In short
A leadership “masterclass” arguing that transformation starts by doing less—launching fewer projects and being comfortable stopping/closing them.
Guest backgrounds
No guests are identified in the transcript; it appears to be a solo host/leader commentary.
Key claims
Many senior leaders brag about launching a project every two weeks, but close/kill them only about once every three months; this mismatch creates fear of failure. Effective leaders focus on a few initiatives and know when to stop.
Notable examples
The host contrasts “innovation through constant launching” with the need to close projects; also includes ad examples for Google Chrome/Gemini (summarizing a 50-page restoration guide, breaking down long articles), Mint Mobile ($15/month), and HomeServe (one-call home repairs).
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOThe Challenge of Project Management
0:34 to 2:00
Understand the dynamics of launching and closing projects in leadership.
“It can help you with practically anything on the web, like restoring a vintage motorcycle from a 50-page restoration block, or finally break down that long article you've had open for weeks.”
The Challenge of Project Management
2:18 to 2:50
Understand the dynamics of launching and closing projects in leadership.
“Upfront payment of$45 for three months,$90 for six months, or$180 for 12-month plan required.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:02Chevy is called the heartbeat of America for a reason. With SUVs made to move with your rhythm. The versatile Equinox tackles your entire day. The spacious Traverse fits your crew and your whole weekend. And tracks bring style with value you can count on. All infused with tech that has your back. So your drive always hits the right chord. Chevrolet. Together let's drive. This episode is brought to you by Google Chrome. You think you know a browser, but Gemini and Chrome, that's new. It can help you with practically anything on the web, like restoring a vintage motorcycle from a 50-page restoration block, or finally break down that long article you've had open for weeks.
0:45Gemini and Chrome is here for it. Ready to make anything online make sense? There's no place like Chrome. Check responses set up required compatibility and availability varies 18+.
0:55Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez:when I do these workshops with leaders senior leaders or c-suite and and I asked them this question how many projects do you launch on average on a year and they said well Antonio we're so strong on innovation and we like to do new things so we launch a project every two weeks they say oh wow that's amazing and then I asked how often do you close them or kill them and And that's when people start looking at each other in the meeting. They say, oh, maybe once every three months. Launching projects is like you're contributing, you're shaping, you're creating the future. But they don't feel the same way they have to close projects.
1:37Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez:It feels failure. But once you get used to stopping projects, you like it. Because people really see the benefit. the best leaders I've seen are not the ones that launch a lot of projects, but know how to focus on a few ones and get them through the end. Hey, it's Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile. Now, I was looking for fun ways to tell you that Mint's offer of unlimited premium wireless for$15 a month is back. So I thought it would be fun if we made$15 bills, but it turns out that's very illegal. So there goes my big idea for the commercial. Give it a try at mintmobile.com slash switch. Upfront payment of$45 for three months,$90 for six months, or$180 for 12-month plan required.
2:23$15 per month equivalent. Taxes and fees extra. Initial plan term only greater than 50 gigabytes may slow when network is busy. See terms. A burst pipe. A dead water heater. The AC calling it quits. Who do you call? HomeServe is an easy way to handle unexpected home repairs. With plans covering stuff, basic homeowner's insurance usually won't. Instead of scrambling for a contractor, you make one call to get the repair process started. Join the millions of customers who trust HomeServe right now. Go to homeserve.com slash podcast for 50 % less your first year. That's homeserve.com slash podcast.
2:56Savings compared to renewal price void in Florida.
From the publisher
Masterclass: Transformation Starts with Fewer Projects
9 Feb 2026
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Real transformation isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing less, better. In this HBR Executive Masterclass, Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez explains how leaders create focus and execution.
For more insights, subscribe here: https://s.hbr.org/4kbybkB.
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