The Problem Isn't Your Problem — It's How You're Solving It.
This 2.5-hour working session challenges how you think about challenges. You'll explore why problem-solving often backfires and leave with practical frameworks for designing conditions for potential — not just fixing what's in front of you.
What Happens Inside the Two and a Half Hours
Four segments. New frameworks. A fundamentally different way to look at the challenges in front of you.
The Problem with Problem-Solving
Why our instinct to solve problems so often leads to new ones — and why that's not a failure of effort, but a failure of framing. We explore the psychology of solution addiction, the difference between complicated and complex problems, and what happens when you treat a complex system like a simple one.
Designing for Potential
An introduction to playing for potential rather than solving for solutions. If innovation is about creating new value — not just fixing what's broken — then the questions we ask at the start have to change. This segment introduces the core shift and what it looks like in practice.
Frameworks for Thinking Differently
Exposure to three tools you can start using immediately: the Iceberg of Thinking (what's underneath the problem you can see), the Three Horizons Methodology (how to hold present and future simultaneously), and an introduction to the Periodic Table of Competencies.
Applying the Shift
Hands-on practice bringing the session's framing to a real challenge from your work. You'll begin to see where you've been solving problems and where designing for potential might open different doors.
Two and a Half Hours. Here's What That Means.
Where did InceptionU help me? Where did they not. They helped me rewire my entire way of thinking. I may not know the answers now — but I know I can find them. That makes me feel ready for basically anything.
As the co-founder of and facilitator at InceptionU, Greg is a super-connected entrepreneur, visionary and essential part of the InceptionU team. His expertise in design and critical thinking is a core component of our programming. Greg guides learners to think beyond what they ‘think’ they know and question everything.
Before your team signs up, let's answer the obvious ones.
Is this a lecture or do we actually work through problems?
It's a working session. You'll be introduced to frameworks and then apply them to real challenges from your work. The goal isn't to hear about a new way of thinking — it's to experience it.
Is this part of a longer Stop Solving Problems program?
Yes, but it's standalone. The 2.5-hour session is a focused introduction to the core framing — why problem-solving backfires and how to begin thinking about potential instead. The 15-hour program goes much deeper: potential mapping, strategic design, regenerative design principles, and extended project work. This session stands on its own and is also a natural entry point to the longer program.
What's the Iceberg of Thinking?
It's a framework for seeing past the surface-level problem to the systems, assumptions, and conditions underneath it — the stuff that's actually generating the issue. You'll be introduced to it during the session and practice applying it to a real challenge.
What do you mean when you mention MetaSkills? What are they, and how will they help me?
Tools don't solve problems. People do. Our ability to use MetaSkills — critical thinking, systems thinking, creative thinking, computational thinking, design, and collaboration — are timeless competencies central to your future success. These aren't just career skills; they have impact across every area of your life.
Every InceptionU program is built around developing these alongside the technical content. That's what makes the learning stick.
Can I register as a team, or book a private session for my organization?
Yes. Group rates apply for five or more seats. If you're looking to run this as a private session for your team, reach out and we'll put together a proposal tailored to your organization's needs and schedule.
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Do I need any prior experience or background to join this program?
No prior experience is required. Our programs are designed to meet you where you are, whether you're new to this area or building on existing knowledge. If you're genuinely unsure whether this is the right fit, reach out and we'll give you an honest answer.
Is this program available online, in-person, or both?
See the Session Logistics above for details on the current cohort. If you're outside Calgary and interested in a virtual option, get in touch and we'll let you know what's available.
Is there funding or financial assistance available?
Employer sponsorship is one of the most common ways organizations cover the cost of programming like this — it's worth having that conversation with your manager or HR team before registering.
This program may also be eligible for government programs like the Canada-Alberta Productivity Grant (CAPG). If applicable, you'll find a savings calculator just above in the Session Logistics section.
Interested in applying for government funding or employer sponsorship? Connect with us and we'll get you everything you need to make it happen.
What is your cancellation policy?
If you cancel 10 or more days before the program start date, you'll receive a full refund. Cancellations between 10 days and 24 hours before the start date can be transferred to a future cohort at no additional cost. For cancellations within 24 hours of the start date, we're not able to process a refund or transfer — but reach out anyway and we'll see what we can do.
Is InceptionU an accredited institution?
Fortunately, we are not. That gives us the freedom to be agile and adaptable as technology and industries evolve. We work closely with industry partners to design programming that aligns with real workforce needs — not what was relevant five years ago. If you'd like our full perspective on credentials and credentialing, read our take on the blog.
2.5 Hours to Think About Challenges Completely Differently.
Two and a half hours from now, you'll see your most persistent challenges differently. That's where change starts — not with a better solution, but with a better question.
Questions about running this session for your team, custom delivery, or group pricing? Drop your details and we'll be in touch within one business day.