Problem-solving isn’t just for leaders—it’s a skill everyone needs. In today’s fast-moving world, those who actively seek out and tackle challenges don’t just survive; they thrive.

I sit down with Craig Calder, former EY partner, author, and founder of Think Clear Group, to explore how anyone can develop the mindset of a problem hunter. Craig challenges the outdated idea that problem-solving is a reactive skill. Instead, he explains how identifying, understanding, and addressing problems proactively can transform your career, impact, and confidence.

What We Cover in This Episode:
Why problem hunting isn’t just for leaders—everyone benefits from mastering this skill
How problem hunters get ahead—proactive problem-solvers make faster, clearer decisions
The impact of a problem-solving culture—companies that focus on this outperform their competitors significantly
The difference between spotting a problem and owning the solution
Practical steps to define problems clearly, assess impact, and find root causes
Why psychological safety and continuous learning are critical to better decision-making

This isn’t just a leadership conversation—it’s about how to take control of your own success. Whether leading a team, running a business, or looking to handle challenges more effectively, developing the skills of a problem hunter will set you apart.

00:00 Introduction and Personal Realisation

00:42 Meet Craig Calder: Author and Problem Solver

01:15 Craig's Personal Journey to Problem Solving

06:33 The Importance of Problem Hunters in Organizations

14:23 Steps to Effective Problem Solving

21:27 The Turd Observer Concept

26:39 Becoming a Sought-After Problem Hunter

32:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

LINKS

Connect with Craig:


Grab a copy of Craig’s book "Problem Hunter" here

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/craig-calder/

Website: https://www.thinkcleargroup.com/

 

Connect with Julie:

Order My New Book “You Always Have A Choice”here 

LinkedIn:    https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/

Instagram: @juliehydeleads

Website:     https://juliehyde.com.au

Problem-solving isn&rsquo;t just for leaders&mdash;it&rsquo;s a skill everyone needs. In today&rsquo;s fast-moving world, those who actively seek out and tackle challenges don&rsquo;t just survive; they thrive.
I sit down with&nbsp;Craig Calder, former EY partner, author, and founder of Think Clear Group, to explore how anyone can develop the mindset of a problem hunter. Craig challenges the outdated idea that problem-solving is a reactive skill. Instead, he explains how identifying, understanding, and addressing problems proactively can transform your career, impact, and confidence.
What We Cover in This Episode:
<ul>
<li>Why problem hunting isn&rsquo;t just for leaders&mdash;everyone benefits from mastering this skill</li>
<li>How problem hunters get ahead&mdash;proactive problem-solvers make faster, clearer decisions</li>
<li>The impact of a problem-solving culture&mdash;companies that focus on this outperform their competitors significantly</li>
<li>The difference between spotting a problem and owning the solution</li>
<li>Practical steps to define problems clearly, assess impact, and find root causes</li>
<li>Why psychological safety and continuous learning are critical to better decision-making</li>
</ul>
This isn&rsquo;t just a leadership conversation&mdash;it&rsquo;s about how to take control of your own success. Whether leading a team, running a business, or looking to handle challenges more effectively, developing the skills of a problem hunter will set you apart.
00:00 Introduction and Personal Realisation
00:42 Meet Craig Calder: Author and Problem Solver
01:15 Craig's Personal Journey to Problem Solving
06:33 The Importance of Problem Hunters in Organizations
14:23 Steps to Effective Problem Solving
21:27 The Turd Observer Concept
26:39 Becoming a Sought-After Problem Hunter
32:49 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
LINKS
Connect with Craig: 
Grab a copy of Craig&rsquo;s book "Problem Hunter" <a href="https://www.thinkcleargroup.com/book">here</a>
LinkedIn:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-calder/">www.linkedin.com/in/craig-calder/</a>
Website: <a href="https://www.thinkcleargroup.com/">https://www.thinkcleargroup.com/</a>
&nbsp;
Connect with Julie:
Order My New Book &ldquo;You Always Have A Choice&rdquo;<a href="https://youalwayshaveachoice.com.au/"> here</a>&nbsp;
LinkedIn:&nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-hyde/</a>
Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/juliehydeleads/">@juliehydeleads</a>
Website: &nbsp; &nbsp; <a href="https://juliehyde.com.au/">https://juliehyde.com.au</a>

Want to know the secret to confident and successful leadership?

Every week, Leading You showcases leadership of all kinds and you get the scoop on how to be an effective, modern leader who makes an impact.

There’s one thing we all have in common. We’re all leaders. First and foremost, you’re a leader of you. You don’t need a title to be a leader. Leadership is a mindset which anyone can adopt to create influence. The more leaders the world has, the better it will be.

I'll let you into something I know to be true - You can’t be a leader of others unless you’re a leader of self first. So if you want to have impact that leads to prosperity and happiness, it all starts with you. With your mindset and personal leadership toolbox, which Leading You will help you build up.

Leading you is hosted by Julie Hyde, an entrepreneur, corporate drop out and passionate leader. Julie knows one thing: you can’t control what happens to you but you can control how you respond. It’s why Leading You is important.

Each week, guests share their secret sauce. They reveal their roadmaps to success. How they’ve stayed anchored to who they are, insights into their courage and resilience and how to be emotionally and behaviourally agile. It’s a conversation, not an interrogation, and you’ll hear the human side of household names.

Want to know the secret to confident and successful leadership?
Every week, Leading You showcases leadership of all kinds and you get the scoop on how to be an effective, modern leader who makes an impact.
There’s one thing we all have in common. We’re all leaders. First and foremost, you’re a leader of you. You don’t need a title to be a leader. Leadership is a mindset which anyone can adopt to create influence. The more leaders the world has, the better it will be.
I'll let you into something I know to be true - You can’t be a leader of others unless you’re a leader of self first. So if you want to have impact that leads to prosperity and happiness, it all starts with you. With your mindset and personal leadership toolbox, which Leading You will help you build up.
Leading you is hosted by Julie Hyde, an entrepreneur, corporate drop out and passionate leader. Julie knows one thing: you can’t control what happens to you but you can control how you respond. It’s why Leading You is important.
Each week, guests share their secret sauce. They reveal their roadmaps to success. How they’ve stayed anchored to who they are, insights into their courage and resilience and how to be emotionally and behaviourally agile. It’s a conversation, not an interrogation, and you’ll hear the human side of household names.

A Podcast dedicated to business owners and leaders to inspire you to make it count

Leading You

Want to know the secret to confident and successful leadership?
Every week, Leading You showcases leadership of all kinds and you get the scoop on how to be an effective, modern leader who makes an impact.
There’s one thing we all have in common. We’re all leaders. First and foremost, you’re a leader of you. You don’t need a title to be a leader. Leadership is a mindset which anyone can adopt to create influence. The more leaders the world has, the better it will be.
I'll let you into something I know to be true - You can’t be a leader of others unless you’re a leader of self first. So if you want to have impact that leads to prosperity and happiness, it all starts with you. With your mindset and personal leadership toolbox, which Leading You will help you build up.
Leading you is hosted by Julie Hyde, an entrepreneur, corporate drop out and passionate leader. Julie knows one thing: you can’t control what happens to you but you can control how you respond. It’s why Leading You is important.
Each week, guests share their secret sauce. They reveal their roadmaps to success. How they’ve stayed anchored to who they are, insights into their courage and resilience and how to be emotionally and behaviourally agile. It’s a conversation, not an interrogation, and you’ll hear the human side of household names.

Advertisement