Have you ever wondered why 80 percent of major programmes are late and over budget? Are you skeptical about the pace of adoption of technology in the infrastructure industry? Is your leadership as a major programme professional different from leadership of other professions?
Welcome to the Navigating Major Programmes podcast, the elevated conversation dedicated to the world of infrastructure and major programme management. Join Riccardo Cosentino, a Major Programmes Senior Executive with over 20 years experience, along with the industry’s thought leaders as they delve into your disconcerting questions on programme design, delivery, governance, risk management, stakeholder engagement, along with the most controversial subjects facing infrastructure professionals today. As misconceptions are dismantled, industry standards questioned and fresh ideas are shared, you’ll walk away with new perspective.
The conversation doesn’t stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/
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Have you ever wondered why 80 percent of major programmes are late and over budget? Are you skeptical about the pace of adoption of technology in the infrastructure industry? Is your leadership as a major programme professional different from leadership of other professions?
Welcome to the Navigating Major Programmes podcast, the elevated conversation dedicated to the world of infrastructure and major programme management. Join Riccardo Cosentino, a Major Programmes Senior Executive with over 20 years experience, along with the industry’s thought leaders as they delve into your disconcerting questions on programme design, delivery, governance, risk management, stakeholder engagement, along with the most controversial subjects facing infrastructure professionals today. As misconceptions are dismantled, industry standards questioned and fresh ideas are shared, you’ll walk away with new perspective.
The conversation doesn’t stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/
The Long Game: Finance, Policy, and Leadership in Infrastructure with Sara Alvarado
Navigating Major Programmes
52 minutes 23 seconds
2 months ago
The Long Game: Finance, Policy, and Leadership in Infrastructure with Sara Alvarado
What does it take to thrive in the highly complex and male-dominated financial industry? This episode of Master Builder highlights the journey and achievements of Sara Alvarado, a powerhouse in infrastructure finance whose career has spanned continents, crises, and industry and policy overhauls.
With co-hosts Riccardo and Shormila, Sara shares how her experience as an immigrant shaped her resilience. She details her role in defining infrastructure as an asset class in Canada and describes the unique combination of ever-growing policy and risk expertise that has kept her on a steady career trajectory for more than 30 years. From spearheading early renewable energy financing deals to helping shape global UN guidelines on digitalization and gender equality, Sara reminds us that success is driven by more than technical skills—it calls for hard work, curiosity, and passion.
This conversation is an opportunity to explore the interplay of finance, infrastructure, and social impact. Sara recently received the King Charles III Coronation Medal for her sustainable finance contributions and is a true Master Builder—one who has already begun to shape her legacy.
Key Takeaways:
- How Canada’s early renewable energy boom helped define infrastructure finance as we know it;
- The impact of the 2008 financial crisis on infrastructure as a stable, long-term investment;
- Why policy, finance, and technology need to move in tandem to shape meaningful change;
- The one trait Sara prioritizes over everything else when building successful teams;
- A behind-the-scenes look at how UN working groups are driving global change.
Quote:
“I think there's a catalytic point. It is in our brains and we feel the need to do more. So it's either moving into something different, moving into a much more senior role, decision maker, leader position, or you can move into boards. And that will come at different times for different females. But what I want them to know is, yes, there is a second career curve. And it can be hard because you're learning something else. But it is very rewarding. And it happens at a time where females are much more confident.” - Sara Alvarado
Navigating Major Programmes
Have you ever wondered why 80 percent of major programmes are late and over budget? Are you skeptical about the pace of adoption of technology in the infrastructure industry? Is your leadership as a major programme professional different from leadership of other professions?
Welcome to the Navigating Major Programmes podcast, the elevated conversation dedicated to the world of infrastructure and major programme management. Join Riccardo Cosentino, a Major Programmes Senior Executive with over 20 years experience, along with the industry’s thought leaders as they delve into your disconcerting questions on programme design, delivery, governance, risk management, stakeholder engagement, along with the most controversial subjects facing infrastructure professionals today. As misconceptions are dismantled, industry standards questioned and fresh ideas are shared, you’ll walk away with new perspective.
The conversation doesn’t stop here—connect and converse with our community via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosentinoriccardo/
