Let’s fix Your Public Sector Project

One risk at a time.

No one wants to be A headline

Let’s face it: public service projects have a bad rap.

Too often we read about this project that went billions over budget, or that project that failed to do what it promised. The list of failed public service projects is far too long to list here.

Do we really need to give the news cycle any more fodder?

Does anyone really want to own yet another failed public service project?

Close-up of a vintage typewriter with the word 'Crisis' typed on paper.
Close-up of stacked binders filled with documents for office or educational use.

You’ve Been set up to fail

As faithful public servants, we’re told that we can rely on all the machinery of government to get us across the finish line: the risk management team, the oversight committees, and the “collaboration” between eager senior leaders.

But the organizational risk management machine almost always focuses on high-level risks that don’t translate to specific projects. The oversight committees are generally more concerned with templates and systematized reports than paying attention to what the reports actually say. And your “partners” in delivering the project might wish you well, but they’re putting out their own fires and simply don’t have time to give you the support you were expecting.

The sad reality is: you’re on your own.


I’ve Been on the inside of the public service risk machine – and it won’t help you

My name is Matthew Oleniuk, and in my years of public service – including as Chief Audit Executive – I’ve audited risk management, I’ve consulted on risk management, I’ve developed risk management frameworks, and I’ve led government-wide risk management initiatives.

The truth is, there’s no secret tool or template or methodology that will support you in your project. Quite the contrary: they will often sabotage your tireless efforts.

There are, however, hundreds of lessons you could learn and put to your advantage.

And fortunately, I’ve put in the work for you.

I can Help you manage your project

You’re the expert in setting bold goals and motivating your team to tackle big things.

I’m the expert in figuring out what could get in your way.

Let’s put our talents together, shall we?

One-on-one Coaching

Structured and personalized calls designed to focus on your risks – and on plans to manage them.

Group Mastermind

Leverage the power of structured group coaching calls and shared experiences – sometimes it takes a village to raise a project!

“Safe Space” Audits

Quick and nimble analysis that can help you to pinpoint key risk areas – without the formality of an audit.

Custom Training

Get tailored learning content for you and your team. Set your development goals, and we’ll find a way to get you there.

Past Partners

“I loved working with Matthew! He sees strategic risks that seem to be hiding in plain sight: issues that go beyond the noise of all those spreadsheets that we pass around. He gets the business and isn’t afraid to go against the grain.”
Shivani Harrypersad

PwC Public Sector Director, Risk Assurance Service

“Matthew has an excellent capacity to see the linkages among different projects, identify risks and understand how they are interrelated and need to be managed – both strategically and operationally.”
Fred Gorbet

Corporate Director and former Deputy Minister of Finance

“No matter where the question came from, Matthew always found a path to helping find the answer. We reviewed a LOT of projects together, and the conversations never faded into “let’s just wait and see.” He always sees the risks coming, and he always has an idea of how to manage them.”
Helen del Val

Board Member, CDIC

It is possible to make public service projects successful

Despite all of the challenges, I’m ceaselessly hopeful about what public servants can do for their – your – communities.

But more importantly: I’m a realist who’s obsessive about finding practical ways to lock in project success.

Managing risks just means understanding the problems you might face, and preparing enough so that you don’t have to face the worst of them.

Let’s get you – and your project – set up for success.

Team members analyze charts during a business meeting with laptops and smartphones.

not sure how your project holds up?

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