Now more than ever, we find ourselves in a time where social change is intense, difficult and uncertain. These times require new models and new tools for more effective solutions. Albert Einstein once said "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” Non-profit organizations must do things differently to achieve different results.

In this course, we will introduce a 5-Step model for approaching client's challenges. Our facilitator will discuss the benefits of taking the time to clearly define a community problem, quantify the problem, and analyze the problem using this simple model before attempting to solve the problem.

"A problem well defined is a problem half solved." Charles Kettering.

We will share a tool that not only provides a more robust problem solving process, but the tool also engages the voices of those who are being served.

We encourage you to ask yourself the following questions: Can you write a clear problem statement that describes one challenge you are attempting to solve for your clients?

Facilitator:

Joy Mason, President, Founder, and Senior Business Strategist for Optimist Business Solutions, LLC

About the Facilitator:

Joy E. Mason, President, Founder, and Senior Business Strategist for Optimist Business Solutions, LLC is a Certified Six Sigma Black Belt with 30+ years of experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing and testing, with an emphasis on business processes, quality systems and project management. Joy has managed international projects and effectively delivered results using six sigma methodologies for both the public and private sectors.

Prior to retirement in 2019, Mason was an internal consultant for Eli Lilly and Company, Joy consistently created strategies and implementation plans to help global affiliates work together collaboratively and with deliberately to meet new regulatory requirements. As a business owner, Joy has helped clients dramatically improve their impact and bottom line by applying her problem-solving techniques. Her strategies and techniques are proven to lay the ground work for resolving process problems, evaluate risk, and save costs. She is known for her unwavering optimism and has written a book to assist diverse leaders in getting things done with clear quantitative and qualitative outputs and desired outcomes.

Mason has three relevant certifications:

• MWBE from the Indiana Dept of Administration, Division of Supplier Diversity

• WBENC from the Great Lakes Women’s Business Council

• Six Sigma Black Belt from Purdue University Manufacturing Extension Program

Mason has consulted for some of the largest and smallest non-profit organizations in Indiana. In addition to addressing process and performance issues, she also supports racial equity work for clients.

Mason, has a bachelor’s degree and master’s in the biological sciences, and she is an officer of the American Society of Quality. These qualifications are the foundation for her methodical and scientific-like approach to conducting analyses for clients.