Execution Risk Case Study | How I Saved a Failing IT Project | Mary Murphy
Restoring control, predictability, and executive confidence in a complex, regulated enterprise environment.
This case study reflects an enterprise platform modernization program where delivery complexity had begun to erode executive confidence and slow decision cadence. While client-specific details are anonymized, the challenges and outcomes represent real-world initiatives requiring restored visibility, disciplined execution, and leadership clarity to stabilize delivery and support confident enterprise decision-making.
The Challenge
The organization was undertaking a large-scale enterprise platform modernization within a complex, regulated environment. While the initiative was strategically important, delivery had begun to stall.
Governance structures were unclear, ownership was fragmented across teams and vendors, and delivery practices varied widely. Multiple internal groups and external partners were involved, creating misalignment, decision delays, and increasing delivery risk.
Executive stakeholders lacked clear visibility into progress, risks, and dependencies. Confidence in the program was eroding, predictability had diminished, and leadership trust was at risk.
The core challenge was not technical modernization alone, but restoring control, clarity, and trust while operating within strict regulatory and operational constraints.
Establishing Delivery Foundations
I was engaged to stabilize an enterprise platform modernization initiative that had become complex, high-risk, and difficult to govern. My first priority was restoring delivery discipline through clear governance, defined ownership, and consistent operating rhythms.
I established decision frameworks, clarified accountability across teams and vendors, and introduced standardized planning and reporting practices. These foundations created predictability in delivery, reduced execution risk, and enabled teams to focus on outcomes rather than firefighting.
By reintroducing structure and transparency, the program regained momentum, and leadership gained the visibility required to make informed, timely decisions.
Aligning teams, building trust
Sustainable modernization depends on more than technology — it requires alignment, trust, and shared accountability across diverse teams and stakeholders.
I focused on creating clarity of purpose across internal teams, vendors, and executive stakeholders by establishing consistent communication, transparent decision-making, and clearly defined roles. This alignment reduced friction, surfaced risks earlier, and replaced uncertainty with shared ownership.
By addressing concerns directly and creating space for constructive collaboration, teams shifted from reactive delivery to coordinated execution. Trust was rebuilt through consistency, follow-through, and visible progress — enabling teams to operate with confidence and leaders to support the program decisively.
From strategy to visible success
Modernization efforts regained momentum as delivery became predictable, risks were surfaced early, and decision-making was grounded in reliable data.
With clear governance, consistent execution rhythms, and transparent reporting in place, leadership gained the visibility required to make informed, timely decisions. Teams operated with greater focus, accountability improved across vendors and internal groups, and delivery shifted from reactive recovery to steady progress.
The result was a modernization initiative leaders could trust—one that demonstrated tangible business value, strengthened executive sponsorship, and created a sustainable foundation for future transformation.
Moving enterprise initiatives forward
Hiring managers, senior leaders, and stakeholders navigating complex modernization efforts often need stability before transformation.
Ready to move a complex initiative forward?
Senior leaders often reach a point where progress requires clarity, structure, and steady execution.
If you’re navigating a high-stakes modernization effort and need delivery confidence restored, let’s talk.
