Could you lead a megaproject? Hear from the masters

21st Century Construction

In the latest episode of the 21CC podcast, three leaders of successful megaprojects delve into the nitty gritty of what it takes to lead them.

On the panel are:

• Jake Mumm, head of Bechtel’s global Public Infrastructure division, whose projects include the Keeyask hydropower project in northern Canada, and the new metro system for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia;

• Davendra Dabasia, CEO of Mace Consult, whose portfolio includes the 2012 London Olympics, the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, and Toronto’s ongoing, multi-billion-dollar subway extension;

• Ambrose McGuire, Aecom’s Europe Programme Management Lead, who helped deliver many billions worth of infrastructure in Qatar ahead of the 2022 World Cup, and who has been programme director of the joint venture delivering the twin-tunnel Lower Thames Crossing in London, UK.

In this frank and pacey discussion full of examples from their own experience, the panellists explore:

1. What behaviour they’d nominate as the most helpful in getting megaprojects over the line;
2. What a winning culture in the leadership team looks like, and how to foster it;
3. How to cascade that culture all down through the megaproject’s total organisation;
4. How to manage stress in the full glare of public and political attention.

Megaprojects have a reputation for overruns and delays but, as the panel finds, success is achievable with the correct mindset, preparation, and diligent practice.

With megaprojects increasing in number and scale around the world, this discussion will help anyone who aspires to take part in what Jacob Mumm believes are among “the last great human endeavours”.