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Project Everest with Alan Mallory

Posted on Jan. 12, 2016  /  Subscribe 0

Project Everest with Alan Mallory - using project management principles to take us on a journey to the top of the world.

Our members had a chance to attend the December PMI SWOC event – Project Everest at the Yuk Yuk’s Buffet Room, located at the Western Fair District.

Members who had the opportunity to attend the morning event were looking forward to firstly, the presentation, asking the question “what does Mount Everest have to do with Project Management?” Secondly, having a chance to network with fellow members is always refreshing, and finally there was the breakfast - it was fantastic and elegantly presented.  

This event was sponsored by our Gold Sponsors London Life and General Dynamics, and Green Sponsor, ZTR Controls; we are highly indebted to them.

Our Keynote speaker – Alan Mallory is a marvelous and engaging speaker. He facilitated a terrific case discussion after taking the audience through the heart-rending project that was climbing Mount Everest as a family of five. Alan’s presentation was a stunning visual and emotional journey that brought the audience along on the amazing venture. They are supported by many of the vivid photos and short video clips captured along the grueling quest to the top. The Mallory family’s story is as exciting as it is terrifying as they fought their way through the many perils that the world’s highest peak had in store for them.

Alan Mallory on his way to the top of Mount Everest

The climax of the rich presentation was the case discussion as it relates to Project Management,  our members had great interaction and engagement with Alan.

The case study brought his story to life and allowed us to go away energized and willing to take on tomorrow’s challenges and risks. At the core of their planning was detailed Planning as well that they had to undertake in order to manage the risk-fraught adventure.

As a whole, all the Process groups featured prominently and generated a lot of interest and questions. Clearly Planning, Risk Management, Time Management and Stakeholder Management rated very highly in the discussion of this amazing venture.

A Project fraught with Risks

Alan came along with copies of his highly acclaimed book, The Family that Conquered Everest…and the Secrets to their Success. It is a richly illustrated book with photos from the expedition and other outdoor exploits, the book is a fast-paced and engaging adventure story that also highlights the lifestyle and family values that prepared the Mallory family for success. It explains the thinking and planning that went into making their attempt possible, the logistical nightmares that they had to circumvent and the strategies that they developed to continue moving forward in spite of the seemingly impassable obstacles and ever-changing environments they were faced with.

A Performing team

Here are our project management takeaways from this event:

• Improve Communication and Overcoming Communication Barriers

• Develop a Stronger Level of Trust in Professional Relationships

• Effective Methods of Dealing with Conflict and Adversity

• Craft Clear Objectives / Scope

• Strategic Planning to Reduce the Number of Surprises

• Establish a Schedule and the Consequences of Schedule Deviations

• Risk Management and Mitigating Risks

• Initiate, Manage and Embrace Change in Innovative and Productive Ways

• Improve Team Dynamics and Collaboration

Blog written by Lameck Osinde, PMP -  PMI SWOC Communications Manager

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