Ancient Wisdom for Modern Projects: Simplifying Leadership and Reducing Risk through Proven Logic [Chapter meeting]
In today’s fast-paced, tool-heavy world, the most successful project managers aren’t those who manage more—they’re the ones who see more clearly. This presentation reveals how timeless wisdom from Socrates, Einstein, Deming, Bruce Lee, and Mozart aligns with modern project success through Information Measurement Theory (IMT) and the Best Value Approach (BVA), co-developed by Dr. Dean Kashiwagi and Dr. Jacob Kashiwagi. Attendees will explore how ancient logic and natural laws can simplify complex challenges, improve decision-making, and increase transparency. By mastering these universal principles, project leaders can move beyond constant problem-solving into predictable, low-risk, high-performance management. Through real-world case studies tested globally, participants will learn how this mindset consistently delivers faster, higher-quality results—without needing to “know everything.”
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the foundational principles of Information Measurement Theory and how they simplify complex project decisions.
- Learn how to transition from reactive management to proactive leadership using logic, measurement, and transparency.
- Discover how natural laws, inspired by thinkers and artists like Socrates, Einstein, Deming, Bruce Lee, and Mozart, reveal the structure of high performance.
- Identify strategies proven to achieve up to 30% cost savings, 50% manpower efficiency, and 100% faster delivery through the Best Value Approach.
- Gain insights into how timeless principles empower project managers to lead confidently, reduce risk, and consistently deliver excellence.
Dr. Jacob Kashiwagi is an international expert in leadership, procurement, project management, and supply chain systems. He earned his PhD from Delft University of Technology and co-created the Best Value Approach (BVA) with his late father, Dr. Dean Kashiwagi, the original founder of the model. As his father’s protégé and successor, Dr. Jacob has continued and expanded this legacy, bringing the BVA to new industries and international audiences. The BVA is a revolutionary delivery model that simplifies decision-making, increases accountability, and drives performance. It has been implemented in 2,000+ projects worth over $6 billion, achieving a 98% success rate and 10–30% cost savings, and remains the most licensed intellectual property at Arizona State University, with 64 licenses developed over the last 30 years. Dr. Jacob also serves as editor for W117 Performance Measurement in Construction under the International Council for Research and Innovation in Building and Construction (CIB) and has taught the BVA to 8,000+ professionals worldwide.
Beyond his research and consulting work, Dr. Jacob founded the Leadership Society of Arizona (LSA) in 2013, a nonprofit that has served 4,000+ students with 94% satisfaction, 86% stress reduction, and 83% positive behavior changes, helping youth learn how to live happy, successful lives. He also founded LeadAZ Private School in 2023, which has served 36 students in its first two years, with 59% of students who were behind academically making major progress, 94% improving test scores, and 91% strengthening social and personal skills. Dr. Jacob continues to advance leadership, education, procurement, and performance management worldwide as a speaker, researcher, and two-time Amazon bestselling author of In Search of Truth and No-Influence Mentoring.
