Solving Problems with No-Code: Liam’s Story
Following our recent No-Code technology Digital Leads Network Masterclass, we spoke with Liam Sweeney, Senior Creative Partner at Hubbub and active Digital Leads Network member. In this interview with David Scurr, CAST Programme and Partnerships Lead, Liam discusses his passion for no-code solutions, his curiosity-driven approach to user-centred design, and the benefits of engaging with support networks.
David: Liam, thanks for joining us for this interview. Let’s dive right in. Can you tell me how digital shows up in your role?
Liam: All of our work is digital in the sense that we use technologies extensively. From communication via Teams to storing knowledge on SharePoint, and employing various software and social media platforms. However, for me, digital primarily manifests itself in problem-solving. I use digital tools to address common problems, especially when off-the-shelf solutions are too costly or don’t quite fit the project’s needs.
David: Can you give an example of a problem you’ve tackled using digital solutions?
Liam: Sure. A prime example is when needing a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system for our project. Our organisation was exploring CRMs at a broader level, but I required a more customised solution specific to our project’s needs. After experimenting with various tools we ended up choosing a bespoke solution tailored for our project, rather than one adopted organisation-wide.
David: How have you incorporated user-led practices into your role, and where did you acquire that knowledge?
Liam: My approach is a blend of hands-on experience and structured learning. CAST-led programmes like Deloitte Digital Connect have been valuable, providing insights into various techniques and approaches. My interest in service design has also played a significant role. It’s a field that sits at the intersection of systems, processes, business, and enterprise, which I find fascinating. Service design is not just about creating products and services; it’s also about lean project management and delivering impact with the end user in mind. This user-centric focus is a key aspect of service design that aligns with my interests in systems, processes, and business. Over time, I’ve been able to hone these skills through self-learning and engaging with support networks, which have been an integral part of my learning journey.
David: It’s great to hear that you’re finding support through online communities and networks. Where do you turn for support or for guidance when you’re self-learning?
Liam: There’s a fantastic book I recommend called “Who, not how” by Dan Sullivan and Dr Benjamin Hardy. It taught me the importance of leveraging the expertise of others. Consulting with experts in areas you’re learning about can be a real time-saver. You’re not only tapping into their knowledge and experience but also their networks. If you can’t find an answer on Google, the next best step is to consult your network. Slack communities, like the Digital Charities group, and the Digital Leads Network, have been invaluable for both expert and peer support.
David: That really resonates. It’s really important to not work on a problem in silo, things can quickly get lonely. For me networks help me find momentum, inspiration, and often reassurance that others are facing similar challenges. What I find really interesting with your journey is how you’ve gone from an active member of our network to becoming a bit of subject matter expert and co-running a masterclass! You recently contributed to the Digital Lead Network masterclass on no-code technology. How was that experience for you?
Liam: It was great to be able to do that. Initially, I was thinking ‘who am I to talk about this — there must be someone who’s got greater expertise and experience to share’. But I suppose everyone’s experiences are valuable. I’m definitely an advocate of self-empowerment through solving problems yourself. Empowering others is a passion of mine, whether within my organisation or the wider community. So I love sharing knowledge, and growing a network or growing capacity within a network. For example, I’m a trustee of a local infrastructure organisation called Voluntary Action North Somerset and their role is to support the not-for-profit sector in North Somerset where I’m from. I love that — working with a group and helping them grow their organisational capacity so that they can help others. So coming along and doing a talk about these problems I’m trying to solve with no-code solutions, yeah, that was great. I hope to continue contributing to awareness and learning in this area. As you know, I’m just falling in love with no code and so I want to continue on the same path.
David: I’ve started calling you the ‘no-code sensei’ in our network! I’d love to know what you like so much about it. But first, I wonder if you can share what you think are the ingredients that have helped you grow in confidence as a digital lead, and step into that space of influencing and empowering others beyond your project team and even organisation?
Liam: Maybe curiosity? I think I’ve just stumbled into it, if I’m honest. I’ve always been curious about how things work. My wife laughs at me because I’m really interested in business processes, like reading Medium blogs about startup journeys. I love learning how someone takes their idea and turns it into something real and tangible. I’ve always been drawn to growing something from the beginning so that’s naturally exposed me to a variety of skills and perspectives. I’ve also think speaking with others really helps, through my work with Hubbub, I get to speak to a lot of community organisations through the Community Fridge Network. I love the opportunity to talk and share ideas. Over time I’ve realised I do things that are also valuable to other people and similarly I get value and return of listening to people — this is where a lot of confidence stems. So I think that I’ve kind of stumbled into it through my own interests and over time spent more time speaking with people and that in turn has boosted my own confidence to think I have something to offer. I don’t actively seek opportunities but if an opportunity is there I definitely take it.
David: Thanks Liam, it sounds like being curious and learning from others has given you the confidence to share your own experiences more openly with others — that’s great. And as you mentioned, one of your main interests is no-code technology — what are the benefits, what draws you to it and how has it impacted your problem-solving approach?
Liam: Well, I’ll caveat all this with the fact I never thought myself as a technical person.
Despite never considering myself technical, I was driven by frustration with inefficient processes. I don’t like inefficiencies and hate having to waste time on something a ‘robot could do’. I initially never considered delving into the world of digital solutions to improve things because it felt so out of reach for me. I also thought digital solutions that do exist are just going to be too expensive.
I remember thinking how much I would love to be able to automate, and as soon as I started discovering tools like Airtable, Zapier and Make, what a game-changer that was. At the time I was setting up Somerset Community Fridges and the project needed a ton of processes and systems, CRMs, policies on food waste management, training, reporting dashboards and volunteer rotas. And I just started discovering all these tools that were allowing me to save time — tools like Monday, Airtable and Trello. Monday was the main one for me in terms of my use cases. I was just trying to solve problems that were then driving me mad! Then as soon as you discover the ability to solve your problem, you have this light bulb moment — if I can do this, then what else can I make. You realise you’ve just saved yourself so many hours. Then you tell your colleagues about it and all of a sudden they’re asking, what tools did you use?
The ability to automate tasks and streamline processes has been invaluable. Particularly in the non-profit sector, where budgets are tight, no-code tools offer accessible, inexpensive solutions to complex problems and the ability to quickly test/ validate an idea. They empower organisations to do more with limited resources and drive efficiency and effectiveness.
David: “The real driver is just frustration”. I love that. So if you had to pick one tool or learning resource that you can’t live without, what would it be?
Liam: It’s hard to choose just one, I’d say applying automations to repetitive processes has been the biggest game changer. So Airtable stands out for its versatility in organising and managing data. I’ve built our whole project CRM in Airtable. We’ve also connected our Outlook account to Airtable, enabling automated emails. It uses custom fields, allowing personalised messages based on data in specific rows or columns. For example, it sends reminders tailored to each record’s launch status and other relevant information. While it’s not perfect in terms of formatting control, it serves our needs without requiring additional software expenses. Its adaptability has allowed me to create tailored solutions for various needs within our projects and organisations, ultimately saving time and improving workflows. It’s pretty magic.
David: Great. You just mentioned “magic”. If you had a magic wand, what changes would you wish for regarding how you or your team or your organisation use digital technology? What would your wishes be?
Liam: My top wish would be an innovation grant to spend a year developing and demonstrating the use of no-code solutions for solving charity-based problems. A more realistic wish would be to have more time internally to build organisational capacity and explore different tools, as we discussed earlier. Another idea I’m passionate about is creating a platform similar to Pinterest for community projects and organisations, facilitating idea-sharing and advocating for impactful work.
David: That’s great, let’s go find that innovation grant! I’m wondering, with your extensive experience in setting up networks like the community fridge network and your involvement in the Digital Leads Network Working Group, what excites you about network building?
Liam: What excites me most is bringing people together for learning and sharing opportunities. I find facilitating meetings where ideas are exchanged incredibly rewarding. As for my involvement in networks like the Digital Leads Network, it’s been an interesting experience, especially given my background. I’m trying to contribute while ensuring the network caters to diverse interests and experiences. It’s both fun and challenging, and I hope we continue providing value to our members.
David: Since you’re actively involved in the network, could you share any challenges you’re facing or areas where you could use support or guidance?
Liam: Absolutely. One challenge I’m pondering is how to create a platform which is accessible to small food based charities and volunteers and helps them run their operations. I want to develop a solution that’s user-friendly and scalable. I’m currently exploring different tools and requirements to ensure it meets diverse needs before seeking input from potential users.
David: That sounds exciting, looking forward to finding out more! You recommended a book earlier. Any other sources of inspiration you’d like to share?
Liam: Yes, I’m a big fan of reading. Another book I found valuable is “The Social Entrepreneur’s Playbook” by MacMillan and Thompson. It offers practical insights into developing ideas, with real-life examples of entrepreneurs tackling complex problems.
David: That’s great, two excellent book recommendations. And where can people connect with you ?
Liam: You can find me on LinkedIn, although I’m not very active there.
David: Last word - I know you’re a fan of your smoothie blender. Any top smoothie recipes our readers could try at home?
I’m all about efficiency, I buy the pre-mixed bags of frozen fruit. Boring but functional!
If you’re inspired by Liam’s journey and want to unlock the potential of no-code solutions for your organisation, be sure to check out the masterclass resources from the Digital Leads Network.
The Digital Leads Network is a friendly space that brings together charity digital leads to share knowledge, get support, and empower each other to stay ahead of the curve in all things digital.
Express an interest in joining the network today and become part of this growing community. Find out more and get involved!
