In this episode, JJ Rosen shares the unexpected journey that led him from a psychology major to founding Atiba, one of Nashville’s most enduring technology companies. His story highlights the power of curiosity, adaptability, and empathy—qualities that shaped both the company’s culture and its long-term success.

JJ explains how Atiba grew from a one-person operation to a 100-person organization, why “half geek, half human” became a defining philosophy, and how AI is reshaping the future of software development. Through practical insights and memorable stories, he reveals what it truly takes to build a business that lasts.

Key Moments

• 00:00 — How AI is reducing project costs and increasing scalability.
• 01:17 — Creative Assembly’s mission and the spark behind the show’s purpose.
• 03:00 — JJ’s early beginnings and the accidental path into software and IT consulting.
• 13:31 — The origin of Atiba’s “half geek, half human” philosophy and why it matters.
• 24:00 — JJ’s transition from hands-on coding to leadership and strategy.
• 33:50 — How AI is reshaping development roles, business value, and team structure.
• 46:28 — JJ’s reflection on burnout, fulfillment, and blending work with life.

Learn More & Connect

Show Notes + Resources: https://creativeassembly.agency/ca-podcast/
Connect with JJ Rosen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/atibasoftware/ | https://www.atiba.com
Connect with Mark Scrivner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markscrivner | https://snapshotinteractive.com
Our Sponsor – Snapshot: https://snapshotinteractive.com