Michael Fritsch, PMP

Michael Fritsch, PMP

Austin, Texas, United States
16K followers 500+ connections

About

Most organizations don’t have an AI problem.
They have an execution design…

Services

Articles by Michael

  • PMO vs. VMO

    PMO vs. VMO: Shifting from Project Management to Value Management In today’s fast-paced business environment, evolution…

    38 Comments
  • Project Management and the D-Day Invasion

    Operation Overlord: Did good project planning save Europe? The D-Day invasion of Europe took place 77 years ago, on…

    23 Comments
  • Memoria Day Thoughts

    “On Memorial Day, we honor and reflect upon the courage, integrity, and selfless dedication of the members of our Armed…

    2 Comments
  • Top 5 Business Lessons From My First Job

    What was your first real job? What was the single most important thing you learned? My first REAL job (W-2 Paycheck)…

    31 Comments
  • 3 Pivot Lessons from St Patrick

    When most of us think about St. Patrick’s day we probably think about parties, green beer, and shamrocks.

    1 Comment
  • D-Day and Project Management

    Operation Overlord The D-Day invasion of Europe took place 75 years ago today, June 6, 1944. Bad weather delayed the…

  • 4 Career Lessons from St Patrick

    When most of us think about St. Patrick's day we probably think about parties, green beer, and shamrocks.

    4 Comments
  • Veterans and Military Posts

    Veteran's day was this past Saturday. My time in the Army and my service with the 11th Field Artillery has always made…

    2 Comments
  • Why Project Managers make effective executives (part 2)

    In late 2015, I was interviewed by Central Desktop Blog on why good project managers get passed over for promotion…

    1 Comment
  • 3 Communication Lessons from Pearl Harbor

    75 Years Ago: December 7, 1941 On Sunday morning, December 7, 1941, the American Army and Navy base in Pearl Harbor…

    5 Comments

Activity

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Experience

  • Confoe Graphic

    Confoe

    Austin, TX

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    Austin, Texas Metropolitan Area

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    Austin, Texas Metropolitan Area

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    Santa Clara, California

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    San Francisco Bay Area

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Education

Licenses & Certifications

Volunteer Experience

  • PMI Austin Chapter Graphic

    VP of Outreach

    PMI Austin Chapter

    - 2 years 4 months

    Science and Technology

    Leading outreach initiatives for the PMI Austin Chapter, overseeing the development and implementation of community-facing programs to enhance member value. Responsible for fostering partnerships, managing Special Interest Groups (SIGs), and promoting PMI's mission in the Austin area. Collaborating with a dedicated team to drive membership growth, sponsor relations, and community engagement.

  • ISPI Graphic

    Chair, Chapter Partnership Committee

    ISPI

    - 1 year 4 months

    Education

  • International Society for Performance Improvement Graphic

    Texas Chapter Founder & President

    International Society for Performance Improvement

    - 2 years 11 months

    Education

    Founder and President of the (Non-Profit) Texas chapter of the International Society for Performance Improvement. ISPI is the leading international association dedicated to improving productivity and performance in the workplace. Recruited board members and volunteers. Grew membership and revenue. Established online infrastructure (website, mail automation, webinars) Built cross -chapter collaboration tool using Smartsheet CWM. Winner of Chapter of Excellence 2016.

Publications

  • Five Reasons Why Your AI Implementation Might Fail

    Forbes Business Development Council

    AI adoption is accelerating, but value realization remains uneven. Many organizations are experimenting with AI across tools and teams, yet struggle to translate that activity into consistent, measurable results.

    In this Forbes Business Development Council article, I outline five execution breakdowns I see repeatedly: applying AI to unstable processes, focusing on tools instead of systems, misalignment with real workflows, weak governance, and pilots that never convert into operational…

    AI adoption is accelerating, but value realization remains uneven. Many organizations are experimenting with AI across tools and teams, yet struggle to translate that activity into consistent, measurable results.

    In this Forbes Business Development Council article, I outline five execution breakdowns I see repeatedly: applying AI to unstable processes, focusing on tools instead of systems, misalignment with real workflows, weak governance, and pilots that never convert into operational discipline.

    The common thread is not the technology. It’s the system surrounding it.

    AI acts as a multiplier. When the underlying system is clear and aligned, it accelerates outcomes. When it’s fragmented, it exposes the gaps.

    See publication
  • Stop Chasing Utilization: The Simpler Way To See Profit In Service Operations

    Forbes Business Development Council

    Service teams often operate at full capacity, yet margins remain flat. This article challenges the overreliance on utilization as a performance metric and introduces a simpler, more effective approach to managing profitability.

    By using an internal bill rate model, leaders can make cost, margin, and value visible in real time across all types of work—shifting focus from activity to outcomes.

    The result is clearer decision-making, better alignment, and improved financial…

    Service teams often operate at full capacity, yet margins remain flat. This article challenges the overreliance on utilization as a performance metric and introduces a simpler, more effective approach to managing profitability.

    By using an internal bill rate model, leaders can make cost, margin, and value visible in real time across all types of work—shifting focus from activity to outcomes.

    The result is clearer decision-making, better alignment, and improved financial performance without adding complexity.

    A practical perspective for operations and service leaders looking to simplify metrics and drive more profitable execution.

    See publication
  • 9 Questions To Ask When Considering A Sales Position

    Forbes Business Development Council

    In today's dynamic business landscape, the role of a sales professional is more intricate than ever. Before diving into a new sales role, it's crucial to align the position with your career aspirations, values, and expertise. Here are some pivotal questions to guide your decision:

    How does the company define success?
    What insights can you gather about top performers?
    How is the compensation structured?
    What's the depth of the sales process?
    How is performance…

    In today's dynamic business landscape, the role of a sales professional is more intricate than ever. Before diving into a new sales role, it's crucial to align the position with your career aspirations, values, and expertise. Here are some pivotal questions to guide your decision:

    How does the company define success?
    What insights can you gather about top performers?
    How is the compensation structured?
    What's the depth of the sales process?
    How is performance evaluated?
    What support does the company offer its sales team?
    What exactly does the role entail?
    Are there any risks or barriers?
    Do you genuinely believe in what you're selling?

    See publication
  • Five Essential Strategies for Tech Implementation Success!

    Forbes Business Development Council

    Michael Fritsch, PMP, offers invaluable insights into the world of technology implementation. Drawing from his vast experience, he emphasizes that success in tech is not just about the tool but how it's integrated into operations.

    Key Takeaways:

    Optimize Before Automating: Before embracing automation, it's crucial to ensure that existing processes are efficient. Refinement should precede technological enhancement.
    Evaluate Specific Needs: Every project or group has unique…

    Michael Fritsch, PMP, offers invaluable insights into the world of technology implementation. Drawing from his vast experience, he emphasizes that success in tech is not just about the tool but how it's integrated into operations.

    Key Takeaways:

    Optimize Before Automating: Before embracing automation, it's crucial to ensure that existing processes are efficient. Refinement should precede technological enhancement.
    Evaluate Specific Needs: Every project or group has unique requirements. It's essential to understand these nuances and select tailored solutions that cater to them.
    Choose Tools in Alignment with Goals: The most effective tool is the one that resonates with specific needs and objectives. It's not about the most advanced tool, but the most appropriate one.
    Engage with Stakeholders: Implementation often brings change. Engaging with all affected parties, especially frontline workers, ensures smoother transitions and better acceptance.
    Adhere to a Timeline: Keeping momentum is vital. Clear timelines prevent enthusiasm from waning and ensure strategies remain up-to-date.
    In a digital age where many transformations don't meet their goals, Fritsch's strategies serve as a guiding light. Whether you're part of a budding startup or a renowned Fortune 100 company, this article provides a roadmap to tech implementation success.

    See publication
  • Determining Whether To Leverage An RPA Or Smartsheet Solution In Your Organization

    Forbes Business Development Council

    How to choose between collaborative work management (CWM) software (like Smartsheet) and robotic process automation (RPA) to automate manual work and increase efficiency. I highlight strategies for business leaders to make the right decision.

    See publication

Projects

  • Caelux Corporation — Manufacturing Ramp Execution System

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    Caelux was scaling a first-of-its-kind perovskite solar manufacturing facility in Baldwin Park, targeting ~100 MW production capacity and commercial deployment of next-generation solar technology.

    Established an execution system aligning engineering, contractors, and management into a single operating layer, with real-time visibility across construction, tool installation, and readiness milestones.

    Brought the facility online on schedule and enabled transition to commercial…

    Caelux was scaling a first-of-its-kind perovskite solar manufacturing facility in Baldwin Park, targeting ~100 MW production capacity and commercial deployment of next-generation solar technology.

    Established an execution system aligning engineering, contractors, and management into a single operating layer, with real-time visibility across construction, tool installation, and readiness milestones.

    Brought the facility online on schedule and enabled transition to commercial production, including initial customer shipments. The platform supports up to 30% higher power density and ~20% lower project costs, positioning the operation for scaled manufacturing.

  • Dell — Global Command Center Execution System

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    Dell’s global service operation was managing high-volume dispatch and supply chain activity, where fragmented visibility and external disruptions directly impacted customer response at scale.

    Architected and operationalized a global command center execution layer, integrating dispatch activity, supply chain positioning, and external event signals into a unified operating model. Enabled real-time coordination and decision-making across regions.

    Deployed in under five months…

    Dell’s global service operation was managing high-volume dispatch and supply chain activity, where fragmented visibility and external disruptions directly impacted customer response at scale.

    Architected and operationalized a global command center execution layer, integrating dispatch activity, supply chain positioning, and external event signals into a unified operating model. Enabled real-time coordination and decision-making across regions.

    Deployed in under five months, supporting 10,000–18,000 daily dispatches and up to 4,000 dispatch decisions per hour. Execution shifted from reactive coordination to continuous, system-driven response at global scale.

    See project
  • Intel — Capital Equipment Reuse Execution System (China Fab)

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    Intel was constructing a new semiconductor fab in China using over 300 reused capital tools sourced globally, introducing elevated risk across qualification timelines, supplier coordination, and installation sequencing.

    Established a centralized execution system coordinating 26 suppliers across refurbishment, logistics, and installation. Created real-time visibility across all tools and dependencies, enabling rapid issue resolution and alignment across global teams.

    Delivered…

    Intel was constructing a new semiconductor fab in China using over 300 reused capital tools sourced globally, introducing elevated risk across qualification timelines, supplier coordination, and installation sequencing.

    Established a centralized execution system coordinating 26 suppliers across refurbishment, logistics, and installation. Created real-time visibility across all tools and dependencies, enabling rapid issue resolution and alignment across global teams.

    Delivered ~$21M in cost avoidance while improving schedule recovery and freeing internal resources for higher-value priorities. Execution shifted from fragmented supplier activity to coordinated system-level control.

  • Applied Materials — Global Service Execution Transformation

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    Applied Materials was scaling a global service organization of 4,000+ engineers across 19 business units, with rising installation costs and inconsistent execution across regions.

    Established an enterprise execution system through a global PMO, aligning operations horizontally across regions and vertically from field engineers to leadership. Standardized governance, operating cadence, and real-time visibility across the service lifecycle.

    Delivered sustained impact, including $40M…

    Applied Materials was scaling a global service organization of 4,000+ engineers across 19 business units, with rising installation costs and inconsistent execution across regions.

    Established an enterprise execution system through a global PMO, aligning operations horizontally across regions and vertically from field engineers to leadership. Standardized governance, operating cadence, and real-time visibility across the service lifecycle.

    Delivered sustained impact, including $40M in annual cost savings, 40% reduction in installation costs, 10–15% improvement in engineer utilization, and a 10x improvement in customer response cycle time. Execution became consistent, measurable, and scalable globally.

Languages

  • English

    Native or bilingual proficiency

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