Learn how to make progress on your community’s toughest problem in 2026.
Problem Resolver Pro gives you a 10-step process to create meaningful impact on homelessness, climate change or whatever complex social problem you’re tackling.
A Pragmatic Guide Based on Applied Systems Thinking & Complexity Science
You set out to change the world…
You picked a cause, joined a nonprofit or government agency, and dedicated yourself to making an impact.
But despite your commitment and best efforts, the problem—poverty, crime, or any other urgent issue—remains stubbornly unsolved.
The answer isn’t working harder.
It’s making better decisions.
Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, one truth remains:
The ability to understand and influence complex problems is the most powerful asset you can have.
That’s why I created Problem Resolver Pro — an online course that distills 20 years of expertise, proven methods, and actionable strategies into a clear, structured process.
You’ll get all the training and resources you need to decode how complex social problems function—and, more importantly, unlock strategies that lead to consistent, lasting progress.
What You’ll Learn Inside Problem Resolver Pro
Not all problems are the same—so why apply the same approach to solving them?
Most traditional problem-solving methods assume that if we just implement the right solution, the problem will go away.
But complex problems—like pandemics, education systems, or civic engagement—don’t behave that way.
They are unpredictable, interconnected, and constantly evolving.
Problem Resolver Pro gives you a complete roadmap to navigate these challenges using systems thinking and complexity science—a fundamentally different approach that goes beyond surface-level fixes.
If you’re looking for a rigorous, actionable system to create real, lasting change—one that helps you understand, influence, and drive progress on the toughest social challenges—this is it.
What Leading Changemakers Are Saying about Problem Resolver Pro
“Problem Resolver Pro is a powerful resource for anyone working to address complex challenges in community development or the broader social sector. It truly respects the complexity of real-world problems while offering a clear, grounded path forward. The tools—like the Previous Effort Review and Stakeholder Engagement Guide—are practical and well-designed, and the theory behind them makes the work feel rigorous and defensible. Even for those already fluent in systems thinking, this course adds valuable structure and depth.”
“Problem Resolver Pro is essential for anyone tackling persistent, intractable social challenges and striving for more positive outcomes. The course drives home critical concepts that are too often overlooked in the rush to propose solutions. It motivates you to slow down and truly understand the problem, recognize the complex dynamics at play, and anticipate how those dynamics might evolve in surprising ways. The suggested analytical steps are both thought-provoking and practical. I highly recommend this course—and encourage participants to make time to reflect deeply on the material as they move through it.”
Everything you need to start making impact
After 20 years in the social sector, I’ve seen what works—and what doesn’t—when it comes to resolving complex problems.
Problem Resolver Pro distills these lessons into a clear, step-by-step process rooted in systems thinking and complexity science, so you can act based on how the problem actually behaves—not just on what sounds good in theory or what a think tank or funder claims will work.
Here’s what you’ll learn in each step…
What type of problem is it?
Start by classifying your problem—understanding whether it’s simple, complicated, or complex. This distinction will shape your approach and help you avoid ineffective solutions.
What is your focus?
I will lead you through 8 easy steps to craft a clear, well-defined problem statement that sets the foundation for effective problem-solving. You’ll refine your focus and pinpoint exactly which part of the problem you’re tackling—avoiding scope creep and ensuring you’re addressing the fundamental causes, not just the symptoms.
What causes the problem?
Explore first- and second-order causes. Identify the underlying dynamics that drive the problem and ensure you’re targeting the right forces.
Where does the problem occur?
Complex problems don’t exist in isolation—they are deeply shaped by their environments. Current events, conditions, and stakeholder perspectives influence both the problem itself and the solutions available. That’s why analyzing where the problem manifests is critical. I’ll guide you through a context survey to uncover these key influences.
Where are the problem’s boundaries?
Clarify the boundaries of the problem—defining what’s in and out of scope. This is key for knowing where your influence can make a difference and where the problem ends.
The skills and process of complex problem-solving
This section will provide you with the tools and mindset necessary to approach complex problems systematically. You’ll learn the essentials of systems thinking and the complexities of human behavior in problem-solving.
How does the problem function?
Analyze the relationships between key elements of the system and dive deeper into feedback loops—how small changes in one area can cascade throughout the system. Learn how to recognize and harness these loops for leverage.
How to model the problem
A 5-Lesson Modeling Lab that Includes Testing Solutions
Learn how to visually map out the problem’s dynamics, relationships, causes, and feedback loops using Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping. This hands-on lab will guide you through the process of creating a functional map, simplifying it, and testing solutions by running “what if” scenarios to see how potential interventions will affect the system.
Why hasn’t the problem been solved before?
Many well-intended efforts fail because they overlook key system dynamics. In this step, you’ll uncover why past attempts haven’t worked—whether due to blind spots, political obstacles, or deeper structural issues. To help you analyze previous efforts in your community, I’ll walk you through the 8 most common types of system errors that cause solutions to backfire or fall short.
Who is involved in the problem?
In this step, I’ll walk you through three powerful tools for analyzing and engaging stakeholders effectively. By the time you’re done, you’ll have a structured stakeholder engagement guide that helps you navigate complex relationships, anticipate resistance, and strategically involve the right people in the problem-solving process.
What are my ultimate goals and objectives?
I’ll lead you through a structured process to define your ultimate goal, break it down into specific and measurable objectives that will create real impact, and develop a structured roadmap with clear actions and key stakeholders. By the end, you’ll have a focused, actionable plan that moves beyond vague aspirations and sets you up for meaningful, long-term change.
More Than Just Theory
Problem Resolver Pro isn’t just about learning theories—it’s about applying them to the real-world problems that matter most to you. I built this course with the understanding that theory alone won’t create lasting change.
That’s why every step is followed by practical worksheets that help you apply the concepts to a local problem of your choosing in your community.
Here’s a look at some of the worksheets you’ll receive:
- Problem Diagnostic: Identify your problem’s unique characteristics and how it behaves.
- Problem Structuring Blueprint: A step-by-step guide to breaking the problem into manageable parts.
- Causal Map Builder: Create a visual map of the problem’s causes and how they interconnect.
- Boundary Assessment: Determine whose perspectives should shape your approach.
- Context Survey: Assess the problem’s environment and how it influences behavior.
- Solution Comparison Worksheet: Weigh solutions based on cost, difficulty, and impact.
- Stakeholder Engagement Guide: Use three mapping tools to engage allies and opponents strategically.
- Strategic Goals Alignment Tool: Align goals, actions, and stakeholders into a clear problem roadmap.
These worksheets are designed to ensure that the knowledge you gain can be directly applied to your chosen issue.
This is more than just a course – it’s a toolkit for change.
Who is this course for?
This course isn’t for people looking for quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions. It’s for those who know that real change requires deep understanding, adaptability, and a willingness to challenge assumptions.
You’re in the right place if:
- You see this course as a tool—not just something to passively consume.
- You’re open to reassessing or even pivoting your current approach.
- You understand that complex problems can’t be solved with a simple, prepackaged solution.
- You’re willing to dig deep, think critically, and act based on what the problem is actually telling you.
The Issues This Course Can Help Address
You’ll apply this course to a real problem of your choice—something that matters in your community.
It’s designed to work for any tough issue, but is especially effective for complex challenges with lots of variables, stakeholders, or both. Below are just a few examples, but the possibilities are wide open:
Unemployment and workforce development
Economic mobility
Environmental sustainability
Crime and community safety
Misinformation and media trust
Civic engagement
Disaster response and resilience
Homelessness
Poverty
Climate change
Public health crises
Education
Criminal justice reform
And many more!
What Leading Changemakers Are Saying about Problem Resolver Pro
“I’ve worked on complex problems—humanitarian and organizational—for years. Even after studying them, I never truly knew how to break them down or think through them clearly. This course changed that. It gave me a practical, thorough approach I’ll keep returning to. If you work on tough issues, I highly recommend this course.”
“I cannot say enough about this course. It gave me a clear, practical framework to think differently—and more effectively—about improving the housing affordability crisis. The step-by-step method, real case study, and practical resources made the process easy to follow and immediately useful. By the end, I saw that complex problems can be improved—and not always in obvious ways.”
Ready to Join Problem Resolver Pro?
“As an evaluator, I’ve seen how good intentions and intuitive ideas can backfire without careful analysis. What makes Problem Resolver Pro stand out is its commitment to first truly understanding how systems work—before trying to change them. It’s a rigorous, thoughtful approach that helps practitioners move beyond slogans to real insight. Small, overlooked factors often shape big outcomes—and this course shows you how to find them.”
Who Created Problem Resolver Pro?
Hi, I’m Bryan Lindsley. I help leaders in the social and public sectors break free from wheel-spinning and create systems-level change.
For 20+ years, I’ve:
- Led systems change initiatives for a governor’s advisory council under both Republican and Democrat administrations in Minnesota
- Managed a multimillion-dollar funders collaborative
- Supported a network of 30+ communities tackling complex challenges
- Worked with hundreds of nonprofits and local governments on poverty, education, workforce, transportation, and criminal justice
- Led grant initiatives backed by major philanthropies
But in 2021, I hit a wall. Burned out, I walked away from a six-figure job and re-designed my life.
Now, I run a small advisory firm helping local leaders strategically reduce poverty and other pressing issues. I also create digital products—like this course—to help people sharpen their problem-solving skills and maximize impact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Anyone tackling a community problem—whether you’re new to the space or a seasoned social sector professional. This course focuses on how to influence a problem effectively over time without creating huge unintended consequences. Anyone can try, but only some will succeed—and that’s what this course helps with.
Most courses on social change focus on stories and strategies, but few teach you how complex problems actually work. This course applies systems thinking and complexity science—not as abstract theory, but as a practical, real-world approach. I’ve worked across government, nonprofits, and philanthropy, so this is about what actually works when solving messy, high-stakes problems.
I’ve spent over 20 years working on policy, advocacy, and systems change—helping tens of thousands of people move out of poverty through effective job training programs. I won’t pretend to have all the answers. No one does. But I can show you what to avoid and help you develop a deeper understanding of your problem—which is the only way to figure out what actually needs to be done.
The course runs about 3 hours, but it’s not something to binge. You’ll apply each step to a real-world problem as you go. Some finish in 10 days, others take 10 weeks. The pace is totally up to you—but the more you apply, the more you’ll get out of it.
You’ll get immediate access to everything—no waiting. Once you purchase, you’ll receive a login to access the full course on your own schedule.
I’m confident that Problem Resolver Pro will level up your problem-solving skills. If you complete all the modules and activities within 30 days of your purchase and still don’t find it valuable, reach out to me, and I’ll give you a 100% refund.
Nope. You’ll have lifetime access—anytime, anywhere.
Still on the fence?
Try Problem Resolver Pro risk-free for 30 days if any of these sound like you:
✅ You’re just getting started tackling a problem and want to get it right the first time—using a flexible approach designed for complex social challenges.
✅ You’ve been at this for a while, but the problem isn’t improving (or is getting worse)… and your time is swallowed up by meetings that go nowhere.
✅ You crave a deep understanding of the problem and how to solve it—because the right knowledge can help you succeed where others have failed.
✅ You want better results—faster, with fewer resources. There are alternatives to expensive consultants and years-long stakeholder meetings.
✅ You’re excited to test solutions before implementing them. Modeling the problem and running “what-if” scenarios feels like a game-changer.
✅ You feel a wave of renewed hope. In just a short time, you could be thinking about the problem in an entirely new way.
✅ You like having a safety net. You get 30 days to try it out. Do the work, apply the lessons, and if it doesn’t help, I’ll refund you 100%
Learn how to make progress on your community’s toughest problem in 2026.
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