About
The Person Behind the Practice
I'm Samuel Cotterell — a Technical Lead and Full-Stack Developer with over 12 years building software that businesses depend on. From real-time energy trading platforms to international transport systems, I've spent my career solving complex technical problems in high-stakes environments.
After years leading engineering teams building mission-critical platforms, I saw firsthand how AI is changing what's possible. I started this practice to help businesses that don't have a dedicated AI team get access to the same expertise — without the enterprise price tag.
I don't just advise — I build. Every recommendation I make, I can implement myself. That's the difference between a consultant who hands you a strategy deck and one who ships working software.
Experience
Career Timeline
From software engineering to AI consulting — a progression built on real-world delivery.
2026 – Present
Independent Consultant
AI Consulting
Helping SMBs and startups integrate AI strategically — from roadmapping to hands-on implementation.
- AI strategy and readiness assessments
- LLM integration and custom AI solutions
- Team training and workshops
2020 – 2026
Technical Lead / Full Stack Developer
CleancoQLD
Led development of mission-critical energy trading platforms processing real-time market data for Queensland's government-owned clean energy generator.
- Built trader-managed automation system with event-driven architecture
- Achieved 99.99% uptime on production systems
- Led team of 2–4 developers across multiple concurrent projects
- Azure cloud architecture: Functions, CosmosDB, Service Bus, Event Grid
2014 – 2020
Web Developer / Technical Lead
Transmax / DTMR
Delivered intelligent transport systems used across Queensland and internationally.
- Piloted systems with Colorado DOT — first international deployment
- Built real-time traffic management dashboards
- Migrated legacy systems to modern cloud-based architecture
- Mentored junior developers and led technical direction
2012 – 2014
IT Developer
Moose Mobile
Built custom CRM integrations and internal tools for a growing telecommunications provider.
- Developed custom CRM plugins and business automation tools
- Built hardware prototype (GSM gateway) that reduced operational costs
- Coordinated with offshore development teams
2012 – 2014
Research Assistant & Senior Tutor
QUT — Research & Teaching
IoT research analysing wildlife data via smart sensors, plus guest lecturing to 500+ students.
- Built IoT data analysis tools with C#/.NET and ATMEL hardware
- Guest lectured to classes of 500+ students
- Collaborated on first-year curriculum development
2010 – 2013
Bachelor of IT (Software Engineering) — Distinction
QUT
GPA 6.4/7.0. Dean's Award for Academic Excellence. Golden Key International Honour Society.
Technical Skills
What I Work With
Full-stack capabilities across the modern cloud stack.
Want to work together?
I'd love to hear about your business and explore how AI can help.