From Fighter Jets to Project Labs: Ian Reynolds’ Bold Journey
Ian Reynolds always dreamed of flying high—literally. As a child growing up in Western Australia, his goal was clear: join the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and soar the skies. He poured everything into his studies, achieving grades that placed him among the top few percent in his state. His early success was driven by grit, ambition, and an unwavering belief that hard work pays off.
And it did—at first. He made it into the RAAF, completed officer training, and began his flying career. But what followed was a lesson that would shape his life forever.
The Crash of Confidence
Despite excelling academically and completing one of the toughest training programs in Australia, Ian faced an unexpected hurdle—self-doubt. For the first time, being smart wasn’t enough. The pressure, performance expectations, and a lack of internal confidence led him to make a heartbreaking decision: he self-suspended from training.
It was a devastating blow. “I was humiliated. I returned home broken and confused,” he recalls. Ironically, he later discovered he had been leading the course when he walked away. The revelation hit him hard. “I was stunned at how badly my lack of self-belief broke me.”
Yet from this low point came his life mantra: Don’t give up. You are more than you know you are.
Rebuilding Through Engineering
Taking the advice of his flight instructor—a Mirage fighter pilot—Ian returned home and focused on education. He enrolled in Mechanical Engineering, pushing himself with the same intensity he once reserved for the cockpit. His confidence grew as he earned a distinction and the prestigious engineering medal at university.
Soon after, he joined Minproc, a respected engineering firm in Australia. “Talk about stepping into a furnace!” he says. But this time, he was ready. He realized that while he didn’t have a deep love for engineering design, he was deeply passionate about projects. This revelation changed the trajectory of his career.
Finding Purpose in Projects
During a job at an iron ore mine, Ian had a defining encounter. He met a project engineer—not a clipboard-wielding manager, but a hands-on professional with real-world expertise. That meeting solidified Ian’s true calling. “I knew then—projects were it for me.”
Driven by this realization, Ian set a personal challenge: to work in five different industries within ten years. His logic was sound—early career years are for learning, and after a decade, you’re expected to deliver results without hand-holding. That decade transformed Ian into a seasoned projecteer with a unique blend of experience and practical wisdom.
Launching True North and Changing the Game
In the 2000s, Ian founded True North Project Services. What started as a one-man consultancy quickly grew into a team of a dozen experts delivering real impact on projects across the globe. His approach was simple yet revolutionary—cut through the “pseudo-science” of project management and focus on what actually works.
Over the years, Ian developed his own set of project models and strategies, honed through both success and observing many project failures. “What I know about projects and how to lead them is extensive and proven,” he says. His methods often challenged traditional teachings, but results spoke louder than theories.
A Mission with Meaning: Project-Laboratory
Fast forward to 2025, and Ian is back with a fresh vision. He’s launched Project-Laboratory, a consultancy with a twist. It’s not just about getting results—it’s about preserving the health and well-being of those delivering them.
“Projects are relentless,” Ian says. “They involve vast sums of money and attract overblown expectations. That creates a toxic environment.” His new mission is to support, mentor, teach, and research ways to lead projects effectively without burning people out.
This isn’t just business for Ian—it’s personal. He’s lived through the extremes. Years of stress led to a breakdown and eventually a TIA (transient ischemic attack). These experiences taught him an essential balance: know when to push, but also know when to let go.
Real Impact, Real People
Ask anyone who has worked with Ian, and you’ll hear the same story. His projects weren’t just successful—they were career highlights. His leadership style allowed others to rise beyond their own expectations, creating a ripple effect of growth and achievement.
“I want to continue to make a positive impact,” Ian says. “Not just on the outcome of projects, but on the lives of the people running them.”
Legacy Beyond Titles
What drives Ian now isn’t the thrill of another successful project. It’s the dream of changing how we understand project management altogether. He believes in starting from the ground up—creating a Universal Project framework that can be adapted to any industry. “So many industries cobble together practices that just don’t work,” he explains.
Through Project-Laboratory, he’s laying the foundation for a future where projects are approached with strategy, heart, and human connection. And that’s a legacy worth building.
Final Words of Wisdom
Ian’s journey—from an ambitious child dreaming of fighter jets, to a broken officer, to a thriving project mentor—offers a powerful message:
“Believe in your abilities. Don’t give up. Know when to give up. Breathe.”
This is more than advice—it’s a survival guide for any professional navigating high-pressure environments.
Connect with Ian Reynolds:
👉 LinkedIn Profile
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