We've all experienced it—you solve a problem, everyone celebrates, and a few weeks later the same problem returns wearing a different hat. What happened? Chances are you solved the wrong problem. Research consistently shows that spending just a few minutes clarifying a problem leads to more original, more effective solutions than jumping straight into brainstorming. Yet most of us were never taught how to question the problem itself—we were taught to race toward answers. In this engaging (and occasionally humorous) session, creativity expert Dr. Roger Firestien shares simple, practical techniques from his latest book, Solve the REAL Problem, to help you uncover the challenge that's actually worth solving. You'll discover how asking better questions can save time, reduce frustration, improve decision making, and prevent expensive detours. After all, solving the wrong problem perfectly is still solving the wrong problem.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize when you're solving symptoms instead of the real problem.
- Use creative questions to uncover opportunities others miss.
- Avoid the ""First Problem Fallacy""—the tendency to accept the first problem that appears.
- Apply practical techniques to get unstuck and generate fresh ideas.
- Improve decision making by investing time in problem definition before solution generation.
Meet the Speakers
Dr. Roger Firestien is one of the world's leading experts on Creative Problem Solving and innovation. For nearly five decades, he has helped more than 600 organizations—including Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, universities, hospitals, associations, and nonprofits—solve complex challenges and uncover new opportunities. His practical, research-based approach has been featured in Fast Company, Forbes, Investor's Business Daily, INC., and The New York Times. His nine-part innovation series on the OpenSesame learning platform has been translated into ten languages and used by organizations around the world. Roger is the author of seven books on creativity and innovation, including Why Didn't I Think of That?, Create in a Flash, and Solve the REAL Problem. He is also a two-time TEDx speaker and Associate Professor Emeritus at the Center for Applied Imagination at Buffalo State University.
Maricruz Kaspar is a Curation Specialist II at OpenSesame, with a background in health education and community health, she specializes in helping organizations find trusted learning content for healthcare professionals. Maricruz combines experience in healthcare, research, and client success to curate learning solutions that support workforce development, regulatory compliance, and better patient care. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Health Promotion from Arizona State University.
Liza Mucheru Wisner is an award-winning leader in talent development, AI, and workplace innovation. As Portfolio Lead of Talent & Workplace Culture at OpenSesame, she designs learning experiences that blend human insight with intelligent automation. A SHRM-award-winning strategist, author, and global influencer, Liza’s work helps organizations elevate learning, build stronger cultures, and prepare for the future of work.
About the Organization
Dr. Roger Firestien delivers research-backed training that helps people think creatively, solve problems, and drive real results. With decades of experience in creativity and innovation, his courses combine real-world examples and proven methods to make innovation practical and applicable.
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