In the Eye of the Storm: How to Stay Calm Amid Uncertainty
In this episode, Ricardo talks about the importance of staying calm when everything seems out of control. He shares eight practical tips for dealing with moments of chaos in projects — from doing a reality check to taking care of your well-being. Ricardo highlights that under pressure, common sense is often the first thing to go, and impulsive decisions tend to make things worse. That’s why creating strategic pauses, seeking support from trusted people, and going back to the basics of the project can be key to regaining focus. By communicating clearly and accepting uncertainty as part of the process, the project manager can navigate with balance even in the middle of turbulence. Listen to the podcast to learn more.
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6:13
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6:13
Not Every Project Has to Be Straight: The Magic of Frank Gehry
In this episode, Ricardo visits the Marqués de Riscal winery, highlighting the hotel designed by Frank Gehry as an example of creativity outside the box. He reflects on how disruptive ideas, like this architectural work made of titanium and stainless steel, often emerge when rigid frameworks are abandoned and “ordered chaos” is explored. Ricardo emphasizes that, in projects, thinking outside the box can lead to genuine innovations. He also points out that striking design has become the winery’s main business, attracting tourists more than wine production itself.
Listen to the podcast to learn more.
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2:32
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2:32
The Fear That Sabotages Your Projects — And How to Overcome It
In this episode, Ricardo discusses the impact of fear on project management and the role of psychological safety in transforming fear into positive and effective actions. Fears such as making mistakes, being judged, or losing your job can silence teams, hindering decisions and innovation. Psychological safety, a concept developed by Amy Edmondson, allows people to express themselves without fear of punishment. Leaders play a fundamental role in demonstrating vulnerability and encouraging participation. This does not eliminate discipline, but it dissociates it from fear, replacing it with respect and trust. Authoritarian cultures can generate quick results, but they compromise the team’s potential. To reduce fear, genuinely listen to your team and share your own concerns. Projects are made by people, and people need trust.
Listen to the podcast to learn more!
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4:42
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4:42
When the Brazilian Way Becomes a Trap: The Risk of Normalizing Improvisation
In this episode, Ricardo discusses the “Jeitinho Brasileiro” — the Brazilian way of solving problems creatively, often with limited resources. While this ingenuity is a strength, it becomes risky when improvisation turns into standard practice. He shares a story of a glass installer who used chewing gum instead of putty, which worked but became a habit. In projects, this mindset can lead to poor documentation, rushed timelines, and weak planning. Flexibility is vital, but it must not replace structured processes. True project maturity comes from building sustainable systems, not relying on last-minute fixes. Creativity should be embraced, but always directed toward lasting, professional solutions, not temporary patches.
Listen to the podcast to learn more!
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4:43
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4:43
According to PwC, AI Has Already Changed the Game — And You Can’t Keep Playing in the Past
In this episode, Ricardo discusses insights from PwC’s 2024 AI Jobs Barometer, analyzing 500 million job postings across 15 countries. He shows that AI-exposed sectors like IT and project management see 4.8x higher productivity. Jobs requiring AI skills grow three times faster and offer a 25% wage premium. AI’s biggest impact comes from everyday professionals using tools like ChatGPT. Skills in AI-exposed roles shift 20% faster, urging continuous learning. AI enables smaller, more efficient teams and introduces new risks. Importantly, AI drives not only efficiency but also innovation and new business models, making it essential for project managers to adapt and evolve.
Listen to the podcast to learn more!
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.
Portugal