Beyond the CapEx

In this episode of Beyond the Capex, Cristian and Luis dive deep into one of the most underrated — yet absolutely essential — tools in industrial projects: the project charter. If you’ve ever joined a project and thought, “Wait… what exactly are we trying to do here?”, this episode is for you.

The project charter is the map that gives teams direction, clarity, and alignment — but it’s also the document most teams skip, rush, or neve...

Projects are complex, risky, and expensive; “Having good people” is not a strategy.

In this episode of Beyond the CapEx, Cristian and Luis unpack what a Project Management Office (PMO) really is for an owner: not an extra layer of bureaucracy, but the operating system that protects value from the first feasibility study through commissioning.

They break down why owners always own the risk (no matter what the contract says), how a PM...

In this episode of 'Beyond the CapEx', the hosts delve into the challenges of scope creep in projects and the importance of structured change management. They discuss the destructive impact of unmanaged scope on project financials and emphasize the need for a disciplined process to lead structured change. The episode provides a checklist for managing scope, including defining scope, setting guardrails, and establishing a ch...

In this episode, the hosts discuss the importance of right-sizing the front-end loading (FEL) process for projects of varying sizes. They emphasize that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work in project management, particularly when comparing small and large projects. The conversation covers the nuances of engineering requirements, cost implications, and the critical need for a disciplined process to ensure project success. The...

In this episode of Beyond the CapEx Podcast, hosts discuss the concept of scope creep in project management, exploring its implications, cultural aspects, and the importance of communication. They emphasize the need for strong governance and discipline to manage scope effectively, while also addressing the human element involved in making changes during a project. The conversation highlights the consequences of poor scope managemen...

In this conversation, Cristian Gonzalez and Luis Gomez discuss the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in project management, particularly focusing on Front-End Loading (FEL). They explore how AI can serve as a partner in project execution, emphasizing its role in enhancing efficiency and decision-making while maintaining the importance of human accountability. The discussion includes practical applications of AI in definin...

In this episode of Beyond the CapEx, Cristian Gonzalez and Luis Gomez explore the complex dynamics between owners and contractors in industrial project management. They discuss the differing perspectives and risk profiles of both parties, emphasizing the importance of understanding these differences to foster collaboration and achieve successful project outcomes. The conversation delves into contracting strategies, the implications...

In this conversation, Luis and Cristian explore the critical distinction between communication and connection, emphasizing the importance of building trust and relationships in project management. They discuss the role of active listening, the challenges of remote communication, and strategies for fostering buy-in during change initiatives. The dialogue highlights the necessity of understanding the 'why' behind actions to c...

In this inaugural episode of Beyond the Capex, Cristian Gonzalez and Luis Gomez discuss the critical importance of front-end loading (FEL) in capital projects. They highlight the alarming statistic that over 65% of large capital projects fail to meet their original objectives, emphasizing the need for robust planning and execution methodologies. The conversation delves into the FEL stage gate process, detailing the significance of ...