The Omar Project

Raul Hernandez Ochoa is a business strategist helping entrepreneurs create certainty in their business. He has trained hundreds of entrepreneurs through live seminars, online programs, and private masterminds. His work has helped positively impact the lives of his clients and the teams he's helped flourish. Productive Profits has helped entrepreneurs not only scale with certainty but make a difference in the marketplace. Raul touches on a number of topics, including: How to provide certainty in your business and lifeThe most critical OKRs that actually matter How to map your day for peak performance while in a high stress environmentHow to operate at high levels, but still maintain boundaries for your priorities80/20 Method for Start Up FoundersRaul Hernandez Ochoaraul@dogoodwork.ioSociallinkedin.com/in/dogoodworktwitter.com/rherochoaBook Link: https://dogoodwork.io/book

Omar speaks with the CEO of Dallan Industries, Andrea Dallan. We dive into many topics, ranging from Entrepreneurship, Project management, and supply chain and efficiency improvements. I found it fascinating to discuss what separates cultures that embrace improvement, and how to compete in the new Post Covid world.  Andrea Dallan is an engineer, an entrepreneur and CEO of Dallan Spa, an Italian family business that has been producing systems for the processing of thin sheet metal since 1978, with 160 employees that include engineers, technicians and operations. He is the author of two books on efficiency and productivity improvements in manufacturing. 

The last episode in the mini-series on PMP Study! To close it out, I'm finishing with Project Integration management. In this episode, you'll learn about the concepts of project integration and some pitfalls to avoid. Let me know if you have questions or comments below!

Today I'm continuing my mini-series on PMP prep. This week I talk about the importance of the project charter, how to initiate a project, and how the process works in different organizations. If you are interested in a subject, let me know in the comments! 

Are you interested in getting your PMP certification?  I'm launching a limited series of podcasts to explain key concepts necessary to pass the PMP exam.  Let me know if you'd like to see more PMP exam content, and if there is a specific topic you'd like to hear more about!In this episode, I walk through project organization structures with examples tailored for the PMP Exam. 

In this episode, we discuss software project management, the latest trends in technology, and how to balance leading a business with family. Find them here: https://legendarypodcasts.com/dustin-devries/Show Notes 7 habits of highly effective people Ready Aim Fire

I sit down with Jon Atkinson, CEO of Idea Village, a New Orleans start-up incubator with billion-dollar exits in their portfolio.  In this episode, we talk about what he sees in successful start-ups, why New Orleans is ripe for continued innovation, and why you should start your company in the city. Tune in to this incredibly insightful episode.Jon is an expert in startups, customer development methodologies, and entrepreneurial finance. His past experience combines a diverse knowledge as a professional investor and ‘recovering' banker with skills gained as a professor, CEO, CFO, business advisor, board member, and strategic consultant to deliver unique business insights in guiding and financing unique business insights in guiding and financing growth oriented companies. Jon was previously the founding director for the Loyola University Center for Entrepreneurship and Community Development and a Visiting Assistant Professor of Management and Entrepreneurship at Loyola University New Orleans. He is also a co-founder and the Fund Administrator for Lagniappe Angels, LLC. Jon also holds his MBA in Strategic Management and Entrepreneurship from Tulane University. When he isn't busy supporting the entrepreneurs of New Orleans, you can find Jon rowing out in the waters of the Gulf. He also loves all things traveling, coffee and LaCroix, and watching Chef's Table on Netflix. Jon's favorite thing about working at The Idea Village is providing businesses with the resources they need to be successful, as well as the great potential he sees in the entrepreneurs of New Orleans.www.Ideavillage.orghttp://www.thirdwavebook.comhttps://steveblank.com/

This week I chat with Danielle Baughman, CEO of ProShare services. Danielle shares her experience being a  female in a male-dominated industry, being an entrepreneur, and how to overcome mental hurdles to start your own business. TheOmarProject.comShow Notes:Lean In Book

This week we'll dive into the Owner's team, a critical component of major projects. I'll be answering questions like why it's needed and what to consider when structuring. 

In this episode, we discuss when to use lump-sum and hourly rate contracts. We have some incredible guests lined up, and subscribing is the best way to make sure you don't miss it! If you haven't yet subscribed to the podcast, make sure to subscribe on your favorite player.

I sat down with Jens Gravgaard, Project Development Director for Ørsted.  Jens has had a fascinating career at the forefront of global wind development. We talk about many topics on offshore wind in this episode, including training, technology developments and limits, and what it means for the US. Pathfinder Book 

In this episode, I give a 10-minute introduction to project phases. If you're unfamiliar with them, wonder why they exist, or how they work, tune in to get a crash course. 

Do you know the signs of a high-performing project team? In this episode, I walk through three telltale signs of a high-performing team and give you steps to get there. 

It's Hispanic heritage month, and as a tribute to my roots, I'm sharing some insightful data about Hispanic professionals, such as their biggest cultural obstacles and tips to overcome them. If you're a leader with Latinos on your team or a Latino yourself, this is a must-listen! SMU Latino Leadership ProgramPepe Estrada Jacqueline Morales

On the 16th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, the city felt an all too familiar feeling. Hurricane Ida swept in as a category four hurricane, leaving homes flooded, streets covered in debris, and people's livelihood destroyed all in a matter of hours. Although New Orleans suffered damage, the investments made in the hurricane protection systems over the past decade proved invaluable. Preparing for a natural disaster takes time and resources, both of which are in short supply when facing a threat.  In this special podcast, I talk about emergency preparedness and what you and your business can do now to prepare for natural disasters in the future. 

Tina Marie is an executive and leadership coach who gets to work with some of the top executives in the country. She shares insights on the similarities she sees in top performers, the mindset it takes to turn a challenge into an opportunity, and where self-doubt and sabotage creep up. You do not want to miss this episode! Tina Marie St. Cyr is a dynamic force when it comes to personal development, leadership, and communications. She is a board-certified executive coach and a licensed corporate trainer specializing in human communications & human relations. With over 12,000 hours of application, study and design of programs, her methods for helping people create immediate and lasting results are extraordinary. Her specialty is in bringing new, transformative perspectives to a situation, allowing the human ability to solve problems flow easily. Her fascination with ‘why we humans do what we do' and her unique ability to create an air of curiosity and wonder in her audiences has made her a revered public speaker and expert guest on human transformation. Tina Marie's unique blend of certifications and degrees allows her to work with people from all backgrounds and cultures. Business owners will realize steady and scalable growth, positive team synergies and ever-increasing leadership skills. Entrepreneurs will have a highly experienced advocate and coach by their side advancing them to their true revenue results.After ten years of private practice, St. Cyr founded Bonfire Coaching in 2017 and began training other coaches in her methods. As of January 2020, she has a team of ten coaches serving the many Bonfire clients in personal life coaching, career coaching and executive/leadership coaching.

In this episode, you'll learn everything you need to know about the engineering and construction term " Punchlist," what they are, how to avoid them, and how to structure your contracts to minimize the impact of unfinished work.  

If you're in projects long enough, eventually you'll be on a project that gets canceled, I've been there, and I talk through how you can turn this into an opportunity. Read the blog!The Omar Project

With the race to commercialize space underway, engineers at Space X are looking to the ocean for the landing and take-offs of their massive new Starship vessel. Using the same technology the oil and gas industry pioneered for a different application, floating spaceports can keep their operations safe from population centers. https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1272972228326379520?s=20In this episode, I detail the engineering considerations to renovate a drilling rig for space applications. Tune in below! 

In this wide-ranging interview, we talk about building a project organization structure, the latest trends in workflow automation, immigration, and the science behind the transition to renewables. You won't want to miss this interview!About Luis:Luis Felipe is founder and principal consultant of 100 Square Feet Consulting.An engineer by education, a change agent and problem solver by trade, Luis leverages his lifelong passion for learning, along with networks and resources acquired over many years, to every new engagement.With over 10 years of experience in various executive level roles in supply chain and complex operations management in Latin America, and more recent experience project managing North American capital oil and gas development and execution scopes, he has acquired a multitude of perspectives, people skills, team building acumen and business gravitas. He is keen to learn and fail fast, constantly making new mistakes once.Luis is an accomplished athlete with over 30 years of competitive rugby under his belt, an immigrant and proud Canadian-by-Choice, who believes his greatest achievement to date is having raised kids to become good young adults with newly independent lives.Media Contacts https://www.linkedin.com/in/luiscabana/  @LuisFCabana     TwitterHelpful links:https://www.pipefy.com/ MicrosoftPower Automate - https://flow.microsoft.com/en-us/

Do you want more accurate estimates and higher confidence that you'll hit your project budgets? In this week's episode, I talk about what a professional estimator can do for your organization. Tune in to listen. www.theomarproject.com

Have you ever started a project thinking you have a firm price and then at the end and say, "How'd this get so over budget"?That's typically the lagging indicator of scope creep, and at that point,  it's too late to undo the damage caused to your budget or schedule.  In this episode, I give you three techniques to protect your project from the creeping monster. 

This week, I got the opportunity to interview Jacqueline Morales, an experienced project manager, and leader at Shell. Jacqueline has spent over 20 years in the energy industry in various roles, from project engineer to manager of complex subsea and offshore projects in the US and globally. In her current role, she leads offshore Deepwater technology and innovation.She's also the former National President of Shell's Hispanic Employee Resource Group, a 1500 member organization, where her relationship-building skills and passion for Latin advocacy shined.Tune in this week to hear from Jacqueline on what it takes to transform group culture in the workplace, how to master the art of relationship building, and maximize the performance of Latinos on your team. About Jacqueline:A native of Mexico, Jacqueline has 20+ years of experience in the oil and gas industry. She joined Shell 19 years ago as a project engineer. She has served in project engineering roles and leadership positions and has worked across different lines of business in Upstream: Deepwater, R&D, Unconventionals, and Business Development. She has led complex subsea and onshore projects in the US and the development of new technologies. In her current role, Jacqueline leads Deepwater's technology and innovation and integrates organizations towards business goals.Jacqueline is passionate about developing others and about diversity. She is an advocate for Latinos in a community organization and was the National President from 2018-2020 of the Shell Hispanic Employee Network, an Employee Resource Group with 1500 members in the US and Latin America.    Jacqueline holds an engineering degree from the Universidad Veracruzana and an MBA from Purdue University. She enjoys training outdoors, watching movies and spending quality time with her two kids and husband. 

I recently read an article with some staggering statistics, 40% of employees are considering resignation. If you're finding yourself applying to a role that requires project experience, you need to master the answers on project management. In this episode, I give you insider tips on how to nail the interview questions. Article that explains stage gate processwww.theomarproject.com

This week, I answer a question from a senior in college. His question leads me to explain the benefits of project management and the process it takes to become successful.  It's never too early to get started. Listen below and see if I sold him on project management :) 

The difference between task management and  project management :A common misconception is that a project manager is just a task manager. Task management is one skill set that every good PM needs to master; however, it's one of the dozens and not the most important skill set. If you're looking for a task manager, hire one. If you're looking for someone to take ideas and execute them into functional products or facilities, hire a PM. 

Since moving to Advano, I often get asked, what's it like to be at a startup? Now that I've been at Advano for a bit, I think it's a good time to answer the question. Tune in to get insight into my experience, and if you like what you hear, check out Advano.io, we're hiring. :)TheOmarProject.com

If you're an engineer in the Oil and Gas industry and you're wondering how your skills fit into the renewable transition, this episode is a must-listen. Plus, I talk about the PMP certification and whether it might be a good fit for you. TheOmarProject.comJoin our Facebook Group

There's an expectation to 'fail fast and pivot' for start-ups, which can leave employees feeling a sense of whiplash.  But how do you balance the structure necessary for long-term decision-making and at the same time maintain the flexibility needed in a start-up?  Listen to my latest podcast episode to find out. We also discuss a topic that we're seeing much more of, software as a service for managing projects and tasks. There are many great SaaS tools to help you and your team; tune in to get my recommendations.TheOmarProject.com

My son isn't quite old enough yet, but on our next road trip, I might hear every parent's favorite question of the journey, "Are we there yet?" Funny enough, there is an equivalent question that is often asked in  project management, "What's the earliest we can finish?" In this podcast, we answer how to determine if you can finish earlier. We also talk about leaders taking ownership of project departments. Your first task may be streamlining operations or processes. In this episode, I share a 1-page chart to help you avoid the pitfalls of unclear and overlapping responsibilities. Know what the chart is?  I'm giving away a prize to the first person who responds in the comments with the chart's name. 

Have you ever had a project go flawless? You hit the deterministic schedule, your budget is going way below projections, and the contingency hasn't been touched. These unicorn projects can occur, and when they do, expect to get the question. "How much can you give back to the business?".   Tune in to find out how to respond. And we also touch on global projects. Asian countries have been sourcing critical components to the world for decades, but many now hold some of the world's most sought-after engineers, construction contractors and fabricators. The lure of Asia is clear, lower cost, highly skilled workers, 24/7 operations. But there are unapparent risks that occur when you decide to move part of the project overseas. 

If you're coming from an operational role, where your job is to keep production running, moving to a project-based organization can feel like a slow down in pace.But if you continue to feel that, it may be that you don't understand the major differences in expectations. In this episode, I discuss how to prepare to enter a  project-driven organization.Plus,  we talk about the delicate balance of recognition when you're going fast.

Don't you hate when you get started on an important project and quickly realize the team and performance you're seeing will not get you to your goals?  Having that challenge when it's your employees is one thing, but what happens when you've signed a long-term contract with a firm?Plus, we dive into many aspects of managing performance through contracts. 

In this episode, we touch on the transition from technical SMEs to a technical leader. Also, we discuss the delicate balance to avoid creating a bottleneck when implementing a quality process.Learn more about engineering management at theomarproject.comSign up to see immediate impacts in you promotability and salary growth; If you don't see results in 90 days it's free. EngineeringleadershipacademySubmit your questions through email or voice memo at podcast@theomarproject.com

In this episode, we talk about how to manage unexpected risks that have the potential to cancel your project. Plus, what to do with all the learnings on a project. Learn more about engineering management at theomarproject.comSign up to see immediate impacts in you promotability and salary growth; If you don't see results in 90 days it's free. EngineeringleadershipacademySubmit your questions through email or voice memo at podcast@theomarproject.com

In this episode, learn about what signs mean its time to start thinking about creating a project organization. Plus, we discuss portfolio management and three critical items to consider. Learn more about engineering management at theomarproject.comSign up to see immediate impacts in you promotability and salary growth; If you don't see results in 90 days it's free. EngineeringleadershipacademySubmit your questions through email or voice memo at podcast@theomarproject.com

Also answered in this episode. What if I can do things faster than the project process allows; should I? Learn more about engineering management at www.theomarproject.com Are you interested in becoming an engineering leader?Join the reengineering your brand for leadership course, and see results in 90 days or your money back! 

How do you move from the Jr engineer to the PM? What leadership skills you'll need. Plus, is my project documentation system good enough? Learn more about project management www.theomarproject.com Are you looking at developing your leadership? www.engineeringleadershipacademy.com 

Learn how to set up a system for initiating projects in your organization. Learn how to manage your IT contractors to prevent them from going over budget. Learn more about project management and leadership at www.theomarproject.com Are you looking at developing your leadership brand? www.engineeringleadershipacademy.com As heard in this episode:Microsoft Forms 

Interview with Pepe Estrada, Director of Public Affairs at WalmartIn case you didn't know: Walmart is big. It's so big, it is the largest private employer in the United States, with over 1.5 million employees. Now imagine driving change from the top, having the support of the CEO to lead Walmart's efforts in community outreach.Meet Jose (Pepe) Estrada, the Director of Public Affairs at Walmart. Over the past 15 years, he's worked with LatinX, LGBTQ, American Indian, People with Disabilities, and Emerging Generations communities. He's even led Walmart's first influencer-based reputation management initiative. The interesting thing about Pepe is that he didn't start out in public affairs at all. He began as an economist in Peru before moving to the United States to get his PhD in agricultural economics at NC State. Along the way, he learned three vital rules for success, which could be why he's been so successful across roles and industries: 1. Be adaptable and flexible, 2. Network, and 3. Never judge a book by its cover. Have you listened to the podcast? How has your perception of Walmart changed as a result? Do you agree with Pepe's rules for success? Share your thoughts, tweet @theomarproject on Twitter. Show Notes:The Omar Project Book - Extreme ownership by Jocco Willink and Leif BabinInterested in rebranding yourself in another industry? Join my course at engineeringleadershipacademy.com

As a mechanical engineer, Minal's first job was working in the software industry with 3D-CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing). At the time, designing and building cars was a booming industry that had yet to see countless recessions take their toll on the Michigan economy. While working with 3D CAM, Minal saw the power of software and knew that's what he wanted to do. He also knew it was where the future was headed, because according to Minal, “I quickly realized, EVERYTHING is going to be related to computer science.”His pursuit led him to get his Master's in computer science, and eventually, because he wanted to be able to speak the language of business, he obtained his MBA.Minal is the Director of Process, Governance, Tools & Metrics at Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), but he's in the unique position to be able to speak on two very different program management fields: using waterfall techniques to build hardware and using Agile to build software.  He gives one of the best two-minute explanations on what Agile is, and how it differs from infrastructure projects that I've ever heard, and if you've got any interest in either, you should listen to the full episode. Listen to the podcast for all the insights and to discover his recommendations on leadership. 1:20 - Minal's background and getting his start as a Mechanical Engineer 5:23 - Minal's Aha moment 8:00 -  The boom of as-a-service businesses 8:45 - Why software as-a-service is still not working11:02 - The difference between public cloud and private cloud13:13 - Metrics - What it means to him, and how you need to have data set up. 14:19 - “What executives need is insights”15:00 - The biggest challenge with data 16:40 - How to get the right metrics in place21:00 -  The best explanation of Agile I've ever heard30:35 - Minal on leadershipShow Notes: Join the community at The Omar Project The Executive Arena: Mastering the Art of Corporate Politics, Perceptional Messaging, and Other Secrets to Success in Today's Corporate WorldWho Moved My Cheese?: An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and in Your Life  The First 90 Days: Proven Strategies for Getting Up to Speed Faster and Smarter  Interested in rebranding yourself in another industry? Join my course at engineeringleadershipacademy.com

In the race to produce the world's most popular electric vehicle, Tesla shook the automotive industry to its core by bringing a Silicon Valley approach to car manufacturing. But to get to heaven, sometimes you have to walk through hell, and in the case of Tesla, that was “production hell.” According to Tesla CEO Elon Musk, there was a “tiny” number of people who believed they would succeed. With the credibility (and future) of the whole company at stake, the Tesla team put in 16-hour days to hit the goal of making 5,000 Model 3's per week. In the midst of all this insanity, Nicole Cook accepts a role at Tesla as a Senior Technical Program Manager, moving across the country on a Sunday night and starting work that Monday morning in one of the most challenging ramp ups in the history of the automotive industry. How did Nicole handle the transition and the constant challenges she had to overcome? Find out all of this and more in today's interview.Notes: The Omar Project Hell for Elon Musk is a Midsize Sedan Jonathan Raymond - The Good Authority Refound - Jonathan Raymond's company on servant leadership Interested in rebranding yourself in another industry? Join my course at engineeringleadershipacademy.com