Christopher Global

Expert Insights on Project Delivery: A Candid Conversation with Christopher Gentry

Here are five key questions about the current state of project delivery, explored in an interview with Christopher Gentry, Founder and Principal Consultant of Christopher Global, who shared his expert insights on the topic:

Q1. How do you address the challenge of scope creep in your projects?

I see scope creep not as a negative, but as a form of change—and change is inevitable. The key question is: What impact does this change have, and does it trigger a chain reaction within the project? Customer expectations, business requirements, and product specifications evolve constantly. Scope creep can simplify or complicate a project, but the priority is always to document the change and follow the change management process.

Q2. What strategies do you employ to ensure effective communication among diverse stakeholders?

Be thorough and proactive—never make assumptions. If you haven't spoken directly with a stakeholder, you cannot be certain of their knowledge or expectations, and that oversight falls on you. While not every stakeholder needs to attend every meeting, they must be engaged at least once a week. The more stakeholders involved, the more frequent your touchpoints should be—unless you can consolidate them into a single weekly meeting. Email alone is insufficient; ensure you have at least one face-to-face or direct conversation with them each week.

Q3. How do you manage resource constraints, especially in terms of budget and personnel?

Prioritization is your most effective tool for managing constraints in scope, schedule, budget, or resources. When challenges arise, start by prioritizing. This allows you to clearly communicate to stakeholders what will be delivered, when, and why—ensuring that high-impact projects move forward while others are deferred to the next release cycle. Prioritization ensures alignment with business objectives and optimizes the timing of value delivery. Only after refining the roadmap should resource discussions take place. Addressing resource constraints before prioritization leads to inefficiencies and bottlenecks. Focus on prioritization first to drive team effectiveness.

Q4. What measures do you take to mitigate risks and handle unexpected challenges during project execution?

Open communication is the most effective risk mitigation strategy. While a Type A personality can drive project success through command and control, an assertive approach can be just as impactful. Type A individuals tend to seek full visibility into project activities while also managing each task closely, which can come across as indirect micromanagement. In contrast, an assertive leader fosters trust and collaboration, leveraging relationships to engage and motivate team members. Ultimately, the most effective approach is the one that encourages open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and cooperation. Project leaders who are approachable and trusted by their teams are more likely to gain critical insights, proactively address risks, and navigate challenges effectively.

Q5. How do you integrate technological advancements, such as AI and automation, into your project management processes?

AI is a powerful tool, but the hype around it often overshadows real results. While AI can significantly enhance projects when used correctly, project management remains a people-centric profession. No matter how advanced technology becomes, human involvement is essential—someone must assess what worked and what didn’t. Success comes from getting things done.

That said, AI is invaluable for organization and communication. Written communication has never been clearer or more polished. However, after 20 years in project management, I’ve developed an instinct for identifying when something is off and taking action—an ability that AI simply can’t replicate. I primarily use AI for structuring information and refining communication, so I may not be the best source for broader AI insights.