Project Management, initiative, leadership

A few months ago, my team was gearing up to launch a new automation tool for case assignment - a project that is key for the future, and also were we spent so much energy into. We spent weeks identifying scenarios, testing in a dev environment, and reflecting on potential issues. We wrote crystal-clear documentation and worked with a rockstar team of developers, testers, and communicators. We thought we had every base covered. But when launch day arrived, chaos ensued. The tool hit snags that never showed up in testing - edge cases we hadn’t anticipated. Worse, some team members seemed blindsided by the changes, despite our efforts to keep everyone in the loop. It was a classic “complex failure,” as Amy C. Edmondson describes in her book Right Kind of Wrong: The Science of Failing Well . Complex failures, Edmondson explains, aren’t the result of one person’s mistake or a single oversight. They happen in intricate systems where multiple factors - technology, human behavior, and unexpe...

To achieve lasting success and personal growth, intentionality is key - aligning your daily actions with your long-term goals. As John C. Maxwell said, “You’ll never change your life until you change something you do daily.” Whether you’re aiming to advance in your career, build stronger relationships, or pursue personal passions, these three daily habits will help you grow, adapt, and thrive. 1. Practice Daily Reflection (10 Minutes to Recalibrate) The most successful people don’t just go through the motions—they learn from each day. A daily reflection habit helps you process experiences, celebrate progress, and identify areas to improve. This intentional pause keeps you grounded and focused on your bigger goals. How to Do It: Take 10 Minutes: At day’s end, find a quiet moment to reflect. Ask Key Questions: What did I accomplish today? What challenged me? Did my actions move me closer to my goals? Write Down Insights: Note one key takeaway or action for to...

Ever feel like you’re just drifting through life, hoping to “figure it out” someday? I used to think personal growth would just happen - like I’d magically wake up wiser, more confident, or better at something.  But here’s the truth: growth doesn’t work that way. It’s not automatic. It’s not a gift that lands in your lap. It’s a choice, and it starts with intentionality. John Maxwell, in his book " The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth" , nails this with his Law of Intentionality: Growth doesn’t just happen . You have to make it happen. He argues that if you want to become the best version of yourself, you need to actively pursue growth every single day. No excuses, no waiting for the “right time.” Intentionality is about taking the wheel and steering your life where you want it to go. Why does this matter? Because without a deliberate plan, life’s chaos - work, stress, Netflix binges—will eat up your time and energy. You’ll look back years from now and wonder why you’re still stu...

 Well, there are actually at least four problems with goal setting : Winners and losers have the same goals some make it, some fail miserably. Why? Achieving a goal is a momentary change once you achieve your goal, you stop from continuing your transformation Goals restrict your happiness when you don't reach your goal, you fail to see the progress and only see the failure Goals are at odds with long term progress you can choose to win one game, or continue through the championship. Goals will only achieve the game. What James Clear nicely says: " You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems ." really hit home for me. And as John C. Maxwell highlights: " By actively pursuing development, we can achieve our goals more effectively ." it's pretty much saying the same thing: focus on your development, in whatever way you want to pursue it, and the results will follow. So, as we move from goal setting to creating our systems ...

Feeling like the world’s throwing curveballs faster than you can catch? You’re not alone. I was in my car the other day, searching for a podcast that sounded interesting enough, but not too challenging (as I still needed to drive carefully), and stumbled upon Ted Daily, and stumbled on this one: "5 ways leaders can adapt to shifting geopolitics" , Nikolaus S. Lang What will the world look like in 2030? International business consultant Nikolaus S. Lang predicts the evolution of a multipolar world, with multiple emerging coalitions of countries acting in new ways to achieve their economic, technological and military goals. He dives into what this will mean for the global economy, offering five tips for business leaders to prepare for the coming geopolitical landscape. I had a laugh and a shiver in the same time, when listening to it. We need to wake up from the geopolitical nap, and flex this muscle. In short: At the 2022 Munich Security Conference, former Polish PM Mateu...

In a VUCA world—Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous—leadership isn’t just about steering the ship; it’s about inspiring your crew to navigate the storm together. Rapid technological shifts, economic unpredictability, and evolving workplace expectations challenge even the most seasoned leaders. Yet, these challenges also present opportunities to innovate, connect, and grow. How can you empower your teams to thrive in this dynamic landscape? Drawing from my experience guiding people through turbulent times, I’ve outlined four strategies that blend clarity , agility , simplification , and trust with over-communication, innovative solutions, and emotional intelligence . These are the keys to transforming VUCA’s chaos into a catalyst for success. 1. Over-Communicate for Clarity in Volatility Volatility creates unease, but clear, consistent communication anchors teams . Leaders must over-communicate—repeating key messages, sharing context, and aligning actions with purpose. This isn...

Ever feel like the world’s moving too fast? One day, you’re juggling work deadlines, the next, a curveball—like a sudden job shift, a market dip, or a personal setback—throws you off balance. Welcome to the VUCA world : Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous .  It’s not just a fancy acronym for CEOs; it’s the reality shaping your daily life, whether you’re climbing the career ladder, running a side hustle, or just trying to keep your head above water. We definitely see is in our day-to-day world (with the political landscape ever changing, new projects every other week at work, or social stress). Here’s the good news: You don’t need to be a corporate guru to navigate VUCA. By building a personal development strategy, you can turn life’s ambiguity into your secret weapon for growth. Here are a few ideas/thoughts, and how I navigate around it. Easy? Definitely not! Possible? Yes, with the proper planning. What’s VUCA, and Why Should You Care? VUCA describes the unpredictable, m...

Let’s be real: ambiguity in projects can be super frustrating. Unclear goals, last-minute changes, or plain old confusion can leave you feeling stuck. But here’s the thing—uncertainty doesn’t have to mean failure. In fact, if you handle it the right way, it can lead to some amazing breakthroughs. Let’s dive into three practical (and totally doable) strategies to help you tackle ambiguity and crush your project goals. 1. Change How You See Challenges Uncertainty feels scary because it pushes you out of your comfort zone. Instead of letting it paralyze you, flip the script. Think of it as a chance to learn and grow. How to Start: Focus on what you can control (like your next step) instead of stressing over the unknowns. Encourage your team to share ideas—brainstorming in a safe, judgment-free zone often sparks clarity. Celebrate small wins along the way to keep the vibe positive. Once you embrace ambiguity as a growth opportunity, it’ll stop feeling like such a big, bad monster. 2. Get C...

S omeone once said, "Behind every successful man, there is a supportive woman." This notion celebrates the often-unseen contributions that help others thrive. But today, I believe the narrative is evolving. More and more, we’re seeing that behind every successful woman, there is often a man who quietly takes on the everyday tasks—those mundane, yet essential activities—that create space for her to pursue her dreams and build her career. These men rarely seek recognition for their support. They don’t broadcast their contributions or the sacrifices they make. Yet, their role is no less significant. Their challenges remain hidden, their efforts understated, but their impact is deeply felt. This isn’t just about gender roles shifting; it’s about partnerships evolving. Success, after all, isn’t a solo journey. It’s built on the foundation of collaboration, shared responsibility, and mutual respect. So here’s to the unsung partners—those who enable the women in their lives to shine...

A few days ago, I was on a call where we were discussing the status of each person's projects and ideas. One individual was visibly upset because their project wasn't progressing as quickly as they had hoped. The reason? The people they were relying on weren't being as reactive as needed. The facilitator had a brilliant approach to this situation. Instead of letting the person dwell on the lack of support, they suggested looking at the story from a different angle: rather than waiting for others to take action, why not drive the action yourself? Don't just stop at proposing ideas; take the lead and make them happen. And this is especially important when the project is important for you, but for the other party it’s just one more thing to do on their plate, and maybe not even a top priority. When you’re telling yourself the story of “they don’t care about this important project”, don’t forget to consider the story from their shoes as well.  Also, way too often we tend to...

I was working with one of my peers on a new project that she was taking over - and she was really confused about the project charter, status report, and the workflows they were trying to build with the project in order to achieve its goals. So I spent some time to explain her how all these terms and concepts work together in order to ensure she focuses on the right things with the right people. So if you’re new to project management, you might hear terms like "documentation," "processes," and "deliverables" thrown around. They can sound confusing at first, but don’t worry—they’re just different pieces of the puzzle that help make a project successful. Let’s break them down in plain language so you can see how they’re different and why they matter. What is Project Management Documentation? Think of project management documentation as the paperwork or files that act like a guidebook for your project. These are the written plans, notes, and records that tell ...

Last week I had to call to a medical center trying to find a doctor appointment with priority for that same day. I told the operator that this seems like a near-impossible attempt, but that I was willing to give her a five-star rating if she managed to find me an available slot. She did not comment on my promise, but she did do all her best to find me a slot – and so she did. Actually she was able to find more slots, and patiently waited for me to decide on the most appropriate one. One day later, when I got the survey invite, I felt obliged to respond and provide the promised 5-star. -- In today’s competitive landscape, businesses invest heavily in marketing, branding, and innovation to attract customers. But there’s one often-overlooked element that makes the difference between a one-time buyer and a lifelong customer—exceptional customer support. Loyalty isn’t built solely on product quality or pricing. Customers remember how they are treated, how quickly their problems are s...

I am a big lover of pancakes. And donuts (the local style), and anything that matches that (covrigi, gogosi, cozonac - you name it). The pancakes used to be a favourite, but I am on a gluten-free diet. How could I survive without a pancake with a generous drizzle of maple syrup and a handful of fresh berries? So here is my challenge that seemed almost impossible: making pancakes without flour. At first, the idea seemed crazy. How could I make pancakes, those fluffy, golden stacks of comfort, without their main ingredient? Still, the challenge was too tempting to pass up. With a bit of courage, the internet at my fingertips, and a deep desire to learn, I decided to give it a shot. Curiosity led me down a rabbit hole of online recipes. I discovered alternatives like almond flour, coconut flour, and then, oats. Each option promised a twist on the classic pancake, and I was intrigued by the possibilities. After some thought, I chose a recipe that called for rolled oats, eggs, oat mil...