Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mark Burnett. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Mark, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
1. My Caribbean Roots
Jamaica, and the wider Caribbean, is built on resilience, resourcefulness, and reinvention. We’ve faced economic struggles, hurricanes, and shifts in industries—but we never stop pushing forward. That spirit of survival and finding a way forward despite the odds is something that’s ingrained in me.
2. Learning to See Challenges as Opportunities
After defying a brutal arm amputation, I could have focused on what I lost being incapacitated, but instead, I focused on what I could gain. I saw the experience as a chance to redefine my career, my leadership philosophy, and my impact on the world. This mindset shift is something I now teach others—because your greatest challenge can be your greatest catalyst for change.
3. Ambidextrous Thinking: My Philosophy to Thriving in Uncertainty
Project management—and life itself—is full of unknowns. If you rely only on one way of thinking, you’ll struggle. But if you balance strategy with adaptability, structure with creativity, you can solve complex problems, lead effectively, and stay ahead of the curve. This is why I empower leaders and teams to navigate complexity, overcome project failures, drive transformation, and succeed in adversity with ‘Ambidextrous Thinking’—because it’s a game-changer.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Empowering Leaders, Transforming Projects, and Building Resilient Futures
At The Ambidextrous Project Manager© (TAPM), we help leaders, teams, and organizations navigate complexity, overcome challenges, and drive meaningful transformation. Whether you’re managing high-stakes projects, balancing diverse stakeholder interests, or adapting to rapid change, our approach equips you with the tools, strategies, and mindset needed to thrive.
I’m Mark Burnett, author of The Ambidextrous Project Manager© and founder of The Ambidextrous Project Manager© Community. My work revolves around championing “Ambidextrous Thinking”, and resilient leadership—helping professionals blend structure with creativity, logic with adaptability, and strategy with innovation. My journey has taken me across 30+ islands and 19+ countries, where I’ve worked on large-scale transformations, coached leaders, and helped businesses (SMEs) turn their challenges into opportunities.
Why This Work is Special
What excites me most about this work is its real-world impact. Project management isn’t just about checklists and deadlines—it’s about people, leadership, and problem-solving. I’ve seen firsthand how a shift in mindset can turn a failing project into a breakthrough success, how resilient leadership can inspire teams to push beyond limits, and how organizations can transform when they embrace adaptive strategies.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is helping individuals realize that they are their greatest project. Whether I’m working with executives, small business owners, or young professionals, my goal is to equip them with the mindset and skills to create lasting success.
What’s New? Exciting Developments at TAPM!
New Website Launch: We’ve just launched our redesigned website at ambidextrouspm.com—a hub for insights, resources, and community engagement for professionals looking to level up their impact and project leadership skills.
Expanding Thought Leadership: The Ambidextrous Project Manager has been making waves, and I’m excited to continue sharing its principles through keynote speeches, webinars, and global conferences. If you’re looking for a dynamic speaker, training or tailored solutions for your team, let’s connect!
Upcoming Events & Speaking Engagements: I’ll be a keynote speaker and lead organizer at GABAC 2025 (Global African Business Analysis Conference), where we’ll be discussing how strategic analysis empowers innovation. It’s a major opportunity to contribute to Africa’s growing business transformation landscape.
Expanding Our Global Impact: TAPM is partnering with global businesses across the Caribbean, Africa, and beyond to provide training, mentorship, and leadership development for professionals at all levels.
Join the Movement – Let’s Build Something Great Together!
I truly believe that success isn’t just about completing projects—it’s about leaving a legacy, shaping the future, and creating meaningful impact. Through The Ambidextrous Project Manager© Community, I’m dedicated to helping others lead with confidence, adapt with purpose, and transform with resilience.
If you’re a business leader, entrepreneur, or project manager looking to gain a competitive edge, I’d love to collaborate. Let’s work together to drive transformation, embrace ambidexterity, and turn today’s challenges into tomorrow’s successes.
Let’s connect!
🔗 Website: https://ambidextrouspm.com/
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrkburnett/
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back on my journey—from navigating complex projects across 30+ islands to building The Ambidextrous Project Manager© Community—I can pinpoint three key skills that have had the greatest impact on my career and personal growth. These are not just technical competencies; they are mindsets and habits that have shaped how I lead, solve problems, and create value.
1️⃣ Resilience – The Power of Overcoming Setbacks
Why It’s Important: Resilience isn’t just about pushing through difficult times—it’s about growing stronger through adversity. In 2010, I faced a defining moment: a near-career-ending injury that could have resulted in the amputation of my arm. That challenge rewrote my playbook, teaching me that every obstacle is an opportunity to innovate.
Advice for Beginners:
✔️ Shift your perspective – Instead of fearing failure, see it as a stepping stone.
✔️ Build a support system – Surround yourself with mentors, peers, and communities that inspire growth.
✔️ Develop mental toughness – Practice self-reflection, gratitude, and adaptability to turn challenges into fuel for success.
2️⃣ Ambidextrous Thinking – Balancing Logic & Creativity
Why It’s Important: In today’s fast-changing world, leaders and professionals must be both strategic and creative. Ambidextrous thinking—the ability to analyze problems logically while embracing innovation—has been my game-changer. It has allowed me to manage uncertainty, drive transformation, and deliver high-impact projects.
Advice for Beginners:
✔️ Train both sides of your brain – Learn to switch between structured decision-making and creative problem-solving.
✔️ Stay curious – Read widely, explore different perspectives, and challenge conventional thinking.
✔️ Experiment and iterate – Don’t be afraid to test ideas, adapt, and refine your approach.
3️⃣ Leadership Through Influence – Guiding Without Authority
Why It’s Important: Leadership is not just about holding a title—it’s about inspiring action and creating impact. Many of my greatest accomplishments didn’t come from positional power but from my ability to connect, communicate, and rally teams toward a common goal.
Advice for Beginners:
✔️ Develop emotional intelligence (EQ) – Leadership is 80% people and 20% processes. Master the art of listening, empathy, and effective communication.
✔️ Lead by example – Show up with integrity, reliability, and accountability in everything you do.
✔️ Master storytelling – The best leaders inspire through stories. Learn to articulate your vision in a way that resonates with others.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
Let’s Build Something Impactful—Together!
At The Ambidextrous Project Manager©, collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that true transformation happens when the right minds, skills, and ideas come together to solve complex challenges, create meaningful impact, and drive innovation.
Who We’re Looking to Collaborate With:
✅ Business Leaders & Organizations – Companies seeking strategic solutions in project management, digital transformation, and operational excellence. Let’s tackle challenges, optimize processes, and build a roadmap for success.
✅ Coaches, Consultants & Industry Experts – Professionals in leadership, innovation, resilience, and project delivery who want to co-create high-value training, workshops, and thought leadership content.
✅ Event Organizers & Conference Hosts – If you’re planning a conference, webinar, or masterclass focused on leadership, ambidextrous thinking, or project transformation, I’d love to share insights as a keynote speaker, panelist, or facilitator.
✅ Publishers & Media Platforms – From guest articles to podcast interviews, I’m open to collaborating on thought leadership content that inspires, educates, and empowers professionals globally.
✅ Educational Institutions & Nonprofits – Schools, universities, and organizations that want to equip young professionals with essential skills in resilience, adaptive leadership, and strategic thinking.
No matter where you are in your journey, remember this:
Your greatest project is YOU.
Growth happens outside your comfort zone.
Every setback is a setup for a comeback.
If you’re just starting out, embrace resilience, develop ambidextrous thinking, and lead with influence. These skills will set you apart, help you adapt, and enable you to create lasting impact in your career and community.
🔗 Let’s connect and grow together!
📩 Website: https://ambidextrouspm.com/
📩 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrkburnett/
📩 Email: [email protected]
Let’s create meaningful impact, drive transformation, and empower professionals and organizations to thrive in today’s ever-evolving world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ambidextrouspm.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theambidextrouspm/
- Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/people/The-Ambidextrous-Project-Manager/61571157250237/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrkburnett/
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/@theambidextrouspm
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Ambidextrous-Project-Manager-Part-ebook/dp/B0DHMYN93B/ref=sr_1_1?crid=JE65RKT1G8L7&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.1jzjqrjghqaJFngEiKAQLw.CsCxS1gwfR2ASrZoXpMhUPM6Q0suh3HDgdoTSUpRpTI&dib_tag=se&keywords=The%2BAmbidextrous%2BProject%2BManager&qid=1734084781&s=digital-text&sprefix=the%2Bambidextrous%2Bproject%2Bmanager%2Cdigital-text%2C243&sr=1-1
@theambidextrouspm
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