Wear Your Cape to Work™
Wear Your Cape to Work is a podcast hosted by Project Insight. We believe that project and program managers truly are the superheroes of every organization.
Our guests have poured their lives and talents into driving successful project outcomes for industries across the world. They wear their capes to work every day, and we want to celebrate them. We want you to hear their stories and be inspired to wear your own cape to work.
You won't want to miss any of our exciting conversations with PMPs from companies like fairlife, Universal Studios, Activision Blizzard King, PayPal and more.
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Wear Your Cape to Work™
Managing Mega & Giga Projects
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This episode is about the leadership superpowers required to run the biggest projects in the world. We’re joined by Tim McManus, a global expert in mega- and giga-project delivery who has led massive construction and infrastructure programs across continents. With experience across energy, transportation, and sports, Tim shares what changes at mega scale and why it demands a different kind of leader. Hear the stories and ask yourself if you have what it takes.
1. 00:00–03:41 | Introduction & Background
Tim’s path into mega- and giga-projects and his global career.
2. 03:41–05:00 | Early Leadership Lessons
The shift from managing projects to leading people.
3. 05:34–07:00 | Learning From Mentors
Why great leaders learn from those around them.
4. 07:12–07:39 | What Are Mega & Gigaprojects?
A clear definition across asset classes.
5. 07:52–08:22 | Global Scale & Impact
Why these projects exceed expectations worldwide.
6. 09:30 | A Light Moment
A humorous take on “mega projects.”
7. 09:50–11:00 | Beyond the Budget
Complexity, risk, and long-term impact.
8. 11:58–13:18 | Crossrail Case Study
Workforce challenges and strategic vision.
9. 13:23–14:50 | Strategic Project Approach
Why planning sets the foundation.
10. 14:57–18:15 | Defining Success
Legacy, people, and professional growth.
11. 18:15–19:22 | Industry Outlook
Why now is a compelling time in construction.
12. 19:58–22:23 | Favorite Megaproject
What made it stand out.
13. 23:36–24:30 | Common Challenges
Where mega- and giga-projects struggle.
14. 24:33–25:12 | The Planning Gap
Why planning is rushed at great risk.
15. 25:45–26:45 | Lessons Learned
The value of experience and insight.
16. 26:46–30:26 | Olympic-Scale Lessons
Leadership insights at extreme scale.
17. 30:49–31:00 | Legacy Benefits
Delivering lasting value.
18. 31:17–34:00 | Leadership Mindsets
Why many large projects lack leadership.
19. 35:00–35:40 | Choosing the Right Leader
How leaders are selected.
20. 35:40–37:00 | Leadership Traits
Communication, credibility, vision, and risk.
21. 37:23–End | Developing Your Skills
Continuing growth through learning and education.
Additional Resources
PMI Managing Mega-projects: https://bit.ly/4reLYdX
PMI Managing Giga-projects: https://bit.ly/4a9IFPr
The Art of Project Leadership (McKinsey): https://bit.ly/3ZiTw3z
Managing Big Projects – Tim McManus: https://bit.ly/3LSzv0k
Columbia Global Leaders in Construction Management: https://www.glcm.info/
Bent Flyvbjerg, How Big Things Get Done: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flyvbjerg/
Project Insight Website
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