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Software Methodologies: Thrive in Agile, Waterfall & DevOps
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Content provided by Rob Broadhead. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Rob Broadhead or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
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Manage episode 489225878 series 1919132
Content provided by Rob Broadhead. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Rob Broadhead or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
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Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur

1 Level Up Your Development Workflow: Declutter with AI for Better Focus and Cleaner Code 25:01
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In Season 25, Episode 10 of the "Building Better Developers with AI" podcast, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche revisit one of their most practical episodes: decluttering your code and digital life. However, this time, they utilize AI tools like ChatGPT to elevate the conversation and provide even more actionable ways to streamline your workflow, sharpen focus, and enhance developer productivity. Why Developers Should Declutter—and Level Up Developer clutter goes far beyond messy code. It creeps into your tabs, your file system, your brain, and your workflow. Rob and Michael explore how revisiting the original topic through the lens of AI created deeper, more structured insights. AI not only confirmed their past advice—it elevated it. As Rob puts it: “Clutter doesn’t show up in your IDE, but it absolutely shows up in your performance.” AI helped them reframe the conversation into clear action steps that help you level up your development workflow by decluttering at every level—from code to cognition. Clean Code Is Smart Code: Use AI to Level Up Your Refactoring A central theme of the episode is simple: Great developers delete code. Michael and Rob walk through common bad habits—commented-out code, legacy logic, stale TODOs—and how they quietly accumulate technical debt. They recommend using tools like ESLint, Prettier, or Flake8 to automatically flag issues. More importantly, they encourage developers to make cleanup a weekly routine, not a once-a-year emergency. AI Tip: Utilize ChatGPT to refactor lengthy methods, rename ambiguous variables, or break down complex classes into more manageable components. It’s a quick way to make your code easier to read, test, and maintain. Optimize Your Tools: Streamline and Standardize Your Workspace If you want to level up your development workflow truly, decluttering extends beyond the codebase. Your workspace setup—browser tabs, IDE extensions, terminal scripts—can either streamline your productivity or sabotage it. Rob’s key practices: Limit browser tabs to 10 or fewer Disable unused plugins and extensions Stick to a consistent folder structure Use shell scripts, makefiles, or Git aliases to speed up routine tasks Michael reinforces the idea with his “kitchen sink” app concept—a reusable codebase that acts as both a portfolio and a best-practices toolkit. Silence the Noise: Declutter Your Developer Brain Clutter isn’t just digital—it’s cognitive. Rob and Michael emphasize how context-switching kills focus and creativity. To combat this, they recommend: Turning off nonessential notifications (on phone, desktop, and wearables) Using time boxing (e.g., Pomodoro technique) Auditing your calendar weekly Creating interruption-free zones for deep work Pro Tip: Play white noise or ambient focus tracks to drown out distractions and stay locked in. These habits allow you to protect your most important asset as a developer—your attention. Make Decluttering a Weekly Habit and Watch Your Workflow Level Up Don’t wait for a meltdown to clean house. Rob and Michael suggest building decluttering directly into your dev rhythm—especially at the end of each sprint or workweek. Their weekly checklist: Archive stale Git branches Delete unused files and TODOs Refactor one file for clarity Restart your system Review your inbox and calendar Even a 15-minute Friday cleanup session can give you a cleaner slate and a sharper mind going into Monday. Bonus: Fewer Tools, More Flow Tool overload is another form of workflow clutter. Michael recommends consolidating everything into one platform—whether it’s GitHub, Jira, or Notion. “Let the business be disorganized,” he says. “You bring the order.” Rob echoes this with a challenge: Take one week to migrate everything from your old tools into your primary stack. You’ll save time and reduce friction moving forward. Final Thoughts: Use AI to Clean, Simplify, and Level Up Decluttering isn’t just about tidiness—it’s about creating space to do your best work. And with AI now in your toolkit, you can automate, refactor, and optimize like never before. 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 info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Balance Your Time in a Busy World: Tools and Techniques Boost Your Developer Efficiency: Automation Tips for Developers Code Refactoring: Maintaining Clean, Efficient Code Cleaning Your Task List Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content…
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Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur

1 Essential Habits for Software Developers: Practical Steps for Long-Term Success 27:14
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In Episode 9 of Building Better Developers with AI , Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore how cultivating essential habits for software developers, alongside AI tools and consistent routines, can unlock productivity, sharpen your skills, and accelerate long-term growth. Why Essential Habits for Software Developers Matter for Career Growth Rob and Michael emphasize that technical skills alone won’t set you apart. Instead, it’s your daily discipline and consistent habits that fuel success. As shared in the episode: “Success as a developer isn’t just about what you know—it’s about what you consistently do.” Essential habits for software developers, from daily practice to continuous learning, create momentum that turns average developers into high performers. How AI Supports the Best Habits for Software Developers AI can accelerate your growth, but only when used wisely. Rob and Michael stress that: AI-generated code requires critical review AI tools like CodeSignal and Codacy help improve coding habits Building AI chatbots sharpens your understanding of prompts and system behavior By incorporating AI tools into your daily routines, you strengthen the essential habits of modern software development. Mastering Time Management: A Core Habit for Productive Developers Effective time management is one of the most essential habits for software developers aiming to maximize output. Rob recommends the Pomodoro technique, supported by focus tools like Brain.fm, to create distraction-free work sessions. Michael offers a practical addition: Maintain daily task lists Document roadblocks and scope changes Prioritize meaningful work over busy tasks Time management habits like these reduce burnout and keep developers focused on what matters most. Continuous Learning: A Vital Habit for Software Developer Success One of the most powerful essential habits for software developers is embracing continuous learning. Rob and Michael suggest: Reading technical blogs, books, or documentation weekly Watching educational videos or listening to podcasts Staying up to date with frameworks, languages, and soft skills Rob explains: “Learning equals leverage—it’s how you move from junior to lead.” They also invite listeners to request a free copy of their developer career roadmap book by emailing info@developerneur.com by the end of July. Tools and Techniques to Strengthen Developer Habits Rob and Michael recommend practical resources to help cultivate essential habits for software developers: Free AI tools and cloud credits from AWS , Azure , and GCP Static code analysis tools like SonarQube can be used to improve code quality Daily self-review of your code to identify and correct issues Experimenting with AI chatbots to boost prompt engineering skills By combining these tools with consistent habits, software developers can stay competitive and continuously improve. Final Thoughts: Start Building Essential Habits for Software Developers Today Whether it’s time management, AI tools, daily practice, or continuous learning, success in software development comes from building better habits and sticking to them. If you want to boost productivity, sharpen your skills, and accelerate your career, focus on developing the essential habits that top software developers rely on. 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 info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Productivity Habits To Start Your Day Right The 21-Day Habit Building Challenge 3 Habits For Every Day and a Happier Life Code Reviews – Build Habits And Best Practices Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content…
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Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur

1 Building Better Developers with AI: Mastering Developer Feedback 35:29
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In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche take a deep dive into one of the most uncomfortable—but—essential parts of being a developer: developer feedback. Using AI tools like ChatGPT, they revisit their past topics and uncover new insights on how feedback, communication, and mindset shape stronger, more collaborative developers. AI’s Perspective: Developer Feedback as a Growth Tool Rob kicks off the episode by sharing how they asked ChatGPT to structure a show around developer feedback. The AI delivered a simple but powerful reminder: Feedback isn’t criticism. It’s a tool for growth. Key Takeaway: “Professionals seek feedback. Amateurs avoid it.” By reframing feedback as data rather than a personal critique, developers can use it to refine their skills, just as they would when debugging their code. Rob emphasizes that real-time, in-person code reviews often reveal more than written comments. They provide opportunities for knowledge sharing, cross-training, and discovering undocumented project details. Creating a Safe Space for Developer Feedback Michael reminds listeners that developer feedback works best in a safe and collaborative environment. Taking a breath before reacting allows you to absorb feedback objectively. Pro Tip: Treat feedback as input to improve — not a personal attack. However, Michael cautions against over-relying on constant feedback. While it’s essential for growth, too much can erode confidence. Effective developers seek feedback purposefully and filter out noise. Code Reviews: The Most Overlooked Feedback Tool Both hosts stress the value of regular code reviews as an essential form of developer feedback: They catch errors early Enforce coding standards Reduce duplication and dead code Provide cross-training for the team Michael’s Advice: “If your code changes are too big to review efficiently, your process needs adjusting.” Regular, focused code reviews keep teams aligned, enhance code quality, and enable developers to learn from one another. Beyond Code: Communicating with Non-Developers Rob reminds us that actual growth comes not just from technical feedback but from communicating effectively with non-developers. Whether it’s labeling input fields clearly or translating technical issues for business stakeholders, every interaction shapes project success. Developer Feedback in Action: Understanding your users’ language makes your product better — and prevents avoidable frustration. How to Process Developer Feedback Without Ego The hardest part of handling developer feedback? Managing your emotions. Rob and Michael outline how to stay grounded: Don’t react — review, digest, reflect Ask clarifying questions without defensiveness Look for patterns across multiple feedback sources By approaching feedback with curiosity rather than ego, developers grow faster and foster stronger teams. Final Thoughts: Winning Through Listening Rob closes with timeless advice: “The person who talks the least in a meeting often wins.” Listening more — to peers, customers, and users — leads to better feedback, fewer misunderstandings, and stronger products. Developer Feedback may be uncomfortable, but it remains one of the fastest, most effective ways to grow as a developer. Combined with AI tools, code reviews, and intentional communication, feedback turns everyday frustrations into long-term success. 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 info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources From Side Hustle to Success Launch Your Side Hustle – Amy Harrop Interview Side Hustle Success Through Perseverance – Chris Myles Interview Side Hustle Ideas From Your Annual Review and Planning Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content…
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Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur

1 Winning Your First Developer Project: Lessons from Building Better Developers with AI 23:02
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Breaking into freelancing or launching a side hustle can feel overwhelming, but winning your first developer project is one of the most important steps in building your development career. In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI , Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche share proven tips to help developers land their first paying project—and do it the right way. Why Mindset Matters for Winning Your First Developer Project The first step to success is shifting your mindset. Rob emphasizes that you’re not just writing code—you’re solving real business problems for your clients. Think like a service provider, not just a developer. Your success comes from delivering value, understanding client needs, and focusing on outcomes. Michael reminds developers that while independence is part of freelancing, you still work for your clients. Listening, collaborating, and guiding them toward success are essential to building strong relationships. Specialize to Win Your First Developer Project One common mistake when trying to win your first developer project is offering every service imaginable. Rob and Michael both learned that trying to be everything to everyone can lead to frustration and poor results. Focus on the work you enjoy and excel at, such as: Web development API integrations Automation solutions Small application fixes Rob recommends starting with simple, high-demand solutions like landing pages or bug fixes. Michael reflects on how defining a niche helped him avoid projects he didn’t enjoy and allowed him to grow his business the right way. Small Wins Help in Winning Your First Developer Project Rob stresses the importance of starting with small, quick wins. These projects help you build confidence, gain testimonials, and establish a reputation. Here’s how to approach your first project: Take on projects you can complete within a day Deliver high-quality work with fast turnaround Gather testimonials or reviews from satisfied clients Use platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or Freelancer to build your portfolio These small wins lay the foundation for bigger opportunities and long-term client relationships. Be Strategic When Winning Your First Developer Project Pricing is another critical factor when trying to win your first developer project. Rob and Michael offer this advice: Avoid underbidding to the point where you limit your future rates Under promise and over deliver to build trust Offer discounts in exchange for testimonials when appropriate Know your value and communicate it confidently Michael shares that early low bids helped him build relationships, but emphasizes the importance of aligning work with your expertise and long-term goals. Confidence and Clarity Lead to Winning Your First Developer Project Winning your first developer project is not just about technical skills—it’s about defining your niche, delivering exceptional value, and building strong client relationships. Start small, focus on your strengths, and grow your freelance reputation one project at a time. Ready to take the next step? Listen to the full episode of Building Better Developers with AI for expert advice on launching your freelance development career. 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 info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources From Side Hustle to Success Launch Your Side Hustle – Amy Harrop Interview Side Hustle Success Through Perseverance – Chris Myles Interview Side Hustle Ideas From Your Annual Review and Planning Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content…
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Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur

1 Updating Developer Tools: Why It Matters More Than Ever 23:47
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Updating developer tools is essential for developers who want to stay efficient, secure, and competitive. In this episode of Building Better Developers with AI , Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore how maintaining modern toolsets helps individuals and teams deliver better software, faster. With support from AI-generated analysis and real-world experience, they outline the risks of falling behind—and how to move forward. Listen to the full episode of Building Better Developers with AI for practical insights and ideas you can start applying today. Efficiency and Profitability When Updating Developer Tools AI captured the core message well: using outdated tools slows down delivery, creates unnecessary friction, and ultimately reduces profitability. For side hustlers and teams alike, this loss of efficiency can make or break a project. Rob pointed out that many developers begin their careers using only basic tools. Without proper exposure to modern IDEs like IntelliJ, Visual Studio Code, or Eclipse, they miss out on powerful features such as debugging tools, plugin support, container integration, and real-time collaboration. Warning Signs You Should Be Updating Developer Tools How do you know it’s time to update your development tools? Rob and Michael discussed key red flags: Frequent crashes or poor performance Lack of support for modern languages or frameworks Weak integration with tools like GitHub Actions or Docker Outdated or unsupported plugins Inconsistent tooling across team members Neglecting to update developer tools can lead to slow onboarding, poor collaboration, and increased bugs—especially in fast-paced or regulated environments. Tool Standardization vs. Flexibility When Updating Tools There’s a balance between letting developers choose their tools and ensuring consistency across a team. While personal comfort can boost productivity, it may also cause challenges when teams debug or collaborate. Rob and Michael recommend hosting internal hackathons to explore new toolchains or standardize workflows. These events give teams a structured way to evaluate tools and share findings. The Security Risk of Not Updating Developer Tools Michael highlighted that outdated tooling doesn’t just slow developers down—it creates serious security and compliance risks. Being just one or two versions behind can open vulnerabilities that violate standards like HIPPA, OWASP or SOX. Regular updates to SDKs, plugins, and IDEs are essential for staying compliant, especially in sensitive industries like finance or healthcare. How to Evaluate New Tools Before Updating Developer Toolchains Rob offered a practical framework for evaluating new tools: Does it solve a real pain point? Start with a side project or proof of concept. Check for strong community support and documentation. Balance between stable and innovative. Michael added a note of caution: avoid adopting tools with little community activity or long-term support. If a GitHub project has only a couple of contributors and poor maintenance, it’s a red flag. Developer Tools to Review and Update Regularly To keep your development environment current, Rob suggested reviewing these tool categories often: IDEs and code editors Version control tools CI/CD systems and build automation Testing and QA frameworks Package managers and dependency systems Containerization and environment management platforms Using AI to convert simple apps into different frameworks can also help evaluate new tools—just make sure not to share proprietary code. Final Thoughts Modern development demands modern tooling. From cleaner code to faster deployment and stronger team collaboration, the benefits of updating developer tools are clear. Whether you’re an independent developer or part of a larger organization, regularly reviewing and upgrading your toolset is a habit worth forming. 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 info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Navigating Communication Tools in Modern Workplaces Building a Portable Development Environment That is OS-agnostic Modern Tools For Monetizing Content Updating Developer Tools: Keeping Your Tools Sharp and Efficient Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content…
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Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur

1 Improving Team Collaboration in Software Development: Proven Strategies for Success 25:50
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In this episode of Building Better Developers , hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore how to improve team collaboration in software development through the lens of AI-driven insights. Whether you’re a solo developer, part of a tight-knit team, or scaling across departments, collaboration remains the backbone of efficiency and success. What Does Collaboration Mean in Development? AI kicked off the discussion with a powerful insight: define “efficiency” in context. But more importantly, it highlighted that collaboration fuels efficiency, not just working faster, but working better. Effective collaboration avoids: Redundant work Misunderstood requirements Tech debt and burnout Rob emphasized that a productive team isn’t rushing through tasks but solving the correct problems—together—on the first try. Collaboration Strategies for Solo Developers Even solo developers need structured collaboration between their tools, their future selves, and their automation stack. Top collaboration tips for independent devs: Use opinionated frameworks like Next.js or Rails to minimize decision fatigue. Automate repetitive tasks early to save time in the long run. Commit code regularly with meaningful messages. Document workflows using Notion, Obsidian, or Jira—even if you’re the only one using them. Containerize development environments for repeatability and rapid setup. “Solo doesn’t mean siloed. Collaborate with your tools, your past decisions, and future goals.” Enhancing Collaboration in Small Development Teams For teams of 2–10 developers, Rob and Michael discussed how tight feedback loops and structured communication are essential to avoid chaos. Recommended practices for small team collaboration: Short, focused daily standups Shared development environments Lightweight Agile or Kanban boards Early investment in CI/CD pipelines Use of pair programming or mob programming for knowledge sharing Michael emphasized Agile’s power in synchronizing team efforts, avoiding duplicated work, and solving problems more efficiently as a unit. “Agile helps teams collaborate—not just communicate. It keeps everyone moving in the same direction.” Solving Common Bottlenecks Together AI highlighted four universal collaboration pain points and solutions: Slow Code Reviews - Use SLAs and rotate reviewers Unclear Requirements - Kick off with 15-minute clarification huddles Testing Paralysis - Focus on integration tests and avoid overtesting Context Switching - Block dedicated focus hours Michael zeroed in on testing paralysis, especially in early-stage projects, where developers are too busy scaffolding to write tests. Without collaboration on testing plans, critical issues may be overlooked until it is too late. Rob addressed context switching, warning against excessive meetings that fragment developer flow. Leads should shield devs from distraction by delivering distilled, actionable feedback. Final Thoughts on Collaborative Development As teams grow, minor issues scale fast, and so do inefficiencies. Tools, meetings, workflows, and expectations must all scale intentionally. Rob reminded leaders to summarize and distill information before passing it to their teams and to make clever use of tools like AI, recordings, and summaries to keep everyone aligned without wasting time. “If you’re building better developers, you’re also building better collaborators.” Take Action: Build Collaboration Into Your Workflow Reassess your standups and review cycles Empower solo devs with documentation and CI/CD Streamline onboarding with containers Test early, test together Protect team focus time 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 info@develpreneur.com with your questions, feedback, or suggestions for future episodes. Together, let’s continue exploring the exciting world of software development. Additional Resources Embrace Feedback for Better Teams Using Offshore Teams and Resources – Interview With Tanika De Souza Moving To Mobile Teams and Building Them – Sebastian Schieke Building Better Developers With AI Podcast Videos – With Bonus Content…
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Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur

1 Software Methodologies: Thrive in Agile, Waterfall & DevOps 24:55
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Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur

1 Solving Problems in Software Projects | Building Better Developers with AI 31:17
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Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur

1 Coding vs. Developing: What AI Reveals About Developer Growth 23:18
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Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur

1 Building Better Developers with AI: Season Premiere 29:39
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Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur

1 Building Better Businesses: Key Lessons from the Podcast 21:33
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Building better businesses is the focus of this season of the Building Better Developers podcast. As the show wraps up, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche reflect on what it truly takes to grow and sustain a successful business. With episodes packed full of real-world advice, the season offered an honest look at the balance between managing operations and planning for long-term growth. Whether you’re running a startup or scaling a consulting firm, the challenges discussed this season are highly relatable, and the insights are actionable. Smart Strategies for Building Better Businesses This season delivered a broad spectrum of ideas—from improving customer support systems to deciding when to hire or outsource. Rob and Michael emphasized both short-term wins and longer-term initiatives that can set a business on a more sustainable path. “It’s all about making your business better—whether that’s better processes or better planning.” – Rob Broadhead By encouraging listeners to apply lessons week by week, the season became a roadmap for identifying and fixing critical business gaps. Automation and Resetting for Business Focus One of the season’s strongest messages came from Michael’s personal experience: getting stuck in the day-to-day grind. Like many tech-focused founders, he spent so much time coding and serving clients that back-office responsibilities were pushed aside. “You have to reset. I was doing the work, but I wasn’t taking care of the business.” – Michael Meloche Turning off notifications and eliminating distractions helped him reclaim time and focus on strategic areas, such as hiring, finances, and operations. Challenge-Based Insights for Better Growth Each episode featured a unique challenge—practical steps like refreshing your website or reviewing your marketing channels. Rob noted that simply blocking calendar time to work on these areas made a noticeable difference. These challenges weren’t theoretical—they were tools for building structure and momentum in a growing business. By applying even one challenge a week, listeners could steadily improve their systems and habits. Work-Life Balance and Building Better Businesses Another theme that resonated strongly was the need for rest and recovery. Michael shared his struggle with feeling guilty for taking time off, only to find that stepping away actually increased his productivity. “If you don’t take care of yourself, it’s like skipping oil changes—eventually the engine gives out.” – Michael Meloche This conversation reinforced that health and mindset are just as crucial to a business as any product or service. Remote Work and Office Culture As businesses shift post-pandemic, the debate over remote vs. in-office work persists. Rob and Michael explored the trade-offs of both environments, acknowledging that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. “You need to do what’s right for the business, the team, and the customer.” – Michael Meloche Balancing flexibility with connection is an ongoing challenge that every business must navigate in alignment with its mission and culture. Final Thoughts: Keep Building Better Businesses Every Day Rob closed the episode with a powerful reminder: every business is a living system with competing demands. Just like software, it requires constant attention, updates, and realignment to continue functioning properly. “There’s a business-business balance too—not just work-life balance. Find your ‘why,’ and let it guide your decisions.” – Rob Broadhead Not every episode will apply to every business stage, but together, they form a comprehensive guide for those committed to growth and leadership. 📩 Keep Building Better Subscribe to the Building Better Developers podcast for more actionable insights on product strategy, technology leadership, and business growth. Have feedback or questions? Reach out at info@develpreneur.com—the team would love to hear from you! 🎧 Revisit episodes that speak to your current challenges Building Better Businesses: Introduction to Season 24 Business Finance Management: Building Better Businesses for Success Overcoming Barriers To Starting A Business: Why Haven’t You Started Yet? Elevator Pitch Strategies: Perfect Your Pitch and Boost Your Brand Scaling with Contractors and Employees: A Strategic Guide to Business Growth Hiring Talent: Strategies for Building Strong Teams Business Automation and Templates: How to Streamline Your Workflow Leveraging AI for Business: How Automation and AI Boost Efficiency and Growth Business Growth Strategies: When and How to Scale Successfully Work-Life Balance Strategies: Setting Boundaries for a Healthier Life Disaster Recovery Plan: Protecting Your Business from Unexpected Threats Business Continuity: Keeping Your Business Running When Life Happens Business Networking Strategies: How to Build Real Relationships That Grow Your Business How to Succeed with Digital Marketing for Small Businesses Product Placement Strategy: How to Position Your Product or Service for Success Product Enhancement Strategies: How to Add Value Without Adding Bloat How to Build a Sustainable Business: From Idea to Execution Pitching Your Business: Start Conversations That Drive Growth Customer Communication Strategies: How To Improve Client Interactions Building Customer Trust in Business: Turning Mistakes into Opportunities Why Setting Deadlines Is the Key to Successful Projects PTO Taking Breaks: Why You Need More Than a Long Weekend How to Build a Minimal Viable Product Without Blowing Your Budget Stop Chasing Your Tail: How To Reset Your Progress Without Panicking How to Demo Your Product and Get Feedback That Matters Reading the Room: The Leadership Skill That Sets You Apart Off the Rails in Business: Reclaim Your Time and Sanity Impostor Syndrome: Simple Ways to Reclaim Your Confidence Business Tune-Up Checklist: How to Refresh, Refocus, and Reignite Mid-Year Why Retrospectives Matter: Learning from the Past to Build Better Businesses Upgrading Your Business: Save Time And Improve Efficiency Remote vs In-Office: Finding the Right Fit for Your Business YouTube: Building Better Businesses – With Bonus Content…
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Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur

1 Remote vs In-Office: Finding the Right Fit for Your Business 29:46
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In this episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore the topic of remote vs in-office work. As workplace dynamics continue to shift, they discuss how leaders and employees alike can evaluate which setup—remote, in-person, or hybrid—best supports true productivity and team culture. Drawing from personal experiences and client stories, they offer a balanced, actionable perspective for navigating this ongoing workplace debate. Remote vs In-Office Work and Company Culture: Collaboration at a Cost? The heart of the discussion centers around a key question: Which work model enables better results—remote or in-office? Rob explains that the answer isn’t universal. While some workers thrive in a quiet home office, others are more engaged and effective in a collaborative, physical environment. Understanding which model best suits your team and role is the first step toward optimizing performance. Callout: “It’s not about where you work—it’s about how productive you are in that environment.” Hybrid Solutions in the Remote vs In-Office Work Debate Michael highlights the benefits of remote work with a real-world example: a previous role where he managed automated testing over weekends. Working from home allowed him to complete more than 60 hours of productive work while avoiding commutes and unnecessary meetings. He notes that remote work supports flexibility and work-life balance—when paired with strong expectations. However, companies often struggle with remote operations due to poor policy implementation. Without clear rules for communication, availability, and professionalism, remote teams can quickly become disorganized. Key Insight: “Remote work only works well when you create structure around it.” In-Office Work: Culture, Collaboration, and Spontaneity While remote work offers many benefits, Rob defends the value of being physically present in the office. He explains that office environments enable spontaneous collaboration, faster feedback, and a stronger sense of culture. These moments—like hallway conversations and impromptu brainstorming—are difficult to replicate remotely. Still, he warns that office settings aren’t always efficient. Endless meetings, distractions, and “looking busy” can hurt productivity. The key is intentional use of in-person time to build relationships and align on priorities. Quote from Rob: “Sometimes being in the office just means more talking about work—not doing it.” Hybrid Work: The Best of Both Worlds? The hosts discuss hybrid work as a potential compromise in the remote vs in-office work debate. Hybrid models allow team members to balance deep, focused work at home with occasional in-person meetings for collaboration. Michael notes that occasional in-office days—such as once per quarter—can be enough to build trust and team cohesion without draining productivity. However, they caution that hybrid setups require even more planning. Rules for attendance, virtual etiquette, and meeting structure must be clearly defined to prevent confusion and burnout. Leadership and Culture in Any Model Both Rob and Michael emphasize that strong leadership and a defined company culture are essential—regardless of where work takes place. Businesses must provide guidance on video etiquette, work schedules, and productivity expectations. Whether employees are remote, in-office, or hybrid, leadership must equip them to succeed in their specific environments. Callout: “Success comes from clear policies and consistent culture—location is just logistics.” Final Thoughts on Remote vs In-Office Work: What Works for You? As the episode closes, the hosts challenge listeners to reflect on their own roles and teams. Make a list of pros and cons for both remote vs in-office work. Consider productivity, focus, communication needs, and personal obligations. You may discover that the best model for your business isn’t either/or—but a mix that fits your goals and your people. Challenge: “Are you busy—or are you productive? That’s the real question in the remote vs in-office work discussion.” 📩 Keep Building Better Subscribe to the Building Better Developers podcast for more actionable insights on product strategy, technology leadership, and business growth. Have feedback or questions? Reach out at info@develpreneur.com—the team would love to hear from you! Additional Resources Building A High-Performance Remote Team Remote Work Benefits – The Positives Of Working Out Of Office High-Performing Culture Building Better Businesses – With Bonus Content…
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Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur

1 Upgrading Your Business: Save Time And Improve Efficiency 31:58
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Upgrading your business is more than a buzzword — it’s a strategic mindset. In this episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore what it really means to upgrade your business in today’s fast-moving, tech-driven world. From tools and processes to training and hiring decisions, they offer practical advice for business owners ready to make smarter, more efficient moves. What Upgrading Your Business Really Means Upgrading your business means taking a proactive approach to making it more efficient, productive, and resilient. It’s not just about buying new hardware or using trendy software — it’s about improving the way your business operates at every level. Rob Broadhead explains how boutique consulting — like the kind offered by Developer Nation — goes beyond just staffing and focuses on solving the right problems. By identifying a business’s unique strengths and removing friction in daily operations, upgrading becomes a strategic investment in growth. “We’re not here to throw hours at a project. We help you solve real problems with focused solutions.” – Rob Broadhead Upgrading Your Business Tools: Are You Falling Behind? One of the easiest ways to start upgrading your business is by evaluating the tools your team uses every day. Rob reflects on the days when a computer could take five minutes to boot up — a daily delay that adds up over time. Whether it’s modern laptops, cloud platforms, or extra monitors, the right tools can unlock better productivity. And while Michael loves open-source solutions, he emphasizes that businesses need to weigh the cost of learning against the speed of implementation. “Are you spending more time learning the tool than using it? That’s the key question.” – Michael Meloche Upgrade Your Team: Train or Hire? Another area where upgrading your business pays off is in your people. Rob and Michael tackle the classic dilemma: should you train your current team or hire experienced professionals? Rob favors investing upfront in talent that can hit the ground running. Michael agrees — but says strategic training also works when you have committed long-term staff. Either way, upgrading your workforce ensures you don’t waste time on preventable errors and inefficiencies. “Hiring cheap cost us more in the long run. Upfront investment saved us months.” – Rob Broadhead Don’t Forget Security, Compliance & Maintenance Upgrading your business also means protecting it. Michael stresses the importance of staying compliant with software licenses and keeping systems secure and updated — especially in industries like healthcare, banking, or legal services. “You can’t afford to overlook compliance and security in today’s business climate.” – Michael Meloche Watch for Time Wasters The hosts encourage listeners to pay attention to how time is being used (or wasted). Whether it’s slow software, outdated equipment, or inefficient workflows, these “thieves of time” are often overlooked but easy to fix with the right upgrades. “Upgrading your business might mean replacing an old monitor — or rethinking how your team spends its day.” – Rob Broadhead This Week’s Challenge: Start Upgrading Your Business This week, spend time auditing your business. Watch how employees work, where delays happen, and what causes frustration. Then make a short list of the easiest wins: faster internet, clearer processes, better equipment. Even a small improvement today can save hours next month. Stay Connected with Developer Nation Liked the episode? Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform or catch the video version on YouTube . Contact Rob and Michael a t or visit info@develpreneur.com to leave feedback and suggest topics for the next season. Follow along on X @Develpreneur and YouTube for regular insights, challenges, and tips to build a better business. We are also on Facebook and LinkedIn . Additional Resources Business Tune-Up Checklist: How to Refresh, Refocus, and Reignite Mid-Year Business Finance Management: Building Better Businesses for Success Updating Developer Tools: Keeping Your Tools Sharp and Efficient Building Better Businesses – With Bonus Content…
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Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur

1 Why Retrospectives Matter: Learning from the Past to Build Better Businesses 24:41
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In this episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, co-hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche dig into one of the most underused but powerful tools for business improvement: retrospectives. Whether you’re a startup founder, a seasoned project manager, or a solo entrepreneur, retrospectives are essential for continuous growth and team alignment. This post captures the key takeaways from the episode and the challenge they leave for listeners at the end. 🔍 What are Retrospectives? In agile development, retrospectives are a regular part of the process. At the end of each sprint, the team takes time to reflect on what went well, what didn’t, and what we can improve. However, Rob and Michael point out that this practice shouldn’t be limited to software teams. Every business project—from product launches to marketing campaigns—deserves a structured review. Retrospectives help answer the most important question: How can we be better next time? Retrospectives in the Real World Rob shares a recent personal anecdote from a hockey game. A late penalty call—after video review—proved that sometimes the real story only becomes clear in hindsight. Similarly, project issues may only reveal their full impact when the dust settles. Michael echoes this by discussing his struggle to disconnect from work, even after projects wrap. He emphasizes that finishing a project isn’t the end—it’s the beginning of learning. 🔧 How to Run an Effective Business Retrospective 1. Gather a Paper Trail Pull together your milestones, status updates, emails, Slack threads, and anything else that shows how the project unfolded. Don’t rely on memory alone. 2. Look at the Whole Timeline Too often, retrospectives focus only on the final sprint or the last few weeks. Instead, start at the beginning. What was your original estimate? What changed? 3. Invite Honest Feedback Michael stresses the importance of creating a “safe space” where everyone can share the good, bad, and ugly without fear of blame. “This is not the time to get emotional,” he says. “It’s time to get real.” 💡 Callout: “If your retrospective is all rainbows and unicorns, dig deeper. There’s always room to improve.” — Rob Broadhead 4. Document Lessons Learned After everyone has shared their thoughts, organize your notes into action items. What will you do differently next time? What can you improve today? 5. Prioritize for Change Don’t try to fix everything. Choose 2–3 key areas for improvement and build them into your next plan. Track these changes across future projects to see if the issues were one-offs or trends. 🧩 Common Pitfalls and Hidden Insights Many teams avoid retrospectives because they fear confrontation. But avoiding discomfort now only leads to bigger problems later. Michael highlights one big cause of project failure: misaligned talent. Assigning the wrong developer to a tech stack they don’t know can derail months of work. Other questions to ask: Did we start testing at the right time? Did we bring the right people in early enough? Were our environments ready when needed? These aren’t just technical issues—they’re signs of process breakdowns that can be corrected if surfaced honestly. 🎯 Episode Challenge: Your Mini Retrospectives At the end of the episode, Rob offers a challenge: Take 15–20 minutes today to reflect on your last project. What went well? What went poorly? What would you do differently next time? Even if the project was months ago, the process of reflecting can help you identify what to change, and remind you to document better for next time. 📝 Pro Tip: Don’t wait until the end of a long project. Build mini-retrospectives into your workflow every few weeks. Final Thoughts This episode of Building Better Developers is a call to action: don’t waste your hard-earned experience. Capture it, learn from it, and grow. Whether managing a dev team, running a startup, or building your brand, retrospectives are the secret weapon for smarter, more effective business decisions. Ready to improve your next project? Start with your last one. 📩 Keep Building Better Subscribe to the Building Better Developers podcast for more actionable insights on product strategy, technology leadership, and business growth. Have feedback or questions? Reach out at info@develpreneur.com—the team would love to hear from you! Additional Resources Prepare For Your Retrospective Moving Forward – Releasing Past Mistakes Learning From Your First Business Building Better Businesses – With Bonus Content…
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Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur

1 Business Tune-Up Checklist: How to Refresh, Refocus, and Reignite Mid-Year 22:18
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In a recent episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore the value of a business tune-up—a mid-year check-in designed to help business owners realign with their goals, improve operations, and reduce waste. Whether your business is thriving or simply coasting, regular evaluations can uncover blind spots, highlight new opportunities, and help you operate more effectively. What Is a Business Tune-Up? Rob Broadhead describes a business tune-up as a strategic assessment of your company’s core elements—from technology and marketing to compliance and overall alignment with your mission. It’s not just about checking sales metrics. It’s about asking: Are we still aligned with our mission? Is our customer experience consistent and strong? Are we positioned for sustainable growth? This type of review should happen at least once or twice a year and can often be completed in 30 minutes or less. Business Tune-Up Step 1: Review Your Website and Messaging Your website is often a potential customer's first interaction with your business. Rob recommends reviewing: Site functionality and uptime Messaging and value proposition Blog content freshness Design consistency and branding Walk through your website as if you were a first-time visitor. Does it clearly explain what you do? Are there outdated blog posts or confusing navigation paths? Business Tune-Up Step 2: Audit Subscriptions and Expenses Michael Meloche shares how he routinely reviews business expenses to identify unnecessary costs and expired tools. He recommends: Reviewing all active services and tools Identifying subscriptions no longer in use Evaluating recurring expenses for ROI Many businesses waste hundreds or even thousands per year on forgotten tools. This step alone can have an immediate financial impact. Business Tune-Up Step 3: Adjust for Growth and Scale If your business is growing, your infrastructure should grow with it. Michael emphasizes reviewing internal workflows and team bandwidth to determine if: It’s time to hire additional help or virtual assistants Agile practices and documentation need improvement Your current tools can be consolidated or upgraded Rob notes that as businesses grow, systems that worked early on can quickly become limiting. Simplifying and integrating tools may offer greater efficiency and ROI. Business Tune-Up Step 4: Check for Compliance and Security Staying compliant is essential, especially in regulated industries like healthcare, finance, and technology. Your compliance check should include: Reviewing certifications and licenses Verifying software updates and security patches Staying informed on new industry regulations Neglecting updates or certifications can lead to legal issues or vulnerabilities. Keeping up with best practices ensures stability and avoids disruptions. Business Tune-Up Step 5: Refresh Marketing and Outreach Marketing is often neglected during busy periods, but it shouldn’t be. Key areas to review: Campaign performance (email, PPC, content) Social media presence and engagement Follow-up processes for leads Marketing funnels and conversion paths Michael reminds listeners that maintaining an active presence—even in slower seasons—can generate new leads and keep your brand top of mind. Episode Challenge: Complete a 30-Minute Business Tune-Up Rob concludes the episode with a simple but impactful challenge: Take 15 to 30 minutes this week to perform a business tune-up. Review your website, marketing, expenses, workflows, and compliance. Even small improvements can generate new opportunities, cut costs, or increase performance. Stay Connected We want to hear from you. Whether you’ve completed a business tune-up or have questions about how to start, reach out: Email: info@develpreneur.com X (formerly Twitter): @develpreneur YouTube: Developer Podcast Channel LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/develpreneur/ Final Thoughts A business tune-up doesn’t require massive changes, but it can drive significant results. Taking a step back helps ensure that your tools, team, and tactics support your long-term vision. Use this moment to clean up, recalibrate, and prepare for the next growth phase. Additional Resources Reflect on How To Become More Effective, Then Tune And Adjust A Solid Restart – Stop, Plan, Reset, Go Habit Review for Developers: Boost Productivity and Build Better Workflows Building Better Businesses – With Bonus Content…
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