You have the idea. You know there is a problem worth solving. But how do you actually get from concept to a working product without burning through time and money? In this episode, Sooz Young speaks with Ceri Shaw, founder of Thistle Labs, about the practical steps involved in turning a business app idea into something real.

You will learn what most first-time app builders get wrong and how to avoid it, how to validate your idea before you spend anything on development, and what the role of a CTO actually looks like for early-stage businesses.

If you have an idea sitting in your head that you have not acted on yet, this episode will help you take the next step.

🧠 Take the free Digital Mindset Quiz to find your digital strengths at technologycoachingonline.com/quiz

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Digital Dominators and Tech Ideas

02:29 Understanding the Role of a CTO

03:25 The Concept of Fractional CTOs

06:00 The Importance of Early Tech Guidance

07:07 Working with Startups and Scale-ups

09:22 The Value of Knowledge Sharing in Tech

11:52 Connecting Tools and People for Solutions

12:38 Narrowing Down Startup Ideas

15:36 Testing Ideas with Low-Cost Solutions

18:26 Common Mistakes Startups Make

19:55 Mitigating Risks in Tech Development

21:25 Changing Mindsets Around Technology

22:50 Leveraging Familiar Tools for Innovation

23:32 Finding the Right Technical Partner

27:21 Embracing Curiosity in Tech

27:40 Inclusive Innovation in Tech Development

30:23 The Future of Tech: Creativity Meets Technology

34:22 Staying Motivated in Tech

36:11 Career Pathways into Tech

40:39 Building Effective App Solutions

KEY TAKEAWAYS

– Ceri Shaw helps non-technical founders bring tech ideas to life.

– A fractional CTO provides expertise without full-time costs.

– Startups should begin with small, testable solutions.

– Inclusive innovation involves diverse perspectives in tech development.

– Common mistakes include jumping straight into development without testing ideas.

– Finding the right technical partner is crucial for success.

– Curiosity and continuous learning are essential in tech.

– Diversity in tech leads to better problem-solving and innovation.

– Mentorship can provide valuable guidance for startups.

– Using existing tools can save time and resources in app development.

RESOURCES SHARED

– ⁠https://www.thistle-labs.com/⁠

– ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceri-shaw/⁠

– ⁠https://www.thistle-labs.com/pricing-and-plans⁠

🎉 Join the Digital Dominators Community (Free Access)

Love what you’re learning on the podcast? Want to go further?

👾 Join the Digital Dominators Community, your next step to mastering the tools, tech, and strategies that will grow your business online.

As a member, you’ll get:

✅ Free access to the Social Media Prompt Calendar

✅ Member-only toolkits, templates, and training

✅ Early access to events, workshops, and courses

✅ A supportive space to connect, learn, and grow

✅ Behind-the-scenes insights from podcast guests

👉 Join for free now: https://technologycoachingonline.com/digital-dominators/

Let’s make tech easier, marketing smarter, and visibility second nature.

AD SEGMENT

Try ⁠ElevenLabs⁠ today and bring your words to life. Head over to ⁠allmylink.me/tcelevenlabs⁠⁠