DevReady Podcast

Aerion Technologies

We started the DevReady podcast to help non-techs build better technology. We have been exposed to so many non-techs that describe the struggle, uncertainty and challenges that can come with building technology. The objective for the DevReady podcast to share these stories and give you the tools and insights so that you to can deliver on your vision and outcomes. You will learn from non-tech founders that have invested their time and money into developing technology. We will discuss what worked, what didn’t and how they still managed to deliver real value to their users. These stories are inspirational – demonstrating the determination, commitment and resolve it really takes to deliver technology. Throughout the DevReady Podcast we also invite subject matter experts to the conversation to give you proven strategies and techniques to successfully take your idea through to delivery and beyond. Enjoy the Podcast, it will challenge you, inspire you and provide the tools you will need ...

  1. 2d ago

    AI, APIs and AI Agents: What Every Business Should Know | Ep 315 | DevReady Podcast

    In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, Anthony Sapountzis, CTO and Co-Founder of Aerion Technologies and DevReady.Ai, is joined by Rajeev Ramani, Director of ItFromBit and an API specialist with more than 20 years of experience helping organisations build secure, scalable software systems. Drawing on his extensive background in API architecture, governance and AI integration, Rajeev explains why APIs have become the backbone of modern AI applications and why thoughtful planning remains essential for successful software projects. This episode is packed with practical insights for business leaders, founders, developers and anyone looking to adopt AI responsibly while building software that is secure, reliable and ready for growth. Anthony and Rajeev explore how AI has dramatically lowered the barrier to software development, enabling businesses to prototype ideas faster than ever before. While AI accelerates coding, they explain that software architecture, business planning and user experience design continue to rely on human judgement. The conversation highlights why AI should support strategic thinking rather than replace it, with brainstorming, idea validation and decision making emerging as some of the technology's most valuable business applications. A major focus of the discussion centres on APIs and the critical role they play in connecting AI with business systems. Rajeev explains why secure API design, governance and well-structured integrations are becoming increasingly important as organisations introduce AI into their operations. They also discuss the risks of relying on AI-generated code without understanding security, architecture and predictable business processes, reinforcing the importance of human oversight when AI is given access to sensitive systems or data. The episode also tackles the growing hype surrounding AI, cutting through marketing claims and social media trends to focus on practical implementation. Rajeev encourages businesses to begin with small, repetitive problems that can deliver measurable improvements through automation before considering more advanced AI agents. Anthony shares practical advice on using AI as a critical thinking partner by challenging assumptions, refining ideas and exploring alternative solutions, helping organisations build confidence before investing in larger AI initiatives. To conclude, Rajeev introduces his open-source API control platform designed to help organisations prepare their APIs for the AI era through stronger governance, integration and management. Together, Anthony and Rajeev demonstrate that successful AI adoption is built on clear business objectives, strong technical foundations and a willingness to learn through experimentation. Whether you are leading digital transformation, building your first AI-powered product or looking to improve existing business systems, this conversation provides practical guidance for using AI effectively while creating software that is secure, scalable and built for long-term success. #DevReadyPodcast #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #APIs #AIAgents #SoftwareDevelopment #BusinessAutomation #DigitalTransformation #TechnologyLeadership #AerionTechnologies

  2. 3d ago

    How AI and Commercial Drones Are Transforming Business with Mahmood Hussein | Ep 314 | DevReady

    In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, Anthony Sapountzis, CTO and Co-Founder of Aerion Technologies and DevReady.Ai is joined by Mahmood Hussein, Founder and CEO of Global Drone Solutions, Australia's largest drone pilot training provider. Drawing on decades of experience across engineering, international business and emerging technologies, Mahmood shares how drones, artificial intelligence and automation are reshaping industries including agriculture, mining, defence and infrastructure. He also reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, leadership philosophy and commitment to creating opportunities for others. Mahmood begins by tracing his career from mechanical engineering with Cummins to leading global sales, establishing international distribution networks and building successful businesses across multiple industries. After relocating to Australia, he founded Global Drone Solutions, transforming it into Australia's leading drone pilot training organisation while expanding into international markets. He explains how growing awareness of drone technology, combined with rapid advances in AI and automation, is creating new opportunities for businesses and professionals around the world. The conversation explores how commercial drones have evolved far beyond aerial photography, becoming essential tools for precision agriculture, mining, environmental rehabilitation and defence. Mahmood explains how AI powered drones use multi-spectral imaging to identify crop health issues, reduce chemical usage and improve farming efficiency, while autonomous drone technology supports mine rehabilitation through large scale tree planting and environmental monitoring. Anthony and Mahmood also discuss how smartphone technology accelerated drone innovation by making cameras, sensors and processors smaller, more affordable and more powerful, enabling industries to capture detailed data and create highly accurate digital models for smarter decision making. Anthony and Mahmood then examine the practical role of AI in business growth, using Global Drone Solutions as a real world example. Mahmood explains how AI driven lead qualification, CRM automation and intelligent customer insights have improved conversion rates, streamlined customer service and increased operational efficiency without significantly increasing headcount. They also discuss how AI is reducing repetitive administrative work, allowing employees to focus on higher value activities, while drones equipped with thermal imaging and intelligent automation are making tasks such as roof inspections faster, safer and more accurate. The episode concludes with a thoughtful discussion about leadership, innovation and the future of work. Mahmood shares why helping others succeed remains the driving force behind his business, from training more than 8,000 drone pilots to partnering with WeRobotics to develop drone training programmes in emerging economies. Anthony offers practical insights into overcoming resistance to AI adoption, emphasising that successful implementation depends on using technology to support people rather than replace them. Together, they explore how organisations can embrace AI with confidence, build stronger customer experiences and create sustainable long-term growth through continuous innovation, meaningful relationships and a clear sense of purpose. #DevReadyPodcast #AI #CommercialDrones #Innovation #Technology #Leadership #BusinessGrowth #AerionTechnologies

  3. Jul 29

    AI Strategy for Business: Sean Campbell on AI Adoption & Digital Transformation | Ep 313 | DevReady

    In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, Anthony Sapountzis, CTO and Co-Founder of Aerion Technologies and DevReady.Ai, is joined by Sean Campbell, Founder of Executive Minds and host of The Next Breakthrough with Sean Campbell. for an insightful discussion on AI adoption, digital transformation, business strategy and leadership. Drawing on decades of international experience across the United States, Thailand, Sweden and Australia, Sean shares practical lessons from corporate IT, marketing technology, consulting and executive coaching. Together, they explore how organisations can embrace AI, modernise their operations and build technology strategies that deliver lasting business value. This episode is essential listening for business leaders, founders and technology professionals looking to navigate AI, software development and organisational change with confidence. Sean reflects on his career journey, explaining how his early work in corporate training, instructional design and change management taught him that successful technology adoption always begins with people. He shares how helping traditional businesses embrace new systems shaped his leadership philosophy, combining technical expertise with communication, empathy and a practical understanding of business operations. Throughout the conversation, Anthony and Sean emphasise that every successful digital transformation relies on clear planning, stakeholder engagement and structured processes before any technology is introduced. The discussion then turns to artificial intelligence and its growing impact on software development, business operations and marketing technology. Sean explains that while AI has made it easier to prototype ideas, automate repetitive tasks and accelerate innovation, moving from experimentation to production requires governance, security, compliance and thoughtful change management. Anthony reinforces the importance of defining requirements, designing robust systems and continuously testing AI solutions to ensure they remain reliable as models evolve. They also explore why domain-specific AI, supported by trusted knowledge and expert context, can deliver stronger business outcomes than relying solely on publicly available information. Anthony and Sean also examine the strategic decisions businesses face when investing in technology, including whether to build custom software or adopt off the shelf platforms. They discuss how software should support competitive advantage, operational efficiency and long-term growth while balancing ownership, flexibility and ongoing maintenance. Looking beyond technology itself, Sean explains that as AI becomes increasingly accessible, organisations will stand apart through exceptional customer experiences, strong organisational culture and meaningful human connections. Their conversation concludes with a powerful reminder that the future belongs to businesses that combine technological innovation with leadership, creativity and a genuine focus on delivering value to people. #DevReadyPodcast #ArtificialIntelligence #AIStrategy #DigitalTransformation #BusinessLeadership #SoftwareDevelopment #Innovation #AerionTechnologies

  4. Jul 28

    How Ben Grozier Built ClassCover: Startup, SaaS & EdTech Lessons | Ep 312 | DevReady Podcast

    In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, Ben Grozier, Co-Founder and CEO of ClassCover and Director of EPC Sports, joins Andrew Romeo, CEO and Co-Founder of Aerion Technologies and  Co-Founder of DevReady.Ai, to share the story behind one of Australia's leading EdTech platforms. Drawing on his experience as a professional tennis coach, teacher and entrepreneur, Ben reveals how a simple frustration within the education sector evolved into a technology business used by thousands of schools. This episode explores software product development, startup validation, SaaS growth, product leadership and scaling technology businesses, offering practical lessons for founders, product managers and business leaders. Ben explains how ClassCover was born after witnessing the inefficiency of schools relying on endless phone calls to secure casual teachers. He reflects on building the first version of the platform in 2011, admitting that instinct played a greater role than formal product validation in the early days, while highlighting the importance of timing, trusted partnerships and learning directly from customers. Andrew and Ben discuss why founders must own the product vision, create clear workflows and prioritise the right features, ensuring developers have the direction needed to build software that solves genuine business problems. The conversation also explores why launching a lightweight minimum viable product and building strong customer relationships remain essential for long-term success. Ben shares how reserving budget for sales, marketing and customer feedback allowed ClassCover to evolve through real-world use rather than assumptions. Together, Andrew and Ben discuss the value of listening to customers, earning trust through hands-on support and maintaining realistic expectations as startups grow through continuous iteration instead of chasing rapid, unsustainable growth. Ben offers valuable insights into scaling a SaaS business, particularly the realities of selling to enterprise and government customers where procurement cycles can span many years. He introduces the concept of "runway resilience", explaining why sustainable revenue from customers within a founder's control creates the stability needed while larger contracts progress. The discussion also covers leadership, highlighting the importance of focusing on high-impact work, creating psychologically safe teams and embracing vulnerability, curiosity and continuous learning throughout the entrepreneurial journey. Looking ahead, Ben shares ClassCover's vision of becoming the leading professional platform for educators by expanding into recruitment, professional development, networking and additional education services. Rather than spreading resources across multiple industries, ClassCover continues to deepen its expertise within education, strengthening its value for teachers and schools alike. Andrew concludes by reinforcing that enduring technology companies are built through deep industry knowledge, meaningful customer relationships and a commitment to evolving alongside the people they serve. #DevReadyPodcast #ClassCover #EdTech #SaaS #Startup #Entrepreneurship #SoftwareDevelopment #ProductManagement #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #AerionTechnologies

  5. Jul 22

    How Simon Dell Built Australia's Leading Fractional Marketing Marketplace | Ep 311 | DevReady Podcast

    In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, Anthony Sapountzis, CTO and Co-Founder of Aerion Technologies and DevReady.Ai, is joined by Simon Dell, CEO and Founder of Cemoh, to explore how one unexpected client request evolved into one of Australia's leading fractional marketing marketplaces. Drawing on decades of experience in marketing, Simon shares the journey from running a traditional digital agency to building a scalable platform that connects businesses with experienced marketing leaders on a flexible basis. The conversation covers entrepreneurship, marketplace design, product validation, artificial intelligence and sustainable business growth, offering practical insights for founders, business leaders and technology entrepreneurs. Simon explains how Cemoh was born after a client urgently needed temporary marketing support during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. That experience uncovered a growing demand for senior marketing expertise without the long-term commitment of a full-time hire, leading Simon and his co-founder to rethink their agency model. Together, they discuss the growing role of fractional executives, why businesses benefit from embedded strategic leadership, and how recognising genuine customer problems can create entirely new business opportunities. Anthony and Simon also reflect on the importance of preparation, adaptability and making the most of unexpected opportunities. The discussion then turns to the realities of building and scaling a two-sided marketplace. Simon shares the lessons learned from six years of refining pricing models, improving workflows and balancing the needs of consultants, clients and the business itself. They explore the challenges of solving the marketplace supply and demand equation, creating trust between all participants, navigating Australian labour laws and developing long term partnerships that encourage sustainable growth. Simon also offers valuable insights into bootstrapping a profitable business while continually adapting to customer feedback and changing market conditions. Anthony and Simon examine why successful software products are built through continuous validation rather than assumptions. Simon explains how early versions of Cemoh included features that customers rarely used, reinforcing the importance of understanding real user behaviour before investing in development. They discuss product adoption, workflow integration and the importance of building software that naturally fits into the way customers already work. The conversation highlights why rapid iteration, customer feedback and careful prioritisation remain essential ingredients for successful product development. The episode concludes with an in-depth discussion about the impact of artificial intelligence on marketing, software development and business productivity. Simon shares practical examples of using AI to transform podcast transcripts into blog articles, streamline content creation and accelerate operational tasks, while Anthony compares AI to productivity tools that enable professionals to work more efficiently without replacing their expertise. Together, they explain why strategic thinking, planning and human judgement remain central to delivering outstanding results. This episode is packed with practical advice for founders, marketers, software teams and business leaders looking to scale their organisations through smarter systems, stronger processes and effective use of AI. #DevReadyPodcast #Startup #Entrepreneurship #Marketing #FractionalCMO #AI #BusinessGrowth #SoftwareDevelopment

  6. Jul 21

    How Brand Strategy, Company Culture and AI Drive Business Growth | Ep 310 | DevReady Podcast

    For this episode of the DevReady Podcast, Andrew Romeo, CEO and Co-Founder of Aerion Technologies and  Co-Founder of DevReady.Ai, is joined by Jono Wegerle, Owner and Director of Ideate Studios and brand strategist, to explore how brand strategy, organisational culture and AI are reshaping the way businesses grow. With more than two decades of experience spanning branding, design thinking, leadership, digital innovation and organisational development, Jono shares practical insights into building businesses that people trust from the inside out. Drawing on his work with global organisations including Massmart and Walmart, he explains why culture is one of the strongest drivers of business performance and competitive advantage. The conversation begins by challenging the common perception that branding is primarily about logos and visual identity. Jono explains that a successful brand is built on a clear sense of identity, shared values and consistent leadership behaviours that influence every customer and employee interaction. Through the use of brand archetypes, organisational values and design thinking, he demonstrates how businesses can align leadership, employees and customer experience around a shared vision. Andrew expands on the discussion by highlighting the importance of creating genuine buy in rather than relying on statements displayed on office walls, encouraging organisations to build cultures where values are consistently lived through everyday actions. Andrew and Jono then explore how culture can be strengthened through continuous engagement rather than isolated initiatives. Sharing examples from large scale organisational transformation projects, Jono explains how gamification, digital platforms and rewards programmes significantly improved employee onboarding, engagement and recognition, with more than 10,000 employees voluntarily adopting one platform within six months. The discussion also examines how strong workplace culture supports employee wellbeing, reduces staff turnover, lowers onboarding costs and protects long term brand reputation. Together, they explain why businesses that invest in their people create stronger customer experiences and more sustainable growth. The episode also examines the growing role of AI in brand strategy, internal communication and modern marketing. Jono discusses the shift towards search everywhere optimisation, where businesses need to build brands that are discoverable across AI-powered search platforms, recommendation engines, and digital assistants. He also explains why curiosity, reverse mentorship and hiring for cultural alignment are becoming essential qualities for organisations that want to remain innovative. The conversation concludes by exploring how measurable cultural health factors, continuous learning, and strong leadership create businesses that are better equipped to adapt, innovate, and build lasting competitive advantage in an AI-driven world. #DevReadyPodcast #BusinessAcquisition #Startups #AI #Entrepreneurship #AerionTechnologies

  7. Jul 15

    Business Acquisition vs Startups: Which Builds Wealth Faster? | Ep 309 | DevReady Podcast

    In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, Andrew Romeo, CEO and Co-Founder of Aerion Technologies and  Co-Founder of DevReady.Ai,, is joined by Olivia Truong, Director of W&T Investment Management, Co-Founder of WT Acquisition Advisory and Director of Wilson & Truong Developments. With more than 20 years of experience spanning banking, business transformation and product management, Olivia shares how she transitioned from corporate leadership into entrepreneurship, combining artificial intelligence, business acquisition and strategic investing to build long-term wealth. Drawing on her experience helping people acquire businesses and launch new ventures, Olivia offers practical insights for founders, investors and non-technical entrepreneurs looking to turn ideas into sustainable businesses. The conversation begins with Olivia's entrepreneurial journey and how experimenting with AI enabled her to build Lemonade Empire, a financial literacy game for her daughters, before publishing it to the Apple App Store within days. Andrew and Olivia explore how AI has transformed product development by making prototyping, validation and idea visualisation far more accessible for non-technical founders. They also discuss why experienced technology partners remain essential when moving from early concepts to secure, scalable products, alongside the importance of strategy, product thinking and customer validation before investing heavily in development. Andrew and Olivia then compare the realities of launching startups with acquiring established businesses. Olivia explains why she and her partner chose business acquisition as a strategy to generate cash flow that can fund innovation, while Andrew reflects on lessons learned from supporting founders through nearly two decades of software development. Together, they examine the role of business intelligence, customer insights, operational dashboards and strong leadership in building businesses that can grow without founders becoming the bottleneck. They also explore how understanding your own strengths helps determine whether entrepreneurship, investment or business operations are the right path. The discussion moves into the practical side of buying businesses, covering due diligence, profitability, business valuation and the importance of acquiring companies that can operate independently of their owners. Olivia explains why successful acquisitions depend on trust, shared values, experienced advisers and flexible deal structures rather than focusing solely on purchase price. The conversation also highlights how AI, automation and operational improvements can unlock additional value within long-established businesses while helping investors build scalable portfolios that extend beyond their local market. To close the episode, Andrew and Olivia compare the mindset required for business acquisition and startup success, identifying patience, resilience and continuous learning as essential qualities for both paths. They encourage aspiring entrepreneurs to take meaningful action, ask better questions and seek guidance from people who have already travelled the journey. Whether listeners are planning to build a technology startup, invest in an established business or explore new opportunities through AI, this episode provides practical frameworks for making better decisions and creating long-term business success. #DevReadyPodcast #BusinessAcquisition #Startups #Entrepreneurship #ArtificialIntelligence #BusinessGrowth #Leadership #Technology #Innovation #AerionTechnologies

  8. Jul 14

    How to Build a Successful Product: From Idea to Manufacturing with Nathan Pollock | Ep 308 | DevReady Podcast

    In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, Anthony Sapountzis, CTO and Co-Founder of Aerion Technologies and DevReady.Ai, is joined by Nathan Pollock, Founder and CEO of Katapult Design, to explore the realities of modern product design, connected devices and bringing innovative ideas to market. Drawing on more than 35 years of experience in industrial design, Nathan shares how Katapult Design guides businesses from product discovery and concept development through prototyping, engineering and manufacturing across sectors including MedTech, agritech, sports technology and consumer products. He also reflects on the career journey that led him to establish Katapult Design and discusses how the convergence of physical products and digital experiences is reshaping product development. The conversation explores why developing hardware requires a fundamentally different approach from software. Nathan explains that while software can evolve through continuous updates, physical products become significantly more expensive to change once manufacturing begins. Anthony and Nathan discuss the critical role of prototyping, validation and early planning, highlighting how advances in 3D printing and digital modelling have accelerated development while reducing risk. They also examine why experienced design partners deliver value by identifying manufacturing challenges before they become costly production problems. Anthony and Nathan also discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming product design without replacing the expertise of skilled designers. From accelerating research and visualisation to improving presentations and workflows, AI is helping teams deliver more value while keeping human creativity and judgement at the centre of the design process. They also explore the importance of testing products with real users, explaining how prototypes often uncover valuable insights that cannot be predicted during the planning stage. For startups and entrepreneurs, the episode offers practical advice on navigating the full product journey, including manufacturing, crowdfunding and commercialisation. The discussion then turns to the future of connected products, sustainability and responsible innovation. Nathan explains why customers increasingly expect products to integrate seamlessly with digital ecosystems while also meeting higher environmental standards. He shares how concepts such as circular design, Right to Repair and recyclable components are becoming key design considerations, alongside advances in battery technology, health monitoring and connected devices. The episode concludes with an insightful discussion about purposeful design, the renewed appreciation for tactile user experiences and why the most successful products solve genuine problems while creating meaningful value for the people who use them. #DevReadyPodcast #ProductDesign #ProductDevelopment #Innovation #IndustrialDesign #Hardware #Manufacturing #ArtificialIntelligence #ConnectedDevices #Startup #Entrepreneurship #AerionTechnologies

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About

We started the DevReady podcast to help non-techs build better technology. We have been exposed to so many non-techs that describe the struggle, uncertainty and challenges that can come with building technology. The objective for the DevReady podcast to share these stories and give you the tools and insights so that you to can deliver on your vision and outcomes. You will learn from non-tech founders that have invested their time and money into developing technology. We will discuss what worked, what didn’t and how they still managed to deliver real value to their users. These stories are inspirational – demonstrating the determination, commitment and resolve it really takes to deliver technology. Throughout the DevReady Podcast we also invite subject matter experts to the conversation to give you proven strategies and techniques to successfully take your idea through to delivery and beyond. Enjoy the Podcast, it will challenge you, inspire you and provide the tools you will need ...

Information

  • Creator
    Aerion Technologies
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    314
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    DevReady Podcast