PRINCE2 Master: enabling the optimum approach across change initiatives
Richa Thapliyal – PRINCE2 Master
Holistic thinking is at the heart of becoming a PRINCE2 Master, enabling professionals to connect project delivery with organizational strategy and drive meaningful business outcomes in today’s fast-paced commercial world.
Equally important is adaptability. As I’ve learnt throughout my career, the PRINCE2 portfolio of guidance and certifications provides the flexibility to respond to different types of change whether applied independently or alongside other frameworks.
The journey to becoming a PRINCE2 Master
Over the last 10 years, I’ve worked in ITSM roles across banking, FMCG, entertainment, and airspace. ITIL has been a constant in these roles, helping teams adopt and adapt practices to meet business and project objectives.
It was during a large asset refresh project - procuring servers, network components, and storage devices - that I experienced the true value of PRINCE2 Project Management. For the first time, I saw the method in action and recognized the benefits of clearly defined roles, structured governance, and improved visibility across the project.
This experience motivated me to pursue the PRINCE2 Project Management Foundation, with the aim of gaining clarity on how its principles and guidance could be applied in practice. It strengthened my ability to tailor approaches, align roles, and support successful project outcomes.
Speaking a common language
One of the most valuable aspects for me was the clarity of definitions and language. Being able to use consistent terminology significantly improves stakeholder communication, and I strongly believe that speaking a common language enables both individuals and organizations to achieve more.
This led me to progress to the PRINCE2 Project Management Practitioner, where the focus shifted from understanding concepts to applying them in real-world contexts. It emphasized how best practices can be integrated within organizations and shared across teams to create consistency and alignment.
It also broadened my perspective, helping me combine PRINCE2 with Agile, ITIL, and operational management approaches.
I am always learning, and while progressing through the PRINCE2 certification pathway, I also achieved the ITIL Master designation. During the implementation of a new ServiceNow module, my team was using a blend of waterfall, Agile, Scrum, and PRINCE2 Project Management. I realized the value of mastering a broader set of capabilities across project, programme, and portfolio management.
This led me to pursue the PRINCE2 Master designation, which included complementary disciplines such as programme management, portfolio management, risk management, and PRINCE2 Agile.
Applying the approach to the context
Achieving the PRINCE2 Master designation has given me the confidence to manage change, risk, and create value across projects, programmes, and portfolios using a range of best practice methods. It enables me to select the right approach depending on the context, rather than relying on a single method.
In complex environments with diverse stakeholders, strong governance, reporting, visibility, and collaboration are critical. Having access to a portfolio of best practice guidance is invaluable in meeting business objectives effectively.
Confidence through capability
The knowledge gained through this journey provides not just technical understanding, but confidence.
I now have the ability to assess different options, understand trade-offs, and select the most appropriate approach based on the situation. The PRINCE2 portfolio acts as a “menu” of proven practices that can be combined and tailored to deliver value.
Leaders need big picture thinking
One of the biggest challenges I see is people working in silos. Successful delivery is not just about systems or processes. It’s about people, alignment, and shared understanding.
That’s why I strongly encourage leaders to invest in achieving PRINCE2 Master. It provides a unique capability to manage portfolio, programme, project, risk and change; enabling a truly holistic view across the organization.
When people understand why they are doing something, they are far more likely to embrace change and achieve desired outcomes. Whether at project, programme or portfolio level, clarity around the business case, scope, and risks is essential to align change with strategy.
For me, PRINCE2 Master is not just a designation; it’s a powerful set of capabilities. It equips professionals with the necessary expertise to manage complexity, align delivery with strategy, and drive value across the organization.