Many of us catch ourselves saying, “I’m not a good problem solver,” “I’m not creative,” or “I don’t even know where to start.” In reality, problem solving isn’t a talent some people magically have — it’s a skill we use every day, especially in business. And like any skill, it can be learned, practiced, and strengthened.

In this 2-hour session, you’ll learn a clear, approachable problem-solving process rooted in Design Thinking and a human-centered approach. We’ll break down the steps, practice them together, and show how anyone — regardless of background or confidence level — can use these tools to tackle challenges with clarity and creativity.

By the end, you won’t just know where to start… you’ll know how to keep going.

Key Takeaways:

• A repeatable problem-solving framework: Students will leave with a simple, step-by-step Design Thinking process they can apply to any challenge — academic, professional, or personal.
• Confidence in creative problem solving: Students will learn techniques that help them move past “I’m not creative,” gaining confidence in generating ideas and approaching problems with curiosity instead of fear.
• Human-centered decision-making skills: Students will understand how to ground their solutions in real human needs, improving the relevance, impact, and effectiveness of the decisions they make.

Speaker Bio:

Sarah Spitsen is a strategic operations consultant, educator, and long-time entrepreneur specializing in human-centered problem solving and organizational alignment. With experience leading teams through visioning, accountability, and structured decision-making, she helps individuals and organizations navigate complexity with clarity and confidence. Sarah brings a collaborative, practice-based approach rooted in design thinking and real-world business contexts. She draws on her background in facilitation, strategic planning, and two decades of entrepreneurial experience to guide participants through clear, actionable methods they can apply across academic, professional, or personal challenges.

Sponsored By:

University of Nebraska College of Journalism and Mass Communications

Parking Information:

Metered street parking and garage parking are available.