DevReady Podcast

AI, Startups, & the Future of Digital Conversations with 8seats’ Iain | Ep 186 | DevReady Podcast

In this insightful episode of the DevReady Podcast, Andrew Romeo sits down with Iain McDonald, CEO and Founder of 8seats, to discuss his journey and the evolution of the digital and AI landscape. With roots in the early days of the internet boom, Iain draws parallels between the rapid transformation of that era and today’s fast-paced AI advancements. He emphasises the importance of staying aware of AI developments, even casually, as it quickly reshapes various industries. Iain sees AI as a democratising force that brings professional-grade tools to everyday users, opening doors for creativity and innovation.
Iain and Andrew delve into the impact of AI on jobs, highlighting its role in enhancing rather than replacing human expertise. They explore AI as a collaborative, co-creative tool, especially for small businesses, where it boosts productivity and customisation. Drawing on past technological disruptions, Iain likens the current AI transition to the internet’s early days, underscoring AI’s potential to drive positive change. He encourages listeners to embrace AI, viewing it as an empowering tool for the next generation.
The conversation shifts to the startup ecosystem, with Iain reflecting on the growing support for startups today through resources like ESOPs, government grants, and co-working spaces, which were scarce a decade ago. He shares the challenges of early-stage funding in Australia, where VC support often requires proven revenue models, making it difficult for new startups. Despite his own success, Iain recounts facing multiple rejections while raising funds for 8seats, illustrating the persistence needed to overcome funding obstacles.
Iain then provides a closer look at 8seats, his messaging app designed to make digital conversations feel natural and intuitive. Inspired by real-life conversations around a table, 8seats enables flexible, dynamic discussions within a visual interface and includes an AI team member to enhance collaboration by summarising conversations and offering suggestions. The app emphasises data security and user privacy, allowing companies to maintain control over their own messaging data. By positioning 8seats between simple messaging apps and complex platforms, Iain aims to serve small teams and businesses that value privacy and ease of use.
Looking ahead, Iain envisions 8seats as a product that fosters connectivity and meets both professional and personal communication needs, bridging gaps between internal and external communications. He emphasises that product success will naturally lead to business growth, driving his passion to make 8seats an enduring solution. With a dedication to innovation and user-centric design, Iain’s goal is to create an impactful, lasting product that supports small businesses and communities alike.

RevOps, ROI, and Real Growth: The Strategy Playbook with Derek Buntin | Ep 185 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis  sits down with Derek Buntin, CEO and Founder of Adonis Media, to explore Derek’s journey from car detailing to running a successful digital growth agency. Derek shares how his initial need to build websites for his car detailing business sparked his passion for web design and digital marketing. Over the years, he developed a deep interest in technology and business growth, eventually helping clients scale through integrated strategies across marketing, sales, and tech. Derek’s passion lies in problem-solving, and he leverages emerging tools like AI to drive efficiency and meaningful growth for his clients.
A key theme in their conversation is the importance of having a clear and targeted business strategy. Derek explains that many businesses struggle because they lack a well-defined strategy and attempt to serve a broad audience, which often leads to wasted resources and unproductive client relationships. Instead, he recommends focusing on ideal customer profiles (ICPs) to enhance efficiency and growth. Both Anthony and Derek agree on the pitfalls of providing unpaid services, as this can set unrealistic expectations and disrupt the balance in client relationships.
The episode also delves into the role of Revenue Operations (RevOps) in aligning sales, marketing, and customer success teams for a unified customer experience. Derek highlights how traditional business functions often operate in silos, resulting in misalignment and lost revenue. By implementing technology solutions like custom apps and CRMs, companies can streamline processes and avoid costly "subscription bloat." Derek emphasises that custom-built solutions, tailored to specific business needs, are often more efficient and less resource-intensive than generic tools, helping reduce dependency on multiple plugins or redundant subscriptions.
In addition, Anthony and Derek discuss the challenges and benefits of custom versus off-the-shelf software for organisations. Derek shares a case where he helped a non-profit save $72,000 annually by negotiating software costs, underscoring the potential for significant savings with informed choices. Custom software, he explains, is especially valuable for businesses with unique needs, as it offers scalability and optimized workflows aligned with specific business processes. For companies aiming to expand, custom solutions can provide a robust foundation that off-the-shelf products often lack.
Derek also advises small businesses on recognising the value of strategic investments in digital growth. He shares a success story of a small business that he helped grow by $2 million within 15 months by optimising their online presence and employing data-driven strategies. Derek stresses the importance of patience, noting that digital growth requires time but can lead to exponential results if businesses “trust the process.” The conversation wraps up with Derek’s advice on conducting internal audits to refine target audiences, optimise websites for conversions, and make data-driven decisions—all essential steps for impactful and sustainable growth.

Harvesting Innovation: Conrad on Robotics in the Fresh Produce Industry | Ep 184 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, Andrew Romeo interviews Conrad Guimaraes, a Product Manager at Lyro Robotics. Conrad shares his fascinating journey from Brazil to Australia, detailing his diverse experiences in product management across various industries. He contrasts the heavily regulated energy sector with the dynamic world of startups, illustrating the challenges of navigating bureaucratic processes while striving to balance fairness for consumers and businesses. Throughout the discussion, Conrad emphasises the critical role of stakeholder engagement and thorough technical research in successful product development, as well as the exciting intersection of robotics and fresh produce, where his current work is making an impact.
As the conversation unfolds, Conrad recounts his transition from the regulatory environment to a more commercially driven, tech-focused setting. He highlights his experience with a fintech company developing innovative energy solutions for solar customers, where he thrived in a team that operated like a startup within a larger scale-up. This unique structure allowed for greater independence and a tailored approach to product development, fostering a culture of experimentation and learning that is vital for navigating the complexities of the energy market. Conrad underlines the importance of collaboration and building a solid foundation for new product lines to succeed.
The episode delves into the challenges of the B2B2C model, through an example of working with solar installers. Andrew and Conrad discuss the complexities of understanding the incentives and business models of these installers, who often find more lucrative margins in their primary services compared to selling batteries. A key focus is on automating compliance processes to alleviate burdens on installers, making it easier for them to issue quotes and maintain regulatory standards. The conversation offers critical insights into navigating the B2B landscape and the importance of supporting distribution partners to effectively reach end customers.
Conrad also shares insights on the innovations and challenges within the robotics sector, particularly at Lyro, which transitioned from research to commercial applications after winning an Amazon competition. The company focuses on developing robotic arms that can efficiently pick and pack variable produce such as avocados and cucumbers. He discusses the intricacies of designing technology to handle different weights, sizes, and conditions of fruits and vegetables while adapting to the rapidly evolving tech landscape. The conversation highlights significant advancements in robotics and the excitement surrounding future developments in this field.
Further into the episode, Andrew and Conrad explore the complexities of managing stakeholders in early-stage startups, emphasising the need for product managers to build strong relationships with founders. Conrad advises that effective product managers must maintain transparency, provide honest feedback, and balance responsiveness with market data. He stresses the importance of adaptability and focusing on core features that genuinely meet customer needs instead of falling into the trap of becoming a "feature factory."
Finally, Conrad discusses the significance of having a well-defined product strategy, noting that many founders struggle to articulate their vision, leading to unfocused product development. He advocates for a concentrated approach on core features, treating the product strategy as a living document that evolves based on customer feedback and market dynamics. The episode concludes with a discussion on the necessity of strategic investment and user research in tech companies, underscoring the value of data-driven product decisions and transparency in metrics interpretation to enhance customer retention.

Skill Society: Level Up Your Hiring with a People-First Approach! | Ep 183 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, Andrew Romeo hosts Daniel Mawdsley, Co-Founder of Skill Society. With over 14 years of experience in product management and user experience, Daniel shares his insights on how Skill Society is transforming the hiring landscape. He emphasises the importance of assessing candidates' soft skills beyond traditional resumes and how leveraging AI can provide a more holistic approach to talent screening. Join us as Daniel recounts his journey from UX design to product management, detailing his passion for problem-solving and product optimisation, which ultimately led to the creation of Skill Society.
Daniel discusses his transition from the fast-paced agency world to working in-house, highlighting the shift in focus toward long-term strategies and scalable growth. He reflects on his time at CreditorWatch, where he played a crucial role in guiding the company through its three primary growth stages: establishing product-market fit, scaling operations, and transforming from a startup into a specialist-driven organisation. His experience showcases the challenges and strategies involved in adapting from a small, versatile team to a larger, specialised workforce.
Throughout the conversation, Daniel examines the different mindsets required for startup versus scale-up stages. He explains how startups thrive on high-risk tolerance and adaptability, while scale-ups demand structured processes and specialists with defined roles. He underscores the importance of finding the right people for each stage, capable of navigating the dynamic nature of startups versus those who excel in a more organized scaling environment.
Daniel delves into the complexities of managing a product in its early stages, emphasising the need to pivot based on customer feedback and market dynamics. He shares how the company streamlined its offerings from 53 initiatives to focus on the most profitable ones and segmented its target markets to tailor strategies effectively. This journey illustrates how insights from mid-market clients influence product development for both smaller businesses and larger enterprises.
The episode also explores the origins and vision behind Skill Society. Daniel discusses the challenges of finding candidates who match the specific growth stages of a business and how Skill Society aims to improve the recruitment experience by reducing subjectivity and providing better feedback to candidates. The conversation touches on the limitations of traditional application processes and the disheartening lack of feedback candidates often receive.
Finally, Daniel shares his vision for Skill Society's future, focusing on expanding services to address the full talent lifecycle, including team skill gaps and succession planning. He emphasises that their goal is to enhance productivity by streamlining hiring and improving candidate experiences rather than replacing jobs. As Skill Society continues to grow, Daniel sees opportunities to transform hiring across various roles beyond tech, aiming for scalable and seamless solutions to hiring challenges in today’s dynamic job market.

Igor Portugal: A Serial Entrepreneur’s Guide to Real Market Solutions | Ep 182 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis  welcomes Igor Portugal, Chief of Growth and Investor of Blacklock Security, as well as CEO of both octovox and Streamgenius. Igor is a serial tech entrepreneur with nearly 30 years of experience in the industry, and he shares his remarkable journey from founding several successful IT businesses in New Zealand to navigating both startup and corporate environments. As he reflects on his experiences, Igor emphasizes the unique challenges and rewards of being a startup CEO and the fulfillment that comes from building businesses from the ground up.
Throughout the discussion, Igor highlights the importance of carefully selecting business partners, comparing it to dating but with higher stakes. He shares valuable lessons learned from early failures, including a costly $20,000 investment that taught him what not to do in business. From New Zealand's first Linux specialist practice to a successful IP telephony business, Igor’s diverse ventures span software development, cybersecurity, and telecommunications, showcasing his adaptability and resilience in the ever-evolving tech landscape.
As the conversation progresses, Igor shares critical insights about building solutions that genuinely address real-world problems. He cautions against developing products without thorough validation of the issues they aim to solve, as this often leads to mismatches between the solution's cost and its significance. Igor stresses the importance of understanding the full cost of change, including hidden expenses related to implementation and training. He emphasises that successful customer engagement begins with identifying genuine user needs and evaluating the financial implications of proposed solutions, highlighting the necessity of thorough research and effective communication.
Anthony and Igor delve into the significance of user experience in product development, agreeing that even well-designed solutions can falter if they do not meet actual user needs. Igor recounts an early career experience where a visually appealing interface was largely ignored in favor of simpler communication methods. They both agree that while initial sales might be strong, ensuring active use and customer satisfaction is crucial for long-term success. Understanding and prioritising user needs emerge as vital factors in the success of any tech solution.
The conversation also covers common pitfalls faced by tech founders, particularly the tendency to create solutions without first identifying a genuine problem. Igor points out that many entrepreneurs rush to build prototypes, only to later struggle with market fit. He emphasises the importance of customer feedback and the need for a clear demand before seeking investor funding. Both reiterate that successful businesses often arise from addressing real user needs rather than simply offering attractive products devoid of utility.
Lastly, Anthony and Igor explore the unique challenges of operating in smaller markets like New Zealand compared to larger ones like Australia and the U.S. Igor notes that while New Zealand’s market is limited, companies must find ways to automate and optimise their operations for broader audiences. He explains that many Australian firms fail in New Zealand due to misconceptions about local market dynamics. Once a product-market fit is achieved, Igor advocates for seeking investment for expansion, noting that tech companies typically have greater growth potential than traditional businesses. The discussion underscores the importance of adaptation and continuous service expansion to maintain relevance and foster growth in any market.

Get Ready to Date Differently: Kara Zervides on the Humpday Movement! | Ep 181 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, Anthony Sapountzis  is joined by Kara Zervides, Co-Founder and CEO of the Humpday App. Kara shares her unique journey from physiotherapist to tech entrepreneur, discussing how her passion for problem-solving led her to create a dating app aimed at addressing the challenges of modern dating. With Humpday, Kara seeks to combat the loneliness and dissatisfaction that many users experience with traditional dating apps by encouraging more offline connections. Kara reflects on her personal transition from her previous career to the startup world, emphasising the pivotal moment she joined Antler's accelerator, which solidified her decision to pursue Humpday full-time.
Humpday stands out in the crowded dating app market by focusing on scarcity, compatibility, and real-world interactions. Unlike other dating apps that keep users swiping endlessly, Humpday offers a curated match once a week, designed to foster genuine relationships. Kara highlights how the app is built to counter the effects of dating app fatigue, particularly among millennials who are often left feeling dissatisfied by their online experiences. Humpday bridges the gap between online and offline interactions, hosting events where users can meet in person, creating meaningful connections that extend beyond the app.
The app's innovative business model combines revenue from event-based income with affiliate partnerships, offering long-term value to both users and venues. Kara explains how these offline events not only generate revenue but also serve as a powerful marketing tool, driving community growth through word-of-mouth referrals. As Humpday matures, the company aims to scale internationally with a city-by-city approach, targeting expansion into markets like the US by FY26. Their goal is to become a subscription-based model for sustainable growth while maintaining their core mission of fostering real-world connections.
Throughout the episode, Kara discusses her experience as a non-technical founder and the challenges she faced building Humpday. She relied on a reputable design agency and leaned on her network to navigate the tech world, emphasizing the importance of learning from experienced founders and surrounding herself with knowledgeable people. She also shares valuable lessons from the early stages of the business, such as the need for careful planning and aligning short-term and long-term goals. By staying focused, testing ideas methodically, and continuously learning from early mistakes, Kara and her team have been able to optimise Humpday’s growth strategy and build a thriving community.

Simplify to Amplify: Kayla Medica’s Formula for Marketing Success | Ep 180 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, Anthony Sapountzis  sits down with Kayla Medica, CMO of Mehdeeka, to discuss her unique journey from translating Japanese marketing materials to becoming a fractional CMO for tech startups. Kayla shares how her early experiences with Japan's demanding work culture helped shape her marketing expertise, particularly in translating complex technical messages for different audiences. Now focused on scaling growth for B2B SaaS businesses, she also authors the Mehdeeka newsletter, where she provides insights into the challenges of product marketing for startups.
Kayla reflects on her transition from translating marketing materials to a broader consulting role, helping businesses effectively communicate their value. She compares working with tech startup founders to collaborating with chefs, highlighting the passion and strong opinions that both groups share. Early in her career, Kayla gained valuable experience by offering affordable services to startups, although she admits that this often led to undervaluing her work. Her journey eventually led to a full-time position at a startup, where she gained structured business knowledge and marketing experience.
As her career progressed, Kayla took on key roles in product marketing, working with founders, investors, and building frameworks for growing businesses. She touches on her time at Willow and Perkbox, where she navigated international expansion and challenging environments. After Willow, Kayla shifted back to freelancing, this time focusing on tasks she enjoys and leveraging her diverse experience to help her clients grow. She emphasises her preference for product marketing over more traditional roles like social media management.
Throughout the episode, Kayla stresses the importance of simplifying marketing messages to avoid overwhelming audiences with technical jargon. She encourages founders to gather market feedback early on and avoid waiting for perfection before sharing their products. Additionally, Kayla discusses the need for clear communication between founders and marketers, especially in setting expectations for feedback and understanding the iterative nature of marketing. The conversation also touches on the growing demand for fractional product marketers, reflecting the increasing complexity of modern marketing strategies.

From Data to Decisions: Dr. Evan Shellshear on the Game Theory of Success! | Ep 179|DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast host Andrew Romeo is joined by Dr. Evan Shellshear, CEO of Ubidy, to explore his dynamic journey through technology, startups, and innovation. Dr. Shellshear's early passion for mathematics led him to pursue a Ph.D. in Game Theory, and although he found the theoretical aspects compelling, he shifted his focus towards programming for its practical applications. This episode delves into Dr. Shellshear's experiences in both the academic world and the tech industry, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of how he transitioned from theoretical studies to real-world problem-solving.
Dr. Shellshear's venture into game theory began with his fascination for the Shapley value proof, which he describes as a mathematical masterpiece. However, recognising the limited applicability of non-cooperative game theory in practical scenarios, he pivoted to programming and eventually began teaching a business strategy course at the University of Queensland. In his classes, he applies game theory to everyday business situations, helping students develop strategic thinking without diving too deep into complex mathematical formulas. His ability to merge theory with real-world applications has made his teaching approach both accessible and impactful.
His startup journey began in Sweden, where Dr. Shellshear worked on high-tech solutions, including an augmented reality printable keyboard. While the product did not achieve commercial success, it sparked his passion for building innovative technologies. Upon returning to Australia, Dr. Shellshear continued exploring the startup scene, ultimately helping a friend's startup grow significantly. This experience reinforced the importance of aligning technological innovations with market demand, a lesson that has shaped his approach to business ever since.
Dr. Shellshear also discusses the importance of innovation in minimising the cost of failure. His book, written around 2015, focuses on tools and strategies that allow businesses to test ideas quickly and inexpensively. By shortening the innovation cycle, companies can experiment more freely without incurring heavy financial losses. Dr. Shellshear highlights how these principles remain relevant today, particularly with the rise of rapid prototyping and other modern methods that support faster iterations and smarter decision-making.
The conversation rounds off with Dr. Shellshear's reflections on AI and data science, specifically addressing the common misconceptions that surround these fields. Alongside Douglas Gray, he co-authored a book to demystify the inflated expectations around AI. Dr. Shellshear emphasises that AI is not a quick fix but a rigorous science that requires deep expertise and a clear problem to solve. Without a well-defined strategy and an understanding of the field's complexity, many AI projects are doomed to fail. He concludes the episode by sharing his enthusiasm for his company's global focus and how his international travels have shattered cultural prejudices, allowing him to see the world through a more optimistic lens.

Swiping Right on Restaurants: How SPOT is Changing the Game | Ep 178 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, Anthony Sapountzis  sits with Daniel Wang, a Commerce student at the University of Melbourne and the Non-Technical Founder of the startup SPOT. Daniel shares his journey as a young entrepreneur, balancing university life with his ambitious startup goals. SPOT, often described as "Tinder for restaurants," offers a platform designed to help restaurants gain visibility without the need for costly commission fees. Daniel reflects on his early entrepreneurial experiences, including his first pitch competition, which, although ending in disappointment, only fueled his passion for startups and building innovative solutions.
Daniel explains how SPOT has evolved through several iterations. Originally created to solve time coordination issues with friends, the concept pivoted based on user feedback. The current version of SPOT focuses on helping people discover restaurants, offering a personalised experience where users swipe through restaurant options based on preferences. This differentiates SPOT from other platforms like Google Maps or Zomato, aiming to provide a more tailored and engaging way to choose dining spots.
As a non-technical founder, Daniel faced challenges finding the right technical partner to bring his vision to life. He relied heavily on LinkedIn outreach to find a co-founder, navigating the difficulties of aligning visions and personalities with potential candidates. Eventually, he found a co-founder with strong technical expertise, allowing Daniel to focus on product features and business development while his partner handled the platform's technical aspects. This collaboration has been key to SPOT's progress, but it took several attempts and partnerships to find the right fit.
Daniel also addresses the difficulties of attracting investors and building a marketplace without charging restaurants commission fees. He plans to list 3,000 restaurants on the platform for free as part of a data-driven trial to prove SPOT’s value to potential clients. The long-term goal is to use this data to demonstrate the platform’s effectiveness in driving customer engagement and improving restaurant visibility. Daniel’s vision for SPOT extends beyond local markets, with plans for international expansion and a commission-based revenue model that incentivizes users to engage with the platform.
In closing, Daniel reflects on the importance of finding the right co-founder, sharing his personal experiences with challenging partnerships. He highlights the need for aligned visions and mutual trust to ensure long-term success. Despite the obstacles, Daniel remains optimistic about SPOT's potential to scale globally, hoping to integrate payment tracking systems and develop the platform into the go-to solution for restaurant bookings worldwide. His story serves as a valuable lesson for aspiring entrepreneurs about the importance of perseverance, collaboration, and clear strategic direction.

Future-Proofing Health Tech: MVP Strategies for Lasting Success! | Ep 177 | DevReady Podcast

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, Anthony Sapountzis welcomes Steven Whittington, Founder & CEO of My Health Match and the Head of Operations (Fractional) of The Mind Room, to discuss the evolving landscape of health tech. Steven shares his journey from cloud computing to revolutionising healthcare practices through innovative tech solutions. Together, they explore the challenges of scaling health tech startups, the importance of data interoperability, and the critical role of collaboration between technical and non-technical founders. Packed with valuable insights, this episode offers practical advice for navigating the complex intersection of healthcare and technology.
Steven shares his extensive journey into the health tech space, beginning with his early career focused on health and cloud computing. He discusses his role in revolutionising a psychology practice by implementing cloud-based solutions, which significantly contributed to its growth. Steven also touches on data security challenges and the need for seamless data sharing in healthcare, leading him into product management and health tech innovation.
Throughout the episode, Steven discusses the evolution of health tech, especially the acceleration of cloud adoption during the pandemic and the growing focus on data interoperability. He highlights the importance of standards like FHIR (Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources) for improving medical data sharing. However, despite progress, many legacy systems still hinder effective data transfer, particularly in allied health sectors. Steven sees the future of healthcare relying on the ability to break down data silos and create more connected, interoperable systems that prioritize patient care.
Steven and Anthony also delve into the challenges of adopting new technologies within the healthcare and dental sectors. Clinics are often hesitant to modernise due to high costs and potential workflow disruptions. The conversation underscores the complexities of integrating new systems with legacy hardware while ensuring data privacy. For startups in the health tech space, Steven emphasizes the need to think about long-term scalability and integration early on, cautioning against building hardcoded solutions that will require costly overhauls in the future.
 
In a key segment, Steven shares practical advice for non-technical founders looking to enter the health tech space. He urges them to collaborate with experienced tech partners, conduct thorough research, and prioritize scalable solutions from the start. Rushing to release a minimally viable product without considering scalability or compliance can lead to expensive rework. Both Steven and Anthony agree that balancing customer demands with practical product development is essential, and founders should remain focused on their core product vision to avoid unnecessary complexity and distractions.