Most CEOs I talk to aren’t short on ambition.

They’ve got big visions, aggressive timelines, and plenty of meetings to chase results.

But when we sit down—CEO to CEO—one question changes the entire conversation: “Are you solving the right problem?”

According to McKinsey, over 77% of strategic initiatives fail. Not because of poor execution but because they were designed to solve the wrong problem.

The Cost of Getting It Wrong

When you start with assumptions instead of insight, you burn time, money, and trust. Teams spin their wheels. Projects stall. Morale dips. And the leadership team solves the symptoms, not the root cause.

That’s why so many smart leaders—despite their efforts—fall short.

The Power of a Problem Statement

As The Idea Guy®, I teach leaders how to research and reframe problems before they invest in solutions. Together, we leverage Generative AI to create problem statements that are:

• Specific – Clearly defined and focused
• Actionable – Pointing toward measurable change
• Aligned – Understood across functions and teams

With the real problem in focus, ideas get sharper, and solutions become obvious. Execution gets cleaner. Results follow.

Let’s Talk, CEO to CEO

I’ve been named a Finalist for CEO of the Year by the San Diego Business Journal—because this isn’t just something I talk about. It’s how I run my business and how I help other CEOs lead theirs.

If your team’s busy—but progress feels off—let’s take 15 minutes to check the problem you’re trying to solve. – 👊🏻💡😎

Book a 15-minute Problem Check with The Idea Guy®.

References

• Doblin. (2016). Ten Types of Innovation: The Discipline of Building Breakthroughs. Retrieved from https://doblin.com/ten-types
• McKinsey & Company. (2015). Why implementation matters. Retrieved from https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/operations/our-insights/why-implementation-matters
• IBM Institute for Business Value. (2018). The Enterprise Guide to Closing the Skills Gap. Retrieved from https://www.ibm.com/thought-leadership/institute-business-value/report/closing-skills-gap