No Straight Lines: Paul Wong Shares His Journey on Resilience, Leadership and Delivering Complex Projects

We're proud to share that Paul Wong, Director of Project Management at Lee Wakemans, was recently invited to be a guest on the No Straight Lines podcast - a series that explores the human stories behind success, the setbacks along the way, and the mindset it takes to rebuild and keep going.

Hosted by Laurence Winmill, No Straight Lines is known for its honest, unfiltered conversations with leaders and changemakers. Paul's episode was no exception, offering insight into his journey from architecture to consultancy, and the values that have shaped his approach to leadership, collaboration, and problem-solving.

"It was a fascinating conversation with Paul Wong... From architecture to project management, Paul shared powerful insights into the world of planning, leading, and delivering major projects - on time and on budget." - Laurence Winmill, Host of No Straight Lines

A Journey Built on Perspective and Persistence

In the episode, Paul reflects on his early years in architectural practice, and how stepping into project management allowed him to bring together design, delivery and commercial thinking in a more strategic way. He talks openly about his defining moments - both the proud highs and the tough lessons - and how these experiences helped shape his leadership style.

"Nothing should be impossible - we just have to figure out how. And to do that, we need the right people, working together, overcoming challenges as one."

What Drives Paul

Paul shares the habits and values that keep him focused: a deep respect for clarity, a belief in the power of preparation, and a passion for bringing out the best in teams. For Paul, collaboration is not just a buzzword - it's the foundation of every successful project.

Whether he's working with universities, manufacturers or developers, Paul is known for his ability to bring structure to complexity and drive forward momentum without compromising quality.

Real Lessons for Real Challenges

One of the most powerful aspects of the conversation was Paul's openness about the challenges he's faced -- from difficult decisions to unexpected roadblocks. His message to others? Embrace setbacks as part of the journey and lean on your team.

He also offers advice to those earlier in their careers or building something of their own:

"Don't be afraid of uncertainty. Be clear on your values, stay curious, and always keep learning. Surround yourself with good people -- and be one of them."

Listen to the Episode

The full episode of No Straight Lines featuring Paul Wong will be available to stream soon -- we'll share the link here and on our social media channels as soon as it's live.

Photo: Paul Wong and Laurence Winmill  in the studio