Cause For Thought

What Caused This

Cause for Thought explores the art and science of problem solving, asking why we often struggle to truly understand complex challenges and how we are best placed to turn those struggles into clear, actionable insights. Each episode blends classic problem-solving theories, real-world incidents, and candid personal stories, both successes and failures. Together, we unpack the ideas, tools, and mindsets that transform setbacks into opportunities. From finance to healthcare, manufacturing to everyday life, the Cause for Thought guests help you make sense of complexity, one episode at a time.

  1. Jan 22

    CPC 2025 Explained: How Financial Services Firms Should Prepare for Root Cause Analysis

    What does CPC 2025 mean for financial services firms, and how can organisations prepare for the Central Bank of Ireland's new expectations around Root Cause Analysis (RCA)? In this episode of Cause for Thought, Jonathan Batchelor and George explore one of the biggest regulatory changes facing Irish financial services organisations and explain why Root Cause Analysis should be viewed as far more than a compliance exercise. The discussion covers how firms can move beyond isolated investigations to build stronger organisational learning, improve customer outcomes and demonstrate meaningful improvement to regulators. It also explores the practical steps organisations can take before the March 2026 implementation deadline. What CPC 2025 requires from regulated financial services firmsWhy Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is becoming a regulatory expectation rather than simply good practiceThe four key areas of CPC 2025 where effective causal analysis plays an important roleHow better Root Cause Analysis can improve customer outcomes and reduce recurring issuesWhy spreadsheets and disconnected investigations are unlikely to meet future expectationsHow technology can help create organisational memory instead of isolated investigation reportsPractical advice for preparing your organisation before the regulatory deadlineWhy compliance can become a competitive advantage rather than simply another obligationThe conversation also explores how organisations can strengthen: Complaints handlingConsumer outcomesOperational resilienceConduct and cultureGovernance and oversightLessons learnedContinuous improvementOrganisational learningRather than viewing CPC 2025 as another regulatory burden, this episode explains how organisations can use it as an opportunity to improve performance, strengthen decision-making and create lasting organisational capability. This reflects What Caused This's broader philosophy that investigation is only the beginning—the real value comes from understanding problems, retaining organisational learning and improving future performance. Whether you work in compliance, operational risk, internal audit, complaints, governance, customer experience, operational resilience or executive leadership, this episode provides practical guidance on preparing for the next generation of Root Cause Analysis. Topics covered CPC 2025Central Bank of Ireland (CBI)Root Cause Analysis (RCA)Financial ServicesOperational RiskOperational ResilienceConsumer Protection CodeComplaints ManagementInternal AuditGovernance, Risk and Compliance (GRC)Conduct RiskLessons LearnedContinuous ImprovementOrganisational LearningCause and Effect AnalysisIncident InvestigationRegulatory ComplianceLearn more about What Caused This and our platform for organisational problem-solving and learning: https://www.whatcausedthis.com #CPC2025 #RootCauseAnalysis #FinancialServices #OperationalRisk #OperationalResilience #Compliance #InternalAudit #Governance #ConsumerProtection #RiskManagement #IncidentInvestigation #ContinuousImprovement #LessonsLearned #OrganisationalLearning #CauseForThought In this episode you'll learn:

  2. 12/17/2025

    Why Do Organisations Miss Obvious Risks? Understanding Authority Bias

    How can a trusted employee become one of an organisation's biggest hidden risks? In this episode of Cause for Thought Shorts, we explore authority bias, toxic entitlements, and the human behaviours that have contributed to some of the biggest financial losses in banking history. More importantly, we discuss what every organisation can learn from them. Using a real-world investigation from the financial services sector, Jonathan Batchelor and George examine how seemingly robust access controls failed—not because the technology was broken, but because assumptions replaced evidence. The conversation explores why long-serving employees often accumulate inappropriate system permissions over time, how authority bias discourages people from asking important questions, and why organisations need to look beyond technical failures to understand the real causes of operational risk. What is authority bias?What are toxic entitlements?Why do inappropriate access rights develop over time?How can trusted employees unintentionally become operational risks?Why are segregation of duties controls so important?How do assumptions prevent organisations from identifying risk?What role does psychological safety play in effective problem solving?How can leaders encourage constructive challenge without creating conflict?What practical steps can organisations take to reduce authority bias?The discussion also references major banking failures, including the Jérôme Kerviel and Kweku Adoboli trading scandals, demonstrating how weaknesses in access management and organisational culture can contribute to significant financial, regulatory and reputational consequences. While this episode is rooted in financial services, the principles apply across every industry. Whether you work in healthcare, utilities, manufacturing, government, energy or professional services, understanding how human bias influences decision-making is essential for improving investigations, reducing repeat issues and building stronger organisational learning. If you're responsible for: Operational RiskInternal AuditGovernance, Risk & Compliance (GRC)Information SecurityRisk ManagementIncident InvestigationRoot Cause AnalysisOperational ResilienceContinuous ImprovementLeadership and Culture...this episode will provide practical ideas you can apply immediately. 🌐 https://www.whatcausedthis.com What Caused This helps organisations understand important problems, connect learning across investigations and improve organisational performance through connected problem-solving, Root Cause Analysis software and organisational learning. If you enjoy practical conversations about Root Cause Analysis, organisational learning, operational risk and continuous improvement, subscribe to Cause for Thought for weekly discussions, expert interviews and real-world case studies. If you found this episode useful, please Like, Comment and Share. Your support helps more people discover the channel and helps us continue producing practical content for investigators, risk professionals and organisational leaders. #AuthorityBias #OperationalRisk #FinancialServices #RootCauseAnalysis #InternalAudit #RiskManagement #Governance #OperationalResilience #ProblemSolving #OrganisationalLearning #PsychologicalSafety #HumanFactors #InformationSecurity #ContinuousImprovement #Leadership #CauseForThought In this episode you'll learn:Learn more about What Caused ThisSubscribe for more

  3. 12/10/2025

    Why Do Good Processes Fail? Stale Data, the Endowment Effect and Hidden Operational Risk

    Why do organisations continue to trust processes that no longer work? In this episode of Cause for Thought Shorts, Jonathan Batchelor and George explore a real banking investigation that reveals how a well-designed reconciliation process failed—not because people ignored it, but because everyone trusted assumptions that had gone unchallenged for years. The conversation centres on a hidden issue affecting many organisations: stale data. Although the reconciliation process appeared robust, a historic decision to use static market data created operational risk that eventually resulted in significant financial losses. The real cause wasn't poor execution—it was an outdated assumption that no one thought to question. Along the way, Jonathan and George discuss: What the Endowment Effect is and how it influences organisational decision-makingWhy experienced teams can become overconfident in long-standing processesThe importance of Assumption Audits during Root Cause AnalysisHow fresh perspectives uncover risks that established teams may overlookWhy organisations should separate people from the processes they createPractical techniques for improving investigations and organisational learningWhether you work in financial services, risk management, internal audit, governance, compliance or organisational improvement, this episode offers practical insights into recognising hidden assumptions before they become costly business problems. 🌐 https://www.whatcausedthis.com #RootCauseAnalysis #OperationalRisk #FinancialServices #EndowmentEffect #InternalAudit #ProblemSolving #OrganisationalLearning #DataQuality #ContinuousImprovement #CauseForThought

  4. 12/03/2025

    Why Do Companies Overcomplicate Simple Problems? The £5 Solution That Saved Millions

    Why do organisations spend thousands - or even millions - solving problems that sometimes have surprisingly simple solutions? In this episode of Cause for Thought Shorts, Jonathan Batchelor shares one of his favourite real-world problem-solving stories: how a global toothpaste manufacturer reduced empty product boxes reaching customers with a £5 desk fan instead of relying solely on an expensive engineering solution. The story highlights an important lesson for every organisation: effective problem solving isn't about finding the most sophisticated solution - it's about understanding the real problem you're trying to solve. You'll also discover why involving people from across an organisation often leads to better decisions than relying only on senior leaders or external consultants. Why do organisations overcomplicate simple problems?How do you define the real problem before looking for solutions?Why are simple solutions sometimes the most effective?How can frontline employees solve problems that senior leaders miss?What is a diagonal slice team and why does it improve Root Cause Analysis?Why does diversity of experience produce better problem-solving outcomes?How can organisations avoid investing in unnecessary solutions?What can every leader learn about practical innovation?This episode demonstrates one of the most important principles of Root Cause Analysis: understanding the problem comes before choosing the solution. Sometimes the best answer isn't the most expensive or technologically advanced - it's the one that directly addresses the issue in the simplest possible way. Whether you work in manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, utilities, engineering, government or any organisation committed to continuous improvement, this episode offers practical lessons on solving problems more effectively. Topics covered: Root Cause Analysis (RCA)Problem SolvingContinuous ImprovementLean ThinkingManufacturingOperational ExcellenceProcess ImprovementHuman FactorsLeadershipInnovationOrganisational LearningTeam CollaborationSystems Thinking🌐 https://www.whatcausedthis.com What Caused This helps organisations understand important problems, connect learning across investigations and improve organisational performance through connected problem-solving, Root Cause Analysis software and organisational learning. If you found this episode useful, please Like, Comment and Share. Your support helps more people discover the channel and helps us continue producing practical content for investigators, leaders and improvement professionals. #RootCauseAnalysis #ProblemSolving #ContinuousImprovement #LeanThinking #OperationalExcellence #Manufacturing #Leadership #Innovation #SystemsThinking #OrganisationalLearning #ProcessImprovement #ContinuousLearning #CauseForThought

  5. 11/26/2025

    Racing Ahead of the Problem: Utilising proactive Root Cause Analysis at The British Racing School

    In this episode of Cause for Thought, we’re joined by the CEO of The British Racing School, Andrew Braithwaite, to explore how a small, high-performing organisation is applying Root Cause Analysis (RCA) to embed proactive problem-solving in a tight-knit team. If you are a fan of horseracing and problem solving, this is the episode for you!

  6. 11/19/2025

    Why Do Simple Changes Save More Lives Than Complex Solutions? A Hospital Case Study

    Can one simple change dramatically improve patient outcomes? In this episode of Cause for Thought Shorts, Jonathan Batchelor shares a remarkable healthcare case study showing how one observant nurse transformed patient outcomes—not through new technology or expensive equipment, but by changing the colour of a plastic cup. The story explores why organisations often assume complex problems require complex solutions, when in reality the most effective improvements often come from the people closest to the work. When patients recovering from infections weren't improving as expected and hospital readmissions remained high, the investigation uncovered an unexpected contributing factor. A simple operational change significantly improved antibiotic completion rates and patient recovery. Why do simple changes sometimes solve complex healthcare problems?How can frontline staff identify improvements that others miss?Why should organisations listen to the people closest to the work?Do complex problems always require complex solutions?How can small process improvements create significant operational benefits?What role does Root Cause Analysis play in healthcare improvement?Why is understanding the whole system more important than focusing on individuals?How can organisations prevent practical improvements being lost through process or procurement?This episode demonstrates one of the most important lessons in Root Cause Analysis and organisational learning: the best solution isn't always the biggest or most expensive—it's the one that addresses the real cause of the problem. Whether you work in healthcare, the NHS, patient safety, manufacturing, financial services, government, utilities or any organisation focused on continuous improvement, this story highlights the value of practical thinking, frontline expertise and systems-based problem solving. Healthcare ImprovementNHSPatient SafetyRoot Cause Analysis (RCA)Systems ThinkingContinuous ImprovementHuman FactorsOrganisational LearningProcess ImprovementLeadershipQuality ImprovementOperational ExcellenceProblem Solving🌐 https://www.whatcausedthis.com What Caused This helps organisations understand important problems, connect learning across investigations and improve organisational performance through connected problem-solving, Root Cause Analysis software and organisational learning. If you enjoy practical conversations about Root Cause Analysis, patient safety, organisational learning and continuous improvement, subscribe to Cause for Thought for more real-world stories, expert interviews and practical insights. If you found this episode useful, please Like, Comment and Share. Your support helps more people discover the channel and helps us continue producing practical content for investigators, leaders and improvement professionals. #PatientSafety #Healthcare #NHS #RootCauseAnalysis #ContinuousImprovement #QualityImprovement #SystemsThinking #ProblemSolving #OrganisationalLearning #OperationalExcellence #HumanFactors #Leadership #CauseForThought In this episode you'll learn:Topics coveredLearn more about What Caused ThisSubscribe for more

  7. 11/12/2025

    Why Asking the Wrong Question Leads to the Wrong Root Cause | A Safety Investigation Case Study

    Can asking the wrong question stop you from finding the real cause of a problem? In this episode of Cause for Thought Shorts, Jonathan Batchelor shares a remarkable real-world investigation that demonstrates why effective Root Cause Analysis isn't just about asking questions—it's about asking the right questions. After a worker suffered a serious injury on an offshore site, the investigation appeared straightforward. Company policy required employees to hold the handrail while descending stairs, and the injured worker admitted they hadn't done so. The investigation could easily have ended there. Instead, one simple follow-up question completely changed the outcome: "Was there a handrail?" The answer exposed a far deeper organisational problem that had been completely overlooked. This story highlights one of the most important lessons in problem solving: focusing on what people did is rarely enough. Understanding the environment, the system and the conditions people were working in is what leads to meaningful organisational learning. Why do investigations reach the wrong conclusions? How can asking better questions improve Root Cause Analysis? Why should investigations focus on systems instead of blame? How do assumptions influence incident investigations? Why is active listening critical during problem solving? What is the role of an independent facilitator in investigations? How can organisations uncover hidden systemic failures? Why do effective investigations prevent recurrence instead of simply assigning responsibility? Whether you work in health and safety, manufacturing, energy, offshore operations, healthcare, financial services, government or any organisation investigating incidents and improving performance, this episode demonstrates how one well-timed question can completely change the direction of an investigation. Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Incident Investigation Safety Investigations Human Factors Systems Thinking Organisational Learning Health & Safety Leadership Active Listening Critical Thinking Problem Solving Continuous Improvement Safety Culture 🌐 https://www.whatcausedthis.com What Caused This helps organisations understand important problems, connect learning across investigations and improve organisational performance through connected problem-solving, Root Cause Analysis software and organisational learning. If you enjoy practical conversations about Root Cause Analysis, organisational learning, operational improvement and systems thinking, subscribe to Cause for Thought for more real-world case studies, expert interviews and practical insights. If you found this episode useful, please Like, Comment and Share. Your support helps more people discover the channel and helps us continue producing practical content for investigators, leaders and improvement professionals. #RootCauseAnalysis #IncidentInvestigation #HealthAndSafety #SafetyCulture #ProblemSolving #SystemsThinking #ContinuousImprovement #HumanFactors #Leadership #OrganisationalLearning #CriticalThinking #Safety #CauseForThought In this episode you'll learn:Topics coveredLearn more about What Caused ThisSubscribe for more

  8. 10/29/2025

    Root Cause Analysis and Regulation: How Firms Can Succeed Where Regulators Expect More

    In this episode of Cause for Thought, @EdWells and @GeorgeHolman explore the relationship between regulation and Root Cause Analysis (RCA). Across industries, regulators are increasingly expecting firms to demonstrate not only that they’ve fixed an issue, but that they’ve understood why it happened in the first place. RCA is at the centre of that expectation — yet its value extends far beyond compliance. Ed and George's discussion is framed around two key points: - Where regulators are setting clear expectations for RCA to be performed - Why RCA is essential to sustainable implementation and remediation, not just problem fixing. Regardless of the sector you are based in, this conversation offers insight into how a disciplined, evidence-based approach to RCA can build trust with regulators - and improve outcomes for customers, markets and firms alike. Tune in to hear why RCA is not just a regulatory requirement, but a strategic advantage.

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Cause for Thought explores the art and science of problem solving, asking why we often struggle to truly understand complex challenges and how we are best placed to turn those struggles into clear, actionable insights. Each episode blends classic problem-solving theories, real-world incidents, and candid personal stories, both successes and failures. Together, we unpack the ideas, tools, and mindsets that transform setbacks into opportunities. From finance to healthcare, manufacturing to everyday life, the Cause for Thought guests help you make sense of complexity, one episode at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    What Caused This
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © What Caused This
  • Show Website
    Cause For Thought