EP 18: Building a Business That Can Grow Without You with David Askew

What does it really take to build a company that can scale beyond the founder?In this insightful and strategic episode, Saurabh Jain sits down with David Askew, founder of Fast Automation, to explore the realities of building, scaling, and eventually stepping back from a successful technology-driven business.David shares his journey from leaving the UK and moving to Australia to building a career in engineering and launching Fast Automation in 1998. What started as a one-person operation grew into a successful automation company delivering complex robotics, engineering, and technology solutions across industries.The conversation explores one of the biggest challenges many entrepreneurs face: moving from being the person driving every part of the business to creating systems, teams, and processes that allow the company to thrive independently.Together, Saurabh and David unpack the founder transition journey, including leadership development, succession planning, hiring the right people, and preparing a business for long-term growth or a potential exit.They also dive into the future of automation, robotics, and AI, discussing how emerging technologies are transforming industries, changing workforce needs, and creating new opportunities for businesses willing to adapt.Beyond strategy, David reflects on entrepreneurship, self-belief, imposter syndrome, and why many successful founders underestimate the unique skills and decisions that contributed to their success.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeDavid Askew’s journey from engineering to founding Fast AutomationHow Fast Automation grew from a one-person company into a successful automation businessWhy founders struggle to remove themselves from daily operationsHow to build systems that allow a company to scale independentlyThe importance of leadership, delegation, and succession planningWhy preparing for an exit requires more than financial performanceHow automation, robotics, and AI are transforming businessesWhy technical expertise alone is not enough to scale a companyThe role of communication in selling complex technology solutionsHow founders can identify their true strengths and competitive advantagesWhy imposter syndrome affects even successful entrepreneursThe balance between innovation, growth, and operational stabilityHow to create a business that supports your long-term visionAbout Fast AutomationFast Automation is an Australian automation and engineering solutions company specializing in robotics, process control, and industrial automation systems. The company helps businesses improve efficiency, productivity, and performance through innovative technology solutions designed for complex operational challenges.About David AskewDavid Askew is the founder of Fast Automation and an experienced entrepreneur with decades of expertise in engineering, robotics, and automation technology.Since founding Fast Automation in 1998, David has grown the company from a one-person operation into an established automation business. He is passionate about innovation, emerging technologies, and helping organizations use automation to solve complex problems and improve the way they work.Links & ResourcesConnect with David AskewLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-askew-9aa2a38/Fast AutomationWebsite:https://fast-automation.com/Connect with Saurabh JainLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saurabhjain10Website: https://ceowhisperer.au/Email: [email protected] the PodcastIf you enjoyed this episode, please consider rating and subscribing:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ceo-whisperer-by-saurabh/id1862989706Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6rbvHV1FEDxq91bERv1h8vYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CEOWhisperer.auYour support helps more founders, CEOs, and investors discover the show.