Project Business Management
SERIES ARTICLE
By Oliver F. Lehmann
Munich, Germany
and
William Plange
Greater Accra Region, Ghana
“The global deterioration of mental health is concerning. Some worry we’re spiraling out of control.”
– Jon Clifton, CEO, Gallup[1]
Summary
Project business, with its intricate networks and relentless demands, can take a profound toll on professionals, as shown in Alex Taylor’s journey through personal and professional hardships. His eventual transformation underscores the critical importance of balancing ambition with self-care, fostering open dialogue about mental health, and building resilient organizations that prioritize leadership, communication, and employee well-being.
A Journey Through Shadows: The Story of Alex in Project Business
Alex Taylor[2] had always been a performer in the world of project business. As a senior project manager for Stoneweave Constructors, a thriving infrastructure construction firm, he was known for his charisma, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to deliver even the most complex projects on time, under budget, and at margins that delighted the own management as much as the customer. Alex had built a reputation as someone who could bridge the gap between clients’ lofty visions and the gritty realities of execution. His teams admired him, and customers trusted him. For over a decade, Alex thrived in the high-stakes environment of project business, navigating its labyrinthine networks with aplomb.
But then, things began to unravel.
It started with a failed project. Alex had taken on a large-scale infrastructure contract that seemed promising. However, unforeseen delays, cost overruns, and a key subcontractor’s bankruptcy turned it into a nightmare. Despite Alex’s best efforts, the project was delivered months late and well over budget. The client’s dissatisfaction led to legal disputes, tarnishing Alex’s spotless record.
Around the same time, Alex’s personal life began to crumble. His marriage of 15 years with two children ended in a bitter divorce, and he found himself grappling with the isolation of an empty home. Friends and colleagues noticed a change in him—the once-vibrant man who could inspire a room now seemed distracted, weighed down by invisible burdens.
More…
To read entire article, click here
Editor’s note: This series of articles is by Oliver Lehmann, author of the book “Project Business Management” (ISBN 9781138197503), published by Auerbach / Taylor & Francis in 2018. See author profile below.
How to cite this article: Lehmann, O. F. (2024). Overcoming Depression in Project Business, Project Business Management series article, PM World Journal, Vol. XIII, Issue XI, December. Available online at https://pmworldlibrary.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/pmwj147-Dec2024-Lehmann-Plange-Overcoming-Depression-in-Project-Business.pdf
About the Authors
Oliver F. Lehmann
Munich, Germany
Oliver F. Lehmann, MSc, ACE, PMP, is a project management educator, author, consultant, and speaker. In addition, he is the owner of the website Project Business Foundation, a non-profit initiative for professionals and organizations involved in cross-corporate project business.
He studied Linguistics, Literature, and History at the University of Stuttgart and Project Management at the University of Liverpool, UK, where he holds a Master of Science Degree (with Merit). Oliver has trained thousands of project managers in Europe, the USA, and Asia in methodological project management, focusing on certification preparation. In addition, he is a visiting lecturer at the Technical University of Munich.
He has been a member and volunteer at PMI, the Project Management Institute, since 1998 and served as the President of the PMI Southern Germany Chapter from 2013 to 2018. Between 2004 and 2006, he contributed to PMI’s PM Network magazine, for which he provided a monthly editorial on page 1 called “Launch,” analyzing troubled projects around the world.
Oliver believes in three driving forces for personal improvement in project management: formal learning, experience, and observations. He resides in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, and can be contacted at oliver@oliverlehmann.com.
Oliver Lehmann is the author of the books:
- “Situational Project Management: The Dynamics of Success and Failure” (ISBN 9781498722612), published by Auerbach / Taylor & Francis in 2016
- “Project Business Management” (ISBN 9781138197503), published by Auerbach / Taylor & Francis in 2018.
His previous articles and papers for PM World Journal can be found here:
William Plange
Greater Accra Region, Ghana
William Plange is a dedicated writer, motivational speaker, and the founder of the NO HUMAN IS USELESS initiative—a global movement dedicated to supporting individuals struggling with depression and helping them find purpose. Born and raised in Ghana, William’s journey is one of profound resilience. After battling severe depression and choosing to live in the forest to find healing and purpose, he emerged with a deep desire to help others facing similar struggles. His mission is to ensure that those grappling with depression do not feel alone and are guided away from thoughts of suicide, realizing their unique value and potential.
This passion has earned him recognition on the international stage, including the Caribbean Global Awards in the UK for his efforts in assisting individuals recover from depression. William also leads the NO HUMAN IS USELESS global community, a safe space for members to discuss mental health challenges, find support without judgment, and explore their purpose in life.
As part of his commitment to uplifting the next generation, William frequently visits schools, sharing his story, empowering students, and offering support through donations. His educational background in Marketing from Cape Coast Technical University and Occupational Health and Safety from Wisconsin International University College in Accra equips him with the skills to effectively drive his impactful initiatives.
Website: www.nohumanisuseless.com
Email: willplange@gmail.com / info@nohumanisuseless.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamplange
[1] (Clifton, 2024)
[2] All names changed
