15 Jul 461: What One Pair of Shoes Can Teach Us About Changing the World – An Interview with CEO of Because International Andrew Kroes
What if one simple idea could change the lives of hundreds of thousands of children around the world?
That’s exactly what today’s guest has been helping make possible.
Andrew Kroes is the CEO of Because International, the nonprofit behind The Shoe That Grows, an innovative shoe that expands as a child grows and is now helping children in more than 100 countries.
But this conversation isn’t really about shoes.
It’s about seeing problems differently.
It’s about designing solutions that last instead of settling for temporary fixes.
And it’s about what happens when two lifelong friends decide to chase an idea that seemed just a little bit crazy.
Andrew shares the remarkable story behind The Shoe That Grows – from a simple observation at an orphanage in Kenya… to years of messy prototypes… to an unexpected viral moment that changed everything.
Along the way, we talk about innovation, entrepreneurship, failure, perseverance, leadership, generosity, and why some of the smallest ideas can create the biggest impact.
Whether you’re building a business, launching a nonprofit, leading a team, or simply wondering if your idea is worth pursuing… this episode will inspire you to keep taking the next step.
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What You’ll Learn
1. Why Lasting Solutions Beat Temporary Fixes
- Why Andrew believes the best innovation isn’t about creating something flashy. It’s about solving problems that matter.
- The surprising reason a pair of shoes can dramatically improve a child’s education, health, and future.
- Why designing for durability changes everything.
2. The Real Journey Behind Every “Overnight Success”
Andrew shares:
- Why The Shoe That Grows actually took years of experimentation before anyone noticed.
- What it looked like to build nights and weekends while working full-time.
- Why being willing to “look stupid” is often part of building something extraordinary.
- What Happens When Opportunity Arrives Before You Feel Ready
One local news story unexpectedly went viral…
Suddenly Andrew and his team were flooded with donations, attention, and opportunity.
Instead of celebrating…
They found themselves asking:
“Can we actually handle this?”
Their answer – and how they navigated that season – is incredibly practical for anyone experiencing growth.
4. Innovation Is More About Listening Than Inventing
Andrew explains why creating great solutions means:
- Listening carefully
- Testing constantly
- Learning from failure
- Improving relentlessly
It’s a masterclass in product design, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
Spotlight Moments
- The unforgettable story of the little girl in Kenya whose shoes had been cut open because she’d outgrown them.
- Why the first 100 handmade shoes were “embarrassing”… and why they changed everything.
- The weekend Andrew and his team unexpectedly went viral – and suddenly had hundreds of thousands of dollars and thousands of emails to respond to.
- Why Andrew believes nonprofits actually have two customers – those receiving help and those making it possible.
- His challenge to Dream Think Do listeners: “Make someone else’s day.”
Key Quotes
“Innovation should reach the people who need it most.”
“You have to be willing to look stupid while you’re learning.”
“The work works on you.”
“When you build something meaningful with people you love… that’s a special thing.”
“Make someone else’s day.”
Connect with Andrew
Because International – Learn more about The Shoe That Grows
Why This Episode Matters
Sometimes we think making a difference requires massive resources.
Andrew’s story reminds us that lasting impact often begins with something much smaller:
One conversation.
One observation.
One prototype.
One courageous next step.
Whether you’re launching a business, solving a problem in your community, or simply wondering if your idea matters…
This episode is a reminder that small acts of innovation—combined with perseverance—can create extraordinary change.
Your Mission this Week
What stood out most to you?
- What’s one problem you’ve noticed that others might simply accept?
- Where might you be settling for a temporary fix instead of building a lasting solution?
- Who could you intentionally encourage or serve this week?
Leave a comment and let us know.
And if someone came to mind while listening, send them this episode. You never know what one conversation – or one simple idea – might change.
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