Operations vs. Innovation? Is Your PMO Ready for the Age of Value?
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If you’ve been hanging around the project world lately (or listening to Al and me on Fridays), you’ve probably heard it whispered - or shouted - from boardrooms, webinars, and probably even your favourite AI chatbot: we’ve entered the "Age of Value".
What does that mean? Al Zeitoun and I tackled the topic in this episode of Project Management Mythbusters...
Let’s start by clearing up one thing - it’s not just about slapping “value” on a slide deck and calling it strategy. We’re talking about a real shift. A shift from “just keep the lights on” to “let’s change the business while running it.” And yes, that’s as tricky as it sounds. But also, deeply necessary.
Change is no longer optional. It’s constant, chaotic, and often comes with a side of policy-by-Tweet. If you’re still trying to silo operations over here and innovation over there, well… you’re about to be outpaced by a team of 7-year-olds with a project plan.
No really - 7-year-olds. Our brilliant friend Anara Asylbekova just published a book teaching project management to children. And before you chuckle, just know they’re already asking sharper “why” questions than most boardrooms we’ve sat in. They’re growing up in an era where change is normal. Strategic agility is in their DNA. And frankly, they might be your future boss.
What’s driving this shift? A few things:
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Digitalization is eating the repetitive work for breakfast.
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Generative AI is rewriting how we plan, prioritize, and respond to change.
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The next generation of talent expects purpose, not paperwork.
We’re no longer bound to slide rules and paper Gantt charts (though shout-out to my dad and his critical path diagrams in the 1960s Polaris submarine program). Today, tools like TransparentChoice let you simulate thousands of portfolio scenarios in seconds. Want to understand the impact of adding Project X to your roadmap? Push a button. Want to balance delivery with resource capacity? Push another.
But here’s the thing: tech alone won’t do it. If you don’t match that tech with a mindset shift - a shift toward change-as-normal, toward learning cultures, toward outcome obsession - then you’ll just be automating old thinking.
So what do we do?
- First, recognize that change and operations aren’t enemies. They’re teammates. Your strategy should be baked into your portfolio, not stuck in a PDF.
- Second, empower your teams to focus on the “why.” It’s not just about delivering projects - it’s about delivering impact. Read Al Zeitoun's book to learn how changing culture can drive transformation in project and portfolio management.
- And third (because I know some of you love a good guide), check out our Ultimate Guide to Strategic Portfolio Management and Ultimate Guide to Project Prioritization. They’re chock full of tips to help navigate change and evolve the role of your PMO.