BtC09: The Charter: The One Map Everyone Needs but No One Reads

In this episode of Beyond the CapEx, Cristian Gonzalez and Luis Gomez examine why the project charter is one of the most underutilized — yet critical — tools in capital project delivery.

Many projects begin with broad agreement but vague definitions of success. This conversation explains how unclear objectives, weak decision boundaries, and implicit assumptions create misalignment that surfaces later as rework, conflict, and lost value.

Cristian and Luis reframe the charter as a decision framework, not a formality, one that aligns stakeholders, clarifies intent,and anchors governance throughout the project lifecycle.

This episode is essential listening for sponsors, project directors, and leaders responsible for aligning organizations before execution begins.

Key takeaway

If success isn’t explicit, execution will optimize the wrong outcome.

⏱️ Chapters

01:20 – Why charters are often ignored

04:40 – Alignment versus agreement

08:50 – Defining success before execution

13:30 – Decision boundaries and authority

18:10 – Governance anchored in intent

22:50 – Using the charter throughout execution

27:30 – Final perspective on alignment

📩 Contact

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