In business consulting, complexity is a given. But I've learned over the years that complexity doesn't need to be complicated. My approach has always been: if you can't explain the problem or the solution simply, you probably don't understand it well enough. That's why I rely on simple, repeatable frameworks to solve some of the most difficult problems my clients bring to the table.
Whether it's a startup struggling to stabilize operations or a multi-million-dollar company trying to shift its strategy, the first thing I do is break the problem down into its core parts. I call this the “root isolate method.” Strip away the noise, remove the opinions, and get to the issue beneath the issue. Often, it's not that marketing isn't working—it's that the product-market fit is off. Or it's not a team productivity problem—it's a lack of clear priorities. My job is to find that root and then apply a framework to make decisions from that place of clarity.
One of the most effective frameworks I use is the “PDT Loop”—Problem, Decision, Trade-off. Every client engagement goes through this cycle.
- First, identify the real problem (not just the symptom).
- Second, define what decision needs to be made to address it.
- Third, outline the trade-offs of each path forward.
This structure forces alignment. It shifts focus from emotional debates to rational, strategic action.
For example, a SaaS client once came to me saying their churn rate was too high. They believed it was due to poor onboarding. But when we ran it through the PDT Loop, we discovered the real problem wasn't onboarding—it was pricing. Customers were leaving because they felt the product's value didn't match the cost. By addressing the pricing model instead of revamping the entire onboarding system, we cut churn in half within 90 days.
Another framework I lean on is “4D Thinking”—Define, Diagnose, Design, Deliver.
This is especially useful when a company needs to shift its operations or internal structure.
- Define the desired outcome, not just what's wrong.
- Diagnose what's broken or missing.
- Design a system that aligns with both business goals and internal capabilities.
- Deliver that system with clear metrics, ownership, and timelines.
The beauty of simple frameworks is that they create shared language. Executives, managers, and even junior staff can align around the same thought process. There's no confusion. Everyone knows the steps and the expectations.
And to be clear—simple doesn't mean easy. Implementing change, especially at the operational or cultural level, is hard work. But with frameworks, it becomes structured work. The chaos gets reduced to a sequence. And for business leaders trying to lead in uncertainty, that structure creates confidence.
Over the years, I've found that clients aren't just looking for advice. They're looking for a way to think clearly again. They want to remove the fog and start making decisions with conviction. My frameworks don't just solve problems—they build that clarity.
Because in the end, clarity isn't just a competitive advantage. It's how you lead.
And that's what I help businesses do—one simple framework at a time.
More on Business Consultancy from Travis L Wright
https://travislwright.wordpress.com/2025/07/18/travis-l-wright-culture-isnt-perks-its-process/
https://travislwright-bc.hashnode.dev/why-i-decided-to-become-a-business-consultant-travis-l-wright
https://travislwright.blogspot.com/2025/07/biography-of-travis-l-wright-business.html
https://bio.site/travislwright.bc
https://www.f6s.com/member/travislwright
