5 Minutes Podcast with Ricardo Vargas

In this episode, Ricardo reflects on the remarkable five-year restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral after its devastating 2019 fire. He highlights five key project management lessons: (1) setting ambitious goals, driven by a bold timeline tied to the Paris 2024 Olympics; (2) unifying diverse stakeholders, managing over €1 billion in grants, ensuring transparency, and resolving debates about preserving historical integrity versus modernization; (3) managing resilient risk, overcoming challenges such as lead contamination, COVID-19 delays, and the unexpected death of project leader Jean-Louis Georgelin; (4) blending innovation and tradition with 3D scanning alongside centuries-old craftsmanship; and (5) balancing speed and quality, ensuring historical integrity while using modern fire prevention measures. This achievement celebrates human ingenuity and teamwork. Listen to the podcast to know more.

In this episode, Ricardo reflects on the sale of Maurizio Cattelan’s artwork The Comedian, a banana taped together with duct tape that cost US$6.2 million. He discusses three lessons that can be applied to projects: (1) the concept of value, highlighting that value resides in the exclusivity of the work, not in the physical object; (2) how communication can manipulate perceptions, exemplifying the media’s distorted interpretation of the work; and (3) social responsibility in projects, criticizing actions that perpetuate inequalities. Ricardo concludes that project managers must balance efficiency with a positive societal impact. Listen to the podcast to know more.

This week, Ricardo celebrates the 25th anniversary of PMI Minas Gerais in this special episode of the 5 Minutes Podcast. Recording from his mother's house in Brazil, he reflects on the collective impact of building this milestone and shares three lessons: remember the path taken, avoid immediacy, and value gratitude. He emphasizes that great achievements are the result of joint efforts and not of isolated individuals. Ricardo warns against seeking quick results and explains why immediacy is a poison. Finally, he expresses gratitude to everyone who contributed to his journey, reinforcing the importance of continuous learning for the future.

In this episode, Ricardo discusses the concept of "Done is Better Than Perfect" in project management. He highlights that perfectionism often leads to high costs, delays, and marginal improvements, citing the law of diminishing returns. Emphasizing the importance of MVPs (Minimum Viable Products), Ricardo notes that releasing a functional product quickly allows for iterative improvements and avoids missed opportunities. He stresses the balance between quality and timeliness, explaining that executing promptly builds stakeholder trust and credibility. Ricardo advises prioritizing essential features, using time-boxing to manage effort within deadlines, and aligning deliverables with project goals to thrive in a volatile and competitive environment. Listen to the podcast to learn more.