Chris Winfield-BlumMade by a dad in Adelaide
Articles

Notes from the evenings.

What I'm building, what I'm learning, and where I've been.

From
About
  1. Illustration of Chris with a backpack walking across the globe, holding up a phone with a travel journal, surrounded by travel photos and a rocket trailing pages and codeBuildingWhy I moved this site from WordPress to Astro (and how I update it from anywhere)I was happy building with WordPress and Oxygen Builder 6, but it got me wondering what my site would look like with no CMS at all. Here's why I moved to Astro, how I rebuilt my apps, articles and travel journal in two evenings, and how I now update it from my phone.
  2. Illustrated man with a ginger beard and blue glasses recording a video reflection on his phone in a bright cafe. The phone screen shows the My Reflections video recording interface with a prompt and Cancel and Record buttons.Building · My ReflectionsHold yourself to it: video reflections and daily prompts in 3.0.2Record a promise to yourself, then watch it back and see how far you’ve come. Video reflections and daily prompts arrive in 3.0.2.Read on myreflections.app
  3. Founder at a desk with My Reflections open on an iPhone and an Android phoneBuilding · My ReflectionsMy Reflections Is Back: Now on Web, iPhone and AndroidMy Reflections has relaunched on web, iPhone and Android. Chris, the founder, shares why we rebuilt the app and what’s coming next for Reflectors.Read on myreflections.app
  4. 2.7.2 releaseBuilding · Medication TimerMedication Timer 2.7.2: When pack labels are hard to seeWhen pack labels are hard to see, tap an NFC coin for large-type details and a simple log. Shared reminders also clear when someone else logs.Read on medicationtimer.com
  5. Illustration of a man presenting to a small group in a bright room while another works at a deskBuilding · My ReflectionsFree to reflect, Professional to lead the roomUnlimited core reflections on Free. Photo journals, groups you create, and schedules on Professional, with a seven-day trial.Read on myreflections.app
  6. Chris speaking into a microphone in a Medication Timer T-shirtBuilding · Medication TimerWhat I’ve been building over at Medication Timer, and why getting found is the hard partA Medication Timer catch up: what shipped these past three months, what's next, and an honest look at evenings after my regular job, AI, and asking the people closest to me for a like, a share, or an intro.
  7. 270 releaseBuilding · Medication TimerMedication Timer 2.7.0: Wellness check-ins in CareOn a sick night, drinks and sleep matter as much as fever. 2.7.0 adds Care wellness readings next to doses and temperatures. Sneak peek: experimental travel for long-haul planning with your GP or pharmacist.Read on medicationtimer.com
  8. 2 6 2 releaseBuilding · Medication TimerMedication Timer 2.6.2: Flexible routines for real care plansFlexible routines in 2.6.2: monthly, custom intervals, Quick setup, First due, and early-log Count as due.Read on medicationtimer.com
  9. 2 6 1 releaseBuilding · Medication TimerMedication Timer 2.6.1: Staggered schedules & who gave itStagger paired medicines you already follow, set a routine after another dose, and see who gave the last one.Read on medicationtimer.com
  10. 260 release medicines running lowBuilding · Medication TimerMedication Timer 2.6.0: Running-low remindersMark a medicine running low when you notice it. With Family Care on mobile, keep a shared To pick up list and get one daily digest until someone clears it.Read on medicationtimer.com
  11. 2 5 4 releaseBuilding · Medication TimerMedication Timer 2.5.4: Family or Simple Mode & Faster SetupChoose Family or Simple layout, set up your household faster with avatars and nicknames, and customise the tabs you use every day.Read on medicationtimer.com
  12. 252 ios updatesBuilding · Medication TimerWhat's new in Medication Timer 2.5.2Glanceable medication state on your lock screen, home screen, and wrist — so caregivers see countdowns and household progress without opening the app.Read on medicationtimer.com
  13. 2.5.0 Release FeatureBuilding · Medication TimerWhat's new in Medication Timer 2.5.0Child growth and body metrics with percentile charts, a guided app tour, Care snooze, clearer PRN timer safety, improved Google and Apple sign-in, and a visual refresh across mobile and web.Read on medicationtimer.com
  14. 2 3 4 releaseBuilding · Medication TimerWhat's new in Medication Timer 2.3.4 : Enhanced Caregiver Tools & Hands-Free Loggingv2.3.4 adds care notes (GP advice, sleep, mood, fluids, doses, temps), smarter reminders, large mobile UI, and polish across Today and Care.Read on medicationtimer.com
  15. Two minutes on the planeBuilding · My ReflectionsNative My Reflections: Today, Insights, CaptureThe same AOR model with less friction: streaks and trends on Today, deep dives under Insights, capture in a few taps.Read on myreflections.app
  16. Timers temps have evolved into careBuilding · Medication TimerTimers, Temperatures, and Symptoms Evolves into CareFrom dose timers to fever charts to antibiotic courses; see how Medication Timer’s tools evolved into one Care workspace for illness.Read on medicationtimer.com
  17. Illustration of Chris smiling at his phone on a busy city street, next to a Medication Timer screenBuilding · Medication TimerBig Update for my Medication Timer projectMedication Timer has completely evolved, from a simple as-needed medication and temperature tracker into a comprehensive family health and medicine platform.
  18. V220 release announcementBuilding · Medication Timerv2.2.0 Released - A huge updateThis release marks a significant milestone in the history of Medication Timer. After more than a year of intensive development and a total re-engineering of our core technology, version 2.2.0 represents our most ambitious leap forward yet.Read on medicationtimer.com
  19. Illustration of Chris coding on a MacBook by a beach window, surrounded by developer tool logos and travel guidesSoftwareThe Ultimate Clean Mac Setup for Part-Time CodersKeep your Mac fast and bloat-free with a clean, containerized developer setup using lightweight tools like DDEV and OrbStack.
  20. Baristas behind the long bar of a warehouse coffee roastery in Bangkok, under rows of pendant lightsTravelBeyond the Boardroom: Discovering Bangkok's Surprising Coffee CultureA corporate leadership retreat in Bangkok revealed an unexpected perk: a world-class coffee scene hiding in plain sight.
  21. A glowing purple keyBuilding · Si ForteThe Family IT Admin: Your Household’s Biggest Single Point of FailureYou are a Single Point of Failure. Si Forte is the Break Glass fix.Read on siforte.com
  22. Cartoon of Chris's year: travel to Turkey and Greece, LevelUp, Si Forte, hospital and familyPersonalOpen Heart, Open Road: Reflecting on a Life-Changing YearFrom open-heart surgery to walking the trenches of Gallipoli , and from being "restructured" to finding a new home at LevelUp, this year has been a wild ride.
  23. Illustration of a man packing papers from a folder into a backpack beside his laptopBuilding · My ReflectionsYour data, out in one fileExport and privacy are product promises. Reflections stay yours whether or not you have an active subscription.Read on myreflections.app
  24. Surgeons at work in an operating theatreBuilding · Si ForteSi Forte for Medical Emergencies: Ensuring Your Family Can Access Essential Information When You Can'tHow I set up my own vault before open-heart surgery, and a quick guide to preparing one for an operation.Read on siforte.com
  25. The Lone Pine memorial and its pine tree above rows of headstones at GallipoliTravelGallipoli: A Pilgrimage to Hallowed GroundWhat it is to be an Australian can be traced back to our involvement in the campaigns in Gallipoli and I was fortunate enough to visit.
  26. club master eyeglasses on pile of three booksLeadershipA Practical Guide To "Start With Why"A review and practical guide to Start with Why and the Golden Circle principle. I even write my why-how-what for my own website!
  27. man sitting on chair in front on window during daytimeLeadershipIntroverts Unite! Boost Your Communication Skills NowUnlock your potential as an introvert. Discover simple yet powerful ways to improve communication and build meaningful relationships
  28. a row of yellow stars sitting on top of a blue and pink surfaceLeadershipThe Feedback Paradox: How to Help Others GrowDon't let feedback resistance hold you back. Discover the secrets to delivering constructive feedback that sticks
  29. woman in blue tank top standing beside white wallLeadershipA review of "Opening Your Presence: Presenting the YOU You Want Others to See"I read this book so you know whether it is worth your own time. Check out the review, strengths and weaknesses
  30. grayscale photo of person using MacBookLeadershipBuild a successful career as an introvert: Expert AdviceIntroverted? Don't worry! Discover how to turn your quiet strength into career success. Learn essential tips and strategies to excel in your professional life.
  31. macbook pro displaying group of peopleLeadershipHow to build exceptional remote team culturesBuilding Bridges Across the Distance: Fun Team Building Activities for Remote Teams
  32. black and white pyramid illustrationLeadershipUnderstanding Your Place in the Five Levels Of LeadershipExplore Maxwell's Five Levels of Leadership and understand your place in the model
  33. brown ceramic teacupLeadershipBrewing Connections: A Guide To Successful Virtual Coffee EventsThis is my tips for running a successful virtual coffee event (aka e-coffee)
  34. Jaxon smiling with his backpack outside the Mawson Lakes Preschool signPersonalAn exciting start for Jaxon: Preschool!Today was Jaxon's first day of preschool and it was a day of mixed feelings for us all!
  35. climbers hiking through mountain peak during daytimeLeadershipWhat Makes a Great Leader: Cultivating the Traits for SuccessUnleash your leadership potential! Discover the key traits of great leaders & actionable strategies to develop them in yourself.
  36. man wearing white top using MacBookLeadershipA practical guide to dealing with a dark side leaderIf you are dealing with a leader who displays dark-side traits this practical guide will help you frame your approaches
  37. silhouette of person on a dark place with smokeLeadershipWhen Power Turns Toxic: The Dark Side Of LeadershipAn exploration of leadership dark side traits, their effects, examples and how leaders can identify and rectify them
  38. shallow focus photography of booksLeadershipA review of The Leadership Challenge; a great book for new & established leadersMy review of one of my favourite leadership books, The Leadership Challenge a great resource for those starting their leadership journey or those looking to improve
  39. a laptop computer sitting on top of a wooden deskLeadershipGoal Setting Wizardry: from dream to great successMaster goal setting & achieve anything! Learn how to craft SMART goals, break them down, & conquer challenges.
  40. Ethan's newborn footprintsPersonalOur family is complete! Welcome Ethan ❤️Today we welcome Ethan to the family. A little earlier than we had expected but we are thankful nonetheless
  41. writing on a trainTravelTips & gadgets for an amazing, productive working holidayWorking vacation woes? Conquer work goals while traveling! ✈️ Learn how to pack light, find perfect accommodation & create a stress-free itinerary
  42. Jaxon lying on a rug hugging a copy of Jaxon the Astronaut, surrounded by the booksBuildingMy son inspired me to publish my first bookLearn how I was inspired to write again by my son and how I went about publishing my first book(s)
  43. Chris, Ericka and Jaxon taking a selfie by the Grand Canal in VenicePersonalIt has been a minute…It's been nearly 4 years since my last article or update, so I thought I would start with a summary, let's get into it!
  44. Illustration of a man at a desk with his phone and notebook, thinkingBuilding · My ReflectionsAutomate the stub, finish the reflectionSchedules and webhooks can open a pending reflection after the meeting. You still rate it and learn from it.Read on myreflections.app
  45. Illustration of a woman at a desk with her phone, notebooks and a pen by a windowBuilding · My ReflectionsPhoto journals when words are not enoughSome moments are visual first. Photo journals put the image in the same AOR loop as a meeting note.Read on myreflections.app
  46. Medication Timer's new look, shown on phones in light and dark modeBuilding · Medication Timerv1.0.5 released – new look + dark modeVersion 1.0.5 of Medication Timer is currently rolling out on both Android and iOS. Here's what's changed! New look! All screens have been completely redesigned to be easier to read, use your screen realestate more effectively and just look soooooo much better! Dark mode is here Many people now prefer dark mode views and so…Read on medicationtimer.com
  47. Illustration of a man reading an open journal at a desk by lamplightBuilding · My ReflectionsDeep dives replace the weekly black boxA report that cannot be inspected is just a vibe with numbers on it. Deep dives open back to the reflections that produced them.Read on myreflections.app
  48. Medication Timer screens showing medicines for children with countdowns to the next doseBuilding · Medication Timerv1.0.4 released – application methods, elevated temps & new symptomsVersion 1.0.4 has been released and it includes new exciting features!Read on medicationtimer.com
  49. Medication Timer screens showing a child's temperature chart and fever logBuilding · Medication Timerv1.0.3 – Symptom tracker releasedRead about the latest release from Medication Timer including the new Symptom TrackerRead on medicationtimer.com
  50. A teddy bear holding a phone next to a red heartBuilding · Medication TimerMedication Timer now available on major app storesYou now have more options to use Medication Timer; we are now published in both the Apple App Store and the Google Play store!Read on medicationtimer.com
  51. An angry orange stress ball beside letter blocks spelling OMG, with the question: what does sentiment analysis have to do with effective self-reflection?Building · My ReflectionsWhat does sentiment analysis have to do with effective self-reflection?Life demands that we adapt our behaviour and responses continuously in situations that we find ourselves. More often than not, our actions in these situations are determined both…Read on myreflections.app
  52. Screenshot of My Reflections: adding highlights and lowlights to a reflection and tagging the activityBuilding · My ReflectionsGetting Started with My ReflectionsRate what happened, write two sentences, and keep a record you can learn from. Private by default on iPhone, Android and the web.Read on myreflections.app
  53. A stressed man holding his forehead by the waterLeadershipTips for effectively managing stressStress really affects people in different ways, and we all have differing "stress profiles" based on our personality, experience, training and everything else going on around us at that moment.
  54. An HP Chromebook and a mouse on a deskSoftwareA Week With Chrome OSI finally bought myself a Chromebook and thought it would be fun to share how I went in my first week!
  55. Illustration of the Earth as a coronavirus particle in spaceLeadershipA direct discussion about offshoring right nowWe all know that we are dealing with unprecented times with COVID-19 affecting businesses, communities and people across the world; I'd like talk about how this may or may not affect your organisations desire to offshore
  56. Silhouette of a man in profile, thinking, with a pen to his chinLeadershipReflection is the power tool to personal & professional growthReflection is an important part of my life overall, but it is often overlooked as a means of growing both personally & professionally
  57. Two colleagues high-fiving across a desk in an officeLeadershipMini-Productivity HacksWhen I was working with multiple teams one of the first workshops I would take them through was about productivity hacks.
  58. Newborn Jaxon asleep in a hospital bassinet, wearing a beaniePersonalWelcome Jaxon Alan ❤️I'd like to welcome Jaxon Alan to the World and our growing family ❤️
  59. Your time could be the most valuable tool for successful offshoringLeadershipAre you working your business into the ground?Your mental and physical health is as important to your organisation as your business acumen
  60. 2019 is coming, it is time to offshore!LeadershipYou have set your team up for success, so what is next?Now that you have set your team up to succeed this article takes you through the next steps and possible corrective actions
  61. There are a lot more reasons to offshore than cost savingsLeadershipHow to set your team up for successIn this article I discuss some aspects of team management designed to set your teams up for success
  62. A stressed man with his head in his hands at a laptopLeadershipHow to shake a bad day, week or month and be more effective and productiveThis article works through some easy to apply approaches or processes to work through business or professional challenges
  63. HTML code on a laptop screenLeadershipBuilding an effective offshored development teamThis is second in our series of how to build great teams, this time we will focus on software development teams!
  64. Hands meeting in a fist bump over a table of laptopsLeadershipHow to build an amazing offshored software support teamBuilding an offshored software support team has its challenges but if done effectively, the benefits for fast-growing organisations are huge! Read how today
  65. Fireworks bursting in the night skyLeadershipA retrospective review of the Offshoring & BPO industry in 2018This article is a retrospective review of the Offshoring and BPO industry and the significant changes that we have witnessed throughout 2018
  66. Old hand tools laid out on a wooden tableLeadership2018 Edition : Tools to succeed with dispersed teamsOur 2018 edition of the tools to succeed is now available! The objective of implementing these kinds of tools should always be to improve collaboration, communication, visibility and effectiveness.
  67. A white chess king among black piecesLeadershipFive truths about offshoring that every business consultant should knowIf you are a management or business consultant then this article will provide you with enough information to be able to discuss the benefits of offshoring operational roles with your engagements
  68. A city skyline of tall buildings lit up at nightLeadershipIs Vietnam the next Global BPO Powerhouse?I recently visited Vietnam and was very impressed with the improvements I witnessed while I was there. This article talks about some of these and discusses how your organisation could leverage off of this upcoming market
  69. A team gathered around a laptop in an office, smilingLeadershipFour approaches for better strategic integration with offshored team membersTo create highly effective offshored teams it is important to fully integrate your teams, their processes and encourage active collaboration
  70. A desk with a notebook, coffee, phone and charts seen from aboveLeadershipOffshored FTE Team Members vs FreelancersRecently we have spoken to a number of organisations considering freelancers in an effort to reduce costs, this article walks you through some of the pros and cons of this approach vs traditional FTE offshoring
  71. Code on a laptop screenLeadershipThe ideal approach for offshoring technical rolesThis article will discuss the ideal approach and recommendations for offshoring your technical roles to a business process offshoring (BPO) provider
  72. A response to : The End of Call Centres Will Devastate Manila and PhilippinesLeadershipAchieve more with this psychological hackThis article discusses a well researched psychological hack that can increase your productivity significantly
  73. An offshoring health check could be the medicine you needLeadershipDo not get education confused with learningDo people get education confused with learning and is an MBA for everybody?
  74. Two people working at laptops and taking notesLeadershipSix reasons to engage with an offshoring consultantThe process of offshoring can be daunting but this article outlines six reasons to consider engaging with an independent offshoring consulting
  75. Black chess pieces on a boardLeadershipUsing agile principles to strengthen your strategic planning and executionIn this article, we'll get specific about aspects of both strategic planning and execution and agile scrum that compliment each other and how!
  76. A team bumping fists over a deskLeadershipFive Tips for Offshoring SuccessFollow these sometimes overlooked tips to build amazing offshored teams and realise the success your organisation seeks!
  77. A man with his head in his hands under blue lightLeadershipStruggling with the complexities of an offshoring initiative?In this article discusses some factors that may impact the success of your offshoring initiative.
  78. Illustration of a head made of clocks and gearsLeadershipLooking to grow and take on new responsibilities in your organisation? Read my reflections and insights from my careerIf you are thinking about taking on more responsibilities or taking a new opportunity at work then read this article first
  79. Hands with many fingers fanned out like a treeLeadershipThere are a lot more reasons to offshore than cost savingsThis article discusses a handful that you may have overlooked amongst the repeated messages about saving operational costs.
  80. Cover of a SWOT analysis report for BPO providersLeadershipSnapshot of our SWOT Analysis for BPO ProvidersThis article is primarily for those BPO Providers who are looking for information to stay competitive and realise their full potential into the future.
  81. An alarm clock on a wooden café tableLeadershipYour time could be the most valuable tool for successful offshoringwe share our research findings from surveying HR departments and staff placed in the BPO industry
  82. An alarm clock on a desk beside a laptopLeadershipIs it time to start building your offshored team?The reasons for offshoring are many, but the organisational signs that it is time to commence your offshoring initiative may not be so obvious!
  83. A woman wearing headphones working at a computerLeadershipA response to : The End of Call Centres Will Devastate Manila and PhilippinesThis article is a response to an article posted on philippineone.com that predicted the end of the BPO industry in the Philippines.
  84. Two hands joining jigsaw puzzle piecesLeadershipSuring up your offshoring initiatives with Strategic HR ManagementSuring up your offshoring initiatives with Strategic HR Management
  85. A rising orange arrow over gold bars, like a growth chartLeadershipOffshoring services that drive long-term successThis article takes you through the services, delivered by Change Fox, that we use to deliver long-term success in our offshoring initiatives.
  86. Who, what, when, where, why and how written in chalk on a brick wallLeadershipOffshoring and outsourcing – what? why? where? when? who? how?Want to understand the differences between outsourcing and offshoring? Want to get to the bottom of what? why? where? when? who? how? Read this article!
  87. Illustration of a frustrated office worker with crossed arms at a deskLeadershipFour signs it is time to consider offshoring and how to get startedIf it is not so obvious when you should be considering building an offshored team, this article will discuss some common signs that it is time to contact Change Fox
  88. A wooden door with a mailbox and the word FeedbackLeadershipLack of feedback could be holding your organisation backFeedback is an important part of personal and professional development but it can be often overlooked in business operations and human resources outside of annual reviews.
  89. A hand drawing a process flowchartLeadershipHow an Offshoring Readiness Check can Speed up SuccessAs with any project, planning and preparation is a key aspect of success and offshoring is no exception to this rule. Read how a readiness check can set your entire initiative up for success!
  90. Wooden letter dice spelling MYTHSLeadershipFive Offshoring Myths I’ve Witnessed and Strongly Disagree WithI've heard a lot of people talking about offshoring and some of the bold statements and tantamount to myths and I strongly disappear with many of them. Here's five to start some discussion!