Program Planning in New Space: Risk, Agility & Team Empowerment with SES

In the third instalment of Forward Focus: The Future of SES, we speak with Alberto Patrizi, who shares insights on program planning in the new space era.

With a wealth of experience across traditional and modern space programs, he explores how agile methodologies and visual management techniques are transforming project delivery at SES. This episode dives into risk management, team empowerment, and the entrepreneurial mindset needed to succeed in fast-paced space environments.

Key Topics Covered:

● Agile project management in space: Moving from rigid work breakdown structures to empowered macro-area teams

● Visual management techniques: Using war rooms and post-it timelines to drive accountability

● Risk mitigation strategies: Making risk management everyone's responsibility, not just the PM's job

● Collaborative design approach: Sharing needs instead of requirements with suppliers and subsystem teams

● Leadership qualities: Balancing entrepreneurial drive with active listening and team empowerment

Memorable Quotes:

"The team feel protagonist, rather than just an actor.They feel much more engaged."

"Mistakes are an opportunity. When risks occur, it's notreally a failure, it is a lesson learned."

"A very good project manager is the one who is able toput the team in the best condition to deliver."

About the guest:

Alberto Patrizi is a Technical Program Manager at SES withextensive experience in both traditional and new space programs.

His career spans aerospace and space systems, where he's developed expertise in agile project management, risk mitigation, and team leadership. Alberto is passionateabout empowering teams and creating environments where innovation thrives.

Outside of work, he enjoys golf and values time with his family.