Laudy Allan, SVP Global Operations, Crayola: Stop Solving the Wrong Problem

Why It Matters

Her framework helps companies shorten resolution cycles, reduce repeated failures, and scale innovation by converting ambiguous problems into measurable processes—critical for cost control and faster product development. This approach ties frontline insight to strategic accountability, boosting execution and cross-functional alignment.

Summary

Lahy Allan, SVP of Global Operations at Crayola, outlines a disciplined approach to problem solving that prioritizes involving the people closest to the issue early, clarifying the problem and its business impact, and using structured methodologies (A3, Six Sigma) to drive fact-based collaboration. She stresses cognitive diversity—mixing curious problem-solvers with process experts—to surface better questions and accountability by clearly naming decision-makers and executors. Allan also tackles data realities across functions, differentiating well-instrumented manufacturing metrics from fuzzier new-product development work and recommending that teams define healthy process outputs and then measure toward them. The overall aim is to turn ad-hoc fixes into repeatable, learnable processes that improve operational and innovation outcomes.

Original Description

Most teams think they have a problem-solving process. Laudy Allan knows the difference between going through the motions and actually solving the right problem.

Laudy Allan, Senior Vice President of Global Operations at Crayola, joins People Solve Problems to share how she builds cultures where problems are met with curiosity instead of avoidance.

Involving the right voices early creates real accountability, not just better ideas

The tool you use matters far less than whether it forces the right thinking; mindset follows structure

Focus beats volume every time; three to five efforts with genuine follow-through will always outperform a list of thirty

Stream now.

#leadershipdevelopment #strategicthinking #ProblemSolving #Leanleadership