S5E1171 May 2022

S5E117: Career challenges, opportunities and trends - a student's perspective with Magnus Olsen

S5E117

S5E117: Career challenges, opportunities and trends - a student's perspective with Magnus Olsen

0:000:00
100%

In this week’s pod, we were joined by Magnus Olsen to discuss career challenges, opportunities and trends - a student's perspective. Magnus has a background in the science of learning, having been a headmaster for a decade, managing organisations with complex stakeholder context. He has five years’ experience as a strategy advisor in public management and is now an entrepreneur engaged in multiple start-ups including own his consultancy firm. Magnus has always been a student but for the last two years he been taking a life changing Master of Science in Project Management at Karlstad Business School in Sweden. The main topics we discussed on the podcast were as follows: We need to understand what technology will help us with on projects. It will not give us everything! Project Managers need sustainable working conditions in order to deliver more sustainable projects Higher education should aim to develop experiences for students by giving them more practical experiences before they join the workplace There may be trend towards universities offering shorter degrees and people re-training later in their careers to learn new skills to adapt to the ever changing workplace As a project manager, it is better to work in different industries in order to get the best experience to Use toolsets such as LinkedIn to build a network when starting out in the industry Start-ups are often the best companies to gain experience as a project manager as they may focus too much on the product rather than the business Knowledge isn’t worth anything if you don’t know how to use it. Find your tribe!  Here are links to some of the topics we discussed:  Magnus Olsen - Political Astuteness in Project Management: http://kau.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1653426/FULLTEXT01.pdf Tune in next time when we’re re-joined by Dave Snowden to talk about the hexi approach and what it means to Cynefin Framework. For more information, blogs or to support our charities visit www.projectchatterpodcast.com If you'd like to sponsor the podcast get in touch via our website. You can also leave us a voice message via our anchor page and let us know if there's something or someone specific that you would like on the podcast. Proudly sponsored by: https://www.justdo.com/ https://www.planacademy.com/chatter/ ($75 off any course) https://ineight.com/ https://empower.prosci.com/project-chatter (FREE resource kit) Stay safe, be disruptive and have fun doing it! #ProjectManagement #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership #Culture #ProjectCertifications

Guest

Magnus Olsen

Magnus Olsen

Entrepreneur in multiple start-ups, and COO of DIRI Safety Solutions at Societor AB, event-interactive.com and DIRI Safety Solutions

Background in the science of learning, headmaster for a decade managing organisations with complex stakeholder context, then half a decade as strategy advisor in public management and now entrepreneur engaged in multiple start-ups including own consultancy firm, always been a student but for the last two years I have been taking a life changing Master of Science in Project Management at Karlstad Business School in Sweden. Live in Arvika (Love to hear you pronounce that :))) Sweden, proud father of two daughters, one Basketball player and one Crossfit Athlete. Enjoy to be active, gardening, yoga, workouts at the gym, dinners and drinks and of course Project Chatter :))).

Connect

Related Episodes

More conversations on similar topics

S7E166

S7E166: The challenges of Project Managing CBTC Technology on Brownfield Railways with Joe Little

In this episode, Dale and (Martin) stepped in to talk with long-time colleague Joe Little about the value and importance of the project management approach for major signalling rail programs. Unlike other fields of project management CBTC or Communication Based Train Control systems present unique challenges for project managers, often dealing with the pressure of fixed and digital asset delivery within very time-sensitive areas which have major implications for safety, quality, cost and schedule. Joe leads CPC’s railway systems management division, focussed on delivering technical advice and performance enhancements for signalling systems on rail networks around the world. Joe is an experienced and accomplished Director with extensive rail project management capability gained in a highly regulated industry. He is a Project Management Professional from the Chartered body, APM. He manages a specialist team of engineers, operators and project managers who are embracing the latest technologies to interrogate rail systems and provide customised and innovative solutions to deliver capacity and reliability improvements and desired client outcomes. Joe has been instrumental in developing a range of diagnostic and modelling tools capable of being tailored to specific railway networks. This has included the introduction of Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) for multiple mass transit Communications Based Train Control (CBTC) railways in North America, Asia and the Middle East.

Listen Now
S10E214

S10E214: Understanding the Complexity of Modern Data Centers with Dr Atif Ansar

In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Val and Dale welcome Atif Ansar, co-founder of Foresight, to discuss the rapidly evolving world of data centers. Atif shares insights on the explosive growth and increasing complexity of data centers, highlighting the challenges related to energy supply, skilled labor, and technology redundancy. The conversation explores the role of AI in enhancing data center design and construction, the impact of edge computing, and the skills needed for future project professionals in this dynamic field. Atif also touches on innovative concepts like space-based data centers, emphasizing the exciting opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. In this conversation, the speakers explore the intersection of creativity and AI, discussing how technology influences project management and the future of jobs. They emphasize the importance of human essence in a technology-driven world and the evolving nature of data centers amidst global competition. The discussion also touches on the necessity of adapting to technological advancements and the potential for superintelligence in the future. Takeaways 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ Data centers are experiencing explosive growth, with construction volume increasing significantly. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ The complexity of data centers has evolved, making them more akin to industrial assets than simple warehouses. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ Data centers require substantial energy, land, and skilled labor, creating challenges in construction. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ The lifespan of data centers is long, but technology within them evolves rapidly, leading to potential obsolescence. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ AI can significantly enhance the design and construction processes of data centers. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ Edge computing complements data centers, creating a fractal-like relationship between different computing structures. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ Project professionals should focus on becoming subject matter experts while also being adaptable and open to using AI.🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ The energy supply for data centers is a critical constraint, but innovation in self-supply and renewable energy is emerging. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ Understanding the components and costs associated with data centers is essential for project professionals. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ The future of data centers may include innovative concepts like space-based facilities. Creativity enhances the effectiveness of project management. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ AI allows generalists to be more valuable than specialists. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ Human jobs will evolve rather than disappear due to AI. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ The demand for human-specific jobs will be based on human preferences. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ Technological advancements can improve quality of life and efficiency. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ The luxuries of one generation become necessities for the next. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ We are transitioning from an analog to a digital world. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ Data centers are crucial in the global tech race. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ The construction of data centers will continue to grow exponentially. 🏗️👷🏼‍♀️ Continuous learning is essential in a rapidly changing technological landscape. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:58 The Growth and Complexity of Data Centers 05:23 Key Components of Data Centers 08:01 The Future of Data Centers in Space 11:24 Energy Supply Challenges for Data Centers 15:30 Technology Redundancy and Lifespan of Data Centers 20:43 Edge Computing and Its Impact 23:58 AI's Role in Data Center Design and Construction 27:29 Skills for Future Project Professionals in Data Centers 30:44 The Intersection of Creativity and AI 33:46 The Future of Jobs in an AI World 36:18 Human Essence in the Age of Technology 39:39 The Evolution of Technology and Human Experience 43:42 Data Center Dynamics and Global Competition 52:11 The Future of Project Management and Technology #ProjectManagement #PMO #ProjectControls #Leadership #Culture #ProjectCertifications

Listen Now
S10E212

S10E212: Building a Project Control-Friendly Culture with Rod Whiting

In this episode of the Project Chatter podcast, Dale engages with Rod Whiting, a seasoned expert in project controls, who shares his extensive journey in the field since 1983. Rod discusses the evolution of project controls, emphasizing the importance of a project control-friendly culture within organizations. He highlights how understanding and valuing project controls can significantly impact project success, illustrating his points with anecdotes from his career. Rod also addresses the challenges of demonstrating the value of project controls to stakeholders, offering practical strategies to communicate its importance effectively. As the conversation progresses, Rod delves into the human aspects of project management, including stakeholder management and team dynamics. He shares insights on building relationships within teams, the significance of effective communication, and the role of technology in enhancing project controls. The discussion culminates in reflections on the highs and lows of Rod's career, emphasizing the importance of kindness and compassion in the workplace, and the need for a supportive culture that fosters collaboration and success in project delivery. Takeaways Project controls is about understanding and valuing the process. A project control-friendly culture is essential for success. Demonstrating the value of project controls requires effective communication. Building relationships within teams is crucial for project success. Kindness and compassion in the workplace lead to better outcomes. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Project Chatter Podcast 00:49 Rod Whiting's Journey in Project Controls 03:39 Understanding Project Control-Friendly Culture 06:52 Demonstrating the Value of Project Controls 11:12 Building Strong Team Relationships 19:43 Navigating the Post-COVID Work Landscape 30:37 The Future of Work and Automation 32:12 Creating a Project Controls-Friendly Culture 35:29 Leadership and Compassion in Tough Times 39:00 Common Mistakes in Project Management 42:25 Capturing Knowledge and Experience 45:19 The Role of Technology in Project Controls 49:54 Highs and Lows of a Project Management Career 55:34 Final Thoughts on Kindness and Purpose

Listen Now

Enjoyed this episode?

Subscribe to never miss a conversation with project experts