From Civil Engineer to Certification Pioneer: Richard Pharro’s Unconventional Career Shift
Most careers take unpredictable turns, but what if embracing the winding road could unlock your true potential?
About this episode:
Series 2: Episode 4
In this compelling episode of The Agile Diaries, Richard Pharro, CEO of APMG, shares the surprising stories behind his diverse journey from civil engineering abroad to transforming professional certification on a global scale.
Discover how working across cultures, navigating unexpected challenges, and staying curious shaped a leader who thrives outside the line of expectation.
We break down the importance of cognitive diversity, collaborative leadership, and the human skills that AI can’t replicate. Richard reveals invaluable lessons learned through bold projects like the London Docklands and how a simple swimming pool plan became his defining moment in making a meaningful difference.
Key Discussion Points
00:56
How Richard’s career path took many unexpected turns, highlighting the importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities before they arise
04:02
International experiences and how working in the Middle East taught him so much about cross-cultural understanding
20:30
The successes and the challenges of establishing APMG
“I suppose the thing that surprised me the most when I first started was how little I knew. You start on these things thinking you know a great deal, but in reality, you knew very little. It was quite surprising that you had all these people around you with a lot more experience, a lot more knowledge than you had. And you had to put in the effort to try to learn. If you had the right approach and you asked people to help you, then they actually helped you.”
Richard Pharro
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