importance of Context in Portfolio Management

24:01 Navigating Multinational Environments

26:47 Building Alliances and Cultural Sensitivity

28:35 Data-Driven Decisions vs. Organizational Politics

30:56 Cross-Functional Relationships and Synergy

34:43 Ethical Considerations in Organizational Politics

43:27 Final Thoughts on Navigating Politics in Portfolio Management

Do you have ideas for what our next podcast topic should be? I’d love to hear from you! Whether it's a deep dive into a specific P3M challenge, a case study, or emerging trends in project, program, or portfolio management, your suggestions are invaluable.

Also, if you’re an expert in the P3M domain and want to share your experience with our listeners, I’d be thrilled to feature you as a guest on the show. Let’s collaborate to inspire and empower professionals worldwide. Just drop me a message at [email protected]

Moreover, If you have any queries related to PMP, PgMP, or PfMP certifications, then please Feel free to reach out directly:

📧 Email: [email protected]
📱 WhatsApp: +91-787-556-1193

Let’s make your certification journey smooth and successful.

In this episode, Kailash Upadhyay and Dr. S. Chandramouli discuss the critical importance of strategic alignment in portfolio management. They explore the challenges organizations face in aligning their portfolios with strategic goals, emphasizing the need for executive buy-in and effective communication. The conversation also contrasts traditional and modern approaches to strategic alignment, highlighting the shift towards value management and the use of OKRs. Best practices for maintaining alignment are shared, including the importance of governance and benefit realization plans. The discussion concludes with insights on the agility of smaller organizations and the necessity for regular evaluation of alignment practices.

Takeaways:

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Strategic Alignment

04:11 Understanding Strategic Alignment Challenges

14:28 The Role of Executive Buy-In and Resources

20:02 Traditional vs. Modern Strategic Alignment Practices

35:07 Implementing OKRs and KPIs with Technology

37:41 Best Practices in Strategic Alignment

40:33 Continuous Alignment and Management by Objectives

45:35 Governance and Systems in Portfolio Management

47:47 Value Realization and Benefit Management

52:33 Aligning Portfolios with Multiple Objectives

54:53 Frequency of Portfolio Alignment

59:10 Risk Management in Smaller Organizations

01:03:25 educational-intro-high-long.wav

Your support fuels community growth! 🎯 Like, Share, and Comment to spread knowledge

Let’s keep learning, growing, and leading

For any certification such as PMP, PgMP

The eternal question for P3M professionals: