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
The Human Skills That Make or Break a Project Manager | Ep. 13
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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 Nick Jago, Chief Culture Officer at Elemental Projects, who has spent nearly two decades delivering major infrastructure projects across Australia and New Zealand. Nick makes the case that technical knowledge alone will never make you a great project manager — the shift from knowing the work to leading the people is where the real capability gap lies.
From emotional intelligence and managing ego under pressure, to healthy conflict and building genuine team culture, Nick shares the people skills that he believes make or break project outcomes. He draws on experience across the Sydney Metro, Auckland International Airport, and NSW social infrastructure to bring these ideas to life with candour, humour, and hard-won perspective.
If you manage projects, lead delivery teams, or want to grow as a people leader in complex environments, this episode is 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
01:44 Introduction of Nick Jago
08:30 The shift from technical to human: the evolution of project management
18:00 Capability vs. experience. What actually predicts success?
26:00 Leading under pressure vs. managing under pressure
37:00 Emotional intelligence, ego, and self-awareness in project delivery
48:00 Conflict, culture, and what "genuine" team culture looks like
58:00 Value over box-ticking. How great PMs show up differently
01:05:00 Book recommendations
01:07:00 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.