Day One®

In this episode of In the Blink of AI, Georgie Healy speaks with Sha-mayne Chan, co-founder of Friyay, a startup dedicated to transforming small businesses with AI-driven solutions. Friyay makes businesses say, "Thank God It’s Friyay!" by automating tedious tasks, improving efficiency, and freeing up time for what matters most. Sha-mayne shares insights on human-centred design, her journey from graphic design to AI innovation, and practical tips for AI adoption. Tune in to learn how Friyay’s tools simplify operations, streamline lead generation, and help small businesses feel like every day is a productive Friday.

00:19 – Welcome and introduction to Sha-mayne Chan of Friyay.

01:28 – The story behind Friyay and its mission to make businesses say, "Thank God It’s Friyay!"

03:41 – How Friyay automates SMB tasks with AI-driven tools.

05:12 – The importance of human-centred design in AI solutions.

07:09 – Real-time productivity tools: Otter.ai and their role in simplifying workflows.

09:07 – Case studies: Automating proposals and streamlining lead generation.

12:31 – Challenges and opportunities in building an AI-driven startup.

18:34 – Metrics for success: Time saved and productivity gains for SMBs.

24:05 – Overcoming AI nervousness: Strategies for SMB adoption.

30:40 – Sha-mayne’s journey from graphic designer to AI entrepreneur.

43:39 – Closing thoughts and an introduction to Friyay’s newsletter

Human-Centred AI Design: Sha-mayne highlights the importance of designing AI solutions that align with user needs and their journey, ensuring maximum value.

Streamlining Business Operations: From lead generation to automated proposal creation, Friyay uses AI to reduce administrative burdens and boost efficiency.

Adoption Strategies for SMBs: Start small, focus on priority tasks, and experiment with AI tools to ensure a smooth and effective integration.

Overcoming AI Hesitation: Education, transparency, and practical experimentation are key to addressing nervousness about AI adoption among Australian SMBs.

Sha-mayne Chan: "Our mission at Friyay is to set small businesses on autopilot so they can focus on what truly matters—whether that’s growth, creativity, or spending more time with their families."

Georgie Healy: "It’s incredible how a tool like Otter.ai can change workflows, saving hours and letting people focus on higher-value activities."

Sha-mayne Chan: "Australians are among the most hesitant globally about AI, but with education and the right tools, we can overcome that fear and harness its power."

Sha-mayne Chan: "Every day should feel like a Friday—you’ve achieved so much that you can end the day on a high note."

Sha-mayne Chan: "AI isn’t about replacing people; it’s about augmenting and improving what we do, making work more efficient and freeing up time for what matters."

Mentioned in this episode:

Deel x PX_Post Intro

In this episode of Secured, host Cole Cornford chats with Neha Malik, Head of Product Security at REA Group, about building and scaling effective application security (AppSec) programs. They delve into the importance of empathy, communication, and relationship-building between security teams and developers. Neha shares her journey from a Microsoft graduate program, through external consulting at KPMG, and into her current leadership role. They discuss making security easy for engineers, managing security champions programs with realistic expectations, and learning from other disciplines—like psychology and marketing—to better influence and engage stakeholders. Neha and Cole also highlight how tailoring approach and tooling can differ for startups and large enterprises, and emphasise that collaboration, not confrontation, leads to long-term AppSec success.

00:20 - Neha’s Role at REA Group and Positive AppSec Outcomes

01:30 - Starting a Career in Security at Microsoft’s Grad Program

05:45 - Building an AppSec Program from Scratch at REA

10:00 - Startups: Embedding Security in Tools Over Heavy Process

14:40 - Security Champions Programs: Value, Expectations, and Incentives

20:25 - Learning from Other Disciplines (e.g., Psychology) to Influence Teams

Mentioned in this episode:

Call for Feedback

🌍 Join Mick Liubinskas from Climate Salad as he interviews Dan Barber, co-founder of DNA Energy, a pioneering startup driving the energy transition through cutting-edge solutions!

Discover how DNA Energy is revolutionising energy management with innovative hardware and software that integrate renewable assets, optimise energy efficiency, and monetise demand response programs. Dan shares insights into their journey from startup challenges to scaling, the critical role of economic incentives in sustainability, and strategies for expanding globally.

🎯 Key Topics:

• The DNA Energy founding story

• Overcoming challenges in energy transition

• Economic drivers of sustainability adoption

• Collaboration with energy retailers and utilities

• Global market expansion strategies

• Business model innovation in climate tech

• Building the right team and fostering collaboration

⏱️ Timeline:

00:00 Introduction to the Episode and DNA Energy’s Mission

01:10 The Big Benefits of DNA Energy’s Solutions for Businesses

03:05 Where We Are in the Energy Transition Journey

05:09 Overcoming First-Mover Challenges and Gaining Traction

07:17 Why Economic Viability Drives Sustainability Decisions

12:08 Business Model Innovation and Scaling with Retailers

14:45 Global Market Nuances and DNA Energy’s U.S. Expansion

19:17 Collaboration in the Climate Tech Industry

21:35 Building the Right Team: Hiring Gradual Growth and Systems Thinking

26:27 Breaking into Climate Tech Without Traditional Credentials

🌍 Ready to discover more innovative climate tech solutions? Here's what you can do:

▶️ SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode featuring amazing founders solving climate challenges! → https://www.youtube.com/@climatesalad3378?sub_confirmation=1

🎧 Follow The Mix on your favorite podcast platform to listen on the go → https://the-mix-fm.captivate.fm/listen

📧 Visit dayone.fm/shows/the-mix/newsletter and sign up for our newsletter to have these stories delivered straight to your inbox

🔄 Share this episode with others who care about climate innovation!

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The Mix is part of the Day One podcast network - dedicated to founders, operators and investors building a better tomorrow.

🌐 Website: https://dayone.fm/

The Mix is powered by Climate Salad. Join the Australian

Climate Tech Community.

Together, we help Australian companies build innovations to solve global environmental problems.

🌐 Website: https://climatesalad.com/

In this special replay of our most popular episode of the year, Cheryl and Maxine sit down with Michael Batko, CEO of Startmate, to explore the transformative power of early-stage investing and community-driven entrepreneurship. From hardware startups to non-alcoholic beer companies, Batko shares how Startmate pushes boundaries, backs ambitious founders, and builds a thriving startup ecosystem in Australia and New Zealand. Discover how Startmate evolved from software-focused investments to a diversified portfolio across industries, leveraging the collective power of mentors and founders. Gain practical insights into crafting investment theses, fostering innovation, and redefining venture capital through collaboration and bold thinking. Whether you’re revisiting this conversation or tuning in for the first time, get ready for plenty of actionable advice and behind-the-scenes stories that shaped one of our most downloaded episodes of 2024. Enjoy the replay!

00:00 Introduction and background on Michael Batko and Startmate.

02:36 Startmate’s investment thesis and evolution into hardware and non-traditional startups.

07:59 The role of community and mentors in early-stage investing.

14:19 Insights into the Continuity Fund and its benefits for alumni companies.

23:09 The importance of equity and carry in the Australian startup ecosystem.

34:09 Startmate’s unique approach to portfolio construction and decision-making.

42:07 Lessons learned from non-consensus investments like Heaps Normal.

48:36 Michael Batko’s "Big Cojones" moment and reflections on bold decisions.

1. "It’s not about what’s probable; it’s about what’s possible." – Michael Batko

2. "Backing the hungry, not the proven, is at the heart of what we do." – Michael Batko

3. "Would you want to work for this founder? That question reveals everything." – Michael Batko

4. "The biggest mistake in VC isn’t losing money—it’s missing the one company that could be massive." – Michael Batko

5. "Startmate is built on two core principles: giving the community a job and skin in the game." – Michael Batko

No-Code Tools:

• Airtable

• Notion

• Softr

• Pory

Heaps Normal

Eucalyptus – Guide to Employee Share Options (ESOP)

Cake Equity – Equity and ESOP Calculator

Deel: Global hiring and payroll can be a headache. Deel brings HR, IT and payroll together in one platform, helping companies including Shopify, Revolut and ElevenLabs scale internationally.

Ready to expand your business?

Build your global team with Deel at deel.com/dayone.

___

Pear Tree: Pear Tree helps Australian and New Zealand founders build high-performing offshore teams without the agency middleman.

As local hiring becomes more expensive and harder to fill, many operators are turning to offshore talent across engineering, development, marketing, accounting and operations at a fraction of local salary costs.

The offshore horror stories you hear usually aren’t a talent problem. They’re the result of outsourcing agencies that overcharge clients while underpaying staff. Pear Tree takes a different approach through a direct, transparent model where your team is paid fairly, fully compliant, and focused entirely on your business.

As part of the Day One community, you’ll receive a free team audit to identify where offshore talent could move the needle in your business, plus 20% off your first hire. Learn more at http://dayone.fm/peartree

To learn more, join our newsletter to be notified of new First Cheque episodes and upcoming shows.

Mentioned in this episode:

Deel x PX_Script 1

🌿 Join Mick Liubinskas from Climate Salad as he interviews Lucie Semenec, co-founder and CEO of Newera Bio, a groundbreaking startup revolutionizing textile dyes!

Discover how Lucie transformed her academic research into an innovative business creating sustainable microbial dyes to replace harmful fossil fuel-based alternatives. Learn about their journey through UNSW Founders 10x Accelerator, partnerships with Main Sequence Ventures, and exciting plans for global impact.

🎯 Key Topics:

• The founding story of Newera Bio

• Challenges and breakthroughs in sustainable dye development

• Environmental impact of textile dyes

• Startup accelerator experience

• Funding and mentorship journey

• Global expansion plans

• Team collaboration and industry insights

⏱️ Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Greetings

00:24 Founding Story of Newera Bio

01:15 Challenges with Natural Dyes

03:17 Impact of Textile Dyes on the Environment

05:16 Experience with UNSW Accelerator

08:32 Support from Main Sequence Ventures

12:36 Global Growth Program and Future Plans

33:28 Team and Collaboration

36:11 Conclusion and Contact Information

🌍 Ready to discover more innovative climate tech solutions? Here's what you can do:

▶️ SUBSCRIBE to never miss an episode featuring amazing founders solving climate challenges! → https://www.youtube.com/@climatesalad3378?sub_confirmation=1

🎧 Follow The Mix on your favorite podcast platform to listen on the go → https://the-mix-fm.captivate.fm/listen

📧 Visit dayone.fm/shows/the-mix/newsletter and sign up for our newsletter to have these stories delivered straight to your inbox

🔄 Share this episode with others who care about climate innovation!

---

The Mix is part of the Day One podcast network - dedicated to founders, operators and investors building a better tomorrow.

🌐 Website: https://dayone.fm/

The Mix is powered by Climate Salad. Join the Australian

Climate Tech Community.

Together, we help Australian companies build innovations to solve global environmental problems.

🌐 Website: https://climatesalad.com/

In this episode of "In the Blink of AI," host Georgie Healy engages with Riccardo Grinover, Senior Product Manager and AI Specialist at Leonardo AI. Riccardo delves into the transformative journey of Leonardo AI from its inception using off-the-shelf models to becoming a pioneer in custom AI models like the Phoenix. They explore the intricate balance between rapid innovation and maintaining high-quality outputs, the strategic role of AI researchers in pushing the envelope of what's possible, and how real-time image generation is revolutionising user interaction. The discussion also covers the impact of Leonardo's acquisition by Canva, envisioning a future where generative AI tools are even more accessible and integrated into creative workflows. Whether you're an AI enthusiast or a professional in the field, this conversation offers deep insights into the challenges and triumphs of developing cutting-edge AI technologies.

00:00 – Introduction and Leonardo's early model development

02:24 – Leonardo's image and video generation capabilities

05:29 – The role of a Senior Product Manager in AI development

07:45 – Challenges of real-time image generation

11:01 – The development and impact of the Phoenix model

14:13 – Real-time interactions with AI models

19:09 – The synergy and future prospects post Canva acquisition

23:26 – The balance between rapid release cycles and quality assurance

26:26 – Discussing the role of AI researchers at Leonardo

33:35 – The evolution of computational needs for AI models

42:09 – Addressing technical challenges in AI product management

46:07 – Riccardo reflects on the Canva acquisition and its benefits

50:01 – Rapid fire questions: Model priorities, the potential of AGI, and admiration for AI startups

57:59 – Final thoughts and the future of Leonardo AI under Canva

"Building our own AI models allowed us to stay at the forefront of technology and ensure our tools were tailored to the creative processes of our users." – Riccardo Grinover

"The acquisition by Canva has empowered us to push boundaries further and faster, ensuring that Leonardo AI continues to lead in generative AI." – Riccardo Grinover

"Real-time image generation has not just changed the workflow but transformed how users perceive and interact with AI, making it a collaborative tool rather than just a service." – Riccardo Grinover

"We aim to democratise AI in creative industries, making it accessible not just to engineers but to artists and creators across the globe." – Riccardo Grinover

Weekly Substack: https://georgiehealy.substack.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georginahealy/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georginahealytech/

In The Blink of AI is part of Day One, the podcast network dedicated to founders, operators & investors.

Sign up to get your weekly insights into the up-and-coming AI startups: https://dayone.fm/newsletter

Founders scale faster on Deel. Set up payroll for any country in minutes, hire anyone anywhere, and get visas handled fast, so you stay focused on scaling. Deel takes care of onboarding, HR, IT, EOR, benefits, and compliance, so your team can grow without borders.

It’s why more than 40,000 fast-growing companies trust Deel to move fast.

Visit https://www.deel.com/dayone

Mentioned in this episode:

Deel x PX_Post Intro

In this special christmas episode of Secured, Cole Cornford does something a little different to usual and answers listener questions. Lots of topics are covered, including new years resolutions, cybersecurity trends of 2024, career and life advice, and plenty more. 

A huge thank you to everyone who sent in questions! We had so many responses that we weren't able to get to all of them. Let us know if you enjoy this format and we may do it again in the future.

1:00 - Cole's thoughts on new year's resolutions 

3:00 - Cole's experiences working in large organisations

13:30 - Critical cybersecurity steps for organisations in 2025

20:30 - Using security tools to protect APIs

26:20 - Protecting against supply chain attacks

36:20 - Cole's perspective on DevSecOps

40:50 - Trends of 2024

50:40 - Diversity in the cybersecurity industry 

1:01:02 - ASPM tools

1:13:20 - Why Cole enjoys making the podcast

1:21:00 - Life advice that has stayed with Cole

Mentioned in this episode:

Call for Feedback

In this year-end wrap-up, Cheryl and Maxine reflect on 2024’s venture landscape, from shifting investor sentiment to the lingering effects of the zero-interest era. They dig into the rise in early-stage investments, the resurgence of AI enthusiasm, and the cautious optimism permeating the ecosystem. With equal doses of hindsight and foresight, they offer spicy predictions for 2025: from a potential surge in IPOs to the possibility of a one-person billion-dollar startup. If you’re looking for unfiltered commentary on liquidity, the fate of AI hype, and what lies ahead for the Australian and global tech markets, this episode covers it all—plus a healthy side of debate and laughter.

00:00 Introduction & Annual Wrap-Up Setup

00:21 Reflecting on Last Year's Predictions & Risk Appetite Shift

01:50 Investor Sentiment & Early-Stage Deal Growth

03:06 ChatGPT Adoption & AI’s Embedded Productivity Gains

05:00 Liquidity’s Return: M&A, Secondaries & Early Exits

07:30 Increased Angel Activity & “Learning Checks” Trend

09:20 Discussing Worst Investor Terms & Founder-Friendly Boundaries

10:47 The State of IPO Markets, Political Shifts & Macro Effects

12:40 AI Acceleration, Productivity Tools & Future Potential

14:10 Spicy 2025 Predictions: IPOs, One-Person Billion-Dollar Startups & Bubble Cycles

17:00 Final Takeaways, Lessons Learned & Maintaining Optimism

• Gradual Investor Confidence Rebuild: Despite a tough few years, investor sentiment improved slightly in 2024, with more early-stage deals and smaller check sizes indicating a return of risk appetite.
• More Angels, More Checks: The Australian ecosystem saw a surge in angels writing “learning checks,” reflecting a more portfolio-minded approach among first-time investors.
• AI’s Permanent Footing: AI is here to stay, with everyday products increasingly integrating it for productivity gains. While some skeptics remain, the hosts firmly believe AI isn’t a passing fad.
• M&A and IPO Prospects: Early-stage M&A activity is up and liquidity events may increase if certain geopolitical and economic shifts occur. While 2024 saw incremental gains, 2025 may bring either a return to “bubble” conditions or a more measured growth environment.
• Spicy Predictions for 2025: From a potential billion-dollar one-person startup to a high-profile AI company collapse, the hosts don’t hold back on bold forecasts.

Programs like the Climate Salad Global Growth Program and BuildClub (discussed as ecosystem examples)

“We are seeing a lot more risk appetite at the earlier stages, which tells me there are more early stage companies getting funded.” – Cheryl

“I think we will see a high profile AI company collapse next year.” – Cheryl on her bold 2025 prediction

“My spicy take: You cannot build a generational company in a year.” – Maxine

“AI is here to stay—it's not a fad, it’s going to be integrated into everything.” – Cheryl

Deel: Global hiring and payroll can be a headache. Deel brings HR, IT and payroll together in one platform, helping companies including Shopify, Revolut and ElevenLabs scale internationally.

Ready to expand your business?

Build your global team with Deel at deel.com/dayone.

___

Pear Tree: Pear Tree helps Australian and New Zealand founders build high-performing offshore teams without the agency middleman.

As local hiring becomes more expensive and harder to fill, many operators are turning to offshore talent across engineering, development, marketing, accounting and operations at a fraction of local salary costs.

The offshore horror stories you hear usually aren’t a talent problem. They’re the result of outsourcing agencies that overcharge clients while underpaying staff. Pear Tree takes a different approach through a direct, transparent model where your team is paid fairly, fully compliant, and focused entirely on your business.

As part of the Day One community, you’ll receive a free team audit to identify where offshore talent could move the needle in your business, plus 20% off your first hire. Learn more at http://dayone.fm/peartree

To learn more, join our newsletter to be notified of new First Cheque episodes and upcoming shows.

Mentioned in this episode:

Deel x PX_Script 1

In this episode of In the Blink of AI, host Georgie Healy speaks with Annie Liao, founder of BuildClub, an AI-focused community and learning platform. Annie shares the journey from a weekend coworking group to a thriving ecosystem helping over a thousand founders and engineers learn, build, and grow in AI. They discuss why technical founders often struggle with customer validation, how AI is reducing barriers to entry for startups, and the importance of diversity, inclusion, and accessible education. From partnering with frontier dev tools to envisioning a future where anyone can build with AI, Annie’s insights paint a picture of a rapidly evolving landscape. If you’ve ever considered launching an AI project or up-skilling to meet the new era’s demands, this episode is a must-listen.

01:10 – Origins of BuildClub and its community roots

05:30 – From side projects to funded ventures: success stories

09:45 – Why technical founders need to talk to customers early

14:20 – Partnering with AI dev tools and building a learning platform

19:00 – The future of AI education: career tracks and global reach

24:15 – Diversity, inclusion, and safe AI practices

30:00 – Advice for Aussie founders and connecting with the US market

• Claude by Anthropic – Recommended AI chatbot tool

• Cohere – AI language model provider collaborating with BuildClub’s curriculum

• Various Dev Tools (e.g., Blend. ai) featured in BuildClub’s learning modules

"If you had to hire three software engineers before, now you might only need one armed with Copilot or Cursor, and they’ll deliver the same output." – Annie Liao

"There’s a saying now that English is almost like the new coding language—AI tools let you build without traditional code." – Annie Liao

"Building a startup is just surviving and not giving up. Resilience matters more than almost anything else." – Annie Liao

"If there’s any time to jump into AI, it’s now—don’t wait until everyone else is ahead." – Annie Liao

Weekly Substack: https://georgiehealy.substack.com/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georginahealy/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/georginahealytech/

In The Blink of AI is part of Day One, the podcast network dedicated to founders, operators & investors.

Sign up to get your weekly insights into the up-and-coming AI startups: https://dayone.fm/newsletter

Founders scale faster on Deel. Set up payroll for any country in minutes, hire anyone anywhere, and get visas handled fast, so you stay focused on scaling. Deel takes care of onboarding, HR, IT, EOR, benefits, and compliance, so your team can grow without borders.

It’s why more than 40,000 fast-growing companies trust Deel to move fast.

Visit https://www.deel.com/dayone

Mentioned in this episode:

Deel x PX_Post Intro

Discover how Immutable's Head of People, Ami Patel, tackled startup compensation challenges by blending transparency, data-driven strategies, and a pay-for-talent philosophy to build trust and support a high-performance culture — as well as what to do when your nascent industry has no benchmarking data.