Short Story

Slowing down is the fastest way to save higher education

New Hampshire, United States (US)

The Solution Trap: Why Colleges Keep Making the Same Mistakes

$1,125.00 Pledged
14 Backers
0 Days Left
Raised:
7.50%
Goal: $15,000.00

Higher education faces a crisis of misdirection.

Every day, college leaders make decisions that consume millions of dollars and impact thousands of lives. Yet most start in the wrong place: with a solution already in mind.

The result? We end up with the wrong programs, the wrong technologies, the wrong policies, partnerships, and practices—all while spending more than ever on solutions that never solve our real problems.

Why do smart, caring leaders keep making expensive mistakes? “The Solution Trap” reveals a provocative answer: we’ve become addicted to implementing solutions before we understand the problems we’re trying to solve.

This isn’t a failure of vision—it’s just bad decision-making. “The Solution Trap” exposes the hidden psychology behind our costly mistakes and provides a proven framework for better decision-making. 

Through case studies of three college leaders facing real crises on their campuses, you’ll discover why even the most capable leaders rush to solutions before understanding problems. You’ll learn how System 1 thinking—our brain’s fast, automatic responses—overwhelms our slower, more deliberate System 2 thinking that complex decisions require. You’ll see how groupthink creates collective illusions that make obviously flawed solutions feel unquestionably right, and how vendor promises exploit these psychological vulnerabilities.

You’ll learn about the Double Diamond framework—a human-centered approach that helps you recognize these mental traps, understand why survival anxiety clouds strategic judgment, and maintain clarity under pressure.

For presidents facing enrollment challenges, provosts managing budget constraints, and boards evaluating major investments, this book provides what you need to solve the right problems instead of implementing wrong solutions faster.

The stakes are too high for anything less than strategic precision. This book shows you how to achieve it.

Book Cover on tabletop of The Solution TrapWhere Does Your Support Go?

My publisher (Manuscripts Press) has given me access to a world-class publishing team to help me produce and launch my book. I am working with…

  • A seasoned revisions editor, copy editor, and proofreader this Spring to further hone my book
  • A marketing specialist to coach and support me in marketing efforts, and help me reach new audiences
  • A cover artist and layout editor will be designing my book. (The mockups you see currently are a placeholder!)

 

I am also offering some exclusive rewards for people who buy a ticket to my book launch:

  • All tickets include either a physical copy (softcover, paperback) or digital copy (ebook) when I publish and a handwritten thank-you note.
  • Your name will appear in the Acknowledgments section of my book (“with Special Thanks to”)..
  • You will receive early access to the Introduction and some excerpts from my book, with the opportunity to review it and give me early feedback.
  • And more!

Other Ways You Can Support Me

Some people just can’t contribute, but that doesn’t mean they can’t help:

  • Please share my pre-sale campaign on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn with your friends, family and network. Please use #TheSolutionTrap and tag me as well as my publisher, Manuscripts Press, so we can help amplify your efforts.
  • Please recommend my book to five (5) friends, family members, or co-workers who you think would enjoy it via text or direct message on social media.

 

Thank you so much for of all of your love and support!

 

Thanks again,

Brian Fleming, Ed.D

 

Brian Fleming headshot

Author Bio

Brian Fleming, Ed.D.

Brian leads Design Futures, a strategic advisory firm helping universities, foundations, and education technology companies make better decisions about the future. His work focuses on strategic partnerships, innovation implementation, and organizational transformation, with particular expertise in initiatives that expand access and improve outcomes for underserved students.

Brian has extensive experience driving growth and transformation across higher education. He previously served as Vice President of Business Development and Strategy at Project Kitty Hawk in the University of North Carolina System, overseeing new business development including university, employer, military, and community college partnerships. He also led innovation initiatives as Associate Vice Chancellor of Learning Ecosystem Development at Northeastern University and as Vice President and Executive Director of the Sandbox Collaborative at Southern New Hampshire University.

Earlier in his career, Brian was Principal at Tyton Partners and Senior Analyst at Eduventures, where he directed research and consulting projects on online education strategy. His work spans partnership development, market research, enrollment and financial modeling, and change management across institutions serving millions of students.

Brian regularly speaks at leading education conferences and summits on topics ranging from college and university transformation to workforce-education partnerships. His presentations address the evolving role of higher education in a changing economic landscape, with particular focus on digital innovation, strategic planning, and preparing institutions for future challenges.

Brian holds an Ed.D. in Organizational Development from Vanderbilt University and has published extensively on educational innovation and digital learning.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are you presaling this book?

I’m choosing to presale to build a supportive reader community from day one — your support helps fund editing, design, printing, and much more!

What do I receive when I support your presale?

Depending on the reward tier you choose, you’ll receive signed copies, bonus resources, live session access, or personal acknowledgments in the book.

What will appear on my credit card statement?

You will see ‘MANUSCRIPT’ reflected on your credit card statement.

When will I get my Perks and Packages?

Books (Ebook, Paperback, Hardback) will be delivered in Spring 2026.

Other perks, depending on what you ordered, could be released before the book is printed and published. I will reach out to you when each perk is ready for delivery. I will be regularly communicating with you after the campaign to keep you updated.

What are the Risks and Challenges?

I’ve already written the first draft of my manuscript. I have a publishing timeline in place and a team lined up to support editing, design, and distribution.

The main risks are:

  • Timeline shifts during production or printing (I’ll communicate transparently!)
  • Supply chain or shipping delays (especially with printed copies)

During revisions, I will engage with you regularly to keep you up to date on my progress.

Can I purchase multiple times?

Yes, you can order multiple times.

Are preorders refundable?

Preorders are non-refundable. However, you may transfer to another individual at no charge.

When is the deadline to support your presale?

See my social media posts for timeline information.

PRESALE PERKS AND PACKAGES

$50.00
Event + ebook
Campaign already completed.
$75.00
Event + 1 Copy
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$100.00
Event + 2 Copies
Campaign already completed.
$250.00
Event + 5 Copies
Campaign already completed.
$500.00
Event + 10 Copies
Campaign already completed.
$1,250.00
Event + 25 Copies
Campaign already completed.
Name Donate Amount Date
Eric Koester $75.00 September 4, 2025 7:22 pm
Jessica Theman $50.00 August 13, 2025 3:36 pm
Melanie Andrich $100.00 August 12, 2025 10:24 pm
Megan Shay $75.00 August 11, 2025 11:18 pm
Louis NeJame $50.00 August 11, 2025 5:33 pm
Jeff Penta $75.00 August 11, 2025 2:14 pm
Erin Neuhardt $75.00 August 10, 2025 12:57 pm
Christopher Boyd $75.00 August 10, 2025 12:49 pm
Jen O'Brien $100.00 August 10, 2025 11:38 am
Rachel Crinklaw $75.00 August 10, 2025 11:01 am
Bethany Perkins $75.00 August 10, 2025 10:32 am
Greg Fyfe $100.00 August 9, 2025 1:12 pm
Alexander Winkfield $100.00 August 8, 2025 3:53 pm
Andrew Bagley $100.00 August 7, 2025 2:02 pm