Ricardo Vargas

This account is sunset. Follow me on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram. Global Leader in Project Management | AI | Board Member | Author | PMI Past Chair

[Ricardo Vargas @rvvargas]

This Twitter account is being sunset.

I'll continue sharing insights on project management and the latest AI trends in the field in the following networks:

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[Ricardo Vargas @rvvargas]

Hi All,​

When managing projects, we aim to balance effort with results in what is called the Law of Diminishing Returns. 🚀 ​

We all love simplifying processes for maximum outcomes, but too little management is like hoping to win the lottery if your project succeeds. As we add governance and structure, our chances of success increase!! ​

But more management doesn't mean better results. ​
Instead, it can bog down your project with bureaucracy. 🛑 ​

The key is finding the right balance... ​

Excessive management can be just as harmful as lack of management. ​

My suggestion is that we must assess our processes. 📝​

Are they helping or hindering our project? ​

Let's find that sweet spot to deliver value without unnecessary complexity. ​

Ricardo​

#ProjectManagement #Efficiency #LawOfDiminishingReturns #Leadership #ManagementTips #BusinessStrategy

[Ricardo Vargas @rvvargas]

Hey everyone! 🎧 ​

A new episode of my #5minpodcast is now live. This time, I discuss a course from Project Management Institute that I recently took, "Talking to AI: Prompt Engineering for Project Managers."​

It's a great course that helps project managers maximize the use of AI tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or Copilot. ​

In this episode, I share key insights on crafting better prompts to obtain more accurate and effective responses from AI. ​

It's all about being specific, providing context, setting the right tone, and refining your prompts to get the best outcome. ​

🔗 Listen to the full episode here: https://t.co/Y8uYqFLkxZ

This episode is available in both English and Portuguese. You can switch the language on the link! ​

You can find all my episodes on my website, as well as on Spotify, YouTube, SoundCloud, and Apple Podcasts.​

PS: This post is not sponsored, ok? Just to make sure you know 😃 ​

Have a nice day! ❤️ ​

Ricardo ​

#ProjectManagement #AI #Leadership #Podcast #PMI #AIforPMs

[Ricardo Vargas @rvvargas]

Hello Everyone! ​

As you might know, I have a real passion for handyman projects. I fix most of the things at home myself! From shelves to clogged sinks 😃​
​
Recently, I stumbled upon an amazing video that was recommended to me, and I have to say, it's impressive.  ​
I do not know if it is 100% real or if they have different support that was not recorded. But the example is powerful for project management practices! ​
​
It shows how managing a project can be incredibly effective and rewarding, regardless of its size. ​
​
Seeing how these principles apply in such practical and creative ways is fascinating. ​

You can watch the full video here: https://t.co/2sBeN1bwYL .​

Are there any other enthusiasts out there who enjoy this kind of content? ​

Share your recommendations for what to watch this weekend in the comments! 📺🔨 ​

Ricardo ​

#ProjectManagement #HandymanProjects #Inspiration #Videos #DIY #Craftsmanship

[Ricardo Vargas @rvvargas]

Hi everyone! ​

A few years ago, I came across a brilliant concept by David Palatnik that I just had to share. ​

It’s about the ebb and flow of ideation. 💡 ​

The idea is that great brainstorming involves a mix of brilliant and absurd ideas. ​

Imagine a chart where the highs are amazing ideas and the lows are offbeat ones. ​

To hit those high points, you need to push through the low phases. Those “absurd” ideas can actually fuel your best innovations. ​

This concept resonated with me and made me rethink how I approach creativity, even to solve project problems and crises.​

Sometimes, you need to embrace the weird to find the wonderful. ​

Give it a try in your next brainstorming session! 😊 ​

​Ricardo ​

#Ideation #DesignThinking #Creativity #Brainstorming #Innovation #ProjectManagement #pmot

[Ricardo Vargas @rvvargas]

Hey everyone! ​

I was reading a June 2024 report that discusses some of the more dubious aspects of AI's potential benefits. ​

Despite over $1 trillion in AI infrastructure spending, experts like Daron Acemoglu from MIT predict only modest productivity and GDP will be perceived. ​
​
Joseph Briggs from Goldman Sachs is a bit more optimistic, but challenges like high costs and technological limitations could limit AI's impact. ​

While the potential is undeniable, the report urges caution, reminding us that realizing these gains may take longer than expected. ​
​
And the market, companies and users often need more patience to wait for it to mature.​
​
For me, in this journey, some will be winners, some will not. But the impact of what is coming in our lives and work is undeniable. ​

Take a look at the article and share your thoughts on it. 🤔 ​
​
Have a great day ​

Ricardo ​

#AI #Technology #Economics #FutureOfWork #Innovation #Leadership

[Ricardo Vargas @rvvargas]

Hi all, ​

When discussing this new wave of innovation, I mentioned several times the relevance of the convergence of AI and robotics.​

And the latest announcement from Figure is a game-changer. Take a look below at their new video, where a robot talks to a human:  https://t.co/95B1AIsSGH 🤖 ​

With flexible joints for complex movements, a lightweight and durable design, and high torque for precision and integrated with OpenAI’s GPT-4 for seamless interaction, Figure 02 is one example of what is happening today around us when we see this convergence between machines and AI happening. ​

I do not know if this excites or scares me. Definitely, one thing I can tell for sure is that we are close to very different times ahead of us. And it is not in 20 years, but maybe in 2 years. ​

What are your thoughts? Will something like Figure 02 support our projects in a few years ahead?​

Ricardo ​

#AI #Robotics #Innovation #FutureTech #disruption #adaptability #figure2 #openAI

[Ricardo Vargas @rvvargas]

Hello everyone, ​

Today I want to talk to you about value. ​

One of my favorite quotes is attributed to Eliyahu Goldratt, the author of The Goal and one of the pioneers of the critical chain concept.​
​
In his book, he says: "The best course of action when you find yourself in a hole is to stop digging." ​

For me, this resonates deeply with project management. ​
​
If a project is not delivering value, it shouldn't continue. It is not a matter of being on time or budget. ​
​
It is a matter of delivering the expected benefits.​

Understanding and prioritizing value is crucial. We must constantly evaluate whether the effort we put into a project is worth it. ​

If it's not adding value, it's time to reassess and make the necessary changes, including the painful option of "killing" the project.​
​
For me, the principle of "value" is one of the most powerful principles in the PMBOK7, and it has changed the essence of what project management was 20 years ago and what it is now.​

What are your thoughts? 👀 ​

You can watch the full video here: https://t.co/sFOOtH219h .​

And, if you like and want to support our @youtube channel, feel free to subscribe to my channel at https://t.co/NjPD5KDUIy.​
​
I hope you find it helpful! ​
​
Ricardo ​

#ProjectManagement #ValueCreation #CriticalChain #benefitmanagement #results #PMBOK #pmot

[Ricardo Vargas @rvvargas]

Hey everyone! 🎧 ​

I've just released a new #5minpodcast episode where I try to make sense of a topic that often causes confusion: the difference between OKRs and KPIs. 📊 ​

Many people think OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) and KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) are the same because they measure performance. ​

But that's like saying a ruler and a scale are the same because they both measure something. ​

They both measure, but they measure completely different things!​

Understanding the distinction between the two is crucial for evaluating your project's success with the right tools. ​

🔗 Listen to the full episode here: https://t.co/r9Va5KHGAZ

This episode is available in English and Portuguese. To listen to the Portuguese version, just switch the language on the link! ​

You can catch all my episodes on my website, as well as on major platforms like Spotify, YouTube, SoundCloud, and Apple Podcasts. ​

Have a fantastic week ahead! Stay well and happy! 😊​

Ricardo ​

#OKRvsKPI #ProjectManagement #Leadership #Podcast #PerformanceMeasurement #GoalSetting

[Ricardo Vargas @rvvargas]

Hi everyone! ​

If you're looking for an engaging and thought-provoking book to dive into this weekend, I highly recommend "When More Is Not Better" by Roger Martin. 📚 ​

Roger Martin does not need any introduction. He is one of the most brilliant thinkers I’ve ever met. His book Playing to Win is on the bookshelf of every executive globally.​

"When More is not Better" offers a fresh perspective on how we often equate "more" with "better" and how this mindset can lead us to get lost in business and beyond. ​​

In the book, Roger provides insightful analyses and practical advice on why sometimes less is indeed more, and how focusing on what truly matters can lead to better outcomes.  ​

Focus becomes the key! ​

It's a perfect read for the weekend, offering both depth and clarity on complex topics. If you  enjoy a good thought-provoking read, this book is definitely worth your time. ​

Happy reading!​

Ricardo​

#BookRecommendation #WeekendReading #BusinessStrategy #RogerLMartin #Leadership #Management

[Ricardo Vargas @rvvargas]

Hi everyone! ​

Life is a rollercoaster many times.​

After a tough start in early 2024, when Apple was struggling with smartphone sales abroad, facing a major antitrust lawsuit from the DOJ, and lackluster stock performance — things changed sharply in June with the unveiling of its AI strategy, called Apple Intelligence, at the Worldwide Developers Conference. ​

The company's stock price has been on a sharp rise. On June 11, the stock went up by a staggering 7.25%. 🚀 ​

But between July 15 and August 5, fears spread the markets, and concerns about AI's profits caused stocks to go down 11.5%.​

Now, they are back to an almost all-time high.​

It is unbelievable to see this roller coaster. ​

The big question now is: will Apple's good fortunes continue, or is this just a temporary boost? Is AI part of that, or is it just speculation? 🤔 ​

What are your thoughts? ​

You can read the article here: https://t.co/Pk9aWjSnQH​

Ricardo ​

#Apple #AI #StockMarket #TechNews #Innovation #Leadership #BusinessStrategy

[Ricardo Vargas @rvvargas]

Hey everyone! ​

Today, I want to address a topic about which many people are deeply concerned: the concentration of power, especially in the context of AI development. Few companies dominate most of the resources and technology needed to bring AI, especially generative AI, to life.​

There's a lot of debate about this, and our role is to understand all perspectives so we can chart the best path forward and prepare ourselves for a future that can be very different from today. ​

I recently came across an article by Gary Marcus that strongly criticizes Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI. ​

The article questions Altman's influence, transparency, and the risks associated with AI. While he publicly supports AI regulation, Marcus points out that some of Altman's actions. For example, lobbying for weaker regulations might contradict his stated intentions. 🤔 ​

I have a massive admiration for Sam Altman and OpenAI and I am not here to say what is right or wrong. I do not have competence and knowledge to do that. ​

However, this article is a strong example of the broader concerns about whether the current profit-driven AI approach can ensure its safety and trustworthiness. ​

Again, I don't know if I agree with it, but it's definitely something to consider. ​

You can read the full article here: https://t.co/f5aRY3bhVc ​

I hope you find the article insightful! ​

Ricardo ​

#AI #Ethics #Leadership #PowerDynamics #Technology #FutureThinking

[Ricardo Vargas @rvvargas]

Hi there, ​

As I've been talking a lot about change lately, I revisited this video, in which I explain the PMBOK7 and specifically the part where I address "change." ​

In the dynamic world of project management, change is not just inevitable. It's a powerful catalyst for growth. 🚀 ​

Embracing change enables teams to adapt, innovate, and deliver better outcomes. It's not about avoiding challenges, but about turning them into opportunities for success. ​

When we approach change with a positive mindset, we open the door to new possibilities, improved processes, and greater efficiency. ​

This short video shows a bit of how I think about the topic.​

Do you agree? 👀 ​

You can watch the full video here: https://t.co/sFOOtH219h .​

And, if you like and want to support my YouTube channel, feel free to subscribe to my channel at https://t.co/NjPD5KDUIy.​

I hope you find it helpful! ​

Ricardo ​

#ProjectManagement #ChangeIsGood #Innovation #Leadership #ContinuousImprovement #PMBOK #changemanagement #pmot

[Ricardo Vargas @rvvargas]

Hello Dear colleagues​

I was yesterday organizing some ideas on customer satisfaction as part of some works I am doing on stakeholder management and I revisited a classic tool that remains incredibly useful today: the Kano Model 🚀. ​

Developed by Professor Noriaki KANO in the 1980s, this model helps identify which product features will truly satisfy your customers. ​

The Kano Model compares two factors: the potential to satisfy customers and the investment needed. It categorizes features into five types. Basic features are essentials you can’t skip, like a car’s headlamp — necessary but not exciting 😊. Nobody buys a car because of the headlamp and, at the same time, nobody will buy a car with no headlamp 🤔​

Performance features boost satisfaction with more investment. One classic example is adding more storage to a computer. ​

Excitement features are delightful surprises that exceed expectations and surprises positively the customer (or stakeholder). One good example is Face ID on smartphones.​

Another point is related to features that does not improve or deteriorate customer experience. Indifferent features don’t impact satisfaction, such as the color of internal laptop parts. Finally, reverse features can decrease satisfaction if overdone, like an overly complex product. ​

Using the Kano Model helps prioritize features that genuinely enhance customer satisfaction and lead to better results 🎯. ​

Do you use it often? 👀 ​

Ricardo ​

#KanoModel #CustomerSatisfaction #ProductDevelopment #Innovation #BusinessStrategy

[Ricardo Vargas @rvvargas]

Hi everyone! ​

In one of the recent webinars I did with my friend Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez, one comment caught our attention: It was a heavy and robust criticism of our role related to AI in Project Management.

Instead of showing tools and discussing what is happening, we should work hard to shut down AI to protect project management roles.​ 🤔

The criticism was not only on us but also on the Project Management Institute and other institutions.

I need to be honest, when I read the comment I thought immediately: what am I doing wrong? Am I communicating in a way that people are getting it completely wrong?

After reflecting, I decided to answer to this comment in a special episode of my #5minpodcast. The intention is not to answer to this comment but also to others that may feel the same and are not commenting.

AI is here to stay, and instead of resisting it, we should be preparing ourselves.​ I say this from my heart.

Institutions like Project Management Institute are doing incredible work to educate and guide the community through these changes. As a PMl member, a credential holder, former chairman and a Fellow, I am incredibly proud of the gigantic effort they are doing to prepare our community.

It is a brilliant work under the leadership of Pierre Le Manh.

On our side, Antonio and I are working hard to contribute to that effort. Most of the events, webinars, papers and podcasts are done on a pro-bono basis. We do not receive a single cent from PMI or anyone else to do that.

We do because we believe it is our responsibility after working our entire lives on Project Management.

It's not about pushing an agenda. It's about ensuring that we, as project managers, are ready for the future. Education and adaptation are key.​

🔗 Listen to the full episode here: https://t.co/BKdscQsm1M

Stay well and happy! Have a fantastic week ahead ❤️​

Ricardo​

#AI #ProjectManagement #Leadership #Adaptability #Education #Innovation​ #change

[Ricardo Vargas @rvvargas]

Hi everyone! ​

This morning, I re-watched a TEDx talk that I found both insightful and inspiring: "A Sixth Sense for Project Management" by Tres Roeder. 🎥 ​

In this talk, Roeder explores the intuitive side of project management, highlighting how great project managers often develop a "sixth sense" for understanding their projects and teams. He emphasizes that successful project management isn't just about following methodologies but also about honing emotional intelligence and communication skills. ​

This approach is so close to what I think and what I try to share in recent posts about emotion, change and human aspects of our work.​

Roeder also touches on how building strong relationships within the team, adapting to change, and intuitive leadership can significantly impact project success. His insights into connecting with team members on a personal level and responding flexibly to challenges are particularly valuable. ​

I highly recommend watching this talk to gain a deeper appreciation for the softer, yet crucial, aspects of effective project management. It’s a great reminder that managing projects is as much about people and intuition as it is about processes and tools. ​

You can check it out here: https://t.co/0WQtXWHbtW 🎯 ​

If you have any other insights on this topic, like another talk, a YouTube video, or any other content that could be helpful to our community, please feel free to share it in the comments below.​

Ricardo ​

#ProjectManagement #Leadership #TEDx #Teamwork #EmotionalIntelligence #Innovation #BusinessStrategy

[Ricardo Vargas @rvvargas]

Hi everyone! ​

Normally, as your expertise grows, so does your confidence. But the Dunning-Kruger effect flips this. It's when someone with little to no expertise is brimming with confidence... often to the point of confidently spreading misinformation. 😬 ​

Why is this important? ​

Because much of today's work is increasingly abstract, where concrete answers are hard to find and it's easy to fall into the trap of overconfidence without real substance. ​

This effect is amplified in today’s world, where social media gives everyone a megaphone. Influencers and YouTubers, with little expertise, can spread misinformation with huge followings. ​

Just because it's popular doesn't mean it's true! 🚫 ​

As we navigate abstract projects like most of innovation and transformation projects, let's be mindful of the Dunning-Kruger effect. ​

Don't let high confidence without real expertise dominate the conversation. Let’s stay fact-based and critical in our thinking. ​
​
What do you think? Do you have any experience seeing the Dunning-Kruger Effect in place? Share it with us in the comments. We would love to learn from your insights.​
​
Have a great day.​
​
Ricardo ​

#DunningKrugerEffect #AbstractWork #Innovation #CriticalThinking #Leadership #Mindfulness

[Ricardo Vargas @rvvargas]

Hi everyone, ​

For those who don’t know, my newsletter "Beyond Hype" is very special to me. ❤️ ​

I’m deeply passionate about this project! It requires significant dedication as I spend a lot of time exploring relevant topics, conducting research, and carefully crafting each edition. I write every single edition (it is not AI 😃), and I pour my heart into delivering content that I believe will make a meaningful difference. ​

What makes it all worthwhile is the rewarding feeling of working towards something that I genuinely hope will benefit our community.​

My goal is to provide valuable tools and insights that can enhance your careers and simplify your day-to-day work. Seeing the positive impact the newsletter has on your professional lives is what drives me. ​

The newsletter is divided into three main areas. The first one covers the month's topic, and the second part covers what is on my radar and is part of what I saw this month that makes me curious/concerned/happy. The third part is some of the announcements about what I am doing, including events, releases, new videos, etc. I built the newsletter in these three parts to ensure readers do not see it as an advertisement of products and services like many others we see available.​

You can subscribe to the newsletter here: https://t.co/CxSOxmmAYP. You can also subscribe it on LinkedIn at https://t.co/48v8TD6qc0​

The next edition will be released in September! Stay tuned. ​

Thank you for all your support and enthusiasm. ​

Ricardo ​

#BeyondHype #Newsletter #ProjectManagement #Innovation #ArtificialIntelligence #KnowledgeSharing #ProfessionalGrowth #Community

[Ricardo Vargas @rvvargas]

Hi everyone! 😊

Yesterday, I released a new video about change management.

We all know that change is a constant in our industry, whether it’s a new strategy, a shift in client demands, new stakeholders joining the project, or the adoption of emerging technologies like AI.

However, understanding the human side of change is just as crucial as managing the logistical side. 🎯

So today, I like to leave you with a poll.

Please let me know what you think!

I look forward to seeing your comments!! Remember, this is not an exam. There are no right or wrong answers 😃

Ricardo

#ChangeManagement #ProjectLeadership #EmbraceChange #TeamSuccess #GrowthMindset

[Ricardo Vargas @rvvargas]

What do you believe is the most critical factor/s for ensuring your team embraces and sustains change in projects over the long term?