Welcome! We’re excited to have you join us. The Pharma PM Workshop is a unique experience, infusing gamified learning and interactive sessions to make it even more productive and impactful. Please fill out the registration form. Your inputs will help us customize the experience!
- John Robert
Immersive, experiential Learning by doing
What is a “Gamified” Workshop?
At the heart of this program are the games and roleplay. Each game, you and your team will delve into the depth of real projects, solving problems to gain an immersive experience. This hands-on engagement bridges the gap between theory and practice, fostering experiential learning that lasts for life. Experiential learning is not only fun, but also upskills them to succeed in challenging projects.
Unparalleled Networking
Learn with professionals who speak your language. Your peers aren’t just batchmates—they're scientists and leaders in API, Formulation development, Analytical, Capital Projects, IP, RA, Portfolio, and Program Managers. Build a powerful, global professional network that lasts far beyond the workshop.
Digital Agility
Be the digital transformation leader your industry needs. From Project Management Software to AI and digital platforms, the program helps you familiarize cutting-edge technologies shaping the future of pharmaceutical project management.
Mentorship Excellence
Gain Mentorship access to the leading industry professionals, Learn from the best minds in the industry. Their guidance will help you grow strategically, technically, and professionally.
agenda Day 1
🕘 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Welcome & Registration
Start your day networking, as we set the tone for a transformational learning experience.
🧱 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Session 1: Project Management Foundations – Built for Pharma
Pharma Project Lifecycle | Planning Technics | Navigating Scope Changes in Pharma Projects | Improving Reliability in commitments and delivery
In this session, you'll discover how project management foundation like planning techniques and scope management. Every pharmaceutical product is developed through projects, and this session helps you to discover foundational concepts and it’s significance in Pharma’s regulated, quality-driven environment. Experience this through a gamified session that simulates real-life project challenges. You’ll explore practical tools like Design Thinking, reverse planning, mind mapping, full-kitting, and Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM). Apply them in a fun team challenge to build the tallest structure from sticks and tape, teaching you planning, collaboration, and execution all in one go!
Powerful Processes : Tools
· Mind-Mapping: A dynamic visualization tool for brainstorming and organizing complex ideas.
· Spice Box Planning / Full-Kitting:Comprehensive planning to ensure no critical detail is missed.
· Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM): A cutting-edge approach for reliable and predictable project outcomes.
· Reverse Planning: Start from the goal and plan backward for greater clarity and precision.
· Design Thinking: Apply human-centric innovation to tackle pharma challenges creatively.
· Time Management Techniques:Practical strategies to optimize your time and maximize productivity.
🍽️ 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM : Lunch – Reconnect and recharge with a delicious buffet.
📊 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Session 2: Risk, Budgeting & Project Reliability
Advanced Risk Response Strategies in Pharma Projects | Budgeting and Cost Management | Stage-Gate Methodology
Project delays in Pharma can cost millions. This session empowers you to get ahead of risks before they derail you. Learn to spot red flags early using risk management frameworks, budget smarter with cost estimation tools, and track performance with Earned Value Management (EVM). Plus, you’ll uncover the power of Pre-Mortem thinking—a revolutionary technique to pre-empt failure and build resilience into your plans. Whether it’s an NBE, NCE, First-to-File ANDA, a 505(b)(2) product, or a major capacity expansion, you’ll walk away with practical methods to keep your projects on track.
Powerful Processes: Tools
· Earned Value Management (EVM):Measure your project’s true progress and control performance like never before.
· Bonus - Pre-Mortem: A proactive approach to identify risks and prevent failures before they happen.
· Stage-Gate Methodology: A structured framework to make informed go/no-go decisions at every phase.
· Frame Storming: A collaborative technique for innovative problem-solving and smarter decision-making.
Where Science Meets Execution Excellence
This two-day immersive workshop blends powerful tools, real-world case studies, and exercises to help you master the art of delivering complex projects on time, on budget, and with impact.
agenda Day 2
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Session 3: Communication, Leadership & Stakeholder Management
Communication Management | Conflict Resolution | Effective Communication Tools
Pharma projects are performed through a variety of stakeholders. Learn how to craft a powerful communication plan, master stakeholder engagement, and resolve conflicts before they stall progress. This session also dives into project leadership, team dynamics, and change management, topped off with powerful tools all tailored to deal with People, Power, and Politics.
Powerful Processes:Tools
· 24 Personas: Master the art of navigating diverse stakeholder personalities and leverage their strengths.
· RACI Matrix: Clarify roles and responsibilities for seamless collaboration.
· SPA – Single Point of Accountability:Ensure accountability is crystal clear.
· GPS in Projects: A tool for guiding your project’s course effectively.
· Escalation Matrix: A structured approach to resolve issues swiftly and efficiently.
· Smart Resource Allocation: Optimize resources for maximum impact.
🍽️ 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch Break – Fuel up and swap insights with fellow professionals.
📦 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Session 4: Procurement, Quality, and Technology in Pharma Projects
Procurement and Contract Management | Project Closeout | Elephant Camp | Project Management Software and AI
From sourcing APIs to licensing deals, every pharma project involves complex vendor ecosystems. This session demystifies procurement and contract management, ensuring you manage CDMO, Inlicensing, Outlicensing, supplier relationships, and legalities with confidence.
Wrap it all with a bonus module on the Use of AI and Project Management Software, crucial for today’s evolving pharma landscape.
Powerful Processes:
· Project Management Software: A user-friendly approach for planning and integration.
· Elephant Camp: A gamified experience to extract and apply lessons learned.
· Bonus: Unlock the power of AI in project management for better insights and faster decision-making.
🎓 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Evaluation & Certificate Distribution
We close with reflection, recognition, and celebration. Walk away not just with a certificate, but with confidence, clarity, and a toolkit to lead projects that create value, deliver impact, and accelerate your growth.
🎯 Who Should Attend?
Scientists, Engineers, Pharmacists, Clinical Research, Functional Leaders, and Aspiring Project Managers looking to master the art and science of Pharma Project Management.
💡 Why This Workshop?
Because Pharma is different, hence your project management approach should be too.
by John robert
One of the Top 10 PMO Leaders
One of the Top 10 PMO Leaders across the Globe ranked by PMOGA 2023, top 2 in Asia Pacific.
John is also an acclaimed speaker and award-winning author of five books on leadership, project management, and self-development. His passion lies in empowering professionals to embrace projectized thinking and cultivate a culture of execution excellence. Some of the select recognitions are..
- Innovation in Projects Award, Jul 2019 by Project Management Summit with PMI
- Conferred with the "Creative Thinker of the Year" award at the Ideathon drive 2019 at Sun Pharma. Gained a reputation for the deployment of innovative solutions, new approaches, and initiatives in the projects
- Recipient of Environmental Best Practices Awards 2011, by CII under Most Innovative Environmental Project and Most Useful Environmental Project on behalf of Jubilant Life Sciences Ltd.,
- Chair and Keynote Speaker at several National and International business conferences and training workshops
- Author of the books a)Leadership Journey, b)Spiral Staircase Project Management, c)Projects @ Relay Race and d) Handbook of Project Management
John was working with leading pharma companies as Vice President and Head of Project and Program Management.
He had opportunity to work with Portfolio consist of most complex new product development covering the entire spectrum of API to Dosage forms in Pharma and Biotech industry. Delivered thousands of programs across the global in regulated and emerging markets. Had an opportunity to establish PMOs and PPMs along with systems and processes that drove the innovative R&D programs. Some of the notable ones are:
NPD Transformation :Institution of PMO that helped in achieving 225% growth in product development, 325% in tech transfer, and 200 % in regulatory filing with a 25% decline in product scale-up in the first year.
DSAP Development Systems and Planning aimed at improving the throughput from new product pipeline. Systemic improvement like CCPM, Stage Gates, Full Kitting, Idea to Launch system, EB planning, project management software implementation and operations PMO.
NCE-1 programs: Delivered several time critical programs successfully.
Biggest Portfolio: Worked on and optimized one of the largest generic portfolio pipeline.
Vaccine Plant in 100 days : Complex and urgent project to combat COVID19 delivered successfully.
Formulations facility : With USD 500 Million investment, one of the largest Greenfield project delivered.
Idea to Launch: Implementation of end-to-end “I2L” system for making the new product portfolio delivery effective in order to enhance commercial value creation by R&D products
Driven Digital transformation Projects
Certified as Digital Ninja
Trained in AI/ML and participated in advanced digitalization programs
With a blend of global experience and local insight, John is committed to shaping the future of pharma project management—one workshop, one project, and one professional at a time.
Join John to unlock new possibilities in your pharma project journey!
🎯 Do you know?
John's team was awarded as "PMO of the year" in 2019 by PMI.
💡 A leader is the one who create more leaders...
Many of the mentees of John has become PMO leaders in Pharma Organisations