6. You’re solving the wrong problem (aka Reframing)

Ever get stuck on a problem that keeps you up at night? Bernie says it might not be the problem—it might be the question.

In this episode, we talk about how reframing problems can open up a whole new world of solutions. Bernie also helps us spot when we're solving the wrong problem and shares tools to help us reframe.

We’re joined by special guests Sheila and Harrison Wang, who took 'The Designer in Society' together in the ’80s when they were newly married grad students. They share how the class helped them navigate cultural expectations, major life decisions, and one truly memorable class project that’s lasted decades.

From pushing metaphorical rocks off a cliff to buying a real Persian rug, this episode has more of Bernie’s stories and practical wisdom, along with a gentle reminder: sometimes, the best way forward is to zoom out and ask a better question.

00:00 Introduction

01:15 Example of the wrong problem: "I want to find a good man"

03:42 Bernie's own wrong question

05:12 Bernie and Krista discuss worrying

08:17 The "going up a level" exercise explained

10:32 Introducing Harrison and Sheila Wang

12:52 Harrison's quest to impress Bernie (spoiler: it didn't work)

15:17 Moving to America at ten - it wasn’t so smooth in the beginning

17:00 From robotics to finance: The "emperor has no clothes" feeling

19:56 Taking the class together and their class project

20:33 The visualization exercise: Push your problem over a cliff

24:47 The Persian rug adventure for Bernie's 70th birthday

25:51 Four practical tools for reframing problems

27:06 Bernie on AI

Follow us on Instagram: ⁠@yelloweyedcats⁠podcast to see fun extras like Bernie’s not-your-typical-professor’s hair and learn more Sheila’s grandfather who was a general for Chiang Kai Shek.

Co-hosts: Bernie Roth & Krista Donaldson; Producer: Krista Donaldson