Beyond The Plan
If you work in major infrastructure projects - whether in government or the private sector - then this series is for you.
Host, Ali Farhoodi, is joined by seasoned project managers who share their insights on successful project management strategies, and behind the scenes stories on projects like Sydney Metro, Sydney Light Rail and the Lane Cove Tunnel.
Ali is the Director of EDSICO Management, a boutique, independent, Australian-owned consultancy that provides a range of services to Australian Government agencies and the private sector across all aspects of Project Management and Project Services.
Beyond The Plan
You're Using Planners WRONG (And It's Killing Your Projects) | Ep. 12
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From concept to delivery, we bring proven expertise to advance your project. Let’s start the conversation: https://edsico.com.au/contact-us/
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In this episode, we're joined by Douglas Marr, Chief Planner at Downer Group, who brings over three decades of real-world construction and project delivery experience to unpack why planning is the most underrated discipline in project success. Drawing on his journey from apprentice electrician to leading standardised planning practices across one of Australia's largest infrastructure businesses, Douglas challenges the outdated idea that planners are background support roles, arguing that projects don't fail because of poor construction, but because planners are brought in too late, treated as schedulers rather than strategic leaders, and excluded from the decisions that matter most.
Douglas breaks down the critical difference between a planner and a scheduler, how to connect commercial strategy to execution, build dashboards that actually tell a story, and lead proactive decision-making when delays hit. If you manage projects, lead delivery teams, or are responsible for major infrastructure outcomes, this episode's for you.
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Watch the video version of the podcast to see the whiteboard: https://www.youtube.com/@edsicomgt
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CONNECT WITH US
Website: https://edsico.com.au/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alifarhoodimscpmp/
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Time Stamps:
00:00 Intro/Hook
01:41 Douglas' Background and Experience
08:57 The Power of Planning - Turning Strategy into Execution
09:55 Planning as Leadership - How Planning Shapes the Entire Project
29:54 Planner Scheduler
32:00 Connecting Strategy to Scheduler
43:11 The Role of Visibility Using Data and Dashboards
56:00 Decision Making through Planning: When to hold the line and when to adapt?
01:05:14 Lessons from Major Projects
01:18:16 AI and the Future of Planning
01:22:10 Book Recommendations
01:24:21 Conclusion/Outro
DISCLAIMER
The information provided in this podcast is for general purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals or experts in the relevant field for personalised advice tailored to your specific situation.