Project Speakers Podcast

In this episode, Dale Foong and Val Matthews speak to Project Portfolio Risk and Performance Engineer of Synchrony, Laurie Bowman about her forthcoming presentation at Project Controls Expo Virtual 2021. Laurie gives an overview on how society is facing greater risks than have ever been experienced before. Climate change continues to progress at an alarming rate, and weapons of mass destruction such as automated/nuclear weapons and biosecurity hazards are becoming increasingly accessible. On our current trajectory it is unlikely that the human race will survive another century. Laurie Bowman is passionate about generating value for shareholders and society through project governance, risk management and controls. He is an advisor and trainer with Synchrony Projects, where his focus is on working with clients to achieve capability improvement in risk and performance management resulting in sustainable project, program, portfolio and organisation outcomes. For more information: Project Controls Expo | Project Chatter Podcast

In this episode, Dale Foong and Val Matthews speak to Director of Zerofloat Pty Ltd, Sanjiv Parekh about his forthcoming presentation at Project Controls Expo Virtual 2021. Sanjiv gives an overview on stakeholder management. He will further talk about the stakeholder analysis and how the analysis helps to prepare for RACI – Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed matrix as well. I am an accomplished project consultant, advisor, and manager known for successfully transforming projects, programs and portfolios by implementing people, processes and tools for end-to-end project delivery. I bring industry practitioner experience gained in the team of owner, EPC/EPCM, consulting, and contractor organisations for their projects, function, and department at the regional, national and global levels working with industry leaders like Bechtel, Jacobs, Ausenco, Downer, Thiess, GHD, UGL, Rio Tinto and Reliance. I integrate a wide spectrum of process and practices from a variety of public and private industry sectors such as Mining and Metals, Oil and Gas, LNG, Chemical and Petrochemical, Coal, Power, and Defence. My key value add is in the field of Project Management Office (PMO), Project Controls, Schedule, Cost, Earned Value, Project Systems, Change, and Risk Management along with reporting, governance, assurance, audit, and training within all aspects of the project, program, portfolio. For more information: Project Controls Expo | Project Chatter Podcast

In this episode, Dale Foong and Val Matthews speak to Nazanin Rajab of Iranian Association for Cost Engineering(IRACE) about her forthcoming presentation at Project Controls Expo Virtual 2021. Nazanin gives an overview about importance of project control in petrochemical mega projects and how to achieve high standards for safety, quality, schedule and costs. She will further talk about how project control can help overcome the challenges in launching the project, attracting foreign investments, problems related to purchasing, possibility of increasing capacity and investment in the upstream petrochemical industry and how the project risks are assessed according to the rule in order to finance each project. Professional Degree in Strategic Management from IFP France and 12 years of experience in strategic management and control of large petrochemical projects For more information: Project Controls Expo | Project Chatter Podcast

In this episode, Dale Foong and Val Matthews speak to Nihal Soffi and Matt Byun of Synchrony about their forthcoming presentation at Project Controls Expo Virtual 2021. In this presentation, Nihal and Matt gives an overview on 1)Benefits for implementing Earned Value Management(EVM) on projects. 2)Key Processes for Earned Value Management (Performance Measurement Baseline, Performance Feedback Cycle, Project Change Management). 3)Key tips to successfully implement Earned Value Management. NIhal Soofi: 4th Year Student Bachelor of Electrical Engineering and Bachelor of Finance. Graduating on November 2022.Employed at Synchrony for 6 months, first as an intern, now a Finance and Schedule Analyst. Brisbane Based. Presented a tutorial at the International Project Engineering Congress (IPEC) with Matt Byun on the topic: "An Introductory into Earned Value Management." For more information: Project Controls Expo | Project Chatter Podcast

In this episode, Dale Foong and Val Matthews speak to Business Analyst of Iranian Association of Cost Engineering, Mahsa Adnani about her forthcoming presentation at Project Controls Expo Virtual 2021. Mahsa gives an overview about the effect of Artificial Intelligence tools on the productivity of project experts, covering details of a case study conducted on the experts of Iran University of Medical Sciences and the use of the Deming cycle to develop Artificial Intelligence tools for further enhancements in this regard, likewise, she will illustrate how an AI tool can change the level of productivity among individuals. An enthusiastic, hardworking and committed Business Analyst with more than 12 years of experience in IT, Construction, Oil & Gas, and Telecom industries. As an analyst, she has been developing solutions in the project controls profession and evaluates the procedures for time-saving methods, planning analysis and cost estimates. Mahsa Has achieved 3 awards and offers ideas for project control and project management improvements also she has acted as promoter of Project Control Expo 2021 in Iran. For more information: Project Controls Expo | Project Chatter Podcast

In this episode, Dale Foong and Val Matthews speak to Project Director of Hill International, Sebouh Pamoukian about her forthcoming presentation at Project Controls Expo Virtual 2021. Sebouh gives an overview on how the role of project controls is ideal to turn beginners into future leaders while navigating projects through the many evolving cycles of a projects. Sebouh has 20 years of international experience in the construction field, with a portfolio of diverse projects, including high-rise, residential, hospitality, commercial, and infrastructure projects, with values ranging from $200M to $2B. Coming from a project controls background, Sebouh has been on both: the Contractor's and the PMC side, navigating projects through many challenging circumstances and phases, delivering them by exceeding all expectations. Through sincere dedication, hard work, and a passion for leadership, he has been promoted to Senior Project Manager and later to Project Director. Currently in charge of the 'Corniche Park Towers' project located on the famous Doha skyline, Sebouh leads the Hill International team entrusted with the project management and construction management of the prestigious project.

In this episode, Dale Foong and Val Matthews from Project Chatter Podcast speak to Principal Project Controls Trainer ofProject Controls Solutions, Michelle Banner about her forthcoming presentation at Project Controls Expo Virtual 2021. Michelle’s gives an on soft skills required within project controls. She will further elaborate on how essential ‘softer’ skills help increase the likelihood of projects delivering significant cost reductions, improving efficiency, expediting project completion, and increasing business value. Michelle Banner, Project Controls Solutions (Global) Ltd Principal Project Controls Trainer, has more than 20 years’ experience in the infrastructure, nuclear, utilities, and various other industries. She is recognized as a technical expert in her specialism of Planning and Risk along with having a substantial background in cost and estimating. Michelle is experienced in delivering EPC, R&D and Engineering contracts for infrastructure, utilities and nuclear. She is experienced in all aspects of project delivery from bidding through to commissioning and close out. As a recognized expert, Michelle has written and delivered training both internally and for external clients on topics such as Earned Value Management, Schedule Management and Resource Management. She has also had a leading involvement in the development of end point assessment material for ACostE and TASC (assessing Project Controls competence in vocational qualifications up to degree level). As the Principal Project Controls Trainer for Project Controls Solutions, she is responsible for creating and delivering Project Controls training to cohorts ensuring they are upskilled in every Project Control discipline area, their skills are enhanced in understanding the whole project delivery lifecycle and their behavioral skills are improved. For more information: Project Controls Expo | Project Chatter Podcast

In this episode, Dale Foong and Val Matthews speak to IJ Samuel and Amal Khawaja of Turner & Townsend about their forthcoming presentation at Project Controls Expo Virtual 2021. Marcus gives an overview on the mission of rethinking the way professionals are developing their scheduling. The limits that people have to maintain so many restrictions nowadays, which did not exist in the 1960s , and the use of A.I. This would help achieve the best result, not only in time, but also in costs, and with any resource limitation. CPM is still alive, but not as rigid as a century ago - let's debate the LSM - Liquid Scheduling Method. Breaking eggs. IJ Samuel IJ Samuel is a Director at Turner & Townsend, with over 15 years’ industry experience, working on multi-billion-pound programmes and projects for clients like Heathrow Airport, High Speed Two (HS2), Kuwait Oil Company, and lots of other clients, across Oil & Gas, Energy and Transport Sectors. With a background in Control Systems Engineering, IJ transitioned into leading multi-disciplinary Project Controls/PMO teams. She is driven by innovation and continuously transforms the set-up, assurance and delivery of large-scale programmes with uncertainties and ambiguity. She is an inspirational leader constantly challenging unconscious bias, and champions tough uncomfortable conversations to make Diversity and Inclusion an everyday reality. She is a keen advocate for diversifying the talent pipeline at the highest level of decision making. Amal Khawaja Amal is a Senior Consultant at Turner & Townsend working in Programme Advisory, a business unit which focuses on setting up major programmes and organisations for success. Amal has seven years’ experience in project controls across a broad portfolio of projects and industries, in the UK and the Middle East. Amal wears other hats as well. She is a Diversity & Inclusion (D&) champion & lead, challenging the status quo and bringing change, women, and D&I to a male dominated industry. She is currently the Diversity and Inclusion Chair in her organisation and sits on People Committee. She is passionate about addressing the gender balance in the construction industry and making inclusion an everyday reality in the workplace. For more information: Project Controls Expo | Project Chatter Podcast

In this episode, Dale Foong and Val Matthews speak to Electrical Engineer of Ecthos CD, Marcus Possi about their forthcoming presentation at Project Controls Expo Virtual 2021. Marcus gives an overview on the mission of rethinking the way professionals are developing their scheduling. The limits that people have to maintain so many restrictions nowadays, which did not exist in the 1960s , and the use of A.I. This would help achieve the best result, not only in time, but also in costs, and with any resource limitation. CPM is still alive, but not as rigid as a century ago - let's debate the LSM - Liquid Scheduling Method. Breaking eggs. Electrical Engineer since 1980's, and Project Manager with over 30 years of experience in several areas as electrical substations and general industries and sizes (Oil & Gas, Engineering, Infra-structures). Including consulting to software development & implementation, infrastructure, telecommunications, and oil & gas. Services and training provided to private institutions and Universities, specialist in Contract Management, lecturer in PM International Congresses at Portugal, Greece, Brazil, and Venezuela. Author of several Project Management Best practices, and PM books. For more information: Project Controls Expo | Project Chatter Podcast

In this episode, Dale Foong and Val Matthews speak to Risk Manager of Transport for London, Ajay Patel about his forthcoming presentation at Project Controls Expo Virtual 2021. Ajay will be quickly covering 3 questions: 1) What risk information should decision makers be asking for? 2) How can we ensure our risks are assessed as well as possible? 3) How can we relay this information in a simple yet transparent manner? Ajay is a project management professional with over 15 years of experience on rail, technology and construction projects and programmes. Ajay’s niche in risk management is providing major projects with an informed insight into their level of risk maturity and developing associated risk improvement plans with the aim of maximising project performance whilst promoting collaboration and transparency. Training and upskilling project teams and risk professionals is at the heart of his role, taking the discipline from a bolt-on control to an inherent business as usual activity. For more information: Project Controls Expo | Project Chatter Podcast

In this episode, Dale Foong and Val Matthews speak to Associate Director- Risk Management of AECOM, Charlotte about his forthcoming presentation at Project Controls Expo Virtual 2021. Charlotte will give an overview how game mechanics can be leveraged to nurture a great environment for creative thinking, and how cross pollination of these techniques seek to overcome the barriers to risk management by games-based learning, being integrated into the ISO31000 Risk Management framework. She will further explain the need for games-based learning to enhance and embed risk management knowledge and behaviours in multi faceted projects. Charlotte Candy leads a team of risk managers within the UK at AECOM. She is a certified IRM member with a construction and legal background. She has 15 years' experience within the industry. Charlotte has led teams across Nuclear, Water, Rail and Infrastructure domains for both public and private sector clients. She has a passion for increasing knowledge and understanding of risk management by creating last legacies for her clients. Her approach to risk management engagement has been described as colourful and dynamic. For more information: Project Controls Expo | Project Chatter Podcast

In this episode, Dale Foong and Val Matthews speak to MSc Student of Cardiff University, Helber Macedo about his forthcoming presentation at Project Controls Expo Virtual 2021. Helber gives an overview on planning analysis of major projects and how to check if it is done correctly. In addition, he also discusses the documentation review and schedule analysis methodologies. Mr Macedo is an experienced professional from the Energy industry who has been working on major projects since 2007. In the last few years, he has been engaged in projects around US$ 20 bi per year in South America. He is now in the final year of my master's degree in Sustainable Energy and Environmental at Cardiff University. Repurposing renewable energy projects is the title of his dissertation. He is developing a methodology for Solar Farm in the end-of-life, which aims to increase asset life between 10 and 15 years. Also, Macedo has been developing solutions for projects as methodologies and procedures for planning analysis, benchmarking, and cost estimates. Finally, Mr Macedo has been using software to developed reports, analysis tends, and dashboards to support the decision process. He has experience in Power BI, Matlab, Primavera P6, @risk, MS-Project, Microsoft Office, Think-cell, and SAP ERP (CO, PS, and MM). For more information: Project Controls Expo | Project Chatter Podcast

In this episode, Dale Foong and Val Matthews speak to Contracts Manager of Hill International, Ahmed Afifi about his forthcoming presentation at Project Controls Expo Virtual 2021. Ahmed gives an overview of risks associated with engaging employer’s nominated subcontractors in mega projects. He will further elaborate the risks that must be taken into consideration before signing contract agreements and how to nominate the suppliers who can deliver and avoid deviation of the project from its targeted direction. Ahmed Afifi has +15 years of experience in the construction industry. Ahmed has dealt with the FIDIC form of contract numerous forms in addition to multiple ad-hoc contracts. Ahmed has worked in Egypt, Libya, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Tanzania and Uganda.  Ahmed has dealt with arbitration cases as a contract and delay analysis expert for more than 3 years in Egypt. Ahmed is fellow in the chartered institute of Arbitrators. Ahmed is holding a mater degree in the construction law and arbitration from (RGU). Ahmed is holding master degree in the construction project management. For more information: Project Controls Expo | Project Chatter Podcast

In this episode, Dale Foong and Val Matthews from Project Chatter Podcast speak to Senior Vice President Business of Cleopatra Enterprise, Stefan Bakker about his forthcoming presentation at Project Controls Expo Virtual 2021. Stafan gives an overview about the 3 core pillars of modern project controls at the center of strategy and capabilities: integration, technology, and data. Working as the Senior Vice President Business for Cleopatra Enterprise, Stefan Bakker helps industry-leading companies improve their project control activities using software tooling and consultancy services. Stefan holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Business Economics and has been in business with major industrial companies for more than 10 years. During that time, Stefan has built up an international network in various industries such as oil & gas, chemicals, power, renewables, pharmaceutical, shipbuilding and infrastructure. Furthermore, he is a regular speaker at industry events, presenting on the need for an integrated project controls approach to improve the project performance of organizations. Next to serving clients in the US, Stefan leads the company’s business development initiatives globally. For more information: Project Controls Expo | Project Chatter Podcast

In this episode, Dale Foong and Val Matthews speak to Owner of Validation Estimating LLC, John Hollmann about his forthcoming presentation at Project Controls Expo Virtual 2021. John gives an overview about the trouble with CLASS 5 (and 10) estimate accuracy. He would also explain why the AACE ranges are in fact realistic for any one estimate and present a simple method to quantify it. John is owner of Validation Estimating LLC and helps companies improve their Cost Engineering Practices. The focus is on cost estimating and risk quantification. John is also partner with Koff & Guerrero Consulting in a new venture called ValidRisk that provides unique cloud-based risk quantification software. John has a long and varied career in cost engineering, but is perhaps most notable for his work with AACE International including as lead author of the "Total Cost Management Framework" and as primary contributor to many Recommended Practices. Beside the TCM Framework, he authored the book "Project Risk Quantification" in 2016. For more information: Project Controls Expo | Project Chatter Podcast

In this episode, Dale Foong and Val Matthews speak to Director of Professional Services at Cleopatra Enterprise, Jos van der Stelt about his forthcoming presentation at Project Controls Expo Virtual 2021. Jos gives an overview on achieving shutdown & turnaround management excellence, through the integrated approach of Cleopatra Enterprise, the advanced software tool. He will talk about a digital system that combines scope management, work package, management, estimating, cost control and benchmarking that serves as a powerful tool to transform turnaround processes. Director of Professional Services for Cleopatra Enterprise & Cost Engineering Consultancy. Advises companies that need estimating and cost management solutions on digital tools and services. Jos also coordinates the group of Cost Engineering Consultants currently working at Shell, Bayer, Cargill, Heineken, Neste, OMV, Vopak, Boskalis, Maasvlakte Oil Terminal and Qirion. Jos also works with the consultants on their personal growth, to develop their strengths and potential.  For more information: Project Controls Expo | Project Chatter Podcast

In this episode, Dale Foong and Val Matthews speak to Interim Senior Executive Officer, Project Management Oversight at Los Angeles Metro, Julie Owen about her forthcoming presentation at Project Controls Expo Virtual 2021. Julie gives an overview on Los Angeles Metro’s Program Management Dashboard. A dashboard that is designed for public, stakeholders and taxpayers to bring transparency and accountability regarding infrastructure investment. Julie Owen is an industry thought leader with more than 30 years of experience in project controls, managing programs, and delivering capital projects. She is a published author and international speaker delivering presentations in fifteen countries and six continents.  She is a Distinguished International Fellow of the International Cost Engineering Council, Fellow of the Guild of Project Controls and Former AACE International Fellow. She works as the interim senior executive officer, project management oversight within the program management department for Los Angeles Metro. She is a senior leader with proven ability to lead teams and deliver program and projects on-time and within budget.  She is helping manage the $160 billion over 50 year capital program to improve Los Angeles County transportation infrastructure. For more information: Project Controls Expo | Project Chatter Podcast

In this episode, Dale and Val speak to Martin Murphy on Why Projects go wrong: A "Nearly" Spanish Opinion which he will be presenting at the Project Controls Expo Virtual! Martin Murphy has more than 31 years of experience working with multinational companies and participating in high profile international projects, such as the Petronas Towers in Malaysia and the Panama Canal extension. He has a degree in Building from the University of Ulster in Northern Ireland and is also a PMP. He is a Director with Hill International in Spain, dealing especially with industrial, manufacturing and technological projects. Martin has extensive experience in Claims and Risk Management and in his career has undertaken various roles with responsibility for the planning and cost control aspects of various building, civil and industrial projects worldwide.   Since 1992, he has been working as a Project Manager and in the planning and project control departments of Spanish construction and consulting companies dealing with Claims and controlling time, cost and risk elements of projects in Spain, Europe and Latin America. Martin has been appointed as an Expert on numerous occasions and has also testified. He has been a University and Business School Lecturer and Hill trainer around the world for over twenty years. He is fluent in Spanish. For more information: Project Controls Expo | Project Chatter Podcast

In this episode, Dale and Val speak to Santosh Bhat about Linear Infrastructure Projects and Time Location Charts which he will be presenting at the Project Controls Expo! Santosh Bhat has been planning and scheduling for over two decades across a range of projects in the Australasian region. Having worked across a diverse range of roles including hands-on project planning, corporate governance of planning and scheduling for major contractors, Santosh now operates as an independent consultant offering planning, scheduling, and schedule risk analysis services. Santosh’s recent project involvement has included, many of the major mega infrastructure projects including several of the Westconnex road tunnel projects in Sydney, Metro rail projects in Sydney, Melbourne, and New Zealand. Santosh is also Co-Founder of Linear Project Software, developing the Time Location charting application “Turbo-Chart”. For more information: Project Controls Expo | Project Chatter Podcast

In this episode, Dale and Val speak to the Founder of the Project Controls Expo, Anil Gohawale about how it started, where it's going and what you can expect from the Project Speakers Podcast. Anil's bio Anil is passionate about Project Controls and working in multiple capacities for implementation and enhancement of this growing subject i.e., Managing Director of Projcon Group (Project Controls Consultancy), Founder of Project Controls Online (Global Project Controls e-network and knowledge base), Project Manager for Project Controls Expo (Largest Project Controls event/- show) and finally, Founder and Program Director at Project Controls Institute (Blended Project Controls learning platform), Anil's professional experience spans over 19 years at corporate and field offices offering diverse and in-depth exposure to implementation of Project Controls on a range of EPC Projects (Oil & Gas- upstream and downstream, CCU’s - Carbon Capture Units, Power Projects and Pipelines). For more information: Project Controls Expo | Project Chatter Podcast

A brief introduction about what this podcast will be covering! Subscribe today so that you don't miss out! A collaboration between Project Controls Expo & Project Chatter Podcast.