Libsyn Directory

Practical Tech Strategies with Ben Bianchi

Release Date: 03/21/2025

Smart Systems and Smarter Operations with Valeria Torres

The Well Aware Podcast

In this Well Aware Podcast episode, Conrad Ruiz welcomes special guest from . They discuss Valgorithm's role in streamlining operations for companies in the healthcare and legal sectors. The conversation covers the importance of automation, documentation, and the strategic use of virtual assistants. Valeria shares insights on maintaining compliance and privacy while utilizing AI tools and highlights her journey and practical applications of AI in daily operations. The episode concludes with a demonstration of creating custom GPT bots and a discussion of their collaborative efforts in...

Operation Teardown Episode 4 - Effective Time Management with Google Calendar and Notion

The Well Aware Podcast

In this Well Aware Operations Teardown, Conrad Ruiz explains how to integrate Google Calendar with Notion using the tool 2sync. This integration streamlines the process by converting each calendar event into a Notion record. The video covers setting up 2sync, field mapping, and practical tips for managing both personal and professional commitments. Moreover, it dives into the Well Aware TRACK management system, highlighting how time records are associated with other data components like relationships, actions, commitments, and knowledge. 00:00 Introduction to Operations Teardown 00:31 The...

Secrets to Effective Product Management with Jonathan Tai

The Well Aware Podcast

In this episode of the Well Aware Podcast, host Conrad Ruiz is joined by Jonathan Tai, a close friend and experienced product manager. They discuss their shared history at WPI and JT's journey from a robotics engineer to a product manager. Conrad highlights his own experiences working with JT on a software product, emphasizing the importance of empathy, communication, and structured workflow in effective product management. JT shares insights on building a minimal viable product, prioritizing features, and managing development timelines. The conversation offers valuable lessons for founders...

Practical Tech Strategies with Ben Bianchi

The Well Aware Podcast

Breaking the Stereotypes of Financial Advisors with Joshua Krafchick

The Well Aware Podcast

In this episode of the Well Aware Podcast, host Conrad Ruiz converses with Josh Krafchick of 369 Financial about building genuine relationships in the financial advisory space and the journey from corporate America to entrepreneurship. They touch on their initial connection through the Ripple Effects network and delve into Josh's unique approach to financial advising, emphasizing relationships over transactions. The discussion explores the evolution from barter systems to modern economies, the sacrifices involved in entrepreneurial ventures, and the importance of continuous learning. Josh also...

Breaking Down the Algorithm: Practical Applications in Business Automation with Chris Edney

The Well Aware Podcast

In this episode of the Well Aware Podcast, host Conrad Ruiz converses with Christopher Edney of Sigma Squared about the significant benefits of automation and value-based pricing in business operations. The discussion explores Christopher's extensive background in finance, his innovative approach to automating repetitive tasks, and the potential time and cost savings these automations offer. They delve into concepts such as algorithm-based workflows, the trade-offs between hourly and project-based charging, and real-world applications of these principles. The conversation also touches on the...

Operation Teardown Episode 3 - Strategies for Building Strong Referral Networks

The Well Aware Podcast

In this episode, Conrad shares an in-depth breakdown of his Well Aware Operations Teardown, He meticulously walks through the operational breakdown of establishing and managing referral partnerships. He explains his philosophy on rewarding partners for business referrals and outlines the steps to create a successful partnership, including alignment, managing operations, and formal agreements. Conrad discusses the intricacies of percentage splits, handling joint client engagements, and the importance of maintaining clear communication. He also emphasizes the value of treating each referral...

Achieving Success Through Authentic Sales Practices with Mike Montalvo

The Well Aware Podcast

In this episode of the Well Aware Podcast, host Conrad Ruiz introduces Their relationship began with a noteworthy cold email that caught Conrad's attention. The discussion covers Mike's unique sales approach, the evolution of their professional relationship, and Mike's diverse background, from architecture to sales. Mike shares his journey and the importance of authenticity, expressing gratitude for his support system. He outlines his current mission to help family entrepreneurs with affordable, performance-based sales and marketing services, highlighting his practical methods and deep...

The Future of Investing: Automation and Retail Trading with Dillon Del Rosso

The Well Aware Podcast

In this episode of the Well Aware Podcast, Conrad Ruiz welcomes Dillon Del Rosso, co-founder of PeakBot, an automated trading platform. Conrad and Dillon discuss their long-term relationship and the challenges of balancing time and money as business owners. Delving into topics such as the intricacies of stock market investments, the advantages of automated trading, and the personal journeys of the founders, they provide insights into making informed financial decisions. Dillon also shares his corporate and entrepreneurial background, the inspiration behind starting PeakBot, and how the...

Living the Business Dream with Ral West

The Well Aware Podcast

In this episode of the Well Aware Podcast, host Conrad Ruiz interviews Ral West, a seasoned entrepreneur with a rich history in the tourism industry and other business ventures. Ral shares her journey from growing up in a family deeply involved in Alaska tourism, to establishing her own businesses, and the wisdom gained through various pivots, including the sale of her company to Alaska Airlines. She emphasizes the importance of systems, continuous learning, and leveraging external resources to achieve business success without being consumed by day-to-day operations. The episode also explores...

More Episodes

In this episode of the Well Aware Podcast, host Conrad Ruiz sits down with his close friend and fractional CTO, Benjamin Bianchi, to discuss the intricacies of custom software development. Benjamin shares his journey from modding video games as a child to working at Amazon and Wayfair, and now helping Conrad with his introduction management software, In the Looop. They delve into the challenges and lessons learned in transitioning from no-code solutions to custom development, the significance of clear communication and requirements, and the dynamics of managing a development project. Throughout, Benjamin emphasizes the importance of being pragmatic and ensuring mutual understanding between technical and non-technical stakeholders. They also touch on future scalability, effective team management, and the critical need for observability in the system. The episode wraps up with insights on the future of the project and Benjamin’s advice for those embarking on similar journeys.

Today's Guest: Ben Bianchi likes to build high functioning programs and loves to build high functioning teams. Ben is a Software Development Engineer II at Amazon, but I like introduce him professionally as a technical consultant for SaaS founders. I’ve known Ben since our time together at WPI - I’ve always admired Ben’s sense for being pragmatic. Other engineers can hide behind their knowledge and refuse to communicate plainly. Ben is always direct, unafraid to share opposition to an opinion, and yet within that, he’s absolutely charming and caring about people. I am grateful to call him my friend.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:22 Ben's Background and Early Interests

03:54 The Beginnings of 'In the Looop'

05:26 Challenges with No-Code Solutions

07:16 Transition to Custom Software Development

10:32 Importance of Clear Requirements and Design

11:33 Development Hurdles and Amplify 21:01 Feedback and Scalability Issues

26:54 Understanding Decision-Making in Development

27:35 Navigating Development Timelines and Expectations

29:02 Challenges and Solutions in Software Development

30:53 The Importance of Accurate Estimates

32:20 The Role of Product Management and UX

34:44 Agile and Extreme Programming in Practice