Obsess Over the Customer Problem: Why Great Startups Solve Real Pain Points

Most startups don’t fail because of execution.
They fail because they solve the wrong problem — or no real problem at all.

In Episode 14 of Epic Execution, David and Mike go deep into the mind of a founder who’s done the work — who’s stepped beyond assumptions and hype to truly understand what their customer is struggling with.

Listen now: Spotify – Obsess Over the Customer Problem

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to write a founder-grade problem statement that hits hard and rings true

• Why surface symptoms will deceive you — and how to dig for root causes

• How to use TAM, SAM, and SOM to size the market for real, not just for investors

• Why willingness to pay is your real validator (not clicks, likes, or compliments)

• What makes customers say, “Finally! Someone gets it.”

• How smart founders allocate capital and energy to the problem that matters

Key Takeaways for Founders:

The problem is the product
If you can’t articulate the problem, you can’t build the solution.

A sharp problem statement builds trust
It aligns your pitch, your team, and your roadmap.

Root cause analysis is your unfair advantage
Most founders stop at the first answer. You won't.

Validation means revenue
If they’re not willing to pay, it’s not the pain you think it is.

Great communication creates resonance
Make customers feel seen, heard, and understood.

Problem insights drive smarter capital decisions
Solve what matters and fund accordingly.

Value creation starts with clarity, not code
If your solution doesn’t start with truth, it ends in failure.

Ready to Go Deeper?

This episode is powered by Chapter 3 of the Epic Execution Course:
Obsess Over the Customer Problem

For just $99, this no-fluff course will help you:

• Write a raw, ready-to-test problem statement

• Size your opportunity using TAM/SAM/SOM

• Validate if customers will actually pay to solve it

• Avoid the trap of building something that sounds good but solves nothing

Enroll here: Build the Business You Were Born to Solve

From the Course:

“This course isn’t for tourists. It’s for builders ready to face the truth. If that’s you, grab your boots and get in. The world doesn’t need another idea — it needs someone who’s done the work.”

Epic Execution is the podcast for founders, operators, and innovators who want to build companies that solve problems — not just raise money and chase headlines. Hosted by David Kenney, these aren’t pep talks. These are the unfiltered truths and tools you wish you had from day one.

Subscribe. Listen. Solve what matters.