Episode 19: Breaking Through Your Comfort Zone as a Project Manager with Saby Waraich Artwork

Project Zero

From first steps to best practices — stories that shaped project leaders.

Project Zero is a podcast for project managers — and the PM-curious — who want more than frameworks and certifications. Each episode features a project leader, highlighting first projects and the pivotal lessons that shaped their approach to leadership, collaboration, and delivery.

From unexpected missteps to breakthrough moments, these conversations reveal what it really takes to grow into a confident, competent project manager. It’s honest, insightful, and designed to help you lead better — whether you're managing your first task or your hundredth milestone.

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Project Zero

Episode 19: Breaking Through Your Comfort Zone as a Project Manager with Saby Waraich

October 09, 2025 • Alex Tuck • Season 1 • Episode 19

0:00 | 32:22

In this episode of Project Zero, host Alex Tuck welcomes keynote speaker and upcoming author, Saby Waraich. Saby shares his extensive experience spanning 30 years in technology, currently serving as Chief Information Officer and Chief Information Security Officer at Clackamas Community College. He discusses his journey from software development in India to becoming a PMO manager in the U.S., highlighting key projects, especially a challenging transformation at the City of Portland. Saby introduces his framework ‘SCARE to CARES’ for managing complex transformations, touching on key topics such as leadership and communication. He emphasizes the importance of influence as a fundamental skill for project leaders and shares advice for aspiring project managers on achieving career growth. The episode closes with Saby's insights on the practical applications and ethical considerations of AI in project management.

00:00 Introduction to Project Zero Podcast

00:34 Meet Saby: A Journey in Technology and Leadership

02:35 From Software Developer to Project Manager

04:00 The PMP Certification: A Turning Point

06:59 Project Zero: The High-Stakes Challenge

08:28 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Challenges

12:26 Delivering Success Against All Odds

14:16 From Scare to CARES: Leadership Lessons

15:26 Building Trust and Empowering Teams

15:50 Scare to Cares Framework

16:00 Handling Media and Public Perception

18:26 Project Success Amidst COVID-19