DevReady Podcast

Engage and Convert: Mastering Personal Branding with Kateesha Hembrow | Ep 136 | DevReady Podcast

In this insightful episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis sits down with Kateesha Hembrow, Founder of BeKnown Academy, a coaching agency specializing in personal branding and sales,  to explore the art of personal branding and effective sales strategies. Join them as they discuss the power of authenticity, converting content into leads, and the importance of aligning values with clients. Get ready for expert insights and practical advice to elevate your brand and sales game!
 
Kateesha shares her journey to founding BeKnown Academy and her passion for helping individuals grow their sales through personal branding. She highlights her extensive experience on LinkedIn, where she's been building her personal brand for four years, noting a significant increase in coaching inquiries after actively promoting the business last year. Kateesha discusses her transition from running a done-for-you-service-based business to coaching, finding fulfillment in coaching compared to the stress of managing services end-to-end.
 
Anthony and Kateesha delve into the concept of the "zone of genius," where Kateesha explains hers lies in growing brands and converting followers into paying clients, especially on LinkedIn. She emphasizes the importance of consistent content reflecting clients' desired message to establish them as experts and maintain top-of-mind presence. They discuss the distinction between personal and business branding, with Kateesha highlighting the human connection in personal branding and its ability to foster engagement and loyalty, using examples like Elon Musk and Tesla.
 
They further explore personal branding nuances, emphasizing consistency and authenticity in content creation to build trust and authenticity with the audience. Anthony reflects on his journey of overcoming discomfort in sharing personal content, realizing its value in building a relatable brand. Seeking advice on converting content into lead generation, Kateesha stresses platform choice, understanding the audience, and creating clear funnels with a call to action, citing her personal experience on LinkedIn leading to new clients.
 
Lastly, Anthony emphasizes the importance of aligning with values when working with clients, and Kateesha advises against taking on misaligned clients due to potential long-term costs. They discuss the pitfalls of offering discounts versus working for free, agreeing that discounts can lead to resentment and opportunity costs.

Scaling Startups: Strategies for Growth with Adam Caines | Ep 135 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, join host Anthony Sapountzis as he delves into the world of startup strategy and product development with Adam Caines, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer of Upplft. From navigating the complexities of contingent workforces to offering invaluable insights into lean product methodologies, Adam shares his wealth of experience and expertise in guiding startups toward success. Tune in for an engaging conversation packed with practical advice and industry wisdom.
 
Adam delves into his multifaceted role, focusing on empowering companies to manage contingent workforces while also providing consulting and advisory services to startups. He emphasizes the importance of a lean approach to product development, advocating for testing and learning quickly in open ecosystems to validate ideas before investing in full-scale development. Adam stresses the significance of solving real customer problems and conducting thorough market research to drive business success.
 
Throughout the discussion, Adam shares invaluable insights drawn from his professional journey, highlighting the evolution of roles like business analysts and product managers in response to changing industry dynamics. He reflects on the challenges of maintaining vision and direction while building his own product, underscoring the importance of staying focused on solving real problems rather than building for the sake of building them. Adam also discusses the dynamics of partnerships in startups, emphasizing the value of leveraging complementary skill sets and experiences within a balanced team.
 
The conversation further explores the trend of startups transitioning from service-based to platform-based models, with Adam shedding light on the strategy of automating service processes to lay the groundwork for scalable platforms. He shares anecdotes illustrating the iterative nature of scaling businesses through automation, emphasizing the importance of adapting to changing needs and technologies. Adam also discusses the contrasts between traditional waterfall project management and agile methodologies, advocating for adaptability and rapid iteration to facilitate quick feedback and improvement cycles.
 
In addition to providing specialized advice to startups in the fintech and payments space, Adam underscores the value of generic advice applicable across various industries, particularly in early-stage startup development. He acknowledges the challenges of autonomy in the startup world and offers practical tips for individuals transitioning from corporate to startup environments. Throughout the conversation, Adam's insights illuminate the complexities and nuances of navigating the startup landscape, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and problem-solving in driving business success.

Future-Proofing with AI: Insights from Chief AI Officer Simon Kriss | EP 134 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, our host Andrew Romeo interviews Simon Kriss, the Chief AI Officer at simonkriss.ai. They delve into the transformative potential of AI in enhancing customer experience and overcoming organizational challenges. Simon shares his expertise on practical AI implementation, addressing data privacy concerns, and the cultural shifts needed to embrace AI technology fully.
 
Simon shares his insights on providing strategic advisory services to governments and companies, helping them initiate their AI journey amidst prevalent confusion and fear. He identifies "FOMF—Fear of Moving Forward" as a common issue, where companies are overwhelmed by the daunting scope of AI and unsure of the right use cases to pursue. This fear is often exacerbated by conflicting advice from vendors, leading to hesitation and inaction.
 
The conversation delves into the challenges companies face when integrating AI tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity into their operations. Simon explains that many organisations are unsure how to effectively use AI and often hide their usage due to unclear policies. He advocates for transparency and ethical use, emphasising the need for education on AI’s opportunities and risks. Simon suggests starting with simple, practical applications and involving leadership in hands-on workshops to foster a deeper understanding and acceptance of AI. This approach helps bring AI out of the shadows and promotes a culture of innovation and transparency.
 
Simon also addresses concerns around intellectual property (IP) and data privacy when using AI tools. He advises against disclosing sensitive information in public AI interfaces and recommends sanitising and anonymising data to prevent it from becoming part of the AI’s training data. For organizations using private AI instances, such as Microsoft's Copilot, the risks are lower. However, Simon notes that despite the hype, few companies are fully utilising generative AI, and many who do are not implementing it correctly or securely. He emphasises the importance of internal testing before deploying AI customer-facing to mitigate risks and avoid sensationalized failures.
 
Lastly, Simon discusses the strategic implementation of AI in customer experiences, sharing insights from his book, "The AI Empowered Customer Experience." He highlights the efficiency gains from AI in routine tasks, such as generating reports and summarizing call center interactions, which can significantly enhance workplace satisfaction and productivity. Simon envisions AI transforming business models and improving work-life balance by reducing mundane tasks. He believes that AI can help small and medium-sized businesses compete with larger corporations by automating repetitive tasks and improving client interactions. Encouraging a cultural shift towards transformative changes, Simon underscores the need for sharing knowledge about AI to foster broader understanding and adoption.

Breaking the Marketing Mold: Insights from Christian Georgiadis | Ep 133 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, join host Anthony Sapountzis is joined by Christian Georgiadis, Managing Director, OUREA and Founder & Creative Director, AX Creative Agency to delve into the intricacies of scaling businesses and crafting effective marketing strategies, from the power of collaboration to the nuances of user-generated content, Christian shares invaluable insights drawn from his journey in the marketing industry. Tune in to gain expert advice on navigating the ever-evolving digital marketing landscape and business growth.

From Storytelling to Sales: Luke Buesnel’s Blueprint for Brand Building | Ep 132 | DevReady Podcast

In this captivating episode of the DevReady Podcast, join host Anthony Sapountzis as he delves into the power of storytelling in marketing with special guest Luke Buesnel, Founder and Content Director at Story League. Together, they unravel the intricacies of personal branding, discussing its transformative impact on businesses and individuals alike. Get ready to explore the art of authentic storytelling and its profound significance in today's content-driven landscape.
Luke underscores the paramount importance of storytelling in marketing, particularly highlighting the potency of personal narratives. He identifies a notable shift towards personal branding content, foreseeing it as their agency's future mainstay service offering. Luke accentuates the significance of authentic storytelling in a saturated market, where genuine personal narratives serve as a beacon, resonating with audiences seeking authenticity and purpose in their interactions.
Furthermore, Luke delves into the pivotal role of personal branding for small businesses, stressing the need to forge trust and establish connections with the audience through storytelling. He elucidates how personal branding can streamline the sales cycle by fostering upfront trust, a boon for startups and nascent ventures. Luke also illuminates the emerging trend of large corporations exploring personal branding for their up-and-coming managers, recognizing it as a strategic edge in competitive arenas, enabling individuals to negotiate better terms or transition to entrepreneurship with a pre-established audience.
Moreover, Luke discusses the delicate balance between personal and business content on social media for effective branding, advocating for a strategic fusion of personal stories and valuable business-related content to maintain audience engagement. He cautions against solely focusing on personal aspects or veering into influencer territory, instead championing a brand-building approach anchored in mission and purpose. Luke also expounds on the liberating potential of personal branding, empowering individuals to select clients aligned with their values and vision, thereby fostering more enriching and gratifying work experiences.
Lastly, Luke advises early-stage startup founders to prioritize building their personal brand through content creation, advocating for the sharing of personal stories, vision, and values to forge authentic connections with their audience. He underscores the importance of taking action and testing content despite perfectionism, emphasizing the iterative nature of brand refinement over time. Luke confronts the fear of social media exposure head-on, acknowledging the potential for negative feedback while accentuating the greater potential for positive outcomes such as brand elevation and new opportunities.

The Future of Education: Insights from Bert Verhoeven on AI Integration | Ep 131 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, our host Andrew Romeo is joined by Bert Verhoeven, Program Director Innovation and Entrepreneurship, University of Newcastle and Founding Director, VES. Listen to the episode to understand the integration of AI into the curriculum, the evolution of critical thinking, and the challenges and opportunities facing academia in the age of technology.
Bert shares his diverse journey from entrepreneurship in Holland to academia and social entrepreneurship in Australia. Bert reflects on his experience founding a social network for international students, highlighting the challenges of competing with platforms like Facebook and ultimately pivoting towards teaching entrepreneurship.
One significant aspect of Bert's career is his passion for skill development, evident in initiatives like training sports teachers for underprivileged youth in Brazil and Africa. This commitment to creating shared value resonates throughout his career, leading to his current role at the University of Newcastle.
Bert discusses the integration of AI education into the curriculum at Flinders University, starting in January 2023. Despite initial skepticism, they embarked on a startup-like endeavor to prepare students for the transformative impact of AI, emphasizing responsible utilization and problem-solving skills. The shift in mindset over time underscores the importance of adapting teaching methodologies to incorporate emerging technologies effectively.
The impact of integrating AI education is evident in improved student outcomes and critical thinking skills, reflected in enhanced proposal pitches and problem analysis. This shift highlights the evolving demands of the 21st-century workforce, emphasizing critical and creative thinking as core competencies across disciplines.
As the role of knowledge workers evolves in the age of AI, Bert emphasizes the importance of co-creation and creative adaptation alongside artificial intelligence. He discusses AI's diverse applications, from research to enhancing writing skills, while cautioning against plagiarism and promoting originality and critical engagement.
Bert underscores universities' challenges in integrating AI into teaching and assessment methodologies, emphasizing the need for authentic, real-world problem-solving approaches. He highlights the urgency for educational institutions to adapt their curriculums and teaching methods to meet future demands, predicting a significant shake-up in the education sector. Finally, Bert draws parallels with historical examples to illustrate the potential for societal perceptions and norms to evolve, emphasizing the role of socialization in shaping collective thinking and fostering positive changes.

Revolutionizing Efficiency: The CROFTI Journey with Lucas Meadowcroft | Ep 129 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, join host Anthony Sapountzis sits down with Lucas Meadowcroft, Co-Founder, CEO & Innovation Consultant of CROFTI. From his humble beginnings in I.T. support to pioneering advancements in artificial intelligence and sports technology, Lucas shares invaluable insights into navigating the ever-evolving landscape of tech innovation.
Lucas explores his 20-year journey in the tech industry. He traces his roots from I.T. support to innovation consulting, culminating in the founding of CROFTI, a company dedicated to enhancing organizational efficiency through streamlined processes. Throughout the past decade, CROFTI has been at the forefront of innovation, particularly delving into artificial intelligence by developing Trippy, an AI platform targeted at MSPs. Despite encountering challenges in finding product-market fit, Lucas has diversified investments into sports applications like Run With and Pivot Sports, catering to various sports communities.
Central to Lucas' approach is the focus on outcomes, emphasizing the significance of automation and efficiency improvements for businesses. He shares insights into recent ventures, including launching sports applications to enhance community connections and player experiences. Lucas also discusses the challenges faced in selling AI products within the MSP industry, highlighting the importance of integrating traditional foundational systems with AI solutions to optimize processes effectively.
Moreover, Lucas delves into the complexities and opportunities of leveraging AI for business transformation. He stresses the need to address the most pressing frustrations or pain points in a business and leverage AI to unlock opportunities for expansion and innovation. Reflecting on his experience of selling a support company, Lucas underscores the newfound freedom from reactive tasks and the potential for growth when AI streamlines operations.
Additionally, Lucas shares insights into the journey of raising capital during the pandemic, emphasizing adaptability and effective communication in pitching tech startups to investors. He reflects on lessons learned from the investor journey, cautioning against blindly following investor advice and highlighting the value of bootstrapping for sustainability in uncertain economic landscapes. Lucas also discusses the dynamics of raising capital in the fintech sector and the challenges of being ahead of the curve in technological advancements, particularly in the AI and MSP industries. Throughout the conversation, he expresses excitement about upcoming launches and the progress of projects, underscoring CROFTI's goals of building and investing in new ventures for scalability and innovation.

From Idea to Impact: Stuart Dalrymple’s Insights on Startup Evolution | Ep 128 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, our host Andrew Romeo, sits with Stuart Dalrymple, Commercial Operations Manager at franklin.ai to explore his journey through the tech and startup landscape. From managing project scopes to navigating tender processes, Stuart shares invaluable insights from diverse career experiences. Tune in to uncover his strategies for effectively solving customer problems and competing in the ever-evolving market.
Stuart begins by tracing his journey from a childhood fascination with technology to his current role in the tech and startup landscape. He emphasizes the importance of managing project scope, understanding customer preferences, and recognizing the timing of innovations. Despite encountering challenges such as financial constraints and market misalignment, Stuart's ventures have provided invaluable lessons that have shaped his entrepreneurial approach and management style.
Reflecting on his diverse career experiences, including roles in software companies and the hospitality industry, Stuart discusses strategies for navigating tender processes. He highlights the significance of building relationships and delivering value early on. Stuart also advocates for further education, such as pursuing an MBA, for both knowledge acquisition and networking opportunities. Drawing parallels between business fundamentals and software development, he underscores the importance of creating products that either generate revenue, save costs, or optimize time.
Stuart delves into the complexities of product development and sales, stressing the need to intimately understand customers' businesses to effectively solve their problems. He emphasizes the value of avoiding isolated problem-solving approaches and instead suggests identifying and addressing issues within one's own sphere of knowledge or experience. Stuart also explores the strategy of competing on features with a market research angle, urging companies to consider customer biases and evaluate various criteria that influence purchasing decisions.
Furthermore, Stuart discusses the importance of understanding customer segments and preferences when developing products or solutions. Using the hypothetical example of IKEA competing with Tesla in the electric car market, he underscores the necessity of thorough research to understand why customers choose certain brands. Stuart suggests that companies do not need to excel in every aspect compared to competitors but should focus on key dimensions where they can offer value or differentiate effectively.
Lastly, Stuart shares insights into his current role at Franklin.ai, particularly focusing on the health tech and MedTech space, specifically pathology and AI. He highlights the challenges posed by the shortage of pathologists and the increasing demand for cancer screening post-COVID. Stuart explains how Franklin.ai emerged from witnessing challenges in the local health system in Vietnam and successful ventures like Harrison AI in Australia, leading to partnerships with companies like Sonic Healthcare to efficiently detect cancer.

AI for All: Greg Twemlow’s Vision for the Future | Ep 127 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis is joined by Greg Twemlow, Executive Director of SEVENmile Ltd and Founder of Future Skills Studio, who also serves as an Innovative Educator and Ethical Thought Leader. Greg discusses the transformative impact of AI integration and the importance of ethical leadership in the tech industry.
Greg wears multiple hats, leading initiatives to support local entrepreneurs in Sydney through SEVENmile and spearheading experiential learning programs, particularly aimed at high school students, through Future Skills Studio. His journey with AI began in late 2022 with the introduction of ChatGPT, leading to the integration of AI into various educational endeavors, where he has observed the potential for AI to exacerbate societal inequalities, a topic he actively addresses through articles and discussions.
Greg emphasizes the positive impact of AI on education, particularly in high schools, noting its ability to enhance learning pace and depth when utilized effectively for problem-solving. He underscores the importance of parents considering access to paid AI services for their children to mitigate potential disparities in classroom learning. Additionally, Greg introduces the concept of "breakout autonomy," highlighting AI's potential to empower individuals with newfound autonomy and agency.
The discussion further delves into the evolving landscape of AI tools for content creation. Greg explores various platforms and their strengths and limitations, advocating for using post-processing tools like Grammarly to refine AI-generated content. He then transitions to the transformative potential of AI in business operations, stressing the need for companies to adapt job roles and integrate AI capabilities across research, business planning, and marketing content creation to unlock significant growth opportunities.
Greg also addresses the responsibility of all generations, including grandparents, in promoting technological literacy within families, noting their potential as leaders to foster interest and learning in technology among younger generations. Finally, the conversation touches upon the challenges faced by non-tech entrepreneurs when seeking tech partners, highlighting the importance of reliable and ethical technology partners in navigating the complex landscape of AI integration.

Beat the Runway & Scale Faster with Jess Dahlberg | Ep 126 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis sits down with Jess Dahlberg, a certified performance coach and startup mentor, to explore the intricacies of building a scalable culture within startup environments. Listen to Jess's invaluable insights and personal journey of reinvention to gain practical guidance on optimizing performance, fostering collaboration, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.
Jess, drawing from her journey of reinvention after a divorce and her corporate background, identified a need for tailored support for tech founders in managing teams and optimizing performance. This realization led her to develop the Guest Collaborative Program, offering practical guidance to drive startup growth and efficiency.
Throughout the discussion, Jess highlights the unique challenges tech founders face, emphasizing their propensity for continuous learning and adaptability, which are crucial for success in the dynamic tech landscape. She underscores the importance of collaboration between tech and non-tech founders to leverage resources effectively and achieve milestones, navigating the delicate balance between innovation and progress.
Reflecting on her own transformative experiences, Jess emphasizes the role of intuition in guiding life decisions, drawing parallels to the intuitive nature of successful startup leaders. She advocates for creating a supportive startup culture that celebrates achievements and fosters resilience, which is essential for weathering the inevitable challenges of entrepreneurship.
Jess outlines four fundamental principles for startup success: performance, prioritizing founder well-being and productivity; people, cultivating an operational culture based on employee input; potential, aligning individual roles with the overall roadmap for focused direction; and pinnacle, guiding founders in leading their teams through the scale-up journey while maintaining positivity.
Lastly, Jess delves into the distinction between mentoring and coaching, highlighting the value of personalized coaching in empowering individuals to find their unique problem-solving and leadership approaches. She stresses the importance of recognizing individual talents and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, which is essential for sustainable growth in startup environments.