Problem Solving Under Pressure: Lessons in Fundamentals, Failure, and Finding the Fix (E.17) cover art

Problem Solving Under Pressure: Lessons in Fundamentals, Failure, and Finding the Fix (E.17)

Problem Solving Under Pressure: Lessons in Fundamentals, Failure, and Finding the Fix (E.17)

Listen for free

View show details

About this listen

In this episode of Free Form AI, we go behind the scenes with co-host Ben Wilson to explore how his early experiences in the Navy shaped his approach to engineering, risk, and creativity.

From high-stakes problem solving to the importance of failure-friendly environments, Ben and Michael unpack what it takes to build resilient systems and resilient people. Along the way, they discuss why fundamentals matter, how psychology plays into technical decisions, and why hobbies might be the most underrated engineering tool.


Tune in to Episode 17 for a wide-ranging conversation about:
• How high-pressure environments foster innovation
• Why testing and validation are non-negotiables in good engineering
• How hobbies support creative problem-solving
• Why failure (with forgiveness) can unlock new approaches


More than a career story, this episode is a deep dive into how experience shapes intuition. The best engineers don’t just know what works. They know why it works.

No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.