Solving the real problem: Lessons from Kurt Kandler

Step one in a startup is to define the problem. Unless you know the problem you are trying to solve, there is little economic value in the solution you create. And this is the trap most startups get stuck in. They never get to the real problem. But if they do, the solution, the idea, has the chance to have a huge impact.

Kurt Kandler aimed high. His goal was to solve the problem of poverty in developing nations. He learned this: He had to change a community’s worldview to solve this problem. And you know what? He did it.

Kurt is the founder of 410 Bridge and recently a first-time author. Sixteen years ago, while on a trip to Uganda to build a school in a remote village, he decided their work was not making a difference. Most good-hearted missionaries would go back to America and forget about it. But not Kurt!

Poverty was his problem to solve.

I’ve known Kurt and his work for over a decade. He just wrote the book on all he has learned, “If You Really Want to Help.” I had to find out what he had learned, and he shared it in this interview.

There is much to learn from Kurt about entrepreneurship, the impact of leaders, community development, and solving the real problem.

A quick note on Kurt’s book

If you really want to learn how to define the market problem you are solving, you need to read, "If You Really Want to Help." I'll be writing my formal review of this book soon. It will end with my personal recommendation to buy it and read it.

His relentless pursuit to define the problem he is solving and all its facets should be a textbook for entrepreneurs.