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In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, Andrew Romeo, CEO and Co-Founder of Aerion Technologies and Co-Founder of DevReady.Ai, speaks with James Harris, CEO of SwitchCo, SwitchCo works on the asset owner’s side of the table across ports and maritime, retail fuel, gas and petroleum, dangerous goods, data centres, resources, mining, government and renewable energy. James shares how independent project management, experienced judgement and early planning can help asset owners protect their money, reputation and intended project outcome.
James explains that SwitchCo is independent by structure, with the client’s outcome as its central priority. The firm has no additional scope to sell, allowing its project managers to focus on defending the asset owner’s position. Its core value, “We challenge”, gives the team a clear responsibility to question clients, consultants, contractors and their own assumptions when something is wrong or a stronger course of action is available. James believes this willingness to speak up is central to adding value, particularly when remaining quiet would be easier. He also discusses SwitchCo’s experience supporting distressed projects, where asset owners need practical guidance to regain clarity and control.
The conversation examines how project leaders can focus on the risks that genuinely matter. Risk registers can become crowded with every possible scenario while the most credible and damaging risks receive too little attention. James encourages decision-makers to concentrate on the issues that keep them awake at night, particularly risks with a realistic chance of occurring and serious financial, operational or reputational consequences. Experience and instinct can alert leaders to concerns that deserve closer investigation, while structured analysis helps teams understand the exposure, assign responsibility and decide what action is required.
James also discusses the people and operating structures behind effective project delivery. SwitchCo’s leadership structure divides responsibility across vision and culture, implementation and efficiency, and technical innovation, allowing ideas to be challenged, prioritised and carried through. James compares a strong business to a high-performing sporting team whose members bring complementary strengths, remain accountable and work towards a shared outcome. He also reflects on the value of trusted advisers, honest conversations and leaders who understand their strengths while relying on others to bring different perspectives.
The episode also explores SwitchCo’s “sharpen the axe” approach, which emphasises planning and process before construction or implementation begins. James explains how the company is bringing its internal processes and established project management tools into a bespoke platform that will create a clearer single source of truth. AI can support meeting summaries, risk clarification and the capture of decisions and actions, while discernment and accountability remain with experienced professionals. Looking ahead, SwitchCo aims to become Australia’s most desired project management company by balancing trusted client outcomes with meaningful development for its people and continuous improvement. For asset owners, portfolio managers, project directors, operations leaders and CFOs, the episode leaves one important question: when a complex project goes wrong, who will help you regain control?
This episode is presented in partnership with SwitchCo.
#ProjectPlanning #ProjectControls #ComplexProjectManagement #ProjectDelivery
