PM Insights

Episode 4: (I) Scale Shift: From Millions to Billions

PM Insights – PMI New Zealand Podcast | Episode 4: (I) Scale Shift: From Millions to Billions
 
In this edition of PM Insights , we dive into the high-stakes world of mega-projects with seasoned project leader Kanat Sultanbekov, who has managed initiatives from $50 million to over $50 billion across continents.
Kanat shares firsthand lessons from working on massive infrastructure and energy projects in locations like Australia, Nigeria, and Kazakhstan. From political risks and joint venture disagreements to on-the-ground challenges like strikes and worker welfare, this episode reveals how scale changes everything — from interface management to financial controls.
🎧 Highlights include:
Why risk management looks completely different on billion-dollar projects
Lessons learned from demobilizing and remobilizing entire mega-projects
Navigating international politics, joint ventures, and cultural dynamics
The importance of standardization, modularity, and constructability
Practical advice for project managers aiming to move into global mega-projects
Kanat also recommends the must-read book “How Big Things Get Done” by Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner — a roadmap for anyone entering the world of large-scale delivery.
 
This is a must-listen for anyone curious about what it really takes to scale from millions to billions.
🔊 Tune in now and subscribe for more insights from PMI New Zealand.
 
Host: Silke Deul
Guest: Kanat Sultanbekov – Over two decades of construction and project management experience on energy projects of increasing size and complexity in Australia, Kazakhstan, and the United States.
 
PDU’s: For PMI members who have viewed this episode, this content is eligible for 1 PDUs under Ways of Working. You can self-claim this via your PMI account.

Episode 3: (I) How AI will change Project Management

PM Insights – PMI New Zealand Podcast | Episode 3: (I) How AI will change Project Management
In this episode, we are talking with Andeed Ma how AI is transforming project management and why it's essential for project managers to stay ahead of the curve. From automating tasks to enhancing decision-making, AI is becoming an indispensable tool for driving efficiency and innovation. We’ll discuss the different stages of AI literacy, how AI can amplify project outcomes, and what project managers can do today to start integrating AI into their workflows.
We also delve into the potential risks and benefits of AI, from enhancing productivity to the ethical considerations we must keep in mind as we adopt this technology. Whether you’re just starting to explore AI or already using it in your projects, this episode provides valuable insights into how AI can shape the future of project management.
 
Host: Silke Deul
Guest: Andeed Ma - President of Risk and Insurance Management Association of Singapore (RIMAS) and Partner, AI International Institute (AIII)
PDU’s: For PMI members who have viewed this episode, this content is eligible for 1 PDUs under Leadership or Strategic and Business Management. You can self-claim this via your PMI account.
#ProjectManagement #AIinPM #PMInsights #Innovation #Technology #PMI

Episode 2: (S) Risks vers Issues

We’ll be looking at the difference between risks and issues and why it actually matters in project management. Mixing them up can cause confusion, slow things down, or even make problems worse. If you call something a risk when it’s actually an issue, people might not take action fast enough. And if you treat a risk like an issue, you could end up wasting time and resources on something that hasn’t even happened yet.
Knowing the difference helps teams stay on top of things, make better decisions, and keep projects running as smoothly as possible.
Host: Silke Deul
PDU’s: For PMI members who have viewed this episode, this content is eligible for 0.25 PDUs under Ways of Working. You can self-claim this via your PMI account.
 
#ProjectManagement #RiskManagement #IssuesManagement #PMInsights

Episode 1: Introduction to the podcast

Welcome to the very first episode of the PM Insights Podcast, brought to you by PMI New Zealand! In this episode, we’re kicking things off by introducing what this podcast is all about and what you can expect in the coming episodes.
We’ll dive into the basics of project management—what it is, why planning is so important, and the key role project managers play across different industries. We’ll also chat about the unique challenges of managing projects in New Zealand’s “can-do” culture, where people often jump straight to solutions without much planning.
You’ll also get the rundown on the three types of episodes we’ll be featuring: Interviews with industry experts, Shorts that break down key topics quickly, and News updates from PMI New Zealand.
Whether you’re an experienced project manager, someone looking to get into the field, or just curious about how projects come together, this podcast is for you. Tune in, learn something new, and join us on this journey to better project management in New Zealand!
Host: Silke Deul
PDU’s: For PMI members who have viewed this episode, this content is eligible for 0.25 PDUs under Ways of working. You can self-claim this via your PMI account. If you have any questions about the process, please reach out to us at info@pmi.nz