DevReady Podcast

From Burnout to Business Systems: How Justeen Kirk Built ISO Matters | Ep 250 | DevReady Podcast

Justeen Kirk, Founder and CEO of ISO Matters, joins host Anthony Sapountzis on the DevReady Podcast to share her mission of making quality systems accessible, scalable, and practical for small businesses. Based in Wagga Wagga, ISO Matters helps business owners build clarity and confidence through better systems, whether they need to define a single process or pursue full ISO certification. Justeen, who has over two decades of experience across government and private sectors, is passionate about equipping businesses with fit-for-purpose solutions that align with how they already operate. With new offerings, including a hands-on 12-week systemisation program and an AI-powered tool designed to generate custom quality management systems, Justeen is on a mission to level the playing field and redefine what quality looks like for growing businesses.
In a refreshingly honest and inspiring conversation, Justeen opens up about the unexpected circumstances that led to the founding of ISO Matters. After losing her job under difficult circumstances and with no immediate career prospects, she took a leap of faith, backed only by the savings from selling her house and a heartfelt LinkedIn post that secured her first client. Justeen candidly reflects on her early missteps like choosing a placeholder business name and offering services to anyone and everyone but these lessons became the foundation of her current philosophy: to help other small businesses avoid chaos and build confidence through structured, meaningful systems.
Throughout the episode, Justeen and Anthony explore the challenges and burnout that come from trying to do everything as a solo founder, especially during the height of the COVID pandemic. From juggling home schooling and managing geographically dispersed teams to ultimately stepping away from leadership, Justeen shares how those struggles became a catalyst for building a business that empowers others. They also delve into the complex world of marketing what Justeen jokingly calls “voodoo” and the deep divide between process-driven thinking and creative content development. It's a relatable conversation for anyone navigating the demands of modern entrepreneurship.
On the operational side, Justeen explains how businesses can simplify process mapping by focusing first on service delivery, the “bullseye” of every business and working outward. With practical tools like Loom and Scribe, she demonstrates how documenting processes doesn’t have to be time-consuming or overwhelming. More importantly, she underscores the importance of involving the entire team in building these systems to ensure engagement, clarity, and a culture of continuous improvement. The payoff? Saved time, reduced stress, and potentially tens of thousands in operational value.
Rounding out the conversation, Justeen makes a compelling case for integrating ISO-based quality management systems, even without formal certification. By adopting the core principles of ISO and tailoring them to suit each unique business, owners can gain structure, visibility, and long-term scalability without bloated costs. She introduces her latest initiative, an AI-powered tool built on her consulting expertise which aims to replace generic, one-size-fits-none templates with dynamic, contextualised systems. It’s a game-changing vision for small businesses ready to scale without compromising on quality.
#SmallBusinessTips #EntrepreneurJourney #BusinessSystems #ProcessImprovement #ISO9001 #FounderStories #AIForBusiness #QualityManagement

Real-World AI Hacks That Save Time, Money and Sanity | Ep 249 | DevReady Podcast

On this episode of the DevReady Podcast, our host Anthony Sapountzis welcomes back Gareth Rydon, Co-Founder of Friyay.ai and a seasoned expert in human-centred design and AI-led innovation. Gareth brings his strategic perspective shaped by years of experience helping businesses integrate generative AI into a fifth monthly update (and sixth podcast appearance) filled with practical insights, real-world use cases, and refreshing candour. As an advisor and speaker in the AI space, and someone deeply embedded in helping organisations rethink the way they work, Gareth offers a compelling look at how the latest tools are reshaping productivity, collaboration, and even tax season.
Gareth kicks things off by spotlighting Whispr Flow, a voice-first tool that’s completely reshaped his digital workflow. With near-total abandonment of the keyboard, Gareth shares how he now navigates across platforms and communicates with AI agents using only his voice, freeing up time and dramatically streamlining tasks. Anthony explores similar shifts in his own habits, describing how he’s integrated Gemini into both his Android phone and Galaxy Watch to support hands-free interaction. Their conversation reflects a wider transformation in how professionals are leveraging multimodal AI tools in day-to-day life, especially for ideation, task management, and even parenting on the go.
From there, the pair dig into the importance of clarity and intentionality when working with powerful AI agents like ChatGPT, Claude, and Lovable. Gareth emphasises that users should treat these tools less like magic buttons and more like collaborators, approaching them the same way you’d guide a junior team member. By clearly defining a desired outcome, users avoid getting lost in suggestion spirals and instead co-create solutions that are actually fit for purpose. Gareth shares a useful prompt: ask the AI to act like a product manager and help you gather requirements. This approach, they agree, aligns closely with DevReady.ai | AI-Powered App Planning for Non-Tech Founders ’s mission of planning smarter, not just building faster.
In an era where low-code and no-code solutions are proliferating, Gareth and Anthony reflect on the continued (and growing) demand for skilled engineers, particularly those who can bring products through to commercialisation. While founders can now prototype faster than ever, they explore the need for hybrid workflows that blend rapid iteration with robust development standards. This leads to a valuable discussion on how to manage shared codebases between technical and non-technical collaborators, maintain quality and security, and ensure products can scale effectively in production environments.
The episode rounds out with a brilliant real-world use case: Gareth’s AI-powered tax return workflow, a shining example of what’s possible when tools like Claude and Gemini are used creatively. Without maintaining a spreadsheet all year, he leveraged contextual prompting to build a dynamic tracking system, recover forgotten deductions, and extract travel data from Gmail and calendar entries. The outcome? A faster, smarter, and more comprehensive tax submission. Gareth uses this case to advocate for process-first thinking in automation, reminding listeners that true productivity comes not from the tools themselves, but from how clearly we define our desired outcomes before inviting AI in.
#AIProductivity #VoiceAI #AIWorkflows #NoCodeTools #AutomationTips #TechPodcast #AIInBusiness #GarethRydon

The Untold Secrets of a Nine-Time CEO: Des Hague Reveals All | Ep 248 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, Anthony Sapountzis is joined by Des Hague, a two-time best-selling author and seasoned business leader whose extraordinary career has seen him lead globally renowned companies like IHOP, Safeway, and Centerplate. Hague, who has served on 20 boards and returned billions to shareholders, is currently the CEO of Hague Enterprises, offering advisory and consultancy services, and is the founder of the Thinking Academy. Beyond his corporate achievements, he is a dedicated philanthropist, having helped raise over $100 million for nonprofits, and is a proud father and grandfather. Together, Anthony and Des unpack the principles, mindset, and strategies that have underpinned Des’s success and his mission to help others rise in their own careers.
Des shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings, marked by childhood adversity and teenage homelessness, to leading billion-dollar enterprises. His story is a testament to resilience, hard work, and an unwavering commitment to lifelong learning. Drawing inspiration from leaders like Sam Walton and Barack Obama, Des argues that grit, preparation, and consistent effort are the true foundations of lasting success, while both he and Anthony debunk the myth of overnight achievement, highlighting how genuine accomplishments stem from years of dedication.
The conversation explores the irreplaceable value of developing talent and building great teams. Des outlines his proven four-part blueprint: hire the best people, deliver exceptional service, drive sales, and achieve profit; all underpinned by empowering teams with autonomy. He emphasises that real leadership is measured not by personal accolades but by the success of those you help advance. Anthony and Des share stories from their early work experiences, agreeing that even the most mundane jobs can instil resilience, discipline, and a mindset essential for long-term success.
Des also highlights the dangers of today’s cancel culture and the importance of embracing diverse perspectives instead of demonising dissenting opinions. Together, he and Anthony stress the need for cognitive openness, staying curious, and continuously seeking new ideas and technologies beyond one’s echo chamber. They argue that creativity often comes from remixing existing concepts, and that leaders should create environments where innovation and adaptability thrive.
Finally, Des introduces his powerful “plan on a page” framework, encouraging listeners to craft focused, actionable five-year visions for their careers. He underscores that many people spend more time planning weekends than charting their future, and explains how having clarity on objectives can give individuals the courage and purpose needed to navigate an increasingly chaotic world. Des and Anthony also discuss how tools like Google and AI should be used to accelerate thinking rather than replace it, concluding that true success lies in remaining a lifelong student, setting clear goals, and actively shaping your own path forward.
#Leadership #Entrepreneurship #BusinessSuccess #CareerGrowth #LifelongLearning #DesHague #StartupMindset #InvestingInPeople #DevReadyPodcast

Global Startup Success: Tahreem Shah on Scalable Tech and Ethical AI | Ep 247 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis sits down with Tahreem Shah, an accomplished entrepreneur, Regional Business Advisor at Odoo, and Co-Founder of Scailr. With a career spanning architecture, tech sales, and social entrepreneurship, Tahreem brings a unique perspective on building impactful ventures across borders. From her early days working in Norway to her current base in Dubai, she has dedicated herself to empowering marginalised communities and creating technology solutions that bridge the gap between business and innovation. This candid conversation explores her inspiring journey, the realities of scaling startups in emerging markets, and her latest venture aimed at transforming how founders interact with business data.
Anthony and Tahreem unpack the opportunities and barriers within Bangladesh’s startup ecosystem, where infrastructure and policy limitations often stifle promising, tech-driven ventures. Tahreem shares examples like ShopUp’s rare success story of scaling internationally through acquisition, while reflecting on her own experience learning from a seasoned ex-Google engineer. Together, they highlight the crucial need for founders to align product features with clear value propositions to succeed both locally and globally. Tahreem’s insights offer a nuanced look at the challenges of translating local innovation into broader markets and the importance of bridging technical and business perspectives.
The conversation explores the complexities of building startups in hyperlocal contexts, where strategies such as agent-led onboarding and education campaigns are necessary to reach non-digitised communities. Tahreem illustrates how these efforts helped her navigate Bangladesh’s unique landscape, but also underscores how achieving product-market fit at home doesn’t guarantee success abroad. The discussion reveals how differences in infrastructure, technology adoption, and user behaviour between regions make global scalability a far more complex challenge than often assumed. Anthony and Tahreem agree that understanding these nuances is vital before attempting to expand beyond familiar markets.
Tahreem recounts the deeply personal decision to pause her first startup, Bhorosha, following her co-founder’s struggles after a traumatic event, despite its recognition on global stages such as Unleashed and Dragon’s Den India. Transitioning to Antler’s Entrepreneur in Residence programme, she describes how her initial idea of leveraging Bangladesh’s garment industry evolved into Scailr. Mentor feedback pushed her and John to move beyond regional solutions and build a cutting-edge global product, highlighting the resilience, adaptability, and alignment required to pivot successfully in the face of shifting market realities.
Delving into Scailr’s development, Tahreem shares how the platform aims to become a “business co-pilot”, enabling executives to converse with their data to make informed, strategic decisions. Prioritising data security and ethical standards, Scailr has partnered with academic experts to ensure responsible data handling while providing contextual, actionable insights. Tahreem explains how advances in generative AI allowed them to leverage evolving models instead of building their own, saving resources and accelerating development. The episode closes with a discussion on the importance of fostering a company culture that empowers innovation and the need for founders to focus on solving real problems rather than assuming funding alone will drive success.
#Startups #Entrepreneurship #Innovation #AI #TechForGood #WomenInTech #EmergingMarkets #Bangladesh #ScalableTech

Skyrocket Your LinkedIn Profile with These Expert Tips | Ep 246 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis is joined by Con Sotidis, renowned LinkedIn and AI Strategist, to explore the art of building a powerful personal brand on LinkedIn. Con, founder of Social Selling Warrior and a specialist in social selling strategies, shares actionable insights to help professionals elevate their profiles, grow their networks, and attract new opportunities. Drawing on years of experience, Con demonstrates how a well-crafted LinkedIn presence can be a game changer for professionals across industries.
Anthony and Con reflect on Con’s unique career journey, from starting out as an accountant in the tax office to discovering his passion for connecting with people and shifting into business development. Con shares how growing up with cultural expectations of job security kept him in the public service for decades, despite his creative drive. Once he stepped out of the bureaucratic environment, he embraced the freedom to innovate and build his own business, finally aligning his career with his extroverted nature. Together, they discuss how family influences and personal realisations often shape the path to entrepreneurship, and how leaning into one’s strengths ultimately leads to greater satisfaction and success.
Con delves into a common challenge faced by small business owners: becoming so absorbed in day-to-day operations that they overlook building and projecting their personal brand. He argues that a professional, engaging LinkedIn profile is an underutilised but powerful tool for sparking conversations and showcasing credibility in the B2B space. Con contrasts LinkedIn with platforms like Facebook, noting that while Facebook serves some industries well, LinkedIn remains unparalleled for creating professional connections in fields like finance, law, and consultancy. He highlights how investing time in a strong LinkedIn profile helps entrepreneurs stand out and attract valuable opportunities.
As the conversation turns to the changing dynamics of LinkedIn, Con acknowledges that the platform’s feed increasingly resembles Facebook’s, yet insists that sharing genuine, value-driven content remains essential. He explains how LinkedIn’s algorithm rewards authentic engagement and meaningful interactions, stressing the importance of promptly responding to comments to maximise post reach. Con and Anthony explore the power of video, agreeing that short, personable clips build credibility, capture attention, and foster deeper connections more effectively than static text. They share personal experiences on overcoming discomfort with video to leverage it as a key branding tool.
Rounding out their discussion, Con emphasises that a person’s name is their most valuable brand asset, and maintaining its integrity is vital in today’s professional landscape. He advocates for professionals to make themselves memorable by consistently providing value and nurturing authentic relationships on LinkedIn. Through a live profile walkthrough, Con highlights best practices, such as using a professional headshot, a keyword-rich headline, and gathering recommendations to build social proof. He also shares creative yet compliant ways to personalise profiles, reinforcing that success on LinkedIn hinges on relationships, relevance, and thoughtful branding.
#LinkedInTips #PersonalBranding #SocialSelling #BusinessGrowth #Entrepreneurship #ProfessionalNetworking #DigitalMarketing

Bridging Climate and Finance: The Startup Turning Carbon Metrics into Money | Ep 245 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis is joined by Stefan Pagacik, Founder and CEO of Ampresta and Executive Advisor at 528Connect. A systems thinker and long-time advocate for leveraging market dynamics to accelerate decarbonisation, Stefan has dedicated his career to creating innovative tools that turn climate commitments into measurable financial outcomes. With a rich background spanning media, technology, and sustainability, including senior roles at Apple and Adobe, he has spent the past 17 years focused on helping businesses and investors move beyond traditional sustainability reporting to actionable, impact-driven strategies. Stefan’s mission is clear: to make climate resilience a core component of every business model by bridging the worlds of carbon metrics and capital markets.
Stefan begins by sharing his journey from a dual career in media and entertainment to becoming a product developer and senior leader, highlighting how his self-taught technology expertise enabled him to work closely with developers and deeply engage with customers. He recounts how this balanced approach helped him identify pain points and design scalable solutions, ultimately laying the foundation for his entrepreneurial pursuits. His early experiences at large corporations inspired him to seek more meaningful, hands-on roles in smaller companies, where he felt a greater sense of connection and purpose. This drive led him to focus on sustainability technologies that align with his belief in creating a positive legacy for the planet.
Reflecting on repeated frustrations expressed by CEOs over the ineffectiveness of traditional sustainability reporting, Stefan describes how these insights became the catalyst for founding Ampresta. He explains that most reports fell short, taking organisations only halfway towards tangible impact, and identified a critical need to integrate decarbonisation metrics with financial data. By bridging this gap, Stefan aims to transform sustainability from a box-ticking exercise into a core business strategy. Through conversations with asset managers struggling to build decarbonisation-focused financial products, he realised the urgency of creating tools that help companies and investors measure and monetise sustainability outcomes.
As the discussion deepens, Stefan shares the challenges of building a credible financial model without a background in financial modelling, revealing how he dissected companies into functional business units to pinpoint where decarbonisation and financial data intersect. He details early setbacks with dummy data and highlights more promising results from real-world tests in Manhattan flood zones, which validated his approach. Stefan underscores the need to adapt the model for industries like insurance and banking, stressing that quantifying physical and financial risks is essential to motivate proactive investment, especially given the unpredictable nature of climate events.
In the closing moments, Stefan reflects on the cultural lessons he has carried into Ampresta, from avoiding the pitfalls of careless spending to prioritising clear communication that resonates beyond technical audiences. He emphasises the importance of addressing customers’ fears, arguing that trust is built not through technology alone but by demonstrating a deep understanding of their challenges. Above all, Stefan shares that his unwavering North Star is integrity, which he believes must guide every action and decision. He candidly describes challenging his team to commit fully as they approach pivotal projects, recognising that sticking to their principles will determine whether they seize the moment or let it slip away.
#ClimateTech #Sustainability #Decarbonisation #GreenFinance #StartupLeadership #CleanTech #CarbonAccounting #ImpactInvesting

Startups, You're Doing Security Wrong. Here's the Smarter Cheaper Way to Fix It | Ep 244 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis is joined by cybersecurity veteran and founder of DarkHorse Security, Grant McCracken. With over 13 years of experience across roles at WhiteHat Security and Bugcrowd, where he led global service delivery, Grant has been at the forefront of application and information security. His deep industry knowledge spans triage engineering, customer success, solutions architecture, and penetration testing, which laid the groundwork for founding DarkHorse. The startup focuses on delivering accessible, affordable, and effective cybersecurity services for small to medium-sized businesses, offering a platform that automates complex security workflows and reduces barriers to entry.
Grant shares the unexpected and organic origin of DarkHorse, which emerged after stepping away from Bugcrowd to figure out his next move. He admits there was no original blueprint, just a desire to use his skills for good. Driven by purpose more than profit, Grant discusses how DarkHorse occasionally operates on a pro-bono basis, particularly for non-profits and organisations with limited budgets. He speaks openly about maintaining sustainability by living simply, and how the ability to work on his own terms has allowed him to create something truly mission-driven. Together, he and Anthony delve into the philosophical tension between doing meaningful work and the traditional pressures of commercial success.
Their conversation also explores Grant’s hacker mindset, one rooted in a relentless curiosity about how things work. He likens ethical hacking to running through a house with a sledgehammer to uncover structural weaknesses: breaking, not fixing, purely to learn. This innate curiosity has not only shaped how Grant approached application security but also how he now builds software systems himself. Through DarkHorse, he’s had the chance to switch hats from breaker to builder, crafting platforms that are both robust and intuitive. Anthony and Grant find common ground in how curiosity powers problem-solving, learning, and innovation across their technical disciplines.
As the discussion turns to the influence of AI, both Grant and Anthony unpack how large language models are reshaping software development and security. Grant notes the rise of novel vulnerabilities like prompt injection, while also pointing out the increased development efficiency tools like Cursor bring. However, they also raise concerns about the diminishing presence of human knowledge-sharing platforms like Stack Overflow, replaced by interactions with AI systems. This shift, they warn, could create future knowledge gaps and dangerous feedback loops where synthetic data trains on itself—degrading the quality and trustworthiness of future models.
To close, Grant outlines the core offering of DarkHorse: a platform that simplifies and standardises penetration testing for modern teams. Rather than relying on outdated and expensive consulting-heavy models, DarkHorse enables organisations to perform high-quality security assessments via a streamlined, self-serve interface. The platform recommends testing approaches based on user input and uses transparent methodologies like the OWASP Testing Guide to ensure rigour. In a landscape lacking clear definitions of what constitutes a valid pen test, Grant takes a firm stance on upholding standards ensuring that organisations aren’t just ticking boxes but actually improving their security posture.
#DevReadyPodcast #Cybersecurity #AI #StartupSecurity #DarkHorseSecurity #GPTReady #AerionTechnologies

Behind the Automation Curtain: What Businesses Get Wrong and Right | Ep 243 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis welcomes Tim King, Founder and Automation Strategist at Regravity, a consultancy helping mid-sized businesses scale through process automation. With a rich and diverse background that spans visual arts, digital media, corporate finance, and copywriting, Tim brings a uniquely creative and strategic lens to automation. His expertise lies in streamlining operations and removing bottlenecks using tools like PowerShell, Power Automate, Make (formerly Integromat), and n8n. Tim’s journey into automation began by solving his own workflow inefficiencies and grew into a broader mission: helping businesses operate smarter, not harder, by leveraging automation in thoughtful, human-centred ways.
Tim explains that a big part of his role involves guiding companies to understand what’s actually possible with automation. Many businesses default to hiring more staff instead of exploring how automation can reduce repetitive tasks and unlock team productivity. He promotes a human-first approach, augmenting rather than replacing people, which helps alleviate common fears around job loss. By focusing on strategic automation, Tim shows how businesses can improve ROI, enhance system performance, and ultimately boost both customer and employee experience. He and Anthony also note that automation must be purposeful, not simply implemented for the sake of looking innovative.
In their discussion, Tim challenges the common perception that automation is just a quick-fix plugin. He argues that off-the-shelf solutions often fail because they don't consider the unique processes of each organisation. Many mid-sized businesses still rely on manual and paper-based workflows, which creates friction when trying to digitise. He stresses the importance of transparency and trust, often advising clients to delay automation until they’re truly ready, rather than rushing into ill-fitting solutions. This mindset fosters sustainable, long-term partnerships based on real impact rather than superficial wins.
Anthony and Tim also dive into the consequences of “vibe coding”, a trend where inexperienced developers build automations without understanding the underlying tech. This leads to significant risks such as open ports, unsecured bots, and no maintenance strategy. Tim has seen many “console cowboys” deliver flashy demos only to disappear, leaving unstable systems behind. These projects often require rescue and rebuilding, costing businesses both time and money. Together, they warn that automation must be secure, scalable, and properly planned; otherwise, it can leave companies more exposed than empowered.
Finally, Tim reflects on current trends in automation. While platforms like Make and n8n are maturing rapidly and enabling more advanced capabilities, he predicts a renewed appreciation for simpler, functional workflows. As businesses move beyond the “rule of cool,” they’ll seek real utility, automations that genuinely make work easier and more efficient. Tim advocates for better business education around automation and encourages companies to begin with audits that reveal their true needs. With greater awareness and less fear, more organisations will be ready to harness automation and AI not as threats, but as powerful tools for growth and innovation.
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#Automation #AI #DigitalTransformation #BusinessGrowth #Podcast #LowCode #CyberSecurity #Innovation

From Deloitte to Disruptor: How Brittany Fox Built a Startup in 12 Weeks | Ep 242 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis sits down with Brittany Fox, Founder and CEO of Nevam, to explore her transition from corporate consultancy to tech entrepreneurship. With over a decade of experience across strategy, marketing, and digital transformation—including at firms like Deloitte, Origin, and GAP—Brittany brings deep insights into customer experience design and operational inefficiencies within enterprise environments. Her platform, Nevam, empowers businesses to visualise and optimise the customer journey in real time through what she calls "living journey maps". Drawing on both her technical fluency and strategic background, Brittany is reimagining how teams self-audit, collaborate, and drive decisions. This conversation uncovers the thinking, grit, and clarity that have propelled Nevam from idea to market validation in record time.
Brittany shares how the idea for Nevam emerged from repeated frustrations she faced across large organisations, where disconnected tools and siloed teams made cohesive customer experiences difficult to achieve. Even with access to top-tier Martech stacks, the processes were rigid and inaccessible across teams, with audits often biased by individual consultants’ tooling preferences. Nevam was designed to close this gap, offering visibility, continuity, and a self-auditing layer that empowers organisations to take control of their own transformation journeys. Anthony and Brittany also dive into the importance of auditing current tools before migrating to new platforms, building a "blue sky" vision, and ensuring upgrades align with real strategic goals—not just shiny new tech.
The conversation shifts to the role of Agile in startups, where both guest and host challenge common misconceptions. Brittany explains how she adopted a hybrid "managed Agile" approach, establishing a clear fixed scope for MVP builds, while remaining flexible enough to reprioritise based on real user feedback. Her roadmap process keeps her team two to three sprints ahead, with every feature grounded in user needs and client feedback. Together, Anthony and Brittany champion the concept of building “Minimum Valuable Products” rather than just the bare minimum, with an emphasis on delivering maximum value early and iterating purposefully.
Brittany’s entrepreneurial journey truly gained momentum during her maternity leave in 2023, when she began validating Nevam with potential users. After being accepted into Techstars, she quickly onboarded a pilot client, one of Australia’s largest retailers, and delivered a working product within 12 weeks. Through this experience, she built a highly aligned, high-performing dev team, creating structure and clarity that enabled them to deliver at speed. One of her most surreal moments came when a Swedish agency presented Nevam as their own internal innovation to their team, speaking passionately about its value, entirely in Swedish, while Brittany sat in the room watching it unfold.
Finally, Brittany opens up about the realities of being a founder and a parent. As part of a predominantly female Techstars cohort, she found solidarity and inspiration among other working parents. Rejecting the toxic "hustle culture" narrative, Brittany advocates for building sustainable, balanced businesses that serve not only users and investors, but also the personal lives of their founders. Her leadership philosophy is deeply human-centred, rooted in empathy, efficiency, and empowerment, and Nevam’s continued growth is a reflection of that same approach. With new features, client wins, and investor backing on the horizon, Nevam is on track to scale with clarity and purpose.
#DevReadyPodcast #BrittanyFox #Nevam #WomenInTech #StartupJourney #AgileLeadership #CustomerExperience #SaaSInnovation

Why Most AI Tools Fail And How to Actually Use Them in Your Business | Ep 241 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis is joined once again by Gavin Reddrop, Founder of Airtok AI and a seasoned entrepreneur helping businesses navigate the AI revolution. With a background spanning digital marketing, startup acceleration, and tech innovation, Gavin is now focused on demystifying AI for service-based businesses. He shares his latest ventures in AI, including a platform aimed at helping business owners understand and implement AI, and an image generator that leverages LoRA models to create high-quality, personalised visuals. The conversation touches on how businesses can avoid being swept up by the hype and instead focus on strategic, value-driven adoption of AI technologies.
Gavin recounts the evolution of his image generation tool, which began as a community-driven crypto project integrated with Telegram. Originally built to offer automated, knowledge-based responses for crypto communities, the platform soon expanded into meme and image generation tailored for gaming and professional use. Despite setbacks like a liquidity hack, Gavin and his team relaunched the platform successfully, now with over 400 projects using the technology. This experience highlighted not only the resilience required to build in the volatile crypto space, but also the versatility and staying power of well-built AI infrastructure.
The episode moves into a broader discussion about the realities of AI adoption in business. Gavin outlines how many business owners remain unsure of how to implement AI meaningfully, often overwhelmed by technical jargon or seduced by shiny tools that underdeliver. Together, Gavin and Anthony explore the false promises of AI agents that lack consistency, and how businesses with well-defined processes are in a much better position to leverage automation effectively. They stress the importance of using AI to enhance human connection and operational clarity, not replace it blindly.
Anthony and Gavin also reflect on their experiences with “vibe coding” tools, AI-assisted code generators that, while promising in theory, often introduce subtle errors that snowball into bigger issues. They discuss the common “drift” phenomenon, where repeated AI prompts gradually stray from the original objective. Security risks, such as hardcoded API keys or exposed credentials, also highlight the dangers of relying solely on AI for production-ready apps. Both agree that while AI is incredibly useful for rapid prototyping and layout generation, critical aspects like stability, security, and final-mile polish still require human expertise.
Closing the episode, they explore how frameworks like DevReady are reshaping how businesses can safely and efficiently integrate AI. Gavin praises the approach of combining AI tooling with a solid strategic foundation thus empowering founders to be part of the build process while ensuring developers can deliver production-grade results. With AI tools evolving rapidly and new products launching constantly, they argue for the need to stay adaptable without losing sight of structure. Ultimately, success in the AI age won’t come from chasing every shiny new app, but from having a clear plan, the right guidance, and a stack that evolves with your business, not against it.
#DevReadyPodcast #AIforBusiness #GPTReady #AutomationStrategy #StartupTech #DigitalTransformation #BusinessGrowth #GavinReddrop