In this episode of The Friday Habit, Mark chats with Benjamin Johnson, serial tech co-founder and founder of Particle 41. With over two decades in software development, DevOps, and startup building, Ben shares hard-earned lessons on what it really takes to lead successful tech initiatives—from bootstrapping SaaS platforms to advising CEOs on digital strategy.

They dig into the evolution of AI, the risk of overengineering, and how founders can use time-tested principles like quarterly planning, intentionality, and simplicity to build smarter—not harder. Plus, Ben explains how he turned 1,000+ unread LinkedIn messages into 10 real leads in 30 minutes using AI.

If you're an entrepreneur, CTO, or creative leader navigating the tech landscape, this episode will challenge you to rethink complexity, lead with clarity, and focus on what truly matters.

💡 Takeaways:

1. You don’t need all the answers—you need a clear intention and a small next step.
2. “Stage-appropriate decisions” help you avoid overbuilding and stay lean.
3. AI is powerful, but not all tech is good tech—discernment is key.
4. Quarterly planning (vs. annual) creates focus and drives momentum.
5. Founders should demystify the tech—not hide behind it.
6. Artificial relationships and overreliance on digital environments pose risks to younger generations.
7. Building niche products (like Brevo vs. HubSpot) shows there’s still room for thoughtful innovation.
8. Use “future language” with your team to unlock possibility and performance.
9. Vector embeddings and AI search can turn customer data into real insights.
10. Great leadership focuses on intention and empowers teams to figure out the how.

🔗 Connect with Ben:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjaminjohnson/

https://particle41.com

📚 Learn More:

Visit TheFridayHabit.com for show notes, resources, and to download the free guide on working on your business—not just in it.

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