All Systems Go! Automation, Evolved for the AI Era

Chris L. Davis
  • 5.0 (69)
  • Technology
  • Updated Weekly

Join Chris L. Davis and learn a smarter way to run and grow your business online. Most founders think that when their technology stalls, the answer is to hire another freelancer. All Systems Go! makes the case for something better: what you actually need is leadership that can get more out of the doers and the tools you already have.Every week, Chris shows you how to operate lean and lead your technology instead of being run by it. You'll see how the right leadership turns a small team into an engine that moves faster, spends less, and builds real capacity. That includes one of the biggest shifts available to businesses today: using AI to build your own internal software instead of renting a stack of SaaS tools - turning technology you own into a genuine competitive advantage. It's a new approach to getting the most out of your technology and your technical people, so you actually hit your growth goals instead of just adding headcount.Chris L. Davis is a fractional CTO and the founder of Automation Bridge, and he's spent his career as the bridge between founders and the technical work that powers their businesses.

  1. 17h ago

    I May Never Use Airtable Again

    Ep. 208 – Is your reliance on specific software holding your business back? With Airtable’s recent acquisition making headlines, Chris reflects on how he accidentally replaced Airtable long before he ever intended to leave it behind. He shares his journey from discovering Airtable as a simple, user-friendly way to work with databases to making it central to his business, and eventually realizing that AI-powered apps and custom interfaces could do the job faster, more flexibly, and without the limitations he had started encountering. Chris breaks down what changed in the technology landscape, where Airtable struggled to evolve, and what its acquisition may signal about the future of software, AI, and how businesses build their tech stacks. Tune in to learn how to spot when it’s time to rethink your tech stack and what AI-powered tools could make possible for your business. What You'll Learn: 1:03 – How Chris accidentally replaced Airtable without ever setting out to replace it.4:17 – Chris’s first introduction to Airtable and why its approach to databases was so different.5:49 – What made Airtable so powerful for businesses that were used to spreadsheets.10:08 – How Airtable gradually replaced other tools in Chris’s business, including his CRM.11:02 – Why Airtable’s interfaces became a critical weakness as competitors evolved.15:04 – How AI-powered app building changed the value of interacting directly with a database.24:33 – What Chris thinks Airtable’s acquisition means and why he believes businesses need to keep evolving their technology stack. Resources Subscribe to the Automation Bridge NewsletterJoin the Automation Bridge Community

    I May Never Use Airtable Again

  2. Aug 27

    Build It or Buy It? Making the Right Software Decision

    Ep. 207 – How do you decide whether to build your next software solution or buy it? In this episode, Chris breaks down what it really means to navigate the new “build versus buy” decision. He shares examples of simple, highly specific software he has built for himself with AI, from calendar syncing and networking tools to custom forms and habit tracking, and explains why building a solution around your own process can sometimes make more sense than paying for a platform you’ll only use a fraction of. You’ll hear how to determine what you actually need, when buying software still makes sense, and why learning to build with AI gives you the ability to make that decision for yourself instead of automatically reaching for your credit card. Tune in to learn how to make smarter software decisions and determine whether your next solution should be built or bought. What You'll Learn: 1:11 – The misconception that AI is untrustworthy and its effects on software development.5:49 – Valuing the development of software with AI compared to traditional methods.8:25 – An example of creating a personalized calendar syncing app with AI.10:11 – Ways to improve security in AI-built applications through proactive measures.12:46 – Recognizing that the value is in completing tasks, not just performing them.14:41 – Using AI to automate repetitive tasks, allowing time for more important work.16:40 – The cost savings of developing your own software solutions instead of using subscriptions.21:19 – Building custom forms with AI instead of paying for form software like Jotform or Typeform.26:16 – When buying makes more sense: why Chris wouldn’t build an LMS for himself right now.29:54 – Chris's personal build-versus-buy check formula. Resources Subscribe to the Automation Bridge NewsletterJoin the Automation Bridge Community

    Build It or Buy It? Making the Right Software Decision

  3. Aug 20

    Your Technology Needs Leadership

    Ep. 206 – Are you relying too much on doers instead of true tech leaders? In this episode, Chris discusses the critical mistake many businesses make by hiring doers instead of leaders in technology. He shares insights from his own evolution from a doer to a leader, emphasizing the importance of having strong technical leadership to guide teams effectively. Chris outlines the risks of poor tech setup and the pitfalls of relying on freelancers who may not align with your business objectives. He argues that investing in proper tech leadership can unlock the full potential of your team, leading to greater efficiency and innovation. Tune in to learn how to transition from a doer mentality to a leadership approach that maximizes your technological capabilities. What You'll Learn: 3:02 – Why hiring a doer instead of a technical leader can hinder your technology's effectiveness.5:56 – The importance of having a technical leader who can bridge business objectives and technology.10:39 – How a technical leader can innovate solutions that off-the-shelf tools may not provide.12:43 – The critical role of ideation in a tech team and the need for leadership that encourages innovative thinking.14:15 – Navigating technology decisions requires a deep understanding of your business model and objectives.16:00 – The rising importance of data security and proper structures as technology evolves in your business.22:30 - The app Chris has been working on that will help guide your business decisions. Resources Subscribe to the Automation Bridge NewsletterJoin the Automation Bridge Community

    Your Technology Needs Leadership

  4. Aug 13

    Why Starting Small Is the Key to Mastering App Building with AI

    Ep. 205 – How can you leverage personal software to drive efficiency without getting overwhelmed? In this episode, Chris breaks down how to start creating personal software by focusing on one small, specific problem that is slowing you down. He also shares a real example of turning a cumbersome spreadsheet into a streamlined judging dashboard, showing what this approach looks like in practice. If you've been curious about creating your own software but don't know where to start, this episode offers a simple place to begin. What You'll Learn: 6:45 – How Chris turned a cumbersome spreadsheet into a streamlined judging dashboard by solving one specific problem.8:58 – Why starting with a small, focused software project can produce faster results than trying to build an entire system.11:35 – How better communication with AI can help you turn an idea or problem into a useful software solution.15:48 – Why building software around your own needs first can help you create systems that ultimately serve others better.16:24 – How personal software can make your business more efficient and easier to operate.17:07 – Why you should get one internal process working well before trying to scale the solution across your business. Resources Subscribe to the Automation Bridge NewsletterJoin the Automation Bridge Community

    Why Starting Small Is the Key to Mastering App Building with AI

  5. Aug 6

    What is Personal Software?

    Ep. 204 – What if the best software for your business wasn't something you bought, but something built specifically for you? In this episode, Chris introduces the concept of personal software: software designed around your unique workflow, your business, and your team. He explains why becoming your own customer, starting small with just a few features that solve a real problem, and owning the software you build can lead to greater efficiency, better security, and more control over your data. Drawing from his own experience, Chris shares why every business owner should rethink what's possible when software is built to fit their needs instead of forcing them to fit someone else's. Tune in to learn how adopting a personal software approach can transform your operational efficiency and empower your team. What You'll Learn: 1:04 – The critical distinction between vibe coding and personal software for secure development.3:00 – How allowing AI to build apps on insecure foundations can exponentially increase data risks.5:45 - How Chris got started with building apps and AI authorship.9:15 – Why you must maintain control over your data when building applications.11:37 – Why building your own software infrastructure can eliminate unnecessary costs and limitations.15:42 – The concept of personal software and the process of becoming your own customer.25:25 - How you can learn to build your own personal software. Resources Subscribe to the Automation Bridge NewsletterJoin the Automation Bridge Community

    What is Personal Software?

  6. Jul 30

    The New Era of Automation: Definition of Automation 2.0

    Ep. 203 – How can businesses effectively redefine automation in the age of AI? In this episode, Chris explores the evolving landscape of automation, emphasizing the need for a clear understanding of processes before implementing automation solutions. He discusses the limitations of traditional deterministic automation and introduces the concept of using AI as an agent to create dynamic, responsive systems. By shifting from manual, one-time setups to continuous execution through AI-driven software, Chris illustrates how organizations can leverage technology to enhance efficiency without relying heavily on human input. Tune in to learn how to redefine your approach to automation and empower your processes with AI. What You'll Learn: 1:21 – The three essential principles for building responsible automation: safe, secure, and scalable.4:44 – The critical importance of defining processes before attempting to automate to avoid complexities.7:08 – How AI transforms automation from deterministic to dynamic, enabling more responsive decision-making.11:10 – The concept of using AI as an agent to write code and manage automation processes within a defined software container.14:06 – The shift from traditional automation methods to a more personalized approach that enhances efficiency for individual users.18:16 – Visualization of automation as hiring an employee, with AI performing tasks without ongoing human interaction.21:37 - Where you can learn to build AI-powered apps and automations for your own business.23:42 - How Chris completely replaced Typeform for a client. Resources  Subscribe to the Automation Bridge NewsletterJoin the Automation Bridge Community

    The New Era of Automation: Definition of Automation 2.0

  7. Jul 23

    The New Era of Automation: AI and Agents

    Welcome back to The All Systems Go! Podcast, where we dive into the ever-evolving world of marketing automation and data-driven strategies. In this episode, host Chris Davis opens up about his own journey through the ups and downs of the marketing landscape, highlighting how the rise of AI has fundamentally transformed the way we think about automation. Whether you're a seasoned marketer or just starting out, Chris's insights into the intersection of AI and data will inspire you to rethink your approach to automation and its role in your business. Join Chris as he unpacks the three new C's of automation: Code, Connect, and Continuously, showing how they're changing the way marketers build and scale their systems. He emphasizes that data is not just the backbone of automation; it’s the heart of AI as well. With a wealth of experience in the field, Chris illustrates how efficiency and connectivity can be achieved through intelligent automation and coding, offering practical examples and strategies you can implement today. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the rapid changes in technology or are simply looking for guidance on how to harness the power of AI and automation, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now to gain valuable insights and discover how to elevate your marketing game with Chris Davis and Automation Bridge! What You'll Learn: [8:25] How to recognize that data is the backbone of both automation and AI, emphasizing the importance of organized data for effective AI utilization.[10:07] Understanding the synergy between AI and automation, and how they work together to enhance business processes.[12:34] How to simplify and leverage automation as the movement of data between platforms without human intervention, framing it as "pushing pixels."[14:30] What "Connect" means in the context of multi-context protocols, allowing connections across multiple platforms for streamlined operations.[22:42] Identifying the need for personal reflection in business to clarify your unique offerings and messaging, especially in the evolving landscape of marketing automation.[23:30] The significance of leadership in successfully deploying AI within a company, highlighting the need for strategic guidance. Resources  Subscribe to the Automation Bridge Newsletter Read the Blog: How to Use Automation with Artificial Intelligence

    The New Era of Automation: AI and Agents

  8. 11/07/2024

    High Performing Marketing Teams plus What's Next

    In this special episode Chris addresses a shift in the focus for Automation Bridge as a whole. Acknowledging the significant need in the market to help founders and executives build high-performing marketing teams that can effectively leverage automation and AI.

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About

Join Chris L. Davis and learn a smarter way to run and grow your business online. Most founders think that when their technology stalls, the answer is to hire another freelancer. All Systems Go! makes the case for something better: what you actually need is leadership that can get more out of the doers and the tools you already have.Every week, Chris shows you how to operate lean and lead your technology instead of being run by it. You'll see how the right leadership turns a small team into an engine that moves faster, spends less, and builds real capacity. That includes one of the biggest shifts available to businesses today: using AI to build your own internal software instead of renting a stack of SaaS tools - turning technology you own into a genuine competitive advantage. It's a new approach to getting the most out of your technology and your technical people, so you actually hit your growth goals instead of just adding headcount.Chris L. Davis is a fractional CTO and the founder of Automation Bridge, and he's spent his career as the bridge between founders and the technical work that powers their businesses.

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