In this episode of Master Integrator, Paul Skelton is joined by Richard Mullins — a systems thinker and experienced integration professional — for a frank and practical conversation about technical debt: what it is, how it happens, and what it costs.

Drawing from real-world examples, Richard outlines how decisions made under pressure — whether rushed installs, undocumented changes, or "temporary" fixes that become permanent — quietly build technical debt that can cripple your business later. He breaks down the difference between unavoidable, acceptable compromises and the reckless, undocumented work that leads to fragile systems, constant callbacks, and lost profit.

They also explore how documentation, accountability, and team habits can reduce risk — and why technical debt isn’t just a technical problem, but a cultural one. If you've ever been afraid to revisit a site because the system is “held together with hope,” this episode is for you.

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