Today we are in conversation with Clint Padgett, CEO / President at Project Success, Inc. From managing Olympic-scale projects for Coca-Cola to coaching project managers around the world, Clint dives deep into what makes planning work — and why most teams don’t worry soon enough. We cover why bad bids ruin trust, how to lead without authority, and the mindset shift young PMs need most.
Chapters:
From the Navy to Global Projects (00:00)
Our guest shares how his time as a Navy electrician led to a career managing Olympic activations — starting with a leap of faith during the 1996 Games.
How You Plan a World Cup (04:04)
Planning a FIFA event is surprisingly similar to planning a giant party. It’s all about logistics, timing, and making sure the Coke is cold.
Rookie Mistakes in Project Management (08:10)
New PMs often rush to execution without planning. But skipping those first few days of structure creates weeks of rework.
Leading Without Power (10:43)
When you don’t have authority, you lead through planning and trust. Without buy-in, you’re just another task competing for attention.
Planning Across Projects (14:08)
When team members are split across five jobs, smart scheduling avoids overload. It all comes down to float, flexibility, and clarity.
What People Get Wrong About Planning (17:02)
Overly optimistic timelines and ignoring outsourced work are two of the biggest killers in project schedules. Time elapsed is what matters.
Ask Dumb Questions, Early (20:10)
Even “stupid” questions can catch unrealistic expectations. Collaborative planning gives teams space to challenge assumptions safely.
People Over Process (24:13)
Project success depends on human connection — not just task dependencies. Why real conversations still matter more than Slack threads.
Plans Must Adapt (34:07)
When the situation changes, great teams pivot. Don’t let emotional attachment to a project cost another 6 months of effort.
Sales Promises vs. Reality (40:01)
When bids are made without planners, projects start on the wrong foot. Being the honest vendor might cost more — but builds lasting trust.
Reliability Wins Over Price (46:11)
The 2% more expensive team that delivers on time is always worth it. Clients don’t just want cheap — they want confidence.
The Worry Curve (48:58)
His favorite concept: teams usually worry too late. Good planning moves the worry to the start — where it can still change outcomes.
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