Projects fail when the goal is “get a cert,” not “enable revenue and reduce risk.” Without an executive sponsor and named owners, habits don’t change. Over-engineered tools and manual evidence create hidden debt. Fix with clear outcomes, accountable leads, short sprints, and early automation.

Choose outcomes over checklists: faster deals, clean audits, scalable processes. Look for industry references, practitioner credentials, and tooling that automates evidence. Demand a clear operating model (RACI, cadence, metrics) and plain-English deliverables. Pilot against a real buyer requirement.