Episode 10

CPOP: The Four Pillars of Successful Project Management

Published on: 2nd July, 2024

In this episode of the Real World Entrepreneurship Podcast, hosts Bhairav Patel and Alan Clarke dive deep into the reasons why projects often fail and share valuable insights on how to avoid common pitfalls. Drawing from their extensive experience in the business and technology worlds, they highlight the importance of the "CPOP" principles - Communication, People, Oversight, and Planning - in ensuring project success.

Key topics covered in this episode include:

1. The critical role of thorough planning and requirements gathering at the outset of a project

2. The importance of maintaining open, honest communication between all stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle

3. The impact of having the right people involved who are invested in the project's success and empowered to make decisions

4. The need for regular oversight to track progress against milestones and course-correct as necessary

5. How the "CPOP" principles should be applied at every stage of a project, not just at the beginning

Bhairav and Alan share real-world examples and anecdotes to illustrate these points, making the lessons both relatable and actionable for entrepreneurs and project managers alike. They also touch on the dangers of letting ego-driven agendas derail projects and emphasize the importance of staying focused on the ultimate goal.

Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting out, this episode offers valuable wisdom on navigating the challenges of bringing a project to fruition. Tune in for some hard-won insights and practical tips on keeping your next project on track and avoiding the common reasons why projects fail.

Follow the Real World Entrepreneurship Podcast for more no-nonsense advice and real talk on building and growing a successful business.

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About the Podcast

Real World Entrepreneurship
Talking the truth to entrepreneurs
In this podcast Alan and Bhairav talk about the real world issues that are faced by entrepreneurs and small business owners

We have both run successful businesses, raised money, grown them globally and now we're giving practical advice to the next generation of entrepreneurs. We don't do platitudes.

We also talk to entrepreneurs from across the world and get them to share their stories and challenges

About your hosts

Alan Clarke

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Strategy and Marketing specialist who helps businesses unblock the blockages that are preventing them reaching their full potential.

I love helping businesses develop strategies and action plans that get them working better and achieving their ambitions.

I excel at tackling thorny problems and difficult tasks, making things happen and achieving business goals.

I have an ability to break through the clutter, identify the nub of the problem and get the business moving forward.

Those working with me feel energised and empowered.

People like my honest, direct approach and my focus on securing meaningful results.

Bhairav Patel

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I've worked in IT for over 20 years starting life as a consultant at PwC and IBM and then moving across the table to becoming the CTO for Norway's largest privately owned e-commerce business.

After growing a number of brands and expanding the business across Europe, I joined a FinTech startup that raised $12M in 2012 and was added to the Forbes FinTech 50 list in 2016.

Following a short spell at an e-commerce business in Bangkok, I started Atom Ventures where we invest in and help small businesses and startups grow their business by providing high quality technology advice and development