“I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.” – Kobe Bryant Kobe Bryant missed 14,481 shots in his career—more than any other player in NBA history. Yet he ended his 20‑year run with five championship rings, two Finals MVP trophies, 18 All‑Star selections, and a legacy that […]
Author: Cemre Akkartal

How to Turn $5,250 of Tax‑Free Educational Assistance into a High‑Performance Project Team
Leverage IRS §127 to upskill your workforce with CAPM, PMP, PMI‑ACP, Microsoft Project, and Leadership training—while the tax code picks up part of the tab. Introduction: The Secret in the Tax Code Most Leaders Miss Imagine upgrading your team’s capability, boosting retention, and shaving costly delays off key initiatives—without adding even a penny to anyone’s […]

From Contributor to Change Leader: A Self‑Assessment Framework for Project Manager Maturity
Why a Maturity Framework Matters Projects are the vehicles that carry strategy across the finish line. Yet not all project managers (PMs) are created equal—and that’s perfectly normal. Experience grows in stages; skipping a stage risks stalled careers and troubled projects. The following framework demystifies the journey from entry‑level coordinator to enterprise change leader, giving […]

From Pit Lane to Project Milestone: What System Project Leaders Can Learn from Formula 1 Drivers
“At 200 mph the track is a blur—clarity has to come from within.” – Anonymous F1 engineer Formula 1 isn’t just the pinnacle of motorsport; it’s a travelling laboratory where physics, strategy, human endurance, and razor‑thin margins collide. A single Grand Prix weekend compresses the complexity of a multi‑year system project into three breathless days. Yet […]

Facing Cuts to Your Portfolio, Program, or Project? Steal This Playbook to Defend and Thrive
Economic ups and downs are inevitable. Whether you’re running a portfolio, program, or project, the pressure to reduce costs and streamline initiatives can be fierce in times of financial strain. Yet, history shows that an economic downturn can be a springboard to innovation and a catalyst for strategic realignment. If you’re experiencing budget cuts or […]