Leeds, August 23rd, 2024:—Jamie Taylor is the founder, managing director, and CTO of RJJ Software , a software development and podcast production company based in Leeds. He was recently interviewed by Business Awards UK about RJJ’s recent “Digital Transformation Rising Star 2024” award win. This article summarises some of the key points from that interview.
The interview is provided, in full, at the end of this article. Our thanks go out to Business Awards UK for both giving us this award and for taking the time to interview Jamie.
Jamie shared his journey, starting from a background that combines Computer Science with significant experience in retail. After earning a degree in computer science, he faced the challenges of entering the job market during the 2008 economic downturn, eventually pursuing teacher training to hone his communication and interpersonal skills. This emphasis on building connections proved invaluable as he transitioned into software development around 2010.
Jamie’s passion for programming stemmed from his childhood experiences, particularly with a family Amstrad CPC464 computer, which ignited his desire to write code. His first professional programming role arrived in early 2010, leading to eight years of professional experience before he founded RJJ Software in 2018. To prepare for this venture, he saved money to invest in equipment and manage initial expenses, which allowed him to secure client work promptly upon launching the company. Importantly, Jamie always makes sure to mention that luck played a role in landing his first client, showcasing a blend of preparedness and opportunity as key factors in his success.
Because when I was about six or seven, my parents bought a computer… we got an Amstrad CPC464, which was essentially a mechanical keyboard with a cassette deck inside of it…I feel really fortunate and try not to take it for granted the fact that I’ve lived that that wide-eyed six to eight year old boy’s dream as as an adult.
One of the biggest challenges he faced as CTO has always been advocating for a remote-first work approach, a philosophy we have embraced from our inception. He emphasizes the environmental impact of commuting and promotes the benefits of remote work, particularly during a time when the pandemic shifted many organizations’ perspectives on office presence. Convincing clients that on-site work was unnecessary proved difficult initially, but the pandemic ultimately validated his beliefs about remote working capabilities. Jamie champions remote work not only for efficiency but also as a means to support neurodiverse employees who may struggle with traditional office environments.
There’s a lot of folks in my industry who are neurodiverse. And a lot of those folks have issues with, you know, maybe coming out of the house into a heavily populated area…Or maybe anxieties about getting on a train, or anxiety about, "what if I miss the train? I don’t know if I can get another one," you know. And these things are real problems that people suffer with.
Jamie attributes the success of RJJ Software to two main factors:
The first is an emphasis on compassion in software development, guiding client interactions by understanding their goals and the reasons behind them. He references Simon Sinek’s “Start With Why,” which argues that success comes from addressing the motivations driving projects rather than just the technical execution. This compassionate approach informs design decisions, ensuring the software aligns with user needs while considering the ethical implications of technology use.
We focus a lot on those interpersonal skills, but the technical mastery is super important to me because I want to be able to say to our clients, "we are literally the people you want because we have the information you need. We have all of this down pat."
The second reason for his company’s success is a strong focus on technical mastery. Jamie fosters a culture of deep understanding and knowledge among his team, encouraging them to grasp the technologies they use fully. He believes that a profound understanding of software development, from coding to the underlying hardware operations, allows his team to create resilient solutions that effectively respond to user needs. This expertise enables RJJ Software to differentiate itself in a competitive market by offering informed, high-quality service.
Jamie also discusses the importance of recognition within the industry, recommending business awards as a means of validating achievements. He highlights that accolades not only enhance credibility with clients but also serve to affirm his and his team’s efforts to family and peers. Awards provide tangible evidence of success, fostering pride and the motivation to pursue further advancements.
Looking into the future, we are exploring generative AI technology and its potential applications wiht Jamie at the helm. Rather than rushing to implement it simply because it is trendy, Jamie is conducting in-depth research to understand its value and implications for his services. He stresses the significance of implementing AI meaningfully, advising clients to start with the why before committing resources to new technologies. This thoughtful approach aligns with his overall mission of delivering compassionate and technically sound software solutions.
And I think, from my perspective, discussing Generative AI’s benefits and drawbacks is an important thing to think about. because not only are you spending development time and lots of money implementing it, but also there’s a massive bill of actually running it
In conclusion, Jamie encapsulates his views on technology and life with a call to reconnect with the real world, emphasizing the importance of balance in the digital age. He advocates for personal wellbeing in the face of the infinite scrolling nature of social media, urging listeners to find their limits and take breaks. Such wisdom underscores his larger philosophy of valuing human connection and understanding within the tech landscape.
Connect with Jamie or RJJ Software here on LinkedIn:
- Jamie’s profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-taylor-rjj-software/
- RJJ Software’s page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/19067236
We invite you ro read the following for more information:
- Our Green Initiatives
- A case study on our own environmentally friendly business practises
- Our Software Development Services
- Our Podcast Editing and Mastering services
The full video interview can be found below or by following this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fAF0IbWNnDc)
About RJJ Software Ltd.: RJJ Software is a leading technology company offering a wide range of software development, consulting, and mentorship services. They are also AI experts, providing cutting-edge solutions in this rapidly evolving field. In addition to their software offerings, RJJ Software offers audio and podcast editing services, making them a one-stop solution for all your tech needs.
The company produces The Modern .NET Show—the only podcast focused specifically on .NET—and The Waffling Taylors podcast. They also edit and provide post-production services for Retail Leadership with Steve Worthy, and the recently retired Podcasters Live, Tabs and Spaces and Cynical Developer podcasts.