Strategy and Investment Funding - Start with what’s real and work from there (#18)

“As an SPC on the Portfolio Level: The first time just be an assistant, not the head coach. Learn about how companies work, how they speak, how they behave.” - Nikolaos Kaintantzis

Hosts Nikolaos Kaintantzis, Stephan Neck, and Mark Richards take a deep dive into Lean Portfolio Management (LPM), focusing on the critical areas of Strategy and Investment Funding. The conversation sheds light on the real-world challenges of managing a portfolio in an agile environment, offering practical advice on how to make LPM a success.

Key Takeaways:

• Start with Reality, Not Invention: Mark emphasizes the importance of beginning LPM with what is real in your organization rather than inventing a portfolio from scratch. He stresses the need to uncover the true nature of your portfolio and build from there.
• The Power of Visualization: Niko highlights how visualization tools can be instrumental in managing portfolio traffic. By making the current state visible, organizations can more effectively identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement.
• Continuous Improvement: Ali underscores the importance of embracing continuous improvement in LPM. He emphasizes that the journey doesn’t end with aligning strategy and investment funding; it’s about continuously refining processes to adapt to changing business needs and ensuring that the portfolio remains a dynamic and value-driven entity.
• Innovation vs. the Hamster Wheel: Stephan reflects on the balance between innovation and routine activities within LPM. He likens it to getting off the hamster wheel—only when strategy and investment funding are correctly aligned can innovation truly take flight.
• Practical Tips for Implementation: The team offers actionable advice for SPCs looking to improve their LPM practices, from prioritizing transparency to ensuring continuous feedback loops. They stress that LPM is not a static process but one that requires constant iteration and adjustment.

This episode is essential listening for anyone involved in Lean Portfolio Management. It offers a blend of strategic insights and practical advice to help you connect the dots between strategy, investment funding, and successful portfolio management.

Cast:

Niko Kaintantzis(Moderator)

Ali Hajou

Stephan Neck

Mark Richards