This episode is about the leadership superpowers required to run the biggest projects in the world. We’re joined by Tim McManus, a global expert in mega- and giga-project delivery who has led massive construction and infrastructure programs across continents. With experience across energy, transportation, and sports, Tim shares what changes at mega scale and why it demands a different kind of leader. Hear the stories and ask yourself if you have what it takes.
00:00–03:41 | Introduction & Background
Tim shares how he found his way into mega- and giga-projects. His career began in nuclear, expanded into gas and international work, and took him across New Jersey, London, and the Netherlands. He has worked on global projects across nearly every continent except Antarctica, spanning all market sectors with a strong emphasis on major sports projects. He is currently an Associate Professor at Columbia University.
03:41–05:00 | Early Leadership Lessons
Tim reflects on his first role as a program leader at Exxon. The shift was not just about leading projects, but about leading people. He emphasizes the importance of leadership that inspires, anticipates, and collaborates, and of viewing projects through a more consistent, disciplined lens.
05:34–07:00 | Learning From Mentors
The value of learning from great mentors and leaders. Tim shares how surrounding yourself with brilliant people creates constant opportunities to improve, grow, and challenge your own thinking.
07:12–07:39 | What Are Mega and Gigaprojects?
Tim defines mega- and giga-projects and explains how they span all asset classes.
07:52–08:22 | Global Scale and Impact
Mega- and giga-projects routinely exceed expectations and forecasts across continents and industries.
09:30 | A Light Moment
“I could call my attic cleanup a mega project.”
09:50–11:00 | Beyond the Budget
Aside from financial scale, Tim discusses the additional qualities that define mega- and giga-projects, including complexity, risk, and long-term impact.
11:58–13:18 | Cross Rail Case Study
Lessons from London’s cross rail project, including solving skilled labor shortages through community education and workforce development. Tim highlights the importance of strategic vision and asks how projects can deliver benefits beyond simple completion.
13:23–14:50 | Strategic Project Methodology
An overview of how Tim approaches project strategy, with a focus on the planning stage as the foundation for success.
14:57–18:15 | Criteria for Success
Success is about more than delivery. Legacy and people matter. Tim believes everyone involved should experience professional growth and career advancement by being part of the project. His goal is for everyone to be successful and to share in the victory.
18:15–19:22 | Industry Outlook
There has never been a better time to work in the global construction industry.
19:58–22:23 | Favorite Megaproject
Tim shares his favorite megaproject and why it stands out.
23:36–24:30 | Common Challenges
Typical challenges faced in mega- and giga-projects, from coordination to scale to leadership alignment.
24:33–25:12 | The Planning Phase
Why planning is the most essential phase and why too many organizations rush through it.
25:45–26:45 | Lessons Learned
The mega- and giga-project sector has an exceptionally strong knowledge base of lessons learned. The challenge is using it effectively.
26:46–30:26 | Olympic Games Lessons
Key lessons learned from Olympic Games projects.
30:49–31:00 | Olympic Legacy Benefits
How the Olympics can deliver long-term legacy benefits beyond the event itself.
31:17–34:00 | Four Essential Leadership Mindsets:
Tim notes that there are approximately 3,000 to 5,000 mega- and giga-projects running globally, and likely half lack adequate leadership.
35:00–35:40 | Choosing the Right Leader
How to select the best leader for a mega- or giga-project.
35:40–37:00 | Leadership Characteristics
Critical traits include strong communication, experience with risk management, strategic vision, collaboration, stakeholder credibility, and expectation management.
37:23–End | Developing Your Skills
How to improve project management and leadership skills through learning, consulting, and education, including Tim’s work and teaching at Columbia.
Additional Resources
1. PMI Managing Mega-projects: https://bit.ly/4reLYdX
2. PMI Managing Giga-projects: https://bit.ly/4a9IFPr
3. "The Art of Project Leadership: Delivering the world's largest projects" McKinsey Capital Projects and Infrastructure Practice https://bit.ly/3ZiTw3z
4. "Managing Big Projects: The Lessons of Experience" Tim McManus https://bit.ly/3LSzv0k
5. Link to Tim's Global Leaders in Construction Management program at Columbia (https://www.glcm.info/)
6. Link to one of Tim's favorite authors on megaprojects: Bent Flyvbjerg (https://www.linkedin.com/in/flyvbjerg/) - his book entitled "How Big Things Get Done" is fantastic.
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