Tony Seba
Expert speaker on Market Disruption, Entrepreneurship and the Clean Disruption of Energy and Transportation
Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez
World's #1 Project Management Thinker | Thinkers50 Awardee | HBR Author | Creator of the Project Economy
Creator of the Project Economy and Thinkers50 awardee, speaker Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez is the world's leading authority on project management and strategy execution. His HBR-published frameworks have transformed how organizations prioritize and deliver strategic initiatives. Senior leaders book Antonio to gain actionable methods for driving transformation in the age of AI and constant disruption.
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Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez biography
Thinkers50 speaker Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez is the world’s foremost authority on project management and strategy implementation, and the creator of the influential “Project Economy” concept that has reshaped how organizations think about value creation. His ideas, including the Hierarchy of Purpose framework published in the Harvard Business Review, have helped thousands of executives treat projects as the primary engine of innovation and growth.
Antonio’s career spans leadership roles across consulting, pharmaceuticals, and financial services. He spent a decade at PricewaterhouseCoopers, rising to global lead practitioner for change and project management, before holding senior positions at BNP Paribas Fortis and GlaxoSmithKline Vaccines. These experiences grounded his thought leadership in the practical realities of executing complex programs at scale.
Defining the Project Economy
His body of work includes the Harvard Business Review Project Management Handbook, The Focused Organization, The Project Revolution, and his latest book Powered by Projects: Leading Your Organization in the Transformation Age, published by HBR Press. He is the most published author on project management in the history of Harvard Business Review and a regular contributor to leading management journals worldwide.
Antonio received the Thinkers50 “Ideas into Practice” award and ranks among the Global Gurus Top 30. He served as Global Chairman of the Project Management Institute and currently holds the position of Vice President of the Association for Project Management. Together with Ricardo Vargas, he designed the AI in Project Management Masterclass and co-launched the AIPM Certification with APMG International, reaching over 600 professionals in more than 60 countries. He teaches at IE Business School, Duke CE, Vlerick, Skolkovo, and Ecole des Ponts.
As a speaker, Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez has delivered over 220 keynotes across six continents, consistently earning top-speaker ratings. His presentations on management, strategy execution, and organizational transformation give senior leaders the frameworks they need to drive projects that deliver measurable results.
Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez Speaking Videos
Antonio Nieto Rodriguez - Yes, our brain is masochist
Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez - The Importance of Project Management Skills
Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez Keynote Topics
In an era where every organization is running dozens of simultaneous initiatives, the ability to prioritize ruthlessly has become the defining leadership competency. Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez, creator of the Project Economy concept, reveals why most companies fail at execution — not because they lack ideas, but because they lack focus. Drawing on his Hierarchy of Purpose framework and case studies from organizations like Apple, Lego, and Singapore Airlines, he shows how the best-run companies create a culture of extreme prioritization that channels energy toward the projects that matter most. Leaders leave with a practical toolkit for aligning teams, killing low-value initiatives, and building execution into their organization's DNA.
The traditional operating model — built around stable, repeatable processes — is no longer sufficient in a world of constant disruption. Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez presents the case for the project-driven organization, where projects sit at the center of how companies are structured, led, and rewarded. Based on his latest book Powered by Projects and his research for Harvard Business Review, this keynote outlines a new organizational model that enables faster innovation, greater agility, and more engaged teams. Antonio addresses the practical challenges of making this shift — from governance and talent to measurement and culture — and provides a roadmap that senior executives can begin implementing immediately.
Artificial intelligence is transforming every function in the enterprise, and project management is no exception. As co-creator of the AI in Project Management Masterclass and the AIPM Certification — completed by over 600 professionals across 60 countries — Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez is uniquely positioned to guide leaders through this transition. In this keynote, he explores how AI is reshaping project planning, risk assessment, resource allocation, and stakeholder communication. More importantly, he addresses what AI cannot replace: strategic judgment, stakeholder empathy, and the human leadership that turns good plans into great outcomes. This is an essential talk for any organization looking to harness AI without losing the human element that drives successful transformation.
Why do some organizations consistently deliver on their strategic promises while others struggle with a growing backlog of stalled initiatives? Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez has spent decades studying this question, advising senior leaders at companies like Huawei, Philips, and Ryanair, and codifying his findings in multiple Harvard Business Review publications. In this keynote, he identifies the cultural, structural, and leadership factors that separate organizations with strong execution DNA from those trapped in a cycle of overcommitment and underdelivery. Attendees gain a clear framework for diagnosing their own organization's execution gaps and a set of proven interventions for building a culture where strategic projects are completed on time, on budget, and with measurable impact.
Speaker topics
FAQs on Booking Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez
Why Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez?
Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez is the world's foremost authority on project management and strategy execution, recognized by Thinkers50 with the Ideas into Practice award and ranked among the Global Gurus Top 30. He is the most published project management author in the history of Harvard Business Review and the creator of the Project Economy concept, which has influenced how thousands of organizations approach value creation. With over 220 keynotes delivered across six continents and consistently top-rated speaker evaluations, Antonio combines deep intellectual rigor with the practical energy of someone who has led complex transformations firsthand. Book Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez through Aurum Speakers Bureau to bring world-class strategy and execution expertise to your next event.
What is the Project Economy?
The Project Economy is a concept coined by Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez and first published in Harvard Business Review, which argues that projects — not operations — have become the primary engine of value creation in the modern economy. In the Project Economy, organizations create value by launching, executing, and completing strategic initiatives rather than by optimizing stable, repeatable processes. This shift has been accelerated by digital transformation, the pandemic, and the need for constant organizational reinvention. Nieto-Rodriguez's framework helps leaders understand this new paradigm and restructure their organizations to thrive within it.
What are Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez's most influential books?
Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez has authored several foundational books on project management and strategy. The Harvard Business Review Project Management Handbook provides a comprehensive guide to launching, leading, and sponsoring successful projects. The Focused Organization examines how companies can achieve better results by concentrating resources on fewer, higher-impact initiatives. The Project Revolution explores the rise of the Project Economy and its implications for business and society. His latest book, Powered by Projects: Leading Your Organization in the Transformation Age, published by HBR Press, presents the blueprint for the project-driven organization. Together, these works form a cohesive body of thought that has shaped modern management practice.
What can audiences expect from an Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez keynote?
Audiences consistently rate Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez among the top speakers at any event. His keynotes combine frameworks from Harvard Business Review with real-world case studies from organizations such as Apple, Lego, Huawei, and Singapore Airlines. He delivers complex ideas in an accessible, engaging manner, and always provides actionable takeaways that senior leaders can implement immediately. Whether addressing strategy execution, the Project Economy, AI in project management, or organizational transformation, Antonio connects with executive audiences through a blend of intellectual depth and practical relevance. Contact Aurum Speakers Bureau to discuss how Antonio can tailor his presentation to your event's specific goals.
How to book Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez as a keynote speaker?
Aurum Speakers Bureau can help you book Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez as a speaker for your next event, conference, or board meeting. Simply fill out our contact form to inquire about Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez's availability for a speaking engagement. One of our booking agents will respond to your request immediately and contact the speaker to let them know you want to hire them. We will assist you with obtaining speaking fees, booking information, and confirming availability for Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez or any other top keynote speaker or celebrity of your choice.
How much is Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez speaking fee?
Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez speaking fees are determined by several factors, including the event's date, whether it's a virtual or in-person event, the duration, format, preparation required for their speech, and more. The same applies to the cost to hire any other top expert speakers and celebrities. The Speaker Fee Range listed on our website is simply a guideline and is subject to change without notice. If you would like to hire Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez to deliver a keynote speech for your event, please fill out the contact form or email us at info@aurumbureau.com with as much detail as possible. One of our experienced agents will get in touch with you and let you know exactly how much it will cost to book Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez.
How can I contact Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez?
We only work with Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez on paid speaking engagements. Aurum Speakers Bureau can assist you in booking Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez and will handle all negotiations, contracts, and logistics associated with having Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez speak at your event. We will be your sole point of contact throughout the process. Get in touch with Aurum Speakers Bureau today, and we will reach out to any motivational speaker or celebrity you want to enquire about speaking at your event. If you wish to contact Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez for any other reason, we will be unable to assist you as we are not authorized to provide personal contact information.
Can I book Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez for a virtual keynote?
Yes, Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez is available for virtual keynotes and webinars. To book Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez for a virtual event, please complete the contact form or send us an email to inquire about the special fees for virtual engagements.
