Why Most Projects Fail (And It's NOT Agile) | Project Management in the AI Era: Joshua Crowther

Is Agile enough in 2026?Or has modern project management become more important than ever?In this episode of Everyday Agile, Jac Hughes speaks with Joshua Crowther, project delivery consultant, contractor and founder of UK Project Professionals.Together they discuss why so many digital transformation programmes fail, why prioritisation is the biggest problem facing organisations today, and how AI is changing project delivery without replacing experienced project managers.They also explore:• Why organisations confuse activity with progress• The biggest leadership mistakes in transformation• Why prioritisation beats multitasking• Project Management vs Agile• The role AI will play in delivery teams• Context switching and productivity• Building trust as a contractor• Why relationships matter more than frameworks• How to scale a project management consultancy• Avoiding burnout in delivery leadershipWhether you're a Project Manager, Delivery Manager, Scrum Master, Product Manager, Agile Coach, Programme Manager or Technology Leader, this conversation is packed with practical advice you can apply immediately.▶︎Connect with Joshua: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuadcrowther▶︎ Not Another Agile Conference 2027 tickets are now available.https://www.tickettailor.com/events/notanotheragileconference/2178867▶︎Newsletter https://substack.com/@betweenthestandups▶︎Chapters: 00:00 Introduction01:25 Building a Project Management Business03:25 The Biggest Delivery Problem: Prioritisation05:30 How Joshua Started in Project Management07:20 Ignoring LinkedIn Negativity08:45 Why Creating Beats Consuming11:45 Why Digital Transformations Fail13:40 Leadership Behaviours That Damage Projects16:00 The Real Cost of Poor Project Delivery17:40 Activity vs Progress18:45 How to Rescue a Struggling Project20:15 Questions Every Project Manager Should Ask21:50 Project Management vs Agile Estimation24:15 Frameworks Don't Deliver Projects25:45 Building Trust as a Contractor29:30 Avoiding Burnout in Delivery Leadership32:20 AI Won't Solve Every Problem33:20 Meetings That Shouldn't Exist35:00 Why AI Gives Joshua Hope37:00 The Future of Project Management38:20 Where to Find Joshua👇 Let us know in the comments:What's the biggest challenge facing project delivery today?Subscribe for weekly conversations on Agile, Product Management, Leadership, Digital Transformation and Technology.