In this engaging episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Andrew Romeo sits down with Serena Lam, Founder and CEO of Fuzzy Sequence, to explore her inspiring journey from a career in finance to becoming a tech entrepreneur. Serena shares her experiences working at IBM, where she discovered a passion for design thinking and innovation, and reflects on the lessons learned from her early ventures. She provides valuable insights into building customer-centric products, validating ideas, and transforming the sales process through automation and creativity. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating the challenges of startups, product development, and customer-focused innovation.

Serena reflects on her early career, guided by her mother's encouragement to pursue finance, which opened the doors to a seven-year tenure at IBM. There, she explored roles in strategy and AI, developing a deep passion for design thinking and innovation. Her experience working on cutting-edge projects shaped her entrepreneurial mindset and approach to solving real-world problems with creativity and determination.

Serena delves into the importance of aligning product strategy with customer feedback, particularly for startups. She challenges the conventional notion that strategy comes first, instead advocating for a dynamic approach shaped by understanding customer needs. Serena candidly shares lessons from her earlier failed ventures in B2C, which ultimately led her to identify a critical gap in sales automation tools. By focusing on creating customer-driven solutions, she rapidly developed a prototype that attracted immediate interest, demonstrating the power of listening to and addressing genuine market demands.

The conversation moves to Serena’s insights on product development and validation. She highlights the value of testing early with high-fidelity prototypes and employing methods like the "Wizard of Oz" approach, where processes are manually executed until automation is ready. Serena stresses the importance of gauging customer interest by charging for the product, even in its early stages, as a means of validation. For her, consistent customer feedback and iterative improvements are vital to success. She also emphasises the role of exceptional customer service in distinguishing startups, fostering trust and making users feel genuinely valued.

Fuzzy Sequence’s mission is to transform sales by eliminating mundane administrative tasks, enabling sales professionals to focus on meaningful relationship-building. Serena shares how their platform offers a comprehensive solution that integrates multiple sales tools into one streamlined system. By automating and personalising sales messaging, the platform allows users to connect more effectively while reducing repetitive work. Her ultimate vision is to make the sales process more creative and rewarding by eliminating unnecessary friction.

Andrew and Serena also touch on the importance of trust and empathy in sales, discussing how a customer-first approach fosters genuine connections and mutual value. Serena explains how helping customers drives her passion for B2B, as it allows for deeper, more impactful relationships compared to B2C. Looking ahead, she outlines Fuzzy Sequence’s plans for growth, including raising additional funding and building a robust team to deliver meaningful, scalable solutions.

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis  is joined by Landon Kahn, CEO and Principal Advisor at SolSombra. Landon brings a wealth of knowledge from his 17 years in the startup world, offering a compelling insight into the growth strategies that have shaped his career. From his early days a solar startup to expanding the company into a thriving business generating over $60 million in revenue, Landon discusses the challenges, resilience, and innovations that have been key to his success. He also shares how stepping down from his CEO role led him to found SolSombra, a consultancy that helps businesses navigate growth, strategy, and sustainability.

Throughout the conversation, Landon reflects on his experience in sales and leadership, particularly in the solar industry. He recounts a memorable moment when a client initially dismissed solar as a "snake oil" business, only to later become a strong advocate after experiencing its value. This highlights Landon’s ability to turn scepticism into opportunity—a skill he honed during his transition from a senior leadership position in a large solar company to becoming CEO of a smaller firm. He speaks about the challenges of managing a flat organisational structure, where fostering an open-door culture allowed him to stay closely connected with the team and enhance communication across all levels.

Landon also discusses the key takeaways that led him to shift into consulting. He shares the three main lessons from his entrepreneurial journey: the complexities of business growth, the ups and downs of running a company, and the vital role of people in driving success. His passion for consulting comes from the ability to leverage his vast experience to solve problems and provide fresh perspectives for various businesses. As a consultant, he enjoys offering flexible solutions, from project-based go-to-market strategies to long-term advisory roles, emphasising the importance of iterative processes in business development.

In the latter part of the episode, Landon outlines his approach to business strategy, focusing on the significance of data-driven decisions and continuous testing. He introduces the concept of a "pre-mortem"—a technique that involves forecasting potential pitfalls before executing initiatives. This strategy allows businesses to adapt quickly and refine their tactics, whether it's in marketing or product development. Landon also shares examples of unconventional marketing approaches, such as sending rubber feet to B2B decision-makers to attract attention, despite the tactic not leading to direct sales. His message is clear: successful businesses embrace scalable strategies and utilise available resources, including freelance expertise, to accelerate growth.

Landon wraps up the discussion with some invaluable advice for businesses seeking growth and making better decisions. He stresses the importance of understanding your ideal client profile (ICP) and maintaining a customer-centric approach to drive meaningful growth. He also highlights the significance of observing competitors, not to copy them, but to learn from their successes. Finally, Landon reiterates the importance of planning, advising businesses to conduct "pre-mortems" before launching new initiatives and to review performance post-execution. With a balanced approach to strategy and decision-making, businesses can position themselves for sustainable success.

In this engaging episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Andrew Romeo  welcomes Timothy Toner, Founder and CEO of Affinda Group, to delve into the remarkable story behind the company’s creation and growth. Tim shares his journey from a demanding investment banking career to building a globally successful tech enterprise alongside his brother, Dr. Ben Toner. Starting in a small two-bedroom apartment near Melbourne University, the duo channelled their frustration with inefficient document management into a thriving business. Over 12 years, Affinda has grown to serve 1,500 clients across 75 countries, demonstrating resilience, innovation, and the power of assembling a skilled and values-aligned team.

Tim outlines Affinda’s product-led growth strategy, which eliminated the need for a traditional salesforce for seven years. Drawing inspiration from Atlassian, the company prioritised user-friendly products, robust online support, and seamless customer experiences to reduce friction in the sales process. By leveraging a strong Google PageRank and intuitive web design, Affinda attracted clients globally, proving that a well-crafted product and thoughtful digital presence can drive customer acquisition at scale. This approach highlights the significance of listening to customer feedback and adapting products to meet their needs while navigating challenges like privacy and data security.

At the heart of Affinda’s success lies its focus on cultivating a values-driven team. Tim emphasises the importance of complementary skills and maintaining a scalable, engaging culture. As the company grows, he stresses the need for hiring experienced professionals to tackle complexities and prepare for future challenges. Nurturing learning and development within the team has been a key factor in fostering engagement and aligning the workforce with the company’s long-term vision, ensuring sustainable growth and adaptability.

Funding has been another critical element in Affinda’s journey. Tim reveals their unconventional strategy of bootstrapping for the first ten years through a capital markets advisory business, Vesparum, which provided free cash flow to fuel R&D and growth. When they later raised $25 million in external funding, they opted for a straightforward structure with high-net-worth individuals and family offices, ensuring sustainable scaling. Tim underscores the importance of measured growth, cautioning against rapid expansion without the right infrastructure or leadership in place.

Tim also discusses Affinda Group’s multi-brand strategy, which encompasses three distinct businesses: Affinda, Draftable, and Vesparum. Each brand addresses unique market needs, from document automation to legal comparison tools and tech-enabled investment banking. Tim highlights the synergy between these brands, showcasing how their combined strengths enhance investor value and drive innovation. His commitment to excellence, trust-building, and maintaining high standards across all operations reflects the principles that have guided Affinda’s success.

In closing, Tim reflects on the evolving nature of leadership and the balance between personal and professional life as a business owner. He shares the advantages of having a co-founder with complementary skills, which has been instrumental in navigating the complexities of running a company. Through strategic vision, a strong team, and a customer-focused approach, Affinda continues to carve out its place as a leader in document automation and innovation.

In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Andrew Romeo welcomes Craig Johns, a 10x National Sport Champion; International Coach; CEO & Managing Partner at Speakers Institute Corporate and; a High Performance Leadership Expert at NRG2Perform. Craig also hosts “Inspiring Great Leaders Podcast”. In this episode, Andrew sits with Craig to discuss his journey from a rural upbringing in New Zealand to a dynamic career in sports, business, and coaching. Craig shares how growing up on a farm instilled in him resilience, self-reliance, and a strong work ethic—qualities that propelled him to represent New Zealand in field hockey and triathlon, even while facing serious heart issues. Driven by a lifelong curiosity to understand why people aren’t "healthier, happier, and hungrier for success," Craig has dedicated his career to coaching and leadership development, providing valuable insights into the art of leading and motivating others. In this episode, Craig shares powerful insights on leading with purpose, building resilience, and creating a culture of continuous improvement.

Craig explores the importance of cultivating a "hunger for success" mindset, especially in high-performance coaching. He explains that growth and improvement often arise from moments of discomfort, where individuals are encouraged to push beyond their perceived limits. Leaders, he notes, play a crucial role in fostering this mindset by asking thought-provoking questions and creating a supportive, yet challenging, environment. By disrupting comfort zones, leaders can help individuals break old habits, form new pathways, and find renewed motivation to reach their highest potential.

Drawing from his experience in sports, Craig delves into the role of resilience, high standards, and supportive mentorship in achieving peak performance. He stresses that genuine success is often driven by the people around us, who challenge us to go beyond our limits. Craig illustrates the power of vision by referencing elite sports teams like the All-Blacks, underscoring that true high performance requires "changing the game" rather than just performing well. He emphasises setting minimum standards—or a "negative vision"—that teams must not fall below, alongside aspirational goals, to maintain a high-performance culture and prevent backsliding into complacency.

Craig further explains the three essential components of effective change leadership: urgency, clarity, and visualization. Urgency inspires immediate action, while clarity ensures the message is easily understood, removing potential obstacles to engagement. Visualisation, he argues, helps people imagine the future state of change, making them more likely to believe in and pursue it. Effective leaders use storytelling to paint vivid mental images of the future, motivating their teams to embrace and contribute to the vision.

Finally, Craig shares his passion for storytelling and podcasting, which he considers powerful tools for leadership and personal growth. His podcast, Inspiring Great Leaders, celebrates the unique journeys of champions, innovators, and leaders from diverse fields. Through these conversations, Craig uncovers the extraordinary within everyday people, highlighting the valuable lessons each person’s story holds. His insights on storytelling reveal that, with practice and coaching, anyone can learn to inspire change, connect with others, and leave a lasting impact.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.