Podcast appearances and mentions of Matt Watson

Join Scott "Shalom" Klein on his weekly radio show, Get Down To Business with guests:Yolanda BarajasMatt WatsonBryan Clayton Dr. Natalie Pickering

MATT WATSON is a 5x founder, seasoned CTO, and current CEO of Full Scale—a software development staffing company with a team of over 300 engineers. Matt is obsessed with building teams that think like owners. Matt's the host of the Product Driven podcast and author of the best-selling book by the same name, written to help engineering leaders stop babysitting and start building teams that lead themselves.After two decades in tech, he's seen what happens when developers are treated like ticket-takers: low morale, wasted effort, and products no one asked for. That's why he's made it his mission to help teams build the opposite—high-trust, high-impact engineering orgs that actually ship what matters.CONTACT DETAILS Company: Full ScaleEmail: spo81rty@gmail.com Website: https://fullscale.io/ Social Media:LinkedIN - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwatsonkc/Remember to SUBSCRIBE so you don't miss "Information That You Can Use." Share Just Minding My Business with your family, friends, and colleagues. Engage with us by leaving a review or comment on my Google Business Page. https://g.page/r/CVKSq-IsFaY9EBM/review Your support keeps this podcast going and growing.Visit Just Minding My Business Media™ LLC at https://jmmbmediallc.com/ to learn how we can help you get more visibility on your products and services. 

What does it take to build truly product-driven engineering teams? In this episode, Matt Watson — founder and CEO of Full Scale and author of Product Driven — joins Lily and Randy to challenge the longstanding silos between product and engineering. Drawing on 25+ years of experience and four tech ventures, Matt makes the case for why developers need more than just code to care about: they need context, ownership, and clarity.From redefining “done” to the evolving role of AI in software teams, this conversation dives into how product leaders can foster a culture where engineers aren't just implementers, but co-creators of customer value.Chapters0:00 – Why “no feedback” is a warning sign, not success1:46 – Matt's journey: from developer to founder2:58 – Thinking outside the code: how the book Product Driven started4:50 – Why many engineers don't think about the customer5:57 – The rise of product managers and the walling off of engineers6:56 – Redefining the role of PMs in cross-functional teams9:01 – Metrics, measurement, and the illusion of progress10:57 – Ownership as the root of productivity13:04 – Code monkeys, culture, and killing creativity14:55 – Communicating context: five minutes that save weeks17:04 – AI and the changing definition of developer productivity20:32 – External value vs internal tech debt22:48 – The Product Driven model: Vision, Focus, Clarity, Shared Ownership, Courage27:08 – Why courage is the starting point for changeOur HostsLily Smith enjoys working as a consultant product manager with early-stage and growing startups and as a mentor to other product managers. She's currently Chief Product Officer at BBC Maestro, and has spent 13 years in the tech industry working with startups in the SaaS and mobile space. She's worked on a diverse range of products – leading the product teams through discovery, prototyping, testing and delivery. Lily also founded ProductTank Bristol and runs ProductCamp in Bristol and Bath. Randy Silver is a Leadership & Product Coach and Consultant. He gets teams unstuck, helping you to supercharge your results. Randy's held interim CPO and Leadership roles at scale-ups and SMEs, advised start-ups, and been Head of Product at HSBC and Sainsbury's. He participated in Silicon Valley Product Group's Coaching the Coaches forum, and speaks frequently at conferences and events. You can join one of communities he runs for CPOs (CPO Circles), Product Managers (Product In the {A}ether) and Product Coaches. He's the author of What Do We Do Now? A Product Manager's Guide to Strategy in the Time of COVID-19. A recovering music journalist and editor, Randy also launched Amazon's music stores in the US & UK.

AI can scaffold an app in seconds, but can it refactor that thousand-line React file when the first bug hits production? In this episode, I sit down with Brian Jenney software engineer and program owner of the coding bootcamp Parsity, to draw a hard line between “code that runs” and “code that lasts.” From mentoring career-switchers to stress-testing AI in real-world pipelines, Brian shares why craftsmanship and product judgment still beat copy-paste prompts.

2 Samuel 17:24-19:8, Loyalty"s Limits, Pastor Matt Watson by MVBC

2 Samuel 17, Good Counsel, Pastor Matt Watson by MVBC

The days of treating social selling like a content quota are over. According to experts John Golden and Matt Watson, modern success in the AI-driven digital world requires intentionality, focus, and a deep commitment to quality over volume. The core realization is that your prospects aren't just researching your company; they are researching you as an individual, often using AI to compile a composite profile. This makes your online persona and engagement style more critical than ever before.  

2 Samuel 16, Enemies of God, Pastor Matt Watson by MVBC

2 Samuel 15, Faith amidst Political Theater, Pastor Matt Watson by MVBC

EP 13.522 | Join Passion4Christ speakers Daniel Cavanaugh, Charles Cavanaugh, Micah Cavanaugh and Matt Watson as they discuss this year's theme of "Grace" and why the weekend is worth attending.

2 Samuel 14, Wisdom, Wisdom, Everywhere?, Pastor Matt Watson by MVBC

This week the Dissident's Podcast highlights our partner, Prosocial Workers, ProSocial Podcast. ProSocial Workers executive director and ILV senior advisor Matt Watson invites licensed clinical social worker Paul Stayback to discuss the intersection of social work, gun violence, and mental health. They explore the challenges of engaging with firearms owners in therapy, the importance of viewpoint diversity in social work, and the need for nuanced conversations about gun control and safety. Paul shares his journey into social work, his experiences with veterans, and the cultural barriers that prevent effective dialogue around firearms. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding and humanizing different perspectives to foster productive discussions and ultimately enhance community safety.

In this episode of XTraw AI, host Raghu Banda talks with serial entrepreneur Matt Watson about why product thinking is becoming a crucial differentiator in an era where generative AI can churn out code quickly. Matt shares lessons from co‑founding and scaling VinSolutions to a $150 million exit, building Full Scale to help more than 200 companies hire vetted developers, and writing his new book Product Driven, which challenges engineering teams to think like owners rather than order‑takers.Key highlights:Product thinking, not raw coding speed, will separate teams when “the code writes itself”.Matt explains the “five fatal disconnections” between engineering, product, users and leadership and how to fix them.Listeners get a preview of tools and bonuses from Product Driven, like the Meeting Makeover and Coach GPT, designed to help teams shift from output to outcomes.You can reach @ Matt WatsonMy LinkedIn @ Raghu BandaOur Website @ XTraw AI

2 Samuel 12, Rebuked, Repented, Restored, Pastor Matt Watson by MVBC

2 Samuel 11, The King's Great Fall, Pastor Matt Watson by MVBC

Romans 5:17-21, Grace Basics: Freedom, Pastor Matt Watson by MVBC

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Dr. Nafees Alam and Matt Watson interview Andrew Hartz, founder of the Open Therapy Institute. They discuss the impact of political issues on mental health training, the importance of addressing bias in therapy, and the need for cultural competence that includes diverse sociopolitical values. Hartz shares insights on diverse approaches in therapy, the significance of self-censorship, and the challenges of navigating emotional responses in therapy sessions. The conversation emphasizes the importance of patient-centered care and building awareness of diverse perspectives in mental health.

If you've ever felt like engineering teams are stuck in execution mode—heads down, building what they're told—then today's episode is for you. We're talking about what it really takes to build high ownership engineering cultures where devs aren't simply just shipping code, but they're helping shape the product. And our guest this week is Matt Watson. He's a long time founder, engineer, and now the CEO of Full Scale, a company that helps startups and scale ups, grow their engineering teams with top talent from the Philippines. Matt's also the author of a book called Product Driven that shows how engineers can build with more clarity, purpose, customer focus and we get into some of the details in that book during this podcast. So in this episode, we get into everything from the downsides of specialization to the importance of empathy, to why code shipped isn't the same as value delivered. We hope you enjoy it.

Today on the radio show. 1 - This morning's emergency alert 5 - How much of an Ironman do you need to get through to burn off fast food? 9 - Business Time - Nintendo 12 - Gym get-well-soon cards for machines 15 - Ways to mess with people 19 - Introduce yourself with what almost killed you 22 - Shaq vs Magic Johnson in Barcelona 26 - Matt Watson's Hawaii catch 30 - Late mail 34 - Last drinks Must Watch - https://bit.ly/478q5WN

Product Driven: The Book Launch - A Software Leader's Journey to Creating High-Performance Teams

Matt Watson, who scaled VIN Solutions to a $150 million exit, shares his journey from coding to building products that make a real impact in the business world.We talk about:Why most developers fail at launching productsWhat it means to be a product-minded engineerHow AI is exposing weak developersThe importance of sales, customer empathy, and learning in public“Your code isn't the product. Solving real problems is.”“If I have to write requirements down to the detail… I might as well just give it to AI.”Want to develop the product engineer's mindset? Grab Matt's book here : http://productdriven.com/bookMatt's newsletter for product driven engineers: https://newsletter.productdriven.com/Send us a textShameless Plugs

Breaking Through Requirements Hell: How AI is Revolutionizing Software Development

Learning Through Play: How Boddle Built Educational Games That Kids Actually WantIn this insightful conversation, Matt Watson talks with Clarence Tan, founder and CEO of Boddle Learning, about their journey building educational games that have reached over 10 million users. Clarence shares how they tackled the classic problem of educational games - how to make them as engaging as regular games while maintaining educational value. By creating fun games first and then "sneaking in" learning content, Boddle has found success in the competitive educational technology space.The most valuable lesson? Get out of the office and actually watch users interact with your product. Rather than spending money on complex analytics, the Boddle team discovered their biggest product issues simply by visiting classrooms and observing how kids used their app. Clarence also shares how they eventually cracked the monetization code by understanding that parents were buying subscriptions not because they understood the educational benefits, but because their kids wanted the in-game items.

Feedback-Driven Development: Optimizing Your Software Engineering ProcessIn this enlightening conversation with author Ashley Davis, Matt Watson explores the concept of feedback-driven development and how it shapes effective software engineering practices. Ashley, author of "Bootstrapping Microservices" and the upcoming "The Feedback-Driven Developer," shares valuable insights on how developers can leverage feedback loops to enhance their productivity, make better decisions, and deliver more value to customers. They discuss the shifting landscape of software development in the age of AI, the importance of personal feedback systems, and why understanding product priorities is crucial for modern developers.

Bootstrapping vs VC: John Rush on Building 25 Successful Products

AI and Agency Evolution: Navigating the Future of Software Development

Building Human-Centric Engineering Teams: Culture, Motivation, & Purpose

Full Scale Ventures Launches & The Power of Venture Studios

Today on the radio show. 1 - Matt Watson's Bucket List 6 - Does Chat GPT know NZ well? 9 - A message from the UK 13 - Where people have listened to us 16 - A legendary surgeon has passed away 19 - Laughable Injuries 23 - Matt Watson chats about fishing 29 - Self-Help Singh on saving money 31 - Wild injuries 34 - Late mail 37 - Last drinks Daily Dump - Clarkson's Farm: https://bit.ly/4mhbGNe

Matt Watson is a NZ fishing legend who has had some incredible experiences on and in the water. We were lucky enough to catch up with him ahead of the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat show this weekend. Audition video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YNZiWFlwcP0 Check him out; https://www.facebook.com/mattthefishingguy/ https://www.instagram.com/mattwatson_thefishingguy/?hl=en Get in touch with us: https://linktr.ee/therockdrive

A new research paper published this week is exploring how the treatment of wastewater with alkaline minerals could reduce carbon emissions through the mitigation of ocean acidification. The ocean plays a critical role in the Earth's ecosystem as a ‘carbon sink', absorbing about 30% of the carbon dioxide released into the atmosphere.  As climate change, driven by activities like the burning of fossil fuels and acceleration of land use, has led to an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, oceans are absorbing increasing amounts of CO2, increasing ocean acidification and negatively impacting marine life. If scalable, the treatment of wastewater released into the ocean to offset acidification could be a valuable piece in the puzzle of global climate solutions.  Producer Sara spoke with University of Canterbury academics and members of the team at New Zealand cleantech company ‘Aspiring Materials', Dr Matt Watson, and Dr Simon Reid, about the potential for these findings, as well as how carbon sequestration can be maximised for the benefit of the environment. Here is that interview.

Strolid's Road to Reinvention: How a Contact Center Pioneer Helped Create the vCon Standard “Every time a customer calls, it shouldn't feel like the first time.” — Matt Watson, Strolid At the first-ever vCon Conference in Hyannis, MA, Matt Watson, Vice President of Product Development at Strolid, joined Doug Green of Technology Reseller News to tell a story few expected: how a company built to support car dealers ended up helping create the vCon standard — now poised to revolutionize how we store, analyze, and act on conversational data. “We didn't start by trying to invent something new. We started by solving real problems with real conversations — and vCon was the natural result.” From Leads to Context-Rich Data Strolid supports 165+ automotive dealerships by handling calls, texts, chats, and emails — from casual inquiries to high-stakes sales leads. Every interaction now becomes a vCon, a standardized digital conversation record. That vCon includes: Caller details and timestamps Conversation transcripts Connected metadata (like the car model or promotion that triggered the call) Follow-up actions (like booked test drives) Before vCons, much of this data was scattered — or lost. Now, every call is actionable, searchable, and auditable at scale. For Dealers, It's About Trust and Retention When a customer calls about a $70K pickup truck, consistency matters. vCons ensure that agents are prepared, customers aren't repeating themselves, and dealers can track every touchpoint across the buying journey. Watson says this builds not just sales — but lifetime service value, as happy customers keep returning for service, warranty work, and more. For OEMs, It's Instant Market Feedback Watson explained how auto manufacturers (like Ford) now use vCon data to measure campaign effectiveness in real time. If a customer references a football ad while calling, that detail enters the vCon — giving the brand fast, ground-level feedback on what's working. Empowering Employees, Too VCons don't just enhance CX — they improve EX (employee experience). Strolid's agents now get real-time screen pops with the customer's history before even answering the phone. That means less stress, more success, and happier teams. What Is a vCon, Really? Watson put it simply: “A vCon is like a PDF for conversations.” And just like PDF revolutionized documents, vCons are set to change the way we treat conversations — for everyone from dealerships to global brands. Learn more: strolid.com — for auto dealer services strolid.ai — for companies looking to generate vCons at scale

Today on the show we chat to Matt Watson about a Bill being introduced to parliament that will change the way Commercial Fishers operate to the detriment of our local fish stocks. Sign the petition here - https://legasea.co.nz/fisheries-reforms-scam-submission-form/

One of the most common questions I get is 'How do I know if I have product market fit?" Especially when you're in that gray zone where things are kind of working but they're not really taking off yet, how do you know if you have product-market fit or not?That's exactly what we dive into here. Why you should listen:Why demo to close is an excellent leading indicator of PMF.Why NPS is not as good as Sean Ellis test to measure product-market fit.Why retention is the best long-term metric, but takes long.What qualitative signals you'll feel when you have true PMF.What to do if you realize you don't have real product-market fit.This podcast originally aired on Matt's podcast called Product Driven, because the topics were so relevant, I figured I'd post it here too.Timestamps(00:00:00) Intro(00:00:55) How do you know if you have PMF(00:06:33) Why some problems are good(00:11:24) Solve a True Top of Mind Pain(00:15:54) Why timing matters(00:21:30) How to Know When to Pivot(00:25:00) Asking the Right Questions to CustomersSend me a message to let me know what you think!

In today's episode, we're joined by Matt Watson, the founder of LegalFee Consultants. He'll share what inspired him to start his company, his challenges in building it, and the strategies that have helped him set and achieve big goals while managing multiple roles. Plus, you'll hear the best advice he's received and the books that have shaped his personal and professional growth.Before we dive in, mark your calendars for the American Lending Conference, March 21-22, 2025, at Green Valley Ranch in Las Vegas. It's two days of networking, education, and game-changing opportunities in private lending. You won't want to miss it! Now, let's get started.Quotes From The Show:"Never overpromise and under deliver""Always bet on yourself""Stay honest and have integrity"Resources Mentioned:A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose

Matt Watson - Founder/CEO of Plus Plyos - joins us for the 79th episode of MTN. On this episode, Matt breaks down his Tier System of Plyometric Training & Categorization, digs into the power of hopping, helps us to understand differences in limbs within plyo training, and much more. Matt is one of the world leaders in plyo performance and it was phenomenal to get him on to pick his brain. Make sure to follow him on social media @mcinneswatson and check out his website at https://www.plusplyos.com/ for all information of programs, consulting, and education. Find and follow us on social media @mtn_perform and check back each Wednesday for a new episode

Join Revero waitlist: https://revero.com/join Matt Watson is a dynamic thinker with a keen interest in biomechanics and human movement. His approach centers on the idea that the human body's reflexive capacities, such as the sudden jolt experienced when stepping on an unexpected stair, highlight our innate ability to anticipate. Matt champions the concept that maintaining high-intensity, simplistic movements can significantly benefit our physical resilience. He argues that the most effective exercises are those that are straightforward yet demanding, like barefoot activities on concrete, which stimulate potent physiological responses. Matt emphasizes the importance of plyometric and jumping exercises in preserving our anticipatory abilities, which he considers humanity's greatest superpower. Driven by a belief in the power of simplicity in maintaining intensity, Matt's insights offer a fresh perspective on optimizing physical training and endurance. Timestamps: 00:00 Trailer and introduction. 06:08 What is plyometrics? 08:16 Building muscle-tendon speed through oscillating squats. 11:05 Plyometrics enhance reflexes for unexpected movements. 14:58 Inherited plyometric system with five movement tiers. 19:21 Focus on tall posture, minimize ground contact time. 22:25 Jump rope promotes forefoot stability, boosts volume. 24:56 Prioritize movement quality over complex drills. 28:55 Reactive Strength Index measures jump efficiency. 31:47 Plyometrics maintain tendon health, enhance muscle anticipation. 34:20 Skepticism on squat necessity for plyometrics. 39:20 Frequent, light exercises build strong tissues effectively. 41:36 Split stance increases stabilizing muscles' work demand. 44:20 Develop force, control motion: essential for all. 48:59 Building confidence through controlled oscillatory movements. 52:14 Trial and error benefits strength training adaptation. 53:22 Where to find Matt. See open positions at Revero: https://jobs.lever.co/Revero/ Join Carnivore Diet for a free 30 day trial: https://carnivore.diet/join/ Carnivore Shirts: https://merch.carnivore.diet Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://carnivore.diet/subscribe/ . ‪#revero #shawnbaker #Carnivorediet #MeatHeals #HealthCreation   #humanfood #AnimalBased #ZeroCarb #DietCoach  #FatAdapted #Carnivore #sugarfree  ‪

In this episode, Matt Watson interviews Rajiv Nathan, the Startup Hype Man, who shares insights on how to pitch a startup to investors and customers effectively. Rajiv discusses his journey from a marketing background to becoming a pitch expert, emphasizing the importance of understanding the pitch landscape beyond just raising capital. He introduces the K-PASA formula for crafting elevator pitches and highlights common mistakes founders make, such as focusing too much on features rather than the problems they solve. The conversation also covers actionable steps for creating compelling pitches and the pricing structure for Rajiv's services. TakeawaysFounders often struggle to articulate what their company does.The best pitches focus on the customer's problem, not just features.Rajiv's K-PASA formula helps structure effective pitches.Investors want to see how you communicate with customers.Common mistakes include being overwhelmed with information and using jargon.A strong elevator pitch can open doors to further conversations.Lead with emotion to engage your audience effectively.Tailor your message to resonate with your target audience.Your pitch should evolve as your company grows and changes.Effective messaging can significantly influence investor interest. Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:https://gigb.co/l/YEh5 This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:https://fullscale.io/ Learn more about Startup Hypeman here:http://www.startuphypeman.com Learn more about Rajiv Nathan here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajivnathan/ Sign up for the Startup Hustle newsletter:https://newsletter.startuphustle.xyz/ Sound Bites"You need to get this together.""I accidentally quit my job.""Investors are not the people who buy your product." Chapters00:00 Introduction to Pitching Strategies01:04 Rajiv's Journey to Becoming a Pitch Expert07:24 Understanding the Pitch Landscape12:47 The Importance of Problem-Focused Pitches15:15 Common Mistakes in Pitching16:34 The K-PASA Elevator Pitch Formula22:57 Crafting the Approach and Solution31:39 Action Steps in Pitching35:03 Pricing and Services for StartupsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Matt Watson interviews Ben Taylor, founder and CEO of Soft Ledger, about his journey in creating accounting software. They discuss the challenges of building a product in a competitive market, the importance of identifying gaps in existing solutions, and the lessons learned from the startup experience. Ben shares insights on their go-to-market strategy, the role of AI in accounting, and the impact of funding on their growth. The conversation highlights the complexities of product development and the future of accounting software. TakeawaysBen Taylor identified a significant gap in the accounting software market.Soft Ledger was built to address the inefficiencies in financial reporting.The journey to acquiring the first paying customer took 10 months.Product readiness is crucial before launching to customers.Surviving as a startup often means focusing on cash flow management.SEO has been a key driver for customer acquisition for Soft Ledger.AI is expected to enhance efficiency in accounting tasks.Funding allowed Soft Ledger to invest in product development and marketing.The accounting software market is evolving with new entrants and technologies.Positioning against competitors like QuickBooks requires a clear strategy. Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:https://gigb.co/l/YEh5 This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:https://fullscale.io/ Learn more about Softledger here:https://softledger.com Learn more about Ben Taylor here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/bentaylor8/ Sign up for the Startup Hustle newsletter:https://newsletter.startuphustle.xyz/ Sound Bites"I called up my longtime friend, Jeff Ostrega.""It took about 10 months before we got our first paying customer.""We thought we had something, but it wasn't ready." Chapters00:00 Introduction to Soft Ledger and Its Founding03:09 Identifying Market Gaps in Accounting Software05:56 The Challenges of Selling Accounting Software08:54 Building a Robust Product: Lessons Learned11:59 Navigating the Startup Journey: Surviving and Thriving15:08 Go-to-Market Strategy and Inbound Marketing17:54 The Role of AI in Accounting Software21:04 Funding and Growth Strategies for Startups23:54 Future of Accounting Software and Market PositioningSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Matt Watson and Sean Beckner discuss the journey of entrepreneurship, investment strategies, and the evolution of business growth. Sean shares his experiences transitioning from a startup founder to an investor, highlighting the importance of timing in business exits and the dynamics of customer engagement in the digital age. They explore the challenges and rewards of acquiring businesses, the balance between equity and cash in exits, and the future of investing through a family office model. The conversation emphasizes the need for purpose and passion in entrepreneurship, as well as the potential for growth in existing businesses. TakeawaysEntrepreneurship involves phases: founding, acquiring, and investing.Transitioning from operator to investor can feel boring but offers freedom.Building businesses profitably allows for better optionality in exits.Customer engagement strategies have evolved with technology.Timing the market is crucial for successful business exits.Acquisitions can provide a win-win for founders and investors.Balancing equity and cash in exits is a strategic decision.Investing through a family office allows for more control and flexibility.Purpose and passion are essential for long-term entrepreneurial success.Growth in existing businesses can be more manageable than starting anew. Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:https://gigb.co/l/YEh5 This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:https://fullscale.io/ Learn more about Sean Beckner here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-beckner-558a916/ Sign up for the Startup Hustle newsletter:https://newsletter.startuphustle.xyz/ Sound Bites"It's hard. It's hard.""We all need some sense of purpose, right?""You can still get those types of returns." Chapters00:00 Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Investment02:56 Transitioning from Operator to Investor06:56 Early Ventures: From Startups to Exits10:28 The Evolution of Customer Engagement13:31 Viral Nova: Riding the Wave of Social Media19:41 Timing the Market: Selling at the Right Moment25:04 Acquisitions: Finding the Right Fit31:02 The Balance of Equity and Cash in Exits36:10 The Future of Investing: Family Office vs. Fund40:32 Conclusion: The Importance of Purpose in EntrepreneurshipSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Matt Watson speaks with Joseph Ruscio, a partner at Heavybit, a venture capital firm focused on investing in software development-related companies. They discuss the evolving landscape of venture capital, the unique value niche VC firms provide, and the impact of AI on software development. Joseph shares insights on the challenges developers face, the importance of finding product-market fit, and how AI can enhance developer productivity. They also explore Heavybit's recent investments in AI startups and the future of software development in an AI-driven world. TakeawaysAI is not going to replace developers but will enhance their capabilities.Niche VC firms like Heavybit provide specialized support to early-stage companies.The pressure to integrate AI into products is significant for developers.Finding product-market fit is crucial for startup success.Developers are increasingly seen as the key decision-makers in technology.The cost of software development varies widely across different markets.AI tools can help reduce the toil in software development processes.Investing in specialized AI models is essential for enterprise applications.The landscape of AI investments is rapidly evolving with new startups emerging.Understanding the unique challenges of selling to developers is vital for success. Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:https://gigb.co/l/YEh5 This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:https://fullscale.io/ Find out more about Heavybit here:https://www.heavybit.com Learn more about Joseph Ruscio here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephruscio/ Sign up for the Startup Hustle newsletter:https://newsletter.startuphustle.xyz/ Sound Bites"AI is going to make developers more valuable.""The pressure to build AI functionality is real.""Finding product market fit is crucial." Chapters00:00 Introduction to Heavybit and AI in Software Development03:01 The Evolution of Venture Capital and Specialization05:58 The Value of Niche VC Firms09:01 Challenges in Selling to Developers11:48 AI's Impact on Software Development14:46 Investments in AI Companies17:51 The Future of Software Development with AI20:54 The Role of AI in Developer Productivity23:53 Investing in Emerging AI Startups27:08 The Importance of Specialized AI Models30:12 The Landscape of AI Investments33:06 The Economics of Software Development35:54 Conclusion and Future OutlookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Matt Watson and Yoni Kozminski discuss the intricacies of hiring talent in the Philippines, exploring Yoni's journey from creative advertising to building a recruitment agency. They delve into the challenges of scaling a business, the importance of value creation in sales, and the need for clear job definitions and onboarding processes.  The conversation highlights the evolving workforce in the Philippines, cultural nuances in communication, and the economic factors influencing hiring decisions. Yoni emphasizes the importance of having in-house expertise and leadership when hiring remote talent, while also acknowledging the incredible capabilities of Filipino workers. TakeawaysHiring in the Philippines can provide high-quality talent at competitive rates.Value creation is essential in every interaction with potential clients.Understanding business needs is crucial before defining job roles.A clear onboarding process is key to employee success.Cultural nuances can affect communication and understanding in remote teams.The Philippines has a rapidly evolving workforce with increasing capabilities.Investing in emerging world talent is beneficial for both parties.Sales growth often comes from existing clients and referrals.Defining success metrics for roles helps in effective hiring.Building a strong company culture can enhance employee satisfaction. Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:https://gigb.co/l/YEh5 This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:https://fullscale.io/ Find out more about MultiplyMii here:http://www.multiplymii.com Learn more about Yoni Kozminski:https://www.linkedin.com/in/yonkoz/ Sign up for the Startup Hustle newsletter:https://newsletter.startuphustle.xyz/ Sound Bites"We could help a lot of people if they just understood.""You really have to have visibility across how each of the pieces connect.""How do we focus on adding value at every single stage?" Chapters00:00 Introduction to Hiring in the Philippines02:59 Yoni's Journey into Recruitment06:04 Scaling the Business: Challenges and Strategies09:13 Sales Growth and Value Creation12:03 Understanding Roles and Hiring Needs15:04 Defining Success in Hiring17:58 The Importance of Onboarding20:49 Expertise and Leadership in Hiring24:02 The Evolving Workforce in the Philippines26:58 Opportunities and Economic Factors30:08 Cultural Nuances in Communication32:57 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Matt Watson interviews Andrew Plato, a seasoned entrepreneur and author of 'The Founder's User Manual.' They discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of differentiation in a competitive market, and the role of trust and credibility in business. Andrew shares insights from his experiences, emphasizing the need for startups to establish a unique identity, navigate employee relationships carefully, and maintain a clear company culture. He also addresses the importance of avoiding controversial topics at work and the necessity of perseverance in the face of challenges. TakeawaysWriting the book was a therapeutic process for Andrew.Books can provide valuable insights but cannot replace real experience.Startups must differentiate themselves to stand out in a crowded market.Building trust is essential for successful business relationships.Establishing boundaries with employees is crucial for effective leadership.Company culture should prioritize safety and open communication.Avoiding controversial topics at work can prevent division.Choosing the right customers is vital for business integrity.Perseverance is key to overcoming challenges in entrepreneurship.Successful entrepreneurs refuse to give up and take ownership of their choices. Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:https://gigb.co/l/YEh5 This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:https://fullscale.io/ Find out more about Zenaciti here:https://zenaciti.com Check out Andrew Plato's book Founder's User Manual here:https://zenaciti.com/founders-user-manual/ Learn more about Andrew Plato:https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewplato/ Sign up for the Startup Hustle newsletter:https://newsletter.startuphustle.xyz/ Sound Bites"You can't go into a marketplace and say you're unique and special and different if you do what everybody else does or you sound like everybody else.""Less is more. I get emails all the time and I get marketing all the time and it's like a wall of text. I don't care. I don't care that you have this guy on your board. I don't care that you know so-and-so. I don't care that you worked at Microsoft back in the 90s.""You need to go out into the marketplace and speak about the things that are interesting to people. Don't talk about your product. Don't talk about your competitors. Talk about things that are relevant in your field.""I wanted to be a likable person.""The harder I tried to be everybody's friends kind of, the more it ultimately backfired on me.""If you allow your business to become dominated by any or either of those sides, you are excluding a huge chunk of the population." Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background of Andrew Plato04:02 The Challenges and Learning Curve of Entrepreneurship07:57 Standing Out in a Crowded Marketplace11:56 The Power of Clear Messaging and Niching Down14:49 Building Trust and Credibility18:15 Building Mutually Beneficial Partnerships20:28 The Challenges of Being a Leader28:40 Setting Boundaries and Creating a Safe Space30:33 The Impact of Discussing Controversial Topics34:40 Focusing on Customer Needs and Avoiding Judgment40:50 The Power of PerseveranceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tyler Lieber, co-founder and CEO of Coconut VA, joins Matt Watson on the Startup Puzzle podcast to discuss the benefits and challenges of hiring virtual assistants (VAs) in the Philippines. They share their personal experiences with remote hiring and highlight the importance of trust and communication in working with VAs. Tyler explains that VAs can assist with a wide range of tasks, from email and calendar management to event planning and project coordination. They also discuss the unique advantages of hiring VAs in the Philippines, such as their strong work ethic, English proficiency, and cultural compatibility with US clients.  Tyler emphasizes the importance of providing competitive pay and benefits to attract and retain top talent. In terms of sales and marketing, Tyler and his team rely heavily on referrals and content marketing to build trust and establish relationships with potential clients. They also discuss the value of strategic delegation and how VAs can help founders become more efficient and focus on high-value tasks. The conversation concludes with a reminder to prioritize work-life balance and take strategic vacations to assess task dependencies and delegate effectively. TakeawaysHiring virtual assistants (VAs) in the Philippines offers unique benefits, such as a strong work ethic, English proficiency, and cultural compatibility with US clients.VAs can assist with a wide range of tasks, including email and calendar management, event planning, project coordination, and more.Building trust and establishing relationships are crucial in the sales and marketing of VA services, with referrals and content marketing being effective strategies.Strategic delegation is key to scaling a business and avoiding becoming a bottleneck as a founder.Taking strategic vacations can help identify tasks that can be delegated to VAs and improve work-life balance. Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:https://gigb.co/l/YEh5 This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:https://fullscale.io/ Find out more about Coconut VA here:https://www.coconutva.com/cva-linkedin Learn more about Tyler Leber here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-leber/ Sign up for the Startup Hustle newsletter:https://newsletter.startuphustle.xyz/ Sound Bites"If you are hiring an executive assistant, or in this case, what we call a virtual assistant, you are hiring somebody that is just there to help you in whatever possible way that they can.""The jobs that we are creating for these people are so important to them and so valuable to them, and they're by far some of the best opportunities and best jobs that they will find.""Referrals are so important in this type of business because really just that trust building and that relationship building is the key to making any sales in this industry." Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:00 Starting a Business in the Philippines06:18 Navigating Business Operations in Another Country09:07 Training and Mentoring Virtual Assistants10:50 The Role of Virtual Assistants14:11 Why the Philippines for Virtual Assistants18:03 Sales and Marketing Strategies for Virtual Assistant Services22:43 Target Market and Geographic Reach29:52 Tips for Hiring and Working with Virtual AssistantsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Matt Watson interviews Nimrod Vromen, author of Prompting Happiness, about the future of generative AI and its impact on various aspects of life. They discuss the role of lawyers in startups, the importance of focusing on distribution rather than protection in the early stages, and the need for founders to have a clear and comprehensive founders agreement. They also explore the potential of AI in enhancing communication, language translation, and interconnectivity among humans. The conversation delves into the impact of AI on happiness and the importance of self-prompts for personal growth and well-being. TakeawaysIn the early stages of a startup, it is more important to focus on distribution rather than spending a lot of money on legal protection.Founders should have a clear and comprehensive founders agreement, including reverse vesting, to address potential issues and prevent conflicts.AI has the potential to enhance communication, language translation, and interconnectivity among humans, but it is important to maintain meaningful connections with other humans.Self-prompts and a positive approach are essential for personal growth and happiness in the age of AI. Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:https://gigb.co/l/YEh5 This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:https://fullscale.io/ Find out more about Empowerment here:https://arkempowerment.com/ Learn more about Nimrod Vronen here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nimrod-vromen-7378435/ Sign up for the Startup Hustle newsletter:https://newsletter.startuphustle.xyz/ Sound Bites"Entrepreneurs are in a psychotic state. They're supposed to hold the hat and tell the entire world that they're building a billion-dollar business, but they're the only ones who get to peek under the hat and see that it is essentially dead.""The biggest mistake most founders make is that they don't tell anybody. They're so scared that they don't tell anyone. Worst case scenario, they could have told a few people who might talk to somebody else and introduce them to that person.""If somebody leaves, they lose the shares they haven't earned. If somebody's let go because the other two let them go for any reason whatsoever, they should lose their equity that they didn't earn." Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:09 The Role of Lawyers in Startups06:07 The Importance of Distribution and Communication10:21 Founders Agreements and Preventing Conflicts19:19 The Impact of AI on Happiness and Personal Growth29:28 The Future of AI and Prompting HappinessSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Matt Watson and Ian Myers discuss the topic of hiring global talent. Ian shares his experience of starting a company in Sri Lanka and leveraging the highly skilled workforce there. They also discuss the challenges of scaling service-based businesses and the importance of upskilling and mentoring employees. Ian highlights the benefits of hiring talent from different countries and the opportunities it creates for both the employees and the local economies. They also touch on the challenges of running an international business and dealing with local labor laws and government regulations.  In this conversation, Ian Myers, the founder and CEO of Oceans, and Matt Watson, the founder and CEO of Full Scale, discuss the challenges and strategies involved in running a service-based business. They cover topics such as hiring and firing employees, managing client relationships, and the importance of reputation and referrals. They also emphasize the need for constant evaluation and improvement in recruiting and training processes. Overall, the conversation provides valuable insights into the unique dynamics and considerations of service businesses. TakeawaysHiring global talent can provide access to highly skilled professionals from different countries, creating opportunities for both employees and local economies.Service-based businesses face unique challenges in scaling, but scalable services can be a valuable and profitable business model.Upskilling and mentoring employees is crucial for their career growth and the success of the company.Running an international business comes with its own set of challenges, including dealing with local labor laws and government regulations. Running a service-based business involves managing the challenges and dynamics of working with people.Recruiting and hiring top talent is crucial for the success of a service business.Maintaining a good reputation and strong client relationships is essential.Constant evaluation and improvement are necessary in the recruiting and training processes.Service businesses can be profitable and offer a more predictable income compared to other types of businesses. Find Startup Hustle Everywhere:https://gigb.co/l/YEh5 This episode is sponsored by Full Scale:https://fullscale.io/ Find out more about Oceans XYZ here:https://oceanstalent.com/ Learn more about Ian Myers here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-myers-2a997852/ Sign up for the Startup Hustle newsletter:https://newsletter.startuphustle.xyz/ Sound Bites"There's talent everywhere.""It's weird to make money.""Scalable services businesses are rare.""We continue to hire 30 to 40 people a month""That's totally normal""The Sri Lankan workforce is much more concerned with 401k health insurance, all the benefits" Chapters00:00 Introduction to Hiring Global Talent02:26 The Potential of Global Talent05:57 Challenges of Scaling Service-Based Businesses09:57 Hiring American Talent vs. Global Talent14:12 Investing in Upskilling and Mentoring19:25 Navigating the Complexities of International Business25:03 Hiring and Scaling in a Service Business28:48 The Importance of Benefits and Work Culture in Sri Lanka33:34 The Key to Success: Hiring and Evaluating Talent40:05 Firing Clients and Protecting EmployeesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.