In this episode, I talk with Robert Naples, P.E., President of Innova Technologies Inc., about leading complex projects. Robert shares practical leadership strategies and mindset shifts essential for managing chaos, building trust, and empowering diverse teams in large-scale engineering endeavors. His insights reveal how leaders can bring clarity, adaptability, and emotional discipline to thrive in high-pressure project environments.
Here Are Some of the Questions We Ask Robert Naples, P.E.:
- How do you coordinate chaos when leading large and challenging projects?
- Can you share an example where thriving under chaos led to a major success or important lesson learned?
- What does it mean to lead first and then manage when working with project teams?
- How do you build and maintain trust among diverse teams under high pressure and tight timelines?
- What common risks or breakdowns do you see with multidisciplinary teams, and how do you keep them moving forward?
- What is the biggest project management pitfall you’ve identified, and how can others avoid it?
Here Are Some of the Key Points Discussed About Leading Complex Projects With Confidence And Clarity:
- Leading complex projects demands bringing clarity, authenticity, adaptability, and emotional discipline to manage constant change and uncertainty. Effective leaders focus on mission clarity and tough conversations to keep teams aligned and moving forward despite shifting conditions.
- During the Sphere project and a hospitality structure in Las Vegas, proactive communication and authenticity solved critical issues quickly. Owning mistakes and collaborating openly allowed the teams to deliver without disruption, demonstrating leadership’s power in crisis.
- Leading first involves shifting from avoidance and blame to assessing, creating, and executing solutions with humility and decisiveness. Strong leaders guide teams by setting direction and fostering a culture where everyone acts as a leader to overcome challenges together.
- Trust starts with authenticity and rigorous honesty about challenges and outcomes beyond personal ego. Frequent, direct conversations under pressure create a team atmosphere where collaboration overcomes silos and keeps projects on track.
- Most risks stem from communication breakdowns and a lack of face-to-face connection despite advanced technology. Encouraging engagement, active listening, and inclusive conversations helps build understanding and aligns teams toward common goals.
- The biggest pitfall is underestimating the personal and emotional toll a complex project takes on leaders and their teams. Recognizing this early, having honest conversations with yourself and your support network, and preparing mentally are essential for sustained success.
Understanding leading complex projects is essential for professionals in the AEC industry looking to enhance their project outcomes and technical expertise.
More Details in This Episode…
About the Guest:
Robert Naples, P.E.
Robert Naples, P.E., President of Innova Technologies, Inc., is a graduate of Michigan Technological University’s class of 1998. He started his career at William A. Kibbe & Associates, a firm in Saginaw, MI, that is well regarded for its expertise in designing and modernizing manufacturing facilities in the Midwest. In 2005, Rob joined one of his clients, The Carousel Works, Inc., a small amusement ride manufacturer in Ohio. This is where he was taught by real craftsmen and learned procurement, fabrication, shipping, erection, & scheduling. Most importantly, he had the opportunity to fabricate and erect his own designs – and fix his own mistakes. All this led to 2007, when Rob headed west to Las Vegas, NV, and joined a small 2-person firm – Innova Technologies, Inc., where he has been ever since.
Since Rob joined Innova and mixed his unique talents with those of the founders, Adriana and Carlos Banchik, the firm has experienced substantial growth over the past 18 years. Their diverse leadership and management styles have allowed for very diverse teams to pull off amazingly challenging projects in whatever roles they are asked to fill, and Rob has mentored many successful and talented engineers over the years. In 2025, Rob assumed the role of President of a firm he helped grow from those 2 people into 50+ employees with offices on 2 continents and projects all over the US and the world.
About the Host:
Fiona Johann, PMP, AEC PM
Fiona Johann, PMP, joined The Engineering Management Institute as the strategic initiatives team leader in February 2025. With eight years of experience in developing leadership programs in an academic setting, she brings valuable expertise in planning and executing impactful initiatives. Fiona utilizes her PMP certification and program management skills to oversee events like PM AEC Connect and optimize internal processes for improved efficiency. Based in central North Carolina, she combines her strategic approach with a passion for driving successful outcomes at EMI.
Sources/References:
Connect with Robert Naples, P.E. on LinkedIn
Innova Technologies Inc.
Michael Brody-Waite
Irina Baranov (Vistage Master Chair, Speaker on Coaching, Communication & Leadership)
Corinne Hancock Scott (Vistage Speaker)
AEC PM Connect
AEC PM Awards
AEC PM Certification
AEC PM Connect
Project Management Accelerator™
Engineering Leadership Accelerator™
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