In this episode of Digital Dominators, host Sooz Young speaks with Ceri Shaw, founder of Thistle Labs, about the journey of turning tech ideas into reality.

They discuss the role of a CTO, the importance of inclusivity in tech, common mistakes startups make, and practical advice for aspiring tech professionals.

Ceri emphasizes the need for early-stage entrepreneurs to start small, test their ideas, and leverage existing tools before diving into development.

The conversation highlights the significance of mentorship, collaboration, and continuous learning in the tech landscape.

EPISODE CHAPTERS

00:00 Introduction to Digital Dominators and Tech Ideas

02:29 Understanding the Role of a CTO

03:25 The Concept of Fractional CTOs

06:00 The Importance of Early Tech Guidance

07:07 Working with Startups and Scale-ups

09:22 The Value of Knowledge Sharing in Tech

11:52 Connecting Tools and People for Solutions

12:38 Narrowing Down Startup Ideas

15:36 Testing Ideas with Low-Cost Solutions

18:26 Common Mistakes Startups Make

19:55 Mitigating Risks in Tech Development

21:25 Changing Mindsets Around Technology

22:50 Leveraging Familiar Tools for Innovation

23:32 Finding the Right Technical Partner

27:21 Embracing Curiosity in Tech

27:40 Inclusive Innovation in Tech Development

30:23 The Future of Tech: Creativity Meets Technology

34:22 Staying Motivated in Tech

36:11 Career Pathways into Tech

40:39 Building Effective App Solutions

KEY TAKEAWAYS

– Ceri Shaw helps non-technical founders bring tech ideas to life.

– A fractional CTO provides expertise without full-time costs.

– Startups should begin with small, testable solutions.

– Inclusive innovation involves diverse perspectives in tech development.

– Common mistakes include jumping straight into development without testing ideas.

– Finding the right technical partner is crucial for success.

– Curiosity and continuous learning are essential in tech.

– Diversity in tech leads to better problem-solving and innovation.

– Mentorship can provide valuable guidance for startups.

– Using existing tools can save time and resources in app development.

RESOURCES SHARED

– ⁠https://www.thistle-labs.com/⁠

– ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceri-shaw/⁠

– ⁠https://www.thistle-labs.com/pricing-and-plans⁠

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