DevReady Podcast

Pivots, Partners, and AIMMe: Inside Stealth AI’s Journey | Ep 151 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, Anthony Sapountzis welcomes Mykhaylo Shaforostov, Co-Founder and CEO of Stealth AI. Mykhaylo shares his remarkable journey from Ukraine to Canada and across the globe, culminating in his current venture in Australia. With a rich background in companies like Nortel Networks, AppDynamics, and New Relic, Mykhaylo brings a wealth of experience to the table. In this episode, he delves into the evolution of his startup, Stealth AI, and their groundbreaking AI application, AIMMe. Designed to provide businesses with quick and insightful AI readiness evaluations, AIMMe is set to revolutionize how companies integrate AI into their operations. Join us as Mykhaylo discusses the challenges, pivots, and successes of his entrepreneurial journey and the exciting future of Stealth AI.
 
Having been born in Ukraine, educated in Canada, and worked across the US, Singapore, and Australia, Myk recounts his career journey, starting at Nortel Networks and moving through various roles in pre-sales and engineering management at companies like AppDynamics and New Relic. Driven by a desire to embrace new challenges, Mykhaylo left a secure director position to venture into the AI sector, aiming to avoid future regrets and make a mark in the evolving technology landscape.
 
Mykhaylo discusses the importance of structure and process in both large enterprises and startups. He reflects on his experience at AppDynamics, where the initial lack of a defined sales process led to inconsistent results until strong leadership introduced structured methodologies. Mykhaylo emphasizes that while startups need the flexibility to experiment and adapt, having a vision of the necessary processes for scaling is crucial. He highlights the need for a balance between being nimble in the early stages and establishing consistent processes for growth.
 
Mykhaylo shares his journey through multiple pivots in his startup, Stealth AI, and reflects on the differences between corporate and startup environments. He talks about the initial challenges and humility he faced despite his extensive corporate experience and network, realizing that these alone do not guarantee success. Mykhaylo also discusses the lessons learned from the dotcom and crypto bubbles, emphasizing the importance of the right mindset and execution plan. He highlights the excitement and drive behind his current venture, acknowledging the contrasting benefits of the corporate world's structure and the startup's dynamic nature.
 
Anthony and Mykhaylo delve into the complexities of finding the right co-founder for a startup. Mykhaylo emphasizes that finding a suitable co-founder is often more challenging than generating a business idea, stressing the need for complementary skills and mutual reliability. Anthony adds that unlike corporate hiring, co-founders need to manage tasks independently and align on strategic decisions. Mykhaylo reflects on his own experiences with previous co-founders, recognizing their value in different stages of the company's growth, and highlights the importance of overlap in skills and vision for a successful partnership. Both agree that the right co-founder relationship can significantly enhance a startup's ability to pivot and grow.
 
Mykhaylo shares the journey of his startup's numerous pivots before finding success with their current AI application, AIMMe. AIMMe is designed as an AI maturity model assessment chatbot that helps businesses quickly gauge their AI readiness. By addressing market needs with a unique competitive advantage, AIMMe offers insightful evaluations and solutions that visualize and control AI interactions in real time. Mykhaylo discusses the challenges they faced in understanding AIMMe’s operations and how they developed strategies to make AI more accessible and understandable for non-technical business owners. This approach aims to simplify the complexities of AI integration and foster a more intuitive understanding of AI's impact.
 
The conversation then shifts to the rapid integration of AI, particularly chatbots, into businesses. Mykhaylo highlights the complexities and potential pitfalls of this trend, emphasizing the importance of understanding and accurately measuring AI's impact. He introduces the concept of cognitive load as a more intuitive metric for assessing AI performance. Mykhaylo also shares the progress of Stealth AI in developing user-friendly, transparent AI solutions and expresses a keen interest in collaborating with potential customers and investors to refine and scale their offerings.
 
Useful Links
Mykhaylo Shaforostov | LinkedIn
Stealth AI | LinkedIn
AIMMe | App

The DevReady Story | Ep 150 | DevReady Podcast

In this special 150th episode of the DevReady Podcast, hosts Andrew Romeo and Anthony Sapountzis celebrate their remarkable journey from startup beginnings to tech innovation. They reflect on their evolution, the lessons learned, and the transformative impact of their AI-driven tool, DevReady.Ai, all while sharing insights into their mission to help startups and non-tech users navigate the complex world of tech product development.
 
Andrew and Anthony celebrate their journey together, reflecting on the early days of founding Aerion Technologies in 2008. Straight out of university, they started with a small team, initially focusing on games before shifting to business tools and applications. They acknowledge the significant contributions of their team members and the challenges they faced in the early stages of their startup. The conversation highlights the evolution of their business and their ventures into AI, showcasing their growth and adaptability over the years.
 
Andrew and Anthony delve into the lessons learned from their initial projects, discussing how their technical proficiency evolved. They highlight a pivotal moment when they realised the importance of delivering true value to customers. Emphasising the need for proper planning and understanding client needs, they discuss the necessity of dividing roles within the team to avoid overlap. They compare their process to that of a building company, stressing the importance of thorough planning and feasibility studies to ensure successful outcomes.
 
The hosts continue by discussing the importance of vision and planning in product development. They explain the need to consider both short-term and long-term goals, likening the process to building a house where the foundation must support future growth. They emphasise creating detailed briefs and validating ideas with stakeholders to ensure alignment and feasibility. The conversation also covers the significance of gathering continuous feedback and conducting thorough research to incorporate best practices and avoid costly mistakes.
 
Andrew and Anthony underline the value of agile design while maintaining a structured roadmap to achieve successful outcomes. They highlight the importance of starting with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to increase the chances of success and reduce risks. The hosts discuss the challenges of large projects and the benefits of breaking them down into smaller, manageable sprints. They stress the need for continuous feedback and using tools like Figma for creating wireframes to ensure alignment between stakeholders and developers, emphasizing the combination of structured planning with agile flexibility for better project outcomes.
 
The discussion then shifts to the evolution of their documentation and development processes over the years. Andrew and Anthony share their initial struggles with slow, cumbersome documents and their transition to more efficient tools like Confluence and Figma. They recount their journey from using traditional data science methods to exploring AI for content generation, highlighting the excitement and impact of discovering OpenAI's capabilities, which led to the creation of DevReady.Ai. They discuss the launch of the beta version of DevReady.Ai, explaining how the AI-driven tool has revolutionized their workflow, significantly speeding up project planning.
 
Andrew and Anthony highlight how DevReady.Ai can now generate a comprehensive DevReady Brief in as little as 10-15 minutes, a process that previously took days and multiple workshops. They share a backstory about the initial motivation for creating the Brief, which was to clarify project proposals for a client in Italy. The AI's ability to answer questions in seconds has drastically sped up their processes, supporting non-tech users in planning and structuring their projects efficiently. They emphasise the tool's potential to minimize assumptions and increase the chances of project success while reducing costs for clients.
 
Finally, Andrew and Anthony celebrate their 150th episode by reflecting on the purpose behind the DevReady Podcast. They discuss how the podcast aims to help non-technical people gain clarity on their product development and share stories from startups facing challenges in the tech industry. Recounting the origins of the podcast, they highlight key moments and learnings from interviews with industry experts and startup founders. The hosts emphasise the importance of getting the right advice early to reduce risks and improve the chances of success for tech startups. They also invite listeners to check out DevReady.Ai and participate in their Alpha program, underscoring their commitment to supporting the tech community.

Wholesum Impact: Dr. Tanvir Uddin on Investing with Purpose and Profit | Ep 149 | DevReady Podcast

In this compelling episode of the DevReady Podcast, join host Andrew Romeo as he dives into the world of sustainable finance with Dr. Tanvir Uddin, Founder & CEO of Wholesum. Discover Dr. Uddin's journey to pioneering sustainable investments that bridge profitability with positive global impact. Explore the innovative strategies and impactful projects driving Wholesum's mission to empower small to medium enterprises while fostering environmental sustainability. Gain insights into the evolving landscape of responsible investing and the transformative power of aligning financial goals with social good.
 
Dr. Uddin shares his journey from working at McKinsey to engaging in various international projects within finance, technology, and sustainability, including working with small farmers in Indonesia and solar financing in the Middle East. His diverse experiences led to the founding of Wholesum; a company focused on supporting sustainability investments by bridging the funding gap for small to medium businesses. Dr. Uddin emphasizes these businesses' crucial global role and discusses innovative financial solutions to support their growth.
 
Andrew and Dr. Uddin delve into the challenges and opportunities in supporting underserved markets through innovative financial solutions. Dr. Uddin highlights the importance of combining capital with technology to drive growth and shares his journey of working with angel investors and family to test and validate his investment thesis. He emphasizes the need for transparency and robust communication with stakeholders, as well as the value of content strategy in building brand equity. Dr. Uddin also reflects on the lessons learned from his extensive experience in finance, technology, and sustainability, which have shaped his approach to founding and growing Wholesum.
 
Dr. Uddin discusses Wholesum's approach to responsible investing, which involves filtering out harmful industries and directing capital toward impactful projects. He highlights their investments in Indonesia's small-medium enterprises and a vertically integrated agribusiness in Peru, aiming to support sustainable community growth and environmental conservation. Dr. Uddin emphasizes the importance of aligning capital with purpose and shares Wholesum's efforts to bring investment stories to life through crowdfunding campaigns and case studies.
 
Further, Dr. Uddin elaborates on the collaboration between Wholesum and the Diverse Perspectives program, which supports social enterprises through a crowdfunding campaign. He highlights the strengthening ecosystem of sustainable investing in Australia, emphasizing the integration of investors, accelerators, support networks, and technology. Dr. Uddin notes the increasing activity in private markets, with significant investments from entities like Grok Ventures and other social enterprises. He underscores the importance of government support and mentorship in building a more integrated and mission-aligned economy.
 
Finally, Dr. Uddin discusses the balance between achieving social and environmental impact and delivering competitive returns for investors. While some initiatives must be purely philanthropic, Wholesum targets small and medium enterprises in local markets that can offer competitive returns, aiming for a net return of 8% or more. Dr. Uddin emphasizes the importance of innovative investment approaches that blend profitability with social good. He also shares his passion for working with clients who strive to make a difference in the world through responsible investing, highlighting the importance of building relationships with diverse clients seeking financial success and positive social impact.

Scaling Smarter: How VirtualDOO Transforms Small Business Operations | Ep 148 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis engages in a compelling conversation with Lloyd Thompson, Founder of VirtualDOO, to explore the transformative power of fractional leadership and remote work strategies. Discover how Lloyd's expertise helps businesses streamline operations and prepare for sustainable growth in today's competitive landscape. Tune in for invaluable insights on accountability, team dynamics, and operational excellence.
 
Lloyd’s journey from a decade-long career in programming to founding VirtualDOO was fueled by his experiences managing global teams during the COVID-19 pandemic. His shift into entrepreneurship was motivated by a desire for a flexible, remote work lifestyle, ultimately leading him to specialize in fractional leadership services for businesses seeking operational efficiency.
VirtualDOO primarily supports businesses with 10 to 30 employees through fractional Director of Operations services. Lloyd and his team step in to streamline day-to-day operations, establish effective team rhythms, and implement performance dashboards. This interim leadership not only reduces the workload on business owners but also optimizes business processes, positioning them for sustainable growth and seamless transitions, including preparing for potential exits.
 
Throughout the episode, Lloyd addresses common challenges faced by small businesses, particularly those in early stages with fewer than ten employees. He emphasizes the importance of effective time management, delegation strategies, and the establishment of clear company culture and values. Lloyd underscores the critical role of hiring team members who align with these values and the implementation of consistent operational feedback loops to foster organizational growth and efficiency.
 
Anthony and Lloyd also delve into the complexities of identifying and rectifying operational shortcomings within businesses. Lloyd advocates for external audits to uncover hidden issues and validate performance concerns that internal teams may overlook. They discuss the strategic advantage of leveraging external consultants like VirtualDOO to address operational gaps and facilitate scalable growth while maintaining cultural integrity.
 
The conversation concludes with a deep dive into the vital aspect of accountability in business operations. Lloyd stresses the necessity of assigning singular accountable owners to each pivotal process, whether managing distributed teams or virtual assistants. Clear delineation of roles and responsibilities on organizational charts, combined with transparent accountability frameworks, emerges as pivotal strategies to foster cohesive operations and uphold team morale.
 
Throughout their exchange, Anthony and Lloyd offer practical insights and actionable strategies for business owners looking to enhance operational efficiency, navigate growth challenges, and foster a resilient organizational culture. Lloyd’s expertise in fractional leadership and operational management serves as a guiding light for entrepreneurs aiming to optimize their business practices and achieve sustainable success in dynamic market environments.

From Cannes to Netflix: Tom Haramis Unravels the Art of Storytelling | Ep 147 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis speaks to Tom Haramis, Founder & Producer of Mad Hatter Collective. He is also an award-winning producer at the Cannes World Film Festival, an executive video producer, and a visual storytelling strategist. Explore how Tom's passion for storytelling intersects with strategic business insights, offering invaluable lessons on creativity, authenticity, and scaling your entrepreneurial endeavors. Join us for an engaging conversation that bridges the gap between cinematic artistry and effective brand communication.
 
Tom shares his extensive journey in the film industry, detailing his work running a creative agency and independent micro studio, as well as his passion for storytelling through films and documentaries. He highlights the success of his feature documentary "Fight to Live," which garnered accolades at Cannes and will soon be available on major streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video. Throughout his career, Tom has faced numerous challenges but emphasizes the importance of staying true to creative passions rather than merely chasing financial gain.
 
Anthony and Tom delve into the art of storytelling in video production for businesses. Tom asserts that storytelling is both an art and a science, crucial for creating compelling brand narratives. He discusses the importance of understanding the target audience and the objectives behind a story to ensure it resonates effectively. He also addresses the common challenge businesses face in balancing budget constraints with the need for high-quality storytelling, advising companies to engage creatives early in the process for better strategic content creation.
 
Tom also explores the difficulties businesses encounter when integrating video storytelling into their marketing strategies. He notes that businesses often delay video production until they face issues like low sales or high staff turnover, which could be mitigated with early video marketing efforts. Emphasizing the need for clear objectives and audience understanding, Tom reflects on how storytelling in filmmaking has evolved and the necessity for businesses to create engaging narratives to capture and retain audience attention amidst the social media noise.
 
Moreover, Anthony and Tom discuss the significance of aligning business objectives with the right content creators. Tom highlights that businesses frequently prioritize immediate financial gains at the expense of meaningful storytelling. He explains that successful content creation is a partnership where both parties benefit from the content's success. He stresses the need for businesses to collaborate with experienced creators who understand the business landscape and can produce content that resonates with the target audience rather than opting for quick, superficial solutions.
 
Lastly, Tom underscores the importance of consistency and authenticity in content creation. He advises startups to focus on gradually building an audience and leveraging free online tools to start with basic content creation strategies. Sharing his own experiences, Tom emphasizes the value of hands-on involvement and self-education to maintain business continuity, especially in the face of creative turnover. He advocates for a long-term approach to content creation, akin to the training regimens of top athletes, to achieve sustained success and reliability in business endeavors.

Closing Deals and Crushing Goals: Steven Ristevski's Sales Playbook | Ep 146 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Andrew Romeo interviews Steven Ristevski, Principal at SR Link, to delve into the intricacies of sales and lead generation. Steven shares his journey from an unexpected start in a clerical traineeship to becoming a seasoned sales expert, discussing key strategies for engaging potential clients, building long-term relationships, and navigating the evolving landscape of sales in various industries.
 
Steven shares his extensive experience in sales, which began unexpectedly with a clerical traineeship and evolved through various roles where he honed his sales skills. He discusses his current work with diverse clients, helping them reach decision-makers and influencers across various industries, including security, cloud solutions, data analytics, and operational solutions. Steven emphasizes his ability to adapt to different products and industries, leveraging his problem-solving skills to match solutions to customer needs.
 
Steven emphasizes the importance of engaging potential clients from the very beginning of a conversation, understanding their challenges, and presenting tailored solutions. He shares his experience from working in a conference center, where he learned the significance of market research and creating effective pitches. Steven also discusses his current methods, including cold calling and using various communication channels to reach decision-makers. He highlights the necessity of building rapport, being adaptable, and continuously providing value to clients and prospects.
 
Steven delves into his process for finding and engaging prospects, explaining that he primarily uses LinkedIn to research potential clients based on their job titles and industry focus, employing tools like Lucia to gather insights and contact information. He discusses his systematic approach to networking, which includes creating lead lists, initiating connections, and setting up introductory meetings. Steven emphasizes the importance of building rapport, understanding client needs, and maintaining honest communication to foster long-term relationships.
 
Andrew and Steven then discuss the importance of numbers in sales and lead generation. Steven emphasizes the role of LinkedIn in maximizing outreach despite the challenges of cold calling. He highlights the necessity of targeting a broad range of job titles to increase the chances of making valuable connections. Steven also talks about his experience in assisting both small and large companies in navigating sales processes and building relationships. He underscores the need for patience and realistic expectations in sales, as immediate results are rare.
 
Concluding their discussion, Andrew and Steven highlight the importance of long-term relationship building in sales. Steven shares his experience, emphasizing that successful sales often stem from years of rapport rather than immediate transactions. He advises new tech entrepreneurs to focus on networking, leveraging LinkedIn, and persistently reaching out to potential clients. Steven also highlights the value of mentorship and continuous learning from more experienced colleagues, recounting how his business model evolved during COVID-19. He underscores the importance of adaptability and perseverance in sales, agreeing with Andrew that real-world experience and relationships are crucial for success, more so than formal courses.

Exit Like a Pro: Kerry Boulton’s Expert Tips for Maximizing Business Value | Ep 145 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis chats with Kerry Boulton-Holdsworth, a seasoned Value Builder & Exit Strategy Coach from The Exit Strategy Group. Kerry, a Certified Exit Planning Advisor, and former EOS Implementer, shares invaluable insights on crafting successful business exit strategies. Tune in to learn how to build value, ensure readiness, and navigate the complexities of business exits.
 
Kerry shares her journey from conducting a management buyout to becoming an Exit Strategy Coach. She highlights the importance of having an exit strategy for any business, recounting how reading "Business Plans that Win $$$" helped her and her husband raise funds and plan for their business’s future. Kerry discusses the economic fluctuations and stresses the necessity of being prepared for unexpected opportunities, such as selling their real estate business when a lucrative offer arose. She concludes by advising business owners to always be ready for sale, focusing on growing for value, and ensuring readiness across business, financial, and personal aspects.
 
Kerry emphasizes balancing business, financial, and personal readiness in exit strategy planning. She discusses opportunities for acquiring businesses owned by baby boomers and integrating them for exponential growth. Sharing her experience of retiring and reinventing herself, Kerry highlights the importance of having a purpose beyond business. She stresses the need for thorough financial planning, stakeholder consideration, and estate planning to ensure a smooth transition and continued fulfillment post-exit.
 
Kerry outlines eight key drivers crucial for a successful business exit strategy. These include having well-documented financials, identifying growth markets, mitigating reliance on key personnel, and differentiating the business. She discusses maintaining positive cash flow, ensuring high customer satisfaction, and reducing dependence on the owner. Kerry advises business owners to strategically plan their end game by targeting potential buyers and setting up robust systems and processes to support future growth and stability.
 
Additionally, Kerry highlights the differences in valuation between startups, particularly SaaS businesses, and traditional businesses, noting that SaaS companies are often valued based on revenue, while traditional businesses are valued on EBIT. She emphasizes understanding and mitigating risks, such as customer and people concentration, to enhance business value. Kerry also advocates for integrating recurring revenue models, like maintenance arrangements or subscription services, to increase business attractiveness to potential buyers. She mentions John Warrillow's book, "The Automatic Customer," and offers a free assessment on her website for business owners to evaluate their value drivers.

TikTok, Trends, and Transformative Ads: Jamie Kritharas on Scaling Brands| Ep 144 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis speaks with Jamie Kritharas, Founder and CEO of Defiant Digital, a creative performance agency based in Sydney. Jamie shares his journey from being a DJ and a producer to leading a creative performance agency, revealing key insights into scaling brands through strategic digital marketing. Tune in to discover the secrets behind combining performance marketing with creative services and optimizing the entire customer journey.
 
Jamie discusses how his agency aids seven and eight-figure brands in scaling through creative paid media and landing page optimization, emphasizing the importance of performance marketing to maximize return on investment for paid media efforts. He shares his unique background as a DJ and producer, which equipped him with marketing skills that led to the creation of Defiant Digital, aiming to bridge the gap he noticed in agencies that integrated performance marketing with creative services.
 
Jamie elaborates on the evolution of his career, detailing how his experience as a DJ and artist manager helped him spot a market gap for agencies that combine performance marketing with creative services. He underscores the value of hands-on experience and learning by doing, recounting how he initially did free work in exchange for testimonials to build his portfolio. Jamie also discusses the growing significance of TikTok as a marketing platform, particularly for brand awareness, while acknowledging that Meta platforms still dominate in ad spending.
 
The discussion then shifts to the nuances of digital marketing strategies. Jamie contrasts Google and social media advertising, noting that Google targets users actively searching for solutions, while social media focuses on creating brand awareness. He advises startups with limited budgets to prioritize Google Ads for immediate ROI and to invest time in learning marketing fundamentals before hiring an agency. This understanding is crucial for avoiding common pitfalls and maximizing advertising effectiveness.
 
Jamie stresses the importance of understanding and addressing customer problems in digital ads to capture their attention. Effective ads should highlight the audience's issues and offer clear solutions, with the post-click experience on the website being seamless, featuring fast loading times, testimonials, and easy navigation. He compares this to a well-organized physical store that encourages customers to stay and return. Additionally, Jamie discusses the shift towards more authentic, native content in digital advertising, using relatable, user-generated content to engage audiences. He advocates for brands to first test and refine content strategies organically before scaling successful tactics with paid ads, ensuring a solid understanding of what works.
 
In conclusion, Jamie emphasizes the importance of testing and learning when creating ad content, recommending the experimentation of various types of content to see what resonates best with the audience. He underscores the need to capture attention quickly in a scrolling feed and maintain a seamless post-click experience, especially for service-based businesses where lead nurturing is crucial. Jamie advises businesses to thoroughly evaluate an agency's creative capabilities and track record before hiring them, ensuring the agency can handle conversion rate optimization, high-converting landing pages, and email and SMS marketing. Understanding the entire customer journey and maintaining engagement through automation are pivotal for driving performance and increasing lifetime value, particularly in e-commerce.

Exploring the Data Frontier: Su Jella Discusses AI, & Ethics | Ep 143 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Andrew Romeo interviews Su Jella, Winner, Women in AI (APAC), and Top 25 Analytics Leaders (IAPA). Delve into the dynamic world of data analytics as Su unpacks the transformative power of AI, navigates ethical landscapes, and unveils innovative strategies shaping the future of industries. Join Andrew and Su as they explore how data-driven insights are revolutionizing decision-making and enhancing customer experiences in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Su recounts her career journey, transitioning from a marketing background to a prominent role in data analytics, underscoring the shift from traditional market research to digital marketing strategies. She emphasises the integration of web and CRM technologies and the critical importance of understanding customer behavior through data insights. Throughout the discussion, Su advocates for effective data management and storytelling within organisations to drive impactful decision-making.
Andrew prompts Su to elaborate on the essence of data analytics and a typical day in her professional life. Su details the multifaceted nature of her work, encompassing data cleaning, analysis, and the communication of actionable insights to stakeholders. She stresses the significance of discerning valuable data amidst vast collections, highlighting the evolution of analytic techniques and the pivotal role of trustworthy data in facilitating informed business strategies.
Su provides practical advice on initiating effective data utilization within businesses. She stresses the assessment and optimisation of existing data assets, emphasizing robust data governance and the strategic integration of data collection channels. Su also addresses the burgeoning significance of digital data and cybersecurity, particularly in safeguarding customer information and enhancing operational resilience.
The conversation turns to the distinctions between generative AI (GenAI) and big data analysis, where Su clarifies that GenAI, like ChatGPT, excels in rapid synthesis of information for content generation, contrasting with big data's rigorous approach to analyzing extensive datasets through structured processes and natural language processing. She underscores the necessity for accessible data visualization tools beyond traditional Excel, advocating for intuitive solutions that empower decision-makers across all levels of technical proficiency.
Su concludes by discussing the transformative impact of AI on organizational practices, emphasising the imperative to humanise AI applications and integrate ethical considerations. She cites examples from social responsibility initiatives where leveraging big data for non-commercial purposes has yielded substantial community benefits and enhanced product development.
In the final segment, Andrew and Su explore the criticality of data-driven decision-making versus relying on assumptions in business contexts. They stress the importance of robust feedback loops and innovative approaches to adding value not only to revenue streams but also to customer experiences. Su’s insights underscore the transformative potential of data analytics when applied thoughtfully and ethically within organisations striving for competitive advantage and sustainable growth.

From Startup to Spotlight: Jemimah Ashleigh on Building Your Brand

In this enlightening episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis sits down with Jemimah Ashleigh, Founder of The Visibility Lab, to delve into the intricacies of personal branding and strategic visibility for entrepreneurs. From navigating social media landscapes to leveraging PR opportunities, Jemimah shares invaluable insights on building and amplifying a strong personal brand in today's competitive business world. Tune in to gain actionable advice and transformative strategies from a seasoned expert in the field.
 
Jemimah discusses the importance of having a strategic social media presence that includes not just promotional content but also expert insights, personal engagement, and inspirational posts. She highlights the need for business owners to be clear about the problems they solve and to actively engage in sales activities. Additionally, Jemimah stresses the significance of networking, media appearances, and leveraging awards and speaking opportunities to amplify one's brand.
 
Jemimah delves into the importance of thought leadership and personal branding, emphasizing that thought leadership stems from showcasing unique perspectives and expertise. This can be effectively shared through media, awards, and social media. She illustrates the necessity of balancing personal and business brands, using examples like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk. Jemimah underscores the importance of curating one's personal brand carefully, as off-the-cuff comments can have lasting negative impacts. She offers practical tips for entrepreneurs to define and promote their personal brand to build a lasting legacy.
 
The discussion also covers the evolution of personal and business branding for entrepreneurs and how it changes when scaling to corporate levels. Initially, personal and business brands are intertwined, but as businesses grow, they need to be distinguished, especially around the $150,000 revenue mark. Jemimah emphasizes aligning values between personal and business brands and understanding how one wishes to be perceived in a corporate environment. She stresses the necessity of building a strong personal brand, surrounding oneself with smarter individuals, and being consistent and present in activities such as social media and networking. Thought leadership and repeated activities are highlighted as crucial for effective visibility and growth.
 
Jemimah discusses the role of public relations (PR) in elevating a personal brand, noting that television remains a powerful medium despite the shift towards digital. She advises using platforms like SOS Portal and HARO (Help a Reporter Out) to gain free media coverage and shares her experiences of how consistent media exposure can lead to significant business opportunities and sales. Jemimah concludes by emphasizing the need for a strategic approach to PR, suggesting that businesses target publications and platforms where their ideal clients are already active.
 
For startups, Jemimah shares insights on building a strong brand from scratch. She emphasizes the importance of clarity in what you want to be known for and developing a consistent message. Jemimah advises new graduates with fresh ideas and industry experts transitioning to startups to follow the same steps: identify ten core things they want to be recognized for, stay focused, and course-correct as needed. She highlights the significance of community impact and strategic visibility, noting that success can be accelerated with the right approach. In the closing segment, Jemimah offers actionable advice, such as the "ten things exercise," and recommends leveraging platforms like SourceBottle and Collectively to stay updated and engage with media opportunities. She also suggests reading "Atomic Habits" by James Clear for personal development, concluding with a strong emphasis on consistency and a clear vision.