#428 Bridging Business Needs with Technology: Tom Altman on the Future of AI and Strategy

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Tom Altman, a seasoned fractional CTO and founder of Altus, to explore the critical role of aligning technology with business strategy. Tom shares his fascinating journey from radio DJ to tech leadership and offers actionable insights on preparing for the AI tidal wave in 2026.

Whether you’re a startup founder or a tech enthusiast, this episode provides a wealth of knowledge about future-proofing your business, fractional leadership, and the growing importance of process documentation.

“2025 is the year to get your technological house in order, because 2026 will be defined by AI agents.” – Tom Altman

What Listeners Will Learn

• The importance of aligning technology with company strategy.

• How to prepare your business for the rise of AI agents in 2026.

• The value of fractional executives in driving innovation and growth.

• Insights into emerging tech trends beyond AI, including cybersecurity and automation.

Key Takeaways

1. Aligning Technology with Business Goals

• Why aligning your tech stack with your company’s long-term vision is non-negotiable.

2. AI Readiness

• Why 2025 is the year to document systems and processes for AI integration.

3. The Role of Fractional Leadership

• How fractional CTOs bring specialized expertise to startups and growing businesses without the overhead of full-time hires.

4. The Cybersecurity Imperative

• Understanding the risks of underestimating cybersecurity and why documentation is critical.

5. The Evolution of Remote Work

• Why remote work, supported by VR and AI tools, is redefining team collaboration and innovation.

About the Guest

Tom Altman is a fractional CTO and founder of Altus, a firm that provides expert guidance in technology, HR, and finance. With over 15 years in e-commerce and a passion for helping companies solidify their technology foundations, Tom specializes in creating systems that bridge business needs and technical strategy.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomaltman/

https://outlook.office365.com/book/[e-mail]/

Episode Highlights

• 00:01:00 Tom’s journey: From radio DJ to fractional CTO.

• 00:03:30 The transition from traditional business to tech and e-commerce.

• 00:07:00 Preparing businesses for AI agents: Why documentation matters.

• 00:11:00 The role of fractional CTOs in startups and scaling businesses.

• 00:19:00 Challenges and opportunities in remote-first innovation.

• 00:27:00 Emerging trends in tech: Cybersecurity, automation, and gig economies.