By: Curtis Moore
In the dynamic world of project management, few names resonate as strongly as William H. Volpe III, who everyone knows as Cowboy. With over three decades of experience and numerous certifications, including Certified Scrum Master (CSM) and Project Management Professional (PMP), Volpe has established himself as a cornerstone in the field. His journey, marked by international projects and innovative methodologies, offers valuable insights into the evolution of project management practices.
“I was in Austin, TX, when concepts like Scrum and Agile were first introduced, and I have lived through its failure,” recalls Volpe. “Being trained by pioneers in the project management community gave me a solid foundation to build upon.” This foundational training catalyzed Volpe’s career, propelling him into roles that would shape the project management landscape, including being the Project Management Office (PMO) manager for the Ministry of Interior of Saudi Arabia and working with members of the royal family.
Cowboy’s extensive geographical experience, spanning continents from the USA to the UAE and beyond, has equipped him with a unique perspective on project management. “Working in diverse environments has taught me the importance of flexibility and adaptability. Each project, whether in Saudi Arabia or Ecuador, brings its own set of challenges and opportunities,” he explains.
One of Volpe’s most notable contributions is his proprietary project management process, developed through The Volpe Consortium, now rebranded simply as Project Victories. This process incorporates practices from various methodologies and has saved countless projects and millions of dollars. “The key is to monitor and manage projects precisely,” says Volpe. “Creating and managing actionable plans ensures that projects stay on track and within budget.”
Photo Courtesy: William Volpe
Cowboy’s impact extends beyond his consulting work. As an author, his books, including “Guide to Project Management Life Cycles: Success, Starting With The End In Mind,” provide in-depth knowledge and practical advice. “Understanding different project life cycles is crucial for any project manager,” Volpe asserts. “Each life cycle has its strengths, and knowing when to apply them can make the difference between success and failure.”
In addition to his books, Volpe offers resources like the FREE Project Victories project selection tool, designed to help project managers evaluate and select projects. Cowboy developed this tool over nine months. “Our goal is to provide tools that can be immediately implemented,” he says. These resources are based on decades of experience and are designed to be practical and actionable.”
Volpe’s commitment to education is also evident in his teaching roles. He has taught project management classes for companies like Verizon Wireless and Dow Chemical, sharing his knowledge with the next generation of project managers. “Teaching allows me to give back to the community,” Volpe reflects. “It’s rewarding to see students apply what they’ve learned and achieve their project victories. That’s why the company was rebranded.”
Looking ahead, Volpe is focused on innovating and leading in project management. “The landscape is always changing,” he notes. “Staying ahead requires continuous learning and adaptation. My mission is to help organizations navigate these changes and achieve their goals.”
Volpe offers a free initial consultation for those interested in learning more or seeking project management support and a membership community called the Success Team. More importantly, since he lives outside of America, he can offer services that nobody else can compete with, starting at only $75 per hour. “We’re here to help businesses succeed,” he says. “Whether it’s through consulting, training, or our comprehensive project management resources, we’re committed to delivering results.”
Cowboy’s expertise and dedication stand out in an industry where precision and adaptability are paramount. His contributions have shaped how projects are managed and paved the way for future innovations in the field.
Published by: Khy Talara
