Bridging Theory and Reality: A Conversation with Dr. Tony Prensa on Project Management

#CoffeeandProjectManagement

When I sat down with Dr. Tony Prensa, I wasn’t just speaking to a 35-year veteran of project management and digital transformation—I was diving into a treasure trove of insights from someone who has led projects across IT, banking, telecommunications, and global markets. His career spans every role from software developer to CIO, and he has built, transformed, and scaled PMOs that drive real business value.

But what struck me the most? Dr. Tony doesn’t just talk about project management—he lives it. Every response felt like a real-world lesson, packed with experience, adaptability, and wisdom. Here’s what I learned from our conversation.

Dr.Tony Prensa

The Truth About Project Management Frameworks

Many of us study PMBOK, Agile, and other methodologies in-depth, but how much of it actually translates into real-world success? “Frameworks guide you, but they don’t run the project—you do,” Dr. Tony explained. Companies don’t hire PMs to follow books; they hire them to deliver results.

Strict adherence to theory can make you inefficient. Instead, great PMs are like water—adaptable, flexible, and always looking for the best way to get the job done. The key isn’t choosing the perfect methodology but knowing when to apply, modify, or discard it for efficiency.

Crisis Management: The Power of Staying Calm

Every PM faces the unexpected—a network outage on launch day, shifting stakeholder demands, or a critical software failure. So, how do you handle major risks?

Dr. Tony’s advice? Breathe. Stay calm. Lead.

“As a PM, your energy sets the tone for the entire team. If you panic, they panic. But if you stay composed, you can solve the problem,” he said. Experience teaches you where to look first, but the biggest skill is controlling your emotions, thinking rationally, and guiding your team through uncertainty.

Change Is the Only Constant—Embrace It

We often talk about project plans as if they’re set in stone, but in reality, projects evolve as business needs change. The best PMs are not just project executors—they’re business leaders who align shifting priorities with business goals.

“Every project is a business,” Dr. Tony emphasized. “You are its CEO. It’s your job to ensure it delivers value, no matter how many times the direction shifts.” A project isn’t just about deadlines—it’s about solving real problems and creating impact.

Influencing Without Authority: Leadership Beyond Titles

Most PMs don’t have direct authority over their teams, yet they’re expected to motivate, align, and drive results. So, how do you get buy-in?

Dr. Tony’s top three leadership principles:

✔ Care about your team. People follow leaders who genuinely value them.

✔ Listen and empathize. Strong PMs don’t just talk—they actively hear their teams.

✔ Trust and empower. Give people ownership, and they’ll go the extra mile.

“If your team knows you care, they will follow you. But if they think you’re just managing them, they won’t.”

The Future of PM: AI, Emotional Intelligence & Strategic Thinking

AI is changing every industry, and project management is no exception. Dr. Tony sees AI as an enabler, not a threat. "AI can automate processes, but it can’t replace human leadership, critical thinking, or emotional intelligence."

The future PM must embrace AI for automation but double down on leadership, decision-making, and stakeholder management. The best PMs will be those who blend technology with human insight.

Lessons in Adaptability & Growth

Perhaps the most valuable takeaway from my conversation with Dr. Tony was his mindset toward growth.

Be open to learning: “Every challenge is a lesson. Ask yourself: What is the universe trying to teach me?”

Expand your network: “Getting a job is a science—connections matter. Build relationships, not just resumes.”

Stay flexible: “Success isn’t about following a straight path—it’s about adapting and finding new ways forward.”

Final Thoughts: A Conversation That Changed My Perspective

Talking to Dr. Tony wasn’t just a Q&A session—it was a wake-up call. It reminded me that project management is less about tools and more about people, leadership, and adaptability.

So, if you’re an aspiring PM like me, here’s the key takeaway: Master the frameworks, but don’t be limited by them. Stay flexible, lead with empathy, and never stop learning.

Because at the end of the day, great project managers don’t just manage projects—they drive change. 

What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in project management? Drop a comment below!