logo
episode-header-image
Jul 29
40m 48s

From Non-Technical Beginnings to Fractio...

Dave Polykoff
About this episode

Brian is the Fractional CTO and Technical Advisor at Summit Labs, where he helps non-technical founders and leaders who struggle with understanding and scaling their software projects to build simple, scalable solutions that serve their business goals effectively.


In this episode, you’ll learn:→ How to simplify over-engineered software for better scalability→ The importance of clarity and communication between technical and non-technical teams→ Strategies to position yourself as a trusted personal brand in the tech space


📝 Get your next 30 days of content at: https://Zenpost.com


✦✦✦


CONNECT WITH BRIAN🌐 Website: https://brianchildress.co/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-childress/📹 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmD-rAfsHivKp7So9BSJSBg


✦✦✦


CONNECT WITH DAVE🌐 Website: DavePolykoff.com📹 YouTube: youtube.com/@davepolykoff💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dave-polykoff/📸 Instagram: instagram.com/davepolykoff🎵 TikTok: tiktok.com/@davepolykoff👤 Facebook: facebook.com/davidpolykoff🐦 X/Twitter: x.com/DavePoly


✦✦✦


00:00 - Introduction: From Non-Technical Founders to Simplified Software Solutions

01:00 - The Role of a Fractional CTO: Simplifying Tech for Business Growth

03:20 - Common Challenges Non-Technical Founders Face in Software Projects

06:10 - How Over-Engineering Hurts Startups and What to Do Instead

08:40 - Brian's Journey: From Software Engineer to Fractional CTO

12:00 - The Power of Simplicity: Scaling Software by Removing Complexity

15:30 - Why Most Founders Hire Developers Too Early (And How to Avoid It)

18:10 - Content Creation for Personal Brands: Brian's LinkedIn Strategy

21:50 - Real-Life Case Studies: Fixing Over-Built Software to Launch Faster

24:00 - How to Build Authentic Content for LinkedIn Without Overthinking

27:20 - The Importance of Clarity for Non-Technical Leaders in Tech Projects

30:00 - Brian's Approach to Building Trust Through Storytelling and Simplicity

33:00 - How to Use Mini Case Studies to Attract Ideal Clients

36:10 - Brian's Mastermind for Non-Technical Founders: Collaboration and Guidance

38:00 - Final Takeaways: Why Simplicity is the Key to Scalable Software

Up next
Oct 1
How To Master Storytelling For Personal Branding | Kendall Cherry's Personal Brand Blueprint
Kendall is the Founder & Executive Ghostwriter at The Candid Collective, where she helps entrepreneurs and thought leaders who struggle with effectively communicating their stories to build powerful personal brands that resonate and sell.In this episode, you’ll learn:→ The pivota ... Show More
50m 30s
Sep 17
How To Create Educational Products for Passive Income | Bradford Carlton's Personal Brand Blueprint
Bradford is the CEO of Automate Business AI where he helps solo founders and entrepreneurs who struggle with efficiently scaling their businesses to leverage AI and automation for maximum growth.In this episode, you’ll learn:→ How to use AI tools to streamline business operations ... Show More
38m 33s
Aug 26
How To Turn Your Expertise Into A Successful Podcast | Tom Fox's Personal Brand Blueprint
Tom Fox is the President of Compliance Podcast Network where he helps businesses and compliance professionals who struggle with effectively communicating critical compliance information to build authority and engage their audiences.In this episode, you’ll learn:→ The importance o ... Show More
37m 21s
Recommended Episodes
Mar 2025
Social Media Hacks to Grow Your Audience & Create Content That Sells with Kristina Bartold
Feeling stuck when it comes to growing your brand on social media? Maybe you’re unsure what to post, struggling with engagement, or constantly battling the algorithm. In this episode, I’m joined by Kristina Bartold, co-founder of The Social Snippet and High Vibe Women, to talk ab ... Show More
1h 9m
Mar 2025
The Biggest Mindset Shift Your Business Needs Today, Why AI Is Shaking Up Every Industry & How To Scale | GaryVee Jobber Keynote
Most entrepreneurs don’t actually fail—they quit too soon. And in 2025, quitting is easier than ever. The business landscape is shifting fast, with AI, automation, and changing consumer expectations redefining what it takes to succeed.In this episode, we’re sharing a recent keyno ... Show More
38m 17s
Jul 2024
Building a $19M SEO Agency w/ Jason Hennessey
Meet Jason Hennessey, founder of a thriving $19 million SEO agency that dominates the legal marketing space! In this interview, Jason shares his secrets to success, from growing a profitable agency to navigating the ever-changing digital landscape. He reveals how a niche focus, p ... Show More
48m 29s
Jun 2025
How to grow a marketing freelancer / consultancy business in 2025 - Mel Barfield & Ben McKinney
Today, we spoke to Mel Barfield and Ben McKinney (Indie Business Club podcast and Copy Or Die copywriting agency) on how to stand out and grow your business as a freelancer or contractor. Whether you're already solo or pondering a career change, this session will be packed with t ... Show More
57m 35s
Feb 2025
Founder Mistakes – Why Most Founders Fail (and How Coaching Helps You Succeed) w/ Alexis d'Amecourt
As a startup founder, are you constantly putting out fires and feeling overwhelmed? You may be falling into some common pitfalls without even realizing it. In this episode, Yaniv and Chris are joined by Alexis D’Amecour, Head of Coaching at Mochary Method, to discuss the top foun ... Show More
58m 50s
Nov 2024
Mastering the Profit-First Mindset
Welcome to another episode of "Accelerate Your Business Growth." I'm your host, Diane Helbig, and today we have a conversation that promises to equip small business owners with invaluable insights on financial health and leadership. Joining us is Michelle Scribner, CEO of Sum of ... Show More
38m 51s
Sep 2024
Building Business on LinkedIn: Colin Hirdman’s Blueprint for Growth
What are some practical ways entrepreneurs to authentically use Linkedin for business growth? Colin Hirdman is an expert on growth marketing who has started numerous companies, and now focuses on helping people succeed on LinkedIn.  Join Scott and Colin as they explore:  * Colin ... Show More
58m 4s
Aug 2024
Build Authentic Patient Relationships and Grow Your Practice with Zero Marketing Budget | Ted Rubin
Many audiologists struggle to create meaningful connections, often leaving patients feeling like just another number in a busy schedule. Having experienced impersonal care, Ted Rubin found it refreshing when his new doctor took the time to listen, making him feel truly valued. Th ... Show More
42m 49s
Aug 2024
Succeeding as an introvert, building zero-to-one, and why you should PM your career like you PM your product | Deb Liu (CEO of Ancestry, ex-Facebook, PayPal, eBay)
Deb Liu is the CEO of Ancestry and former longtime VP of Product at Facebook. At Facebook, Deb led the creation of Facebook Marketplace, developed the first mobile ad product for apps, built the company’s games business, and launched Facebook Pay. She’s also held leadership roles ... Show More
1h 11m
Apr 2025
Entrepreneur Burnout Prevention with Shulamit Ber Levtov
Send us a textStruggling with entrepreneur burnout? In this powerful conversation, trauma therapist Shulamit Ber Levtov shares game-changing mental health strategies specifically designed for business owners. Discover why traditional self-care advice falls short, how to implement ... Show More
43m 46s