DevReady Podcast

The Real Reason Your Business Isn’t Growing and How to Fix It | Ep 230 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis is joined by Aaron Crossin, , a seasoned Fractional General Manager with over 15 years of experience in business operations, growth strategy, and leadership across multiple industries. Aaron’s career began in hospitality, launching his first venture before finishing school. That hands-on experience, rooted in catering, kitchen management, and food service innovation—evolved into a passion for business strategy. His journey, shaped by mentorship from business coaches and scaling high-pressure hospitality operations, revealed the immense value of structured systems, cross-industry application, and people-centred leadership.
Aaron reflects on how practical, real-world challenges provided a richer learning experience than any formal MBA. One pivotal example was running over 30 catering events in a single weekend, a crash course in logistics, process, and performance under pressure. Today, he brings that same rigor and adaptability to his fractional GM roles, helping founders break through growth barriers without losing control of their core passion or culture. Unlike traditional coaches, Aaron embeds himself within the business, rolling up his sleeves to execute, not just advise, while developing systems that eventually make his role redundant.
He shares how his approach suits fast-paced environments and founder-led businesses looking to scale sustainably. With a strong bias towards action over red tape, Aaron focuses on building frameworks, optimising teams, and aligning strategic goals with daily operations. His engagements are highly tailored, ranging from light strategic check-ins to in-depth monthly support, depending on a business’s growth stage and operational maturity. He is highly selective in the clients he takes on, looking for those open to change, execution-focused, and committed to results.
Throughout the conversation, Aaron and Anthony explore the challenges faced by entrepreneurs, especially those transitioning from specialised corporate roles. While technically skilled, many founders struggle with the multifaceted demands of business: marketing, sales, hiring, and operations. Aaron offers a clear path forward, starting with diagnosing root issues: lack of strategic direction, unclear KPIs, inefficiencies, and ineffective marketing. His ability to identify low-hanging fruit and transform those into meaningful outcomes is what sets him apart, whether that’s repositioning a brand, streamlining delivery, or improving sales conversations.
Aaron also weighs in on the integration of AI into business operations. While acknowledging its potential, he warns against deploying AI without first establishing strong internal processes. AI is a tool, not a solution, and its success hinges on the foundations already in place. For Aaron, the most rewarding part of his work lies in transforming perceptions—winning over sceptical teams, empowering business owners, and ultimately freeing up time and energy so leaders can focus on what matters. Success, in Aaron’s view, isn’t just about profit, it’s about building a business that thrives holistically.
#FractionalGM #StartupGrowth #BusinessStrategy #FounderLife #ScaleYourBusiness #LeadershipMatters #EntrepreneurTips #DevReadyPodcast

This Will Change Everything – Philip Faraj on AI, Innovation and the Future of Work | Ep 229 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Andrew Romeo is joined by Philip H. Faraj, Senior VP of Business Development at Endava. Based in Sydney, Philip brings a decade of experience in digital transformation, consulting, and strategic growth across global markets. Formerly with Accenture Interactive and Fjord, he has helped organisations evolve their product and platform strategies in step with rapidly shifting technologies. In this conversation, Andrew and Philip dive deep into the practical, philosophical, and disruptive impact of AI—from transforming product development cycles to redefining how businesses engage with customers. With AI no longer just a tool but a core part of modern strategy, this episode explores how businesses can adapt, survive, and thrive in the age of acceleration.
Philip shares how Endava is leveraging AI to modernise legacy systems and revolutionise software delivery. These tools can now map dependencies, extract business rules, and validate product ideas in a fraction of the time previously required, streamlining innovation while preserving strategic alignment. Both speakers reflect on how Agile has become bloated in large organisations, with AI offering a new path to efficiency. Rather than replace human input, Philip views AI as an “always-on” collaborator that augments product discovery and helps stakeholders ask better questions.
The conversation then turns philosophical, likening AI’s emergence to the leap from hand tools to industrial cranes. Andrew notes how AI is empowering organisations to innovate at speed, but Philip adds a crucial twist: we still don’t fully know what we’re building. Customer experiences are no longer static; they’re omnipresent, shaped by AI-driven interfaces and agents that respond to fluid, contextual needs. Drawing inspiration from the early days of the web and the bold leaps made by pioneers like the founder of Kazaa and Skype, Philip makes the case for courage in the face of uncertainty. It’s not just a technological shift—it’s a cultural one.
Philip also outlines how AI is reshaping industries like travel, turning form-based interactions into conversational, context-aware experiences. Imagine a traveller simply describing what they want: “warm weather, kid-friendly, near a beach”, and receiving intelligent itinerary suggestions. As consumer expectations evolve, businesses must rethink how they market, engage, and deliver. The same shift is occurring in product design, where scenario-based simulations powered by AI are replacing traditional 12-week discovery sprints. This democratisation of tools has lowered the barrier to innovation, though Andrew and Philip stress the continued importance of critical thinking amidst the convenience of automation.
In closing, the discussion explores the rise of agentic AI, autonomous agents that can act as developers, product managers, or solution architects. Philip explains how these AI agents are being deployed to modernise old tech stacks, reimagine platform strategy, and drive scalable, modular software development. Rather than simply “lift and shift” legacy systems, the focus is on building composable architectures that evolve with user needs and market conditions. As they reflect on the existential implications of these shifts, from job transformation to the uncertain future of education, both Andrew and Philip acknowledge that we’re in uncharted territory. Yet, the takeaway is clear: those who are willing to adapt, question, and build alongside technology will shape the next wave of progress.
#AIRevolution #FutureOfWork #TechInnovation #AgenticAI #DigitalTransformation #ProductStrategy #Endava #DevReadyPodcast

From Microsoft to Venture Capital: How Liz Ross is Powering the Next Wave of AI Startups | Ep 228 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Andrew Romeo sits down with Liz Ross, Investor Relations at Tidal Ventures, to explore her journey from the world of financial services marketing, through her corporate tenure at Microsoft, to her hands-on experiences in startups and her current role in venture capital at Tidal Ventures. Liz shares how her exposure to structured go-to-market strategies and AI education initiatives at Microsoft informed her perspective on early-stage tech and investing. She discusses how Tidal Ventures is shifting its focus to support early-stage B2B AI companies, viewing AI as an evolutionary step in software rather than a passing trend. Liz also touches on Australia’s advantages as a hub for innovation and explains how Tidal balances its investments between Australia and the United States.
Reflecting on her leap from corporate life to startups, Liz candidly shares why she left Microsoft in search of more creative and strategic ownership. At Dovetail, she found a culture that encouraged everyone from marketing to engineering to wear multiple hats, collaborate deeply, and engage directly with customers. This environment cultivated not only empathy but also rapid execution and high accountability. From running marketing strategy to fielding customer support requests, Liz embraced the startup pace, finding fulfillment in the diversity and immediacy of her work.
Liz also unpacks the power of community and its integration with product-led growth at Dovetail. Through customer support rotations, Slack-based communities, and a “public by default” approach to internal and external knowledge sharing, the company built strong user relationships and scaled advocacy. By converting private customer interactions into public resources and leveraging thought leadership to foster brand authority, Dovetail created a high-trust ecosystem. Liz makes it clear that content, community, and customer service aren’t standalone efforts—they’re mutually reinforcing growth levers when done authentically.
Content strategy emerges as another cornerstone of Dovetail’s success. Liz stresses the importance of consistency over perfection, noting that it often takes 24 months to see real traction. Whether starting with video, written articles, or social snippets, she champions scalable, repurposable formats that meet users where they are. Founders, she argues, must be actively involved in the content and sales process, especially in the early days, to ensure authenticity and connect directly with their audience. Guest contributors, candid video, and founder-led storytelling all play a role in creating impactful, sustainable content engines.
In closing, Liz discusses how her product and customer-first mentality guided her move into venture capital. At Tidal Ventures, she was drawn to the operator-led model backed by professionals with first-hand startup experience, who bring practical support, not just funding. With a portfolio of 30+ companies, Tidal aims to act as a strategic partner across long time horizons, helping founders solve critical challenges. Liz believes Australia’s tech ecosystem, driven by capital efficiency, deep expertise, and cultural values shaped by companies like Atlassian and Canva, is uniquely positioned for global leadership in tech innovation.
#DevReadyPodcast #StartupGrowth #ProductLedGrowth #VentureCapital #Founders #GoToMarket #AIStartups #AerionTechnologies #TidalVentures

From Excel to AI: How Anita Patturajan Built a RiskTech Startup from Scratch | Ep 227 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Andrew Romeo welcomes Anita Patturajan, the dynamic Founder and CEO of Anitech, and Co-Founder of Lahebo. The conversation traces Anita’s journey from compliance engineer to tech entrepreneur, uncovering how her early love for coding and technology, especially in Java during her engineering studies, shaped her path. A pivotal moment during an audit at CSR inspired her to launch Anitech, a business built on the vision of supporting underserved small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with compliance and tech-driven solutions. Anita shares how those formative years, working hands-on with SMEs, provided insights that later fuelled her ambition to productise risk management through Lahebo.
Anita delves into the shifting landscape of risk and compliance, shaped by evolving regulations and emerging technologies. Early in her career, risk management was often a manual process, limited by expensive enterprise software, but tools like Excel and VBA enabled her to deliver value. Fast forward to today, and the rise of low-code platforms and artificial intelligence has democratised access to data-driven solutions. Through Anitech, Anita now offers a comprehensive suite of services, from advisory and audits to AI consultancy, guiding businesses to navigate risk in real time. However, she notes the growing challenges SMEs face in responsibly adopting AI, particularly in areas of data security and intellectual property, reinforcing Anitech’s role in providing both technical and educational support.
As the discussion shifts, Anita shares how AI requests from clients, such as building custom Salesforce agents, inspired a broader move into product development. This led to the creation of Lahebo, a risk management SaaS platform aimed at making compliance easier and more affordable for SMEs. Initially hesitant to build from scratch, Anita explored partnerships and off-the-shelf options, only to find they were financially inaccessible or lacked the customisation needed. Determined to fill the gap, her team spent over a year planning and prototyping before launching Lahebo. The result is a platform that combines real-world risk insights with scalable technology, built to support business resilience.
The transition from service to SaaS, however, came with hard lessons. Anita and Andrew discuss the nuances of product–market fit versus message–market fit, as Lahebo’s initial customer base didn’t align with its strongest adopters. This sparked a strategic pivot towards highly regulated industries: finance, aviation, and consulting, where CEOs, not just compliance managers, were making purchasing decisions. Anita underscores the importance of assembling a “rockstar” team with expertise across software, finance, engagement, and marketing. These elements proved critical in positioning Lahebo not just as software, but as a smart investment for long-term operational sustainability.
In the final part of the episode, Anita outlines her vision for Lahebo’s future: a real-time, data-centric platform that supports risk and compliance across borders. She hopes to integrate environmental and safety monitoring, enabling businesses to act proactively before risks escalate into costly incidents. With expansion plans beyond Australian compliance to global jurisdictions, Lahebo is set to become a trusted tool for multinational organisations. At its core, the platform reflects Anita’s enduring mission to help businesses operate with confidence, clarity, and compliance in an increasingly complex world.
#AIforBusiness #StartupJourney #SaaSFounders #RiskManagement #WomenInTech #ComplianceSolutions #TechEntrepreneurship #DevReadyPodcast

How to Unlock $60 Billion in Aussie Grants for Your Business | Ep 226 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Andrew Romeo welcomes Trent Scheirs, Co-Founder of Grant Help, a leading consultancy dedicated to helping Australian businesses navigate the complex world of government grants and R&D incentives. With a background in business development and strategic advisory, Trent brings deep insights into funding pathways for innovation, having worked closely with former government assessors and industry experts. Grant Help supports clients across three main pillars: the R&D Tax Incentive, the Export Market Development Grant (EMDG), and a wide range of competitive ad hoc grants. With more than 1,500 grant programmes and $60 billion in funding available across federal and state levels, Trent shares practical advice on how businesses can find and secure the right opportunities to support their growth journey.
Trent delves into the distinction between entitlement-based grants, such as the R&D Tax Incentive, and competitive grants, which comprise the bulk of available funding but are harder to secure due to their selective nature. He highlights how changes in government leadership, particularly shifts between Labor and Liberal parties, can affect the availability and priorities of grant programmes. While entitlement grants tend to remain stable, competitive and ad hoc funding is often influenced by policy shifts, such as the current focus on sustainability and green innovation. As a board member of the Export Consultants Association (ACCI), Trent provides behind-the-scenes insight into how grant policy is shaped and encourages businesses to stay informed and proactive when it comes to long-term planning.
One of the key themes in this episode is eligibility and compliance for the R&D Tax Incentive, especially within software development. Trent outlines the critical need for projects to be technically uncertain and built from the ground up, not simply modifications of existing platforms like WordPress or Wix. Claims must be backed by three essential elements: a technical description, associated expenses, and supporting documentation created contemporaneously. Without detailed records like timesheets, JIRA exports, and contracts that clearly link the R&D activities to the spend, claims are likely to fall short. Grant Help goes so far as to check in monthly with clients to ensure real-time tracking because, as Trent emphasises, retrospective justification won't hold up.
Beyond compliance, Trent and Andrew unpack the real heart of R&D: trial, error, and discovery. Documenting technical failures is just as important as celebrating successes, as failure signals genuine exploration and validates a project's eligibility. They also stress the need to align R&D with commercial outcomes—because innovation without a market is just wasted effort. Working with experienced dev partners can reduce risk and free up founders to focus on go-to-market activities like branding and customer validation. In today’s fast-evolving tech landscape, especially in the wake of AI advancements, building something useful and desirable is more important than building something novel.
To round out the episode, Trent introduces the Export Market Development Grant, which offers businesses up to $640,000 over eight years to fund global expansion efforts. From overseas travel and international marketing to hiring offshore reps and registering trademarks, the EMDG is designed to support businesses ready to scale beyond Australia. With global tariffs shifting, particularly between the US and China, Australian markets could soon be flooded with low-cost imports, making export planning a critical hedge for local businesses. Trent advises founders to solidify domestic sales first, and to begin planning early, with the next grant cycle opening in November 2025. Listeners are encouraged to reach out to Grant Help for a free discovery session and access to a competitive grants workbook packed with tips and tools.
#GovernmentGrants #RDTaxIncentive #ExportGrants #StartupFunding #AussieBusiness #ScaleWithGrants #InnovationSupport #GoGlobal #DevReadyPodcast

Can We Rewire the Brain? The New Science of Neurogenesis Explained | Ep 225 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis is joined by Dr Grace Ng, CEO and Chief Medical Liaison at Brain Aid Clinics and CEO of Gyrilla Investments Group. With a distinguished background in IT, corporate strategy, and medicine, Dr Grace shares her remarkable journey from tech executive to neurosurgical trainee and brain health innovator. Her work today sits at the intersection of neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and personalised care, with a focus on non-invasive neurostimulation techniques such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Through this lens, she challenges the boundaries of conventional psychiatric diagnosis and treatment, offering a fresh, integrative approach to brain care grounded in clinical rigour and technological innovation.
Dr Grace advocates for rethinking mental health not merely as psychological distress but as a manifestation of brain dysfunction—treatable through neurogenesis, cellular repair, and improved neural connectivity. Using tools like fMRI navigation and DNA-based nutritional profiling, her clinic delivers highly individualised care supported by a holistic program called “Thought, Movement & Food.” These interventions aim to cultivate a neuroplastic environment where patients can see measurable improvement in conditions such as depression, anxiety, and even early-stage Alzheimer’s. At the heart of her approach is the belief that diagnosis does not have to determine destiny—with the right conditions, the brain can heal itself.
Throughout the conversation, Dr Grace draws compelling analogies—such as comparing Alzheimer’s pathology to corrupted code in an object-oriented program—to explain the need for root-cause understanding and system-level repair. The discussion takes a personal turn as both Grace and Anthony reflect on witnessing loved ones deteriorate due to dementia, strengthening their shared conviction in the power of neurostimulation and lifestyle-based therapy. She underscores that while her work may sound “crystal therapy–adjacent,” it is in fact anchored in decades of peer-reviewed science and supported by emerging global results. Her emphasis on research-driven protocols ensures that even cutting-edge approaches are backed by evidence and measurable outcomes.
Dr Grace also explores the transformative potential of machine learning in healthcare, especially in tailoring treatments to the individual. Rather than generic language models, her clinic integrates diverse data—ranging from pathology reports to lifestyle inputs into predictive algorithms that guide intervention plans. She explains the challenges posed by data silos, incomplete records, and regulatory constraints, noting that true innovation often occurs in environments where conventional systems have failed. Highlighting autism as an example, she explains the need for nuanced, spectrum-based approaches over categorical thinking and stresses the importance of global research collaboration and clinical trials to validate and scale new treatments responsibly.
As the episode draws to a close, the conversation turns to the ethical and legal implications of AI in medicine. While technologies like Google’s Gemini can outperform radiologists in image interpretation, the practitioner remains legally responsible for outcomes. Dr Grace likens this to shifts in software development, where orchestration replaces traditional coding, creating challenges in training and verification. She praises Australia’s TGA for upholding high regulatory standards, which enable its data to be recognised internationally. At the same time, she encourages curiosity, open dialogue, and shared learning, emphasising that breakthroughs in medicine must always be matched by trust, accountability, and patient-centred care.
#BrainHealth #MentalHealthInnovation #Neurostimulation #AIinMedicine #PersonalisedHealthcare #Neuroplasticity #HealthTech #DevReadyPodcast

Laia Sastre on Why Most Small Businesses Stall at 500K (And How to Break Through) | Ep 224 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis sits down with Laia Sastre, Virtual Business Manager and Productivity Consultant at Elevate Business Management, to explore what it really takes to run a business that’s both efficient and aligned with your personal values. Originally from Spain and now based in Auckland, Laia brings a wealth of experience across journalism, communications, project management and operations. Together, they unpack the challenges of navigating growth, change, and burnout—and the power of building a business (and life) that actually works for you.
Laia shares her personal journey from Mallorca to post-earthquake Christchurch, where she rebuilt her career from scratch before carving out her niche as an Online Business Manager. Drawing on her background in communications and operations, she now helps small businesses across New Zealand set up the right systems, strategies, and rhythms to thrive, whether that means scaling sustainably or optimising for lean, high-value delivery.
Throughout the episode, Laia reflects on the emotional impact of cultural transitions, the struggle to fit in, and the transformation that came from starting her own business. She discusses how burnout often stems from misalignment, both in values and in the type of support businesses seek, and why it's vital to engage the right kind of help at the right time.
Together, Anthony and Laia explore how technology, when implemented with clarity and communication, can support real organisational change. They discuss the risks of overwork, the societal pressure to constantly produce, and the importance of self-awareness in business leadership. Whether it's micro-moments of rest or strategic planning sessions, Laia emphasises that success isn’t one-size-fits-all—it’s about building a business around who you really are.
Whether you're an early-stage founder, a solo operator juggling hats, or a business owner approaching the next stage of growth, this episode offers practical wisdom and grounded insight into building a business that supports both your goals and your wellbeing.
#SmallBusinessGrowth #ProductivityTips #BusinessOperations #EntrepreneurLife #BurnoutRecovery #FounderJourney #ScaleSmart #DevReadyPodcast

Gareth Rydon on the Truth About AI Agents, Automation & What Actually Works | Ep 223 | DevReady Podcast

In his third appearance on the DevReady Podcast, Gareth Rydon, Co-Founder of Friyay.ai, joins host Anthony Sapountzis for an in-depth and fast-paced exploration of the ever-evolving AI landscape. The episode covers everything from corporate hiring strategies to automation workflows, from brand development to platform fatigue. With the hype around AI louder than ever, Gareth and Anthony offer a refreshing, pragmatic take on what’s actually useful, what’s over-engineered, and what’s likely to shape the next wave of intelligent tools for businesses.
They open with a reflection on companies like Duolingo and Shopify embracing “AI-first” hiring policies. Gareth cautions against overlooking long-term impacts, pointing to his past experience with graduate freezes that disrupted organisational growth years later. The duo discuss whether companies are truly investing in upskilling and whether current AI tools are mature enough to justify such bold moves. Alongside these strategic reflections, they delve into how features like ChatGPT’s internal knowledge retrieval and Infinite Memory are reshaping how teams manage information—while also raising critical concerns about privacy, access control, and AI's sometimes-flawed understanding of context.
The conversation transitions into the future of search, branding, and discoverability. Gareth introduces the concept of Agent Engine Optimisation (AEO), the successor to SEO, where websites must be structured to be machine-readable and easily referenced by AI tools. They explore Google’s NotebookLM, which Gareth calls a “tailored educational ecosystem,” and discuss its unique ability to pull relevant sources, timestamped video segments, and even generate study guides or podcasts. Meanwhile, Anthony shares how he’s using OpenAI’s Deep Research to shortcut intensive workflows like technical audits or naming strategy—pushing the idea that AI should be used to support genuine learning, not just content regurgitation.
The pair also take aim at AI misuse, particularly the rise of low-quality, AI-generated comments on platforms like LinkedIn. Gareth explains how some creators are trolling bots with absurd phrases to highlight the issue, and both agree that such features undermine meaningful dialogue. They also mock the rise of “Comment X for my cheat sheet” gimmicks, calling out the lack of actual value delivered. Throughout the discussion, they return to a central theme: AI should enhance conversations, not dilute them—a principle equally applicable in branding, education, and community platforms.
Wrapping up, Anthony shares his custom-built YouTube-to-summary automation workflow using n8n, highlighting the pitfalls of applying agents where they’re not needed. Gareth adds that many AI solutions are being pitched as silver bullets, overwhelming business owners rather than solving real problems. Their final advice? Start small, validate the problem first, and deliver micro-solutions that actually work. In an industry moving at breakneck speed, the ones who stay grounded and customer-focused will ultimately win.
#DevReadyPodcast #AIinBusiness #FutureOfWork #TechLeadership #SmartAutomation #DigitalTransformation #GarethRydon #FriyayAI

How Apurva Chiranewala Built Startups Without VC Funding & Why You Should Too | EP 222 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Andrew Romeo sits down with Apurva Chiranewala, Co-Founder & CEO of DemTech.ai and a seasoned operator across global tech ecosystems. From helping scale India’s leading SoftBank-backed e-commerce platforms to building out logistics solutions for Catch of the Day and eBay Australia, Apurva brings a unique blend of enterprise experience and startup grit. Together, they explore what it truly takes to build sustainable ventures, why venture capital isn’t always the answer, and how resourcefulness often outperforms runway. If you’re a founder navigating the early stages or reconsidering your funding model, this conversation is packed with practical, grounded wisdom.
Apurva reflects on his transition from India’s fast-paced tech boom to Australia’s more mature, measured business landscape. Having worked with high-growth ventures like Sendle and Block Earner, he shares how each chapter of his career has deepened his understanding of innovation, logistics, and financial systems. His natural curiosity led him into blockchain and crypto, not through hype, but by solving real business problems—such as paying suppliers across borders using stablecoins. He draws an insightful parallel between early misconceptions about e-commerce and today’s discourse around crypto, urging listeners to view emerging technologies not as threats, but as enablers for solving edge-case problems in underserved regions.
The discussion takes a philosophical turn as Apurva unpacks his personal ethos around work, growth, and balance. Rather than drawing stark lines between corporate and startup life, he sees them as complementary forces in a "sine wave" career—one providing structure, stability, and learning, the other offering space for bold experimentation. His pursuit isn’t purely entrepreneurial; it’s about living a "full life" that embraces both the highs and the inevitable lows. Startups, for Apurva, are not just ventures—they are vehicles for transformation, creativity, and personal evolution.
Challenging the glamorised VC narrative, Apurva shares how he stepped off the capital-raising treadmill after years of chasing scale at the cost of purpose. A snowed-in moment of clarity in Norway prompted him to re-centre on value creation—bootstrapping ventures with his own funds and proving worth within a year. He and Andrew liken blind VC dependence to “business obesity,” where the original problem-solving mission is lost amidst fundraising cycles. Instead, they champion building businesses that are lean, profitable, and genuinely useful—arguing that the myth of job security is fading, and self-built resilience may be the safer path.
The episode wraps with an invaluable blueprint for alternative funding. Apurva outlines scrappy, strategic methods to extend startup runway—like obsessing over cost reduction, working with freelancers on equity-sharing models, and attracting early client buy-in before building anything. He also introduces the power of crowdfunding platforms like Wefunder and SeedInvest for raising sub-$100K rounds, especially now that AI has democratised storytelling and outreach. His parting message? You don’t need to chase investors to be credible—get your first customers on board, and the rest may follow.
#StartupFunding #Bootstrapping #ApurvaChiranewala #TechFounders #EntrepreneurMindset #CryptoInnovation #CrowdfundingSuccess #DevReadyPodcast

How Athin Cassiotis Built a Multi-Million Dollar Business from Scratch | EP 221 | DevReady Podcast

In this inspiring conversation on the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis is joined by Athin Cassiotis, Founder, Director & Business Growth Expert of Athin Cassiotis Group and Podcast Host for The Business Growth Show.  From launching businesses and advising entrepreneurs to helping scale operations globally, Athin brings a wealth of insight into how founders can transform their businesses into scalable, investable assets. Drawing on his personal journey and the experiences of his high-performing clients, Athin shares practical strategies for business growth, leadership, and mindset development—all designed to help entrepreneurs accelerate their success.
Athin opens up about his unconventional path—from dropping out of school in Adelaide to becoming a globally recognised entrepreneur and coach. He candidly discusses the early challenges he faced, including scepticism from teachers and family, and how he channelled that doubt into drive. From selling VCDs as a teenager to building a consultancy that saved Westfield millions, Athin’s story is a testament to resilience, grit, and strategic thinking. Now mentoring clients across 10 countries and hosting The Business Growth Show, he’s focused on helping others unlock business success through systems, structure, and mindset transformation.
Sport has played a pivotal role in shaping Athin’s mental toughness and leadership skills. He reflects on how playing both tennis and soccer taught him discipline, self-talk, and the power of collaboration—skills that seamlessly translate into the business world. As a new father, he also shares his appreciation for martial arts and its ability to instil focus and inner strength. These personal reflections set the tone for a broader discussion on the importance of mental resilience and adaptability as an entrepreneur.
Anthony and Athin go deep on the reality of building a business from the ground up, especially when you’re wearing every hat. Athin shares his own leap into entrepreneurship, quitting a secure job without a backup plan and relying on instinct and self-belief. That decision launched a journey of rapid learning, self-investment, and sales mastery—ultimately leading to his first major client, Westfield. The pair unpack the importance of momentum, consistency, and being ready to seize the right opportunity at the right time, reinforcing that success often comes down to showing up and staying in the game.
From that foundation, the conversation expands into scaling businesses beyond the founder. Athin presents a blueprint for growth that includes refining the business model, clarifying brand positioning, building multi-channel lead generation systems, and measuring the right performance metrics. He shares strategies for creating businesses that are operationally independent, emphasising the need to let go, empower others, and lead from the front. The episode wraps with a powerful insight: knowledge alone isn’t power—implementation is. With coaching, the right team, and a growth-focused mindset, entrepreneurs can scale their ventures, step away strategically, or even prepare for high-value exits.
#BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurMindset #StartupSuccess #ScaleUpStrategy #AthinCassiotis #MillionDollarBusiness #FounderJourney #DevReadyPodcast