Shows
The 4PM PodcastManaging Projects Beyond Agile and WaterfallIs project management really about choosing between Agile or Waterfall—or is there something deeper we’re missing?In this thought-provoking episode of the 4PM Podcast, host Mounir Ajam challenges the traditional narratives around Agile, Waterfall, and Hybrid project approaches. Drawing from years of industry experience and research at Uruk Project Management, Mounir introduces a new way of thinking: one that centers on value, context, and adaptability—not labels.You’ll discover:Why Agile and Waterfall are product development approaches—not project management methodsThe two core principles that guide effective project de...2025-07-3012 minThe 4PM PodcastProject Success and the Role of the Project ManagerWhat does project success truly mean—and who is responsible for it?In this insightful episode of the 4PM Podcast, host Mounir Ajam unpacks one of the most misunderstood yet essential concepts in project management: success. From common ambiguities to deeper, systemic truths, this episode explores what success actually looks like, how to define it, and where the project manager fits in.🔍 Topics Covered:Why “success” is often misused in business and project contextsThe difference between project and project management successThe Four Dimensions of Project Success (with a real-worl...2025-07-2312 minThe 4PM PodcastCan Project Management Be a Competitive Advantage?In this powerful episode of the 4PM Podcast, Mounir Ajam explores a question every organization should be asking:Is project management just a support function—or can it drive real competitive edge?When organizations mature their project management capabilities, the benefits go far beyond checklists and timelines. Project management becomes faster, leaner, more consistent—and ultimately, more strategic.Mounir dives into how smart investment in PM maturity transforms the way businesses operate.✅ Understand the real cost of managing projects✅ See how PM maturity reduces waste and inefficiencies✅ Learn how reusable knowledge...2025-07-1611 minThe 4PM PodcastWhy did I write Vision Realized?In this special and personal episode, host Mounir Ajam kicks off a powerful new series exploring his book Vision Realized. Rather than another guide full of PM buzzwords and checklists, this book—and this conversation—is about transformation.Why is traditional project management falling short? Why are so many organizations missing deadlines, blowing budgets, and failing to deliver true value?Mounir shares the deeper “why” behind writing Vision Realized—a call to embed project management into the DNA of organizations as a strategic, leadership-driven function. He explains how Business-Integrated Project Management can help close the gap betwee...2025-07-0809 minThe 4PM PodcastDo We Understand the Iron Triangle?In this thought-provoking episode of the 4PM Podcast, host Mounir Ajam invites listeners to take a fresh look at one of the most well-known yet misunderstood concepts in project management — the Iron Triangle (a.k.a. the Triple Constraints of time, cost, and scope).Is it a true measure of project success, or have we been using it wrong all along?🔍 In this episode, you’ll learn:Why the Iron Triangle is a planning and control tool—not a definition of successHow the Uruk Framework reshapes our under...2025-06-1810 minThe 4PM PodcastTransforming Project Management: A View Into the FutureIn this insightful episode of the 4PM Podcast, host Mounir Ajam shares an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into his upcoming trilogy of books that aim to revolutionize how organizations approach project management.Drawing from decades of hands-on experience, Mounir explains why traditional project management practices often fall short—and how organizations can shift from chaos to clarity. This episode explores the core concepts of the three interconnected books:Book 1: Vision Realized – A call to action for executive leaders and boards to elevate project management into a strategic, business-integrated function.Book 2: Succ...2025-06-1313 minThe 4PM PodcastProject Management Maturity and Self-Assessment ToolIn this eye-opening episode of the 4PM Podcast, your host Mounir Ajam challenges organizations to take an honest look at their Project Management Maturity. Too often, organizations assume they’re further along the maturity ladder than they really are. But where are you, really? And what can you do about it?Tune in as we explore:✅ What Project Management Maturity actually means (hint: it’s more than just on-time, on-budget delivery)✅ The five levels of maturity—where does your organization really stand?✅ Why a self-assessment tool is a powerful mirror for growth✅ The...2025-06-0512 minThe 4PM PodcastBeyond the PMO: Making Project Management a Core FunctionIn this thought-provoking episode of the 4PM Podcast, your host Mounir Ajam challenges conventional thinking around the Project Management Office (PMO). While the PMO has long been seen as the pinnacle of project management maturity, Mounir asks a powerful question: What if the PMO is just the beginning, not the end?Tune in as we explore:✅ Why the PMO shouldn’t be treated as the ultimate goal✅ The critical shift from structure to culture in project delivery✅ What it means to embed project management into the DNA of an organization✅ How aligning strategy...2025-05-2905 minThe 4PM PodcastProject Management Misconceptions and the Quest for RespectEver feel like the unsung hero in the office, tirelessly managing projects but somehow always overlooked? Step into the spotlight with us as we uncover the hidden battles of project management. With insights into why this essential discipline is often sidelined, we're tearing down the stereotypes and showcasing how vital it is to the success of any organization. From the rise of trendier methodologies to the often-unseen strategic importance of the Project Management Office, we're championing the cause for recognition and respect.As we journey through the corridors of corporate strategy, we'll expose the harsh realities and...2024-03-2732 minThe 4PM PodcastThe Three Principles for Next-Gen Project ManagersEver wondered why even the most prestigious project management certifications don't always translate into real-world success? Join me, Mounir Ajam, as I unveil the genesis of the Uruk platform and disclose how it's poised to revolutionize the way we manage projects. Our discussion traverses the three transformative principles that underpin the platform, designed to catapult success rates and shatter the industry's resigned acceptance of project failure.Embark on a journey through the intricate world of project management as we dissect the necessity of an integrated, adaptable approach. I'll walk you through how the Uruk platform reflects my...2024-03-2032 minThe 4PM PodcastWhat is the big picture of Project Management?In this episode, we share our thoughts on the Big Picture of Project Management.We start by sharing our agility, resilience, and agile development story. Here, we discuss the ideas and approaches to developing products, including Big Bang, Iterative, and Incremental Development. Then, we offer our counterpoints to some of the myths and narrow thinking associated with waterfall, agile, hybrid, and traditional project management.We presented the myth of early and fixed detail planning.Next, we addressed the myth of lack of communication in a non-Agile environment.We addressed other points t...2024-03-0629 minThe 4PM PodcastIs it a Hybrid or ''Traditional'' Project Management?Unlock the secrets to navigating the complex terrain of project management with a fresh perspective from our insightful host, Mounir Ajam. In our latest episode, we confront the buzzword "hybrid" in project management head-on, dissecting whether it's merely a rebranded version of traditional methods or a standalone approach. Mounir masterfully debunks the myth that traditional project management is wedded to the waterfall methodology, illustrating instead that true competence in the field has always demanded an adaptive strategy, tailored to the unique nuances of each project.Embark on a journey through the evolution of project management with Mounir...2024-02-2836 min