Ctrl Alt Dev

MonkeyPants Productions
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Ctrl Alt Dev is a podcast for software founders, digital leaders and curious builders navigating the fast-changing world of tech, AI, and business. Hosted by two veteran tech founders, Paul Rhodes & Sean Sale. each episode cuts through the hype with honest conversations, sharp war stories, and frameworks that actually work. Expect real talk on pricing, project chaos, automation, and scaling, all designed to help you build smarter, lead better, and stay sane.

  1. Episode #15 - Navigating AI in 2026: Opportunities and Challenges

    16 JAN

    Episode #15 - Navigating AI in 2026: Opportunities and Challenges

    In this episode, Sean and Paul discuss the challenges and opportunities that AI presents for businesses in 2026. They reflect on the fears surrounding AI and the importance of embracing it as a tool for productivity. The conversation covers the 10-80-10 rule, which emphasizes the role of humans in strategy and quality control while AI handles the execution. They also explore practical applications of AI in business planning, financial projections, and establishing accountability through AI agents. The episode concludes with a discussion on the future of AI in business and the regulatory landscape. Takeaways AI is a tool for productivity, not a replacement. The 10-80-10 rule redefines roles in business. Use AI for critical analysis, not decision-making. Establish accountability with AI agents. Data-driven insights are crucial for decision-making. Weekly course corrections can enhance business success. Profit is essential for innovation and growth. AI can automate financial projections and simulations. Embrace AI to navigate the complexities of business. The regulatory landscape for AI is evolving rapidly.   Have a question? Get in touch here Paul Rhodes - paul@ggapps.co.uk Sean Sale - sean@justapplications.co.uk   Resources: Atomic Habits by James Clear - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/atomic-habits-the-life-changing-million-copy-1-bestseller-james-clear/2458373?ean=9781847941831&next=t Profit First by Mike Michaelowicz - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/profit-first-mike-michalowicz/400a882cfa85766b?ean=9780735214149&next=t

    44 min
  2. Episode #14 - The 10 Dirty Secrets That Big Tech Firms Don't Want You To Know

    19/12/2025

    Episode #14 - The 10 Dirty Secrets That Big Tech Firms Don't Want You To Know

    In this episode, we explore the hidden costs associated with AI infrastructure, including energy consumption, water usage, and the impact on local communities and housing. The conversation delves into the myths surrounding AI's environmental benefits, the reality of data centers, and the regulatory challenges faced by the tech industry. We also discuss the race for AI dominance and its implications for the future. Takeaways A single large AI model can use as much electricity as 100 homes in a year. AI data processing is classified as an emerging heavy industrial load. The cloud is not mystical; it's a massive industrial operation. Data centers create fewer jobs than expected due to automation. AI usage costs can financially burden companies if not managed properly. AI data centers consume millions of liters of water daily for cooling. Housing projects are being delayed due to energy demands from data centers. Tech companies often promise community benefits that don't materialize. Regulations for data centers are lagging behind their rapid expansion. The race for AI dominance is impacting local infrastructure and resources. Paul and Sean can be found here: Paul Rhodes - paul@ggapps.co.uk 01527306370 Sean Sale - sean@justapplications.co.uk 0121 2851047

    43 min
  3. Episode #13 - The Digital Workforce: How Agentic AI Scales Your Business (w/ Tina Cook)

    28/11/2025

    Episode #13 - The Digital Workforce: How Agentic AI Scales Your Business (w/ Tina Cook)

    Automation isn't just about saving time. It's about Revenue Protection and Compliance. If your data sits still, your money sits still. Tina Cook (Founder, ZappingAI) joins us to expose the 'Tech Debt' that is silently killing your margins. We discuss why businesses are drowning in admin, and why you cannot automate your way out of chaos. We move beyond basic tools to discuss Agentic AI: building a digital workforce that guarantees compliance and scales your business. Key Topics: > [04:15] The "300 Websites" Nightmare: How Tina realised manual checks were killing growth for her business. > [12:30] The Construction Case Study: Saving a Project Manager 2 days a week (and making the business audit-proof). > [18:45] The "Voice Note" Fix: How engineers are ditching tablets for voice-to-text to automate job sheets. > [25:30] The "Magic Wand" Question: The one question you need to ask your team to find your biggest bottleneck. > [31:00] Prompts Matter: Why treating AI like a "search bar" is giving you garbage results.> Link: > Connect with Tina: http://www.linkedin.com/in/tina-c-zappingai (Message "ZAP" to identify your bottleneck)   Paul and Sean can be found here: Paul Rhodes - paul@ggapps.co.uk 01527306370 Sean Sale - sean@justapplications.co.uk 0121 2851047

    36 min
  4. Episode #12 - AI: The Questions Being Asked

    21/11/2025

    Episode #12 - AI: The Questions Being Asked

    In this episode, Paul and Sean discuss the evolving role of AI in the workplace, addressing common concerns about job displacement and the nature of work. They explore how AI is transforming tasks, the types of jobs most vulnerable to automation, and the importance of human oversight. The conversation emphasizes the need for upskilling and integrating AI tools into daily workflows, providing practical steps for listeners to start using AI effectively in their businesses. In this conversation, Paul Rhodes and Sean Richard Sale explore the multifaceted role of AI in modern business, emphasizing the importance of employee empowerment, privacy considerations, and the selection of appropriate tools. They discuss the necessity of maintaining a critical perspective on AI outputs, the significance of using AI to enhance productivity rather than replace human effort, and the evolving landscape of AI technology as it becomes integral to business strategy. The discussion also touches on recent developments in AI technology and its implications for the future.   Takeaways AI is transforming job roles, not just replacing them. Jobs with predictable tasks are most vulnerable to AI. Human oversight remains crucial in AI applications. AI can enhance productivity by automating repetitive tasks. Choosing one AI tool to master is more effective than using many. AI integration should be part of daily workflows. Understanding the context is key for AI effectiveness. The nature of work is evolving with AI advancements. Upskilling is essential for job resilience in the AI era. AI is a skill that requires practice and patience. Investing time in AI can surface valuable insights. Documenting successful AI use cases can lead to scalability. AI tools should be integrated into existing workflows. Avoid using AI for sensitive or confidential information. Always fact-check AI outputs before use. AI can enhance productivity but requires human oversight. Choosing the right tools can prevent digital clutter. AI literacy is essential for career advancement. Embrace failures as learning opportunities with AI. AI is becoming a critical component of business strategy.   Paul and Sean can be found here: Paul Rhodes - paul@ggapps.co.uk 01527306370 Sean Sale - sean@justapplications.co.uk 0121 2851047

    53 min
  5. Episode #11 - The future of recruitment now AI is here

    14/11/2025

    Episode #11 - The future of recruitment now AI is here

    Paul & Sean are back with another great episode, looking at the world of AI. The conversation delves into the alarming biases present in modern AI hiring tools, highlighting how these systems favor certain demographics over others. They  discuss the statistical disparities in name recognition based on race and gender, revealing a troubling trend in the hiring process that reflects broader societal inequalities. Takeaways modern AI hiring tools are showing strong radical and gender bias when ranking for job applicants. models favored white sounding names 85 % of the time, while black sounding names were only favored 9 % of the time. female names were preferred just 11 % of the time. the AI never once ranked a black male named higher than a white male name. it's astonishing, because we go back to the data that's been fed into these. it's shocking, isn't it? Paul and Sean can be found here: Paul Rhodes - paul@ggapps.co.uk 01527306370 Sean Sale - sean@justapplications.co.uk 0121 2851047   Resources: Here are recommended sources for further research: "Should I Trust the Artificial Intelligence to Recruit …" – Frontiers. Frontiers "Ethics and discrimination in artificial intelligence-enabled recruitment" – Nature. Nature "AI in Resume Screening: Expectations vs Reality" – Vervoe blog. Vervoe Podcast: The Recruiting Future Podcast — including "Are We Really Ready For AI?" episode. Recruitingfuture.com Podcast: Recruitment AI Weekly — case studies and insights. MrWork

    52 min
  6. Episode #10 - Unlocking Efficiency: The Real Power of Automation in Small Business

    31/10/2025

    Episode #10 - Unlocking Efficiency: The Real Power of Automation in Small Business

    In this episode, we explore the transformative power of automation in small businesses with Steph Middleton-Foster from Configure Me This. Steph shares her journey from a virtual assistant to an automation consultant, emphasising the importance of operational efficiency and the role of technology in streamlining processes. We discuss common mistakes businesses make when implementing automation, the MAP framework for process improvement, and the impact of AI on productivity. Real-world success stories illustrate how automation can enhance customer experiences while maintaining a human touch. This conversation is a valuable resource for entrepreneurs looking to optimize their operations and embrace technology effectively.   Takeaways Automation is not just about technology; it's about operational efficiency. Understanding your current processes is crucial before implementing automation. The MAP framework helps businesses identify and improve their processes. AI can significantly increase productivity and efficiency in businesses. It's essential to maintain a human touch in customer interactions despite automation. Many businesses are unaware of the automation solutions available to them. Common mistakes include shopping for software before understanding needs. Automation can free up staff to focus on higher-value tasks. Mapping out processes can reveal opportunities for automation. Success stories highlight the transformative power of automation.   Paul and Sean can be found here: Paul Rhodes - paul@ggapps.co.uk 01527306370 Sean Sale - sean@justapplications.co.uk 0121 2851047   Steph can be found here: linkedin.com/in/steph-middleton-foster https://configuremethis.com/ Free resources - https://configuremethis.com/work-with-us

    43 min
  7. Episode #9: AI: The Jobs It's Already Taking — and Those It Hasn't (Yet)

    24/10/2025

    Episode #9: AI: The Jobs It's Already Taking — and Those It Hasn't (Yet)

    In this conversation, Paul and Sean explore the evolving landscape of work in relation to AI. They discuss the jobs most at risk due to AI advancements, the importance of human connection, and the need for professionals to adapt and level up their skills. The discussion also touches on the blue ocean strategy, emphasizing the necessity for businesses to carve out unique spaces in a rapidly changing market. The episode concludes with reflections on preparing the next generation for a future intertwined with AI. Takeaways AI is reshaping job roles, but it's not about replacement. Professionals need to adapt and level up their skills to stay relevant. The blue ocean strategy encourages businesses to find unique market positions. Jobs that require creativity and human touch are less likely to be replaced by AI. Deep thinking and reflection are crucial for navigating industry changes. Paul and Sean can be found here: Paul Rhodes - paul@ggapps.co.uk 01527306370 Sean Sale - sean@justapplications.co.uk 0121 2851047   Resources This is the article that started this conversation: https://news.sky.com/story/the-40-jobs-most-at-risk-of-ai-and-40-it-cant-touch-13447013 Blue Ocean Strategy by Renee A. Mauborgne - https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/blue-ocean-strategy-expanded-edition-how-to-create-uncontested-market-space-and-make-the-competition-irrelevant-w-chan-kim/4457817?ean=9781625274496&next=t

    45 min
  8. Episode #8: Why Every AI Project Needs a PRD (Even if You're Not a Developer)

    26/09/2025

    Episode #8: Why Every AI Project Needs a PRD (Even if You're Not a Developer)

    In this episode, Paul & Sean welcome Peter Lowe back, as he discusses the significance of Product Requirements Documents (PRDs) in software development, sharing insights on how he utilizes a custom GPT to streamline the creation of PRDs.  The conversation explores the impact of PRDs on development efficiency, the use of Lovable for building prototypes, and the future of work with AI integration. Peter emphasizes the importance of clarity and collaboration in product development, highlighting real-world applications and the potential for micro-SaaS solutions. Takeaways PRDs clarify the problem and objectives of a project. Development time can be significantly reduced with a clear PRD. AI can augment human capabilities in the workplace. Micro-SaaS presents new opportunities for developers. AI tools can help identify vulnerabilities in applications.   Paul and Sean can be found here: Paul Rhodes - paul@ggapps.co.uk 01527306370 Sean Sale - sean@justapplications.co.uk 0121 2851047   Peter can be found here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteralunlowe/   Resources: https://www.youtube.com/@Mark_Kashef https://www.promptadvisers.com/services Lovable (AI-powered prototyping tool): https://lovable.dev/ ShadCN (React & Tailwind UI component system): https://ui.shadcn.com/ Superbase (Supabase) (database used in Lovable apps): https://supabase.com/ Product Requirement Document (PRD) -  https://www.atlassian.com/agile/product-management/product-requirements Vibe Coding - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vibe_coding

    44 min
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About

Ctrl Alt Dev is a podcast for software founders, digital leaders and curious builders navigating the fast-changing world of tech, AI, and business. Hosted by two veteran tech founders, Paul Rhodes & Sean Sale. each episode cuts through the hype with honest conversations, sharp war stories, and frameworks that actually work. Expect real talk on pricing, project chaos, automation, and scaling, all designed to help you build smarter, lead better, and stay sane.

Information

  • Creator
    MonkeyPants Productions
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Ctrl Alt Dev