Jack Ellis, co-founder of Fathom Analytics, shares insights on running a people-first company, lightweight collaboration, and the importance of online privacy. They discuss the benefits of a lifestyle business, overcoming analysis paralysis, and the upsides of working remotely. The podcast also touches on ADHD and the fear of criticism in releasing content.
Fathom Analytics is a privacy-first alternative to Google Analytics, prioritizing online privacy.
Jack Ellis emphasizes the importance of valuing employee autonomy and work-life balance.
Working remotely offers freedom to choose one's own social circle and schedule, enhancing personal happiness and fulfillment while ensuring work is completed efficiently and responsibly.
Deep dives
Privacy-focused analytics alternative
Fathom Analytics is a privacy-first alternative to Google Analytics. It anonymizes user data and values online privacy.
Building software and consulting work
The guest, Jack Ellis, discusses his background in software development and consulting work in the legal sector. He shares his passion for building custom software solutions and his experience working with clients.
Transition to Fathom Analytics
Jack talks about his transition from consulting work to focusing on Fathom Analytics. He explains how meeting his co-founder, Paul Jarvis, led to working on different projects and eventually finding success with Fathom Analytics.
Remote work and company values
The podcast discusses the benefits of remote work and the company's dedication to ethics and privacy. They emphasize the importance of valuing employee autonomy and work-life balance.
The Loneliness Factor of Working Remotely
Working remotely can sometimes be lonely as individuals spend most of their time at home. The absence of physical interaction with colleagues can lead to feelings of isolation. However, it's important to find ways to fill the social void by actively seeking other social networks and connections outside of work. The pandemic has made more people experience this form of isolation, but some individuals still prefer the office environment and the presence of coworkers.
The Freedom and Flexibility of Remote Work
Remote work offers the freedom to choose one's own social circle and schedule. Working remotely allows for more control over personal time, giving the opportunity to spend time with friends or engage in hobbies during breaks. Taking breaks to play games, connect with friends online, or engage in offline activities can enhance one's life and provide social connections. The focus should be on finding a work-life balance that prioritizes personal happiness and fulfillment, while still ensuring work is completed efficiently and responsibly.
Jack Ellis is the co-founder of Fathom Analytics, a privacy-first Google Analytics alternative. Jack also teaches an online course on Laravel, a popular PHP framework, and hosts his own podcast, Above Board, where he discusses running an indie and bootstrapped software company.
Jack and I discuss:
How he runs his company people-first
What happens when you judge your employees on their work, rather than on other measures
Lightweight ways of collaborating with a small team
The importance of online privacy and how his company enables that
Why running a lifestyle business is just the best
Overcoming analysis paralysis
The big downside of working remotely—or is it even a downside?
Why I don’t give specific advice for people with ADHD (or other conditions)
