In this episode of Retained Trust, host Karl Hughes sits down with Kyle Shevlin, founder of Agathist, a software development agency specializing in React and React Native. Kyle shares his journey from freelancing and full-time development roles to establishing Agathist, focusing on creating "good software by good people." He delves into the challenges of transitioning from solo work to agency leadership, his philosophy of balancing profitability with passion, and the practical strategies he employs to build a sustainable business. The conversation highlights Agathist’s unique strengths, including deep technical expertise, client trust, and the importance of fostering a flexible, supportive work environment. Whether you're an agency owner or a developer considering the leap, this episode offers valuable insights into scaling with purpose and maintaining a personal touch in business.

Key Points From This Episode:

[00:00:44] Introduction to Kyle Shevlin and Agathist: "Good software by good people."

[00:01:35] Kyle explains the origins of the Agathist name and its philosophical significance.

[00:04:33] Transitioning from freelancing and full-time roles to building an agency.

[00:06:44] The balance between passion-driven projects and profitability.

[00:08:01] Neurodivergence and its role in shaping Kyle’s approach to business.

[00:14:29] The importance of referrals in landing early clients.

[00:17:00] Agathist’s differentiation: deep React/React Native expertise and project agility.

[00:20:08] Balancing quality and speed while delivering software projects.

[00:25:43] Agathist’s vision: building a small, cohesive, and impactful team.

[00:33:13] Avoiding burnout and creating a sustainable work-life balance.

[00:41:27] The privilege of support systems in entrepreneurship.

[00:48:59] Kyle’s philosophical approach to growth and business sustainability.

Links:

Kyle Shevlin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleshevlin/
Agathist: https://agath.ist/
Karl Hughes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karllhughes
Production and editing by The Podcast Consultant: https://thepodcastconsultant.com

EP.10 - The Agathist Mindset: Kyle Shevlin on Balancing Passion and Profit in Agency Life