The New Builder Mindset — JJ Englert, NoCode Alliance
About the episode
What does it mean to be a builder in a time when AI can build all on its own?
In this episode of Futureproof, Xano CEO Prakash Chandran sits down with JJ Englert, founder of NoCode Alliance, creator, teacher, filmmaker-turned-builder, and a major voice in the no-code movement. JJ shares the unlikely journey from roofing to becoming a filmmaker, to finally discovering no-code — and now AI-powered coding. Together, they explore how AI is reshaping what it means to create software, why curiosity is becoming the most important developer skill, and how even seasoned engineers must adapt to avoid “legacy doubt.”
Topics covered include:
- The rise of the AI-literate builder: Why today’s advantage isn’t syntax — it’s understanding architecture, knowing what to ask, and working fluidly with AI as a coding partner.
- From no-code to full-stack with AI: How JJ went from “I don’t think I’m smart enough for this” to building full applications with real code in weeks, powered by no-code and, eventually, AI IDEs.
- The adoption gap inside companies: Why C-suites got excited, then cautious — and how organizations are slowly figuring out their AI-first vs. AI-layered strategies.
- Curiosity as survival skill: How both new makers and veteran engineers need the same thing: the willingness to experiment, learn, and challenge long-held assumptions.
- The future of multimodal computing: From personalized software that builds itself to real-time AR copilots — why the next leap goes far beyond chat.
Chapters
00:00
From Filmmaker to First Founder
JJ shares his journey from athlete to filmmaker to LA producer to first-time founder, and how early failure pushed him to learn software development himself.
05:15
Discovering No-Code and Building Community
JJ discovers Bubble, becomes immersed in no-code tools, and organically starts the Slack group that evolves into the NoCode Alliance.
09:00
Formalizing the No-Code Movement
He formalizes NoCode Alliance around standards, certifications, and education, and later joins Softr to help scale no-code adoption.
12:39
Finding AI Late and Getting Pulled In
JJ explains how GPT-4 enabled full-code building, accelerated his learning, and marked a turning point for builders in 2023–2024.
17:39
Corporate AI Hype vs. Corporate AI Reality
A look at why executives rushed into AI, why many early pilots underperformed, and how companies are now approaching AI more strategically.
21:30
Who Counts as a Developer Now?
JJ discusses how AI expands access to software creation while emphasizing why architecture, infrastructure, and asking the right questions still matter.
26:24
Learning Through AI and Overcoming Self-Doubt
An exploration of the emotional side of learning, including curiosity, confidence, imposter syndrome, and staying open-minded as a builder.
32:20
AI as Teacher, Troubleshooter, and Teammate
JJ shares real-world stories of using ChatGPT to learn new ecosystems, solve problems, and collaborate with AI as an always-on teammate.
37:36
The Future of Software and Multimodal Interfaces
Predictions on personalized software, AR copilots, multimodal interfaces, and what comes beyond text-based AI.
41:10
JJ’s Mission: Build, Teach, and Inspire
JJ reflects on why building still brings him joy, shares his current stack, and offers advice for new builders getting started with AI.
©2025 Xano. All Rights Reserved.
