Meet Craig Calder
Craig Calder, based in Sydney, Australia, is a globally recognized expert in problem-solving and leadership development. With over 25 years of diverse experience in consulting, corporate leadership, and entrepreneurship, Craig has dedicated his career to helping individuals and organizations solve their most pressing challenges. Through his consultancy, ThinkClear Group, he empowers leaders and teams to embrace clarity, cultivate confidence, and transform complex problems into actionable solutions.
As the author of Problem Hunter: Become the Most Valuable Person in Any Organisation, Craig’s philosophy centers around becoming indispensable by solving critical problems. His work has touched organizations and individuals across the globe, guiding them to achieve peak performance. Craig’s blend of corporate strategy, leadership, and practical problem-solving frameworks positions him as a go-to expert in the business world. Connect with Craig on Linkedin.
Early Education: The Foundation for a Visionary Leader
Craig Calder’s journey toward leadership and problem-solving excellence began in the classrooms of RMIT University, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business/Commerce. It was here that Craig started to hone his skills in business and finance, learning foundational concepts that would later fuel his entrepreneurial spirit.
“I’ve always believed that business isn’t just about numbers; it’s about people and how they interact with complex systems,” Craig often reflects when discussing his path.
After completing his degree, Craig was ready to enter the professional world, where he could put his knowledge into practice and tackle real-world challenges. Little did he know that his time in the corporate world would shape his philosophy on leadership and problem-solving in ways he hadn’t yet imagined.
Early Career and Corporate Experience
Upon completing his degree, Craig reached a significant career milestone in 1993 when he joined Ernst & Young (EY). Over the next 16 years, he steadily rose through the ranks to become a Partner, working across EY offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Toronto, and London. His client portfolio spanned diverse industries, including real estate, construction, energy, infrastructure, and media. This broad exposure sharpened his ability to navigate a wide range of business issues and strengthened his belief that there’s always a better, more efficient way to solve problems.
During his time at EY, Craig embraced a leadership philosophy that would shape the rest of his career: successful leaders aren’t the ones with all the answers, they’re the ones who guide others to find them. He later became Chief Risk Officer at Stockland, one of Australia’s largest property groups, where he led risk and governance strategies across the enterprise. Known for simplifying complexity and guiding structured problem-solving, Craig became a trusted advisor to executives worldwide. These experiences led Craig into leadership consulting, where he helps executives tackle challenges and improve team performance through clear, structured thinking.
“In a world of constant change and uncertainty, I believe clarity is the key to unlocking growth and performance,” Craig has said, echoing his personal approach to leadership and problem-solving.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Founding ThinkClear Group
After years of successful corporate work, Craig took the bold step of founding ThinkClear Group in 2012. As the Founder and Chief Strategist, his vision was clear: to empower leaders and teams with practical problem-solving tools that could drive innovation and accelerate business growth. ThinkClear Group offers leadership development, research, and consulting services, designed to make people and teams “awesome at solving problems.” Discover more about ThinkClear Group here.
“Problem-solving is about shifting from a mindset of fear to one of opportunity,” Craig emphasizes.
Craig’s approach to leadership is rooted in understanding how people think, approach challenges, and make decisions. His focus on actionable strategies is aimed at helping teams become more engaged, confident, and innovative. ThinkClear Group’s work is transformative, turning problem-solving from a daunting task into an exciting opportunity for growth.Over the years, Craig has expanded ThinkClear Group’s reach, offering both free research and paid consulting services, and helping leaders bridge the gap between mindset and performance. For more insights click here.
“My work isn’t just about solving problems; it’s about helping leaders and teams develop the mindset that allows them to solve problems before they become barriers to progress,” Craig Calder.
The Problem Hunter: A Groundbreaking Approach to Business Challenges
Craig Calder’s approach to leadership and problem-solving is summed up in his bestselling book, Problem Hunter: Become the Most Valuable Person in Any Organisation. Released through Amazon and Barnes & Noble, this book highlights the critical thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving skills that make individuals indispensable in any organization. With a clear, structured approach, Problem Hunter offers readers the tools to unlock their problem-solving potential and lead with purpose. Craig’s philosophy of proactively tackling problems and making informed decisions has resonated with thousands of readers and professionals.
“I created Problem Hunter to challenge traditional thinking about leadership and problem-solving,” Craig explains. “The goal is not just to solve problems but to create environments where new, sustainable solutions can emerge.”
In it, he distills over 25 years of corporate and consulting experience into actionable insights that can help individuals stand out as problem solvers in their organizations. The book presents a fresh perspective on how problem-solving can be a tool for career acceleration and business success. It encourages readers to adopt a “problem hunter” mindset, identifying problems before they escalate and tackling them with confidence.
“Being a problem hunter is about being proactive, not reactive. It’s about spotting opportunities in challenges and knowing how to take action before the issue becomes a bigger obstacle,” Craig writes in the book.
Get your copy of Problem Hunter: Become the Most Valuable Person in Any Organisation.
Leadership Through Clarity and Innovation
Craig’s professional journey is marked by an unwavering commitment to clarity in leadership. Early in his career, he recognized that leadership was about more than just managing teams, it was about understanding the nuances of organizational challenges and developing clear, actionable solutions. His vast experience across multiple industries has equipped him with a unique perspective on the importance of effective problem-solving in driving business success.
“Great leaders are not those who have all the answers, they are those who can ask the right questions and foster a mindset of clarity and openness,” Craig reflects.
Throughout his career, Craig has helped executives hone their leadership skills, guiding them through complex organizational challenges and helping them see opportunities for growth where others see obstacles. His approach emphasizes that leadership is not about having all the answers; it’s about asking the right questions, embracing ambiguity, and cultivating a clear vision for the future.
Artistic Pursuits and Personal Passions
While Craig’s professional life is centered around leadership and problem-solving, he also has a creative side. In his art practice, Craig produces abstract acrylic paintings and hand-folded metal sculptures that are displayed in both homes and office spaces. This artistic pursuit reflects his love for creativity and innovation, qualities that also permeate his work in leadership consulting.
Outside of work, Craig is a passionate snow skier, motorbike rider, and health enthusiast. He enjoys spending time with his two teenage children and believes that personal well-being is essential for professional success.
“I believe that a healthy mind and body are crucial for effective leadership. It’s not just about the work you do; it’s about how you live your life,” he often shares in his discussions on leadership and wellness.
A Legacy of Leadership and Problem-Solving
Craig’s work is a reflection of his unwavering commitment to transforming businesses and teams by teaching them how to approach challenges with clarity and confidence. His time spent working across different global markets, from Sydney to London and Toronto, provided him with a unique perspective on the challenges that leaders face in today’s fast-paced world. This global outlook continues to inform his work as he builds ThinkClear Group into a renowned provider of leadership development and consulting.
Craig’s journey has led him to establish himself as a leading authority on problem-solving. He continues to inspire leaders to embrace challenges head-on, creating a lasting legacy of excellence in leadership and organizational performance.
A Vision for the Future: Empowering Leaders to Think Clearly
As Craig Calder looks to the future, his vision remains clear: to continue empowering leaders around the world to think clearly, solve problems strategically, and lead organizations toward positive transformation.
“Leaders who think clearly create organizations that thrive. My mission is to empower more leaders to develop this clarity and drive sustainable change,” Craig says.
Craig Calder’s journey is not just about personal success; it’s about helping others unlock their full potential. His work at ThinkClear Group reflects his commitment to fostering growth in individuals and organizations. Through Think Clear Group, Craig aims to expand his reach, helping more companies refine their leadership strategies and foster a culture of innovation.
The Nectar of Wisdom from Craig Calder’s Journey
- “Problem-solving is a mindset, not just a skill.” – Craig emphasizes the power of perspective in tackling complex challenges.
- “Empowerment comes from simplifying the complex.” – Craig’s strategy is about making big problems feel smaller and easier to solve.
- “Innovation thrives when teams are engaged, not stuck in fear.” – He advocates for creating a culture that motivates and inspires teams to innovate.
- “True wisdom is not just learned; it is shared.” – As an author and speaker, Craig is dedicated to passing on the lessons that have shaped his journey.
Editorial Note:
Craig Calder’s career reflects the power of leadership, problem-solving, and the dedication required to drive meaningful change. His philosophy continues to inspire executives and teams around the world to approach obstacles with clarity and purpose. Through his work with ThinkClear Group, Craig is shaping the future of leadership, one problem solved at a time.
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