5 Minutes Podcast with Ricardo Vargas

Ricardo Vargas
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5 Minutes Podcast with Ricardo Vargas

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.

  1. 2 DAYS AGO

    25 Years of PMI Minas Gerais: Lessons Learned, Personal Reflections, and a Vision for the Next 25 Years

    This week, Ricardo celebrates the 25th anniversary of PMI Minas Gerais in this special episode of the 5 Minutes Podcast. Recording from his mother's house in Brazil, he reflects on the collective impact of building this milestone and shares three lessons: remember the path taken, avoid immediacy, and value gratitude. He emphasizes that great achievements are the result of joint efforts and not of isolated individuals. Ricardo warns against seeking quick results and explains why immediacy is a poison. Finally, he expresses gratitude to everyone who contributed to his journey, reinforcing the importance of continuous learning for the future.

    8 min

  2. 18 NOV

    When 'Done' Delivers More Than 'Perfect' in Projects

    In this episode, Ricardo discusses the concept of "Done is Better Than Perfect" in project management. He highlights that perfectionism often leads to high costs, delays, and marginal improvements, citing the law of diminishing returns. Emphasizing the importance of MVPs (Minimum Viable Products), Ricardo notes that releasing a functional product quickly allows for iterative improvements and avoids missed opportunities. He stresses the balance between quality and timeliness, explaining that executing promptly builds stakeholder trust and credibility. Ricardo advises prioritizing essential features, using time-boxing to manage effort within deadlines, and aligning deliverables with project goals to thrive in a volatile and competitive environment. Listen to the podcast to learn more.

    11 min

  3. 11 NOV

    In Search of the Holy Grail: There’s No Such Thing as a Perfect Project Methodology

    In this episode, Ricardo discusses the myth of the "Holy Grail" of project management methodologies. He challenges the idea that a single methodology—whether Scrum, PMBoK, or Prince2—can be the perfect solution for all project issues. He emphasizes the importance of using a flexible, adaptable approach, combining elements from multiple methodologies to fit each project's unique needs and likens this process to building with Lego bricks, where different colored sets represent various methods. Listen to this episode to know more. Image created in PMOtto for ChatGPT. #PMP, #PRINCE2, #RiskManagement, #Certification, #PMBok, #Scrum

    6 min

  4. 4 NOV

    Will We Learn from Lessons That Never Existed? How Synthetic Data May Change Project Management

    In this episode, Ricardo discusses Meta's recent development of a "self-thought evaluator," which uses synthetic data to train AI models instead of real human-generated data. This innovation could transform project management by creating lessons learned and risk insights from simulated, rather than real, projects. Ricardo highlights the potential for synthetic data to disrupt the field, as it may reduce the competitive advantage of organizations traditionally relying on real experiences and knowledge. He views this advancement as exciting yet unsettling, given the impact it could have on the value of genuine expertise and experience in project management. Listen to the podcast to know more.

    5 min

  5. 28 OCT

    This is NOT Your Boss's Problem! Reflections on Value, Success, and Project Results

    In this episode, Ricardo reflects on a conversation with a project manager who claimed it wasn’t his responsibility to consider the long-term impact of his project. Ricardo argues that today’s project managers must go beyond delivering on time and within budget. They should evaluate the ethical and societal impacts of their work, ensuring it aligns with the greater good. He explains that every project professional, regardless of seniority, has a duty to ask questions and act ethically. Being socially responsible, sustainable, and mindful of societal effects is essential in modern project management. Listen to the podcast to know more.

    8 min

  6. 20 OCT

    Beyond Profit: Reflections on Shaping Project Value Through Sustainability

    In this episode, Ricardo discusses the concept of value in projects, explaining that true value goes beyond profit. He questions whether delivering projects on time and on budget truly adds value if they do not benefit society. Using the example of building a bridge that “connects nothing to nowhere,” he highlights the importance of sustainability and the social impact of projects. Ricardo also discusses industries such as online gambling, where profit can come at the cost of social harm. He encourages project managers to consider the long-term social value of their work, advocating for responsible project management that positively impacts society and the environment. Listen to the podcast to know more.

    8 min

  7. 13 OCT

    Why I Love Using Daily Scrums for Non-Agile Projects

    In this episode, Ricardo talks about the benefits of implementing Daily Scrums, even in non-Agile projects. These brief, 15-minute stand-up meetings foster open communication, help teams align, and quickly identify problems. By sharing what they did yesterday, what they plan to do today, and any obstacles, team members enhance accountability and collaboration. Daily Scrums improve decision-making, detect problems early, and maintain team focus and momentum. Ricardo highlights that these meetings work best in small groups and can be applied even to large projects with multiple teams. He encourages listeners to try this approach immediately for better synchronization and faster project progress. Listen to the podcast to know more.

    7 min

  8. 6 OCT

    5% or 40%? Why Job Disruption by AI Doesn’t Matter if You’re Not Ready

    In this episode, Ricardo Vargas explores the growing debate around AI's impact on jobs. Last year, Morgan Stanley predicted that AI would disrupt 40% of the workforce (Link to the Article). Last week, Prof Daron Acemoglu from MIT said that everybody overestimates the impact and that the true impact is only 5% (Link to the Article). But for Ricardo, the percentage does not matter; the key is to be prepared for these changes. Ricardo shares his experiences with AI tools and emphasizes the importance of experimenting and adapting. Waiting for the perfect solution won't help—you must act now. Listen to the episode to discover why adaptability is your best strategy in an unpredictable world shaped by AI.

    6 min
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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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