What if the qualities you once thought were holding you back were actually your greatest leadership strengths?

In this episode of Wear Your Cape to Work, we sit down with Jorge Alzate, a former analytical chemist turned Digital Program Manager, who discovered that introversion is not a limitation. It is a leadership superpower.

From leading complex data separation during a major corporate divestiture to founding ForwardQuest Coaching, Jorge shares how self-awareness, thoughtful communication, and relationship-building transformed his career. If you have ever wondered how to thrive in an extroverted world without changing who you are, this conversation is for you.

Episode Breakdown
00:00–03:50 | From Analytical Chemist to Project Leader
03:50–05:00 | The Introvert’s Eye
05:00–06:00 | Going Beyond the PMP
06:00–07:30 | Finding the Dream Role
07:30–09:40 | From Individual Contributor to Leader
09:40–10:20 | Self-Analysis as a Leadership Tool
10:20–14:00 | The Tropicana Divestiture Challenge
14:53–16:00 | Agile Under Constraint
16:00–18:34 | Recruiting Volunteers
18:34–22:00 | The Introvert Super Skill
22:00–23:00 | Leading From Your Strengths
26:00 | The Thoughtful Speaker Superpower
27:00–29:00 | Coaching & What He Loves Most
29:00–34:00 | ForwardQuest Coaching
34:00 | Eliminating Limiting Beliefs

Connect with Jorge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorgealzate/
Connect with ForwardQuest Coaching: https://forwardquestcoaching.com/
Jorge's Successful Introvert Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/forward-quest-powering-introverts-success/id1857112685

Project Insight Website

Watch Video Podcast

Subscribe to Wear Your Cape to Work Podcast on:
YouTube
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
RSS

This episode is about the leadership superpowers required to run the biggest projects in the world. We’re joined by Tim McManus, a global expert in mega- and giga-project delivery who has led massive construction and infrastructure programs across continents. With experience across energy, transportation, and sports, Tim shares what changes at mega scale and why it demands a different kind of leader. Hear the stories and ask yourself if you have what it takes.

1. 00:00–03:41 | Introduction & Background
Tim’s path into mega- and giga-projects and his global career.

2. 03:41–05:00 | Early Leadership Lessons
The shift from managing projects to leading people.

3. 05:34–07:00 | Learning From Mentors
Why great leaders learn from those around them.

4. 07:12–07:39 | What Are Mega & Gigaprojects?
A clear definition across asset classes.

5. 07:52–08:22 | Global Scale & Impact
Why these projects exceed expectations worldwide.

6. 09:30 | A Light Moment
A humorous take on “mega projects.”

7. 09:50–11:00 | Beyond the Budget
Complexity, risk, and long-term impact.

8. 11:58–13:18 | Crossrail Case Study
Workforce challenges and strategic vision.

9. 13:23–14:50 | Strategic Project Approach
Why planning sets the foundation.

10. 14:57–18:15 | Defining Success
Legacy, people, and professional growth.

11. 18:15–19:22 | Industry Outlook
Why now is a compelling time in construction.

12. 19:58–22:23 | Favorite Megaproject
What made it stand out.

13. 23:36–24:30 | Common Challenges
Where mega- and giga-projects struggle.

14. 24:33–25:12 | The Planning Gap
Why planning is rushed at great risk.

15. 25:45–26:45 | Lessons Learned
The value of experience and insight.

16. 26:46–30:26 | Olympic-Scale Lessons
Leadership insights at extreme scale.

17. 30:49–31:00 | Legacy Benefits
Delivering lasting value.

18. 31:17–34:00 | Leadership Mindsets
Why many large projects lack leadership.

19. 35:00–35:40 | Choosing the Right Leader
How leaders are selected.

20. 35:40–37:00 | Leadership Traits
Communication, credibility, vision, and risk.

21. 37:23–End | Developing Your Skills
Continuing growth through learning and education.

Additional Resources

PMI Managing Mega-projects: https://bit.ly/4reLYdX

PMI Managing Giga-projects: https://bit.ly/4a9IFPr

The Art of Project Leadership (McKinsey): https://bit.ly/3ZiTw3z

Managing Big Projects – Tim McManus: https://bit.ly/3LSzv0k

Columbia Global Leaders in Construction Management: https://www.glcm.info/

Bent Flyvbjerg, How Big Things Get Done: https://www.linkedin.com/in/flyvbjerg/

Project Insight Website

Watch Video Podcast

Subscribe to Wear Your Cape to Work Podcast on:
YouTube
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
RSS

In this special wrap-up episode, Trina and Mathew look back on the standout moments and superpowers from Season 2 of Wear Your Cape to Work.

Together they revisit the insights, stories, and lessons that made this season unforgettable and share what they learned from each inspiring guest.

• Precision under constraint.
  The season opened with Jeff Conner, program manager from NASA, who described project management before online tools existed. Paper files, couriers, and in-person signoffs still led to flawless execution. His story showed how precision and accountability were the original super tools.
• Courage in leadership
  David Doty’s episode, It Takes Courage, stood out for his transparency and strength. Building a district from scratch under scrutiny, he modeled brave leadership and reminded us to celebrate real wins.
• Admirable endeavors: global aid when everything changes
  Lucas King explained how policy shifts or crises can reshape USAID projects overnight, proving adaptability across governments and cultures.
• Empowering people’s strengths
  Project Insight customer Linda Goodrich of CureIS showed how aligning people’s passions with their work improves results through forecasting and a balanced pace.
• Finding calm thru clarity
  Lisa Haymes of Rimkus showed how organization creates calm and confidence.
• Curiosity as a catalyst
  Renee Clayton of Byte Strategies urged PMs to stay curious, experiment, and use AI thoughtfully to stay adaptable.
• Grit with generosity
  Charlene Reynolds, Director at John Wayne Airport, advanced by taking tough projects and shared guidance on leadership, motivation, and mentoring.
• Reliability that builds trust
  Fisayo Folarin rebuilt her project management career after moving from Nigeria to Canada, showing how reliability and honesty build trust.
• Comfortable in conflict
  Agatha Agbanobi’s passion for HR and DEIB work showed how empathy and courage turn conflict into progress and reminded us to see what teams carry beyond work.
• Decisive steadiness
  Sanjiv Bhagat from Amazon explained how a bias for action drives innovation, pairing decisiveness with humility in global logistics.
• Innovation with integrity
  Steve West reflected on the shift from faxed spreadsheets to real-time dashboards and the vision for one connected command center giving leaders a complete picture of work.

Project Insight Website

Watch Video Podcast

Subscribe to Wear Your Cape to Work Podcast on:
YouTube
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
RSS