Welcome to “What’s Your Problem?” – a reader-powered advice column for leaders ready to think differently.
Each week in the San Diego Business Journal, The Idea Guy® answers real business questions from executives, founders, and team leaders navigating complexity and change. This column tackles strategy stalls, cultural challenges, and innovation breakdowns—offering practical, experience-based insights to turn talk into action.
If you’ve ever said, “We need to be more innovative,” but didn’t know what that meant, this column is for you.
What’s Your Problem? #2
Dear Idea Guy, I’m a Director at a mid-sized company downtown, and we’ve been hearing a lot about Design Thinking. Some people on our team are excited about using it to tackle business challenges, but
Introducing: What’s Your Problem?
Dear Idea Guy, Our leadership team keeps talking about “being more innovative,” but no one knows what that actually means. We’ve got meetings full of buzzwords but no real movement. How do we turn the
Reader Learning Outcomes
Weekly readers ask better questions, reframe real challenges, and lead with innovation.
This column asked better questions than we were asking ourselves. We’d been spinning our wheels on “innovation” for months. One column helped us frame the real issue—and within a week, we were actually making progress.
It’s like having a trusted advisor in your inbox. The answers feel like they’re written just for you. Practical, sharp, and grounded in real experience—not theory or fluff.
Finally, someone who cuts through the buzzwords. Everyone talks about being innovative. The Idea Guy shows you how—with a clear, structured process that teams can actually use.
We shared the column with our leadership team—and it sparked the best conversation we’ve had all quarter. It shifted the tone from complaint to curiosity. Suddenly, we were talking about what’s really in the way.
Every response reads like a mini masterclass in problem-solving. These aren’t generic answers. They’re sharp, insightful, and packed with value—whether you’re leading a team or advising one.
Turn your real-world business challenge into a catalyst for innovation. Get expert insight, practical guidance, and a fresh perspective—free through the What’s Your Problem? column in the San Diego Business Journal. Your question could help others and spark meaningful change.
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Everything You Want to Know—But Might Not Think to Ask
Curious how the What’s Your Problem? column works or is it’s the right place to submit your challenge? You’re not alone. Below, we answer the most common questions from readers like you—leaders looking for clarity, fresh thinking, and real solutions.
Still wondering about something? Just reach out. We’re here to help you move from stuck to solved.
