Why Projects Keep Solving the Wrong Problems | Ep. 10

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In this episode, we’re joined by Mark McLean, a veteran consultant with decades of experience across engineering, quality systems, and ISO standard development, who unpacks why so many teams struggle to solve problems that keep coming back. Mark explains why projects derail not because of capability or effort, but because problems are rarely defined properly before solutions are applied.

Drawing on real-world examples from manufacturing, infrastructure, aviation, biomedical labs, and large organisations like Qantas and BHP, Mark breaks down a structured, process-first approach to problem solving. He walks through where teams should actually start, how to define problems with clear scope and boundaries, and why evidence matters more than opinions when identifying root cause. He also explains why common tools like the Five Whys are often misused, and how focusing on processes rather than people leads to more sustainable improvements.

If you’re a project manager, engineer, consultant, or leader dealing with recurring issues, firefighting, or change initiatives that fail to stick, this episode offers a clear, practical framework for solving the right problems in the first place. Ideal for anyone responsible for delivery, performance, or continuous improvement in complex organisations.

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Time Stamps:

00:00 Intro/Hook

01:39 Introduction of Guest/Mike's Background

03:33 How to systematically approach the Problem/DAXIS

06:34 Where to start?

18:17 How to clearly define a problem?

27:15 Do you/team know enough about the problem

36:17 Cause Analysis

56:45 Franken Furte was Right (Janet)

01:02:52 Book recommendation

01:05:52 Conclusion/Outro

DISCLAIMER

The information provided in this podcast is for general purposes only and should not be considered personal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals or experts in the relevant field for personalised advice tailored to your specific situation.