Episode
E068: Wicked Problems – Design Thinking, Expertise and the Human Element in Modern Strategy
- Podcast
- The BIG Strategy Podcast
- Published
- Sep 23, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 2846
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Summary
Jess Roberts, affiliate faculty at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health and the Minnesota Design Center, is a master at navigating complexity. With a background spanning design thinking, public health and systems change, Jess dives into the world of “wicked problems” – the messy, stubborn challenges that resist quick fixes. In this episode, he explores why traditional approaches fall short, and reveals how design-based thinking can unlock fresh solutions in business, health and even AI. In this episode, we explore: (00:58) Differences between wicked and traditional problems (04:47) Unlocking creativity through childlike curiosity (08:20) Framing problem-solving approaches (14:33) Navigating expertise and experience (16:41) Targeting Gen Z with agile strategies (20:49) How AI disrupts career progression (23:04) Reframing AI for better outcomes (27:45) Human-centered design in systems (30:12) Balancing professional and personal health (34:19) Design thinking: desirability vs viability (36:29) Map vs territory in design (40:40) Designing communication for togetherness (45:09) Rethinking problem-solving strategies Connect with Jess Roberts on LinkedIn By Design Website Doug Dietz Ted Talk Connect with Jeff Eyet on LinkedIn Follow The Berkeley Innovation Group Download The BIG Strategy Playbook for FREE Subscribe to The Berkeley Innovation Group Youtube Channel Find out more about The Berkeley Innovation Group: www.biginnovates.com