Off the Rails in Business: Reclaim Your Time and Sanity

Off the Rails in Business: Reclaim Your Time and Sanity

In this episode of Building Better Developers, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore what it means to go off the rails in business—and how to get back on track. From chaotic workloads to scattered thinking, they break down the signs, the causes, and the concrete steps to help you regain control and clarity. 💡 Quick Insight: Even your best efforts can feel like spinning wheels when your business is off track. The key is not to do more—it’s to refocus. What Does It Mean to Be Off the Rails in Business? The phrase “off the rails in business” describes a common but serious problem: you’re working harder, but falling further behind. Maybe your to-do list never ends, deadlines slip, and... Read more

Reading the Room: The Leadership Skill That Sets You Apart

Reading the Room: The Leadership Skill That Sets You Apart

In this episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche discuss one of the most underrated leadership and communication skills in business: reading the room. Whether you’re pitching a project, leading a team meeting, or giving a client presentation, understanding how your audience is responding in real time is the key to success. This episode bridges the gap between performance, perception, and persuasion—and shows why paying attention is as important as being heard. 💡 Quick Insight Reading the room is about adapting your message on the fly to match your audience’s energy, reactions, and needs. What Does “Reading the Room” Actually Mean? Rob begins by defining the concept: reading the room means understanding how your audience... Read more

DP867_S24E25 How to Demo Your Product and Actually Get Useful Feedback

How to Demo Your Product and Get Feedback That Matters

In this episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche walk you through how to demo your product in a way that not only shows off your work but also gathers critical feedback. Whether you’re pitching to potential clients, investors, or internal stakeholders, the proper demo can shape the direction of your product and business. 💡 Quick Insight The goal isn’t just to impress—it’s to learn. A successful product demo uncovers how your audience thinks, feels, and reacts. Why Learning How to Demo Your Product Is Essential Learning how to demo your product effectively goes beyond closing deals. Product demos are one of the best opportunities to validate your design, features, and user experience. According to... Read more

Stop Chasing Your Tail: How To Reset Your Progress Without Panicking

Stop Chasing Your Tail: How To Reset Your Progress Without Panicking

In the latest episode of the Building Better Developers podcast — part of the Building Better Businesses season — Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche tackle an all-too-common challenge: how to stop chasing your tail when you’re overwhelmed. When panic sets in, it’s easy to feel trapped and exhausted. But by learning to recognize the signs early and taking small, strategic steps, you can break the cycle and get your progress back on track. Stop Chasing Your Tail: Recognize When You’re Stuck Panic usually strikes when we realize we’re no longer moving forward. Rob describes this moment as a dog chasing its tail — you suddenly become aware that you’re going nowhere, which triggers frustration or fear. Common causes include: Callout:... Read more

How to Build a Minimal Viable Product Without Blowing Your Budget

How to Build a Minimal Viable Product Without Blowing Your Budget

Welcome back to another episode of the Building Better Developers podcast! In this session, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche dive into one of the most potent strategies for startups and growing businesses: building a minimal viable product (MVP) that delivers real customer value — without draining your time or budget. Learn how focusing on the essentials can help you launch smarter, generate revenue faster, and build a product your customers truly need. What is a Minimal Viable Product (MVP)? At its core, a minimal viable product is the simplest version of a product that delivers real value to customers. Rob defined it as: Definition: The least amount of work needed to solve a customer’s problem and receive value (and payment)... Read more

PTO Taking Breaks: Why You Need More Than a Long Weekend

PTO Taking Breaks: Why You Need More Than a Long Weekend

In the latest episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore the real impact of not taking time off. Titled “PTO: Taking Breaks,” the episode is a candid, at times humorous, look at why stepping away from work is crucial, not just for employees, but for entrepreneurs, managers, and developers alike. 🛑 PTO Taking Breaks Is Not a Luxury—It’s a Necessity Rob admits he preaches taking time off but struggles to follow his own advice. Michael shares a cautionary tale about being the only person at his company who could handle a crisis, getting called during a literal mountain climb. The problem? No PTO plan. No backup. That kind of burnout is all too common.... Read more