In Episode 11 of the Uffective Boost Podcast, we dive into one of the most pressing questions in enterprise leadership today: How can project portfolio management (PPM) be implemented successfully – and in a way that truly delivers results?
Our guest, Prof. Dr. Wolfram Pietsch, brings over 30 years of experience in research and practice, spanning project management, software development, and AI. From the early days of artificial intelligence in Germany to agile transformation in large enterprises – he has seen it all.
Evolution, Not Revolution – Making Projects Truly Manageable
According to Pietsch, effective portfolio management is not just “project management at scale.” It requires a clear distinction between operational delivery and strategic oversight. Real prioritisation means being able to say “no” – even to projects already underway. But that takes more than tools: It takes a shift in mindset.
Agile vs. Waterfall? Use Both – Wisely
Another highlight of the episode is the nuanced view on linear vs. iterative development. Pietsch doesn’t see them as mutually exclusive. On the contrary – successful companies combine strong architectural thinking with agile cycles, enabling them to navigate uncertainty with flexibility.
His advice: “Agility isn’t a silver bullet – but it’s not a trend either. It’s part of an evolutionary path.”
Portfolio = Leadership. The Real Kind.
Whether at Vodafone or other major companies, Pietsch emphasises the importance of genuine leadership across all levels – from project teams to executive management. Portfolio management only works when responsibility is clearly distributed and decisions are backed by action.
He advocates for transparency, KPIs with real meaning, and iterative rollouts rather than rigid top-down control.
And What About AI?
Of course, no conversation is complete without addressing artificial intelligence. Pietsch, who worked on expert systems back in the 1980s, offers a grounded perspective: AI should support decisions, not make them.
At the end of the day, the quality of outcomes still depends on human judgment.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to move beyond PPM theory and build real, sustainable structures.
🎧 Tune in now to learn what it truly takes to implement portfolio management that works – with accountability, courage, and the right dose of agility.
