Beyond The Plan

From concept to delivery, we bring proven expertise to advance your project. Let’s start the conversation: https://edsico.com.au/contact-us/ -----In this episode, we're joined by Douglas Marr, Chief Planner at Downer Group, who brings over three decades of real-world construction and project delivery experience to unpack why planning is the most underrated discipline in project success. Drawing on his journey from apprentice electrician to leading standardised planning practices across one of Australia's largest infrastructure businesses, Douglas challenges the outdated idea that planners are background support roles, arguing that projects don't fail because of poor construction, but because planners are brought in too late, treated as schedulers rather than strategic leaders, and excluded from the decisions that matter most.Douglas breaks down the critical difference between a planner and a scheduler, how to connect commercial strategy to execution, build dashboards that actually tell a story, and lead proactive decision-making when delays hit. If you manage projects, lead delivery teams, or are responsible for major infrastructure outcomes, this episode's for you.-----Watch the video version of the podcast to see the whiteboard: https://www.youtube.com/@edsicomgt -----CONNECT WITH US Website: https://edsico.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alifarhoodimscpmp/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edsicomgt/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edsicomgt Time Stamps:00:00 Intro/Hook01:41 Douglas' Background and Experience08:57 The Power of Planning - Turning Strategy into Execution09:55 Planning as Leadership - How Planning Shapes the Entire Project29:54 Planner Scheduler32:00 Connecting Strategy to Scheduler43:11 The Role of Visibility Using Data and Dashboards56:00 Decision Making through Planning: When to hold the line and when to adapt?01:05:14 Lessons from Major Projects01:18:16 AI and the Future of Planning01:22:10 Book Recommendations01:24:21 Conclusion/OutroDISCLAIMER The information provided in this podcast is for general purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals or experts in the relevant field for personalised advice tailored to your specific situation. 

From concept to delivery, we bring proven expertise to advance your project. Let’s start the conversation: https://edsico.com.au/contact-us/ -----In this episode, we’re joined by Dr Bradley Hasting, Director of Executive Education at the John Grill Institute for Project Leadership, who explains why 80 per cent of expert leaders fail in complex projects. Drawing on research and real-world experience across major infrastructure and government transformations, Bradley challenges the idea that technical skill and competencies drive success. He argues that projects derail not because of poor plans, but because of flawed decision-making, political misalignment, and breakdowns in stakeholder relationships.Dr. Bradley introduces the shift from an expert mindset to a transforming mindset, unpacking what it takes to lead without authority, navigate power and politics, and create environments where teams can thrive under uncertainty. If you manage projects, lead large teams, or operate in high-stakes stakeholder environments, this episode offers a practical and research-backed reframing of what modern leadership truly demands.-----Watch the video version of the podcast to see the whiteboard: https://www.youtube.com/@edsicomgt -----CONNECT WITH US Website: https://edsico.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alifarhoodimscpmp/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edsicomgt/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edsicomgt Time Stamps:00:00 Intro/Hook01:44 Introduction of guest background and experience07:22 The mind of a modern project leader - Why mindset matters?12:19 Why projects fail?25:13 The unique challenge of a modern-day project36:05 Zombie Leadership47:18 New framing of leadership01:00:31 What's needed for leadership development to work?01:05:25 Book Recommendation01:07:08 Conclusion/OutroDISCLAIMER The information provided in this podcast is for general purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals or experts in the relevant field for personalised advice tailored to your specific situation. 

Need help with managing your next big infrastructure project? Get in touch with our team:https://edsico.com.au/contact-us/ -----In this episode, we’re joined by Mark McLean, a veteran consultant with decades of experience across engineering, quality systems, and ISO standard development, who unpacks why so many teams struggle to solve problems that keep coming back. Mark explains why projects derail not because of capability or effort, but because problems are rarely defined properly before solutions are applied.Drawing on real-world examples from manufacturing, infrastructure, aviation, biomedical labs, and large organisations like Qantas and BHP, Mark breaks down a structured, process-first approach to problem solving. He walks through where teams should actually start, how to define problems with clear scope and boundaries, and why evidence matters more than opinions when identifying root cause. He also explains why common tools like the Five Whys are often misused, and how focusing on processes rather than people leads to more sustainable improvements.If you’re a project manager, engineer, consultant, or leader dealing with recurring issues, firefighting, or change initiatives that fail to stick, this episode offers a clear, practical framework for solving the right problems in the first place. Ideal for anyone responsible for delivery, performance, or continuous improvement in complex organisations.-----Watch the video version of the podcast to see the whiteboard: https://www.youtube.com/@edsicomgt -----CONNECT WITH US Website: https://edsico.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alifarhoodimscpmp/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edsicomgt/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edsicomgt Time Stamps:00:00 Intro/Hook01:39 Introduction of Guest/Mike's Background03:33 How to systematically approach the Problem/DAXIS06:34 Where to start?18:17 How to clearly define a problem?27:15 Do you/team know enough about the problem36:17 Cause Analysis56:45 Franken Furte was Right (Janet)01:02:52 Book recommendation01:05:52 Conclusion/OutroDISCLAIMER The information provided in this podcast is for general purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals or experts in the relevant field for personalised advice tailored to your specific situation.  

Need help with managing your next big infrastructure project? Get in touch with our team:https://edsico.com.au/contact-us/ -----In this episode, we’re joined by Ian Hudson, Executive Director of the Industry Capability Network, who shares how small and medium businesses can win major contracts without trying to compete like Tier One operators. Ian explains what buyers are really looking for, why many tenders fail before they’re even read, and how capability gaps are often created by positioning rather than skill.Drawing on real examples from infrastructure, energy, and preparations for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, Ian breaks down how SMEs can choose the right tenders, present their capability clearly, and align systems, experience, and certifications with project requirements. He also explains why relationships before a tender matter, how procurement policies can work in your favour, and what separates serious contenders from time-wasters.If you’re an SME looking to improve your tender success rate, break into large projects, or prepare your business for upcoming nation-building opportunities, this episode offers clear, practical guidance from someone with a full market view. Ideal for business owners, contractors, and advisors navigating government and major project procurement.CHAPTERS:00:00 Hook01:02 Introduction to Ian Hudson and ICN03:09 Understanding the Capability Gap Between SMEs and Major Projects06:18 Picking the Right Tenders and Thinking Like the Buyer10:46 Building a Strong Capability Profile on ICN Gateway14:32 Certifications, Systems and Readiness Before You Tender19:05 Competing on a Global Stage as an Australian SME22:48 Efficiency, Waste Reduction and Focusing on Your Strengths25:22 Building Local Advantage Through Relationships and Market Sounding30:11 Collaboration Between SMEs to Win Larger Work Packages36:58 Government Procurement Rules Explained (AIP, SME Plans, Diversity)44:12 Using Procurement Policies to Your Advantage54:58 Lessons Learned From ICN Projects59:40 Cash Flow, Contract Risk and Scaling Safely1:07:47 Preparing Your Business for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics1:13:02 Leveraging Olympic Experience for Future Growth1:15:17 Book Recommendations for Business and Procurement Success1:18:40 Key Takeaways and Closing Thoughts----- LISTEN TO THE PODCAST Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0bFEwnQxQuM9HvHExheqOn Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-plan/id1814284070  ----- CONNECT WITH US Website: https://edsico.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alifarhoodimscpmp/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edsicomgt/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edsicomgt 

Need help with managing your next big infrastructure project? Get in touch with our team: https://edsico.com.au/contact-us/ -----In this episode, we’re joined by Colin Hickling, Senior Partner at AITW | AI That Works, who brings more than 30 years of experience helping government agencies and large organisations navigate digital transformation. Colin reveals a confronting reality: 95 percent of AI projects fail, not because of the technology, but because organisations lack the governance, accountability, and alignment required to make AI deliver real outcomes.He breaks down the biggest misconceptions leaders have about AI, including why treating it like an IT experiment leads to inaccurate results, security risks, and wasted investment. Colin shares what the top 5% of organisations do differently, what “living governance” looks like in practice, and how one Australian hospital replaced 30 administrative roles with a single AI system, while improving accuracy, speed, and quality.If you want to understand how to avoid AI chaos and build a foundation of trust, resilience, and measurable value, this episode gives you a clear, practical roadmap. Perfect for executives, project leaders, and anyone responsible for making AI work inside their organisation.-----Watch the video version of the podcast to see the whiteboard: https://www.youtube.com/@edsicomgt -----CONNECT WITH US Website: https://edsico.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alifarhoodimscpmp/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edsicomgt/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edsicomgt Time Stamps:00:00 Hook 00:42 Introduction to Colin Hickling03:05 What AI Really Is and Why Governance Matters05:41 The Three Levels of AI Capability12:45 Hospital Case Study: Replacing 30 Admin Staff with AI14:42 Feedback Loops and AI Accuracy Improvements16:16 Why AI Projects Fail (and What the Top 5 Percent Do Differently)17:01 Living Governance Explained19:58 AI-Enabled Attacks and Global Examples27:26 From Strategy to Execution: Bridging Vision and Reality32:34 Culture, Change Management and Mission-Centric Governance37:04 Medical Decision Support and Digital Fluency50:40 Cyber Risk as a Business Risk60:59 The New Accountability Model1:17:03 Embedding Resilience Across the Organisation1:19:02 OutroDISCLAIMERThe information provided in this podcast is for general purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals or experts in the relevant field for personalised advice tailored to your specific situation. 

Need help with managing your next big infrastructure project? Get in touch with our team:https://edsico.com.au/contact-us/ -----In this episode, we’re joined by Amireh Amirmazaheri, founder of PMO Solutions and Asia-Pacific Lead for the PMO Global Alliance, often called the Queen of PMO. With a background spanning engineering and large-scale infrastructure portfolios, Tamira brings a rare mix of technical depth and business strategy to the conversation.She shares why negotiation doesn’t end when the contract is signed and how poor integration, weak transparency, and siloed communication cost organisations millions. Tamira reframes the PMO as a true business enabler, not an administrative function, connecting finance, commercial, and delivery teams to keep projects aligned with strategic goals.If you’ve ever questioned why 64% of projects fail to meet their objectives, or what it takes for a PMO to prove real value, this episode offers practical lessons on turning governance into growth and creating alignment that lasts beyond delivery.-----Watch the video version of the podcast to see the whiteboard: https://www.youtube.com/@edsicomgt -----CONNECT WITH US Website: https://edsico.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alifarhoodimscpmp/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edsicomgt/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edsicomgt Time Stamps:00:00 Hook/Intro02:16 Amireh's Background and Role05:00 Importance of Negotiation to Delivery09:59 Integration Gap27:07 Trust and Transparency38:37 Technology and Data Management44:54 Enabler Function46:49 The Role of PMOs in Business Integration51:03 Different kinds of PMO55:25 Establishing a PMO01:01:34 Book Recommendations01:04:01 Conclusion/OutroDISCLAIMER The information provided in this podcast is for general purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals or experts in the relevant field for personalised advice tailored to your specific situation. 

Need help with managing your next big infrastructure project? Get in touch with our team:https://edsico.com.au/contact-us/ -----In this episode, we’re joined by Mark Simister, former British Army officer and global programme director, whose career spans drilling boreholes at Buckingham Palace to leading multi-billion-dollar infrastructure frameworks at Sydney Water.Mark explains why mega projects so often fail under fragmented, risk-averse contracts, and how collaborative contracting frameworks built on trust, transparency, and shared risk, can turn delivery from conflict to partnership. He shares the inside story behind Sydney Water’s Partnering for Success model, along with the leadership, culture, and incentives that make collaboration stick.If you want to understand why adversarial approaches are breaking down, what a collaborative framework really looks like in practice, and how to deliver projects that create lasting public value, this episode is full of lessons you won’t want to miss.CHAPTERS:00:00 Hook/Intro01:55 Who is Mark Simister and His Background18:31 Collaborative framework for complex infrastructure delivery19:46 Case for collaboration26:00 What is a collaborative framework?28:57 Key Principles of Collaborative Framework38:44 Success Enablers46:29 Building the culture53:05 Common challenges59:01 Steps you can take01:04:59 Key takeaways01:10:18 Conclusion/Outro----- LISTEN TO THE PODCAST Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0bFEwnQxQuM9HvHExheqOn Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-plan/id1814284070  ----- CONNECT WITH US Website: https://edsico.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alifarhoodimscpmp/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edsicomgt/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edsicomgt 

Need help with managing your next big infrastructure project? Get in touch with our team:https://edsico.com.au/contact-us/ -----In this episode, we’re joined by Omer Iqbal, President of PMI Sydney and Senior Portfolio Manager at Sydney Water, whose career has spanned oil and gas, mining, defence, transport, and utilities.Omer shares why portfolio management is the missing link between boardroom strategy and on-the-ground delivery, how defining risk appetite at the top shapes hundreds of projects on the ground, and why success means more than just hitting time and budget.He also discusses how innovation can thrive even in highly regulated environments, what it takes to keep mega-projects resilient under pressure, and why building high-performing teams starts with job design and shared purpose.If you want to understand how complex capital projects really succeed, balance board expectations with delivery realities, and lead portfolios that create lasting public value, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.CHAPTERS:00:00 Intro01:16 Podcast beginning02:19 Why portfolio management?05:47 Standard portfolio structure12:07 Risk assessment and Cynefin framework21:43 Innovation in portfolio environment26:05 Success: Investment or investments28:15 The influence of regulations33:49 Triple constraint case scenario39:53 People component in portfolio management47:43 Understanding the impact of industry tools56:33 Omer's management advice for the young professionals----- LISTEN TO THE PODCAST Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0bFEwnQxQuM9HvHExheqOn Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-plan/id1814284070  ----- CONNECT WITH US Website: https://edsico.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alifarhoodimscpmp/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edsicomgt/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edsicomgt 

Description:Need help with managing your next big infrastructure project? Get in touch with our team:https://edsico.com.au/contact-us/ -----In this episode, we’re joined by Veno Panicker, a Partner in Construction & Infrastructure at Hamilton Locke who has worked closely with contractors and developers across civil, energy, and public infrastructure.Veno talks about why Australia’s obsession with lump sum contracts is fuelling insolvencies, how shifting risk down the chain is eroding project outcomes, and why redefining “value” in infrastructure must go beyond timelines and budgets.He also discusses how smarter contract models can unlock innovation, what it really takes to boost productivity on-site, and why investing in education, diversity, and tech adoption is non-negotiable for the future of the industry.If you want to deliver infrastructure that’s truly fit for purpose, protect the health of your supply chain, and build long-term capability in Australia’s construction sector, make sure to listen to this episode!-----Watch the video version of the podcast to see the whiteboard: https://www.youtube.com/@edsicomgt -----CONNECT WITH US Website: https://edsico.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alifarhoodimscpmp/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edsicomgt/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edsicomgt 

Need help with managing your next big infrastructure project? Get in touch with our team:https://edsico.com.au/contact-us/ -----In this episode, we’re joined by Scott Beveridge, a Senior Strategic Sourcing and Category Manager at Downer who has over 25 years of experience in procurement. Scott talks about why integrated planning is crucial for managing risks, how accurate cost benchmarking can transform procurement outcomes, and the value of strategically engaging the market to balance innovation and reliability.He also discusses why building genuine, trusted relationships matters more than relying on contracts alone, the necessity of strict transparency and governance to protect integrity, and how AI and technology are reshaping the future of procurement.If you want to gain practical insights to confidently deliver projects, enhance your procurement strategies, and achieve greater impact from infrastructure investments, make sure to listen to this episode!-----Watch the video version of the podcast to see the whiteboard: https://www.youtube.com/@edsicomgt -----CONNECT WITH US Website: https://edsico.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alifarhoodimscpmp/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edsicomgt/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edsicomgt 

Need help with managing your next big infrastructure project? Get in touch with our team:https://edsico.com.au/contact-us/ -----Welcome to ‘Beyond the Plan’. In this episode, Ali Farhoodi sits down with Barry Gordon, Director of Commercial and Contract Management at Transport for NSW, to unpack the biggest contract mistakes he’s seen over his career, and what you can do to get it right from the start.If you work in major projects (government or private) this episode is a must-watch.-----Watch the video version of the podcast to see the whiteboard: https://www.youtube.com/@edsicomgt -----CONNECT WITH USWebsite: https://edsico.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alifarhoodimscpmp/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edsicomgt/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edsicomgt 

Need help with managing your next big infrastructure project? Get in touch with our team: https://edsico.com.au/contact-us/ -----In this episode, Ali Farhoodi sits down with John Szmajda, an industry veteran with 45+ years of experience delivering massive projects like the Sydney Metro, and mining infrastructure for clients like BHP and Rio Tinto.We take a brutally honest look at what it really takes to deliver large-scale projects successfully, and John shares the 5 things every project needs to get it right.This episode is packed with practical insights you can take straight into your next project.-----Watch the video version of the podcast to see the whiteboard: https://www.youtube.com/@edsicomgt ----CONNECT WITH USWebsite: https://edsico.com.au/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alifarhoodimscpmp/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edsicomgt/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edsicomgt