S8E181: Antifragile Projects with Georgia Stillwell

In this episode, Dale and Val speak to Georgia Stillwell to discuss anti-fragile projects and risk management in project management. Georgia shares her journey into project management, starting from her fascination with master planning in cities to her experience in risk management and construction technology. She explains the concept of anti-fragile projects, which are projects that thrive in uncertain and risky environments. The conversation delves into the challenges with traditional project planning methods and the need for more flexible and adaptable approaches. Georgia also discusses the role of technology in risk management and the importance of simplifying complex concepts for effective communication. In this conversation, Georgia Stillwell discusses the concept of anti-fragility in project management and how it can be achieved through the use of technology and human expertise. She emphasizes the importance of replicating the abilities of experienced planners and using AI to optimize project schedules. However, she also highlights the need for human validation and decision-making in complex construction projects. The conversation explores the role of contracts in project behavior and the challenges of harmonizing contracts with anti-fragility principles. The importance of leadership in creating a culture of anti-fragility and addressing human biases is also discussed.

Takeaways
Anti-fragile projects are projects that thrive in uncertain and risky environments, adapting and improving as challenges arise.
Traditional project planning methods, such as critical path method, can be rigid and fail to account for the dynamic nature of projects.
Technology, such as AI and software tools, can help optimize project planning and recovery by exploring different options and scenarios.
Educating clients and stakeholders about different project planning methodologies is crucial for driving change and improving project outcomes.
Simplifying risk management concepts and using analogies can help communicate complex ideas effectively. Anti-fragility in project management can be achieved through the use of technology and human expertise.
AI can replicate the abilities of experienced planners and optimize project schedules, but human validation and decision-making are still necessary.
Contracts play a significant role in project behavior and can sometimes conflict with anti-fragility principles.
Leadership is crucial in creating a culture of anti-fragility and addressing human biases in decision-making.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Updates
01:23 Guest Introduction: Georgia Stillwell
07:54 Understanding Anti-Fragile Projects
12:20 Challenges with Traditional Project Planning
14:08 The Role of Anti-Fragile Projects in Risk Management
21:04 The Impact of Bid Phase on Project Planning
22:12 Applying Anti-Fragile Project Methods
24:34 Integrating Different Project Planning Methods
26:50 The Role of Technology in Risk Management
30:16 Managing Risks and Technology Adoption
32:49 Simplifying Risk Management Concepts
35:11 Introduction and Background
35:41 Replicating Abilities and Spreading Anti-Fragility
36:52 The Role of Humans in Anti-Fragility
37:39 The Importance of Human Understanding in Construction
38:22 The Need for Human Experience and Skepticism
39:23 Increasing Productivity with Anti-Fragility
40:09 Delivering Projects Faster
41:32 The Relationship Between Anti-Fragility and Contracts
42:12 The Influence of Contracts on Behavior
43:06 Harmonizing Contracts and Anti-Fragility
44:06 The Role of Leadership in Creating a Culture of Anti-Fragility
45:22 The Challenge of Addressing Human Behavior in Projects
46:51 The Limitations of AI in Removing Bias
48:02 The Role of Leadership in Decision-Making
49:32 The Role of Leadership in Creating a Culture of Anti-Fragility

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