Issue #17 - The Power of Options in Project Management

In This Issue

• Why Having a Plan B (and C) Isn't Just Smart — It's Essential for Project Success
• Geopolitical Turbulence: A Global Perspective
• Advancing Maturity in Tools and Stability in Competition
• Catch Me Live at South by Southwest (SXSW)
• Two New LinkedIn Learning Courses Released
• Office Hours for My LinkedIn Courses
• Venture Lab & Masterclass News

Why Having a Plan B (and C) Isn't Just Smart — It's Essential for Project Success

In a world where volatility is the only certainty, relying on a single plan is one of the riskiest things a project manager can do.

We plan for success, but reality is full of unexpected twists — geopolitical shifts, supply chain disruptions, economic instability.

And yet, too many professionals still count on their projects unfolding under perfect conditions.

But let's be honest: perfect conditions don't exist.

The difference between a fragile project and a resilient one is options.

It's not just about a Plan A; it's about having a Plan B, C, and sometimes even D.

Without alternatives, we're left hoping that nothing goes wrong—hoping that suppliers deliver on time, that clients don't change their minds, and that key team members don't leave.

However, hope is not a strategy.

One of the most powerful tools in project planning is the What-If Analysis.

I actually have a 5 Minutes Podcast episode explaining how you can use What-if Analysis to Manage Projects in extremely volatile scenarios here.

Instead of assuming everything will go smoothly, you must actively explore different scenarios.

What if our leading supplier can't deliver? What if the client changes their requirements mid-project? What if a critical team member leaves unexpectedly?

By asking these questions early, you create space to prepare alternative responses before a crisis hits.

You may not be able to predict every possible problem, but you can at least anticipate the most probable ones—and have an answer ready.

Too many project managers put all their confidence in a single approach. They have one shot, one strategy, and one perfect timeline.

But when something goes wrong (and something always does), they are left scrambling.

A well-prepared leader, however, has already mapped out different paths and set early warning triggers that signal when it's time to pivot.

Instead of waiting for a crisis, they recognize the warning signs and adjust before the damage is done.

For example, companies that depend entirely on a single supplier or from goods or services from a single country or region may find themselves in trouble when these disruptions hit.

Meanwhile, organizations that have built multiple supplier relationships can pivot quickly, minimizing damage.

This principle applies to every aspect of project management—from resource planning to stakeholder management.

As I mentioned in the second episode of my series What Matters:

The ability to adapt is what separates successful project managers from those who find themselves in constant crisis mode.

Having multiple paths doesn't mean you expect failure or that you are pessimistic—it means you are prepared for reality.

So, what's your next step?

As I mentioned, start by conducting a What-If Analysis for your current projects. Identify risks, build alternative plans, and set up early warning systems. Don't wait until problems arise—prepare now.

Because in an unpredictable world, having options isn't just an advantage.

It's survival.

What Has Been on My Radar Recently?

Geopolitical Turbulence: A Global Perspective

Lately, the geopolitical landscape has been filled with significant uncertainty and volatility.

From the ongoing instability in Ukraine to tariff uncertainties and the complex relationships around the globe, the situation feels like it's heating up.

As I discussed in my 2024 video series, "10 Big Ideas in Project Management for 2025", geopolitical shifts are no longer a distant concern — they're here, and they're shaping the risks we must manage. You can watch the video here:

Let me share one thing with all of you. Every single day, I am assessing how these changes could affect my current projects and the projects I am supporting.

Honestly, I do this every single day.

I ask questions like: what does a tariff impact look like for a supplier? How does the escalation of conflict in Ukraine affect projects in Europe? Or the ongoing situation between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East — how will it influence the projects in the region?

With so many moving parts, I'm constantly looking for ways to predict and mitigate risks in this fluid environment.

It is not easy to try to predict the impacts of these events, but making the effort to do so is far better than simply sitting and waiting. The impact of these global events is profound, and it is critical that we begin adjusting our strategies now.

Think about that.

Is The Competitive Landscape for AI PM Tools Starting to Become Stable?

Another aspect on my radar is the growing maturity of the tools I use to support my projects.

We are seeing advancements in the technology space, and the competitive landscape seems to be stabilizing a bit.

Key players are continuing to dominate, but it's becoming clearer where the next big shifts might come from.

For example, Amazon has made significant strides with the development of its new AI model, Nova, which is designed to compete with leaders like OpenAI and Anthropic.

Figure 1 - Amazon Nova

This model not only focuses on providing quick answers but also incorporates complex reasoning abilities, showing how far AI has come in terms of maturity and sophistication.

This is a strong indication of how AI tools will reach a higher level of maturity in 2025.

On the competitive side, Anthropic recently secured $3.5 billion in a funding round that tripled its valuation to $61.5 billion. To put it in perspective, this is the market cap of FedEx or Volkswagen.

This substantial investment reflects the growing confidence in established players within the AI space and marks a stabilization in the competitive landscape.

With this level of backing, companies like Anthropic, Amazon, and OpenAI are not only solidifying their positions but are also driving the next phase of AI development and innovation.

AI tools are maturing rapidly, and the competitive dynamics are starting to settle, with major players taking more prominent roles in shaping the future of AI.

Follow Me Live at South by Southwest (SXSW)

Figure 2 - South by Southwest (SXSW) 2025

I'm thrilled to share that I'll be in Austin – Texas, at South by Southwest (SXSW) from the 6-15th of March!

SXSW is a renowned annual event that brings together the best in innovation, technology, music, film, and interactive media to showcase cutting-edge trends and ideas.

My main focus this year is to immerse myself in understanding where the "tide" is moving and identifying the trends that will soon impact our business.

I'll be sharing exclusive insights, updates, and discussions from the event in real-time on LinkedIn — both in English and Portuguese!

If you want to stay ahead of the curve, be sure to follow me for the latest scoop from one of the biggest disruptive events of the year.

Let's explore the future together!

Quick Announcements

Two New LinkedIn Learning Courses Released

There is nothing better than Getting Things Done.

In the past 2 weeks, LinkedIn released two new courses I developed.

The first one is called "Revolutionizing Project Management with AI Agents" and it is the sequel to my Generative AI in Project Management course, which reached almost 140,000 students.

The course is all about agentic AI systems — also known as AI agents — and how they are set to transform project management as we know it.

In the course, I explore how AI agents can streamline workflows, automate routine tasks, and assist with complex decisions like resource allocation, risk assessment, and more.

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In the link below, you can be one of the first students to take the course and enroll for FREE.

Revolutionizing Project Management with AI Agents

The second course is "Fundamentos de Gerenciamento de Projetos." It is my introductory course on Project Management, which was recorded in Brazilian Portuguese.

The course has 40 lessons covering all the essential aspects of project management. Of course, if you are not fluent in Portuguese, you can use subtitles . This new course was a way of connecting back to my roots and to Brazil, and it is part of a set of 3 courses I will release together with LinkedIn in Portuguese.

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In the link below, you can also take the course and enroll for FREE.

Fundamentals of Project Management

This free enrollment link is available for a limited time and is promoted by LinkedIn.

it and join me on this journey!

You can access all my online courses (including those with LinkedIn) here.

I hope you find both courses helpful in your professional journey!

AIPM Venture Lab, Certification & Masterclass News

I'm excited to announce that the Venture Lab is still accepting applications!

If you have a startup idea, now's the time to apply and gain access to invaluable mentorship and resources.

In the Venture Lab, we focus on integrating cutting-edge AI solutions into project management and business development.

From advanced technical support to dynamic product development workshops, this is a fantastic opportunity for startups looking to make an impact.

Additionally, Antonio and I are offering a special promotion for our upcoming Masterclass on the AI-Driven Project Management Revolution, and you'll hear about it first! We haven't officially announced it yet, so stay tuned to my social media and LinkedIn for exclusive updates and details about this special promotion, which is coming soon!

This is your chance to learn directly from industry leaders and take your skills to the next level as AI continues to reshape the future of project management.

Office Hours for My LinkedIn Courses

Today's newsletter is packed with exciting news — and here is another:

In March and April, I'll be hosting a series of live office hours for all my LinkedIn courses.

These free, interactive sessions will give you the chance to clarify any doubts and learn directly from my experiences.

With five courses already available and more to come, it's an excellent opportunity for hands-on learning.

This project has been developed with LinkedIn, and I will announce the dates soon. All current and past enrolled students will be invited, and the session will be delivered live on LinkedIn as part of the course.

Stay tuned for more details soon!

Your Voice Matters!

You can also read the previous issues here.

If you have any suggestions, comments, or anything else that will help me make it better, please send a note to [email protected] with your suggestions. I would love to hear from you.

Please feel free to share this newsletter with your friends, colleagues, and other people you may find will benefit from it.

They can also subscribe to receive it here.

Thanks for your support, and I hope it was helpful to you.

Cheers,

Ricardo Vargas