Three leaders of successful megaprojects delve into the nitty gritty of what it takes to lead them in the latest episode of the 21CC podcast.
On the panel are:
- Jacob Mumm, head of Bechtel’s global Public Infrastructure division, whose projects include the Keeyask hydropower project in northern Canada, and the new metro system for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia;
- Davendra Dabasia, CEO of Mace Consult, whose portfolio includes the 2012 London Olympics, the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, and Toronto’s ongoing, multi-billion-dollar subway extension;
- Ambrose McGuire, Aecom’s Europe Programme Management Lead, who helped deliver many billions worth of infrastructure in Qatar ahead of the 2022 World Cup, and who has been programme director of the joint venture delivering the twin-tunnel Lower Thames Crossing in London, UK.
In this frank and pacey discussion full of examples from their own experience, the panellists explore:
- What behaviour they’d nominate as the most helpful in getting megaprojects over the line;
- What a winning culture in the leadership team looks like, and how to foster it;
- How to cascade that culture all down through the megaproject’s total organisation;
- How to manage stress in the full glare of public and political attention.
Megaprojects have a reputation for overruns and delays but, as the panel finds, success is achievable with the correct mindset, preparation, and diligent practice.
With megaprojects increasing in number and scale around the world, this discussion will help anyone who aspires to take part in what Jacob Mumm believes are among “the last great human endeavours”.
- Listen to more 21CC podcasts here
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These are very powerful experiences of money and human management as these two fundamentals make things happen. Thus it would be bonus to learn from these kind of people who have vast experiences of many other aspects connected to the successful completion either on time, before time or even after the projected completion time due to certain unforeseen reasons.
Great conversation about leadership, trust, and driving positive culture to start and finish these mega-programs. Inspiring to be sure. Brilliant.
Thanks you, all for this! Very informative for someone like myself who wants to work on megaprojects. I always say to myself ” I need to know what the management team beside me and above me is thinking”