The 3 P’s of Entrepreneurship: Dr. Kingsley R. Chin’s Approach to Building Enduring Companies
by Dr. Kingsley R Chin MD MBA
For Dr. Kingsley R. Chin, the path to entrepreneurship is defined by three critical steps: Identifying a Problem and better solution, Predicting the need , and developing an innovative Product that drives global adoption and lasting value. This framework, which he calls the 3 P’s of entrepreneurship, has guided his journey from the desire to start a company to building some of the most successful ventures in spine surgery innovation. His method provides a clear roadmap for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to create impactful, enduring businesses.
Step 1: Identifying a Problem
The first step in Dr. Chin’s entrepreneurial journey is identifying a meaningful problem. This means finding limitations in current solutions or unmet needs in the market. Dr. Chin’s early career as a surgeon revealed gaps in the medical field, where innovations were stagnating or the available tools didn’t fully address the problems faced by surgeons and patients. By focusing on these gaps, he uncovered opportunities for improvement that would form the foundation for future ventures.
Example: Dr. Chin identified the limitations of the Steffee plate used in spine surgery, which failed to provide necessary adjustments for spinal curvature. This recognition of a core problem set him on the path to his first patent and led to the creation of the X-plate system.
Step 2: Predicting the Need for a Better Solution
Identifying a problem is only the beginning. The next step is to anticipate the demand for a better solution. Dr. Chin believes entrepreneurship requires the ability to see where the market is heading before others do. This foresight allowed him to stay ahead of the competition and develop innovative technologies that addressed core issues before they were widely recognized.
Example: In 2002, while others were satisfied with single-level spine surgery solutions like Medtronic’s Sextant system, Dr. Chin predicted the need for multilevel, more efficient percutaneous pedicle screw systems. This led to the development of the MANTIS system, which was ahead of its time and was eventually acquired by Stryker, a Fortune 500 company, for global commercialization. This success laid the groundwork for the creation of KIC, a private equity firm focused on predicting the future of spine surgery worldwide.
Step 3: Developing an Innovative Product
Once the problem is identified and the need is predicted, the final step is developing an innovative product that not only solves the problem but also drives global adoption. For Dr. Chin, this means creating solutions that are technically superior and have the potential for widespread acceptance and commercial success. A true entrepreneur develops products that create lasting value for both the company and the broader market.
Example: With the MANTIS system and later innovations like AxioMed and NanoFuse Biologics, Dr. Chin didn’t just create products—he invested in technologies that could endure, reshape the field of outpatient spine surgery, and set new global standards.
From Desire to Start a Company to Building a Lasting Legacy
Dr. Chin’s 3 P’s approach is more than just a strategy—it’s a mindset any aspiring entrepreneur can adopt. Starting a company requires more than passion; it requires a clear process for turning ideas into reality. Dr. Chin’s journey from identifying problems in spine surgery to predicting future needs and developing groundbreaking products offers a replicable framework for entrepreneurs across industries.
The 3 P’s of entrepreneurship emphasize that successful ventures are built on foresight, innovation, and a relentless focus on solving real-world problems. For anyone with the desire to start a company, Dr. Chin’s approach provides a guide to creating lasting impact and driving global success.
For more information and to get your copy of "Prove Yourself: 12 Essential Keys to Rise in Business and Life," visit