Some projects fail. Others succeed. And then there are the ones that do both.
They run past their deadlines, burn through their budgets, and quietly lose sight of the original objective—yet somehow continue.
Not because no one cares. Not because no one is incapable.
But because, somewhere along the way, everyone agreed: “We’ve got this.”
Welcome to the art of project mismanagement.
Richard Mogan
Richard (Rick) Mogan is an author, former Strategic Program Executive, and systems thinker who writes about why projects fail—and why they often fail successfully. With a background in engineering and large-scale program leadership, he brings a sharp, analytical lens to the messy reality of modern organizations.
Rick is the author of 8 Successful Ways to Fail – at Project Management, a narrative-driven exploration of project dysfunction told through story, satire, and real-world case studies. His work blends practical insight with a dry, often self-aware humor, reflecting years spent navigating complex initiatives where clarity was optional and confidence was mandatory.
Through his writing and commentary, Rick focuses on the systemic patterns behind failure—unclear objectives, poor planning, stakeholder blind spots, and governance theater—helping readers recognize the warning signs before their own projects join the list.
He lives in Colorado with his family and continues to write, observe, and occasionally shake his head at meetings that could have been emails.
