From Sticky Notes to Startup Success: The Organization Journey Nobody Talks About

In this episode of the Autonify Weekly Podcast, the founders discuss practical strategies for prioritization, organization, and managing complexity within a fast-growing tech company. They dive into personal productivity systems, the persistent use of tools like Excel, and the broader business implications of software choices.

Episode Hosts

James Walker (PhD)

Entrepreneur & academic who loves creating innovative solutions to hard challenges.

Alex Hayward

Business leader with a history of capturing opportunity and building new offerings in new markets that drive value for customers.

Episode Description

Ever wondered how startup founders juggle endless to-do lists and competing priorities without losing their minds? In this episode of the Autonify weekly podcast, the founding team pulls back the curtain on their real-world productivity tactics, revealing candid stories, clever hacks, and the surprising psychology behind staying organized in a fast-moving environment.

The conversation kicks off with the team grappling with the perennial startup challenge: feeling stretched thin. Gareth and James get honest about the constant pressure to do more, sharing that for them, the humble list is a secret weapon. Whether it’s Gareth’s stacks of handwritten lists or James’ sticky notes and chaotic A3 notepads, both founders swear by writing things down—not just to keep track, but to lighten the mental load and spark momentum. They discuss the evolution of their methods, from basic checklists to mind maps and even digital tools like the reMarkable tablet, highlighting how the act of writing (even if you never look back at it!) helps tame complexity.

The hosts also share colorful anecdotes from their past lives in creative industries, recalling team sessions with walls covered in color-coded post-its to map out customer journeys. The tactile, collaborative nature of these exercises not only boosted creativity but also made prioritization a dynamic, visual process. They reflect on how these habits, honed through years of programming and creative work, have become indispensable for managing the sprawling codebases and shifting landscapes of startup life.

Listeners will walk away with actionable tips for mastering their own chaos: the power of lists (digital or old-school), the importance of visual organization, and the realization that everyone’s brain works differently when it comes to productivity. Whether you’re a founder, developer, or just someone battling a mountain of tasks, this episode delivers practical strategies and relatable stories to help you find focus—plus a few laughs along the way.