Managing Huge, Complex Projects with Craig Lauchlan | Leading Change Podcast Ep. 6

This week, Lauren sits down with Craig Lauchlan, a transformation executive who has worked with some of Australia's biggest financial institutions including NAB, Suncorp & Commonwealth Bank. In this episode, they discuss the challenges and rewards of managing huge, complex projects, and get his insights on how to keep people excited, aligned, and on track. What are some of your biggest challenges in managing huge, complex projects? Share them in the comments below! Chapters: 01:00 - Intro 01:29 - Q1: So these are huge, complicated projects and huge financial institutions, what is it about these projects that keeps you coming back? 04:17 - Q2: How would you describe your role to somebody? 05:32 - Q3: Describe what happens in these projects? 09:35 - Q4: How do you keep people excited about something for the future where it may or may not be clear for them? 11:45 - Q5: How do you keep it all aligned between all of those organisations as well as within the company you’re working with? 14:45 - Ad 1 15:14 - Q6: When you’re running a project and trying to shape that solution, do you have any tools or tricks or facilitation advice that you can give people to help get people on board quickly? 18:28 - Q7: When someone gets distracted or has a lot on their plate, how do we pick them back up, how do we find where that gap is, and then how do we pull them back into line to make sure we’re all heading the same direction? 20:52 - Q9: When putting projects together they always have a date, but also a need to prepare for the ongoing. How do you balance the two of those? 23:26 - Q10: What are some of the big “gotchas” people need to look out for? 25:35 - Q11: How do you go with a budget, when you know things are going to crop up, how do you manage that? 28:40 - Ad 2 29:46 - Q12: What are some of the tactics you have found work really well from an organisational change perspective to really get people excited and on board, understanding the change? 31:40 - Q13: And with those engagements, is it one way is it two way , how do you balance that with so many people you’re engaging with? 33:40 - Q14: Has anything ever happened that made you question if you’re in the right place? 35:41 - Q15: What are some tips to other leaders who are taking on a project and about to jump right in? Remember, change is not just about adaptation; it's about seizing opportunities and propelling our organisation into a future of boundless growth. "Leading Change" is your compass, your source of inspiration, and your toolkit for navigating the uncharted waters of change. Subscribe, Listen, and Ignite Change Today! 🎙️ Connect with Lauren: Website: https://www.leading-edge.global/ (Sign up to the leading edge brief here!) Instagram: https://tinyurl.com/w5suw39 LinkedIn: https://tinyurl.com/5bd8h3u3 This Podcast was Recorded & Produced by KYU Media. For Production related inquires please get in touch with us at https://kyumedia.com/