The Art of the Rough Cut: Why Your Project Needs an Axe Before a Knife
We’ve all been there. The annual planning is finally over. The slides are beautiful, the project titles are glowing in
Nadav Weiss
07/02/2026
Hi, I’m Nadav Weiss.
I spend my days navigating complex project lifecycles and my evenings navigating the grain of a basswood block. I’ve found that shaping a project is remarkably like shaping wood: both require a clear vision, a sharp set of tools, and the patience to work with the material rather than against it.
This blog is my workbench. I’m sharing lessons from the chisel to help us all become more intentional, resilient project managers.
Ready to carve out some wisdom? Let’s dive in.
Welcome to my digital workshop.
This isn’t a textbook; it’s a record of my own “rough cuts” and the lessons I’ve picked up along the way. I’ve found that the most profound insights don’t come from a certification course—they come from a piece of oak that refused to cooperate or a chisel that wasn’t quite as sharp as I thought.
In this blog, I’m opening my tool chest to share my personal journey:
Real Stories: Firsthand accounts of navigating the “rough patches” found in both project workflows and wood grain.
The Whittler’s Mindset: How the slow, intentional pace of carving has personally helped me become a more patient and present leader.
My “Offcuts”: Sharing the small, practical reflections that surface when I’m focused on a piece of timber.
I’m sharing these reflections in the hope that my own scratches and splits can help you find a smoother path in your own work. We are all a work in progress, and the best time to start is while the wood is fresh. Dive into the posts below, pick up a mental chisel, and let’s continue our own chipping together!
We’ve all been there. The annual planning is finally over. The slides are beautiful, the project titles are glowing in
There is a specific, grounding scent that fills the room when you first set a fresh block of wood on
opening post – how I came to create this blog
I’m always looking for new ways to share the lessons I’ve learned—whether it’s at the workbench with a chisel or in a meeting room with a project plan.
I’m curious to know if there is interest in hands-on sessions or talks covering:
The Basics of Woodcarving: Getting started with the right tools and techniques.
Intentional Project Management: Applying the “craftsman’s mindset” to your professional deliverables.
The Intersection: A deep dive into how woodcarving principles can solve common project “splinters.”
I don’t have any dates on the calendar just yet, but if any of this sounds like something you (or your team) would enjoy, please let me know. Your feedback will help me decide what to “carve out” next!