Welcome to a very unique episode of Navigating Major Programmes, in which Riccardo Cosentino shares his biggest insecurities and how overcoming them kickstarted the turning point of his career in major programmes. As Riccardo shares his upbringing in Italy and how he ended up at an Oxford University graduation ceremony dumbfounded by how he got there, listen very carefully—and trust us, listen to the end for a shocking conclusion. “My respect for Oxford diminished simply because I had fooled them into giving me a degree. How could the heart of world academics be so easily bamboozled by me?” – Riccardo Cosentino
Welcome to a very unique episode of Navigating Major Programmes, in which Riccardo Cosentino shares his biggest insecurities and how overcoming them kickstarted the turning point of his career in major programmes. As Riccardo shares his upbringing in Italy and how he ended up at an Oxford University graduation ceremony dumbfounded by how he got there, listen very carefully—and trust us, listen to the end for a shocking conclusion.
“My respect for Oxford diminished simply because I had fooled them into giving me a degree. How could the heart of world academics be so easily bamboozled by me?” – Riccardo Cosentino
Key Takeaways:
The conversation doesn’t stop here—connect and converse with our LinkedIn community:
Riccardo Cosentino 00:00
You're listening to Navigating Major Programmes, a 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 Cosentino. I bring over 20 years of Major Programme
Management experience. Most recently, I graduated from Oxford University Saïd Business
School, which shook my belief when it comes to navigating major programmes. Now it's time to
shake yours. Join me in each episode as I press the industry experts about the complexity of
Major Programme Management, emerging digital trends and the critical leadership required to
approach these multibillion-dollar projects. Let's see where the conversation takes us.
Riccardo Cosentino 00:53
Welcome to a new episode of Navigating Major Programmes. Today I will take you through a
journey of resilience and self-discovery that took me from Verona in Italy to Oxford, England.
Growing up in the working-class quarters of Verona, I always felt a deep sense of disconnection,
you know, surrounded by the modest homes, and the down towards spirit of my neighborhood.
School became a battleground for me, not the sanctuary of learning it was supposed to be.
With each disappointing report from my teachers relayed by my mother with tears in her eyes,
my sense of failure deepened. I faced a crucial decision as a young student, to leave school for
the workforce or to pursue education in a private setting. This wasn't just about choosing a
school, it was about finding where I belonged and carving out my own identity. The early stages
of my life were marred by academic challenges that seemed insurmountable. In the classrooms
of my hometown of Verona, I struggled to find my footing. My school performance was far from
ideal, a fact painfully highlighted during meetings where my mother would return home in tears
distraught over my poor grades. The stigma of failure was a heavy burden, leading to being
held back twice. This academic turbulence reached a climax when my parents stood at
crossroads—the stark choice between sending me into the workforce or investing in a private
education. This decision was more than about education. It was a turning point that would
shape the trajectory of my life. Then came the call to adventure, a pivotal moment that would
redefine my path. My parents, they were determined to give me another chance, enrolled me in
a private school, a place often labeled as a haven for those who had faltered in the traditional
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system. This new environment marked the beginning of a transformation, my academic
performance began to improve, yet, it brought with it a new set of challenges. I was now
confronted with dismissive remarks, "You only do well because you're in a paid school." This
period was a test of my resilience as I started to dream of a future beyond the expected
perhaps as an engineer, not just a tradesman, it was a time when dreams began to take the
shape of possibilities. Assistance came in unexpected forms. My family, recognizing the latent
potential within me, rallied to support. My professional ascent began at 25 marked by a mix of
astonishment and skepticism from peers in Verona. Despite graduating from a British university
and overcoming significant hurdles, my self-confidence remained fragile. The need to prove
myself in the engineering field drove me to overwork. This relentless pursuit of validation
stemming from a deep-seated impostor syndrome, eventually led to severe burnout. Four years
into my career, I was left exhausted, a consequence of my inability to accept that I had earned
my place through merit, not just circumstance. This crisis was a wake-up call signaling the need
for a drastic change in my approach to work in life. The realization that I needed to change
came forcefully following my professional burnout, I decided not to switch careers but to
fundamentally alter my approach to work. I consciously chose to pursue a healthy work-life
balance, reducing my work hours and refusing to let my job be my sole source of pride and
fulfillment. This period saw me timely embracing new hobbies like kite surfing and
snowboarding, which offered me a sense of achievement and joy outside my professional life.
This shift was not just about finding hobbies. It was about reshaping my identity and redefining
what success meant to me. The climax of my journey unfolded in the hallowed halls of Rockford
University. Sitting in the Sheldonian Theatre awaiting my master's degree in a ceremony
steeped in tradition, I experienced a profound resurrection of self. It was in this moment
steeped in history and academic excellence, that I finally shed the weight of impostor
syndrome that had burdened me for over three decades. This achievement was not just a
testament to my academic diligence, it symbolized the newfound acceptance of my capabilities
and worth. The realization dawned upon me. I was not an imposter but a deserving individual
who had surmounted incredible odds. Reflecting on my journey from the struggles in Verona to
a master's degree from Oxford and a successful career, I realized the immense personal growth
I've undergone. Despite the lingering feelings of inadequacy, the journey itself with these highs
and lows has been my greatest teacher. It taught me resilience, the importance of self-belief
and the value of a balanced life. My story, a tapestry of trials and triumphs, serves as a
testament to others battling their inner demons. It's a reminder that the journey, no matter
how arduous can lead to unexpected and fulfilling destinations.
Riccardo Cosentino 06:11
Thank you for listening to this episode on Navigating Major Programmes. Before we wrap up, I
wanted to let you know that what you just heard was not my actual voice. I used an AI
technology to grow my voice and read the script for this podcast. This technology allows me to
deliver content with my voice, even when I'm not physically recording it. It's a fascinating
example of how AI is advancing and changing the way we create and share information. As we
look to the future, AI is set to revolutionize many aspects of our lives including major projects
and infrastructure. From improving project management and inefficiencies to predicting
outcomes and mitigating risk, AI holds the potential to transform how we approach and execute
large-scale initiatives. On this podcast, we will continue to explore these advancements and
discuss their implications, ensuring that we stay at the forefront of this exciting technological
evolution. Thank you for joining me on this journey.
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Riccardo Cosentino 07:13
That's it for this episode of Navigating Major Programmes. I hope you found today's
conversation as informative or 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 Riccardo Cosentino. Listening to the
next episode, we will continue to explore the latest trends and challenges in major programme
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
Programmes and I look forward to keeping the conversation going.