Navigating Complexities in Beijing: A Dive into Program Management and Forensic Project Recovery

Reflecting on my time in Beijing, I stepped into a pivotal role leading the turnaround of a major core banking transformation project. It was my first dive into program management—a significant step up from my previous roles—and it came during the onset of the global financial crisis. To add to the mix, this was a true Greenfield project: launching a bank in a new market from scratch. And just to keep things interesting, I was called in when the project was already sideways—the victim was on the ground, and the chalk line was practically drawn. It was, as I like to call it, “forensic project management” at its finest: making sense of the chaos and getting things back on track.

The Challenge: Reviving a Project Already in Crisis

Taking on this role, I quickly realized that the project had lost its footing. The scope was unclear, risks were unaddressed, and teams were working in silos. My job was to piece together what had gone wrong, redefine the scope, and set a clear, actionable plan to steer the project in the right direction. This wasn’t just about correcting course; it was about navigating a Greenfield launch during one of the most turbulent times in global finance, all while bringing a fresh approach to a project that needed urgent resuscitation.

Our Approach: Forensic Recovery and Strategic Reset

1. Defining a Clear Scope and Roadmap:
2. Building the Right Teams:
3. Hands-On Leadership and Coaching:

Key Wins:

• Re-established Project Direction and Focus:By refining the scope and setting clear, achievable targets, we re-established the project’s direction and brought all stakeholders into alignment, providing much-needed clarity in uncertain times.
• Enhanced Team Collaboration and Ownership:Empowering the right teams was crucial. By fostering a sense of ownership and collaboration, the teams didn’t just execute tasks—they actively contributed to the project’s success, showing resilience and adaptability despite the broader challenges.
• Successful Bank Launch Amid Complexity:Despite the complexities of a Greenfield launch and the turbulent financial backdrop, we delivered the project successfully, meeting the adjusted timelines and expectations. It was a testament to clear communication, strategic planning, and the dedication of everyone involved.

Lessons from Beijing:

Stepping into program management for the first time during the early days of the global financial crisis, and leading a Greenfield bank launch, was a defining experience. It reinforced the importance of adaptability, clear communication, and aligning people with a shared purpose. Navigating this complex project in Beijing taught me that true leadership isn’t just about managing tasks—it’s about guiding people through uncertainty, building trust, and driving towards a common goal, even when the project feels like a crime scene investigation.

Beyond the technical aspects, my time in Beijing was also a journey of cultural immersion and connection. I had the opportunity to work with a talented, diverse team, learning from each person and gaining insights that went far beyond the project’s scope. It was a time of professional growth and personal enrichment, and those experiences have stayed with me, shaping how I approach challenges in every role since.

Beijing wasn’t just a milestone in my career; it was where I learned that transformation, at its core, is about people—understanding them, supporting them, and leading them through change, especially when the world around us is uncertain. It’s a lesson that started with that first program management role, seeing a bank built from the ground up, and continues to guide me today.

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