Critical thinking and problem solving
You know that moment when you're staring at a problem that seems impossible... until suddenly it isn't? When you realize the difference between good engineers and great ones isn't just technical skill—it's how they think? Yeah, that's the game-changer.
Here's the thing: Being technically proficient is like having a toolbox full of incredible tools... but if you don't know how to diagnose problems and think strategically, you're just someone with expensive equipment fixing the wrong things.
Sound familiar?
You write beautiful, efficient code... but you're solving the wrong problems because you jumped to solutions too quickly
You optimize systems to perfection... but miss the root cause that's creating the issues in the first place
You architect elegant solutions... but they don't work because you didn't question the assumptions everyone else took for granted
You speak fluent algorithms... but strategic thinking feels like a foreign language
The uncomfortable truth? Technical excellence + poor problem-solving skills = really expensive solutions to the wrong problems.
The Challenge Every Tech Leader Faces
As a technology leader, you've mastered the art of implementation. But when it comes to strategic problem-solving, you're facing complex challenges:
- Rushing to solutions - You're trained to code, not to pause and think deeply about whether you're solving the right problem
- Root cause blindness - You're fixing symptoms instead of underlying issues, creating endless cycles of firefighting
- Logical fallacy traps - You're making decisions based on biased thinking patterns you don't even recognize
- Creativity blocks - You're approaching problems the same way everyone else does, missing game-changing solutions
- Pressure paralysis - When stakes are high, your thinking becomes rigid instead of more strategic
- The result? Brilliant technical minds solving problems efficiently... but often the wrong problems, leading to wasted resources and missed opportunities.
Why This Course is Essential for Tech Leaders
- Engineering-Focused - Problem-solving frameworks designed specifically for technical minds
- Practical, Not Academic - Every concept includes real-world scenarios you can apply immediately
- Comprehensive Coverage - From formal logic to creative breakthrough thinking
- Confidence Building - Develop the mindset that sees problems as opportunities for exponential growth
- Modern Context - Addresses AI, complex systems, and the strategic thinking needed in today's tech landscape
Transform Your Leadership Impact
Before this course:
Jumping to solutions before fully understanding problems
Getting stuck in repetitive problem-solving patterns
Feeling overwhelmed by complex, multi-faceted challenges
Missing opportunities for breakthrough innovations
After this course:
Strategic thinking - Approach problems with systematic frameworks that uncover root causes
Creative problem-solving - Generate innovative solutions that competitors miss
Confident decision-making - Make complex trade-offs with clarity and conviction
Logical clarity - Recognize and avoid cognitive biases that sabotage good decisions
Exponential results - Solve problems 10x better than your competition
What You'll Master
✅ Root Cause Analysis - Stop fixing symptoms and start solving underlying problems
✅ Formal Logic & Reasoning - Apply deductive, inductive, and ampliative reasoning like a philosopher
✅ Creative Problem-Solving - Combine unrelated concepts to generate breakthrough solutions
✅ Bias Recognition - Identify and overcome cognitive traps that limit your thinking
✅ Pseudocode for Problems - Apply programming thinking to life and business challenges
✅ Strategic Prioritization - Focus your energy on problems that create exponential impact
✅ Confidence Under Pressure - Maintain clear thinking when stakes are highest
Who This Course Is For:
Tech leaders who want to solve bigger, more strategic problems
Engineers ready to move beyond implementation into strategic thinking
Anyone who knows they're smart but wants to think more systematically
Leaders who need to make complex decisions with incomplete information
Professionals who want to become the person others turn to for breakthrough solutions
The future belongs to tech leaders who can think strategically about complex problems. While others are busy optimizing their solutions, you'll be optimizing your thinking—and that's where exponential results come from.
Transform problems into opportunities. Master the thinking that drives breakthrough innovation.
Lessons
Introduction
- Welcome
Problem Solving
- Introducing Prioritization
- Answers To The Prioritization Question
- The Right Mindset for Problem Solving
- Preliminary Research and Due Diligence
- Tips For Working Better
- Solving Problems with Pseudocode
- Problem Solving Exercise with Pseudocode
- Pseudocode Exercise Solution
- Engineering Tradeoffs and Imperfect Solutions
- Getting Feedback On Your Pseudocode
- Pseudocode Exercise: Part 2 and Key Takeaways
- Stress Level For Problem Solving
- Confidence For Problem Solving
- Health And Diet For Problem Solving
- Solution Quality
Understanding the Problem
- Understanding the Problem
- Understanding the Widow Problem
- Solving the Widow Problem
- Stamps Exercise
- Stamps Solution
- Exercise: Coin Math Problem
- Coin Math Problem Solution
- Manuscript Problem Questions
- Manuscript Problem Solution
Root Cause Analysis
- Root Cause Analysis: Section Introduction
- The Steps of Root Cause Analysis
Critical Thinking
- Understanding Critical Thinking
- Introduction to Logical Fallacies
- Socratic Method Explained
- Inductive and Deductive Reasoning
- Ampliative Reasoning Concepts
- Understanding Irrelevant Arguments
- Red Herring Analysis
- Understanding Strawman Arguments
- Twisted Argument
- Understanding Ad Hominem Arguments
- How to Treat Opposing Points of View
- Don't Surround Yourself with Like-Minded People
- Argument from Lack of Knowledge
- Trusting Anecdotal Evidence
- Case Studies vs Statistics
- Blindly Trusting Authority
- Correlation Does Not Imply Causation
- Wishful Thinking
- Avoiding Confrontational Thoughts
- Slippery Slope Fallacy and Anxiety
- Dealing with Bullies Effectively
Creativity in Problem Solving
- Introduction to Creativity in Problem Solving
- Defining Creativity in 2025
- Creativity Rules: Not When Under Stress
- Creativity by Combining Unrelated Things
- Case Study: Creative Group Hiking Ideas
- Balancing Creativity and Habit with Metacognition
- Nine Dot Puzzle Challenge
- Nine Dot Puzzle Solution
- What Day Is Today Exercise
- Unique Uses for Everyday Items
- Creativity and Idle Time Hack
Decision Making
- Introduction to Decision Making
- Time Management Matrix: Dr. Covey's 7 Habits
Project Prioritization
- Introduction to Project Prioritization
- Business Prioritization Case Study
- Prioritization Strategies with Family
- Goal Setting Exercise: Create Wishes Part 1
- Goal Setting Exercise: Create Wishes Part 2
- Goal Setting Exercise: Expanding on Creating Wishes
Productive Mindsets
- Introduction to Productive Mindsets for Problem Solving
- Understanding Mindsets: Definition and Importance
- Carol Dweck's Growth Mindset
- Understanding the Placebo Effect
- Understanding the Nocebo Effect
- Case Study: The Nocebo Effect on UBS Workers
- Protecting Yourself from Confidence Nocebos
- Example: Mindset Placebo and Nocebo Effects on Careers
- Creating Self-Perpetuating Mindsets
Building Confidence
- Introduction to Confidence for Problem Solving
- Simplified Confidence Definitions
- Malcolm Gladwell Case Study
- Practice and Preparation to Boost Confidence
- Boosting Confidence with Physiology
- Visualization Exercises for Confidence
- Confident Body Language Techniques
- Transforming Your Internal Dialogue
- Overcoming Fear of Failure
- Brain and Fear: Understanding Anger
- Four Keys to Achievement by Tony Robbins
Maintaining Focus
- Eliminating Interruptions: Section Introduction
- Effective Strategies
- Saying No to Free Up Time
- Focus Reps for Enhancing Attention
- Physical Levers to Boost Focus
- Understanding Phone Addiction
- Starting Focused Work Sessions
- Closing Browsers Effectively
- Focus Checklist
About the trainer

Alex Genadinik
Business and Entrepreneurship Coach
3-time bestselling Amazon author, 20 years of successful entrepreneurship experience. Passionate instructor caring deeply about helping students reach full potential.
A number of my books are used in major US universities and high schools.
My current professional interests include Emotional Intelligence and productivity. I am constantly exploring ways to accomplish more with less time.
Additionally, I am interested in SEO, digital marketing, and creativity.
Originally from Ukraine.