Newsletter

Hey everyone!

This edition looks beyond any single event to focus on a broader shift shaping our profession: AI is becoming operational, teams are increasingly hybrid, and human-centered leadership is what ultimately drives project success.

In the pages ahead, I reflect on the rise of autonomous AI agents, Meta’s bold move with the Manus acquisition, and the growing competition in enterprise AI ecosystems highlighted by Claude’s integration into Microsoft Copilot.

You’ll also find updates on the evolution of our professional foundations, including the release of the PMBOK® Guide 8th Edition in print, alongside opportunities to build practical AI capabilities through masterclasses, certifications, and my LinkedIn Learning courses.

I also invite you to join me at the O’Reilly GenAI Superstream, where we’ll explore how agent-driven workflows are moving from theory to real execution.

As we begin 2026, this newsletter is an invitation to focus not just on speed, but on direction — and on creating lasting value with technology and leadership.

Ricardo

Hey everyone!

For this 26th edition, I decided to pause. This is a special Christmas newsletter and the last one of the year — created a little differently, without the usual sections or announcements. Just a moment to slow down and reflect on what this year truly meant for us as project managers.

As 2025 comes to a close, one thing feels clear: this was the year AI fully consolidated itself in our professional lives. Not as a promise or experiment, but as a real presence reshaping how we think, decide, and work — across industries, roles, and everyday choices.

Throughout the year, I shared stories from healthcare, education, creativity, and leadership that all pointed in the same direction. AI has turned information scarcity into abundance, making human judgment, ethics, and sense-making more important than ever.

This edition is an invitation to reflect on leadership in this new reality — where adopting AI is not just a technology decision, but a responsibility that shapes how projects are governed, led, and delivered.

As we close the year, I hope this newsletter offers you space to pause, look back with clarity, and reconnect with what truly matters.

Wishing you and your loved ones peaceful holidays and a wonderful end of the year.

Ricardo

Hey everyone!

I’m back with a new edition of our newsletter — and it brings one of the most important updates our profession has seen in years.

This month, we explore the release of the PMBOK® Guide 8th Edition — what changed, why it matters, and how to use it in a more practical, intuitive way, focusing on patterns and outcomes rather than memorization.

We also look at major shifts in the AI landscape, with Google’s Gemini challenging ChatGPT, and how Gemini Pro Nano Banana is redefining how we turn complex data into clear, visual insights.

Plus, there’s plenty happening:

• The last Masterclass of 2025 is just around the corner.
• A new course on Project Leadership and Governance for Senior Executives is now live.
• And an inspiring update on how our scholarship program continues to change lives around the world.

This edition is about evolution — of standards, tools, leadership, and opportunity — and about strengthening how we deliver projects in a rapidly changing world.

Happy reading!

Ricardo

Hey everyone!

Over the past few days, I revisited The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck, and the phrase “Problems do not go away. They must be worked through” has been echoing in my mind; it’s the central theme of this edition. I discuss why ignored problems tend to escalate into bigger crises and share practical insights on how to identify, address, and learn from challenges. I also bring what has recently caught my attention: the arrival of the Figure 3 robot and the impact of home robotics; the Deloitte case, where the firm repaid funds after AI-related errors; and updates on the PMI Summit 2025, where I’ll be attending. I also share the results of our global research on AI in project management, details about our December Masterclass (don’t miss it!), and the release of my LinkedIn Learning courses, now available in Portuguese. Finally, I invite you to connect with me on social media where I share behind-the-scenes content, videos, and exclusive reflections on leadership, AI, and the future of project management.

Happy reading!

Ricardo

Hey everyone!

I’m back with a new edition of our newsletter. In this episode, I talk about the paradox of speed in projects: when accelerating helps us move further and when it only makes us fail sooner. I bring examples like WeWork and FTX to show how growing too fast without solid foundations can lead to spectacular crashes. I also introduce the concept of “strategic speed,” explaining that more important than always going fast is knowing how to balance acceleration, pausing, and even pivoting when the context demands it. With practical reflections and guiding questions, I show how mastering the right pace can be the real differentiator for generating sustainable results.
Listen to the podcast to learn more.

Happy reading!

Ricardo

Hey everyone!

I’m back with a new edition of our newsletter — this time exploring what happens when work, life, and location collide. From lessons digital nomads can teach us about running projects across time zones (or without them) to the rise of AI agents that work as true partners, we’re diving into the trends reshaping how we lead.

We’ll unpack the EU AI Act’s new rules, highlight key takeaways from PMI’s 2025 Pulse Report, and explore bold ideas from AI pioneers like

Demis Hassabis. Plus, I’ll share my thoughts on ChatGPT-5, celebrate a milestone in our scholarship program, and give you a behind-the-scenes look at my latest LinkedIn Learning projects.

There’s plenty here to inspire fresh thinking — whether you’re on the beach, in the office, or somewhere in between.

Happy reading!

Ricardo

Hey everyone!

I'm back with this month’s edition of our newsletter — and this time, we're turning our focus to one of the most overlooked threats in project management: early warnings.

In this issue, I explore why ignoring subtle signs can quietly derail even the best-run projects — and how developing early warning systems may be your greatest competitive advantage. We’ll also dive into a powerful case study in AI for healthcare, unpack better ways to prompt tools like ChatGPT, and reflect on what it means when machines outperform not just workers… but experts.

Plus, some great news to share:

• My new Earned Value course is live — and deeply practical.
• Our AI in Project Management research is closing soon — don’t miss your chance to contribute.
• We’ve got a few seats left for this month’s AI-Driven PM Masterclass — join us if you’re ready to level up.

There’s a lot happening. But as always, the goal remains the same: to lead better, anticipate more, and make projects that don’t just finish — they make a difference.

Let’s get into it.

Ricardo

Hey everyone!

I’m back with another exciting edition of our newsletter — and this one might just challenge how you see your own team.

This month, we’re diving into the rise of AI Agents — not just tools, but intelligent collaborators that are quietly reshaping the way we manage projects. From real-world use cases with NotebookLM, LangChain, Crew AI, and Manus, to Google’s futuristic AI glasses and HeyGen’s cutting-edge video studio, we explore how the project manager’s toolkit is rapidly evolving.

We’re also celebrating big milestones: over 400 professionals now certified through our AIPM Masterclass, a brand-new course on Earned Value, and the launch of our global research on AI in project management.

Plus, with PMI board elections underway, it’s a powerful moment to reflect on the future we’re building — together.

So grab a coffee, get inspired, and let’s explore how the next member of your team… might not be human.

Enjoy the read!

Ricardo

Hey everyone!

I’m back with a brand-new edition of our newsletter—and this one goes deep.

This month, we’re peeling back the curtain on AI. Not just the flashy tools and viral demos, but the invisible transformation happening beneath the surface.

We’ll explore why we keep overestimating AI’s short-term power and missing its long-term potential, dive into the ethics of algorithmic life-or-death decisions, and unpack what a $500B data center says about our future with AGI.

We also celebrate crossing 325+ AIPM certifications (thank you!) and launch a new video on AWP that could reshape your project planning game.

If you’re leading AI projects—or trying to make sense of the hype—this issue is for you.

Let’s stay curious, stay grounded, and build what matters.

Happy reading!

Ricardo

Hey everyone!

We’re back with a power-packed edition of our newsletter—where the future meets reality, and innovation faces disruption head-on.

This month, I’m diving into what SXSW 2025 revealed about tomorrow’s tech: AI embedded in everyday life, vibe coding changing how we build, and quantum computing pushing boundaries we never thought possible. But it’s not all smooth sailing—new tariffs are shaking global project strategies, and we need to be ready.

Also inside: OpenAI’s free new academy, a curated list of quantum courses to kick-start your journey, exciting updates from the Uncertainty Cycle® Workshop in Brazil, and the launch of our next AI Masterclass cohort (plus a major milestone for AIPM!).

We’re living in paradoxical times—and that’s exactly why we need to stay curious, adaptive, and bold.

Let’s get into it.
Happy reading!
Ricardo

Hey everyone!

I’m back with another exciting edition of our newsletter. This time, we're diving into the power of having options in project management—because relying on a single plan is a risk we can’t afford to take.

In this issue, we’ll explore why having a Plan B (and C) isn’t just smart—it’s essential for success. Plus, I’ll share insights on geopolitical turbulence, the evolving landscape of AI project management tools, and my upcoming session at SXSW.

And that’s not all! Two brand-new LinkedIn Learning courses are out, along with live office hours where you can engage directly with me.

Don't miss this packed edition—it’s all about staying ahead, staying prepared, and making smarter decisions.

Happy reading!
Ricardo

Hey everyone!

The latest edition of our newsletter is out, and this time, we’re diving deep into the hidden costs that can jeopardize our projects. We’ll explore how to avoid financial pitfalls, understand the impact of large-scale tech investments, and discover strategies for more efficient and sustainable project management.

In this issue, we take a closer look at the growing influence of AI in project management, the groundbreaking advancements of DeepSeek in the tech world, and the launch of Harmony—an AI-powered project manager set to revolutionize the industry.

Plus, we’re conducting a survey on the future of project management with emerging technologies. Your insights will help shape what’s ahead in 2025.

Happy reading!

Ricardo Vargas