))
Broadcasting from Dubai, The CTO Show with Mehmet explores the latest trends in technology, startups, and venture funding. Host Mehmet Gonullu leads insightful discussions with thought leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs from diverse industries. From emerging technologies to startup investment strategies, the show provides a balanced view on navigating the evolving landscape of business and tech, helping listeners understand their profound impact on our world. mehmet@yassiventures.com
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, Mehmet sits down with Ahraz Hussain, VP of Product Engineering and Data at Growers Edge, to explore the powerful intersection of AgriTech and FinTech. Ahraz shares his journey from technology to agriculture and the incredible impact Growers Edge is making in supporting farmers through advanced financial …
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we’re joined by Andrew Duncan, CEO of Vertice Labs, a boutique software engineering company that helps startups and SMBs turn innovative ideas into functional products. Andrew kicks off by sharing his journey in the tech world, which spans nearly two decades, and explaining the unique approach that Verti…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we’re thrilled to have West Stringfellow, a product and technology visionary with an impressive track record of launching zero-to-one innovations at companies like Amazon and PayPal, leading transformations at Fortune 500 companies such as Visa and Target, and accelerating startups with Techstars. Curren…
…
continue reading
1
#409 From Product to Innovation: Mike Todasco on AI, Automation, and the Future of Technology
55:39
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive into the exciting world of AI, automation, and innovation with Mike Todasco. Mike shares his journey from starting as an accountant to evolving into a leader in product management and innovation, including his influential role at PayPal. With experience in one of Silicon Valley’s most dynamic env…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive deep into the dynamic world of loyalty programs with Maria Alvarez, Chief Business Development Officer and Board Member of CheckRewards. Maria shares her journey from Eastern Europe to Latin America and now to the MENA region, highlighting her expertise in data-driven marketing and her passion fo…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we welcome Eli Farhood, the founder and CEO of KatchID, a pioneering company focused on reinventing identity protection through innovative biometric solutions. Eli shares his personal journey that led him to start KatchID, driven by his experiences as a two-time victim of identity theft. He highlights th…
…
continue reading
1
#406 Creating a Second Brain: Miguel Sarenas’s Framework for Scaling as a Generalist Founder
30:42
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive deep into the entrepreneurial journey of Miguel Sarenas, a third-time bootstrap founder who has recently sold his AI startup just three months after its launch. Miguel shares his insights on how bootstrapping and strategic decision-making contributed to his early exit. He emphasizes the importanc…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive deep into the evolving world of industrial AI with Manas Talukdar, Director of Engineering at LabelBox. Based in the Bay Area, Manas has nearly two decades of experience in enterprise AI, data infrastructure, and distributed systems. Throughout his career, he has played pivotal roles in companies…
…
continue reading
1
#404 Last-Mile Advertising: Alex Nocifera on Disrupting AdTech & MarTech for Local Brand Success
48:49
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Alex Nocifera, a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Loma. Alex shares his insights on disrupting both AdTech and MarTech to enhance local brand engagement. With over two decades of experience in retail marketing, Alex has a deep understanding of the evolving dynamics in the advertisi…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive deep into the world of drone technology and startup innovation with Dario Valenza, founder of Carbonix. Broadcasting from Australia, Dario shares his unique journey from yacht racing to founding Carbonix, a company that is redefining long-range UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) for critical infrast…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Alina Timofeeva, an expert in digital transformation, cloud technology, and financial services. Alina has a wealth of experience working with global institutions like HSBC, JP Morgan, and Crédit Suisse, leading them through complex digital transformations. Throughout the conversation, Al…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we’re joined by Adrian Mendoza, General Partner and co-founder of Mendoza Ventures. Based in Boston, Adrian has carved a unique path from being a tech founder and CTO to a venture capitalist, specializing in AI, fintech, and cybersecurity investments. With firsthand experience navigating the startup ecos…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive into the transformative world of digital health with RJ Kedziora, Co-Founder, CEO, and CTO of Estenda Solutions. RJ joins us to discuss how AI, wearable technology, and an empathetic approach to user needs are shaping the future of healthcare. With over two decades of experience leading Estenda, …
…
continue reading
1
#399 Unlocking Employee Loyalty: Kirill Morozov on the Power of Motivation and Recognition in MENA
45:58
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive into the vital topic of employee motivation and loyalty, specifically within the MENA region, with Kirill Morozov, CEO of TEAL HR. Kirill joins us to discuss his journey and the driving force behind founding TEAL HR, a platform designed to transform how businesses motivate and retain their employ…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Tommy Ogden, Director at Activera Consulting, to explore the intersection of analytics, frameworks, and AI in driving value within the big data landscape. Tommy, a seasoned consultant with experience across both boutique and big-name firms like Accenture, shares insights into why he retu…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we welcome Nick Jain, CEO of IdeaScale, a leading B2B SaaS platform focused on innovation management. Nick shares his journey from Wall Street to the world of SaaS and innovation, bringing with him years of experience in investment and executive leadership. Starting with his background in mathematics, ph…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Hubert Behaghel, CTO of Veriff, to discuss the critical intersection of AI, security, and user experience in the digital age. As the internet continues to evolve, establishing digital trust has become more essential than ever, especially with the rise of identity fraud and impersonation …
…
continue reading
In this insightful episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Erik Salo, Vice President of Marketing and Product Management at Vdura, to dive deep into the critical role that data plays in AI innovation. Erik shares his extensive career journey, starting from his early days in data storage to his leadership roles at major tech companies …
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, host Mehmet Gonullu sits down with Gagan Singh, Founder and CEO of WOWS Global, to discuss the intricacies of startup fundraising, navigating private markets, and the increasing importance of secondary transactions. Gagan shares his unique perspective, having experienced both sides of the table as a vent…
…
continue reading
1
#393 Gen AI and Technical Due Diligence: Matt Van Itallie on Navigating Software Acquisition Risks
47:16
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, Mehmet welcomes Matt Van Itallie, founder and CEO of SEMA, to explore the evolving world of technical due diligence, particularly in the context of generative AI in coding and software acquisition. Matt shares his journey from a non-professional coder to leading SEMA, a company dedicated to bridging the …
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive deep into the world of purpose-driven entrepreneurship with Elona Lopari, a seasoned entrepreneur and leadership coach who helps companies align purpose with profit. Elona shares her journey from climbing the corporate ladder in a Fortune 500 company to taking a bold leap into entrepreneurship, d…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Peter Curk, the CEO and CPO of Iconomi, a leading crypto portfolio management platform. Peter shares his journey from a non-technical background in industries like retail, energy, and telecommunications to leading a company at the forefront of crypto investments. He discusses the foundin…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, Mehmet is joined by Nicky Senyard, Founder and CEO of Fintel Connect, a leader in affiliate marketing for financial services. Nicky shares her journey of over 24 years in affiliate marketing, highlighting her work with banks, credit unions, and fintechs to help them scale their operations. She delves int…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Colm Nee, CTO of Enlighted, a Siemens company focused on IoT and sustainability. Colm shares his journey and expertise in using AI and IoT to create smarter, more energy-efficient buildings. With a background in machine learning, Colm is passionate about solving complex problems, particu…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by IT veteran David Boscia, who brings over 32 years of experience in the IT domain, including leadership roles at NCR Corporation. David shares his journey managing tens of thousands of endpoints, discussing the complexities of handling a global network of devices and the challenges that a…
…
continue reading
1
#387 Igniting Entrepreneurial Passion: Lessons from Mohammad Bahareth on Resilience and Innovation
1:02:00
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we have the pleasure of hosting Mohammad Bahareth, an award-winning business consultant and entrepreneur from Saudi Arabia. Mohammad shares his personal journey, including his challenges with dyslexia and ADHD, and how they shaped his path to becoming a successful entrepreneur. His story is one of resili…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Tammy Klotz, a cybersecurity veteran and CISO with over 30 years of experience in IT and cybersecurity. Tammy shares her journey, starting in infrastructure roles and moving into cybersecurity leadership, currently holding her third CISO role in the manufacturing industry. She emphasizes…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive deep into the future of e-commerce with Dan Brownsher, CEO of Channel Key. Dan brings over a decade of experience in building and scaling e-commerce businesses, particularly on the Amazon platform. He shares his journey from founding a private label business to leading an Amazon-focused agency th…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Glyn Roberts, CTO of Digital Solutions at Vention, a leading custom software development services company. With over 20 years of experience in the tech industry, Glyn has climbed the leadership ladder from a developer to overseeing a global team of over 3,000 engineers across 20 countrie…
…
continue reading
1
#383 Building the Operating System for AI: Rob Futrick on Anaconda’s Role in the AI Revolution
52:12
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Rob Futrick, the CTO of Anaconda, for an in-depth discussion on how Anaconda is positioning itself at the forefront of the AI revolution. Rob shares his impressive journey in the tech industry, from his first startup over 25 years ago to his time at Microsoft, where he led product teams …
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we have the pleasure of speaking with Geoffrey Huck, a former tech professional turned public speaking coach. Geoffrey shares his incredible journey from being a self-described introvert with a deep passion for computers and algorithms to becoming a confident public speaker and influencer in the tech com…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we’re joined by Aaron Painter, CEO and Founder of NameTag. Aaron shares his journey from working at Microsoft for 14 years to founding NameTag, a company dedicated to securing digital identities. He discusses the growing threats of identity theft and social engineering, particularly in the wake of the CO…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive deep into the transformative world of AI with Stefan Fehr, an entrepreneur who has been at the forefront of leveraging AI for content creation. Stefan shares his journey, beginning in 2019, when he first used AI to generate text for websites, leading to significant increases in traffic. This expe…
…
continue reading
1
#379 Emerging Market Fintech: Nader Abdelrazik’s Insights on Growth, Innovation, and Challenges
44:32
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Nader Abdelrazik, the CEO and co-founder of MoneyHash, a pioneering payment orchestration platform in the emerging markets. Nader shares his journey from academia to entrepreneurship, detailing how his diverse background in economics and engineering has shaped his strategic approach to b…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Danny Nathan, the driving force behind Apollo 21, a company that operates at the intersection of innovation consultancy and product design. Danny shares his insights on how companies, particularly those in the growth stage like Series A and beyond, can move beyond mere “innovation theate…
…
continue reading
In this episode of “The CTO Show with Mehmet,” we are joined by Ramesh Subramanian, a seasoned transformational leader and CFO with over 25 years of experience in global multinationals and government entities. Ramesh shares his deep insights into the critical factors that drive successful digital and business transformation, emphasizing the importa…
…
continue reading
1
#376 The Power of Physical in a Digital World: Mark Stern’s Approach to Enhancing Customer Journeys
38:33
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Mark Stern, founder of the Custom Box Agency, who shares his journey from a corporate career at Deloitte to entrepreneurship. Mark discusses the evolution of his business, which focuses on blending physical and digital experiences to optimize customer journeys. He reveals how physical bo…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by André Laplume, a professor at the Toronto Metropolitan University, to discuss the fascinating world of spinout ventures. André shares his insights on why the narrative of startups beginning in garages is often misleading, and how many successful companies actually originate as spinouts f…
…
continue reading
1
#374 Can AI Predict the Future? Exploring Blockchain-Powered Possibilities with Jordan Miller
43:30
In this episode of “The CTO Show with Mehmet,” we dive deep into the world of AI and blockchain with our special guest, Jordan Miller. Jordan, the visionary behind the SatoriNet project, shares his ambitious journey to create a decentralized network of computers aimed at predicting the future. We explore how Jordan’s background in blockchain and hi…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we welcome Ricardo Jimenez, an entrepreneur, angel investor, and author of the book Crash Course. Ricardo shares his journey from being an entrepreneur to writing a book that delves into the emotional challenges faced by founders. He discusses his motivation for becoming an entrepreneur, his experiences …
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Walid Abou Ali, the CTO and Co-Founder of Places, a groundbreaking F&B discovery platform based in Dubai. Walid shares his unique journey from a 3D artist to a tech innovator in the MENA region, where he has channeled his passion for food and technology into creating a highly advanced se…
…
continue reading
In this episode of “The CTO Show with Mehmet,” we dive into the intricate dynamics between CTOs and CEOs, exploring how these relationships can make or break a startup’s success. Our guest, Hutton Henry, founder of Beyond M&A and a seasoned expert in due diligence, shares his valuable insights on how CTOs and CEOs can better align their goals, mana…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Juliette Denny, a pioneer in the learning and development space and the driving force behind Growth Engineering and the newly launched Iridescent Technologies. Juliette shares her journey from founding Growth Engineering, a company that has been revolutionizing corporate learning for ove…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by John Horn, the CEO of StubGroup, a leading digital advertising agency. John shares his extensive experience in helping businesses navigate the complex world of digital advertising, with a particular focus on SaaS companies. We dive deep into the challenges SaaS companies face in a crowde…
…
continue reading
In this episode of “The CTO Show with Mehmet,” Mehmet Gonullu is joined by Andrew Sykes, a lifelong entrepreneur, professor at the Kellogg Sales Institute, and lead facilitator at Serene Life. Andrew shares his journey from South Africa to the United States, where he now calls Chicago home. With a rich portfolio career, Andrew discusses the diverse…
…
continue reading
In this episode of “The CTO Show with Mehmet,” we are joined by Benjamin Bohman, CTO and founder of Stratashield AI. With a rich background in technology spanning 25 years, Ben shares his unique journey from starting as an IT department head at 22 to founding his own AI company. He emphasizes that you don’t need to be a techie to succeed in technol…
…
continue reading
In this episode of “The CTO Show with Mehmet,” our host, Mehmet, welcomes Rodolph Khlat, the co-founder of Smartr AI, a Dubai-based software development automation engine. Rodolph shares his fascinating journey from a young entrepreneur to a leader in AI-driven software development. He discusses the origins of Smartr AI, a company dedicated to maki…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Shehab Beram, the founder of VisionX, the first personal branding studio for product leaders. Shehab shares his extensive journey from Malaysia to Istanbul, discussing his roles and experiences across various companies like Qawafel, Taker, and Mrsool. He provides insights into his work m…
…
continue reading
n this episode of “The CTO Show with Mehmet,” we are joined by Eoghan O’Donnell, the Chief Innovation Officer at Innovecs. Eoghan takes us through his extensive journey in the tech industry, starting from his early days in Ireland with Symantec, where he worked on the Norton antivirus suite, to his roles at McAfee and Amazon. He shares his experien…
…
continue reading
1
#363 Maintaining the North Star from a CTO Perspective: Francis Lacoste on the Inner Game of Leadership
42:22
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we have a thought-provoking conversation with Francis Lacoste, an executive coach specializing in CTOs and VPs of engineering. Francis shares his journey from being a software engineer to taking on leadership roles at Salesforce and Heroku, and now coaching executives in scaling startups. He delves into …
…
continue reading
