What Problem Are You Solving? (What PAYS)

Jon T. Ruark, Ty Smith, and Adam Berk

The What Problem Are You Solving? Podcast helps you discover what problem you are solving and helps you turn that into What PAYS. We're two Lean Startup coaches that have a passion for quickly delivering value before you spend too much!

  1. The Power of the Pivot

    07/22/2025

    The Power of the Pivot

    Startups don't fail because they make mistakes—they fail because they refuse (or delay) the crucial decision to pivot. This week on What Problem Are You Solving? (What PAYS), we break down the concept of pivoting—when to do it, why it matters, and how to do it right. From famous pivots that shaped billion-dollar companies to practical tips for recognizing when it's your turn, we'll uncover the true power of pivoting. 👉 What exactly is a pivot, and why is it misunderstood? 👉 Signals that it's time to pivot (and when to keep pushing forward) 👉 Step-by-step: How to pivot effectively without losing momentum 👉 Lessons from legendary startup pivots (Slack, Netflix, Instagram)

    1h 1m
  2. Complex Adaptive Systems

    07/15/2025

    Complex Adaptive Systems

    Complexity isn't the enemy—it's the environment in which innovation truly flourishes. This week on What Problem Are You Solving? (What PAYS), we dive into Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS), exploring how startups, innovation teams, and leaders can understand and leverage complexity to foster resilience, creativity, and growth. 👉 What exactly are complex adaptive systems? 👉 Why traditional management and linear thinking fail in complex environments 👉 How lean startup and agile practices naturally align with complexity 👉 Real-world examples of thriving in complexity

    1h 7m
  3. What PAYS: The Retrospective

    07/08/2025

    What PAYS: The Retrospective

    Let's review the past year and strategize how to improve!

    1h 8m
  4. Stop Doing What Doesn't Matter!

    06/24/2025

    Stop Doing What Doesn't Matter!

    Do you know how much waste your business creates each day—time, money, effort? This week on What Problem Are You Solving? (What PAYS), we're diving into the 8 Wastes of Lean—the hidden inefficiencies slowing you down, costing money, and frustrating your customers. From unnecessary meetings to idle inventory, we'll explore practical ways entrepreneurs and teams can spot and eliminate waste quickly. 🔥 In this episode: ✅ What are the 8 wastes (DOWNTIME) and why they matter ✅ Real-world examples of wasteful practices in startups and large organizations ✅ Quick-win strategies to eliminate common lean wastes ✅ How reducing waste leads directly to improved profits, happier customers, and empowered teams

    1h 12m
  5. Public & Private Innovation

    06/18/2025

    Public & Private Innovation

    Innovation isn't just about ideas—it's about partnerships that bridge public missions and private-sector agility. Join us this week on What Problem Are You Solving? (What PAYS) for a special conversation with Mark Munsell, former Chief Data Officer at the Department of Defense. We'll explore how the public sector and private companies can successfully partner to drive innovation, navigate complex ecosystems, and deliver solutions at scale. 🔥 In this episode: ✅ How effective public-private partnerships actually form ✅ Key lessons from leading innovation and data initiatives at the DOD ✅ Overcoming common obstacles—bureaucracy, risk-aversion, and cultural differences ✅ Why data is the connective tissue that makes these partnerships succeed

    1h 6m
  6. Turning Metrics Into Momentum

    06/10/2025

    Turning Metrics Into Momentum

    Data isn't just for tech experts or big corporations—it's crucial for every entrepreneur looking to grow sustainably and build credibility with stakeholders. This week on What Problem Are You Solving? (What PAYS), we're facilitating an interactive conversation around embedding simple yet powerful data-driven practices into early-stage businesses. Inspired by our upcoming workshop, we'll dive into practical frameworks, easy-to-use tools, and storytelling methods to transform your raw numbers into compelling narratives that investors and stakeholders can't resist. 🔥 Discussion highlights: ✅ Essential metrics founders must track ✅ Low-cost, accessible tools to measure and visualize your growth ✅ Turning your data into persuasive stories for investors ✅ Common data pitfalls (and how to avoid them) ✅ First actionable step: Creating a weekly metrics dashboard

    1h 2m
  7. Why Now? With Paul Orlando

    06/03/2025

    Why Now? With Paul Orlando

    You've got a great idea, but is it the right moment to launch? Understanding why now—why your idea matters today—is critical to your success. On this week's What Problem Are You Solving? (What PAYS), inspired by Paul Orlando's latest book, "Why Now?", we're breaking down how successful products leverage timing, context, and market shifts to succeed where others fail.

    1h 9m
  8. Creating Value

    05/20/2025

    Creating Value

    This week on What Problem Are You Solving? (What PAYS), we're unpacking the idea of customer value. Is it about having the lowest price? Is it cost savings or convenience? Emotional connection or brand love? Maybe it's all of these—or something else entirely. 🔥 In this episode: ✅ The multiple layers of value: economic, emotional, functional, and social ✅ Why value isn't always about price ✅ How to uncover what your customers really value ✅ Real-world examples of businesses that nailed—or misunderstood—customer value

    1h 3m
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The What Problem Are You Solving? Podcast helps you discover what problem you are solving and helps you turn that into What PAYS. We're two Lean Startup coaches that have a passion for quickly delivering value before you spend too much!

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