In this episode of the DevReady Podcast, host Anthony Sapountzis welcomes Tim King, Founder and Automation Strategist at Regravity, a consultancy helping mid-sized businesses scale through process automation. With a rich and diverse background that spans visual arts, digital media, corporate finance, and copywriting, Tim brings a uniquely creative and strategic lens to automation. His expertise lies in streamlining operations and removing bottlenecks using tools like PowerShell, Power Automate, Make (formerly Integromat), and n8n. Tim’s journey into automation began by solving his own workflow inefficiencies and grew into a broader mission: helping businesses operate smarter, not harder, by leveraging automation in thoughtful, human-centred ways.
Tim explains that a big part of his role involves guiding companies to understand what’s actually possible with automation. Many businesses default to hiring more staff instead of exploring how automation can reduce repetitive tasks and unlock team productivity. He promotes a human-first approach, augmenting rather than replacing people, which helps alleviate common fears around job loss. By focusing on strategic automation, Tim shows how businesses can improve ROI, enhance system performance, and ultimately boost both customer and employee experience. He and Anthony also note that automation must be purposeful, not simply implemented for the sake of looking innovative.
In their discussion, Tim challenges the common perception that automation is just a quick-fix plugin. He argues that off-the-shelf solutions often fail because they don’t consider the unique processes of each organisation. Many mid-sized businesses still rely on manual and paper-based workflows, which creates friction when trying to digitise. He stresses the importance of transparency and trust, often advising clients to delay automation until they’re truly ready, rather than rushing into ill-fitting solutions. This mindset fosters sustainable, long-term partnerships based on real impact rather than superficial wins.
Anthony and Tim also dive into the consequences of “vibe coding”, a trend where inexperienced developers build automations without understanding the underlying tech. This leads to significant risks such as open ports, unsecured bots, and no maintenance strategy. Tim has seen many “console cowboys” deliver flashy demos only to disappear, leaving unstable systems behind. These projects often require rescue and rebuilding, costing businesses both time and money. Together, they warn that automation must be secure, scalable, and properly planned; otherwise, it can leave companies more exposed than empowered.
Finally, Tim reflects on current trends in automation. While platforms like Make and n8n are maturing rapidly and enabling more advanced capabilities, he predicts a renewed appreciation for simpler, functional workflows. As businesses move beyond the “rule of cool,” they’ll seek real utility, automations that genuinely make work easier and more efficient. Tim advocates for better business education around automation and encourages companies to begin with audits that reveal their true needs. With greater awareness and less fear, more organisations will be ready to harness automation and AIArtificial Intelligence (AI) is a very large and broad spectrum of technologies which most people would be familiar with through... not as threats, but as powerful tools for growth and innovation.
Topics Explored in Episode 243: Business Automation Insights from Tim King
- Tim King’s unconventional career journey into automation
- The role of automation in scaling mid-sized businesses
- Human-centred approach to automation and workforce augmentation
- The pitfalls of “plug-and-play” automation solutions
- Importance of digitisation before implementing automation
- Risks of inexperienced developers and insecure low-code deployments
- Evaluating the true value and ROI of automation
- Current and emerging trends in automation platforms like Make and n8n
- The need for thoughtful, purpose-driven automation over flashy demos
Episode Timeline: Key Discussions on Business Automation & AIArtificial Intelligence (AI) is a very large and broad spectrum of technologies which most people would be familiar with through...
- From Artist to Automation Strategist: Tim King’s Wild Career Pivot (0:07 – 6:59)
- Why Business Owners Fear Automation (And Why They Shouldn’t) (7:00 – 11:57)
- “Plug & Play” Is a Lie: Why Automation Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All (11:58 – 17:13)
- When Automation Makes Things Worse, Not Better (17:14 – 25:37)
- Why Automation Can Be a Time Bomb Without the Basics (25:38 – 31:42)
- $300 Automation? Walk Away. Here’s Why (31:43 – 34:44)
- The Future of Automation: Smarter, Not Flashier (34:45 – 38:47)
💥 Special Listener Offer
Get $1,000 off your first automation project with Regravity: https://l.regravity.com/devready
Connect with Tim King, Automation Strategist & Founder of Regravity
🎵 Like What You Hear?
Explore more expert insights on automation, digital transformation, and AIArtificial Intelligence (AI) is a very large and broad spectrum of technologies which most people would be familiar with through... on the DevReady Podcast. Subscribe today and never miss an episode!
FAQs
What is Tim King known for in the business automation space?
Tim King is an automation strategist and founder of Regravity. He specialises in helping mid-sized businesses scale using secure, human-centred automation solutions.
Which tools does Tim King use for automation?
Tim uses tools like Power Automate, Make (Integromat), PowerShell, and n8n to build scalable automation workflows.
What are common mistakes in DIY business automation?
According to Tim, one major risk is “vibe coding” by inexperienced developers, leading to insecure systems, lack of maintenance, and costly rebuilds.
How can automation improve ROI for businesses?
By reducing repetitive tasks and streamlining workflows, businesses can boost productivity, enhance performance, and deliver better customer experiences.
Is low-code automation safe for business use?
Only if properly planned. Even low-code tools require secure deploymentDeployment is the process of releasing your application or software out onto the specific environment where it will need to..., maintenance strategies, and customisation.
