Navigating Major Programmes

Embracing Innovation and Elevating Major Programmes in 2025 and Beyond | S3 EP1

Episode Summary

Welcome back to Navigating Major Programmes and welcome to season 3 of our podcast! In this episode of Navigating Major Programmes, Riccardo Cosentino launches the third season by reflecting on the podcast’s journey and setting the stage for an exciting year ahead. From embracing the challenges of imposter syndrome to exploring transformative industry trends, Riccardo shares his vision for 2025 and how the podcast will continue to elevate the conversation around major programmes. “I believe this is the year where technologies like AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics are no longer just the ‘next big thing’ but are truly embraced on a mass scale across the industry. It’s no longer about being curious about these technologies; it’s about fully accepting and harnessing their potential to drive real change. And that change will define the future of how we operate—from project management to risk assessment and, especially, preventive maintenance.” – Riccardo Cosentino

Episode Notes

Welcome back to Navigating Major Programmes and welcome to season 3 of our podcast! In this episode of Navigating Major Programmes, Riccardo Cosentino launches the third season by reflecting on the podcast’s journey and setting the stage for an exciting year ahead. From embracing the challenges of imposter syndrome to exploring transformative industry trends, Riccardo shares his vision for 2025 and how the podcast will continue to elevate the conversation around major programmes.

 

“I believe this is the year where technologies like AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics are no longer just the ‘next big thing’ but are truly embraced on a mass scale across the industry. It’s no longer about being curious about these technologies; it’s about fully accepting and harnessing their potential to drive real change. And that change will define the future of how we operate—from project management to risk assessment and, especially, preventive maintenance.” – Riccardo Cosentino

 

Key Takeaways

 

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure and give us a five star rating and leave us a review on iTunes, Podcast Addict, Podchaser or Castbox.

 

The conversation doesn’t stop here—connect and converse with our LinkedIn community: 

 

Episode Transcription

[00:00:00] Riccardo Cosentino: I believe this is the year where technologies like AI, machine learning, and predictive analytics are no longer just the next big thing, but are truly embraced on a mass scale across the industry. 2025 is the year when these tools are fully integrated into how we operate, not just as isolated innovations, but as foundational elements of the way we approach everything. From project management to risk assessment and especially preventive maintenance is no longer about being curious about these technologies. It's about fully accepting and harnessing their potential to drive real change. You're listening to Navigating Major Programs, the podcast that aims to elevate the conversations happening in the infrastructure industry and inspire you to have a more efficient approach within it. I'm your host, Riccardo Cosentini. I bring over 20 years of major program management experience. Most recently, I graduated from Oxford University's Said Business School. Which shook my belief when it comes to navigating major program. Now it's time to shake yours. Join me in each episode as I press the industry experts about the complexity of major program management, emerging digital trends, and the critical leadership required to approach this multi-billion dollar projects. Let's see where the conversation takes us.

 

[00:01:34] Welcome back to Navigating Major Programs. Can you believe it? We're kicking off the third season of this podcast. That's a milestone. I'm really proud of. Especially when I think about where I was just a few short years ago, back then I would have hesitated to even comment on someone's LinkedIn post, let alone put my thoughts out into the world like this. The imposter syndrome was real, but here we are season three. And I have to say, I found that I really enjoy podcasting. It's been an unexpected, but deeply rewarding experience. And I want to thank each and every one of you who tunes in, shares your feedback, and takes this journey with me. That said, I'll be honest. Even if no one listened, I'd probably still record these conversations. The value and insight I gained from them, whether it's from a guest sharing their expertise or simply reflecting on the challenges and opportunities in our industry are just too good to pass up. But the fact that so many of you are here finding value in these episodes, too, that's the cherry on top. So, thank you. So here we are 2025. A new year, a new season and a new opportunity to elevate the conversation surrounding major programs together, you know, if 2024 told us anything is that innovation is accelerating faster than ever and the choices we make now are going to define the future of our industry this season we're diving into those choices, the tools, technologies, technologies, And strategies that are reshaping how we approach major programs. And I'll also be sharing some personal projects and goals that I hope will inspire you to take on new challenges in your own work. But let me start with the big picture. What is 2025 going to look like for our industry? I believe this is the year where technologies like AI, machine learning and predictive analytics are no longer just the next big thing, but are truly embraced on a mass scale across the industry.

 

[00:03:43] 2025 is the year when these tools are fully integrated into how we operate. Not just as isolated innovations, but as foundational elements of the way we approach everything from project management to risk assessment and especially preventive maintenance is no longer about being curious about these technologies. It's about fully accepting and harnessing their potential to drive real change for me. 2025 is about putting these tools to work in meaningful ways. I've always been drawn to problem solving, and this year I'm focusing on applying to one of the most overlooked but critical areas of our field preventive maintenance. Now, I know that might not sound exciting at first glance, but think about it. Preventive maintenance is all about staying ahead of problems before they become crisis. And when you combine that with the power of AI, the possibilities are game changing. Imagine predicting exactly when an asset will fail and fixing it before it even becomes an issue. That's not just smart. That's transformative. Of course, this podcast wouldn't be what it is without the incredible guests who join me to share their insights. Season three is no exception. This year, I've lined up some extraordinary voices. We'll hear from leaders in digital transformation, tackling the challenge of balancing innovation with legacy systems.

 

[00:05:14] And I'm excited to also bring in my own insights from the executive diploma in artificial intelligence for business program at Oxford. Where I've been studying the last several months, these conversations are going to tackle big questions about technology, leadership, and how we adapt to the pace of change. My goal is for every episode to leave you with something practical, something you can take back to your work and apply immediately. But let me pause for a moment and reflect on where this podcast started. I didn't know what to expect when I recorded that first episode. And I definitely didn't think it would turn into something that resonates with so many of you podcasting has become one of the highlights of my work. It's not just a platform to share ideas. It's a way to learn to grow and to connect. And if there's one thing I've learned over the past two seasons, it's that. The value of these conversations extends far beyond the microphone. So as we move forward, I want to keep building on that foundation, exploring not just what's possible, but what's next.

 

[00:06:24] That being said, we're also taking things up a notch with a brand new videocast component, Preventive Maintenance. And here's the twist. AI is going to play a big role in how we produce it. From editing to organization, I'll be putting my technical skills and some cutting edge tools To the test. For me, this is as much about learning as it is about creating. I've been diving into coding recently, and it's been a humbling yet incredibly rewarding experience. It's a reminder that stepping out of your comfort zone, even as a seasoned professional is where real growth happens. While these vodcast episodes may not live under the name navigating major programs, these preventive maintenance will have the same goal of elevating and pushing our industry forward. And that's what I hope this podcast inspires in all of you, the courage to take on new challenges, to learn new skills and to embrace the unknown. And as we wrap up this first episode of season three, I just want to say how grateful I am to be on this journey with all of you, whether you've been here since the beginning, or this is your first time tuning in. Thank you for being here. This season is going to be full of surprises. diverse insights, and I hope a lot of moments that make you stop and think. So let's get started. Make sure to subscribe, share, and join the conversation. See you in two weeks for our first full episode back.

 

[00:07:59] That's it for this episode of Navigating Major Problems.

 

[00:08:03] I hope you found today's conversation as informative and thought provoking as I did. If you enjoyed this conversation, please consider subscribing and leaving a review. I would also like to personally invite you to continue the conversation by joining me on my personal LinkedIn at Ricardo Cosentino, listening to the next episode, where we will continue to explore the latest trends and challenges in major program management. Our next in depth conversation promises to continue to dive into topics such as leadership, risk management. and the impact of emerging technology in infrastructure. It's a conversation you're not going to want to miss. Thanks for listening to Navigating Major Programs and I look forward to keeping the conversation going.