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. 5 days ago

    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

  2. 6 days ago

    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

  3. 22 Jul

    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

  4. 21 Jul

    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

  5. 15 Jul

    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

  6. 14 Jul

    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

  7. 8 Jul

    Artificial Intelligence in Business and the Future of AI with Thomas Green | Ep 307 | DevReady Podcast

    Thomas Green, Technology Futurist, Keynote Speaker and Co-Founder of The Really Conscious Group, joins Andrew Romeo, CEO and Co-Founder of Aerion Technologies and  Co-Founder of DevReady.Ai, on this episode of the DevReady Podcast for a thought provoking conversation about the future of artificial intelligence, business leadership and human potential. Drawing on his extraordinary life experiences, including a near-death experience that transformed his worldview, Thomas shares why technology alone will not determine the future. Instead, he explores how consciousness, leadership, innovation and purpose will shape the next generation of organisations. Thomas begins by explaining how his near-death experience reshaped his understanding of technology, consciousness and human connection. Using concepts from computing, quantum science and meditation, he explores the idea that people are connected through more than physical interactions, influencing one another through mindset, behaviour and shared environments. He draws comparisons between clean software code and human thinking, arguing that the language, habits and beliefs people develop ultimately shape their ability to innovate, adapt and lead. Throughout the discussion, Thomas encourages leaders to become more present, question inherited assumptions and rethink the way they approach both technology and business. The conversation then shifts to the rapid acceleration of artificial intelligence and its impact on organisations. Thomas introduces his concept of a new era of diminishing effort, where AI enables increasingly powerful outcomes with significantly less human input. Andrew and Thomas discuss why many businesses are still operating with outdated structures despite the speed of technological change, highlighting the need to rethink education, leadership, business models and workforce development. Rather than replacing people with AI, Thomas advocates for investing in employees, helping them build new skills and empowering them to become innovators alongside intelligent technologies. Andrew and Thomas also examine the ethics of growth, questioning whether technology should simply accelerate existing systems or create better ones. Thomas reflects on his decision to walk away from opportunities that conflicted with his values and explains why stakeholder-driven organisations, supported by technologies such as AI, blockchain and tokenisation, have the potential to create more sustainable outcomes. Together, they discuss why meaningful innovation begins with challenging assumptions, remaining open to new perspectives and designing businesses that create lasting value for customers, employees and society. The episode concludes with a broader discussion about leadership, intelligence and what success will look like in the AI era. Thomas argues that future-ready organisations must develop more than technical capability by strengthening emotional, physical and collective intelligence alongside traditional business skills. Andrew reinforces the importance of continuous learning, adaptability and investing in people during periods of rapid disruption. Together, they leave listeners with a compelling message that the organisations best equipped for the future will combine human potential, purposeful leadership and emerging technologies to create value that extends well beyond financial performance. #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #BusinessInnovation #Leadership #DigitalTransformation #BusinessStrategy #Technology #FutureOfWork #Innovation #DevReadyPodcast

  8. 7 Jul

    How AI Is Changing Software Development and Why Git Needs to Evolve | Ep 306 | 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 Dan Borthwick, Founder of NiceGit, to explore how software development is evolving in the age of AI. Drawing on a career that spans early video game development, high-growth startups and product innovation, Dan shares the experiences that shaped his approach to building technology that empowers both technical and non-technical teams. From pioneering mobile and Facebook gaming to creating a simpler approach to source control, this conversation offers valuable insights for founders, product managers and anyone involved in building digital products. Dan reflects on how a childhood fascination with computer games in the UK led him into software development, beginning with programming on early 8-bit and 16-bit computers. His career progressed through the rapidly evolving games industry, where he worked on cutting-edge mobile games before smartphones became mainstream and later helped shape the rise of Facebook gaming. He discusses the technical innovation, rapid experimentation and product thinking that defined those years, along with the ethical considerations surrounding gaming mechanics such as loot boxes. These experiences laid the foundation for his passion for creating products that solve real-world problems through better technology. The discussion then turns to NiceGit and the growing challenge of collaboration in modern software development. Dan explains how his experience leading multidisciplinary teams inspired him to simplify source control for designers, writers, product managers and other contributors who increasingly play an active role in software projects. After conducting more than 80 user interviews and participating in leading startup accelerator programs, he discovered that product leaders, rather than developers alone, were driving demand for better collaboration tools. Together, Andrew and Dan explore how AI coding tools have accelerated software creation while exposing new workflow challenges that require a fresh approach to version control and team collaboration. Dan also shares the lessons he learned from co-founding Pearlii, an AI-powered dental health startup that sought to identify dental conditions through smartphone images. He discusses the realities of building a deep tech company, including securing investment, collecting specialised datasets and ensuring founders share clear expectations from the outset. Although the venture ultimately closed, the experience reinforced the importance of customer validation, founder alignment and disciplined product strategy, all of which have influenced the way he has built NiceGit. Looking ahead, Dan outlines his vision for NiceGit as the collaboration platform for the next generation of software creators. As AI continues to lower the barriers to building software, he believes teams need intuitive tools that make collaboration as straightforward as sharing files in cloud storage while still supporting professional development practices. The conversation highlights why productivity software requires extensive testing, why software quality depends on effective collaboration, and why the future of product development belongs to teams where technical and non-technical contributors can work together seamlessly. #DevReadyPodcast #ArtificialIntelligence #SoftwareDevelopment #Startup #Founders #ProductManagement #Git #Technology #Innovation #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
    312
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    DevReady Podcast