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. 1d ago

    Software Australia: Stewart Marshall on AI, SaaS and the Future of Australia's Software Industry | Ep 317 | DevReady Podcast

    In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, Andrew Romeo, CEO and Co-Founder of Aerion Technologies and  Co-Founder of DevReady.Ai, sits down with Stewart Marshall, CEO and Executive Director of Software Australia, SaaS adviser, investor, scale-up mentor and author of Kick Some SaaS. Stewart shares the vision behind Software Australia, a new not-for-profit industry association designed to strengthen Australia's software sector by helping businesses commercialise, scale and connect more effectively. Drawing on decades of experience across the software industry, he explains why Australia needs a stronger national voice for software companies and how a collaborative, digital-first community can accelerate innovation and business growth. Stewart explains that Software Australia was born from a recurring challenge he observed while writing Kick Some SaaS. Many technically capable founders struggle to transform great software into successful businesses because commercialisation, market positioning and business growth require a very different set of skills from software development. Rather than operating as a traditional lobbying body, Software Australia aims to bridge this gap by supporting software businesses with practical resources, industry connections and opportunities to reach more Australian organisations actively looking for technology solutions. Andrew adds that storytelling, shared experiences and community learning have always been essential ingredients in helping founders avoid costly mistakes and achieve sustainable growth. The conversation explores how Software Australia plans to differentiate itself through a digital-first platform that keeps members engaged every day rather than relying on occasional networking events. Stewart discusses plans for an online community featuring industry news, collaboration opportunities, marketplaces and practical resources, supported by strategic partnerships that expand the value delivered to members. They also examine the role of startup communities, accelerators and existing industry organisations, explaining how Software Australia is designed to unite these groups rather than compete with them. Its goal is to become a central hub that helps software companies navigate every stage of growth by connecting founders with trusted expertise, commercial opportunities and the right people at the right time. Andrew and Stewart also discuss the broader future of Australia's technology sector, highlighting the importance of supporting locally developed software, increasing industry collaboration and creating stronger visibility for Australian innovation. Stewart advocates for a new national conversation that recognises software and digital technology as essential foundations of the modern economy, while also encouraging greater diversity by showcasing more young professionals and women working across the technology sector. The discussion concludes with an honest assessment of artificial intelligence, acknowledging that AI is making software development more accessible while reinforcing that commercialisation, security, governance and customer relationships remain the defining factors behind long-term software success. Together, they argue that AI is expanding opportunities for businesses, but experienced people, trusted communities and strong commercial thinking will continue to drive sustainable growth across Australia's software industry. #SoftwareAustralia #ArtificialIntelligence #SaaS #SoftwareDevelopment #AustralianTech #Technology #Innovation #DevReadyPodcast #AerionTechnologies

  2. 2d ago

    AI for Finance: How Serge Radisic Is Transforming Financial Planning and FP&A | Ep 316 | DevReady Podcast

    In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, Andrew Romeo, CEO and Co-Founder of Aerion Technologies and  Co-Founder of DevReady.Ai, sits down with Serge Radisic, Founder and CEO of Uptio, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping financial planning and analysis for modern businesses. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience in finance transformation, sales leadership and consulting, Serge shares why he left a successful consulting business to build an AI-powered FP&A platform designed to help CFOs and finance teams make faster, more informed decisions. The conversation covers AI in finance, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), customer-led product development, startup strategy and the future of enterprise software. Serge reflects on the slow pace of innovation within the finance industry, explaining that many organisations still depend on spreadsheets, disconnected systems and manual reporting despite years of discussion around automation. He discusses how AI is finally creating an opportunity to transform finance workflows by delivering contextual, traceable insights in seconds rather than days. Instead of replacing finance professionals, Uptio is designed to augment decision making by helping teams quickly understand what happened, why it happened and what actions they should consider next. Throughout the discussion, Andrew highlights the importance of combining powerful AI technologies with deep industry expertise to solve complex business problems. A major theme of the episode is the importance of customer-led product development. Serge explains how early assumptions about the product changed after extensive customer discovery, revealing that finance leaders wanted clearer visibility into current business performance before more advanced forecasting capabilities. By working closely with customers throughout the development process, Uptio has focused on building a simple, highly accurate AI assistant that provides transparent, verifiable answers through natural language. Andrew and Serge also discuss why quality assurance, user validation and continuous feedback remain essential, even as AI dramatically accelerates software development. The conversation also explores the technical and commercial realities of building enterprise AI products. Serge outlines Uptio's vision of reducing implementation complexity through modern integrations, open source technologies and secure data connectivity, allowing organisations to transform business data into actionable insights within minutes. Andrew emphasises that enterprise customers expect robust security, governance and compliance from the outset, making strong technical foundations just as important as product innovation. Together, they explain why successful AI platforms combine proven technologies rather than attempting to reinvent every component. Looking ahead, Serge shares his long-term ambition of creating an AI-powered FP&A agent that serves as a trusted second brain for finance teams across thousands of organisations. While the vision is ambitious, he stresses that sustainable growth depends on building a reliable, enterprise-ready product through rigorous testing, customer collaboration and continuous improvement. Andrew concludes that meaningful innovation takes time, particularly when accuracy and trust are critical, while Serge reflects on the rewards of entrepreneurship and the willingness to embrace risk in pursuit of creating lasting value. #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #Finance #FPA #FinancialPlanning #EnterpriseAI #DevReadyPodcast #Startup #BusinessTechnology #Innovation

  3. Aug 5

    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

  4. Aug 4

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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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
    316
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    DevReady Podcast

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