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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