Navigating Major Programmes

What correlations can we uncover when we extend construction and infrastructure concepts beyond the industry? Exploring high-stress railway builds to supply chain and project management parallels with fashion design, this episode of Navigating Major Programmes is packed with sector-spanning insights. Riccardo sits down with one of his mentors, Tim Fitch, to reflect on the enduring patterns that emerge when delivering major outcomes under tight timelines. Tim is a veteran director of building development, a market strategist, and this year's Master of the Worshipful Company of Constructors in London. Through intriguing stories from decades working in diverse roles, Tim shares how early lessons in modular design, safety, and worker wellness continue to inform his work today. He also explores the fascinating history of his livery and London, England's other Worshipful Companies that support industry camaraderie and higher education in the trades throughout the city. Together, these industry experts take a look back, as well as ahead, to the future of professional leadership in the built environment.Key Takeaways:How the mindset of project delivery applies across industries;The lessons that strategic consulting in infrastructure can borrow from parallel industriesWhy modular construction is essential for infrastructure that must stay operational;What high-pressure projects teach us about burnout, resilience, and boundaries;The fascinating history of livery companies in England.Quote: “You think you're the king of the world because you've done all this innovative stuff and you take a bite too much and then you spent about six months digesting it, with a lot of Alka Seltzer required. So that was a really important lesson that it's very easy to get carried away with success.” - Tim FitchThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major Programmes: https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-major-programmes/Follow Riccardo Cosentino on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/Read Riccardo's latest at https://riccardocosentino.com/   Follow Tim Fitch on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timrfitch/ Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

How can the infrastructure industry encourage more open discussions between diverse sectors? In the final Uncharted Conversations episode of the year, Riccardo, Shormila, and David come together to look back at 2025 and ahead at what's to come, reflecting on the themes, tensions, and unanswered questions of the season.This year saw murky decision-making persist despite infrastructure's growing prevalence in every Canadian industry. This characteristically honest and envelope-pushing roundtable teases apart the challenges of navigating building and public sector leadership in this economic reality. The group digs into the impact and barriers that risk-averse and unwieldy systems erect against innovative Canadian ideas and efficient project management. They propose new lines of inquiry—including public finance, ideal delivery model selection, and fundamental government mechanics—for the coming year. The pirates also share their personal experiences recording free and unscripted conversations about an industry whose hatches are so tightly battened down with technicality and precision. This episode is part retrospective, part provocation, and a clear invitation to keep the conversation going.Key Takeaways:The podcast's role in building a community of thought and practice;The vital importance of conversations that span all sectors of the industry;How we've overcomplicated government decision-making processes, and the resulting implications;Why generalized indecision is the greatest risk facing public project delivery;The fraught reality—and future potential—of hybrid private finance and alliance contracts.Quote:“I feel that now, speaking from a private sector lens, the indecision is a real dampener for my optimism and enthusiasm for how we're going to tackle some big challenges.”- David HoThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major Programmes: https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-major-programmes/Follow Riccardo Cosentino: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/Read Riccardo's latest at https://riccardocosentino.com/Follow David Ho: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidtho-ontario/Follow Shormila Chatterjee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shormilac/ Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

Where does project control exist in the hierarchy of major programme management? This important role is far more than just financial reporting, providing oversight, or raising all the red flags—it's serves as the critical support function that enables project managers to see clearly and act decisively. In this episode, Mohammed “Moody” Saad joins Riccardo to clear up the common misconceptions around project controls. Moody is the VP of Project Delivery at AtkinsRéalis and a sessional lecturer for Toronto Metropolitan University's Masters of Project Management program. The project controls manager is a trusted advisor and data wizard who connects the many moving parts of every infrastructure venture. Moody draws on his decades of experience to outline what sets high-performing professionals in his industry apart, including their ability to analyze problems, ask the right questions, and circumvent misplaced emotional or reactive decisions. He and Riccardo also explore the need for early integration of project controls and how the right tools and leadership culture are essential for every programme's success.Key Takeaways:What project control management is—and what it definitely is not;What great project control managers have in common across sectors and roles;The essential tools and leadership culture that set them up for success;The three critical questions every project control manager should be able to answer;How to begin your project control journey.Quote: “One ​thing ​that ​is ​often ​overlooked ​in ​organizations ​is ​a ​project ​management ​culture. And ​that's ​where ​I ​think ​a ​lot ​of ​organizations ​struggle. ​Because ​if ​you ​don't ​have ​that ​buy ​in ​from ​executive ​leadership ​in ​an ​organization ​to ​drive ​that ​project ​management ​culture, then ​you ​are ​not ​setting ​up ​the ​project ​management ​and ​project ​controls ​personnel ​for ​success.” - Mohammed “Moody” SaadThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major Programmes: https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-major-programmes/Follow Riccardo Cosentino on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/Read Riccardo's latest at https://riccardocosentino.com/   Follow Moody Saad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moodysaad/ Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

How has the rise of P3s in major infrastructure programmes impacted Canada since their adoption? In the past 30 years, the country has seen a significant transformation in the industry, from the rise of public-private partnerships, to the creation of governance like the Infrastructure Ontario Act, to the more recent implementation of alliance and collaborative models. Riccardo's guest, Damian Joy, has seen this development from its early stages. Damien's journey through what he calls his three careers—working with contractors on mega projects around the world, settling in Canada as a director at Balfour, and consulting with Ernst & Young—offers an excellent vantage point. With his wide-ranging knowledge and eagerness to continue growing his expertise, Damian is perfectly positioned to provide a well-rounded SWOT analysis.In this episode, the two civil engineers identify and break down the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities of past and future social infrastructure projects in Canada. Their insightful and unfiltered exploration highlights the external impacts and internal sticking points that are carrying the country through its burgeoning building renaissance.Key TakeawaysThe origin and development of P3 across Canada;The importance of strong leadership and proactive governance in the success of mega projects;How P3 and UK knowledge transfer benefited contractors in Canada;The factors that affect a programme's success above and beyond the delivery format;The impact technology is having on infrastructure data management.Quote:“[P3s and alliance models] both have a role to play. I think there's benefits of both and the problem is not the model, it's when the model is used in the wrong place at the wrong time.”- Damian JoyThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major Programmes: https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-major-programmes/Follow Riccardo Cosentino on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/Read Riccardo's latest at https://riccardocosentino.com/Follow Damian Joy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damian-joy-8174a3b/ Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

How do we build innovation before we begin to build infrastructure? When it comes to planning and launching major infrastructure projects, rushing to the construction phase too quickly has proven disadvantages. Navigating Major Programmes takes it down to the studs with Teresa Gonzalez Rico, the London-based Associate Director of AtkinsRéalis. She joins Riccardo to talk about innovation and development as a safeguard for stability while those projects are still just ideas.Teresa was a part of the early stages of the UK's Catapult Network, a government-funded initiative that supports innovation across high-growth sectors. Through real-world case studies and insights from her experience leading cross-sector collaborations, she expounds on the wide-ranging benefits of gathering diverse players—startups, researchers, educational institutions, and big tech—to test-run solutions to complex problems, at scale, right from the start. She and Riccardo discuss striking a balance between human-centred and commercial gain, and they explore the impact funding models have on success and public perception. Teresa also dives into the industry's need for smart digitization to address the messy realities of major infrastructure projects.Key TakeawaysHow projects combining disparate interests deliver widespread research and development benefits;The importance of effectively implementing and scaling up with new technologies;Why requiring publicly funded organizations to raise capital can send mixed messages;Digitization across the full life-cycle of built environment projects;The innovative mission of the Catapult Network in the UK.Quote:“I ​think ​one ​interesting ​aspect ​of ​the ​catapult ​network ​is that they were ​set ​up ​as ​not ​for ​profit ​private ​companies. ​Their ​commercial ​model ​is ​that ​they ​receive  ​funding ​from ​that ​core ​funding, ​but ​then ​they ​would ​have ​to ​supplement ​that ​funding. So ​actually ​in ​some ​way, ​while ​there ​is ​a ​lot ​of ​activity ​that ​is ​powered ​through ​that core ​funding ​coming ​from ​the ​government, ​there ​is ​also ​a ​big ​drive ​to ​find ​opportunities ​and ​find partners ​and other to ​collaborate ​with ​and ​draw ​in ​investment.” - Teresa Gonzalez RicoThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major Programmes: https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-major-programmes/Follow Riccardo Cosentino on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/Read Riccardo's latest at https://riccardocosentino.com/Follow Teresa Gonzales Rico on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/teresagr/ Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

The federal government recently announced the Major Projects Office and Build Canada Homes agencies designed to administer funds and accelerate infrastructure—but will they streamline or weigh down progress with bureaucracy? Riccardo, Melissa Di Marco, and David Ho pull up chairs to a roundtable discussion of this timely and complex topic. In this episode of Uncharted Conversations, they explore the often default solution of agency development when issues arise and whether those at the helm are genuinely equipped to solve these particular problems. Questions of risk aversion and fragmented decision-making prompt skepticism from both private infrastructure bodies and Canadian citizens. The three seasoned experts unpack the structural and political realities that influence how agencies perform, reflecting on past examples, and consider whether the present country-wide urgency might push leaders to act differently this time.The conversation poses an essential question: Are these agencies being created to lead, or just to manage? Infrastructure in Canada today faces overlapping jurisdictions, unclear mandates, and high public expectation. Success will depend on more than just good intentions—it will require clarity of purpose, empowered leadership, and swift execution within a narrowing window of opportunity.Key TakeawaysThe challenge of clearly defining what problem an agency is meant to solve;How funding concerns can block and distract from forward progress;The sometimes murky relationship between provincial and federal in major programme delivery;The risk of adding bureaucracy instead of leadership in moments of urgency;The opportunity for optimism in the face of Canada's infrastructure crisis.Quote:“I think if somebody tried to create a new version of a provincial infrastructure agency today [like Infrastructure Ontario], they would be burdened with expectations of fixing almost everything, and I think might be quite unfair.” -David HoThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major Programmes: https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-major-programmes/Follow Riccardo Cosentino: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/Read Riccardo's latest at https://riccardocosentino.com/   Follow David Ho: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidtho-ontario/Follow Melissa Di Marco: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-di-marco/ Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

What impact has the AI evolution had on the role of the project controller? Project controls is a lesser-known but essential component in the delivery of any large infrastructure venture. In this episode of Navigating Major Programmes, Riccardo brings in Dale Foong, a seasoned specialist in the digital side of project controls and PMO leadership. Dale reframes this multifaceted career path as equivalent to a rally co-driver or golf caddy—someone to guide the project leader through inevitable complexity. Success calls for a combination of risk interpretation, blind spot highlighting, and dynamic decision-making.Dale and Riccardo's conversation unpacks how AI and advanced integrated data systems are reshaping what's possible in major programmes. Despite this constant advancement, Dale is confident that the ability to tell the story behind the data will always protect the human side of project controls. He champions a future where innovation is embraced, not feared— where those who can harness new tools while keeping their communication skills sharp will lead the way.Key TakeawaysWhy “project controller” might be the wrong name for this information management role;Some of the newest AI-based technologies transforming the project controller toolbox;How to tackle the issues of using a linear interaction tool to map a complex major program;The most vital skill required by a project controller, regardless of tech advancements;The cognitive pitfalls of mindlessly engaging with LLMs.Quote: 20:13-21:20Pull quote options:“We know we deliver far more complex projects than we'd like and we know there's many different ways to deliver those projects. So my challenge to that way of thinking is, why do we only have one version of how to deliver that project?” (20:25)“In the short term, or even the medium term, AI will not replace the project controller. Project controllers who know how to use AI and know what technology is out there will replace those that don't.” (41:15)The most important skill that I think is required for the project controller…regardless of technology, AI, or any tools advancing, is still going to remain communication skills.” (24:18)The conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major Programmes: https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-major-programmes/Follow Riccardo Cosentino: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/Read Riccardo's latest at https://riccardocosentino.com/   Follow Dale Foong: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-foong/Listen to the Project Chatter podcast: https://projectchatterpodcast.com/Listen to the GenAI podcast: www.youtube.com/@GenAIPodcastLearn more about Movar: https://movar.group/ Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

Where can your career take you when you're open to learning more? In this episode of the Master Builders series, Annie Ropar—the CFO of the UK's National Wealth Fund (formerly the UK Infrastructure Bank)—joins Riccardo and Shormila for a candid conversation about lifelong learning, leadership humility, and how a start in finance has evolved into purpose-driven management in infrastructure. Annie's dedication to curiosity and building great teams is a throughline in her career. A transition from the private to public sector reshaped Annie's understanding of success—shifting from rapid execution to long-term and varied stakeholder impact. She outlines their different approaches, with the latter's focus extending beyond amassing revenue to providing lasting social value. With humour and realism, Annie speaks to numerous industry motifs, including the senior-level gender gap and the demands of executive leadership. Her perspective highlights why today's major programmes demand a special kind of master builder—one who can leave their ego behind and lift the whole team forward.Key TakeawaysWhy never assuming you're the smartest person in the room is an essential leadership skillHow a recalibration of expectations plays into the transition between sectors and industries;The caring imperative of leadership, and the challenge of setting boundaries;Why joining boards isn't the only possibility for women looking to advance their careers;The unexpected innovation of Canada's infrastructure industry.Quote options:“I ​really ​have ​a ​fundamental ​care ​for ​not ​just ​my ​box ​or ​whether ​it's ​a ​small ​box, ​big ​box, ​but ​also ​about ​the ​people ​around ​me, ​even ​if ​they ​work ​in ​different ​parts ​of ​the ​business, ​et ​cetera. ​I ​always ​look ​at ​it ​from ​the ​perspective ​of, ​I'm ​an ​owner ​of ​this ​organization. ​I ​may ​not ​have ​shares, ​I ​may ​not ​have ​a ​stock ​certificate, ​but ​I ​am ​responsible ​for ​everyone ​in ​this ​organization.” - Annie RoparThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major Programmes: https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-major-programmes/Follow Riccardo Cosentino: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/Follow Shormila Chatterjee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shormilac/Read Riccardo's latest at https://riccardocosentino.com/   Follow Annie Roper: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-ropar-95554b4/    Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

What is the role of the sponsor in planning and delivering major projects? When it comes to public transit infrastructure, on time and on budget is only part of the story. In this episode of Navigating Major Programs, Andrew Antinucci and Carol Deveney—seasoned sponsorship and governance experts at CPCS—join Riccardo in a layered and comprehensive conversation exploring what it really means to ensure not just completion but the benefits of every major programme.The three self-professed transit geeks unpack this evolving role in Canada. The sponsor is critical, but often misunderstood, responsible not just for justifying cost and schedule, but for identifying and defending monetizing and non-monetizing benefits throughout a project's lifecycle—for the communities the build will employ, serve, and exist within. From the business case to resisting scope adjustments to navigating multi-layer funding in a changing political climate, project sponsors are quietly shaping the success of the country's most ambitious projects.Key TakeawaysWhy the project sponsor is a champion of public benefits, not just project outputs;The importance of post-evaluation for recognizing the short- and long-term benefits;What Canada can learn from the UK's more mature sponsorship practices;How clear accountability reduces risk and speeds decision-making;What it takes to support scope, governance, and expectations at every phase.Quote:“When ​we're ​spending ​public ​money, ​I ​think ​all ​of ​us ​would ​agree ​we've ​got ​an ​absolute ​duty ​to ​say ​that ​we're ​spending ​it ​wisely ​because ​these ​things ​are ​expensive. ​There's ​never ​enough ​money ​to ​go ​around, ​not ​just ​our ​sector, ​but ​all ​the ​sectors. ​So ​the ​focus ​on ​cost ​should ​always ​be ​there. ​But, ​I ​think ​benefits ​are ​more ​difficult ​to ​explain ​because ​a ​lot ​of ​the ​time, ​especially ​in ​major ​projects, ​people ​get ​money, ​they ​understand ​what ​cost ​is, ​but ​the ​benefits ​are ​sometimes ​more ​nuanced.” - Carol DeveneyThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major Programmes: https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-major-programmes/Follow Riccardo Cosentino: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/Read Riccardo's latest at https://riccardocosentino.com/   Find out more about Andrew Antinucci: https://cpcs.ca/team/andrew-antinucci/Find out more about Carol Deveney: https://cpcs.ca/team/carol-deveney/ Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

What does our society—and our country—need to know to embrace nuclear as the answer to the global energy situation? Riccardo sits down with the SVP of CANDU Energy at AtkinsRéalis, Julianne den Decker, in this intricate and important conversation. Julianne is the perfect spokesperson to clarify the history and impressive comeback of nuclear energy, a once-maligned and feared innovation. A lifelong advocate for the science, safety, and societal benefits of this baseline power source, Julianne explains with detail and passion how the decarbonization movement, security concerns, and AI's unprecedented energy demands make nuclear a no-brainer for uninterrupted electricity around the world. She and Riccardo unpack the misunderstood safety record and strategic advantages of the made-in-Canada nuclear solution, as well as the practical importance of major project best practices in ensuring the success of complex nuclear infrastructure builds. This episode presents insights on the future of energy that make a compelling case for why nuclear matters now more than ever.Key TakeawaysThe factors behind the global nuclear renaissance;What history got wrong, and how public perception of nuclear risk has evolved;What sets CANDU reactors apart, including fuel flexibility to medical isotope production;How the Darlington refurbishment succeeded through collaborative project management and realistic planning;What the global future of nuclear looks like—and why Canada is well-positioned to lead.Quote:“It gets back to fundamental project management. With power ​generation, ​we ​are ​dealing ​with ​a ​very ​sophisticated ​customer ​that ​not ​only ​runs ​a ​big ​fleet ​of ​reactors, but they're not new to major project execution. There was a lot of thought put into how are we going to run this kind of a major project and how are we going to listen to those who have been around the block and then do this project differently. There's not one silver bullet you can point to, but many many things we've done correctly.” - Julianne den DeckerThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major Programmes: https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-major-programmes/Follow Riccardo Cosentino: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/Follow Shormila Chatterjee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shormilac/Read Riccardo's latest at https://riccardocosentino.com/   Follow Julanne Dan Decker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianne-den-decker-541a4b46/   Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

How are new procurement approaches, policies, and politics affecting disputes in major programmes? As collaborative and alliance models continue to rise in popularity, the old disputes playbook is rapidly being rewritten. It's an exploration perfectly suited to Uncharted Conversations, so Riccardo and Melissa Di Marco take aim at the ways dispute resolution is evolving—courtroom litigation and boardroom negotiations, data-driven forensics, and increasingly AI-assisted workflows.The focus on alliance-style contracts is shifting fault lines and muddying traditional supply chain relationships within the industry. Legal grey zones introduced by expanding digital components are challenging the dispute landscape, and algorithms are having an outsized influence on expert analysis. Melissa also breaks down why environmental disputes are primed to be the next big thing. This episode explores how teams delivering major infrastructure projects must adapt not only their contracts but also their thinking to resolve issues in an industry where the source of conflict, and the tools to address it, are changing fast.Key TakeawaysWhy alliance contracts still allow certain claims—and why that matters;How AI and data tools are transforming the speed, scope, and tone of dispute resolution;Dispute review boards (DRBs) and the change in venue of major project disputes;Detailed specifics of how delay analysis goes forward in disputes;How responsibility shifts when AI agents begin making the decisions.Quote:“Data won't eliminate disputes. It might potentially weaponize them in some way, because you can take the same dataset and one party can cherry pick whatever set of data to help them tell a different story, so we might actually see disputes about data about disputes”. - Melissa Di MarcoThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major Programmes: https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-major-programmes/Follow Riccardo Cosentino: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/Follow Melissa Di Marco: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-di-marco/Read Riccardo's latest at: https://riccardocosentino.com/   Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

How do you lead a national infrastructure organization in the process of building a new future? This episode for the Master Builders series, invites in one of the experts behind the curtain: Lisa Mitchell, the President and CEO of the Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships (CCPPP). In her deep-dive conversation with Riccardo and Shormila, she speaks to her journey from politics to the forefront of Canada's infrastructure evolution.Early experiences in Ottawa prepared Lisa for the fast pace and competing priorities of national infrastructure. She shares how she navigated imposter syndrome and career pivots, and why she sees this moment as a powerful opportunity to modernize P3s. The cross-cultural strengths of this modality, many of which are unique to Canada, create a strong foundation from which to build a groundbreaking tradition, especially today, when infrastructure finds itself front and centre in political discourse. From fostering industry-wide collaboration to advocating for programmatic delivery and inclusive stakeholder engagement, Lisa takes us on a candid, capable, and humble exploration of how we might build a better Canada—one conversation, one contract, and one conference at a time.Key Takeaways:Why redefining leadership means focusing on function, not the title;How infrastructure became a top political priority—and what comes next;The public and private discourse that makes Canada's P3 ecosystem uniques;What goes into organizing Canada's biggest infrastructure conference (aka P3 Prom);Why the next era of P3s must expand beyond traditional models and asset classes.Quote“It's ​naturally ​built ​on ​competition, ​but ​I ​had ​never ​met ​a ​group ​of ​private ​and ​public ​sector ​folks ​that ​were ​so ​willing ​and ​committed ​to ​sit ​at ​the ​table ​and ​figure ​out ​how ​to ​make ​things ​work ​and ​to ​do ​good ​things. If ​we've ​got ​a ​sticky ​policy ​thing, ​I ​can ​pull ​a ​group ​of ​people ​together ​to ​sit ​around ​a ​boardroom ​table  very ​easily. ​They're ​so ​committed ​and ​willing ​and ​they're ​able ​to put ​​the ​individual ​​needs on ​the ​back ​burner ​to ​have ​these ​conversations ​and ​really ​look ​at ​it as ​industry ​specific. ​And ​I've ​just ​been ​so ​fascinated ​by ​that.” - Lisa MitchellThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major Programmes: https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-major-programmes/Follow Riccardo Cosentino: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/Follow Shormila Chatterjee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shormilac/Read Riccardo's latest a: https://riccardocosentino.com/Follow Lisa Mitchell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-mitchell/ Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

What does it take to deliver nation-building infrastructure in an era of political momentum, regulatory complexity, and evolving priorities? Prepare for an evocative conversation with Tim Murphy, as we explore a complex and important question for our country's future. Tim is the Executive Vice President and Chief Strategic Affairs Officer at AECON with an illustrious 40-year career in litigation, politics, and major projects. This wide-ranging discussion is an expert look at the opportunities and obstacles shaping Canada's infrastructure in the coming years. Tim and Riccardo unpack the interplay between political will, regulatory frameworks, Indigenous participation, and shifting public expectations.Success depends on more than funding and approvals: it calls for courage, collaboration, and a willingness to rethink entrenched models. Tim speaks to lessons learned from vertical and horizontal building projects, the complicated role of Indigenous reconciliation in project planning, and the urgent need for productivity and innovation in the construction sector. This conversation highlights both the challenges and the untapped potential of thinking—and building—bigger.Key Takeaways:Why Canada's current political climate creates a rare opportunity for nation-building infrastructure.How Indigenous participation is reshaping project planning and delivery.The unique regulatory and stakeholder challenges of vertical and horizontal infrastructure projects.Why public-sector incentives must evolve to prioritize project success over strict contract adherence.The role of government in driving technology adoption in construction.Quote:“To ​be ​honest ​with ​you, ​divergent ​interests ​inside ​the ​indigenous ​communities ​too. ​You'll ​have ​some ​national ​organizations ​who ​have ​certain ​kinds ​of ​views ​as ​national ​organizations, ​and ​very ​particular ​communities ​who ​are ​supportive ​of ​particular ​projects ​and ​want ​it ​to ​proceed ​because ​they ​see ​it as ​the ​chance ​for ​economic ​reconciliation, ​jobs, ​contracts, ​opportunities. ​etc. ​So ​I ​think ​there's ​a ​process ​that ​needs ​to ​happen ​to have ​those ​discussions ​at ​a outsized ​project ​specific. ​And ​then ​part ​two ​is ​the ​project ​specific. ​So ​it's ​not ​going ​to ​be ​fast.” - Tim MurphyThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major Programmes: https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-major-programmes/Follow Riccardo Cosentino: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/Read Riccardo's latest at https://riccardocosentino.com/   Follow Tim Murphy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjmurphy1959/ Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

What does it take to thrive in the highly complex and male-dominated financial industry? This episode of Master Builder highlights the journey and achievements of Sara Alvarado, a powerhouse in infrastructure finance whose career has spanned continents, crises, and industry and policy overhauls. With co-hosts Riccardo and Shormila, Sara shares how her experience as an immigrant shaped her resilience. She details her role in defining infrastructure as an asset class in Canada and describes the unique combination of ever-growing policy and risk expertise that has kept her on a steady career trajectory for more than 30 years. From spearheading early renewable energy financing deals to helping shape global UN guidelines on digitalization and gender equality, Sara reminds us that success is driven by more than technical skills—it calls for hard work, curiosity, and passion.This conversation is an opportunity to explore the interplay of finance, infrastructure, and social impact. Sara recently received the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her sustainable finance contributions and is a true Master Builder—one who has already begun to shape her legacy.Key TakeawaysHow Canada's early renewable energy boom helped define infrastructure finance as we know it;The impact of the 2008 financial crisis on infrastructure as a stable, long-term investment;Why policy, finance, and technology need to move in tandem to shape meaningful change;The one trait Sara prioritizes over everything else when building successful teams;A behind-the-scenes look at how UN working groups are driving global change.Quote:“I ​think ​there's ​a ​catalytic ​point. ​It ​is ​in ​our ​brains ​and ​we ​feel ​the ​need to ​do ​more. ​​So ​it's ​either ​moving ​into ​something ​different, ​moving ​into ​a ​much ​more ​senior ​role, ​decision ​maker, ​leader ​position, or ​you ​can ​move ​into ​boards. ​And ​that ​will ​come ​at ​different ​times ​for ​different ​females. ​But ​what ​I ​want ​them ​to ​know ​is, ​yes, ​there ​is ​a ​second ​career ​curve. And ​it can ​be ​hard ​because ​you're ​learning ​something ​else. But ​it ​is ​very ​rewarding. ​And ​it ​happens ​at ​a ​time ​where ​females ​are ​much ​more ​confident.” - Sara AlvaradoThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major Programmes: https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-major-programmes/Follow Riccardo Cosentino: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/Read Riccardo's latest at https://riccardocosentino.com/   Follow Shormilla Chatterjee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shormilac/Follow Sara Alvarado: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-alvarado-mba-cfa-b8315764/ Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

How do we transform infrastructure experts into infrastructure leaders in time for Canada's building boom? Canada is facing a future of increased infrastructure projects, but the country has a poor track record when it comes to delivering major projects. In fact, “over time and over budget” is a global industry trope. In pursuit of systemic, upstream solutions, Riccardo compiles an esteemed panel of experts for a timely and critical conversation: how do we elevate the leadership of multi-billion-dollar major infrastructure programmes essential to our country's national culture and well-being? Barriers to collaboration, differences and similarities between infrastructure programmes and corporations, the behavioural versus the technical—the industry leaders break down what's going wrong and why we haven't fixed it yet. Unwilling to stop at theory, the group posits and troubleshoots actionable ways governments and the private sector could work together to quickly and effectively shore up Canada's infrastructure industry.Key Takeaways:The theories as to why it costs more to create infrastructure in Canada;The significant and often-ignored gap between technical, management, and leadership skill sets;How an integrated leadership training program could elevate all levels of project management;The impact of lackluster research into Canada's past infrastructure successes and failures;Utilizing AI within reason in an industry that relies on human interaction.Quote:“I ​think ​we ​can ​create ​a ​program ​that builds ​on ​the ​global ​experience ​and ​best ​practices, ​but ​also ​captures ​Canada's ​own ​project ​delivery ​cultures, ​business ​practices,  ​community ​needs, ​and ​sees ​leadership ​through ​that ​lens ​and ​enables ​us ​to ​deliver ​projects. ​But ​it's ​going ​to ​take ​governments ​coming ​on ​board and recognizing ​the ​value ​that ​it's ​not ​just ​private ​sector ​expertise ​on ​these ​projects. ​You ​don't ​just ​hand ​over ​a ​project ​and ​then ​say ​come ​back ​in ​five ​years ​and ​we'll ​cut ​the ​ribbon ​together. There's ​a ​ton ​of ​leadership ​that's ​required ​on ​the ​public ​sector ​side ​too, ​at ​the ​highest ​levels ​of ​the ​organization ​to ​make ​sure ​that ​these ​projects ​stay ​on ​track.” - Matti Siemiatycki The conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major Programmes: https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-major-programmes/Follow Riccardo Cosentino: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/Read Riccardo's latest at https://riccardocosentino.com/   Connect with Matti Siemiatycki: https://www.geography.utoronto.ca/people/directories/all-faculty/matti-siemiatyckiLearn more about Kirsten's work at https://aecom.com/en-ca/about-us/our-leadership/kirsten-watson-2/Connect with Suzanne Moreland: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzannemoreland/Connect with John Allen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-allen-30452226/ Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

How does cross-over between diverse perspectives and cultures affect project delivery, and how could it be improved? In this episode of Uncharted Conversations, Shormila and Riccardo are once again joined by fellow infrastructure experts David Ho and Melissa Di Marco. Their animated discussion explores how organizational dynamics—building teams that combine both multi-service and multinational cultures—impact the successful delivery of major programmes. Jumping directly into the action items of a project, as the client often expects, is a great dopamine hit, but is it really the best approach? The self-proclaimed industry pirates call out the drawbacks of North America's checks and balances tradition and the need for more client ownership. This episode aims the cannons at systemic assumptions and poses big questions to procurement professionals, all with the crew's uniquely provocative and playful inspection of their industry.Key Takeaways:The importance of aligning the values across a project and all its contributors;Recognizing that “meaningful teaming up” takes time;The fallout of the industry historically being so transactional and deliverable-focused;The problem with the disconnect between who bids on the project and who ultimately delivers it;How bringing client-side experts to the table could improve infrastructure projects.Quote: “I ​have ​never ​seen an ​RFP ​where ​the ​client who ​is ​asking ​for ​a ​description of ​a ​team ​is ​doing ​so ​with ​reference ​to ​a ​real ​understanding ​of ​how ​you, private ​sector ​company, ​​delineate ​​the ​function ​that's ​responsible ​for ​the ​delivery ​of ​a ​service ​from ​the ​function ​that ​is ​responsible ​for ​the ​P&​L ​from ​the ​way ​in ​which you ​have ​a ​team ​structured ​for ​a ​pursuit versus ​when ​you ​shift ​into ​execution. And ​even ​just ​that ​type ​of ​a ​description would ​be ​an ​interesting ​change ​I ​think ​for ​the ​better ​that ​would ​allow ​clients ​a ​more ​sophisticated ​understanding ​of ​how ​things ​work.” - David HoThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major Programmes: https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-major-programmes/Follow Riccardo Cosentino: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/Read Riccardo's latest at https://riccardocosentino.com/Follow David Ho: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidtho-ontario/Follow Melissa Di Marco: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-di-marco/Follow Shormila Chatterjee: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shormilac/ Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

What does it take to transform a gateway station into a place where people pause in their head-down commute to connect and reflect? Riccardo Cosentino and returning co-host Corail Bourrelier Fabiani are joined by Jonathan Ring, the Development Director for London-based developer Sellar. They explore the public art programme at Paddington Square—one of the city's most ambitious and complex redevelopment projects.Jonathan shares how the programme evolved from the early planning conditions to the final installation. His experience highlights the balance inherent in major projects, where diverse stakeholder voices, strict timelines, and logistical constraints pile on the pressure and teamwork is non-negotiable.Public art may be a smaller portion of the overall budget, but its impact on the public experience is profound. This episode offers an inside look at the creative and collaborative processes behind curating art in a heavily trafficked urban space. It is a conversation about leadership, legacy, and how the spaces we build shape how people feel.Key TakeawaysPublic art may be a smaller line item, but its emotional and social impact is immense.The earlier you integrate public art into a project's design and planning, the smoother the process will be.Stakeholder management is about more than communication; it calls for timing, trust, and making space for diverse opinions.Delivering complex urban infrastructure requires balancing fixed timelines with creative possibilities.Strong, long-term relationships with designers and collaborators make it easier to solve challenges together.Rotating public art programs create ongoing opportunities for re-engagement and placemaking.Quote: “We're ​really ​trying ​to ​create ​a ​place ​people ​want ​to ​dwell ​in ​because ​it's ​got ​very ​interesting ​areas ​around ​it. And ​the ​public ​art ​really ​formed ​a ​major ​part ​of ​that, creating ​a ​place ​where ​people ​dwell ​in. ​What's ​great ​is ​now ​seeing ​in ​the ​summer, ​and ​I ​bet ​today, ​people ​will ​be ​sitting ​out ​in ​the ​square ​enjoying ​the ​public ​realm, ​seeing ​the ​art ​and ​enjoying ​it.” - Jonathan RingThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major Programmes: https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-major-programmes/Follow Riccardo Cosentino: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/Read Riccardo's latest at https://riccardocosentino.com/   Listen to Riccardo and Corail's public art conversation: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/public-art-installation-as-an-intrinsic-part/id1683413407Follow Jonathan Ring: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-ring-4284398b/Follow Corail Bourrelier Fabiani: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corail/ Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

Can you rise up in the industry without an engineering degree? Kirsten Watson, AECOM's Transit Market Sector Lead, is a case study in how continuous passion for learning and a celebration and honing your strengths—even when they don't appear to be the perfect fit for a role—can lead to a varied and rewarding career. Co-hosts Riccardo and Shormila sit down with the transit executive on the interpersonal side of the industry in this episode of the Master Builder series. They break down the challenges and wins of major infrastructure projects and explore Kirsten's career trajectory from private to public and back again. Their conversation explores the reality of the skills you really need (and don't) for leadership, particularly as a woman in the industry. Kirsten's background in employment law and HR have instilled in her a deep respect for listening—to clients, to stakeholders, to the smartest person in the room. As she explains, that's how she's become the one who brings the right people to the table, and it's how even now, as a master builder, she leads with learning and pushes herself to say yes to even the most challenging opportunities.Key Takeaways:Why the ability to bring people together in agreement and collaboration transcends industry;How to challenge the misgivings of both internal and external skeptics when accepting a position in an unfamiliar field;The truth of the often undervalued HR skillset;The disconnect in big projects between the technology and civil components and who's in charge of them;The ongoing challenge of providing proof of capability again and again as a women in infrastructure.Quote: “I ​think ​that's ​what ​I ​bring ​to ​the ​table, ​is ​the ​ability ​to ​bring ​other ​people ​to ​the ​table. ​And ​when ​we're ​talking ​about women ​in ​leadership ​and ​women ​saying ​yes. Bring ​the ​right ​people ​to ​the ​table ​and ​solve ​the ​problems through ​that ​team ​and ​that ​collaboration trying ​to ​learn ​other ​bits ​of ​the ​business ​so ​that ​you ​can ​actually ​do ​that ​work.” - Kirsten WatsonThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major Programmes: https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-major-programmes/Follow Riccardo Cosentino: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/Read Riccardo's latest at https://riccardocosentino.com/   Learn more about Kirsten's work at https://aecom.com/en-ca/about-us/our-leadership/kirsten-watson-2/ Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

Even traditional contracts can be collaborative with the right team. As a seasoned infrastructure leader who has served in government, private sector, and advisory roles for more than 15 years, Fred Antunes has seen this firsthand. His extensive experience delivering large-scale projects under P3s, design-builds, and collaborative models guides this wide-ranging and nuanced conversation with Riccardo. Together, they unpack truths and myths around what makes projects work.Fred's real-world insights help to highlight the power owners have to shape project relationships and outcomes, the dangers of shifting risk without support, and why alliance contracts call for experienced and deeply engaged teams.Fred and Riccardo reframe collaboration beyond just a type of contract and offer up a compelling case for considering the unique needs, risks, and capabilities of each project team when choosing a delivery approach.Key TakeawaysThe right people, mindset, and approach—not the contract itself—determine whether a project is truly collaborative (and successful).Fair and active engagement from owners through major programme challenges can mean the difference between a frictionless project and a contentious one.When public infrastructure contracts push all risk onto the contractor, collaboration breaks down—and so does performance.Having the right people on the team during high-stress phases can turn a failing project around, even if it means personnel changes.Experience across public and private sectors builds a more well-rounded, adaptable perspective on project delivery.Quote: “The ​thing ​about ​the ​alliance ​that's ​really ​interesting ​is, it's ​like ​setting ​up ​a ​new ​company. ​Where ​you ​basically have an ​alliance ​leadership ​team ​​that ​is ​providing oversight ​and ​direction. ​They're ​like ​the ​board ​of ​directors. ​You ​appoint ​somebody ​who's ​the ​CEO ​and ​then ​you ​basically ​create ​an ​organization ​that ​includes ​people ​from ​the ​owner, ​the ​designer, ​the ​contractor, ​put ​them ​together ​and ​you ​may ​have ​somebody ​from ​the ​owner's ​team ​managing ​somebody ​who's ​in ​the ​design ​team, ​or ​in ​the ​construction ​team, ​but ​they're ​all ​working ​for ​the ​best ​outcome ​of ​the ​project. ​And ​working ​as ​one ​coherent ​management ​team.” - Fred AntunesThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major Programmes - https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-major-programmes/Follow Riccardo Cosentino - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/Read Riccardo's latest at http://www.riccardocosentino.comFollow Fred Antunes at https://www.linkedin.com/in/fred-antunes-36912852/ Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

What does it take to lead with integrity and empathy in an industry where technical expertise can quickly outweigh human connection? In this episode of the Master Builder series, Ethel Craft joins Riccardo and Shormila to reflect on a career rooted in service—from her beginnings in social services to her leadership role in Ottawa's rail construction program.Ethel shares how a leadership course during her MBA sparked her passion for mentoring others, ultimately guiding her to pursue a Doctorate in Business while working full-time. Through personal challenges, professional pivots, and academic milestones, Ethel has remained grounded in one goal: to be a role model and a connector. She leads with a deep respect for the people around her and a clear-eyed view of stakeholder relations. Her track record highlights the vital balance leaders must strike between respect for those around them and confidence that they have earned their place, regardless of the journey that brought them to the table.Within this celebration of Ethel's achievements is an invitation to re-envision what leadership can look like, in infrastructure and beyond.Key Takeaways:Genuine care and passion can take you further in leadership than a degree in your chosen industry.A strong support network makes all the difference as you chase your goals through life's inevitable challenges.Imposter syndrome is common, even among accomplished leaders, but it shouldn't define your path.Seeking to be a good role model can have a significant positive influence on your path to success.Real leadership is less about having all the answers and more about creating space for others to shine.Quote:“I ​felt ​like ​I ​was ​just ​draining ​everything ​within ​me, ​and ​at ​the ​same ​time, ​I ​needed ​to ​be ​a ​mom. ​And I ​was ​working, ​too. So, ​it ​was ​hard. ​But ​I ​had ​this ​amazing ​supervisor who ​just kept ​telling ​me, ​you ​can ​do ​this. ​Never ​putting ​pressure ​on ​me, telling ​me ​to ​take ​the ​time. ​And ​so ​when ​I ​talk ​about ​having ​a ​support ​system, ​it's ​a ​word ​that ​we ​take ​for ​granted, right? ​​But ​to ​have ​that ​network ​around ​you ​that ​makes ​you ​feel ​full ​on ​the ​inside is ​crucial.​” - Ethel CraftThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major Programmes - https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-major-programmes/Follow Riccardo Cosentino - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/Read Riccardo's latest at http://www.riccardocosentino.comFollow Shormilla Chatterjee at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shormilac/Follow Ethel Craft at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethel-craft-dba-mba-7961a724/ Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

Uncharted Conversations facilitates unscripted and controversial discussions aimed at disrupting the infrastructure industry. In the face of major skills shortages affecting Canada's major programmes, Riccardo sits down with David Ho, the National Leader for Healthcare and Buildings at Accenture. What begins as a look at the skill-based industry shortcomings transforms into a nuanced conversation about cultural, structural, and leadership challenges.Is the talent shortage just about trades and technical labour, or are we also seeing a void in leadership and bold thinking? Together, David and Riccardo dig into why the industry struggles to innovate, what it would take to truly break from tradition, and how a fear-based approach to risk weakens even the most capable leaders. They explore how changing political priorities, unclear project outcomes, and resistance to outside ideas further complicate the path forward.This conversation challenges long-held assumptions and invites anyone involved at every stage of the infrastructure delivery lifecycle to have the kinds of discussions that, David and Riccardo argue, are essential to carrying the industry into the future.Key Takeaways:Current labour shortages may be overshadowed by a systematically hindered approach to leadership.The shift of project outcomes over time, while often unavoidable, creates missed opportunities for the implementation of new technologies.Fear of risk is an intrinsic part of the industry's culture, discouraging first movers and stifling the bold leadership required for innovation.Venture capital constraints and razor-thin contractor margins leave little room for research and development.Remote and underserved communities could be catalysts for innovation—if approached with intention.How a uniqueness bias prompts us to reject international approaches that could help Canada adapt and improve.Quote: “I encounter lots of different infrastructure leaders and usually conversations where  these individuals are reflecting on their own organizations or on other  organizations. Somewhere  within the diagnosis is a problem of disempowerment.  And  that when people and leaders are not truly empowered, they fail to live up to what are their on paper accountabilities. And lack of empowerment at all different  levels of leadership causes people to put the blinders on, work in their silo and  become content or comfortable being told what to do. And ​that ​is ​the ​sort ​of ​exact ​​opposite ​type ​of ​outcome ​and ​behaviour ​we ​want ​from leaders.” - David HoThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major Programmes - https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-major-programmes/Follow Riccardo Cosentino - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/Read Riccardo's latest at http://www.riccardocosentino.comFollow David Ho - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidtho-ontario/Listen to Riccardo's interview with Alice of Brick & Mortar Ventures at https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/construction-technology-and-the-importance/id1683413407?i=1000709879402 Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

How do we build better cities that hold community in as high regard as revenue? It starts with an approach to urban infrastructure that goes beyond roads and bridges. In this episode of Navigating Major Programmes, Riccardo sits down with Matti Siemiatycki, Director of the Infrastructure Institute and a professor at the University of Toronto.Matti draws from both his academic work and practical involvement in major projects to outline the potential of community impact, intentional design, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The right balance of these components can change the way cities are built and expand their positive impacts exponentially.From reimagining schools and fire stations as mixed-use spaces to championing health-oriented communities, Matti offers a compelling argument for infrastructure that does more than meet technical needs. He explains why universities are uniquely positioned to support community-driven projects, how the Infrastructure Institute leverages academic insight into real-world support, and why we need a mindset shift to make the most of aging public assets.With case studies that range from TIFF Bell Lightbox to stacked fire stations, this episode challenges conventional thinking. Matti designs a hopeful vision for what's possible when planners, policymakers, and local communities work together by design.Key Takeaways:The measures that can mitigate the long-held divide between academic research and infrastructure practice.How mixed-use public buildings can maximize land value and community benefit when intentionally designed.The vital support role universities can play by helping non-profits and public agencies navigate complex early-stage urban planning work.Where social-purpose infrastructure has moved beyond the theoretical into tangible action in Canada.Why rethinking underutilized land and public assets isn't just about financial return—it's a matter of long-term social value and good land stewardship.Quote: “I've become really engaged on this idea that we can build schools differently and that you can have a stack school. Reimagining what a mixed use school might look like. You have to make sure that the building is safe and that there's no unsupervised access between the different uses. There's always questions about where the schoolyard is going to go. Because a lot of the communities we're building now are very dense and so there's questions about like, can you have some part of the school yard on the roof of the building, for example, so it's a shared use. How does the housing actually fit up above and how do they access it?" - Matti SiemiatyckiThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major ProgrammesFollow Riccardo CosentinoRead Riccardo's latest at www.riccardocosentino.comConnect with Matti SiemiatyckiLearn more about the Infrastructure InstituteListen to Matti's Season 2 Navigating Major Programmes interview Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

What does it take to lead major programmes in one of the world's most complex, highly regulated, and rapidly evolving sectors? Carol Tansley has built a career doing just that. In this episode of the Master Builder series, she joins Riccardo to talk about her unconventional path to leadership in the nuclear industry. Carol takes listeners through her early days in international consulting, a transformative period working in Saudi Arabia, up to her current role spearheading major nuclear projects at X-Energy in Maryland.Carol offers a candid look at what it means to lead with strategy and humility. She shares how returning to school mid-career helped sharpen her focus and how stakeholder alignment is the biggest differentiator of success. They also explore why complex infrastructure projects demand more than technical skills—genuine engagement, curiosity, and a deep respect for collaboration are equally essential. Whether you're already in the field or considering your options in programme management, Carol's humble and holistic perspective is a powerful reminder of how valuable and versatile project leadership can be.Key TakeawaysStrong project leadership is powered by vision, adaptability, and people skills, as much or more than by technical knowledge.How unfamiliar or challenging environments can accelerate your leadership growth if you focus on creating value for others.The factors shaping nuclear energy's resurgence, from policy to AI and decarbonization.The importance of minimizing first-time risks in successful major programme management.The truth of infrastructure projects: it is less about individual brilliance and more about coordinated collaboration across hundreds of contributors.Quote:“But ​I ​would ​say, ​you ​know, ​from ​an ​early ​stage ​in ​my ​career, ​I ​think ​the ​thing ​you ​learn ​more ​than ​anything ​is, ​I'll ​call ​it ​stakeholder ​management, ​for ​want ​of ​a ​more delicate ​expression. ​You ​know, ​the ​ability ​to ​be ​able ​to ​help ​people. ​I ​mean, ​something ​somebody ​told ​me ​years ​and ​years ​ago, ​and ​this ​wasn't ​even ​in ​a ​work ​context, ​was ​when ​there's ​somebody ​standing ​in ​front ​of ​you, ​what ​you ​should ​do ​is ​look ​and ​think, ​how ​can ​I ​help ​this ​person? ​And ​I ​think ​if ​you ​bring ​that ​kind ​of ​mindset, ​you ​know, ​what ​can ​you ​do ​to ​try ​and ​make ​everybody ​else ​successful? ​That ​really ​helps. An ​ability ​to think ​about ​how ​you ​add ​value on ​other ​people's ​terms, ​not ​just ​what ​is ​valuable ​in ​your ​context. ​And ​I ​feel ​like ​that, that ​has ​served ​me ​quite ​well ​wherever ​I've ​been. ​You ​know, ​ability ​to. ​And ​the ​willingness ​to ​listen ​and ​understand ​what ​it ​is ​other ​people ​are needing ​and ​what ​will ​help ​them ​to ​be ​successful.” - Carol TansleyThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major ProgrammesFollow Riccardo CosentinoRead Riccardo's latest at www.riccardocosentino.comFollow Carol TansleyListen to Carol's Season 1 Navigating Major Programmes interview Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

In the second installment of this two-part series on public–private partnerships (P3s), Riccardo and his expert guests move from theory to practice, digging into the real-world complexities and nuances that make or break these projects. Emily Moore (University of Toronto), Pouya Zangeneh (University of Calgary), and Rob Pattison (Rob Pattison Consulting) return to share lessons from the field and reflections on how innovation, collaboration, and contract design shape project outcomes.Together, they explore why achieving true output-based specifications is so challenging in regulated environments, when P3s work best for complex projects, and how to balance innovation with safety and quality. The conversation also delves into the human factors behind success: how courage, trust, and integrity influence outcomes far more than contract structures alone.From navigating biases in project estimation to building the conditions for genuine collaboration, this episode offers a candid look at what it takes to deliver high-quality infrastructure through public–private partnerships today.Key TakeawaysThe fine line between reality and expectation in output-based specifications.Cutting corners is a false economy, but owners and contractors can still explore feasible ways to save time and money.The real differences between collaborative and alliance versus P3 models.The conclusions to be drawn from examining the first wave of P3 and linear projects in Canada.The huge impact of having courage and character in this industry.Quote“I'm ​first ​and ​foremost a ​contracts ​person, ​and ​I ​love ​contracts ​and ​I ​believe ​in ​freedom ​of ​contract. Freedom ​of ​contract ​​means, ​at ​its ​heart, ​the ​freedom ​to ​make ​what ​might ​appear ​to ​others ​​to ​be ​a ​bad ​deal, right? ​So ​let ​me ​offer ​the ​three ​of ​you ​a ​deal. I'm ​going ​to ​pay ​you, ​I ​don't ​know, ​a ​thousand ​bucks ​a ​year. ​And ​if ​I ​get ​drunk ​and ​fall ​asleep ​smoking ​in ​my ​bed, ​you're ​going ​to ​build ​me ​a ​new ​house ​for ​a ​couple ​of ​million ​bucks, anybody ​want ​to ​sign ​that ​contract ​with ​me, right? ​You'd ​be ​crazy ​to. ​That's ​a ​crazy ​contract, right? ​But ​my ​insurance ​company ​does ​that ​for ​me. ​They ​take ​that ​bet ​and ​they ​make ​a ​bucket ​of ​money ​doing ​it. Maybe ​not ​these ​days, ​but, ​you ​know, ​traditionally, ​that's ​a ​contract ​that ​looks ​ridiculous ​on ​its ​face, and ​yet ​it ​works.” - Rob PattisonThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major ProgrammesFollow Riccardo CosentinoRead Riccardo's latest at www.riccardocosentino.comFollow Emily MooreFollow Pouya ZangenehFollow Robert Pattison Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

Public–private partnerships (P3s) have long been used as a tool for delivering complex infrastructure projects in Canada, but the landscape is changing. In this episode, Riccardo and his panel of experts explore how P3s have evolved and what that means for today's projects, funding models, and risk-sharing dynamics.In this two-part series, Emily Moore (University of Toronto), Pouya Zangeneh (University of Calgary), and Rob Pattison (Rob Pattison Consulting) bring industry, academic, and legal perspectives to the conversation. Together, they unpack how shifting risk appetites, funding structures, and partner roles are reshaping both the potential and the challenges of using P3s.From the financial nuances of availability versus revenue deals to the often-overlooked behavioural impacts of changing equity stakes, this discussion offers timely insights for anyone curious about what makes these partnerships succeed or fail.Key TakeawaysHow project decisions, such as the approach to liquidated damages, change based on whether a project is privately or publicly funded.The various dynamics and incentives in revenue deals and availability deals.How equity plays into the outcomes of P3 projects, both beneficially and detrimentally.How misaligned motivations, externally or internally, can complicate or even derail a project.The history and practice of honourariums and bid fees during project bidding.Quote“Any ​contractor ​that ​they're ​going ​to ​hire ​is completely ​independent. ​They're ​a ​third ​party. ​And ​so ​if ​to ​protect ​your ​equity ​as ​the ​owner ​and ​if ​to ​protect ​the ​business, ​you've ​got ​to ​bankrupt ​your ​contractor, ​well, ​you ​know, ​you ​won't ​have ​qualms ​about ​that. ​I ​mean, ​other ​than ​as ​a ​sort ​of ​human ​being ​walking ​around ​on ​this ​planet. ​But ​from ​a ​financial ​perspective, ​you ​won't ​have ​any ​qualms ​about ​that ​because ​your ​only ​relationship ​is ​that ​contract ​and ​you've ​got ​securities ​and ​you've ​got ​this ​and ​that ​and ​you've ​got ​the ​other ​thing. ​And ​the ​interesting ​thing ​in ​a ​P3 ​is ​if ​everybody ​in ​that ​family ​has ​their ​own ​P ​and ​L  ​and ​if ​they ​take ​it ​to ​the ​logical ​extension, ​and ​Ricardo, ​you'll ​correct ​me, ​but ​if ​you're ​a ​public ​company, every ​officer ​of ​that ​company ​who's ​got ​a ​P ​and ​L ​has ​a ​fiduciary ​duty ​to ​deliver ​for ​the ​public ​company. ​And ​well, ​my ​responsibility ​is ​my ​P ​and ​L. ​And ​if ​protecting ​my ​P ​and ​L ​means ​bankrupting ​another ​division, ​actually ​that's ​what ​I ​got ​to ​do ​unless ​the ​board ​wants ​to ​overrule ​me.” - Rob PattisonThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major ProgrammesFollow Riccardo CosentinoRead Riccardo's latest at www.riccardocosentino.comFollow Emily MooreFollow Pouya ZangenehFollow Robert Pattison Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

Welcome to Uncharted Conversations, a new Navigating Major Programmes series designed to disrupt industry thinking one unscripted conversation at a time. In each episode, the panelists bring their diverse perspectives to the table as self-dubbed industry pirates, adopting a mercenary approach to calling out industry challenges. Up first: collaborative contracts. David Ho is the National Leader of Healthcare and Buildings for Accenture. Melissa Di Marco is a Partner and specialist in Project Advisory and Disputes at Accuracy. Shormila Chatterjee is the Vice President of EY. Together, these experienced programme professionals discuss the complexities of collaborative contracting in the infrastructure sector, including often-seen core competency shortcomings and the importance of empowering the right decision makers.Too often, collaboration is misconstrued as the project goal when it is, in fact, merely one possible vehicle. This conversation delves into market participation, trust issues and risk allocation, and why technical skill shouldn't top the recruitment checklist. Decision-making, competency, and governance are painstakingly dissected in this no-holds-barred discussion that highlights the problems not with collaborative contracts themselves but with the assumption that choosing this model will fix all the problems. Join these leaders as they explore why the infrastructure industry might be ready for a seismic systemic shift.Takeaways:Why every organization's first question should be whether they have the skills to manage a collaborative contract.The dangers of assuming a collaborative contract will automatically be easier and mitigate risk.The need for a strong collection of capable people around the table for any programme model to succeed.How systems and governance can be structured with empowerment in mind.The soft skills that are essential, and more important than technical experience, for true collaboration.Quote: “The idea ​will ​be ​to enter ​into ​a ​process ​with ​a ​winning ​counterparty. ​We ​can ​call ​them ​whatever ​we ​want, ​development ​partner, ​whatever ​it ​might ​be. But ​that ​period ​of ​dialogue ​and ​iteration,​ ​if ​it ​is ​prescribed ​by ​an ​even ​more ​detailed ​rulebook, in ​my ​mind, ​it ​doesn't ​matter ​if ​the ​end ​of ​that ​rulebook ​still ​doesn't ​have ​a ​fixed ​price. ​All ​you're ​doing ​is ​layering ​on ​a ​set ​of ​rules ​that ​is ​now ​a ​wholly ​dependent ​upon ​the ​behavioural ​interpretations ​of ​the ​people ​playing ​the ​game. ​And ​if ​the ​behavioural ​interpretation ​is, ​I'm ​going ​to ​use ​the ​rules ​to ​my ​advantage ​to ​exploit ​your ​bad ​writing ​of ​the ​rules, ​or ​I'm ​going ​to ​use ​the ​rules ​to ​my ​advantage ​to ​compel ​you ​to ​obey ​no ​matter ​what. ​Then ​forget ​it. ​It's ​not ​collaborative. ​It ​is ​just ​a ​more ​involved ​rule ​book ​​for ​less ​certainty ​of ​outcome.” - David HoThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major ProgrammesFollow Riccardo CosentinoRead Riccardo's latest at www.riccardocosentino.comFollow David HoFollow Melissa Di MarcoFollow Shormilla Chatterjee Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

How is urban art developed in cooperation with planners, developers, and architects? Public art is designed to be viewed and enjoyed from many angles. Riccardo embraces this 360-degree perspective in this episode by examining a component of major programmes that is not often explored: the development of the impressive art installations on display in many public buildings. He speaks with Corail Bourrelier Fabiani, a former host of the podcast and the passionate programme manager behind London's Shard and Paddington Square sculptures.Corail outlines the intricate relationship between public art and major urban developments in the city, from why it's so important to inspire ongoing wonder in our concrete jungles to the challenges of getting involved late in the development process. Her experiences highlight the importance of stakeholder collaboration and the many moving parts that must be navigated to create something beautiful, lasting, and welcoming for tourists and residents alike—something that helps define the fabric of the city around us.Takeaways:The humanizing impact of interacting with public art.The complex process of stakeholder management and artistic team selection.The benefits of enthusiastic architect and engineer buy-in on an art installation.The technical, structural, and visual challenges inherent in making public art decisions at the end of development.Quote: “There ​are ​a ​lot ​of ​sculptures ​around ​us ​that ​we, ​after ​a ​while, ​we ​don't ​even ​see. ​And ​I ​would ​say, ​like, ​it's ​true. ​It's ​true ​with ​a ​lot ​of ​the ​urban ​fabric ​that ​when ​you ​get ​used ​to ​something, ​you ​just ​stop ​like ​looking ​at ​it. ​If ​you ​take ​the ​tube ​in ​Paris, ​for ​example, ​like ​the ​very ​old ​entrances ​to ​the ​tube ​with ​like ​the ​lights ​and ​the ​way ​they're ​shaped, ​etc. ​This ​kind ​of ​Art ​Deco, ​like, ​beautiful ​entrance. ​Most ​people ​don't ​even see ​them ​anymore, ​you ​know. ​Or ​if ​you ​walk ​along ​alongside ​the ​Thames ​and ​you ​go closer ​to ​the ​Tate, ​you ​would ​see ​these ​lampposts ​that ​have ​big ​fish ​at ​the ​bottom ​of ​them ​that ​are, ​you ​know, ​around ​the ​lamppost. ​And ​a ​lot ​of ​people, ​because ​we're ​so. ​There ​are ​so ​many ​images, ​etc, ​or ​we're ​too ​much ​into ​our ​own ​world, ​like ​thinking ​about ​our ​issues, ​our, ​like ​our ​next ​meeting, ​et ​cetera, ​we ​just ​walk ​past ​them ​without ​even ​noticing ​what's ​around ​us. ​And ​I ​think ​art, ​​the ​magic ​of ​art ​is ​that ​sometimes ​it ​grabs ​your ​attention, ​you ​don't ​know ​why, ​and ​it ​makes ​you ​stop ​for ​a ​second ​and ​realize ​that ​your ​surroundings, ​or ​be ​completely ​amazed ​that ​you ​notice ​that ​element.” - Corail Bourrelier FabianiThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major ProgrammesFollow Riccardo CosentinoRead Riccardo's latest at www.riccardocosentino.comFollow Corail Bourrelier Fabiani Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

What does the future of construction technology hold for industry and investors? Through more than a decade of work in construction tech and AEC-focused venture capital, Alice Leung has seen much of the technology being developed for construction in recent years, as well as the challenges forward-thinking tech startups face as they pursue adoption and implementation of their software within this hard-to-crack industry. Navigating Major Programmes delves into the past, present, and future of construction technology as Riccardo speaks with Alice about the sector's opportunities and limitations. They discuss the importance of sector expertise in venture capital, the evolution of AEC technology, and the impact of delivery models on technology adoption. Their conversation explores the significance of collaboration and the impact technology can have on this approach, as well as incentive alignment and the potential of robotics in addressing labour shortages. Alice's take on cultural shifts that could lead to tech adoption and improve the safety and efficiency of building projects is both realistic and optimistic, emphasizing the rewarding nature of building long-lasting infrastructure.Takeaways:The productivity and efficiency challenges inherent in traditional construction projects.The history of AEC investment and how venture capitalists and experienced industry professionals can work together.The importance of pursuing innovation in construction technology.How incentive alignment could help drive collaboration in construction.Why robotics might be the answer to some of the industry's biggest challenges.Quote:“I ​think, ​you ​know, ​when ​you, there's ​a ​lot ​of, ​kind ​of ​different ​angles ​and ​different problems ​where ​you ​can ​really ​see ​this, right? ​One ​of ​​my ​favourite ​examples ​is ​obviously ​around ​BIM ​and VEC, ​right? ​Like, ​BIM ​has ​been ​around ​for ​a ​long ​time. ​Why ​hasn't ​it ​truly ​been ​adopted, right? ​And ​in ​theory you ​should ​have ​this ​federated ​model ​that ​everyone ​can ​leverage, right? ​That's ​the ​goal, ​right? ​Is ​like, ​you ​have ​this ​one ​single ​source ​of ​truth ​with ​everything ​that ​you ​need ​obviously ​to ​different ​complexities ​across ​the ​supply ​chain. ​But ​let's ​just ​pretend ​that ​we're ​in ​this ​perfect ​world ​right ​now ​where ​we ​have ​that ​fully ​coordinated ​model, ​everything ​makes ​sense. ​If ​we ​build ​off ​of ​it, ​we ​won't ​have ​any ​rework. ​We ​shouldn't ​have ​that ​many ​issues ​in ​the ​field. ​But ​if ​you ​think ​about ​just ​pure, ​if ​this ​was ​fixed ​price, ​contract, design, ​bid ​build ​with ​BIM, why ​does ​that ​fail? ​Because everyone ​needs ​a ​different ​level ​of ​detail. ​Everyone ​wants ​to ​maybe ​add ​or ​use ​different ​data ​in ​those ​models and ​to ​get ​to ​a ​model ​that ​is accurate ​enough ​for ​construction, ​you're ​really ​asking ​the ​design ​teams ​to ​put ​in ​so ​much ​more ​effort ​than ​really ​what ​they ​normally ​do. I ​think ​this ​is ​all ​about ​incentive ​alignment. ​And ​with ​the ​traditional ​contracting ​methods ​it's ​like, ​oh, ​why ​would ​I ​add ​more ​detail ​in ​my ​goodwill ​to ​help ​this ​other ​company ​who ​may ​​mess ​me ​up ​in ​the ​future, ​right?” - Alice LeungThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major ProgrammesFollow Riccardo CosentinoRead Riccardo's latest at www.riccardocosentino.comFollow Alice Leung Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

How does a master insurance executive balance globe-trotting, raising a family, and pursuing meaningful projects? In this episode of the Master Builder series, Shormila explores the realities of professional and personal life in the C-suite with Sarah Roberts, the president of INTECH Risk Management.Sarah delves into the history of insurance, both her own and how this vital component of infrastructure projects first came to be. In an industry that is evolving due to increased global and climate change demands, clear communication, public-private partnerships, and professional liability insurance as a whole have never been more important—but they're only part of the story. Sarah's intricate balance of career and family life is relatable or aspirational to so many. It highlights a dedication to both her chosen industry and personal passions, from overseeing risk management projects around the world to the challenges and rewards of being a working mother in two countries.Key Takeaways:The importance of professional liability insurance in infrastructure.The significance of breaking down “insurance speak” in client relationships.The intriguing history of insurance and the rise of women in the industry.The rewarding challenges of balancing family and career across continents.The positive impact of diverse perspectives on infrastructure projects.“I ​think ​probably ​that ​sort ​of ​​light ​bulb ​moment ​for ​me ​was, ​probably ​sitting ​in ​a ​meeting ​one ​day, ​and ​you ​had ​the ​insurance ​brokers ​and ​you ​had ​claims ​adjusters ​and ​they ​were ​all ​talking ​insurance ​speak ​to ​one ​of ​our ​clients. ​And ​you ​could ​just ​see ​them ​all ​sitting ​there, ​five ​of ​them ​with ​their ​eyes ​completely ​glazed ​over, ​having ​no ​idea ​what ​was ​going ​on. And ​I ​sort ​of ​stepped ​in ​and ​I ​said ​we ​need ​to ​speak ​English ​to ​people, right? ​And ​you ​know, ​it's ​great ​to ​throw ​around ​all ​the ​terminology ​and ​I ​am ​the ​biggest ​insurance ​geek. ​So ​you ​get ​me ​on ​the ​phone ​with ​insurance ​people ​​and ​that's ​what ​we ​will ​speak, ​acronyms ​just ​like ​engineers ​will, right? We ​will, ​we ​will ​speak ​all ​of ​that ​sort ​of ​insurance ​ease ​that's ​there. ​But ​when ​you're ​talking ​to ​a ​layperson, ​it ​doesn't ​mean ​anything ​to them.” - Sarah RobertsThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major Programmes - https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-major-programmes/Follow Riccardo Cosentino - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/Follow Shormila Chatterjee - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shormilac/Read Riccardo's latest at www.riccardocosentino.comFollow Sarah Roberts - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-roberts-74005024/ Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

What does it mean to build infrastructure that goes beyond causing or just avoiding friction with the policy side of the table? In this episode, David Ho—former lawyer, infrastructure strategist, and seasoned capital program and project manager—joins Riccardo to discuss how major projects are shaped not only by procurement models but by the complex, nuanced world of policy-making.David has experience in helping stakeholders understand the limits of doing everything at once and the possibilities that emerge when we confront different questions. From collaborative contracting models to data governance in healthcare infrastructure, he challenges them to think beyond technical fixes and ask, What's the real problem we're solving for? The relationship between infrastructure professionals and policymakers should involve informing policy, not just executing it.David and Riccardo explore why infrastructure can struggle to keep pace with need and the role risk aversion plays in enacting change.”It's ​like ​we ​didn't ​examine ​what ​were ​the ​original ​root ​cause ​problems ​that ​were ​driving ​us ​to ​what ​we've ​been ​feeling ​and ​seeing ​in ​the ​last ​few ​years. ​And ​by ​that ​I ​mean ​what ​are ​both ​the ​political ​and ​market ​dynamics ​that ​are ​bigger ​than ​just ​us, ​uh, ​in ​the ​infrastructure ​space? ​I'll ​speak ​for ​what ​I ​see ​in ​Ontario, ​in ​Canada, ​because ​I ​obviously ​know ​that ​best. ​But ​I, ​I ​have ​a ​suspicion ​this ​is ​very, ​very ​similar ​in ​other ​places ​around ​the ​world. ​If ​you ​ask ​people, ​you ​know, ​why ​are ​we ​going ​into ​a ​collaborative ​model, ​by ​the ​way? ​You ​know, ​whatever ​your ​working ​definition ​of ​collaborative ​or ​progressive ​actually ​means, ​I ​think ​you ​would ​get ​a ​lot ​of ​different ​answers ​of ​what ​people ​are ​trying ​to ​solve ​for. ​And ​none ​of ​them ​are ​necessarily ​wrong. ​But ​if ​you ​add ​them ​together,​sometimes ​we ​try ​and ​be ​too ​intellectually ​precise. ​We ​talk ​about ​risk, ​actually ​we ​talk ​about ​risk ​a ​lot, ​but ​we ​don't ​talk ​about ​market ​forces ​and ​dynamics ​and ​we ​don't ​talk ​about ​political ​pressures other ​than ​to ​just ​be ​really ​negative ​about ​them, ​but ​they're ​actually ​real.” - David HoKey Takeaways:Why building relationships isn't just practicing government relations.What can happen when we turn our minds to “what's possible” instead of “why it's not possible”.The impact of change management and agility on procurement and execution.What the voice of disruption looks like to create big changes in infrastructure.How health data privacy laws tie in to infrastructure.The conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major Programmes - https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-major-programmes/Follow Riccardo Cosentino - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/Read Riccardo's latest at www.riccardocosentino.comFollow David Ho - https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidtho-ontario/ Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

In engineering today, more and more people are choosing the generalist route, often pivoting off that solid, multi-faceted educational foundation into different fields. But what happens when you take the opposite route, honing in to pursue an aspect of your work that truly drives your passion?In today's episode of Navigating Major Programmes, hosts Riccardo Cosentino and Shormila Chatterjee speak with a Master Builder who did just that. After spending her early years on industrial projects, Wendy Itagawa returned to school for a Master's in structural engineering, focusing on bridge design. Today, she serves as the Executive Director of Vancouver's Pattullo Bridge Replacement Project, of which she's been an integral part for more than seven years. She shares how working with and leading teams through the whole lifecycle of projects impacts how she views the work she has completed on some of the country's most high-profile transportation initiatives.”I ​really ​believe ​that ​even ​if ​it's ​a ​design ​build ​contract, ​it ​doesn't ​necessarily ​mean ​you ​don't ​have ​to ​be ​in ​one ​of ​these ​progressive ​collaborative ​models. ​So ​really ​comes ​down ​to ​the ​relationship ​and ​helping, ​helping ​each ​other. ​And ​I ​think ​sometimes ​what ​I've ​seen ​is, ​you ​know, ​owners ​or ​on ​their ​team ​that ​too ​almost ​afraid ​of ​helping ​too ​much ​or ​because ​you're ​afraid ​of ​getting ​claims ​or ​creating ​too ​many ​changes. ​But ​I ​think ​it ​actually ​prevents ​that ​and ​you ​know, ​claims ​are ​going ​to ​happen ​either ​way. ​So, ​but ​you ​can ​mitigate ​impacts ​a ​lot ​more ​if ​you ​do ​work ​collaboratively ​because ​you ​can ​sometimes ​reduce ​the ​time ​and, ​and ​costs ​if ​you ​work ​together ​on ​it. ​So ​yeah, ​I ​think ​sometimes ​being ​like ​that ​hands ​off ​owner ​approach ​is ​not, ​is ​not ​helpful.” — Wendy ItagawaKey Takeaways:The benefits of focusing on a more technical specialization rather than generalizingWhy working on a project for the long term impacts team performance and outcomesHow to foster a collaborative approach even in traditional design-build contractsA master builder's uniquely positive perspective on working in male-dominated environments.The conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major ProgrammesFollow Riccardo CosentinoRead Riccardo's latest at www.riccardocosentino.comFollow Wendy Itagawa Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

How can teams take the concept of collaboration beyond lip service and virtue signalling to create stronger, more successful projects? We know that collaboration is the cornerstone of alliance contracting models, but countless research shows us that when it comes to behavioural cohesion, teamwork, and empathy, the type of contract is immaterial—collaborative teams across industries and contract type perform better, see greater successes, and save more money than teams built on competition and infighting.Emily Mahoney and Sarah Laurence, the founders of Mahoney & Matthews Consulting, work with high-performance teams, not only preparing them for the behavioural assessment that will win the project but also instilling the tenets of collaboration to carry all the way through to a successful culmination. Creating a true team takes more than a couple of nights out at the pub. It calls for hard, intentional conversations, deep honesty, and being human.“So ​if ​you ​think ​about ​it, ​all ​leadership ​really ​is, ​is ​a ​set ​of ​behaviours ​that ​are ​used ​in ​a ​certain ​way. ​And ​it's ​not ​exactly ​the ​same ​behaviours ​as ​collaboration. ​They ​can ​obviously, ​they ​obviously ​overlap ​a ​lot. ​But ​collaboration ​as ​well ​is ​a ​set ​of ​behaviours ​that ​are ​used ​in ​certain ​ways. ​So ​in ​terms ​of organizational ​development ​​org ​psych ​behaviours, ​there ​is ​a ​canon ​of ​research ​and ​of ​literature ​and ​there ​are ​people ​who ​spend ​a ​lot ​of ​time ​and ​money ​not ​only ​researching ​these ​things, ​but ​also ​making ​them ​accessible ​to ​people ​through ​books, ​podcasts, ​TED ​talks, ​etc.” - Emily MahoneyKey Takeaways:Why owners and contractors must leave behind competitive preconceptions of the “other side” and find the common groundThe benefit of introducing and continuing real teamwork regardless of the contract modelHow social learning can facilitate high-performing teams, taking them beyond buzzwords to true and lasting collaborationHow the collaborative approach changes what we should expect from leadershipWhat sports teams have to teach us about the importance of continuous and supportive coaching to success.Links Mentioned:Project Oxygen – The 10 Qualities You Need to Be a Great Leader: https://institutesuccess.com/2019/07/project-oxygen-the-10-qualities-you-need-to-be-a-great-leader/University of Warwick research: https://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/60724/1/WRAP_liu_joy_griffiths_ciawes_08.pdfThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major ProgrammesFollow Riccardo CosentinoRead Riccardo's latest at www.riccardocosentino.comFollow Emily MahoneyFollow Sarah LaurenceLearn about Mahoney & Matthews Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

It can be easy to forget just how much seemingly unrelated skills and wisdom can inform the work we want to do. Impostor syndrome so often steps in, leaving us doubting our expertise because it doesn't fit precisely with the knowledge we imagine a new position demands and holding us back from pursuing what we really want to achieve.In this episode of Master Builders, Ricccardo and Shormila sit down with Salima Rawji, the President and CEO of York University Development Corporation. A theme of passion, creativity, and positivity runs through Salima's long and varied career. She has experienced first-hand how experience in the public sector can inform the private and non-profit and vice versa and how, all along the way, collaboration makes things better. Salima's willingness to say yes, refusal to accept the no's, and determination to always learn more and know her facts have led to an inspiring and fulfilling career path.”In ​terms ​of ​the ​imposter ​syndrome, ​I ​also ​think ​I ​pair ​it ​with ​the ​fact ​that ​like ​the ​answer ​for ​me ​is ​it ​never ​goes ​away ​because ​I ​think ​there's ​also ​this ​like ​desire ​for ​like ​continual ​growth ​and ​ambition. ​And ​so, perhaps ​I ​didn't ​feel ​it ​as ​much. ​I ​would ​say ​in ​my ​later ​years ​at ​Create TO, ​where ​I ​had ​been ​doing ​that ​work, ​I ​knew ​I ​was ​an ​expert. ​I ​was ​kind ​of ​like ​in ​a ​position ​of ​leadership ​and ​seen ​to ​be ​a ​leader ​by ​the ​political ​side, ​by ​the ​administrative ​side, ​by ​the ​staff ​that ​worked ​for ​me. ​Maybe ​that ​didn't ​exist ​as ​much, ​but ​the ​second ​I ​kind ​of ​took ​the ​step ​to ​grow,  ​it's ​like ​instantly ​back. ​And ​so, ​I ​feel ​like ​maybe ​that's ​just ​a ​part ​of ​what ​growth ​is.” - Salima RawjiKey Takeaways:How cross-sectoral experience can add insight to private sector work.Practical planning for the challenges of changing career directions.The cross-over between impostor syndrome and the lifelong learner.The vital importance of creativity when approaching any project.The conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Salima RawjiFollow Navigating Major ProgrammesFollow Riccardo CosentinoRead Riccardo's latest at www.riccardocosentino.com Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

What if the construction industry is on the brink of a transformation as significant as the rise of the internet? With construction representing a massive portion of global GDP and a growing demand for infrastructure, how can innovation meet the challenge of a shrinking skilled labor force?In this episode, Patric Hellermann and Shub Bhattacharya, co-founders of Foundamental and voices behind the Practical Nerds podcast, sit down with host Riccardo Cosentino to explain why they believe construction is the next major frontier for venture capital. They discuss how venture capital acts as a flywheel—fueling innovation, enabling founders, and driving customer adoption—and why patience and compounding value are crucial in this sector. Patric and Shub highlight the importance of understanding construction's unique complexities, explain why AI should be seen as an enabler rather than the main solution, and examine how hidden innovations and new business models, like cloud manufacturing, are reshaping the industry.“I really feel like we are in what I would describe as the equivalent of the internet 1.0 era in construction. Imagine you are somewhere, say 1994 or 1995, and someone tells you, there's an opportunity to be investing for the next decade or two in the internet. That would be a tremendous opportunity. Perhaps one of the greatest venture opportunities of a lifetime, maybe the greatest, right? I think it feels comparable. It feels very large. ” — Shub BhattacharyaKey TakeawaysThe broader macroeconomic and geopolitical trends influencing construction.The sector's massive demand growth, coupled with a shrinking labor supply, presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for innovation.True disruption often starts with solving "boring" but fundamental problems, compounding value over time. How the right investments can transform how we build, maintain, and innovate for the future.The conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major ProgrammesFollow Riccardo CosentinoListen to the Practical Nerds PodcastLearn About Foundamental Follow Patric HellermannFollow Shub BhattacharyaRead Riccardo's latest at www.riccardocosentino.com Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

In this Master Builders episode of Navigating Major Programmes, hosts Riccardo Cosentino and Shormila Chatterjee challenge the mindset around alliance contracts with Jane Ogilvie, the Alliance Director of Toronto's East Harbour Transit Hub Alliance and a 20-year veteran of major projects management in her home country of Australia. Jane shares the details of this collaborative approach—one that has long been popular in certain industries Down Under but is still quite new in Canada. From method variations to adopting an alliance contract model mid-project to the future of this framework in Canada and beyond, Jane's insights highlight the benefits of abandoning an us-versus-them mentality in favour of more collaboration between project participants.“I've ​worked ​on ​P3s ​and ​alliances ​and ​a ​lot ​in ​between, ​as ​I ​mentioned. ​And ​I ​think ​P3s ​still ​have ​their ​place. ​You ​know, ​I ​think ​you ​need ​a ​mix ​of ​the ​different ​styles ​of ​contracts, ​and ​you ​need ​to ​look ​at ​the ​risk ​profile ​of ​a ​project ​to ​see ​which ​one ​makes ​sense. ​You ​know, there are ​some ​types ​of ​contract ​where ​I ​would ​always ​say, ​you ​know, ​a ​P3 ​is ​probably ​a ​better ​model. ​And ​then ​there's ​ones ​that ​I'd ​say, ​obviously ​an ​alliance ​is ​a ​better ​way ​to ​go ​as ​an ​outcome. ​So ​as ​an ​owner, ​I ​think ​you ​need ​to ​look ​at ​that ​spectrum ​of ​where ​is ​the ​risk ​profile? ​How ​much ​of ​the ​risk ​can ​you ​share ​versus ​what's ​still ​a ​retained ​risk ​that ​you ​need ​to ​retain? ​As ​an ​owner, ​you ​can't ​push ​everything ​onto ​a ​contract.” - Jane OgilvieKey Takeaways:The importance of having a legal framework to support collaboration in projects.The demographic differences in the soft skills that best serve collaborative contract participants.The benefits of combining and coordinating multiple alliances in a multi-discipline, large-scale project.How alliance contracts can take project value beyond capital cost.How to determine the ideal methodology for different types of projects.The conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major ProgrammesFollow Riccardo CosentinoFollow Jane OgilvieRead Riccardo's latest a www.riccardocosentino.com Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

Host Riccardo Cosentino sits down with Luigi La Corte, CEO and Co-Founder of Provision, a Toronto-based AI construction technology company. Luigi recounts his journey from working alongside his father's contracting business to a role in P3 (Public-Private Partnerships) at Plenary, where he observed firsthand the mounting costs of construction disputes and claims. Driven by a desire to create positive change, Luigi launched Provision in 2022, evolving the venture through several pivots to its current mission—helping contractors and subcontractors identify and mitigate contractual risks early and effectively. Together, Riccardo and Luigi discuss the promise of AI in reducing disputes, optimizing processes, and ultimately aiming to put more profit into contractors' pockets, thereby fueling a more innovative and rewarding construction industry for all." I do think the industry is very receptive. They want to solve problems. And I don't think AI is a lot of hype. I think what it's done, especially in construction, is it's helped people standardize. One of the biggest problems in construction is that a lot of the information is contained within PDFs and unstructured documents. But now you can create a taxonomy for each of those things and plug them into, you know, the respective workflow. That's magic. And then also, LLMs can emulate some level of human thought and exercise some discretion in a very specific sense." – Luigi La CorteKey TakeawaysWhy construction claims are costly: they consume 2–4% of project budgets, making early risk identification essential to save time and money.How AI can streamline error-prone document reviews, improving accuracy and project efficiency How market feedback drives product evolution: Iterating based on real-world pain points leads to solutions that better meet user needs.Why AI won't solve every dispute is because its strength lies in reducing errors, identifying risks, and augmenting human expertise for higher-level tasks.How contractor profitability fuels industry transformation: reinvesting gains in technology sparks innovationThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major ProgrammesFollow Riccardo CosentinoFollow Luigi La CorteExplore Provision, Luigi's AI-driven solution to reduce risk in construction.Read Riccardo's latest at www.riccardocosentino.com Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

In this episode of Navigating Major Programmes, Riccardo Cosentino and co-host Shormila Chatterjee sit down with Melissa DeMarco, a seasoned construction and infrastructure leader with a PhD in construction management. With over 15 years of industry experience, Melissa has led projects across industrial, institutional, mining, and infrastructure sectors. Currently a partner at Accuracy, a boutique consulting firm, she has played a pivotal role in expanding the company's infrastructure and energy practice in Canada and globally. She delves into her academic journey, including her groundbreaking PhD research on global project networks, which allowed her to work with major industry leaders and analyze the mindset shifts required for success in complex, multi-location projects."People think of construction as a hard science, but then I think the angle that you took, which is sort of the same angle that I studied on, it's a social science, because ultimately there's so many people, and as soon as you have an aggregation of so many people, it then becomes a social environment, rather than a hardcore technical environment." – Melissa DeMarcoKey Takeaways:Melissa's career path from academia to industry has shaped her unique approach to infrastructure leadership.Success in major projects relies on both technical expertise and the ability to manage people effectively.Building a business from the ground up requires a mix of strategic vision, resilience, and strong relationships.Advancing in male-dominated industries takes both hard work and the confidence to advocate for leadership opportunities.The conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major ProgrammesFollow Riccardo CosentinoFollow Shormila ChatterjeeFollow Melissa Di MarcoRead Riccardo's latest at www.riccardocosentino.com Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.

Riccardo Cosentino welcomes Ali Mafi, an industry veteran whose career spans construction, automotive, and consultancy. Ali shares his journey from site engineer at Heathrow Airport's Terminal 4 to leading transformative project management practices at Balfour Beatty, where he introduced innovative methodologies like critical chain management and lean principles. Drawing comparisons with the automotive sector, Ali emphasizes how better project monitoring, bottleneck identification, and accountability can improve outcomes in construction."My definition of project management is knowing the impact of every task on the end date, every day. If you don't know that, you cannot manage the project. You're managing tasks, or you're managing resources, but you're not managing the project." – Ali MafiKey TakeawaysReshaping project management starts with daily monitoring of tasks driving the end date.Time is the largest cost in construction projects, yet it is often mismanaged or overlooked.Lessons from industries like automotive manufacturing highlight the value of lean principles and shorter feedback loops.Complexity and uncertainty are inevitable, but they can be mitigated by prioritizing work and adopting adaptive strategies.Links MentionedThe Goal by Eliyahu M Goldratt https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/113934.The_Goal If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. The conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our LinkedIn community: Follow Ali Mafi on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ali-mafi-345821/Follow Navigating Major Programmes on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-major-programmes/Follow Riccardo Cosentino on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/Read Riccardo's latest at wwww.riccardocosentino.com  Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the hosts and guests on this podcast do not necessarily represent or reflect the official policy, opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of Disenyo.co LLC and its employees.

In this Master Builders episode of Navigating Major Programmes, Riccardo Cosentino and co-host Shormila Chatterjee sit down with previous colleague and friend Chantal Sorel, a seasoned leader whose 30-year career spans architecture, project management, and executive roles across industries including infrastructure, mining, and social infrastructure. With extensive international experience and a commitment to delivering value through challenging projects, Chantal reflects on her journey and shares lessons from managing high-stakes initiatives like the McGill University Health Centre.Chantal discusses the importance of breaking barriers as a woman in construction, fostering ethical collaboration, and adapting project management practices to meet evolving challenges. Her insights highlight the critical role of leadership, strategy, and societal impact in shaping the future of the industry."Project management is about maximizing the result with the resources you have. That's it. My definition of project management is maximizing the result with the resources you have and using them in the best combination—the right capacity and to the right objective and the needs that you have to fulfill, and not detracting from that. And this is what it is about. So for me, it's always been a passion. I said I'm a builder. And of course, I've practiced infrastructure all my career because, for me, it was a way to deliver value, value for society. I'm a bit of an idealist, but I think that society needs value, and we're there to deliver value." – Chantal Sorel Key TakeawaysHow resilience and expertise helped Chantal navigate leadership in traditionally male-dominated industries.Why delivering value through infrastructure projects requires balancing strategy, collaboration, and societal impact.How global experience and adaptability shape effective project management practices.The evolving role of technology, including AI, in addressing the complexities of modern mega-projects.The conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn:Follow Navigating Major ProgrammesFollow Riccardo CosentinoFollow Chantal Sorel Follow Shormila ChatterjeeRead Riccardo's latest at www.riccardocosentino.com Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the hosts and guests on this podcast do not necessarily represent or reflect the official policy, opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of Disenyo.co LLC and its employees.

Welcome back to Navigating Major Programmes and welcome to season 3 of our podcast! In this episode of Navigating Major Programmes, Riccardo Cosentino launches the third season by reflecting on the podcast's journey and setting the stage for an exciting year ahead. From embracing the challenges of imposter syndrome to exploring transformative industry trends, Riccardo shares his vision for 2025 and how the podcast will continue to elevate the conversation around major programmes. “I believe this is the year where technologies like AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics are no longer just the ‘next big thing' but are truly embraced on a mass scale across the industry. It's no longer about being curious about these technologies; it's about fully accepting and harnessing their potential to drive real change. And that change will define the future of how we operate—from project management to risk assessment and, especially, preventive maintenance.” – Riccardo Cosentino Key TakeawaysThe transformative potential of AI and predictive analytics in preventive maintenance.Insights from industry leaders on balancing innovation with legacy systems.Embracing new skills and challenges for personal and professional growth.A sneak peek at the new Preventive Maintenance vodcast series. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. The conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our LinkedIn community: Follow Navigating Major Programmes on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-major-programmes/Follow Riccardo Cosentino on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/Read Riccardo's latest at wwww.riccardocosentino.com  Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the hosts and guests on this podcast do not necessarily represent or reflect the official policy, opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of Disenyo.co LLC and its employees.

In this episode of Navigating Major Programmes, Riccardo Cosentino wraps up season two by revisiting the key themes and groundbreaking insights that defined the season. From the transformative power of AI in project management to the essential role of human collaboration, Riccardo explores how major programmes are evolving and shares his vision for the future.This season featured distinguished guests who brought fresh perspectives on technology, leadership, stakeholder management, and public perception. Riccardo reflects on these conversations, highlighting how AI-driven tools, digital twins, and predictive analytics are revolutionizing infrastructure projects while emphasizing the enduring importance of empathy, trust, and inclusivity.“While AI and technology are reshaping how we plan and execute major programmes, it's important to remember that success in infrastructure isn't just about the tools we use—it's about the people who bring these projects to life. As we navigated the complexities of infrastructure, we often touched on the human element that underpins successful project delivery.” – Riccardo Cosentino Key TakeawaysThe power of AI in forecasting and risk managementFostering collaboration, diversity, and resilience within teams.Reflections on trust and allyship as essential components of successful infrastructure projects.The critical role of societal acceptance for the adoption of technologies like urban air mobility. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. The conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our LinkedIn community: Follow Navigating Major Programmes on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-major-programmes/Follow Riccardo Cosentino on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/Read Riccardo's latest at wwww.riccardocosentino.com  Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the hosts and guests on this podcast do not necessarily represent or reflect the official policy, opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of Disenyo.co LLC and its employees.

In this episode of Navigating Major Programmes, Riccardo Cosentino sits down with Alan Mosca, CTO and Co-Founder of nPlan, to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and project management. Alan shares his journey, from founding nPlan in 2017 to transforming how major programmes forecast and mitigate project risks using AI-powered tools.Alan dives deep into the technicalities of nPlan's innovative approach to project scheduling, risk assessment, and portfolio management. Through real-world applications and fascinating anecdotes, he discusses how AI can turn vast amounts of project data into actionable insights, paving the way for more proactive and informed decision-making in the infrastructure and construction sectors. “You think about like you're starting a business, right? You start from what's a problem that you want to solve. And so we started from the end effectively. Problem that we want to solve is: why is it that when humans say that they're going to build something or do a project it then almost invariably takes twice as long and four times the amount of money than you said it was going to take.” – Alan Mosca Key Takeaways:How AI models like nPlan's transform static project schedules into dynamic tools that anticipate risks and propose proactive solutionsHow leveraging historical project data helps refine forecasts and improve project outcomesThe role of culture in project success—aligning incentives and fostering transparency between teams and stakeholders can break down silos and create trustUnlocking efficiency with AI-generated schedules—could this give your team the edge in competitive bidding and execution? If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. https://lovethepodcast.com/NavigatingMajorProgrammesPod The conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our LinkedIn community: Follow Alan Mosca on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nitbix/Explore the nPlan website at https://www.nplan.io/Follow Navigating Major Programmes on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/navigating-major-programmes/Follow Riccardo Cosentino on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/Read Riccardo's latest at wwww.riccardocosentino.com  Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the hosts and guests on this podcast do not necessarily represent or reflect the official policy, opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of Disenyo.co LLC and its employees.

In this special Master Builders episode of Navigating Major Programmes, Riccardo Cosentino and co-host Shormila Chatterjee are joined by Marianne Smith, a distinguished partner at Blakes National Infrastructure Group, to celebrate her remarkable career and pay tribute to Judy Wilson, a trailblazer in Canada's infrastructure industry. Judy, a world-renowned procurement lawyer and a champion for diversity, left an indelible mark on the sector before her passing. This episode honors her legacy while highlighting Marianne's own contributions as one of Judy's closest mentees.With over 20 years of experience in infrastructure and procurement law, Marianne has played a pivotal role in shaping public-private partnerships (P3s) across Canada. She shares her journey from working alongside Judy to becoming a leader in the field, emphasizing how mentorship and advocacy for diversity have been central to her success."Judy was a champion of diversity. She was an ally before we had the nomenclature of what an ally is.  She used her power, authority, influence. Not just selfishly, but also to promote, women, people of color, anyone who might've felt, that they didn't belong in the boardroom or around the table, talking about tough, infrastructure type issues. She really did impact so many people in that way." – Marianne SmithKey Takeaways:Judy's approach challenges with creativity, focus on client needs, and advocate for diversity to drive meaningful changeHow to leverage your expertise to develop frameworks and processes that can become industry benchmarks.How to build inclusive environments that encourage collaboration and empower diverse teams to succeed.Why investing in mentorship by sharing knowledge and supporting the growth of future leaders. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. The conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our LinkedIn community:Follow Marianne Smith on LinkedInFollow Shormila Chatterjee on LinkedInFollow Navigating Major Programmes on LinkedInFollow Riccardo Cosentino on LinkedInRead Riccardo's latest at www.riccardocosentino.com  Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the hosts and guests on this podcast do not necessarily represent or reflect the official policy, opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of Disenyo.co LLC and its employees.

In this episode of Navigating Major Programmes, Riccardo Cosentino sits down with Mikaila Kukurudza to explore the significance of thought leadership—and some of the biggest mistakes professionals make on LinkedIn.Mikaila Kukurudza, founder of Colada Marketing Ltd., has been instrumental in helping both people and brands tell their stories, including working with Riccardo over the last three years. If you've come across any of Riccardo's LinkedIn articles, chances are, Mikaila is the pen behind them. Is hiring a ghostwriter unethical? Why does personal branding matter for the infrastructure industry—and beyond? And how do social media platforms shape major programs? Riccardo and Mikaila dive into all this and more.“You already have a personal brand, whether you like it or not. It's just a matter of whether you're going to define and refine it into something you're happy with. For anyone listening—even if you're not actively posting on LinkedIn—you already have a personal brand. It's up to you to shape it into how you want to be represented online.” — Mikaila Kukurudza Key Takeaways:Riccardo's thought leadership journey: from posting to podcasting.The controversy and value of ghostwriting.Grab a pen, here's your 10-minute LinkedIn checklist for building your online presence.The vulnerability of personal branding—do vanity analytics really matter? If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. The conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our LinkedIn community:Colada Marketing Ltd. LinkedIn Learning – Becoming a Thought LeaderFollow Navigating Major Programmes on LinkedInFollow Riccardo Cosentino on LinkedInRead Riccardo's latest at wwww.riccardocosentino.com  Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the hosts and guests on this podcast do not necessarily represent or reflect the official policy, opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of Disenyo.co LLC and its employees.

In this episode of Navigating Major Programmes, Riccardo Cosentino sits down with Annie Goodchild, a passionate advocate for inclusivity in major projects. As a trans, non-binary professional in the infrastructure industry, Annie shares insights on industry resilience, stakeholder management, and the value of diverse perspectives in shaping successful projects. The duo discusses all this, plus the role of public inquiries in major projects. Annie Goodchild brings a wealth of experience in communications and stakeholder outreach, driving strategic initiatives for complex infrastructure projects across Canada. As the Director of Communications and Stakeholder Outreach at Kiewit, they currently lead efforts on Ottawa's Confederation Line extensions, focusing on building essential relationships for project success. Known for their commitment to teamwork, learning, and connection, Annie believes that true progress happens when everyone moves forward together.“We are the eyes and ears in many ways of how the project's going to do everywhere else, but in the very boardroom that it's executed from, and that those outside forces, the climate around the boardroom affects the boardroom more than sometimes they'd like. So let us help. Let us be in the room. Let us share our understanding of what's coming and help us plan a mitigation around any problems we might see, because that's our ultimate benefit to the major project." – Annie Goodchild Key Takeaways:Annie's journey into major projects and the importance of diversity in creating resilient teams. How proactive and transparent stakeholder management can build trust and transform community relationships, revealing insights that could redefine your approach to major projects.How embracing diverse perspectives enhances the problem-solving capabilities of major projects.The role of allies in creating a more inclusive and supportive industry for marginalized groups, from a trans perspective. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox.Mentioned Links:How Big Things Get Done by Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan GardnerThe conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our LinkedIn community: Follow Annie Goodchild on LinkedInFollow Navigating Major Programmes on LinkedInFollow Riccardo Cosentino on LinkedIn Read Riccardo's latest at wwww.riccardocosentino.com  Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the hosts and guests on this podcast do not necessarily represent or reflect the official policy, opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of Disenyo.co LLC and its employees.

In this episode of Mastering Major Projects, Riccardo Cosentino and co-host Shormila Chatterjee sit down with Marni Dicker, a dynamic and bilingual senior executive recognized as one of Canada's Top 100 Most Powerful Women and one of the Top 25 Most Influential Lawyers in the country. Marni's accolades include the General Counsel Award for Business Achievement and the Premier's Award of Excellence from the Province of Alberta for her groundbreaking work on the Calgary Courthouse Public-Private Partnership.With an impressive background in corporate law and a strategic leadership role in the Canadian Premier League, Marni shares her extraordinary journey from criminal law to becoming a transformative figure in infrastructure and business strategy. Known for her ability to deliver projects on time and within budget, she discusses the importance of diversity and inclusion in leadership and her commitment to mentoring the next generation of female leaders."Remember, I knew nothing about construction and infrastructure engineering, and they would ask me a very substantive question. What would you do if this happened on one of your sites? And I did the following. I would certainly call external counsel who is specialized in that area, and I would ensure that we got the best advice. Basically, I was punting it down the line because I had no idea, none, how to answer their questions. What I quickly learned is that's what they liked. No one is expected to know everything you are supposed to be able to know how to use your resources, how to get the right expert advice." – Marni Dicker Key Takeaways:Career Evolution: Marni's path from criminal law to leading major infrastructure projects, showcasing her adaptability and leadership across industries.Public-Private Partnerships: Marni's experience in structuring award-winning public-private partnerships, including her work on the Calgary Courthouse project.Leadership in Infrastructure Development: From leading infrastructure for the Canadian Premier League to managing multimillion-dollar projects, Marni's strategic and operational expertise is highlighted across sectors.Mentorship and Diversity: Her role as a mentor and advocate for diversity, pushing for gender equality in leadership roles within traditionally male-dominated industries.Plus, insight into how Marni successfully balanced her demanding career while prioritizing her family life. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. The conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our LinkedIn community: Follow Marni Dicker on LinkedInFollow Shormila Chatterjee on LinkedinFollow Navigating Major Programmes on LinkedInFollow Riccardo Cosentino on LinkedInRead Riccardo's latest at wwww.riccardocosentino.com Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the hosts and guests on this podcast do not necessarily represent or reflect the official policy, opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of Disenyo.co LLC and its employees.

In this episode of Navigating Major Programmes, Riccardo Cosentino dives into an engaging conversation with AI visionary Dev Amratia, uncovering how AI is revolutionizing the infrastructure industry. Together, they explore the game-changing potential of harnessing data from over 760,000 global projects to forecast outcomes with precision, drastically improving risk management and efficiency. Dev reveals the untapped possibilities of AI, from smarter decision-making to reshaping the very way projects are delivered, offering insights that challenge traditional approaches and inspire a bold new future for infrastructure. "What if we had the experience of 760,000 projects between the two of us and then worked on a project, wouldn't we be hundreds of times more effective than we currently are?" – Dev Amratia Dev is the Co-Founder and CEO of nPlan, where he is at the forefront of rethinking how project outcomes are forecasted and addressing risk in the built environment. With an aerospace engineering background and 9 years of capital project management experience, he combines both technical and commercial expertise to tackle complex challenges. Dev also co-authored the UK Government's AI Review (2017) and is a Chartered Engineer (CEng) through the Royal Institute of Mechanical Engineers. Key Takeaways:Why AI's full potential in project timelines, risks, and improvements is still untappedHow can the infrastructure industry overcome inefficiency and poor risk management when outdated methods, like fixed-price contracts based on incomplete dataThe cultural shift  needed for AI adoption, with ground-level resistance requiring both top-down and bottom-up strategiesData-driven decision-making is crucial for the infrastructure industry, as AI-facilitated collaboration and data sharing can improve project outcomes and reduce adversarial approaches. If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. The conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our LinkedIn community: Follow Dev Amratia on LinkedInLearn more about nPlanFollow Navigating Major Programmes on LinkedInFollow Riccardo Cosentino on LinkedInRead Riccardo's latest at wwww.riccardocosentino.com  Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the hosts and guests on this podcast do not necessarily represent or reflect the official policy, opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of Disenyo.co LLC and its employees.

In this episode of Navigating Major Programmes, Riccardo Cosentino sits down with Vickie Turnbull, a trailblazer in infrastructure finance with over 35 years of experience in the banking industry. Vickie shares her unique journey from corporate banking to becoming a key figure in infrastructure finance, shedding light on her extensive work with leading Canadian banks like TD Securities and RBC. Now, in what she calls "Vickie 2.0," she remains deeply involved in the sector, leveraging her expertise in advisory roles and as a board member for Infrastructure Ontario.Vickie also dives into her commitment to mentorship and advocacy for women in infrastructure, reflecting on her role in founding the Women's Infrastructure Network (WIN) and Women in Energy Canada (WIECAN). She emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in infrastructure and discusses how these networks have evolved to support and empower women in the industry."I think that's one of the things I really love about the whole infrastructure space is it takes a village to get these transactions done. I think that's been part of the fun part for me is that I have so many different people that I talk through as I'm working on a transaction. Right? And you've got all these people that you can interact with. And again, you get that whole diversity. People are looking at things from various different ways. And at the end of the day, we've got these fabulous assets that are getting built for the use of Canadians and replacing, you know, things that really needed to be replaced. There's a lot more that still needs to be done. So I'm a part of it, but I don't see myself, like I, it's hard and I don't know whether that's just how I think through things, how I look at it, but I do really, like, it does take a village to get these things done and I couldn't do it alone on my own. Absolutely not." – Vickie TurnbullKey Takeaways:Vickie's journey from corporate banking to a leadership role in infrastructure financeThe genesis and growth of the Women's Infrastructure Network and Women in Energy CanadaInsights into navigating the complexities of infrastructure finance and project managementThe evolving role of mentorship and diversity in the infrastructure sectorStrategies for fostering innovation and resilience in major programmes If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. The conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our LinkedIn community: Follow Vickie Turnbull on LinkedInFollow Navigating Major Programmes on LinkedInFollow Riccardo Cosentino on LinkedInRead Riccardo's latest at wwww.riccardocosentino.com   Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the hosts and guests on this podcast do not necessarily represent or reflect the official policy, opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of Disenyo.co LLC and its employees.

Host Riccardo Cosentino explores untapped knowledge in project management, drawing from his Oxford insights. This episode of Navigating Major Programmes delves into integrating social sciences and complex adaptive systems, addressing how minor changes can lead to significant impacts due to project complexity. Join Riccardo as he navigates through the complexities of project management, offering innovative solutions to embrace and manage these challenges effectively in a new mini series: The Science of Complexity. Could your approach to project management be outdated?"I am convinced that, although we have achieved many incredible things already as project leaders and managers, there's something missing, something that's already out there in the world's knowledge that we're not using well enough." – Riccardo Cosentino Steps for improving the management and understanding of complex, large-scale infrastructure projects:Step one: Social sciences and complex adaptive systems.Step two: Systems thinking.Step three: A Betagon chart.Step four: Finding a success criterion.Step five: Network graphs.Step six: Higher level network graphs.Step seven: Digital twins.Step eight: The Incerto.Step nine: Digital twins.Step ten: Composable systems.Step eleven: Semantics and Ontologies Mentioned Links:  The Fifth Discipline: The Art & Practice of The Learning Organization (Recommended Reading)Amazon.caAmazon.comHow Understanding Systems Thinking Changed My Career (Riccardo's LinkedIn Article)Organizing for Work (Recommended Reading) Amazon.caAmazon.comNassim Nicholas Taleb's Published Works (Recommended Incerto Reading)Amazon.caAmazon.comDigital Construction Ontologies   If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. The conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our LinkedIn community: Follow Navigating Major Programmes on LinkedInFollow Riccardo Cosentino on LinkedInRead Riccardo's latest at wwww.riccardocosentino.com Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the hosts and guests on this podcast do not necessarily represent or reflect the official policy, opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of Disenyo.co LLC and its employees.

In this episode of Navigating Major Programmes, Riccardo Cosentino chats with fellow Oxford MMPM alumnus David Porter about the game-changing potential of artificial intelligence in construction and project management. David shares how AI can drastically improve project forecasts and decision-making, even in an industry slow to adopt new technologies. He also discusses innovative strategies from his company, Octant AI, that tackle data management challenges and boost project performance. The AI revolution is here—will you be ready? Should AI be considered a general-purpose technology (GPT)? "So, you know, this is a huge, huge change that we are facing. And there is going to be massive disruption, you know, like, I mean, there just is. And so those who learn to use the tool, like those who learned how to use an internal combustion engine to put an airplane in the sky, those people are the people who are going to be our leaders." – David Porter David Porter brings a wealth of experience from the construction industry, having spent his entire career in this field. As the co-founder of Octant AI, he has been at the forefront of developing AI tools that enhance project performance and decision-making. His insights into the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into construction projects provide a compelling narrative for the future of project management. Key Takeaways:The challenges and opportunities of applying AI in the construction industryUnderstanding the capabilities and applications of Octant AI's predictive toolsOvercoming data management hurdles in construction projectsThe future of AI in major programmes and its potential to revolutionize the industryPractical advice for integrating AI tools into existing project management frameworks If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. The conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our LinkedIn community: Follow David Porter on LinkedInFollow Navigating Major Programmes on LinkedInFollow Riccardo Cosentino on LinkedInRead Riccardo's latest at wwww.riccardocosentino.com   Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the hosts and guests on this podcast do not necessarily represent or reflect the official policy, opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of Disenyo.co LLC and its employees.

Welcome to a special collaboration episode of the Navigating Major Programmes podcast featuring Henry Fenby-Taylor from the Digital Twin Fan Club. Joining them is Associate Professor Jenn MacArthur from Toronto Metropolitan University to discuss digital twins in major projects. They delve into complex programme management, emerging digital trends, AI's transformative power, and essential leadership for billion-dollar projects. The trio also explores the nuances of building information management (BIM), digital twins' practical uses, and sustainable practices shaping future cities.   “But what if you could actually transfer learning from previous buildings into that one, from previous genericized systems into a new system. And you built in this online learning capability, that your twin was actually capable of learning what was typical for the building as the data came in. And then adapting those algorithms to be able to tune them to that building, with very, very little human intervention.” –  Jenn MacArthur Key Takeaways:Implementing digital twin technology in major programmes (real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and improved lifecycle management)The role of local governance in driving sustainability initiatives and how city-led regulations and bylaws significantly influence the outcomeInterdisciplinary collaboration and the integration of BIM and AI to enhance decision-makingAdaptable and scalable solutions Jenn MacArthur is an Associate Professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, specializing in mechanical engineering and sustainable infrastructure. Her career spans from energy and water management in India to leadership roles in design engineering and construction in Canada. In academia, she focuses on Building Information Management (BIM), AI, and digital twins, aiming to optimize building operations and energy use through advanced technology applications.Henry Fenby-Taylor is the CEO of Athenophilia, where he assists clients on their digital transformation journey, creating software applications, digital twins, and information management capabilities. He also hosts the Digital Twin Fan Club podcast, exploring topics related to digital twins, AI, and the broader infrastructure industry. Henry is engaged in driving innovation and managing change within organizations, working closely with stakeholders to accelerate change and drive innovation.  If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox. The conversation doesn't stop here—connect and converse with our LinkedIn community: Follow Navigating Major Programmes on LinkedInFollow Riccardo Cosentino on LinkedInRead Riccardo's latest at wwww.riccardocosentino.com  Music: "A New Tomorrow" by Chordial Music. Licensed through PremiumBeat.DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the hosts and guests on this podcast do not necessarily represent or reflect the official policy, opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of Disenyo.co LLC and its employees.