Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur

This podcast is for aspiring entrepreneurs and technologists as well as those that want to become a designer and implementors of great software solutions. That includes solving problems through technology. We look at the whole skill set that makes a great developer. This includes tech skills, business and entrepreneurial skills, and life-hacking, so you have the time to get the job done while still enjoying life.

Year-End Reset for Developers: A Pre-Christmas Check-In to Finish Strong 12/23/2025

Year-End Reset for Developers: A Pre-Christmas Check-In to Finish Strong The week before Christmas has a way of exposing how the year really went. Deadlines either slow down or pile up, calendars get messy, and the pressure to “wrap everything up” shows up at the same time you’re trying to enjoy the season. In this Pre-Christmas episode of Building Better Developers, and keep it practical: looking back on the year, calling out what worked (and what didn’t), and sharing why a year-end reset for developers is the best way to prepare for a better new year. Why a Year-End Reset for Developers Matters A year-end reset for developers isn’t just taking a few days off. It’s stepping back long enough to see the patterns you’ve been living in: where you made progress, where you got stuck, and where you’ve been running on fumes. This episode is about doing that reflection without guilt—and using it to set yourself up for momentum, rather than burnout. A year-end reset for developers is how you stop repeating the same year with a new calendar. The Good, the Bad, and the Real: Looking Back on the Year Rob kicks things off with a simple reflection: one good thing and one bad thing from the year. The good news is that the business made it through another year. That matters more than people like to admit. Survival means you kept moving, you adapted, and you didn’t shut the doors. He also highlights a significant win: spending more time working on the business, rather than just being inside it. That includes improving systems, making changes, and investing in the foundation that supports growth. The bad is honest too: the company didn’t grow as much as he wanted. Some goals didn’t land. Still, even that can be useful—because it creates space to strengthen the core instead of rushing to scale. A year-end reset for developers starts with one question—what did you build that will help you next year? Micro Goals: How a Year-End Reset for Developers Turns Into Progress One of the biggest themes in this episode is that progress doesn’t require dramatic change. Rob leans into incremental improvement—the small steps that keep forward motion alive when life gets busy. He talks about regularly touching key areas of the business: rebuilding and redesigning parts of the brand, creating internal tools, and moving toward more custom systems to reduce dependency on licenses and patchwork solutions. It’s a steady approach: a little time each week, consistently, until the results show up. He also points out that networking and marketing may not be fun for everyone, but doing them consistently builds relationships—and those relationships often become valuable in ways you can’t predict. Micro goals are the engine of a year-end reset for developers—small steps, repeated, create big change. When You’re Split Across Stacks, the Reset Becomes Essential Michael talks about something many devs feel: context switching is expensive. This year, he has had two major projects running in two different technology worlds—Django/Python/Apache on one side and Java/Spring/AWS/Redis on the other. Even when you enjoy the work, the mental shift between stacks adds friction. That’s why a year-end reset for developers needs to include something most of us skip: rest. Not “watch a screen while thinking about work” rest—real rest. Rest Is Not a Suggestion: The Core of a Year-End Reset for Developers Michael shares what he's been trying to implement more seriously: turning off distractions, stepping away from screens, and scheduling real breaks. Michael took a couple of days off over Thanksgiving and felt a clear difference. Because the truth is, there’s a point where “powering through” stops working. You can still finish tasks, but it takes ten times the effort. Your mind gets foggy. Your focus disappears. Then you start mistaking exhaustion for a productivity problem. So the recommendation is simple: schedule rest like it’s a requirement. Take a walk. Read a book. Get away from devices. Let your eyes rest. Get out into your community. Look at holiday events, concerts, or just go see Christmas lights. The goal is to reconnect with life outside your backlog. The fastest way to improve your output is often a year-end reset for developers—rest first, then refocus. Boundaries Make You Better: Deadlines, Routines, and Quitting Time Rob adds an important point: structure helps. Having a “quit time” creates a boundary that forces smarter choices. He’s found that shrinking the to-do list and accepting “it’ll be there tomorrow” can actually increase productivity. We’ve preached this for years, and it still holds: once you push past a certain number of hours each week, you’re not producing more—you’re just working longer. A year-end reset for developers includes rebuilding boundaries that protect your focus. He also shares something worth repeating: everyone needs a way to disconnect. Exercise, cooking, a hobby, a walk—whatever it is, find it. If you don’t have it, go discover it. Closing Thoughts: Enjoy the Season and Start Fresh This episode wraps with a simple holiday message: enjoy the time you have. Spend it with family and friends. Take a break. Indulge a little. Get out of the house. Recharge. Then when the new year hits, you’ll be ready to set goals that actually stick—because you’ll be thinking clearly and moving on purpose. A year-end reset for developers isn’t a luxury. It’s how you finish the year with gratitude—and start the next one with momentum. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/39400425

Adapting Your Business to AI: Productivity Surges, New Models, and the Power of Data 12/18/2025

Adapting Your Business to AI: Productivity Surges, New Models, and the Power of Data In Part 2 of our Building Better Foundations interview with , founder and CEO of Barefoot Solutions and Barefoot Labs, we explore how companies can begin adapting their business to AI over the next one to three years. Rather than imagining futuristic scenarios, Hunter keeps the focus on what’s already happening—and what leaders must do now to stay ahead. About Hunter Jensen Hunter Jensen is the Founder and CEO of Barefoot Solutions, a digital agency specializing in artificial intelligence, data science, and digital transformation. With over 20 years of experience, Hunter has worked with startups and Fortune 500 companies, including Microsoft and Salesforce, to implement innovative technology strategies that drive measurable ROI. A seasoned leader and expert in the AI space, Hunter helps businesses harness cutting-edge technologies to achieve growth and efficiency. / / / Where Companies Will See the First Wins When Adapting Their Business to AI Hunter starts by shortening the timeline. Five years is too far; the real transformation is happening in the next 12–36 months. Today’s early value comes from AI supporting back-office functions: HR Accounting Research Administrative work These areas already show measurable ROI. But adapting your business to AI isn’t just about automating repetitive tasks. “What comes next is using AI to support the thing your business actually does.” – Hunter Jensen If you’re in cybersecurity, AI will amplify cybersecurity tasks. If you work in finance, AI will speed up analysis and deal preparation. If you’re in legal, AI will reshape workflows and client expectations. These shifts mark the second major phase of adapting your business to AI. The Coming Surplus: How AI Redefines Knowledge Work When Adapting Your Business to AI As companies begin adapting their business to AI, productivity skyrockets. Hunter predicts that many teams will get 5x more output from the same number of people. We see this creating a new challenge: a surplus of available work hours. This has already happened in software development. With AI-enhanced coding, the same team can deliver far more in far less time. Hunter warns that other knowledge-work fields—including law, consulting, and analytics—are next in line. “Layoffs are not a growth strategy. You need to innovate.” – Hunter Jensen Instead of cutting staff, leaders should redirect excess capacity into new products, services, and innovation. Adapting Your Business to AI Requires Rethinking Your Model The biggest disruption comes not from tools—but from business models. Hunter shares how Barefoot Solutions, after 20 years of hourly-based software development, had to rethink its entire model when adapting its business to AI. With AI writing code faster than ever, traditional hourly billing simply couldn’t reflect true value. The result? A shift toward product development, leading to the creation of Compass, an internal AI platform that helps organizations securely use their data. Many industries—especially those built on billable hours—will need to make similar changes. That means exploring: Value-based pricing Productized services Internal tools that create leverage Hybrid service + product offerings Adapting your business to AI means adapting how you make money, not just how you work. What Developers and Students Should Do Now For younger developers or recent graduates, adapting your career to AI is just as important as adapting your business to AI. Hunter recommends: Building strong AI literacy Understanding how to investigate, validate, and critique AI output Learning to integrate AI APIs into real applications Creating proof-of-concept projects that solve real business problems “The best way to learn is by building. Anything. Solve one real pain point.” – Hunter Jensen Those projects become powerful résumé builders—and valuable stepping stones into the industry. Why Data Is Now the Ultimate Competitive Advantage The era of “first mover advantage” is over. AI allows competitors to replicate an idea in a weekend. But one thing cannot be cloned: your proprietary data. Hunter argues that adapting your business to AI means treating your data like a strategic asset. Companies with decades of untouched data—financial, healthcare, legal, operational—hold the new competitive moat. If you can use AI to unlock insights from that data, you create advantages no competitor can copy. Turning Disruption Into Opportunity As Hunter explains, adapting your business to AI is not optional: Productivity will surge Pricing models will shift Historic data will become a treasure chest Innovation will define survival But for entrepreneurs, leaders, and developers, this is also the most exciting moment in decades. The companies that adapt will not only survive—they’ll lead. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/39205140

Getting Started with AI in Your Business: Insights from Hunter Jensen (Part 1) 12/16/2025

Getting Started with AI in Your Business: Insights from Hunter Jensen (Part 1) In this episode of Building Better Foundations, we interview , founder and CEO of Barefoot Solutions and Barefoot Labs, to explore what it really takes when getting started with AI in your business. As companies rush toward AI adoption, Hunter offers grounded, practical advice on avoiding early mistakes, protecting your data, and choosing the right starting point. About Hunter Jensen Hunter Jensen is the Founder and CEO of Barefoot Solutions, a digital agency specializing in artificial intelligence, data science, and digital transformation. With over 20 years of experience, Hunter has worked with startups and Fortune 500 companies, including Microsoft and Salesforce, to implement innovative technology strategies that drive measurable ROI. A seasoned leader and expert in the AI space, Hunter helps businesses harness cutting-edge technologies to achieve growth and efficiency. / / / Why “Just Add AI” Is Not a Strategy When Getting Started with AI in Your Business Hunter begins by addressing the biggest misconception leaders face when getting started with AI in their business: the belief that a single, all-knowing model can absorb everything your business does and instantly deliver insights across every department. “Leaders imagine an all-knowing model. We are nowhere near that being safe or realistic.” – Hunter Jensen The core issue is access control. Even the best models cannot safely enforce who should or should not see certain data. If an LLM is trained on HR data, how do you stop it from sharing salary information with an employee who shouldn’t see it? This is why getting started with AI in your business must begin with clear boundaries and realistic expectations. Safe First Steps When Getting Started with AI in Your Business As Hunter explains, companies don’t need to dive straight into custom models. A safer, simpler path exists for getting started with AI in your business, especially for teams on Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. Start With Tools Already Built Into Your Environment Hunter recommends two solid, low-risk entry points: Microsoft 365 Copilot Google Gemini for Workspace These platforms provide: Built-in enterprise protections Familiar workflows Safe, contained AI access A gentle learning curve for employees Hunter emphasizes that employees are already using public AI tools, even if policy forbids it. When getting started with AI in your business, providing approved tools is essential to keeping data safe. “If you’re not providing safe tools, your team will use unsafe ones.” – Hunter Jensen These tools won’t solve every AI need, but they are an ideal first step. Choosing the Right Model for Your Needs Another common question when getting started with AI in your business is: Which model is best? ChatGPT? Gemini? Claude? Hunter explains that the landscape changes weekly—sometimes daily. Today’s leading model could be irelevent tomorrow. For this reason, businesses should avoid hard commitments to a single model. Experiment Before Committing Hunter suggests opening multiple LLMs side-by-side—such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity—and testing each for quality and speed. This gives teams a feel for what works before deciding how AI fits into their workflow. This experimentation mindset is essential when getting started with AI in your business because: Different models excel at different tasks Some models are faster or cheaper Some handle long context or code better New releases constantly change the landscape Your AI system should remain flexible enough to shift models as needed. Protecting Your Data from Day One One of Hunter’s strongest warnings is about data safety. If you’re serious about getting started with AI in your business, you must pay attention to licensing. If you are not paying for AI, you have no control over your data. Some industries—like legal, finance, and healthcare—may need even stricter controls or private deployments. This leads naturally to the next stage of AI adoption. The Next Step After Getting Started with AI in Your Business Once companies understand their needs, the next phase is building an internal system that: Connects securely to business software Honors existing user permissions Keeps all data inside the company network Uses models selected for specific tasks Hunter’s product Compass is perfect for this phase. Instead of trusting the model to protect data, you rely on your own systems and access controls. This is how AI becomes truly safe and powerful. “The model should only see what the user is allowed to see—nothing more.” – Hunter Jensen Final Thoughts on Getting Started with AI in Your Business Part 1 of our interview with Hunter Jensen makes one thing clear: getting started with AI in your business isn’t about chasing the latest model. It’s about protecting your data, giving your team safe tools, and preparing for a multi-model future. Stay tuned for Part 2 as we dive deeper into internal AI deployment, advanced architectures, and building long-term AI strategy. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/39205030

How Value-Driven Project Discovery Shapes Better Software Outcomes 12/11/2025

How Value-Driven Project Discovery Shapes Better Software Outcomes In Part 2 of our interview with , CEO of eResources, we explore how value-driven project discovery helps teams make better decisions, prevent waste, and build software that actually supports the business. Dusty goes deep into prioritization, budgeting, revenue-generating processes, and why discovery is essential for steering both startups and large enterprises toward meaningful outcomes. About Dusty Gulleson Dusty Gulleson is a founder who never set out to build a large company—he simply followed the work, served people well, and let loyalty drive the growth. After leaving a COO role that didn’t fit, he waited tables, picked up freelance web projects, and gradually built what is now eResources, a 100+ person organization spanning strategy, branding, IT services, cybersecurity, SaaS automation, and offshore teams. Born in Indonesia and now leading four thriving divisions, Dusty has grown the company without hype or outside funding, relying instead on relationships, trust, and consistent delivery. With five acquisitions under his belt and recurring revenue across industries like housing, higher education, and public health, his leadership philosophy centers on people, clarity, and service. Whether in a boardroom or a bourbon tasting room, Dusty approaches every conversation with the same question: “Where do you want to go, and how can we help?” Why Value-Driven Project Discovery Matters Many organizations want to move fast, but not necessarily in the right direction. Dusty explains that teams often fixate on long feature lists instead of business value. Value-driven project discovery flips that conversation by asking: What outcome are you trying to achieve? This shift helps clients focus on what matters most instead of chasing nice-to-have ideas. “Everyone’s looking at the finish line, but no one is asking what the starting line really looks like.” Using Value-Driven Project Discovery to Find True Priorities Dusty combines the 80/20 rule with the MoSCoW method to identify what the project truly needs at launch. Clients frequently bring big ideas, but through value-driven project discovery, his team uncovers the 20% that delivers 80% of the impact. The Must-Haves rise to the top naturally when tied back to real outcomes. Cutting Through Data Bloat One recurring obstacle is data collection bloat—requests to capture everything “just in case.” Dusty highlights how the value-driven approach clears away unnecessary data points so teams can focus on action-driving information. This reduces complexity, speeds delivery, and saves money. Budget Reality Checks Dusty emphasizes that constraints are real and useful. Budgets shape scope, timelines, and phases. Instead of forcing everything into a fixed number, focusing on value helps teams see what is truly feasible. Often, clients don’t understand how misaligned their vision and budget are until the story is mapped out clearly. Identifying Golden Processes Using Value-Driven Project Discovery Golden processes—the steps that generate revenue or sustain the business—are central to prioritization. During value-driven project discovery, Dusty helps clients identify the processes that keep the company moving. Once those are defined, secondary ideas naturally fall into later phases. “Your golden processes determine where the first dollars must go.” Value-Driven Project Discovery and the Chapter-One Mindset Big visions don’t require big bang releases. Dusty encourages a chapter-one approach: start small, deliver one valuable win, and build momentum. A $100 improvement today may pave the way for a $1,000 investment tomorrow. This phased approach reduces risk and increases adoption. Applying Value-Driven Project Discovery to Grow Without VC Funding Dusty’s entrepreneurial journey is a testimony to value-driven thinking. He grew his company to 100+ employees without venture capital—using time, grit, SBA vehicles, and strategically acquired businesses. Value-driven helps guide decisions about where to invest and when to scale. Overcoming Crisis Through Value-Driven Project Discovery During the 2008 financial crisis, Dusty leaned heavily on value-first thinking. Cash froze, clients paused payments, and vendors struggled. Instead of panicking, he relied on relationships, transparency, and careful evaluation of what mattered most. Value-driven project discovery helped him make decisions grounded in clarity rather than fear. How Value-Driven Project Discovery Builds Better Relationships At its core, discovery is a relationship-building exercise. Clients don’t just need developers—they need partners who understand their story, their challenges, and their business realities. Dusty reminds us that consulting is as much about people and process as it is about technology. Lessons for Founders Dusty closes with important advice for new founders: learn to talk to people, listen with empathy, and understand their story. Tools and platforms matter, but only after you fully grasp the problem. “People want to be heard. When they’re heard, you can actually solve their problem.” Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/39204665

How Story-Driven Discovery in Software Projects Leads to Better Results 12/09/2025

How Story-Driven Discovery in Software Projects Leads to Better Results In this episode of the Building Better Developers Podcast, we sit down with Dusty Gulleson, CEO of eResources, to explore why story-driven discovery is the foundation of every successful software project. Dusty shares how understanding a customer’s journey, motivations, and real-world frustrations leads to better outcomes than any technical requirement alone. Instead of focusing on platforms and features first, he explains why great projects begin with people and the stories behind their needs. About Dusty Gulleson Dusty Gulleson is a founder who never set out to build a large company—he simply followed the work, served people well, and let loyalty drive the growth. After leaving a COO role that didn’t fit, he waited tables, picked up freelance web projects, and gradually built what is now eResources, a 100+ person organization spanning strategy, branding, IT services, cybersecurity, SaaS automation, and offshore teams. Born in Indonesia and now leading four thriving divisions, Dusty has grown the company without hype or outside funding, relying instead on relationships, trust, and consistent delivery. With five acquisitions under his belt and recurring revenue across industries like housing, higher education, and public health, his leadership philosophy centers on people, clarity, and service. Whether in a boardroom or a bourbon tasting room, Dusty approaches every conversation with the same question: “Where do you want to go, and how can we help?” Why Story-Driven Discovery Matters More Than Requirements Most clients initially express their needs in bullet points, task lists, or feature requests. But as Dusty explains, those surface-level items rarely reflect the full picture. Story-driven discovery goes deeper by uncovering the context behind the request: the business pressures, the users involved, and the real outcome the client is trying to achieve. “We’re customer service people first — we just happen to do technology,” Dusty shared. This mindset ensures teams build solutions that support real workflows rather than assumptions. How Story-Driven Discovery Reveals Real Problems As Dusty shifted from a bullet-point mindset to a more narrative-focused approach, he began asking open-ended questions such as: What does a successful day look like for you? What is frustrating about your current system? Which tasks slow you down the most? Who depends on the work you do? Stories expose problems that requirements often hide. Rob Broadhead offered a relatable example: someone saying “the printer isn’t working” may actually mean “I need this document before my meeting.” Story-driven discovery uncovers the urgency, not just the symptom. Using Story-Driven Discovery Before Delivery Begins Dusty breaks every project into two essential steps: Discovery — listening, asking questions, and gathering the story Delivery — building the solution aligned to that story Skipping step one is where most projects fail. Without story-driven discovery, teams risk scope creep, mismatched expectations, unrealistic budgets, and frustration on both sides. “If a company won’t invest in discovery, they’re not serious about solving the problem.” A proper discovery process creates alignment long before development begins. Avoiding AI RFP Pitfalls with Story-Driven Discovery Dusty highlighted a growing issue: AI-generated RFPs that look polished but lack practical context. These documents often include: Conflicting requirements Unrealistic expectations Missing business outcomes Undefined user roles No connection to real workflows They list features — but no story. Story-driven discovery corrects this by grounding requirements in real organizational challenges and goals. Prioritizing Needs with Story-Driven Discovery During discovery, Dusty uses two powerful prioritization methods: MoSCoW Method Must-Have Should-Have Could-Have Won’t-Have (for now) The 80-15-5 Rule 80% → essential for launch 15% → valuable future enhancements 5% → avoid due to high cost or low ROI These frameworks help keep projects realistic and focused on value. How Story-Driven Discovery Builds Trust At its core, story-driven discovery builds stronger relationships. Clients feel heard. Developers gain clarity. Executives stay aligned. Teams avoid miscommunication. When everyone understands the story, the success criteria become obvious — and so do the right solutions. Conclusion This episode makes one message clear: technology alone doesn’t create great software outcomes. Success begins with story-driven discovery — a human-centered approach that uncovers real needs and aligns teams before development ever starts. Dusty’s perspective reminds us that the best projects aren’t built on specs. They’re built on stories. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/39204510

Managing Digital Distractions: Insights from Mister Productivity (Part 2) 12/04/2025

Managing Digital Distractions: Insights from Mister Productivity (Part 2) In part 2 of our Building Better Developers conversation with we shift from foundational habits to the modern reality of our digital world. With smartphones, notifications, social media, and AI competing for every second of our attention, managing digital distractions has become one of the most important productivity skills of our time. Mark pulls back the curtain on how our devices keep us hooked—and offers practical, simple steps to regain control of our attention before the noise takes over. About Mark Struczewski Today, we're joined by Mark Struczewski—pronounced STRU-CHESS-KEY—better known as Mister Productivity. This Houston-based coach and host of the Mister Productivity™ Podcast, with over 1,340 episodes and thousands of downloads, equips busy professionals to crush overwhelm and reclaim focus. Drawing on his corporate grit and daily running discipline, Mark shares his proven 'Distraction Detox' framework to turn digital chaos into high-impact action. Please welcome Mark! , , , , , Turning Off the Noise: First Steps in Managing Digital Distractions Mark starts with a surprisingly bold recommendation: turn off vibration mode—permanently. Even if your phone is “muted,” vibration keeps your brain on high alert. Removing it creates true silence and removes the physical stimulus that pulls you out of focus. He also stresses the importance of auditing every app notification you have. Most people tap “Allow” without thinking, and developers take full advantage of that. Mark insists you go through each app and ask: Does this notification serve me? Or is it another distraction stealing my focus? In most cases, you’ll turn off 90% of them. A Notification Is a Demand for Your Attention: If your phone decides what you do next, you’re not in control—your apps are. Advanced Techniques for Managing Digital Distractions Beyond simple notification hygiene, we explore more powerful ways to reinforce boundaries. 1. Use Focus Modes Intentionally Newer smartphones allow you to block almost everything while allowing a short list of apps or people through. It turns your phone into a calmer, quieter version of itself—ideal for deep work. 2. Block Websites at the Router Level Michael shares how he blocks entire sites like Facebook or news apps from his entire home network. This prevents drifting into distraction, no matter which device he picks up. 3. Silence Individual Contacts If someone sends constant memes or random texts, you can mute their message sounds without blocking them. Messages still arrive, but they don’t interrupt your work. These tools aren’t “nanny features”—they’re modern essentials for managing digital distractions in a tech-saturated world. Social Media Boundaries: Build the Muscle, Not the Habit One area where many people struggle is social media consumption. Mark shares that he only spends 3–4 intentional minutes on platforms like X or Instagram before moving on. How? He uses scheduling tools—Meta Business Suite, Buffer, TikTok Studio—to create content in batches and avoid the endless scroll. His rule is simple: Use social media as a tool, Not as a default habit. And if he’s with people in person? The phone goes away—no exceptions. If someone picks up their phone mid-conversation, he stops talking or walks away. For Mark, presence is respect. True Focus Requires Presence: Being fully present strengthens your attention—even when you’re not working. The AI Overload Problem We also explore a growing concern: the overuse of AI tools as substitutes for real thinking. Mark notes that people are starting to treat AI chatbots like best friends, therapists, or decision-makers. The risks include: Reduced mental engagement Outsourcing problem-solving Losing the ability to think deeply Feeling “validated” by an algorithm programmed to agree with you Studies show that too much AI reliance leads to dramatically lower cognitive activity, essentially putting the brain into a passive state. Managing digital distractions now includes managing AI—and knowing when to step away. Why One-on-One Coaching Works Best Mark explains that when it comes to overcoming distraction and productivity issues, individual coaching surpasses group settings. In groups, people hold back. They don’t want coworkers or managers hearing their real struggles—especially when those struggles involve digital habits. One-on-one conversations create a safe space for honesty, clarity, and real change. He even offers a free Productivity Scorecard on his website to help people understand their strengths and weaknesses. But he emphasizes: awareness is only the first step. Improvement requires action. Ending the Day Right: A Shutdown Routine for Fewer Distractions Tomorrow Mark ends with one of his most powerful recommendations: a shutdown routine. This routine creates an intentional gap between screens and sleep—a crucial part of managing digital distractions at night. His routine includes: Turning off screens at a set time Listening to calming music Journaling a few final thoughts Reading a book Going to sleep with a quiet, settled mind A rested brain resists distraction better, thinks more clearly, and starts the next day stronger. Better Sleep = Better Focus: Managing digital distractions starts with how you unplug at night. Managing digital distractions isn’t about rejecting technology—it’s about using it on your terms. With the right boundaries, tools, and habits, you can reclaim your focus, protect your time, and build a healthier relationship with the digital world around you. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/39204255

Staying Focused in a Noisy World: Lessons from Mister Productivity (Part 1) 12/02/2025

Staying Focused in a Noisy World: Lessons from Mister Productivity (Part 1) In this episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, part of our Building Better Foundations season, and sit down with , better known as Mister Productivity. His passion is helping people get unstuck—whether through time management, clarity, or intentional focus. And in today’s always-on environment, staying focused is one of the biggest challenges professionals face. The first half of our interview explores distraction awareness, practical habits, and foundational techniques for staying focused in a world full of interruptions. About Mark Struczewski Today, we're joined by Mark Struczewski—pronounced STRU-CHESS-KEY—better known as Mister Productivity. This Houston-based coach and host of the Mister Productivity™ Podcast, with over 1,340 episodes and thousands of downloads, equips busy professionals to crush overwhelm and reclaim focus. Drawing on his corporate grit and daily running discipline, Mark shares his proven 'Distraction Detox' framework to turn digital chaos into high-impact action. Please welcome Mark! , , , , , How Mister Productivity Built His Approach to Staying Focused Mark didn’t begin his career expecting to teach productivity. After being fired from his corporate job in 2005, he tried entrepreneurship through wedding photography—an attempt he freely admits “bombed.” But that failure revealed something more important: he loved teaching, coaching, and speaking. A mentor eventually encouraged him to lean into his natural strengths. Mark hadn’t realized his productivity habits were unusual until someone pointed them out. Over the years, he connected those habits back to the discipline his parents instilled—do your work, do it right, and do it on time. Productivity Starts with Foundations: Many of the skills required for staying focused begin with simple, consistent discipline—not complicated tools. The Distraction Detox: A Practical Path Toward Staying Focused Mark’s “Distraction Detox” is one of his simplest yet most powerful techniques. It starts with awareness—because most people don’t realize how often they’re pulled off track. The exercise: Keep a small notepad or a simple notes app. Write down every single distraction as it happens. Delivery trucks Barking dogs Random thoughts Alerts and notifications Within minutes, people typically discover just how fragmented their attention has become. We’re not just distracted—we’re constantly distracted, and often subconsciously. You Can’t Improve What You Don’t See: Awareness is the first step in staying focused. What You Can Control When Staying Focused Once you have captured your distractions, the next step is to separate what you can influence from what you can’t. Outside your control: Neighbor noise Construction Delivery schedules Within your control: Your pets When you schedule deep work Workspace layout Visibility (like closing blinds so pets don’t react to movement) Even small adjustments can dramatically improve your ability to stay focused. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s reducing friction. Why Analog Tools Can Help With Staying Focused Mark strongly recommends using analog tools during focus sessions. Phones and computers invite distraction, even when you “just need to write something down.” An analog notepad avoids all the digital temptations. During deep work: Capture any random idea on the notepad Flip it over Continue working After the session and after taking a break, revisit the list. You’ll often find that many of the items no longer matter. Most Thoughts Lose Importance After a Break: Analog tools keep you focused without triggering digital distractions. A Simple Self-Check for Staying Focused Not every distraction is obvious. Sometimes you drift into another task without realizing it. Mark offers a quick self-check that prevents accidental derailment: “Is this what I’m supposed to be doing right now?” This three-second pause helps reset your attention and prevents you from going too far down an unintended path. Start Small: The Easiest Way to Support Staying Focused Mark believes that simplicity beats complexity. Trying to adopt a dozen productivity hacks at once leads to overwhelm. Instead, he recommends choosing one small habit: Tracking distractions Using a notepad Asking the self-check question Taking short walking breaks Simplifying your workflow Once that becomes consistent, add another layer. That’s how durable, long-term focus is built. Coming Up in Part 2: More Strategies for Staying Focused In part two of our interview with Mister Productivity, we dive deeper into routines, foundational habits, and practical systems that help reduce distraction and increase focus. Grab a notepad and get ready—more great insights are on the way. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/39204220

Thanksgiving Reflections for Developers: A Moment to Reset and Appreciate 11/27/2025

Thanksgiving Reflections for Developers: A Moment to Reset and Appreciate In this special holiday episode of the Building Better Foundations season of the Building Better Developers Podcast, hosts and pause their usual deep-dive discussions to share meaningful Thanksgiving reflections for developers. This annual tradition goes beyond technology and process—it centers on gratitude, growth, and the people who shape our journeys. Why Thanksgiving Reflections for Developers Matter Even though the recording takes place before the holiday, the episode releases just as listeners gather for Thanksgiving. Rob’s signature “gobble gobble” sound kicks things off, marking another year of stepping back to appreciate the wins, the lessons, and the relationships that make the development life meaningful. Thanksgiving reflections for developers remind us that progress isn’t just code—it’s community, resilience, and perspective. Two Sides of the Year: Thanksgiving Reflections for Developers Rob begins with a candid look at a year of downsizing, simplifying, and major life changes. The process has been exhausting but also freeing—removing clutter, shifting priorities, and making room for what matters most. Michael shares his own version of growth: completing a massive project, evolving his consulting business into a full-fledged software company, and learning hard lessons through the transition. The challenges brought long hours and stress, but they also delivered clarity and direction for the future. These Thanksgiving reflections for developers capture a familiar truth: every challenge is a stepping stone. Gratitude for People: Core Thanksgiving Reflections for Developers Both hosts highlight the importance of people above all else. Rob’s Reflections Gratitude for his RB Consulting team—developers, project managers, and early-career talent who have grown tremendously. Appreciation for the relationships built over years of collaboration. Joy in mentoring and watching team members evolve into seasoned professionals. Michael’s Reflections Deep appreciation for his wife and family, who supported him through 100-hour workweeks. Gratitude for friendships and the podcast partnership with Rob. Reflection on his soon-to-end team at Chase, and thankfulness for the journey they shared. The strongest Thanksgiving reflections for developers are always about people—not projects. Technology and Connection: Modern Thanksgiving Reflections for Developers Rob notes how technology has made it possible to work from almost anywhere—thanks to wireless tools, remote access, and communication platforms like Zoom and FaceTime. Michael adds that technology is powerful when used for real connection—not just scrolling or posting, but collaborating, calling, and being present with others. These Thanksgiving reflections for developers highlight a key truth: tech connects us, but only if we use it intentionally. Traditions and Joy: Lighthearted Thanksgiving Reflections for Developers The episode also brings fun holiday traditions into the conversation: Holiday football (Detroit Lions as always) Tennessee weather unpredictability The release of the final season of Stranger Things Sci-fi inspirations like Spielberg and Lucas These lighthearted moments remind us that gratitude isn’t just serious—it’s joy, nostalgia, and shared experiences. Community Appreciation: Final Thanksgiving Reflections for Developers The hosts close with heartfelt thanks to the podcast community. Listener stories, project successes, and feedback fuel the show’s mission to help developers grow, improve, and thrive. “Go out into the world and be thankful.” — Building Better Developers Podcast Thanksgiving Reflections for Developers: Build Better Foundations This Thanksgiving episode delivers a warm reminder that building better developers begins with building better foundations of gratitude—for people, for opportunities, for growth, and for technology that keeps us connected. From Rob and Michael: Happy Thanksgiving—and stay thankful. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/39138225

Thanksgiving Tips for Developers: How to Reset, Recharge, and Enjoy the Holiday Break 11/25/2025

Thanksgiving Tips for Developers: How to Reset, Recharge, and Enjoy the Holiday Break Thanksgiving week is here, and with it comes the perfect opportunity for developers to slow down, unwind, and refocus. In this special pre-holiday episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, Rob and Michael step away from the regular Building Better Foundations theme to talk about travel mishaps, gaming plans, personal downtime, AI experiments, and practical Thanksgiving tips for developers who want to rest and still grow. Whether you’re staying home, traveling, or juggling family plans, this episode delivers simple and meaningful insights to help you make the most of the holiday season. Why Thanksgiving Matters for Developers For nearly a decade, the podcast has featured Thanksgiving episodes as a fun tradition—lighter, more personal, and focused on gratitude. As Rob and Michael reflect on the year, they share stories and ideas every listener can relate to. It’s also a moment to pause and consider meaningful Thanksgiving tips for developers who are used to fast-paced schedules and tight deadlines. Holiday Chaos Happens—Laugh and Keep Moving The episode kicks off with Rob’s comedy-level travel disaster involving early check-ins, confusing airline mishaps, and even a sushi order gone terribly wrong. Despite the chaos, he reminds us that embracing humor is one of the most underrated Thanksgiving tips for developers dealing with holiday stress. Embrace the unexpected. Use holiday disruptions as forced downtime to reset. Gaming, Rest, and Making Time for Fun Developers love learning—but they also love games. Rob talks through his Steam Deck frustrations while trying to play Blood Bowl 3, and Michael shares his goal to finally play his untouched birthday gift, Pokémon ZA. Gaming becomes more than entertainment—it’s one of the best Thanksgiving tips for developers who need a mental break. The message is simple: Make room for joy. Let yourself play. Exploring AI, Creative Coding, and One-Day Projects Instead of doom-scrolling, Rob suggests exploring AI tools—both for fun and learning. Michael adds that Thanksgiving is a perfect time for a bite-sized coding experiment or “kitchen sink app” to explore new Java, Spring, or Python updates. This is where holiday downtime becomes a strategic advantage. You can recharge while sharpening skills. Try a no-pressure mini-project. One day of playful coding can spark major creativity. Disconnecting to Reconnect: The Heart of the Season Thanksgiving isn’t just time off—it’s time together. Michael encourages listeners to unplug, enjoy family time, watch holiday specials, and take a real break from screens. Spending quality time with loved ones is one of the most important Thanksgiving tips for developers who often live in digital worlds. Even for those working through the holiday week, a quieter office can provide opportunities to reconnect with coworkers or simply enjoy a more relaxed pace. Black Friday Deals and Leveling Up Your Toolkit Rob and Michael wrap up with practical advice: use holiday sales wisely. From software subscriptions to hardware upgrades, tech deals can help developers invest in their craft. They even recommend tools like CamelCamelCamel for smarter price tracking—another useful Thanksgiving tip for developers planning their 2026 goals. Final Thoughts: Rest Today, Grow Tomorrow Thanksgiving is a rare chance to step back, breathe, and appreciate what matters most. Whether you’re experimenting with tech, catching up on games, visiting family, or indulging in post-turkey naps, embrace the pause. Because the work—and the opportunities—will be waiting after the holiday glow fades. For now, apply these Thanksgiving tips for developers, enjoy the season, and recharge for the journey ahead. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/39122590

Fixed Bid vs Time and Materials: Insights from Our Interview with Charly Leetham (Part 2) 11/20/2025

Fixed Bid vs Time and Materials: Insights from Our Interview with Charly Leetham (Part 2) Choosing the right pricing model can make or break a project, and understanding fixed bid vs time and materials is essential for developers, consultants, and business owners alike. In Part 2 of our Building Better Foundations interview with , we explore the complexities behind scoping work, managing expectations, and balancing fairness with sustainability. This conversation dives into real experiences—both successful and painful—that highlight how important clarity is when building custom software or digital solutions. About Charly Leetham Charly Leetham brings more than 40 years of hands-on experience in building practical, reliable systems for small businesses. She earned her amateur radio license at 13, became an electronic engineer by 21, and completed her MBA while working full-time and raising two young children. Her career has spanned technical support, sales, project management, and client services, giving her a deep understanding of both technology and people. After running multiple franchises and overcoming a major business setback, she founded Ask Charly Leetham—now a long-standing digital services company supporting clients across Australia, the U.S., and beyond. Known for her clear, no-nonsense approach, Charly specializes in turning complex tech into simple, workable solutions. She also hosts Rise and Shine – Your Business Tech Boost, offering practical guidance to business owners who want answers they can trust. , , , , , Fixed Bid vs Time and Materials: When Fixed Pricing Works Charly begins by explaining that fixed bid pricing only works when the scope is tight, clear, and measurable. If she can define every deliverable—content length, number of pages, number of images, required effort—then fixed pricing is a win for both sides. Everyone knows what will be delivered and at what cost. “Fixed bid requires fixed scope. If you can’t list every deliverable, you shouldn’t fix the price.” – Charly Leetham But when the work involves unknowns, research, or variable technical challenges, time and materials become the safer, more honest approach. When ambiguity is present, Charly often starts with a one-hour or two-hour discovery block before offering a detailed estimate. Fixed Bid vs Time and Materials: Owning the Estimate One powerful theme from Charly’s perspective is ownership. If she commits to a fixed price and the work takes longer than expected—yet stays within the original requirements—she believes it’s her responsibility, not the client’s problem. She compares it to car maintenance: if a mechanic quotes you a fixed price for an oil change, you don’t pay extra because it took them longer internally. “If I overestimated my abilities, that’s on me—not the client.” Michael shares a similar story from his own experience: a large fixed-bid software project that went significantly over budget due to missed requirements and “muscle memory” business processes the client never mentioned. Even after months of discovery, unseen complexity still appeared late in development—forcing a learning experience the hard way. Hidden Requirements: The Biggest Threat to Fixed Bid Work One of the biggest takeaways from the episode is how hidden systems and unspoken workflows can wreck a fixed price project. Rob and Charly both describe situations where: Staff used spreadsheets leadership didn’t know about Legacy systems connected to new tools in undocumented ways Workers avoided tools they disliked, creating shadow processes Teams hadn’t been trained on the system they were supposed to use Business processes had evolved, but documentation had not These are the real reasons fixed bids go off the rails. Not because developers fail—but because the truth of the workflow is often hidden beneath assumptions. If you don’t see the real workflow, your scope is incomplete. Good requirements gathering means observing actual work—not just interviewing leadership. Learning vs Billing: Handling Complexity Fairly Another powerful point from Charly is knowing when to charge for expertise and when to absorb learning time. She tells a story about spending hours researching spam protection for a client. She only billed a fraction of that time, because much of it was her own learning. The next client benefited from that knowledge instantly—and paid a fair fixed price for the solution. That balance of fairness and sustainability is what keeps clients trusting you long-term. Final Thoughts: Getting Fixed Bid vs Time and Materials Right Charly ends with practical advice for developers: stay clear and intentional. Whether you’re working fixed bid or time and materials, understand what you’re building, pause when you’re stuck, and talk through problems with someone. Much of the development clarity comes from simply stating the issue aloud. In the end, fixed bid vs time and materials isn’t just about pricing. It’s about transparency, expectations, and knowing when each model protects both the client and the developer. With strong communication, clear requirements, and honest scoping, you set the foundation for projects that deliver value without surprises. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/39050425

Strategic Foundations for Business Growth – Interview with Charly Leetham (Part 1) 11/18/2025

Strategic Foundations for Business Growth – Interview with Charly Leetham (Part 1) Building a strong company starts with strategic foundations for business growth. In Part 1 of our interview with , we explore how clarity, customer understanding, and simple systems help businesses grow with confidence. Her insights show how the right strategic groundwork leads to long-term success. About Charly Leetham Charly Leetham brings more than 40 years of hands-on experience in building practical, reliable systems for small businesses. She earned her amateur radio license at 13, became an electronic engineer by 21, and completed her MBA while working full-time and raising two young children. Her career has spanned technical support, sales, project management, and client services, giving her a deep understanding of both technology and people. After running multiple franchises and overcoming a major business setback, she founded Ask Charly Leetham—now a long-standing digital services company supporting clients across Australia, the U.S., and beyond. Known for her clear, no-nonsense approach, Charly specializes in turning complex tech into simple, workable solutions. She also hosts Rise and Shine – Your Business Tech Boost, offering practical guidance to business owners who want answers they can trust. , , , , , Strategic Business Foundations Start With the Right Questions Charly opened the conversation with a key insight: you cannot build a strong business without asking strong questions. These questions shape your strategic business foundations and guide the decisions that follow. “Before you build, you must know what you’re building and why.” – Charly Leetham Too many business owners rush into action without defining their audience or validating the problem they’re trying to solve. Charly recommends asking: Who is the ideal customer? What problem are we solving? Why does this solution matter? How will we measure success? These questions are simple, yet they prevent misalignment and wasted effort. Understanding Your Customer Is Key to Strategic Business Foundations Charly highlighted that meaningful customer insight is essential. Many entrepreneurs claim to understand their customers, but they rely on assumptions rather than evidence. This weakens their strategic business foundations and often leads to products that miss the mark. She encourages leaders to: Listen actively Observe behavior, not just opinions Identify real pain points Understand motivation and constraints “Your customers will tell you what they need—if you give them space to speak.” This approach ensures your solution fits the customer’s world—not just your idea of it. Simplicity Strengthens Strategic Business Foundations One of Charly’s most powerful insights is the importance of simplicity. Many founders believe complexity signals value, but Charly argues that clarity creates far stronger strategic business foundations. She recommends: Stripping out non-essential features Using simple, direct language Focusing on the core value Removing any friction that confuses customers “If your customer can’t understand what you do, they won’t buy from you.” Simplicity improves messaging, operations, and customer experience. Systems and Processes Anchor Your Strategic Business Foundations According to Charly, strong systems are not optional—they’re essential. Businesses often wait too long to document processes or create workflows. This delay weakens their strategic business foundations and makes growth harder. Systems help businesses: Deliver consistently Delegate confidently Provide predictable customer experiences Avoid repeated mistakes Scale with stability Templates, automations, and repeatable processes transform chaos into structure. Final Thoughts: Building Strategic Business Foundations That Last Part 1 of our interview with Charly Leetham offers a powerful reminder: success begins with strategic business foundations. When you ask the right questions, understand your customers, simplify your offerings, and build systems early, you create a business that can grow with confidence and purpose. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we explore how automation, alignment, and intentional tools help businesses expand on these foundations and operate more efficiently. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/39050170

Automating Quality: Greg Lind on AI, Testing, and Continuous Improvement 11/13/2025

Automating Quality: Greg Lind on AI, Testing, and Continuous Improvement In this Building Better Foundations episode, hosts and continue their conversation with , founder of and . They explore how automating quality in software development changes the way teams build and test software. Greg explains that AI and automation can improve collaboration and prevent errors before they happen. As a result, teams can deliver code faster, maintain consistency, and build stronger foundations for long-term success. Greg’s experience across startups and open-source projects has shown him one simple truth: quality can’t be bolted on at the end—it must be built into the process from the start. “QA often gets left until the end. But it has to start from the developer.” — Greg Lind About the Guest — Greg Lind is an American software developer, author, and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in open-source innovation, software efficiency, and team transparency. He’s the founder of in Brooklyn and co-founder of in Berlin, helping organizations modernize systems through collaboration and automation. A frequent speaker at Open Gov and Open Source conferences, Greg advocates for open, scalable solutions and smarter software processes. His upcoming book, “Radical Therapy for Software Teams” (Apress, 2024), explores how transparency and AI can transform how teams build software. Automating Quality Starts with Developers Greg explains that every developer should think like a QA engineer. Testing isn’t something done after code is written—it’s something built into how code is written. He stresses that developers should write unit tests early and often, focusing on verifying object-level functionality rather than simply checking UI forms or user flows. QA should then expand from there, building additional layers of testing as complexity grows. “I learned that I need to think like a QA person from the very beginning.” — Greg Lind By shifting QA upstream, teams reduce rework, accelerate release cycles, and improve code confidence. Automating Quality in Software Development Across the Pipeline At Buildly, Greg and his team integrate testing automation into every stage of the development pipeline. Tools like and handle both front-end and API-level testing, while Git pre-commit hooks ensure tests are written before code even reaches the repository. “You have to make sure those tests have already been written. If there isn’t a test, it pulls it back and says, ‘make sure that you have your test in before you check it in.’” — Greg Lind This system ensures that developers can’t skip testing—and that QA has visibility into every build. It’s a workflow that blends accountability with automation, reinforcing a culture where quality is everyone’s job. AI’s Role in Continuous Improvement Greg sees AI as a critical ally in maintaining software quality at scale. Rather than replacing QA engineers, AI helps automate the tedious parts of the process—like generating basic test cases, reviewing commits, or spotting missing standards in pull requests. “I don’t mean to put that out there as a replacement for QA in any way. Developers need to be in the process, and QA are developers as well.” — Greg Lind AI’s ability to analyze large volumes of commit history and testing data helps teams identify trends, recurring issues, and areas for improvement. This frees human testers to focus on strategic validation, exploratory testing, and creative problem-solving. Transparency, Collaboration, and Learning Another major theme Greg highlights is transparency. Buildly’s AI-driven summaries and automated reports make quality metrics visible to everyone on the team—developers, product managers, and QA alike. “It’s not about who wrote the bad test—it’s a learning process. Every pull request is an opportunity to make the code better.” — Greg Lind This openness removes blame from the process and instead encourages collaboration and improvement. Code reviews become opportunities to mentor, learn, and evolve—not just check boxes. Evolving Agile for the AI Era As Rob and Michael point out, Agile principles still apply—but the implementation must evolve. Traditional sprint structures don’t always fit AI-accelerated environments. Greg agrees, noting that the key is flexibility: adapt the process, automate what you can, and always look for ways to improve. “You don’t have to be a slave to what you think the process is. Agile literally tells you—adjust it as your team and your project evolve.” — Rob Broadhead Automation and AI are simply the latest tools in that evolution—helping teams move faster, collaborate better, and keep quality at the core of every release. Final Thoughts on Automating Quality in Software Development Greg Lind’s insights in this episode reinforce a powerful truth: automating quality isn’t about replacing people—it’s about empowering them. When developers, QA, and AI systems work together, software development becomes a continuous cycle of improvement, learning, and trust. As teams embrace automation and transparency, they don’t just ship faster—they build stronger, smarter, and more sustainable software foundations. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/38985860

Bridging the Gap Between Product and Development: Building Better Foundations with Greg Lind 11/11/2025

Bridging the Gap Between Product and Development: Building Better Foundations with Greg Lind In part one of this Building Better Foundations interview, hosts and talk with , founder of and , about bridging the gap in software development through AI, automation, and collaboration. Greg shares how modern teams can overcome silos, strengthen communication, and build transparency into their workflows — creating stronger, more adaptive foundations for success in today’s fast-paced, AI-driven world. “We wanted to bring developers and product managers into one tool—so they could build together rather than as two separate teams.” — Greg Lind About the Guest — Greg Lind is an American software developer, author, and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in open-source innovation, software efficiency, and team transparency. He’s the founder of in Brooklyn and co-founder of in Berlin, helping organizations modernize systems through collaboration and automation. A frequent speaker at Open Gov and Open Source conferences, Greg advocates for open, scalable solutions and smarter software processes. His upcoming book, “Radical Therapy for Software Teams” (Apress, 2024), explores how transparency and AI can transform how teams build software. Bridging the Gap Between Teams and Tools Greg’s journey toward bridging the gap started years ago while working with Humanitech in Berlin, where he saw firsthand how poorly connected processes caused frustration and inefficiency. Traditional Agile frameworks, while once revolutionary, began to buckle under the pressure of multi-repo, multi-cloud, and AI-driven development. “Agile started to break under the pressure—especially when we introduced AI-driven tools and CI/CD pipelines. The cycles just weren’t fast enough.” — Greg Lind To solve this, Buildly introduced a Rapid AI Development (RAD) process — a modern evolution of Agile that supports faster, release-based cycles rather than rigid sprints. It’s an approach designed to keep pace with today’s distributed teams and complex workflows. Bridging the Gap Through Automated Communication At the heart of Buildly’s philosophy is a belief that communication shouldn’t slow developers down — it should empower them. By integrating tools like Trello and GitHub, Buildly connects product and sprint backlogs into one transparent view. Developers’ commits, issues, and updates automatically feed into team dashboards, reducing the need for endless meetings and manual updates. “You shouldn’t have to explain what you did yesterday. Your commits already tell that story.” — Greg Lind This approach allows teams to focus on outcomes rather than overhead — building trust, visibility, and true alignment across departments. It’s automation as a bridge, not a barrier. Using AI to Bridge the Gap Between People and Process While Greg embraces AI’s potential, he warns against depending on it too heavily. AI is great at identifying tasks and patterns, but humans still bring creativity, empathy, and strategic thinking to the table. “AI can tell you what’s urgent, but it can’t understand what’s important.” — Greg Lind In Greg’s view, AI should be a co-pilot — helping teams filter information, automate repetitive work, and focus on higher-value decisions. By balancing automation with human insight, teams can bridge the gap between efficiency and innovation. Empowering Developers to Bridge the Gap Themselves Greg encourages developers not to wait for leadership to fix broken processes — but to take initiative. Automate your own workflows, visualize your backlog, and demonstrate how better systems can look in practice. “Even if you have to automate your own backlog—do it. Show your team what better looks like.” — Greg Lind This proactive mindset transforms teams from reactive to adaptive, ensuring that everyone contributes to bridging the gap between communication, accountability, and delivery. Bridging the Gap Toward the Future of Development Greg Lind’s insights remind us that bridging the gap in software development isn’t about adopting the latest framework — it’s about reconnecting people, process, and purpose. When teams share context, communicate openly, and use AI responsibly, they build stronger foundations for innovation. As this episode shows, the future of software isn’t about faster code — it’s about better collaboration. And bridging the gap is where that future begins. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/38984540

WordPress SEO for Developers: Tools vs. Building Your Own with Wes Towers (Part 2) 11/06/2025

WordPress SEO for Developers: Tools vs. Building Your Own with Wes Towers (Part 2) In this follow-up episode of Building Better Developers, Wes Towers returns to share his hands-on approach to WordPress SEO for developers. From choosing lean tools like Kadence and Rank Math to using AI for faster content creation, Wes explains how developers can simplify design, speed up performance, and stay visible in an AI-driven search world. Key Idea: Smart WordPress SEO for developers isn’t about more plugins—it’s about clarity, speed, and content that stands out across search and AI platforms. About the Guest — Wes Towers Wes Towers is the founder of Uplift 360, a Melbourne-based digital agency that helps builders and trades turn websites into trusted, lead-generating tools. With over 20 years of hands-on experience, Wes focuses on authenticity, clear strategy, and measurable growth — no fluff, just results. Through his work and podcast appearances, he shares practical insights on niching for developers, SEO, and building trust in an AI-driven world. 🔗 Learn more: 💼 Connect: | | | WordPress SEO for Developers: One Concept, Less Confusion Early in his career, Wes pitched three designs for everything. Results? Slower decisions and muddier direction. Today, he presents one, well-researched concept informed by a quick sitemap, a handful of reference sites, and the client’s style preferences. It shortens cycles and raises satisfaction—because clarity beats choice overload. Client Script: “We’ll align on a single, focused concept so you spend less time deciding and more time winning work.” WordPress SEO for Developers in the LLM Era Traffic patterns are shifting as answers surface inside platforms like Google’s AI Overviews, ChatGPT, and Perplexity. Clicks may drop even when visibility rises. Wes’s response: publish high-quality, experience-rich content that LLMs want to cite. Measure beyond clicks: inquiries, booked calls, closed deals. Create content that only you can—case studies, process visuals, before/after proof. Accept imperfect attribution. (A client landed a ~$140K job after a buyer asked ChatGPT “who’s the best in Australia”—you won’t see that in GA.) If content is generic, LLMs will ignore it. Specificity is the new SEO. WordPress SEO for Developers: AI Drafts + Human Stories Wes drafts with AI, then has clients weave in real stories—field photos, client quotes, job constraints, and outcomes. That blend delivers speed and originality. Use AI to restructure, de-jargon, and tighten tone. Ask clients for 3 project snapshots per quarter (problem → approach → result). Maintain style via prompts pulled from the brand’s micro-style guide (voice, headlines, CTAs, taboo phrases). Quick Win: Create a “First-Draft Prompt” template and a “Brand Voice Prompt” you reuse across pages. WordPress SEO for Developers: Performance & CDN Reality Caching and CDNs confuse non-technical clients—and sometimes even teams. Wes’s guidance: Start with good hosting. Cheap hosts cause slow TTFB and flaky uptime. Cache carefully. Clear browser and edge caches during launches. Use a firewall/CDN (e.g., Sucuri) to stabilize legacy or fragile sites while you plan a rebuild. Optimize images with tools like Imagify; avoid plugins notorious for breakage. Caution: Don’t “optimize” yourself into a support spiral. Fewer, reliable plugins beat a kitchen-sink stack. WordPress SEO for Developers: A Lean, Fast Stack Wes’s current go-to recipe favors Gutenberg blocks and keep-it-simple plugins: Theme/Builder: Kadence (blocks-first, lightweight, client-friendly) SEO: Rank Math (local SEO + AI meta at scale) Security: Wordfence (free) → Sucuri firewall for higher risk Forms: Gravity Forms (robust integrations & payments) Avoid: heavyweight page builders (Elementor/Divi) that bloat markup and slow maintenance Stack to Copy: Kadence + Rank Math + Gravity Forms + Wordfence/Sucuri + a single cache plugin on quality hosting. WordPress SEO for Developers: Getting Started (or Leveling Up) For newcomers and refreshers alike, Wes recommends: Map a one-page sitemap and approve the menu first. Present one concept tied to outcomes (calls, quotes, bookings). Draft with AI, finish with proof: add photos, numbers, and stories. Harden and speed up: hosting, caching, firewall, image compression. Measure what matters: conversions, not just rankings. Publish consistently: short project write-ups beat sporadic “ultimate guides.” Bottom Line: WordPress SEO for developers isn’t about clever hacks—it’s about repeatable execution, authentic content, and a lean stack that stays fast after handoff. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/38902730

Niching for Developers: Lessons from Wes Towers (Part 1) 11/04/2025

Niching for Developers: Lessons from Wes Towers (Part 1) In this Building Better Foundations episode, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche talk with Wes Towers of Uplift360, a Melbourne-based digital agency serving the construction and trades industry. The discussion centers on niching for developers—how focusing on a specific audience helps software teams and agencies communicate better, deliver faster, and build lasting client trust. Key Idea: Niching for developers isn’t about limiting opportunities — it’s about amplifying your expertise and clarity in the markets that need you most. About the Guest — Wes Towers Wes Towers is the founder of Uplift 360, a Melbourne-based digital agency that helps builders and trades turn websites into trusted, lead-generating tools. With over 20 years of hands-on experience, Wes focuses on authenticity, clear strategy, and measurable growth — no fluff, just results. Through his work and podcast appearances, he shares practical insights on niching for developers, SEO, and building trust in an AI-driven world. 🔗 Learn more: 💼 Connect: | | | From Process Talk to Outcomes That Win Wes highlights that clients, especially those in the trades, don’t care about the tech stack or your process — they care about outcomes. Developers who focus on solving the real business problem instead of selling the “how” stand out immediately. Clients want: Websites that generate qualified leads Clear, results-driven messaging Consistent, reliable delivery Pro Tip: Translate every technical feature into a tangible outcome. Instead of “faster hosting,” say “Your pages load instantly, turning more visitors into paying customers.” Niching for Developers Through Customer Venting and Differentiation Wes’s secret? The “venting session.” He asks clients to privately vent about competitors and what frustrates them about the industry. The complaints reveal what not to be — and the positive opposites become the brand’s differentiators. Try This: Let clients rant. Capture their pain points, flip them into value statements, and turn those into marketing headlines for your site or proposal. AI and Niching for Developers: Staying Competitive and Streamlined A wake-up call came when Wes’s company valuation dropped because of AI disruption. Instead of resisting, he integrated AI into his processes — automating repetitive SEO tasks and improving build speed without losing quality. How AI supports niching for developers: Writes meta titles/descriptions faster Suggests layout optimizations Helps debug plugin conflicts Enhances internal SOPs and consistency Callout: AI can’t replace niche expertise. It just multiplies it — when used strategically. Trust First: Niching for Developers in Crowded Markets With privacy concerns on the rise, trust is the new lead magnet. Customers won’t even trade an email for a free download unless they trust the brand. Developers and agencies must show reliability through transparency, proof, and consistent communication. Trust builders that work: Show real client examples and testimonials Publish your process and maintenance plan Communicate proactively about security and privacy Pro Insight: When you niche deeply, your audience feels understood — and trust grows faster. Maintenance Cadence: Niching for Developers Includes Ongoing Care Wes warns that many clients still see websites as “set it and forget it.” With WordPress, especially, updates and security patches are constant. Maintenance is a vital part of niching for developers — protecting clients’ investments and your reputation. Design overhauls every 2–3 years Plugin and theme updates monthly Security checks and performance audits quarterly Client Script: “We don’t just build your site — we maintain it so it stays fast, secure, and effective.” Action Steps: Niching for Developers This Week Apply these takeaways now: Choose a niche and learn its patterns, pain points, and language. Lead conversations with outcomes, not processes. Turn client complaints into positive differentiators. Use AI to automate busywork, not relationships. Sell maintenance as part of your brand’s reliability. Bottom Line: Niching for developers builds clarity, focus, and trust. It’s not about doing less — it’s about doing what matters most, better than anyone else. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/38902495

Strong Foundations Start with Strong Requirements 10/30/2025

Strong Foundations Start with Strong Requirements In this episode of Building Better Developers, hosts and revisit one of the most essential pillars of software development — requirements gathering. As part of the Building Better Foundations season, this discussion dives deep into why strong requirements are not just documentation — they’re the blueprint of success for every software project. From Classroom Rules to Real-World Clarity Rob opens the discussion by highlighting a gap many developers face: they’re trained to solve problems, but not to define them. In classrooms and coding bootcamps, students are handed requirements. But in the real world, success depends on a developer’s ability to uncover and validate them. Early-career developers often transition from following fixed assignments to navigating vague project goals. Rob emphasizes that the most important skill they can develop is asking smart, clarifying questions — turning fuzzy instructions into actionable tasks. For example, if a task says, “Add two numbers,” the experienced developer asks: Are they always integers? Can they be decimals or negatives? Should the result be formatted or displayed? “Strong requirements start with strong questions. Don’t just do the task — define it.” – Rob Broadhead The Recipe Analogy: How Cooking Teaches Strong Requirements Michael brings the discussion home with a relatable metaphor — cooking. Every recipe is a set of instructions, ingredients, and steps. If you change them — like adding raisins to chocolate chip cookies — you get the wrong result. The same goes for software. Weak requirements lead to unpredictable results. Strong requirements lead to consistent, repeatable success. Each requirement should be clear, testable, and unambiguous — something that can be verified as true or false. Ambiguous statements like “allow users to enter data” need refinement: What kind of data? Is it numeric, text, or secure input? Without that clarity, developers risk misunderstanding the goal. The “And Then What?” Approach to Strong Requirements Rob introduces his favorite tool for strengthening requirements: the “And then what?” method. After each answer, ask what happens next. “The user logs in.” → And then what? “They see a dashboard.” → And then what happens if it fails? Each “and then” uncovers gaps, edge cases, and overlooked scenarios. Great developers think like curious toddlers — always asking “why” and “what next” until every path is clear. Speaking the Same Language Another foundation of strong requirements is communication. Many clients express what they want, but not what they need. Developers must bridge that gap, asking why to understand the purpose behind each request. Michael reminds us that non-technical stakeholders often assume things are apparent — but what’s evident to them might be missing from the documentation. Practical requirements gathering bridges those blind spots before development begins. Building for the Future with Strong Requirements Finally, both hosts stress scalability. Systems designed without future growth in mind will quickly collapse under success. Strong requirements anticipate change — considering performance, user volume, and integrations from day one. “If your system can’t scale, your foundation wasn’t strong enough.” – Michael Meloche Key Takeaway Strong requirements aren’t just a step in the process — they are the process. They transform ideas into actionable blueprints, prevent scope creep, and ensure teams deliver software that lasts. To build better software, start by building better foundations — with strong requirements. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/38778700

Vibe Coding Is Changing the Way Developers Build Software 10/28/2025

Vibe Coding Is Changing the Way Developers Build Software In this episode of Building Better Foundations on the Building Better Developers podcast, hosts and explore one of today’s fastest-growing software trends—vibe coding. Vibe coding blends human creativity with artificial intelligence, allowing developers to describe what they need and let AI generate code in real time. It’s a revolutionary idea that promises speed, flexibility, and innovation—but it also raises new questions about structure, consistency, and long-term maintainability. What Exactly Is Vibe Coding? At its core, vibe coding means coding collaboratively with AI. Developers outline the functionality, design, and structure they want, while AI produces the initial code and suggestions. This makes it ideal for rapid prototyping and minimum viable products (MVPs)—helping teams turn ideas into functioning apps in record time. “You’re using AI to generate some code and basically allowing AI to code as you go,” Rob explains. The catch? Without solid foundations and thoughtful architecture, the speed of AI-generated code can create technical debt—making long-term projects harder to maintain or scale. Using AI as a Junior Developer Rob compares vibe coding to collaborating with a junior or mid-level developer: capable and fast, but in need of clear direction. “If you define your architecture, style, and structure clearly,” he says, “AI can build pages and components that fit your system.” The best results come from specific, incremental prompts. Instead of asking for an entire app, start small—perhaps a single navigation bar or form layout—and refine from there. Each small win compounds into a solid, scalable solution. From User Stories to Smart Code Michael takes the discussion further, explaining how test-driven development (TDD) and user stories make vibe coding more reliable and efficient. “If you walk AI through the user story—‘as a user, I need to log in’—you’ll get a better, more useful result,” he says. Start by asking AI to write a test case for your feature. Once that test passes, ask it to generate the code. This simple adjustment keeps AI aligned with real-world behavior and helps non-coders understand how requirements become working software. 5 Pro Tips for Smarter Vibe Coding Be Specific: Define frameworks, styling, and goals in your prompts. Start Small: Break your requests into clear, focused tasks. Iterate Often: Review, test, and refine AI output continuously. Think in Tests: Use user stories and TDD to guide quality. Validate Needs: Confirm requirements before coding begins. Avoiding the Trap of Confirmation Bias Michael also warns against confirmation bias—believing AI’s output simply because it sounds right. “AI can tell you what you think you need, not what you actually need,” he cautions. To stay grounded, developers should regularly check with clients or end users to confirm that AI-generated solutions align with real requirements. AI is a tool, not a truth engine. From Prototype to Production While vibe coding is perfect for prototypes, Rob reminds listeners that production-ready systems still need human craftsmanship. Clean architecture, maintainable code, and performance tuning remain crucial for success. AI can accelerate development—but it’s still the developer’s job to ensure that the final product is secure, scalable, and sustainable. Final Thoughts on Vibe Coding Vibe coding represents a major shift in how developers think about building software. Used wisely, it enhances creativity, speeds up delivery, and reduces repetitive tasks. Used carelessly, it can create chaos and confusion. As Rob and Michael emphasize, the secret lies in balance: human insight plus AI efficiency. Together, they form the foundation for faster, smarter, and better software. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/38778485

Refining the Remote Hiring Process with Agustin Morrone of Vintti (Part 2) 10/23/2025

Refining the Remote Hiring Process with Agustin Morrone of Vintti (Part 2) In this episode of Building Better Developers, hosts and continue their conversation with , CEO and co-founder of , a company improving the remote hiring process for U.S. and Canadian businesses across Latin America. From his base in Barcelona, Agustin explains how Vintti combines AI, automation, and cultural alignment to build remote teams faster while keeping people at the center. Vintti’s mission remains clear: help companies hire top Latin American talent in under 21 days, saving up to 60 percent on payroll while maintaining quality and trust. In Part 2, we explore how Vintti’s evolving systems make the remote hiring process smarter and more scalable. Using AI to Strengthen the Remote Hiring Process Vintti’s young, tech-driven team approaches work with an “AI-first mindset.” Rather than replacing people, AI removes repetitive tasks that slow down the remote hiring process. Originally, every interview was manual. Now, AI manages more than half of all first-round interviews, rating English proficiency and technical expertise. Recruiters then step in to evaluate communication style and cultural fit. “AI helps us focus on what matters most,” Agustin says. “It saves time and allows our recruiters to build stronger relationships.” Automation Tools That Simplify Remote Recruitment Vintti automates much of its communication and reporting to improve efficiency. Instead of sending raw resumes, it builds custom, client-ready CVs using AI. Each profile merges data from interviews, LinkedIn, and client discussions into a consistent, easy-to-read document. Automated follow-ups and feedback loops help recruiters stay engaged throughout the remote hiring process, keeping clients informed without losing the human connection. Automation drives consistency, but empathy drives connection. Human Insight: The Key to Remote Hiring Success AI helps identify top candidates, yet it can’t replace intuition. Recruiters still assess tone, enthusiasm, and motivation—critical elements of cultural fit. Similarly, Vintti maintains personal conversations with each client to understand company culture before sourcing talent. This ensures every step of the hiring process reflects both human judgment and data-driven insight. Testing, Learning, and Improving the Remote Hiring Process Experimentation fuels progress at Vintti. Recruiters rely heavily on LinkedIn but constantly test new tools to expand reach and reduce friction. “We test, compare, and adapt,” Agustin explains. “If a tool adds value, we scale it. If not, we move on.” This culture of experimentation keeps the hiring process innovative and resilient. Cultural Patterns in Global Recruiting Regional patterns help Vintti understand candidate strengths. Colombian professionals often shine in customer support, Argentines excel in sales, and Mexican talent frequently leads in finance. However, Agustin cautions against stereotyping. “Patterns are helpful, but people are unique,” he says. That perspective ensures fairness and flexibility in every hiring process decision. Supporting Global Teams After Placement Once hired, contractors integrate fully into client organizations. Vintti provides behind-the-scenes support—helping with taxes, communication skills, and professional development—while avoiding cultural interference. Support Principle: Empower independence and provide structure. This hands-off guidance strengthens relationships and keeps the hiring process transparent from start to finish. Discipline and Growth in the Hiring Journey Internally, Agustin looks for self-motivated people who take ownership. He values discipline over motivation, believing that commitment leads to better long-term outcomes. “Motivation fades, but discipline lasts,” he explains. This mindset ensures every member of the Vintti team contributes to refining the hiring process daily. The Future of the Remote Hiring Process Agustin believes AI will reshape global recruiting. While some jobs will change, others will grow. Vintti plans to: Identify new skill trends early. Use automation and AI to make hiring faster and smarter. “Companies that work with AI—not against it—will win,” Agustin concludes. Key Takeaway Agustin Morrone’s story shows that the modern remote hiring process depends on balance. AI delivers speed and consistency, while people provide connection and understanding. Together, they build stronger teams worldwide. Learn more about their mission at . Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/38635940

Redefining Remote Hiring with Agustin Morrone of Vintti (Part 1) 10/21/2025

Redefining Remote Hiring with Agustin Morrone of Vintti (Part 1) In this episode of Building Better Developers, hosts and speak with , CEO and co-founder of . The company helps U.S. and Canadian businesses master remote hiring across Latin America. From Barcelona, Morrone shares how his bootstrapped startup is growing fast while staying true to its people-first culture. Vintti’s mission is simple yet bold. The team helps companies build remote Latin American teams in less than 21 days. They often save clients up to 60% on payroll costs. More importantly, they deliver strong talent that fits culturally and professionally. Morrone’s vision redefines remote hiring as a human-centered process built on trust and shared goals. From Argentina to Barcelona: Building a Remote Hiring Vision Agustin Morrone was born in Argentina and now lives in Spain. After earning an MBA, he joined a startup that automated financial planning for global firms. There, he discovered a major problem. Many companies could automate their systems, yet they struggled to find qualified remote professionals. “There was a shortage of skilled professionals who understood the U.S. market and could deliver real value,” Morrone explains. That insight inspired him to launch Vintti, a company dedicated to remote hiring for North American clients. The focus on Latin America made sense. The region shares time zones, values, and strong English skills. This approach ensures clients receive not only technical expertise but also a cultural match. Building Trust Through Secure Remote Hiring When companies hire for finance or accounting roles, data security becomes critical. Morrone explains how Vintti protects both sides of the partnership. “We never access client data. Clients install their own software and security measures,” he says. The company runs detailed background and reference checks. It verifies professional histories and technical skills. As a result, every candidate meets strict ethical and professional standards. This attention to detail makes remote hiring safe and reliable for both clients and talent. Culture and Fit: The Heart of Remote Hiring Success About 85% of Vintti’s workforce operates as contractors. However, the company goes far beyond quick placements. Morrone believes the hardest part of remote hiring is not skill—it’s culture. “The toughest thing to find is cultural alignment,” he says. “Technical skills matter, but culture determines success.” Rather than keeping a bench of idle candidates, Vintti searches for the perfect match each time. Every placement aligns with a client’s values, work style, and long-term goals. As a result, teams perform better and relationships last longer. Scaling Remote Hiring Through Relationships and Community Growth at Vintti has come through real relationships, not ads. Paid campaigns have been challenging. However, outreach-driven marketing has delivered great results. “We focus on relationships—LinkedIn engagement, conferences, and meeting clients face-to-face,” says Morrone. This people-first approach gives Vintti a clear advantage in today’s remote hiring market. After the pandemic, many leaders wanted personal connection again. Therefore, Vintti’s direct and genuine approach builds credibility and long-term trust. Leadership Lessons in Remote Hiring Interestingly, one of Vintti’s biggest challenges is its own remote hiring. Morrone personally interviews each finalist to protect company culture. “As CEO, I see myself as the guardian of our culture,” he explains. “I hire people with ambition, alignment, and attitude.” To support growth, Vintti invests heavily in processes and standard procedures. These systems ensure consistent onboarding and operations. “When you grow fast, it’s hard to document everything,” Morrone admits. “But once you find what works, you have to capture it and scale it.” Key Takeaway Agustin Morrone’s story offers a roadmap for modern remote hiring. His journey proves that success comes from trust, integrity, and strong relationships. Vintti shows that hiring across borders is not just about filling roles—it’s about building teams that share values and vision. Learn more about Vintti’s mission at . Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/38635655

Branding and Marketing Fundamentals with Kevin Adelsberger 10/16/2025

Branding and Marketing Fundamentals with Kevin Adelsberger In this continuation of the Building Better Developers interview series, —owner of —returns to explore how businesses can refine their identity and message once the foundation is set. This episode focuses on branding and marketing fundamentals, uncovering what really drives connection, credibility, and growth. “Thinking about your brand and overall messaging is more important than color or font,” Kevin explains. “If your brand feels disconnected, no color will fix that.” The conversation moves beyond logos and design to the deeper work of communicating who you are and what you stand for—authentically and consistently. Branding: More Than Color and Fonts While many companies spend hours perfecting color palettes, Kevin challenges that mindset. He believes color psychology is largely a myth, with few industries where color directly affects success. Instead, businesses should focus on how their messaging and visuals align. Fonts, he adds, do have power. The right typeface can instantly signal tone—formal, playful, or high-tech—but only when used intentionally. “If you want to be a fun, crazy brand and your visuals feel stiff, no amount of color will fix the disconnect.” A strong brand reflects alignment: visuals, tone, and message working together to create trust and recognition. Keep Your Message Steady, but Your Website Fresh Kevin offers a balanced approach to maintaining your digital presence. Instead of obsessing over analytics or daily edits, he recommends structured consistency: Review your website monthly or quarterly for updates or broken features. Keep messaging steady, but stay alert for functionality issues like broken forms or outdated information. Focus on inbound marketing—making sure your brand is ready when customers come looking—then turn attention to outbound efforts like networking and content creation. “Most people never look at their website after it launches—that’s a bigger problem than over-tweaking it.” Once your brand identity and message are established, spend more time sharing your expertise rather than endlessly adjusting pixels. Marketing Fundamentals for Beginners For entrepreneurs and small business owners who feel lost, Kevin recommends a few key resources to master branding and marketing fundamentals: — Understand how clear messaging connects you with customers. — Learn business and marketing principles from a leadership perspective. — Explore how to sell through consultative, relationship-driven discussions. Kevin also emphasizes simple, actionable steps: Define your competitive advantages and what makes you different. Create a one-liner that captures who you help and how. Avoid generic stock photos—real people and stories build trust. Feature your leadership team online; authenticity builds credibility. Learn from Competitors—Ethically Healthy competition can inspire innovation. Kevin encourages learning from peers and even collaborating with them. He participates in groups like the , a network of agency owners who share ideas without direct competition. “Artists steal,” Kevin jokes, “but the goal is to make other people’s ideas better, not to copy them.” For those in established industries, he suggests finding professional or ownership groups—places where you can share, learn, and grow together. AI’s Impact on Marketing and Creativity The conversation inevitably turns to artificial intelligence. Kevin views AI as both a tool and a threat—a resource that democratizes creativity while also reshaping industries. He points out the uncertainty around copyright, authenticity, and ethics, but admits that ignoring AI isn’t an option. His team meets weekly to test new tools and evaluate where they can help. “We use AI to assist us, not replace us,” Kevin says. “It helps us work faster, but not everything it creates is ready for prime time.” From generating first-draft website content to creating AI voiceovers when budgets are tight, Kevin shows how these tools can fill gaps—without losing the human touch. Staying Grounded in a Changing Landscape Despite new technologies and shifting trends, Kevin’s message remains timeless: strong branding is built on clarity, consistency, and authenticity. As the conversation wraps up, he reminds listeners that tools may evolve, but trust remains the core of every successful brand. “Stay human, stay honest, and keep refining your foundation.” A Little Background is the founder of , where they create work that grows their clients’ businesses, in a culture that values their team and the Jackson, Tennessee, community. After founding in 2014, Kevin went on to be a co-founder of Our Jackson Home and host its podcast from 2015 to 2019. In 2016, Kevin was recognized as an emerging leader by Leadership Jackson. Then, in 2017, Adelsberger Marketing was named the Emerging Business of the Year by the Jackson Chamber. In 2019, Adelsberger Marketing sold partial ownership to Alexander, Thompson, and Arnold, CPAs. In 2020, Union University recognized Kevin with the Distinguished Achievement in Arts and Media award. Kevin currently serves on advisory committees for Leadership Tennessee and Jackson State Community College and is a board member for theCO in Jackson, Tennessee. He also hosts a podcast about business in West Tennessee called . Kevin lives in Jackson with his wife and business partner, Renae, and their two children. They are active foster parents and are involved members of First Baptist Church, Jackson. They are also some of the few to cheer on the Minnesota Vikings from below the Mason-Dixon line. #Skol Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/38586440

Branding Basics: Building a Strong Foundation with Kevin Adelsberger 10/14/2025

Branding Basics: Building a Strong Foundation with Kevin Adelsberger In this episode of Building Better Developers, hosts and sit down with , owner of , to explore how small businesses can build success through branding basics. The discussion ties into the season’s theme — Building Better Foundations — and shows how a thoughtful marketing strategy helps transform side hustles into thriving companies. Listen now to the full episode on Building Better Developers, available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and — and stay tuned for Part 2 of the conversation with . Starting Small: Branding Basics from Burritos to Business Kevin’s marketing journey started with burritos — literally. While working at a nonprofit, he began helping a local restaurant with its marketing in exchange for food. That early “say yes to everything” mindset helped him gain experience and connections. “When you’re starting out, the answer is often yes to everything,” Kevin says. “But that can spread you too thin.” This early phase taught him one of the first branding basics: you must start broad to learn, but eventually narrow your focus to your strengths. Developers, freelancers, and small business owners can take this same approach — experiment early, then specialize as your reputation and client base grow. Knowing When to Rebrand As side hustles evolve into established businesses, many entrepreneurs ask: Should I rebrand? Kevin’s advice is clear — it depends on your audience. “If your new focus serves a completely different audience, rebranding makes sense. But if there’s overlap, changing your name or logo might cost you valuable recognition.” One of the key branding basics is understanding brand equity — the value built over time through consistent visuals, messaging, and reputation. A name people know is worth protecting. The Four Branding Basics Every Business Needs Kevin shares his firm’s framework for defining a complete brand identity — four elements that every company should eventually refine: Visual Identity – your logo, colors, and design style. Positioning – how you serve the market and what makes you different. Identity – your mission, vision, and core values. Messaging – how you communicate and connect with your audience. He notes that new businesses don’t need all of these perfected on day one. Start with visual identity and positioning, then evolve the rest as your business matures. “You don’t have to get everything perfect on day one. Start simple, then refine as you grow.” Avoiding Common Marketing Mistakes When asked about bad marketing, Kevin emphasizes that missteps often come from ignoring your audience. “If you’re doing something just to brag and not to provide value,” he warns, “you’re going to have a bad time.” A big part of branding basics is keeping your customers at the center. Test your messages, get outside feedback, and consider how different people might interpret your marketing. Kevin also highlights the danger of having too few perspectives — especially when creating ads or visuals. Diversity in feedback helps prevent tone-deaf campaigns and strengthens connections. Investing in the Right Visual Identity The conversation wraps with a discussion on logos — a key topic in branding basics. While giant brands like Nike or Amazon have iconic designs, Kevin explains that small businesses don’t need to overthink it. “A good logo used well adds professionalism,” he says. “A bad one gets you confused with everyone else.” He recommends investing in a professional brand kit that includes proper logo formats, colors, and fonts. Consistency builds recognition — and recognition builds trust. Branding Basics for Long-Term Success The first part of the interview with Kevin Adelsberger reminds us that branding isn’t about fancy design or big budgets. It’s about clarity, consistency, and connection. Whether you’re launching your first side hustle or re-shaping a growing business, mastering branding basics helps you build a foundation that lasts. A Little Background is the founder of , where they create work that grows their clients’ businesses, in a culture that values their team and the Jackson, Tennessee, community. After founding in 2014, Kevin went on to be a co-founder of Our Jackson Home and host its podcast from 2015 to 2019. In 2016, Kevin was recognized as an emerging leader by Leadership Jackson. Then, in 2017, Adelsberger Marketing was named the Emerging Business of the Year by the Jackson Chamber. In 2019, Adelsberger Marketing sold partial ownership to Alexander, Thompson, and Arnold, CPAs. In 2020, Union University recognized Kevin with the Distinguished Achievement in Arts and Media award. Kevin currently serves on advisory committees for Leadership Tennessee and Jackson State Community College and is a board member for theCO in Jackson, Tennessee. He also hosts a podcast about business in West Tennessee called . Kevin lives in Jackson with his wife and business partner, Renae, and their two children. They are active foster parents and are involved members of First Baptist Church, Jackson. They are also some of the few to cheer on the Minnesota Vikings from below the Mason-Dixon line. #Skol Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/38573795

Trust and Reliability Matter: Interview with Adam Malone (Part 2) 10/09/2025

Trust and Reliability Matter: Interview with Adam Malone (Part 2) In this episode of Building Better Developers, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche continue their insightful conversation with Adam Malone, exploring how trust and reliability drive stronger teams and foster more robust customer relationships. We pick up with Adam, who opens by emphasizing that reliability begins with consistency. Teams should revisit their guiding principles every couple of weeks—not just at the start of a project. These regular check-ins foster alignment, identify minor missteps early, and maintain clear priorities. “Even if it feels repetitive, that one time someone speaks up can save weeks of rework,” Adam explains. He adds, It’s not about being flawless. It’s about being consistent, accountable, and transparent—values that transform principles from words into action. Reinforcing Reliability Through Shared Principles Reliable teams share a standard compass. Adam recommends boiling down guiding principles to one or two clear slides so everyone can easily reference them during meetings. When conflict arises, those principles provide the framework for productive discussions. Rather than asking who’s right, teams can ask: Does this decision align with our values? “That constant reinforcement builds reliability,” Adam says. “It keeps everyone anchored, no matter who’s leading the conversation.” This shared structure enables teams to make consistent, principle-driven decisions—an essential component of long-term reliability. Extending Reliability to the Customer Experience Michael then turns the discussion outward: how does this translate to the customer experience? Adam explains that reliability for customers begins with a clear definition. Many organizations claim to deliver “great service,” but few define what that means in concrete, repeatable terms. Is it speed? Fairness? Empathy? When teams clearly define those expectations—how to handle complaints, returns, or exceptional cases—they make it a measurable concept. “We all own the customer experience,” Adam emphasizes. “It’s not one department’s job—it’s everyone’s responsibility.” By conducting after-action reviews and evaluating whether customer interactions align with agreed principles, businesses ensure that it becomes a company-wide culture rather than a customer-service function. The Three Elements of Reliability Adam breaks reliability into three key elements that inspire trust: empathy, authenticity, and performance. Empathy – Customers recognize reliability when they feel heard. Confirming concerns and restating issues shows genuine care. Authenticity – True reliability requires sincerity. People can spot a scripted response immediately; being real always resonates. Performance – Reliability is proven when promises are met. Even small, predictable actions—like sending updates exactly when promised—reinforce credibility. “Reliability is the visible form of trust,” Adam says. “It’s how people know we’ll do what we say.” These principles work equally well for internal teams, turning accountability into culture. Aligning Internal and External Reliability Adam also shares how teams can connect internal with external outcomes. In his “out-of-the-box” sessions, team members from every department—engineering, operations, and customer service—gather to experience a product exactly as a customer would. “Every process has a supplier and a receiver,” Adam explains. “Bringing them together helps everyone understand how reliability feels from start to finish.” This hands-on approach highlights where it breaks down and how teams can collaboratively improve it. It bridges gaps between departments and strengthens the company's overall dependability. Reliability Through Early, Honest Conversations Adam closes with one of the episode’s most memorable points: reliability thrives on honesty. Avoiding tough conversations damages trust. “The argument’s going to happen eventually,” he says. “Like bad fish, it doesn’t get better with age.” By addressing conflicts early, teams preserve transparency, reduce frustration, and maintain consistent reliability across every relationship—internal or external. Final Thoughts In this powerful continuation of their discussion, Adam Malone reminds listeners that reliability is more than a process—it’s a promise. From steady communication to authentic customer care, reliable organizations earn trust through consistent action. Reliability is what transforms teams into partners and customers into advocates. It’s not built in a day—it’s proven every day. Connect with Adam Malone If you enjoyed this conversation and want to learn more from Adam, he’s always open to sharing insights and connecting with like-minded professionals. LinkedIn: Website: Visit him on LinkedIn and drop him a message to continue the discussion around leadership, reliability, and building consistent customer experiences. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/38469860

The Power of Trust: Interview with Adam Malone (Part 1) 10/07/2025

The Power of Trust: Interview with Adam Malone (Part 1) In the first half of our conversation with Adam Malone, founder of The Tenacious Operator, we explore the Power of Trust — how it drives leadership, strengthens teams, and turns potential project failure into growth. From large-scale ERP rollouts to everyday collaboration, Adam shows that the Power of Trust is what truly separates good teams from great ones. Why the Power of Trust Matters Adam begins with a story familiar to many project leaders: a major ERP implementation where everything looked perfect on paper. All dashboards were green, metrics were solid, and executives were confident. Yet almost overnight, the project unraveled. The root cause? A loss of trust. Team members stayed silent about risks. Operations fixed issues without communicating them. The requirements were “complete,” but in reality, they were incomplete. When trust fails, clarity disappears — and even the best teams lose momentum. When everyone claims “we’re on track,” but no one feels safe to speak up, the Power of Trust has already broken down. The Power of Trust in Psychological Safety One of the key insights Adam shares is how psychological safety amplifies the Power of Trust. Proper safety allows people to say, “I’m concerned,” or “This might fail,” without fear of backlash. He recommends creating space for negative feedback through deliberate questions: “How could this project fail?” “What are we not seeing yet?” Conducting a reverse post-mortem helps uncover weak points before they become disasters. This proactive honesty fuels progress and strengthens the Power of Trust across the entire team. Seeing Work Clearly: The Power of Trust in Transparency Drawing from Toyota’s famous Gemba concept — “go to the actual place” — Adam urges teams to physically and mentally visit where value is created. In manufacturing, that’s the factory floor. In software, it’s the analyst’s spreadsheet, the developer’s codebase, or the tester’s environment. When teams observe each other’s real work, they develop empathy and shared understanding. That transparency reinforces the Power of Trust — helping communication thrive where silos once stood. Disagree and Commit: The Power of Trust in Alignment Conflict doesn’t destroy trust; it refines it. Adam calls this the disagree and commit principle — a hallmark of mature teams. Healthy disagreement surfaces risks, values, and differing priorities. Once discussed openly, the team commits to the final decision together. No finger-pointing, no second-guessing. This habit embodies the Power of Trust by turning friction into forward motion. The Power of Trust isn’t about avoiding conflict — it’s about using it to align around shared goals. Guiding Principles: Building Systems Around the Power of Trust Before a project begins, Adam recommends defining guiding principles — the rules of engagement that sustain the Power of Trust. Examples include: “Customer satisfaction must stay above a 4.0 rating.” “Average call time can rise by no more than 10 seconds.” “All initiatives must deliver ROI within two quarters.” When these principles are written down, decisions become consistent and fair. Trust grows because everyone understands how success will be measured and maintained. Leading Through the Power of Trust For leaders, the Trust means striking a balance between empathy and accountability. Adam suggests two types of sponsors for every major initiative: An executive sponsor who clears political obstacles. An operational sponsor who stays close to day-to-day work. Add in a skilled project manager who encourages honest conversation, and the Power of Trust becomes the foundation of performance — not just a talking point. Key Takeaways from Part 1 The Power of Trust transforms fear into feedback and silence into success. Psychological safety isn’t soft — it’s how great teams stay sharp. Transparency fosters empathy, and empathy in turn builds trust. Healthy conflict strengthens alignment when teams disagree and commit. Guiding principles establish a framework that fosters trust. Connect with Adam Malone If you enjoyed this conversation and want to learn more from Adam, he’s always open to sharing insights and connecting with like-minded professionals. LinkedIn: Website: Visit him on LinkedIn and drop him a message to continue the discussion around leadership, reliability, and building consistent customer experiences. Coming in Part 2: Adam returns to discuss how culture, consistency, and clarity sustain Trust across global teams — and how leaders can turn these lessons into long-term results. Subscribe or follow the Building Better Developers podcast to catch Part 2 with Adam Malone.” Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources – With Bonus Content /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/38470330

Coding Options: No-Code, Low-Code & AI Vibe 10/02/2025

Coding Options: No-Code, Low-Code & AI Vibe Season 26 of the Building Better Developers podcast is all about Building Better Foundations. In Episode 2, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore today’s most flexible coding options—no-code, low-code, and a rising trend called vibe coding. Understanding Modern Coding Options Software creation no longer requires writing every line by hand. Today’s coding options range from drag-and-drop builders to AI-generated code, giving teams new ways to move quickly from idea to launch. No-Code Coding Options for Rapid Builds No-code platforms enable you to assemble applications visually using pre-built components and workflows—ideal for creating landing pages, prototypes, or internal dashboards. The trade-offs for this coding option are scalability, security, and platform lock-in. Low-Code Coding Options for Integrated Workflows Low-code combines visual design with the ability to add custom logic where needed. Need email integration or payment processing? This coding option strikes a balance between speed and targeted customization. Even Excel with VBA macros fits here. Vibe Coding: The AI-Driven Coding Option Vibe coding utilizes large-language-model assistants, such as GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT, to generate code from natural language prompts. Treated like a junior developer, this coding option is powerful for prototypes and boilerplate but still requires human review and testing. Choosing the Right Coding Option Match project goals to the best coding option: Fast MVP or marketing site: No-code. Workflows that need integrations: Low-code. Quick prototypes or repetitive tasks: Vibe coding with code reviews. Scaling and Securing Your Coding Options Regardless of which coding option you start with, protect the future: Document architecture and dependencies early. Pin framework and library versions to avoid drift. Run security and performance tests with real data. Budget time for manual reviews—even when AI writes the code. Final Thoughts on Coding Options The expanding menu of coding options gives developers unprecedented flexibility. No-code speeds experiments, low-code balances speed with control, and vibe coding adds AI power. By understanding each approach’s strengths and limits, you can launch quickly while building a foundation that lasts. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources – With Bonus Content – With Bonus Content /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/38385890

Building Better Foundations: Setting the Stage for Season 26 09/30/2025

Building Better Foundations: Setting the Stage for Season 26 In launching Season 26 of Building Better Developers, the hosts zero in on what truly sustains developer growth. Building Better Foundations becomes both the theme and the promise: this season will dig into the “why” behind tech trends, sharpen essential habits, and help you stand on solid ground in a shifting landscape. Why Building Better Foundations Matters Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche acknowledge that in a sea of buzzwords—AI, cloud, low-code, no-code, vibe coding—it’s tempting to chase the next shiny tool. But they emphasize: without a foundation of clear reasoning and strong practices, those tools are at risk of collapsing under you. This season’s goal is to get past surface hype to the principles that outlast trends. Building Better Foundations through Clarity on Buzzwords Part of the mission is deconstructing the buzz. The hosts plan to peel back layers—not just what new tools do, but whythey matter (or don’t). Each episode will dig into a topic’s role for developers, for business, and for end users. Below are three key concepts you’ll hear about—and understanding them is part of your foundation. Building Better Foundations in Integrating Legacy + Future It’s one thing to use new tech in a greenfield project; it’s another to graft it onto 20-year-old systems. Rob emphasizes that migrating requires you to understand why the legacy system was built the way it was. Otherwise, you risk picking the wrong tools or design patterns and creating chaos. Building Better Foundations for Scale and Sustainability Michael warns: the fastest launch isn’t always the wisest decision. Prototype tools built with low-code, no-code, or AI may serve you well early, but if they can’t scale, you’re stuck. This season will explore how to choose tools with an eye toward growth, pivot paths, and long-term stability. Building Better Foundations in Developer Mindset Beyond tools and architecture lies mindset. A strong developer habit is thinking intentionally—not chasing every “cool” trend, but grounding decisions in purpose, trade-offs, maintainability, and cost. As Rob says, a true developer is marked by how consistently they bring those fundamentals to every environment. Join the Building Better Foundations Conversation Rob and Michael invite you into the process. Email them at with your buzzwords, topic ideas, or challenges. This season is as much about dialogue as it is about lessons. “We grow together. We want to make sure you’re part of this journey.” – Rob Broadhead Key Takeaways for Your Developer Foundation Keyphrase alert: Building Better Foundations is the guiding lens—ask “why” before jumping into any tool. When modernizing legacy systems, start with context and purpose, not just the latest tech. Always think about scale and pivot options—don’t let fast prototypes become dead ends. Cultivate mindset over tool obsession. The habits you build are the real foundation. Additional Resources – With Bonus Content – With Bonus Content /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/38384965

Human Perspective on an AI-Assisted Podcast Season 09/25/2025

Human Perspective on an AI-Assisted Podcast Season Season 25 of Building Better Developers with AI wraps up with a conversation that is purely human. For over thirty episodes, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche used AI to revisit past seasons, uncover new talking points, and spark fresh discussions. For the finale they chose a different path, closing the season without digital assistance. This final episode is a straightforward, human-led reflection on what we learned from months of collaboration with AI: the insights gained, the surprises uncovered, and the lessons that will shape future seasons. How the AI-Assisted Podcast Worked Throughout the season, AI served as an idea partner. Using past episode titles and show notes, we asked large-language models to highlight themes, surface overlooked connections, and suggest new topics. The process felt less like automation and more like collaboration—AI proposed possibilities, we debated them, and together we refined each conversation. Key Insight: Treat AI as a partner that expands your thinking, not a shortcut that replaces it. Key Takeaways from our AI-Assisted Podcast Experimentation 1. Clear Prompts Create Better Results A successful AI-assisted podcast depends on clear, focused questions. Breaking large tasks into small, specific prompts produced the most relevant and useful responses. 2. Feedback Loops Improve Quality We quickly learned that saving strong outputs, rejecting weak ones, and resetting context when needed steadily improved the AI’s suggestions from one episode to the next. 3. Human Judgment Still Leads AI delivered outlines and surprising cross-episode links, but final editorial control stayed with us. Only the hosts can decide what truly resonates with listeners. Reality Check: AI can offer insight, but only humans can decide what truly matters. Surprises Along the Way Fresh angles on familiar topics. AI revealed links between older episodes that we hadn’t noticed before, pointing out recurring themes, complementary ideas, and even follow-up questions we never realized were related. Faster prep with solid structure. By generating draft outlines and well-structured talking points, AI significantly reduced the hours we normally spend preparing each episode, giving us more time to refine our ideas and plan engaging discussions—without sacrificing depth or quality. Occasional misfires. At times the model misread the conversation’s context—offering suggestions that sounded plausible but didn’t fit the topic—which underscored how essential it is for humans to review, fact-check, and guide every step of the process. These moments proved that an AI-assisted podcast is most valuable as a creative catalyst, not a finished product. Tips for Your Own AI-Assisted Podcast Thinking of running your own season review? Our experience offers a roadmap: Start with transcripts or detailed show notes. Divide tasks into small prompts: summaries, quotes, cross-episode themes. Snapshot strong responses so you can reference or reuse them later. Verify and edit everything. AI drafts are starting points, never final copy. Pro Tip: When a thread drifts off-topic, copy the best context into a fresh chat to regain focus. Why the Finale Was Different While AI enriched nearly every episode this season, the closing conversation remained entirely human. We wanted to pause the technology and reflect on the experience ourselves—to discuss what AI taught us about creativity, context, and collaboration without relying on the very tool we were evaluating. That choice underscored our biggest lesson: AI is a powerful assistant, not a replacement. It can accelerate ideas and surface connections, but the ultimate storytelling voice must stay human. Looking Ahead to Season 26 Season 25 confirmed that AI can be a powerful collaborator for developers and content creators alike. Our AI-assisted podcast delivered richer conversations, new ideas for upcoming seasons, and a faster way to surface timeless lessons from our own archive. But our human-only finale reminds us that judgment, creativity, and vision remain uniquely ours. As we plan Season 26, we’ll keep using AI as a brainstorming partner—while ensuring the heart of every episode comes from real conversations and lived experience. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources – With Bonus Content – With Bonus Content /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/38351430

Developer Legacy Guide: How to Make Your Impact Last for Years 09/23/2025

Developer Legacy Guide: How to Make Your Impact Last for Years In this episode of Building Better Developers, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit their popular discussion “” They use AI-generated prompts only as conversation starters, then share their own insights on what a developer legacy truly means today. You’ll hear practical advice on writing code that stands the test of time, sharing work through open source, and creating a collaborative culture that thrives long after you’ve moved on. Whether you’re a junior engineer mapping your career path or a seasoned architect shaping teams, this conversation offers a roadmap for making your impact felt—and remembered. Why a Developer Legacy Matters A developer legacy is more than old code—it’s the enduring value your work provides. Rob and Michael show how your professional footprint can guide teams long after you’ve left a project or company. Pro Tip: Adoption is the real metric of legacy. Aim for solutions people use every day. From Quick Fixes to Timeless Impact Move from “just closing tickets” to designing systems that stand the test of time. Readable, maintainable code with clear names and documentation. Robust testing so future developers can extend features confidently. Stable interfaces that prevent painful rewrites. Key Takeaway: Clean, tested code is the cornerstone of a lasting developer legacy. Open Source: A Fast Track to Developer Legacy Michael highlights how open source accelerates your developer legacy: Publish a reusable tool or library. Provide a five-minute “Getting Started” guide. Welcome contributions and feedback to refine your craft. Reminder: A well-documented repository is a résumé that never sleeps. Culture Outlives Code Rob emphasizes mentorship and collaborative culture as essential to any developer legacy: Mentor teammates to spread good practices. Host “mini hackathons” or team debugging sessions. Reward shared learning over individual heroics. Insight: Culture is the invisible code base that scales excellence. Milestones on the Legacy Path Every career has pivotal steps where legacy thinking grows: From first pull requests to defining team standards. From individual contributor to automation architect. From private successes to public tools and templates. Challenge: Ship one reusable script or CI template this week and invite team feedback—your first step toward a visible developer legacy. AI as a Legacy Multiplier AI can accelerate your developer legacy when treated as a partner: Draft tests or refactor with AI assistance. Summarize modules for quick onboarding docs. Share successful prompts as a team “AI playbook.” Final Takeaway A developer legacy is deliberate: thoughtful code, shared knowledge, and a culture of mentorship. Start today—document, mentor, and publish—and your impact will outlive any single job. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources – With Bonus Content – With Bonus Content /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/38319275

Side Hustle Finances Blueprint for Quick Payments and Growth 09/18/2025

Side Hustle Finances Blueprint for Quick Payments and Growth Turning a side hustle into a profitable business is exciting, but sloppy bookkeeping and unclear invoices can drain your energy—and your wallet. In this AI-enhanced revisit, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche share a practical playbook for mastering side hustle finances, from clean record-keeping to professional billing. Why Side Hustle Finances Matter from Day One A side hustle isn’t “extra cash”—it’s a business. Rob warns that ignoring taxes or mixing personal and business funds can lead to stressful bills or legal trouble. Famous entertainers have learned this the hard way, and so can new entrepreneurs. Treat every paid project like a true business. Without strong side hustle finances, you can’t see profits, plan for taxes, or protect yourself legally. Michael adds that registering an LLC shields personal assets but also demands accurate books: “If you can’t track your personal budget, learn fast for your business.” Building a Side Hustle Finances Foundation The first step in managing side hustle finances is to separate them. Open a dedicated business bank account and credit card to keep personal funds safe and simplify reporting. A credit card provides fraud protection and reward points if you pay it off monthly. Choose tools that fit your stage: Wave (free tier), QuickBooks Self-Employed, FreshBooks, or Google Sheets. Snap photos of receipts and store them digitally so every expense is documented. Pro Tip: Pay off the business credit card monthly. You’ll earn rewards and maintain a clean paper trail without carrying debt. Professional Invoicing for Healthy Cash Flow Clear, professional invoices are a cornerstone of good side hustle finances. Include: Business and client contact info Project details and dates Explicit payment terms (Net 30, due on receipt, or milestone-based) Offer multiple payment methods—Stripe, PayPal, ACH—and embed a “Pay Now” button to speed up processing. Rob notes that many companies pay at the last possible moment, so set firm terms and late-fee policies from day one. Challenge: Review your current invoice template. Does it clearly state deadlines and late-fee penalties? Update it before your next project. Managing Cash Flow and Hidden Costs Large deposits can trigger bank holds, especially if you’ve rebranded or opened a new account. Plan ahead so you can cover payroll or expenses without tapping personal savings. Understand the real cost of every payment method. Credit-card and ACH fees can quietly chip away at profits, so build those numbers into your pricing. Contracts and Boundaries Before starting any project, define what “done” means and capture it in a written agreement. Even a simple contract from LegalZoom can protect your work and ensure you’re paid. No contract, no work. Require deposits and pause projects if clients miss payments. Never deliver final source code until the check clears. Key Takeaways for Side Hustle Finances Treat your side hustle like a business from day one. Separate accounts and track every expense with reliable tools. Send professional invoices with firm terms and enforce them. Anticipate bank delays and processor fees to keep cash flowing. Use contracts and deposits to protect your time and income. By following this side hustle finances playbook, you’ll not only stay organized and get paid on time—you’ll also build the financial habits that turn a part-time gig into a thriving business. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources – With Bonus Content /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/38209490

Constructive Communication in Software Development That Drives Results 09/16/2025

Constructive Communication in Software Development That Drives Results In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit an earlier conversation—this time through the lens of AI—to explore how constructive communication in software development creates healthier teams and better code. By analyzing their original “” discussion, they uncover new ways to transform conflict into collaboration. “The goal is never to win. The goal is to find the best solution.” – Rob Broadhead What Constructive Communication Really Means Rob draws a clear line between two mindsets: Constructive communication invites evidence, empathy, and openness. Defensive arguing focuses on winning, often shutting down valuable ideas. This subtle difference determines whether a team works together to solve problems or gets stuck in endless debates. Why Constructive Communication Improves Software Development Software projects depend on diverse skills and experiences. When team members communicate constructively: Blind spots shrink. Different perspectives uncover hidden issues. Technical debt decreases. Shared understanding prevents costly rework. Client trust grows. Positive dialogue strengthens long-term relationships. Rob highlights how even an outsider’s insight—like a .NET developer’s idea on a Python project—can spark innovative solutions. Practical Steps to Encourage Constructive Communication Michael offers proven techniques to keep discussions positive and productive: Ask clarifying questions. Instead of “That won’t work,” try “How do you see that working in this context?” Restate what you heard. Confirm understanding before you respond. Stay curious. Open-ended questions invite deeper exploration. “No is a conversation killer. Replace it with ‘Let’s consider that.’” – Michael Meloche Spotting When Communication Turns Unproductive Arguments often start subtly. Watch for these warning signs: Absolutes such as “always” or “never.” Interrupting or talking over teammates. Ego-driven choices that ignore user needs or project goals. Rob recommends slowing the pace when tempers rise—pause the meeting, schedule a follow-up, or ask everyone to write down their thoughts before reconvening. Agile Practices Support Constructive Communication Rob and Michael agree that Agile’s built-in rituals—backlog refinement, iterative feedback, and sprint reviews—naturally encourage constructive communication in software development. If a team frequently argues, it may be skipping these essential steps. Michael also suggests a weekly “water-cooler” session where team members share new ideas or lessons learned. These informal gatherings nurture creativity and trust. Leadership Sets the Tone Managers and leads can reinforce constructive habits by: Checking in with teammates who seem defensive or frustrated. Offering mentoring or personal support when tension surfaces. Encouraging team traditions—from inside jokes to shared hobbies—that build rapport. Rob observes that the best teams always share a unique bond, whether it’s dad jokes or a favorite game, which helps them weather stressful moments. Reader Challenge: Practice Constructive Communication This Week Your Mission: Over the next seven days, pick one team interaction—a stand-up, code review, or planning meeting—and intentionally practice constructive communication in software development. Steps to Try: Listen First. Before offering your idea, restate someone else’s point to confirm understanding. Replace “No” with Curiosity. When you disagree, ask an open question like “How do you see that working with our current sprint goals?” Log the Outcome. After the meeting, jot down what changed: Did the discussion stay more positive? Did new solutions surface? Share your results with your team—or even comment on the blog post—to inspire others. Challenge yourself: Can you turn at least one potential argument into a moment of advocacy this week? Key Takeaway: Build a Culture of Constructive Communication This episode underscores that constructive communication in software development is more than a soft skill—it’s a project-saver. By listening first, asking better questions, and validating every voice, teams can replace conflict with collaboration and move projects forward with confidence. “Choosing one approach together is better than arguing endlessly about the perfect one.” – Rob Broadhead Whether you’re leading a sprint, conducting a code review, or gathering requirements, focusing on constructive communication ensures that every idea is heard—and the best solutions rise to the top. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources – With Bonus Content – With Bonus Content /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/38209375

Price With Confidence: Estimation Made Simple 09/11/2025

Price With Confidence: Estimation Made Simple In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit their earlier discussion on “” and explore how AI helps sharpen project pricing. The theme is clear: estimation is less about numbers and more about setting expectations. Developers who learn to price with confidence gain credibility, avoid stress, and build long-term client relationships. Why You Must Price With Confidence Estimation impacts far more than budgets. A clear, honest number builds trust and predictability. Vague requirements like “integrate with multiple systems” can’t be priced accurately—so instead of guessing, developers must clarify scope. Saying “not enough detail to price this yet” protects both sides from disappointment. Honest estimates strengthen trust. Don’t guess—clarify. Common Pitfalls When You Don’t Price With Confidence The hosts highlight mistakes that derail projects: Underestimating to win a contract, then burning out. Ignoring hidden costs such as meetings, testing, and documentation. Forgetting risk buffers, leaving no room for the unexpected. Leaning on gut instinct rather than repeatable methods. By failing to price with confidence, developers risk missed deadlines, blown budgets, and damaged reputations. Frameworks to Help You Price With Confidence Rob and Michael recommend proven approaches: Bottom-up estimation – Break work into small tasks. Top-down estimation – Use data from past projects. Three-point estimation – Balance optimistic, pessimistic, and likely outcomes. Risk-first sequencing – Attack uncertain features first. These frameworks bring structure, reduce surprises, and give clients realistic options. Choosing Models That Let You Price With Confidence Pricing isn’t just about numbers—it’s about risk allocation. Time & Materials (T&M) – Risk stays with the client, who pays for actual work. Fixed Price – Risk shifts to the developer; scope must be crystal clear. Beware hybrid models like “T&M with caps,” which push risk onto developers without fair compensation. The key is aligning incentives so both sides win. MVP Thinking: Another Way to Price With Confidence Defining a minimum viable product (MVP) early protects the project when scope changes or budgets tighten. By locking in must-have features at the start, you can deliver value even if time or resources run short. This approach ensures clients get results and developers maintain credibility. Practical Steps to Price With Confidence Callout: Break tasks down, add a 20–30% buffer, and communicate assumptions. Follow these steps on your next project: Clarify requirements first – No assumptions left unspoken. Break into small tasks – Accurate estimates come from detail. Add buffers – Protect against risk and scope creep. Track actuals vs. estimates – Learn and refine over time. Explain assumptions – Clients trust numbers when they know the “why.” Challenge: Practice Pricing With Confidence Review your last three estimates. Where did you miss hidden costs like testing or meetings? On your next project, add a 25% buffer to that category and track whether accuracy improves. Small tweaks create more reliable pricing habits. Closing Thoughts The path to better client relationships isn’t perfect numbers—it’s predictable delivery. Developers who price with confidence clarify scope, tackle risks early, and communicate openly. The result? Trust, repeat business, and less stress. Stay Connected: Join the Developreneur Community We invite you to join our community and share your coding journey with us. Whether you’re a seasoned developer or just starting, there’s always room to learn and grow together. Contact us at with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources – With Bonus Content – With Bonus Content /episode/index/show/develpreneur/id/38122320

Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur

TOPICS