Don't Be a Donkey: Why the Right Software Matters More Than You Think

I just walked away from a job that had plenty of problems, but one of the biggest day-to-day frustrations came down to something most people overlook: the software.

Clunky, outdated systems that don't talk to each other. Processes so broken you wonder if the people who designed them ever actually used them. Data lost in the shuffle. Customers left waiting. Staff left frustrated. That was the reality.

Let me paint you a picture: Imagine I told you to drive from Kelowna to Calgary. You'd probably think about hopping in a car—doesn't need to be a Ferrari, even a reliable VW will get you there safely and efficiently. Now imagine I told you that you couldn't use a car. You have to ride a donkey instead.

Sure, that donkey might eventually get you there. But it probably won't. And even if it does, you'll arrive exhausted, frustrated, and weeks behind schedule.

That's what it feels like working with outdated, Frankenstein'd software that was designed for one narrow purpose decades ago and has had features duct-taped onto it ever since. It technically "works." But it doesn't actually work—not in any meaningful, modern sense of the word.

And it made me realize, more than ever, how powerful the right software really is.

The Tools That Actually Work

When I'm working in Squarespace, Shopify, HubSpot, or even Ideogram for visual content, I'm reminded of what it feels like when tools actually help you do your job instead of standing in your way. These platforms aren't just nice-to-haves—they're the backbone of modern business.

A clean, easy-to-use website builder like Squarespace? That's not just about looking pretty. It's about giving your customers a frictionless way to find you, trust you, and buy from you.

Shopify? That's e-commerce done right—scalable, customizable, and built with growth in mind. If you're selling anything online and not using a tool like Shopify, you're already playing from behind.

HubSpot? That's where customer management, marketing automation, and sales strategy come together. It's not just software—it's the system that keeps your business aligned and moving forward.
A clean, easy-to-use website builder like Squarespace? That's not just about looking pretty. It's about giving your customers a frictionless way to find you, trust you, and buy from you. And honestly? It's a joy to work in. As someone who builds sites professionally, I can tell you there's something deeply satisfying about a platform that just gets it—beautiful templates that are actually customizable, intuitive design tools, and everything you need built right in. No duct tape required.

As a designer and strategist, it's not enough for me to just make things look good. I need to know what the software can do—what it enables, what it simplifies, what it makes possible. Design without function is decoration. Design married to the right platform? That's power.

Lions and Donkeys

There's an old military adage, often attributed to Napoleon: It's better to have a lion lead an army of donkeys than a donkey lead an army of lions.

The same applies here. You can have the best team, the best intentions, and the best products in the world, but if you're running everything on clunky, outdated, or wrong-fit software, you're the donkey dragging everyone down.

Don't be the donkey. And don't make your team ride one either.

Your tools should empower you, not frustrate you. They should make your customers' lives easier, not harder. And they should give your business the ability to grow, adapt, and thrive in a digital-first world.

The Hard Questions

So if you're thinking about your next move—whether it's rebranding, building a new website, or streamlining your operations—take a hard look at the software you're using. Ask yourself:

Does this platform make my business stronger?

Does it help me serve my customers better?

Do I actually like using it?

If the answer is no, maybe it's time to make a change.

Because in 2025 and beyond, bad software isn't just annoying. It's expensive. It costs you time, customers, and energy. The right tools—paired with the right design and strategy—are the difference between dragging your business uphill and letting it run with the lions.

And if you need someone who knows the creative side and the software side? That's exactly why I do what I do.