Projects rarely fail because of execution alone, they fail because of early decisions.

In this session, experienced practitioners explore how choices made at the very beginning of a project can quietly shape outcomes for better or worse. From missed assumptions and unclear problem definitions to rushed trade-offs around scope, timelines, and stakeholders, these early moments often determine whether a project succeeds or struggles.

We’ll discuss:

•⁠ ⁠Early decisions that saved projects, and those that quietly killed them
•⁠ ⁠How assumptions, shortcuts, and vague problem framing create long-term pain
•⁠ ⁠The downstream impact of early trade-offs on scope, timelines, and stakeholders
•⁠ ⁠What project managers, business analysts, and leaders wish they had challenged sooner

A practical, reflective conversation for professionals involved in shaping, defining, and delivering projects, before momentum makes change difficult.

 

Speakers are:

Dean Zarrillo - Senior Consultant, CGI

Vincent Turski - President, IIBA Winnipeg

Sheilah Lee Restall - Senior Business Consultant, CGI

Abilash Janakiraman - Director of Professional Development, PMI Manitoba (Moderator)