#441 From Struggles to Success: How Founders Can Optimize Tech Teams with Vygandas Pliasas

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

Player FM - Internet Radio Done Right

הוסף לפני two שנים

תוכן מסופק על ידי Mehmet Gonullu. כל תוכן הפודקאסטים כולל פרקים, גרפיקה ותיאורי פודקאסטים מועלים ומסופקים ישירות על ידי Mehmet Gonullu או שותף פלטפורמת הפודקאסט שלהם. אם אתה מאמין שמישהו משתמש ביצירה שלך המוגנת בזכויות יוצרים ללא רשותך, אתה יכול לעקוב אחר התהליך המתואר כאן https://he.player.fm/legal.

Everyday AI Podcast – An AI and ChatGPT Podcast

1
Ep 563: ChatGPT's New Custom GPT's: Advanced techniques to win back time 46:52

לפני 6 ימים46:52

הפעל מאוחר יותר

רשימות

לייק

אהבתי

46:52

Think you know ChatGPT's custom GPTs? 🤔 Probably not. Last week, we tackled the basics and what's new with OpenAI's refreshed GPTs. For this AI Working Wednesdays episode, we're getting into some advanced techniques to hep you win back time. ↳ using the crazy powerful o3 model to your GPT's advantage ↳ context stacking ↳ custom actions to connect to third party sites Yeah.... don't sleep on this one shorties. Ep 563: ChatGPT's New Custom GPT's: Advanced techniques to win back time Newsletter: Sign up for our free daily newsletter More on this Episode: Episode Page Join the discussion: Thoughts on this? Join the convo and connect with other AI leaders on LinkedIn. Upcoming Episodes: Check out the upcoming Everyday AI Livestream lineup Website: YourEverydayAI.com Email The Show: info@youreverydayai.com Connect with Jordan on LinkedIn Topics Covered in This Episode: Custom GPTs: Advanced Techniques Overview OpenAI's Context Stacking Strategy O3 Model's Thinking Capabilities Building Efficient Custom GPTs Custom Actions and API Integration Zapier Integration for Dynamic Data ChatGPT's Context Window Management Creating Evergreen Podcast Content Timestamps: 00:00 Custom GPTs: Evolution and Insights 03:23 "Mastering GPT Context Stacking" 09:31 "Context Stacking in Chat GPT" 11:20 GPT Context Switching Advantage 15:33 Customizable GPT Usage Explained 19:51 Evergreen Episode Update Strategy 21:44 Optimizing AI for Continued Learning 23:48 "O-Series Models: Advanced AI Capabilities" 28:41 Building GPTs for Episode Research 30:03 GPT Model Customization and Sharing 33:18 Securing API Keys in GPTs 36:55 Zapier Enhances GPT Email Capabilities 42:12 "Use Chrome Extensions for Tokens" 43:48 "AI at Work Wednesdays Survey" Keywords: OpenAI's custom GPTs, advanced techniques, save time, context stacking, o three model, ChatGPT updates, logic and reasoning, plan ahead capabilities, agentic tools, custom actions, third party data, API, building GPTs, leveraging AI, context window, transformer model, generative AI, organization usage, fine tuning performance, productivity enhancement, AI agents, AI tools integration, custom configuration, everyday applications, tech strategies, new rendition, midweek break, AI experts, smarter AI usage, AI-powered planning, AI transformations. Ep 563: Send Everyday AI and Jordan a text message. (We can't reply back unless you leave contact info) Square keeps up so you don't have to slow down. Get everything you need to run and grow your business—without any long-term commitments. And why wait? Right now, you can get up to $200 off Square hardware at square.com/go/jordan. Run your business smarter with Square. Get started today.…

לפני שנה 43:33

MP3•בית הפרקים

Struggling to scale your tech team? Not sure when to move beyond an agency and build in-house? In this episode, we dive deep into engineering team optimization, startup scaling challenges, and the future of AI in development with Vygandas Pliasas—a Fractional CTO and expert in engineering management.

🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ When startups should transition from an agency to an in-house team

✅ The common traps founders fall into when working with external dev teams

✅ The step-by-step process for fixing tech bottlenecks and improving team efficiency

✅ How to scale remote engineering teams without chaos

✅ AI’s impact on development and how to integrate it into your tech strategy

✅ The biggest mistakes startups make when hiring developers

✅ The red flags that indicate it’s time for a change in your tech team

🎯 Key Takeaways:

📌 Miscommunication with agencies can slow progress—here’s how to fix it

📌 The right moment to build an in-house team and hire a Fractional CTO

📌 Scaling tech teams requires balancing technical leadership & business goals

📌 AI helps but doesn’t replace human decision-making—how to use it effectively

About Vygandas:

Vygandad is a seasoned Fractional CTO and software development executive with over 18 years of experience. He specializes in scaling startups, building dedicated remote teams, and driving technical innovation. With expertise in SaaS, e-commerce, and compliance-driven industries, he helps businesses align their technology with strategic goals, ensuring impactful, sustainable growth. From mentoring engineering leaders to streamlining operations, he empowers teams to deliver excellence while cutting costs and boosting performance.

https://www.cortip.com/

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

⏱️ Episode Highlights & Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome & intro to Vygandas Pliasas

02:30 - Why founders struggle with agency-based development

05:15 - How to know when to bring development in-house

08:40 - The challenges of scaling remote engineering teams

12:10 - Hiring & firing: How fast is too fast, how late is too late?

18:45 - AI in development: What works, what doesn’t

30:10 - The biggest startup tech mistakes and how to avoid them

38:45 - Final thoughts & where to find Vygandas online

494 פרקים

#Entrepreneur #Business #Mehmet Gonullu

#441 From Struggles to Success: How Founders Can Optimize Tech Teams with Vygandas Pliasas

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

published לפני שנה

שתפו

MP3•בית הפרקים

🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ When startups should transition from an agency to an in-house team

✅ The common traps founders fall into when working with external dev teams

✅ The step-by-step process for fixing tech bottlenecks and improving team efficiency

✅ How to scale remote engineering teams without chaos

✅ AI’s impact on development and how to integrate it into your tech strategy

✅ The biggest mistakes startups make when hiring developers

✅ The red flags that indicate it’s time for a change in your tech team

🎯 Key Takeaways:

📌 Miscommunication with agencies can slow progress—here’s how to fix it

📌 The right moment to build an in-house team and hire a Fractional CTO

📌 Scaling tech teams requires balancing technical leadership & business goals

📌 AI helps but doesn’t replace human decision-making—how to use it effectively

About Vygandas:

https://www.cortip.com/

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

⏱️ Episode Highlights & Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome & intro to Vygandas Pliasas

02:30 - Why founders struggle with agency-based development

05:15 - How to know when to bring development in-house

08:40 - The challenges of scaling remote engineering teams

12:10 - Hiring & firing: How fast is too fast, how late is too late?

18:45 - AI in development: What works, what doesn’t

30:10 - The biggest startup tech mistakes and how to avoid them

38:45 - Final thoughts & where to find Vygandas online

494 פרקים

#Entrepreneur #Business #Mehmet Gonullu

כל הפרקים

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

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#495 Next-Gen Gaming: AI Agents, NFTs, and the Blockchain Frontier 40:43

לפני 3 ימים40:43

40:43

In this episode, I sit down with Greg Marlin , the CTO of ZKcandy , to explore the evolving intersection of AI agents, blockchain infrastructure, NFTs, and the gaming world . We dive deep into how Greg is building seamless onboarding for Web3 gaming, how AI agents are redefining non-player characters and companions, and why encrypted AI agent NFTs might just be the future of user-owned digital experiences. Whether you’re a founder building in Web3, an investor watching the AI frontier, or just curious about where gaming is headed—this one’s packed with insights. 💡 Key Takeaways • What AI agents actually are—and why they matter in gaming • The vision behind encrypted AI companion NFTs • How ZKcandy simplifies Web3 authentication and onboarding • Why composability and simplicity are keys to developer adoption • The role of blockchain in preserving ownership and memory in AI • Founder tips on staying resilient in a copycat-prone startup environment ⸻ 🎧 What You’ll Learn • How AI agents will revolutionize NPCs and game companions • Why ERC-7662 is critical for privacy-first AI agents on-chain • Practical strategies for founders building in AI + gaming + blockchain • A preview of Raid Quest and ZKcandy’s upcoming game features About Greg Marlin Greg is a serial entrepreneur and technologist with a track record across SaaS, crypto, AI, and developer platforms. As the CTO of ZKCandy , a layer-2 blockchain built on the ZK Stack, he’s building tools that simplify Web3 onboarding for developers and gamers alike. Greg is also the author of ERC-7662 , the emerging standard for encrypted AI agent NFTs. https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregmarlin/ https://zkcandy.io/ https://eips.ethereum.org/EIPS/eip-7662 ⏱️ Episode Highlights 00:00 – Intro 01:00 – Greg’s journey from SaaS to AI to blockchain 04:00 – Breaking down what an AI agent actually is 09:30 – How AI companions will reshape gaming experiences 13:00 – AI in “raid” environments and social quests 15:00 – Addressing hallucinations and unpredictability in AI 20:00 – What ERC-7662 is and why it matters for AI NFTs 26:00 – Who owns your AI? How blockchain can protect user memory 28:00 – Developer experience: Plug-and-play SDKs for Web3 games 32:00 – Advice for founders building at the intersection of AI and gaming 36:30 – Final thoughts + where to find Greg…

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

1
#494 Trust is the New Traction: PR, Fundraising, and the AI Discovery Shift with Mauro Battellini 47:51

לפני 5 ימים47:51

47:51

In this episode, Mehmet sits down with Mauro Battellini , co-founder of Black Unicorn PR , to break down why PR is no longer optional for startups—and how the rise of AI-powered search is changing what investors and customers see first. From fundraising strategy to media perception, Mauro explains how to build legitimacy , earn visibility , and outperform better-funded competitors —even if you’re not in Silicon Valley. Whether you’re a first-time founder or a repeat entrepreneur, this episode will shift how you think about storytelling, credibility, and why “earned media” may be your strongest asset in the AI era . 🔑 Key Takeaways • When PR matters : The signals investors, regulators, and enterprise clients look for beyond the pitch deck • AI’s impact on perception : How tools like ChatGPT and Perplexity influence investor research and due diligence • Personal branding vs. thought leadership : Why founders must be discoverable—before the product is • PR in emerging markets : How startups from Central & Eastern Europe or MENA can play the global media game • Fundraising and credibility : How the right PR at the right time can shorten investor cycles ⸻ 📚 What You’ll Learn • How to identify your startup’s PR timing based on traction and stakeholder needs • Why earned media is becoming more powerful than paid ads in the AI era • The difference between “spray & pray” and strategic media outreach • How journalists evaluate startups—and how founders can become go-to voices • Real-world examples of how PR directly impacted fundraising outcomes 🧑‍💼 About Mauro Battellini Mauro is the co-founder of Black Unicorn PR , an agency laser-focused on early-stage tech startups. With a background in sales, market research, and e-commerce, Mauro brings a unique lens to PR that aligns brand perception with business outcomes. His mission: help founders from non-traditional ecosystems punch above their weight in global markets. https://www.blackunicornpr.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mauro-alexis-battellini/ Episode Highlights & Timestamps 00:00 – Intro and Mauro’s journey from sales to startup PR 04:30 – Why Black Unicorn PR was founded to fix broken agency models 06:45 – When founders should start thinking about PR 10:15 – The mindset shift: PR isn’t about vanity—it’s about trust 14:00 – Thought leadership vs. personal branding in founder visibility 18:20 – Why emerging markets struggle with global media presence 22:40 – How PR helped Lithuanian startups get into international coverage 26:30 – What PR looks like during a fundraising round 30:45 – AI’s disruption of SEO and search discovery 33:10 – Why PR is becoming essential in the AI discovery layer 36:00 – The rise of solo journalists, niche media, and credibility loops 38:20 – Practical advice: what AI sees when someone Googles you 42:00 – Why PR is your startup’s trust layer in the noisy digital world 45:00 – Final tips: how to map stakeholders, focus outreach, and treat journalists like investors…

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

1
#493 Reimagining Events with Tech: Cosmin Ivan on Scaling Platinumlist Across MENA 44:25

לפני 7 ימים44:25

44:25

In this episode of The CTO Show , Mehmet Gonullu sits down with Cosmin Ivan , CEO of Platinumlist , the leading event and ticketing platform in the MENA region. From selling tickets by hand to building a platform used for the biggest concerts and sporting events, Cosmin shares his 18-year journey and how Platinumlist became a trusted tech partner for global entertainment brands. They unpack the power of secure, scalable event tech, what it takes to expand across culturally diverse markets, and why trust, transparency, and customer experience drive long-term success. 💡 What You’ll Learn • How Platinumlist evolved into MENA’s most trusted ticketing tech platform • The role of security, dynamic QR codes, and anti-scalping measures • Why a great user experience begins before the event • Strategies for scaling across culturally diverse countries • Cosmin’s leadership approach to change management and team building • The future of AI, blockchain, and Web3 in entertainment tech • Opportunities for startup founders in the MENA event ecosystem ⸻ 🔑 Key Takeaways • Tech alone isn’t enough— simplicity and trust are critical. • 85% drop in ticket fraud after adopting dynamic QR and bank-grade encryption. • Customer experience is an end-to-end journey, not a single touchpoint. • The GCC’s mobility and transparency offer a unique opportunity for entertainment startups. 👤 About the Guest Cosmin Ivan is the CEO of Platinumlist, the region’s leading event discovery and ticketing platform. With nearly two decades in the industry, Cosmin helped grow the company from a scrappy 3-person operation to a regional tech powerhouse operating across the GCC. He’s an advocate for customer-centric design, ethical reselling, and event tech innovation. https://platinumlist.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cosmin-ivan-38546582/ Episode Highlights 00:00 – Intro and welcome 02:00 – Cosmin’s journey from Europe to Platinumlist 06:00 – Defining a great event experience 10:00 – Leveraging tech to eliminate fraud and scalping 15:00 – Behind the scenes: Dynamic QR and secure ticketing 20:00 – Scaling Platinumlist across MENA 25:00 – Leading change and adapting to regional nuances 30:00 – The future of event tech: AI, Web3, crowd analytics 36:00 – What’s next for Platinumlist 39:00 – Advice for entertainment tech entrepreneurs in MENA 42:00 – Final thoughts on leadership and team culture…

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

1
#492 Building Human-First Products in the Age of AI: Eric Müller on Security, Trust, and Leadership 46:20

לפני 10 ימים46:20

46:20

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we sit down with Eric Müller , Product Engineering Associate Director at Work & Co, to unpack the evolving intersection of AI adoption , digital security , and empathetic leadership . With a career that spans cybersecurity, product architecture, and agency collaboration, Eric shares how to lead engineering teams through complexity without losing the human touch —especially in today’s AI-driven landscape. Whether you’re a founder, CTO, product leader, or advisor , this conversation is packed with practical insights and leadership wisdom 💡 What You’ll Learn • Why AI should augment , not replace, your dev team • The real risks of trusting LLM output blindly (including “slopjacking”) • How to balance speed and security in fast-paced product teams • The overlooked power of psychological safety in engineering culture • Why technical debt is just business debt —and how to manage it • Practical ways to communicate security to non-technical leaders • How to spot and mentor emerging engineering leaders ⸻ 🔑 Key Takeaways • AI is not a silver bullet. Use it to accelerate boilerplate and QA, but keep human oversight for anything mission-critical. • Security must start early. You can’t patch it in the final sprint—bake it into your culture from day one. • Empathy wins. In client work and internal leadership, understanding before advising changes everything. • Trust your inner voice. As a leader, self-trust is a vital compass—don’t let indecision erode confidence. 👤 About Eric Müller Eric Müller, is an Associate Director focusing on Product Engineering and Digital Security at Work & Co, part of Accenture Song, where leads engineering teams and supported automated processes to deliver high-quality digital products for the past decade. With over 20 years of experience in engineering and security, Eric has worked across various industries including banking, social media, B2B, retail, fashion, and online gaming. His extensive background includes significant roles at Wells Fargo Bank, Charles Schwab, Razorfish, and Mekanism, where he delivered award-winning projects for clients such as Microsoft, Business Wire, Anza, and Vibrant Planet. Eric fosters empathetic leadership and transparent communication to build resilient, high-performing tech teams. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericmullersf/ https://work.co/ Episode Highlights 00:00 – Intro & Eric’s journey from Gen X hacker to engineering leader 04:00 – AI adoption: Hype vs. Doomerism, and where the real value lies 07:00 – Finding the sweet spot for GenAI in engineering 10:00 – The tension between speed, usability, and secure code 12:30 – LLM risks: hallucinations, outdated data, slopjacking 15:30 – Explaining AI risk & security to non-technical executives 18:00 – Making clients feel heard: the “make them writer” mindset 22:00 – Coaching engineering teams through compromises and deadlines 29:00 – Psychological safety and what leaders get wrong 33:00 – Leading in a hybrid world: Slack, trust, and async culture 38:00 – Spotting and mentoring the next generation of leaders 41:00 – Why mentorship vs management books 44:00 – Final advice: Trust yourself, and trust your team…

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

1
#491 Scaling Engineering Teams for the AI Era: Insights from Mary Moore-Simmons 41:31

לפני 12 ימים41:31

41:31

In this episode, Mehmet Gonullu sits down with Mary Moore-Simmons , VP of Engineering at Keebo AI, to unpack what it really takes to scale high-performing engineering teams in today’s AI-powered environment. From DevOps and ML Ops to building team culture that lasts, Mary shares hard-won insights from over a decade in engineering leadership across startups and high-growth tech companies. This is a must-listen for founders, CTOs, and venture investors seeking clarity on where engineering, AI, and culture intersect. 🔑 Key Takeaways • The shift from traditional DevOps to ML Ops and its impact on team structure • Why data engineering is no longer optional, even for product-focused engineers • How to balance velocity with sustainable engineering culture • The real difference between a CTO and a VP of Engineering • Why culture must be owned—and modeled—by the CEO to scale • How Mary mentors future leaders through transparency and structure ⸻ 📘 What You’ll Learn • The traits Mary looks for when hiring for early-stage engineering teams • How to scope early features in a fast-moving startup environment • Strategies to shield your team from “firefighting” and maintain focus • The importance of infrastructure automation in the age of AI • Mary’s thoughts on whether company culture can truly scale 👤 About the Guest Mary Moore Simmons is the VP of Engineering at Keebo.ai, where she has been instrumental in shaping the company's innovative approach to data warehouse optimization. A seasoned engineering leader with 10+ years in software, her background includes Director of Engineering at Github and Zcash as well as VP of Engineering at AgentSync. She focuses on building high-performing teams that sustain a healthy culture and growth mindset. She is passionate about authentic and transparent leadership, and building a culture where people can bring their authentic selves to work, where DEIB is table stakes. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmooresimmons http://keebo.ai/ https://github.com/mmsthepizzathief Episode Highlights & Timestamps 00:01 – Mary’s journey: from chemical engineer to VP of Engineering 03:20 – What Keebo AI does and how they optimize Snowflake & Databricks 05:10 – The evolving intersection of software and data engineering 07:00 – Why Mary prioritizes hiring with data and ML experience 08:30 – DevOps, ML Ops, and keeping engineers happy and efficient 10:50 – The CTO vs VP of Engineering: What really separates the two 13:30 – Balancing velocity vs long-term stability in startup engineering 18:45 – How Mary shields her team from noise and burnout 22:00 – The traits Mary looks for when hiring 23:30 – Authentic and transparent leadership in practice 25:30 – Does culture scale? What Mary has seen work 28:30 – What goes wrong when companies scale too fast 33:00 – Coaching future leaders and creating career ladders 37:00 – Tools, books, and blog posts Mary recommends 38:00 – AI, automation, and what tech excites Mary today 40:00 – Where to connect with Mary…

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

1
#490 From Data to CTO: Keith Cassar’s Evolution in Tech Leadership 43:36

לפני 14 ימים43:36

43:36

In this episode of The CTO Show , Mehmet welcomes Keith Cassar , CTO at Game Lounge, who shares his journey from SQL developer to tech leader, and what it takes to evolve from a data specialist into a cross-functional CTO. Together, they explore how to make data genuinely useful, what AI can and can’t solve, and how to scale high-performing tech teams without overengineering. 📌 Key Takeaways • The shift from developer to data leader to CTO — and what changes at each level • Why availability, accuracy, and speed of data are key to data usability • How to turn raw data into decision-ready insights • Embracing AI for empowerment, not replacement • Building cross-functional, agile teams without overhiring • How to lead during crisis: the importance of being “first to know” • Leadership advice for aspiring CTOs — from imposter syndrome to team design ⸻ 📚 What You’ll Learn • How to structure data systems that support business decisions • Practical use cases of AI in affiliate marketing and tech operations • How to scale infrastructure with limited resources • The CTO’s evolving role in hybrid and remote work culture • Personalization as the next AI frontier 👤 About Keith Cassar Keith Cassar is the CTO of Game Lounge , an affiliate marketing company operating globally. With a strong background in data engineering, Keith previously held roles as Chief Data Officer and Head of Data. He began his career as a developer, later joining King (makers of Candy Crush) during its early growth. Now based in Malta, he focuses on bridging the gap between tech and business, using data and leadership to build resilient organizations. https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithcassar/ https://www.gamelounge.com/ Episode Highlights 00:00 – Introduction and Keith’s background 03:00 – Transitioning from data to CTO 07:00 – What “making data usable” really means 11:00 – Raw data to insight: The transformation journey 14:00 – Real-world AI applications and limitations 18:00 – Scaling infrastructure with limited resources 21:00 – AI in development teams: Productivity vs. replacement 25:00 – Frameworks for high-performing tech teams 28:00 – Remote culture and trust in hybrid environments 33:00 – Crisis leadership and data observability 37:00 – Trends in personalization and AI 39:00 – Advice for aspiring CTOs and tech leaders 42:00 – Final thoughts + where to find Keith…

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

1
#489 Why Silicon Valley Still Wins: Dr. Andrey Kunov on What Emerging Markets Miss 1:02:56

לפני 17 ימים1:02:56

1:02:56

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , Dr. Andrey Kunov — serial entrepreneur, founder of Silicon Valley Innovation Center, and AI advisor — joins us from the heart of Silicon Valley to dissect what truly makes the Valley unbeatable. We explore why other ecosystems struggle to replicate it, what founders in emerging markets should focus on instead, and how AI is reshaping the rules of startup creation and capital. 🧠 What You’ll Learn • Why disruption doesn’t start with capital — it starts with conviction • The real reason Silicon Valley can’t be copied • How AI agents will reshape startup teams (and reduce early hiring needs) • Why execution matters more than knowledge in today’s innovation economy • How emerging hubs can build their own innovation flywheel • Why venture capital isn’t always a blessing — and when to delay raising ⸻ ✨ Key Takeaways • Disruption = growth without profit : Startups win by operating in uncertain markets large companies avoid. • Execution is the differentiator : Ideas are common — what matters is putting them into motion, despite risk. • AI is shifting the capital equation : Solo founders can now build with fewer resources by deploying intelligent agents. • Silicon Valley’s edge lies in compounding effects : Talent, capital, IP protection, early adopters, and open markets fuel each other. • Emerging markets should stop copying and start localizing innovation using their own unfair advantages. 🎙️ About the Guest Dr. Andrey Kunov is the founder of Brio Link and Silicon Valley Innovation Center (SVIC) , with over two decades of experience in innovation, AI, and technology adoption. At Brio Link, he develops fully automated, AI-powered marketing solutions for enterprises. Through SVIC, he has helped global corporations and governments accelerate innovation by connecting them with Silicon Valley’s ecosystem of startups, R&D labs, and venture capital. His clients include Toyota, ExxonMobil, Deutsche Bank, and SAP. A Stanford Ph.D. holder, Dr. Kunov specializes in generative AI, automation, and bridging Silicon Valley with global markets. https://briolink.com/ https://svicenter.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kunov/ Episode Highlights & Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction and Dr. Kunov’s journey from Kazakhstan to Stanford 04:30 – Common thread between science, startups, and execution 07:50 – Defining real technological disruption 13:10 – Why large companies can’t build disruptive products 18:00 – How Google and Amazon became monopolies without being first 22:30 – Execution vs. knowledge in the age of abundant AI 28:10 – How Silicon Valley Innovation Center helps global founders 34:00 – Startup scouting and strategic acquisitions for corporates 38:45 – Why no one can replicate Silicon Valley 47:30 – Advice for emerging markets: build your own version, don’t copy 53:00 – The rise of AI agents and how founders should use them 58:00 – Sam Altman, superintelligence, and the path to post-VC innovation 1:00:00 – Final thoughts and where to find Dr. Kunov online…

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

1
#488 The Inside-Out Entrepreneur: Mohamed Ahmed on Startup Mindset and Emotional Readiness 1:03:27

לפני 19 ימים1:03:27

1:03:27

In this episode, host Mehmet Gonullu sits down with Mohamed Ahmed , an engineer-turned-founder and author of The Inside-Out Entrepreneur . Together, they unpack the mental, emotional, and strategic conditioning required for engineers to become successful startup founders. From navigating early-stage chaos to managing the emotional rollercoaster of startup life, Mohamed offers frameworks, stories, and tools that every founder needs to hear. 🎯 Key Takeaways • Why building a business is radically different from building a product • How emotional resilience and mental robustness can make or break your startup • The difference between mentors, advisors, and the right kind of friends • Fundraising reality checks: what first-time founders often get wrong • How to avoid “startup identity crisis” and separate your self-worth from your venture • Tactical tips for expanding your founder support system and filtering noise ⸻ 🎓 What You’ll Learn • A practical mindset framework to prepare for the ups and downs of entrepreneurship • How to validate your idea without getting stuck in tech hype • The role of storytelling, support systems, and self-awareness in founder success • How to build real VC relationships without falling into transactional traps ⸻ ⏱️ Episode Highlights & Timestamps 00:00 – Intro and Mohamed’s journey from Egypt to AWS to entrepreneurship 03:00 – Why engineers often misunderstand what it takes to build a business 06:00 – Emotional resilience: the invisible edge founders need 14:00 – Fundraising psychology and how to avoid burnout from rejections 19:00 – The support system: mentors, family, friends, and the role they each play 28:00 – Filtering noise: how to avoid time-wasters and empty advice 36:00 – How Mohamed overcame a failed acquisition hours before signing 44:00 – Fundraising done right: how to build investor trust before the ask 47:00 – Talking tech vs. solving problems: building the right narrative 52:00 – What “Boundless Founder” means and how Mohamed is giving back 👤 About Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed is an AI infrastructure leader, entrepreneur, and author of The Inside-Out Entrepreneur . He has built and scaled AI-driven ventures across startups and Fortune 1000 companies, with leadership roles at Intel, Amazon, and Microsoft. As the founder of Boundless Founder , he helps technical founders develop the mental resilience and strategic clarity needed to scale high-growth businesses. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamedfahmed/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Inside-Out-Entrepreneur-Become-entrepreneur-were/dp/B0DN25TW7H ⏱️ Episode Highlights & Timestamps 00:00 – Intro and Mohamed’s journey from Egypt to AWS to entrepreneurship 03:00 – Why engineers often misunderstand what it takes to build a business 06:00 – Emotional resilience: the invisible edge founders need 14:00 – Fundraising psychology and how to avoid burnout from rejections 19:00 – The support system: mentors, family, friends, and the role they each play 28:00 – Filtering noise: how to avoid time-wasters and empty advice 36:00 – How Mohamed overcame a failed acquisition hours before signing 44:00 – Fundraising done right: how to build investor trust before the ask 47:00 – Talking tech vs. solving problems: building the right narrative 52:00 – What “Boundless Founder” means and how Mohamed is giving back…

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

1
#487 From Dream to Done: Cheryl Cunningham on Creating the Agentic OS for Solopreneurs 46:14

לפני 21 ימים46:14

46:14

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we sit down with Cheryl Cunningham , CEO of Huro AI , to explore how agentic AI is reshaping entrepreneurship as we know it. From her early days in the food industry to building a quantum-informed AI company, Cheryl shares the journey behind Huro’s mission: enabling solopreneurs and SMBs to go from vision to execution with a single personalized operating system. Whether you’re a future founder, tech leader, or just AI-curious — this is an unmissable conversation about agency, survival, and the future of work. 🔑 Key Takeaways • Why the solopreneur economy is growing — and how AI will fuel it • How Huro’s AI agent “Gabby” acts like your personal COO • The importance of hyper-personalization in future AI systems • Cheryl’s perspective on quantum-inspired AI and sustainability • Why entrepreneurship is no longer optional — it’s a survival skill ⸻ 🎓 What You’ll Learn • How agentic AI can turn a non-technical founder into a one-person startup • The mindset shift from tools-in-buckets to full-stack execution engines • The role of empathy and personal context in the AI-human loop • Real talk on how and when AI might really replace traditional jobs • What Cheryl learned by moving from service entrepreneur to tech founder ⸻ 👤 About Cheryl Cunningham Cheryl Cunningham is the CEO and founder of Huro AI , a company building a hyper-personalized, agentic operating system designed to help everyday entrepreneurs execute their vision—without needing to be tech experts. With a background spanning food service to frontier AI, she brings a fresh, grounded approach to what it means to build tools for the builder. https://www.huroai.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cherylecunningham/ Episode Highlights [00:04:30] Cheryl’s first vision of Huro AI: A way to protect humanity from AI job loss [00:07:10] Why siloed tools are failing new entrepreneurs [00:09:30] The birth of Gabby: A hyper-personalized AI COO [00:14:00] Human uniqueness as the “source code” for agentic agents [00:20:30] Lessons from the food industry: Distribution is everything [00:23:00] Quantum-level AI thinking: Feasible without quantum chips? [00:35:00] Why we’re entering a “forced entrepreneurship” era [00:40:00] A message to the non-technical dreamers: You won’t be left behind…

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

1
#486 The Brave Leap: Michael Cutajar on Automating Accounting with AI Agents & Building with Purpose 40:38

לפני 24 ימים40:38

40:38

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we sit down with Michael Cutajar , CEO of AI Partners, who’s on a mission to fix the broken world of accounting through the power of AI agents. From his early days as a PwC accountant in Malta to founding multiple startups—including a VR venture and now an AI-driven automation company—Michael shares what it takes to go from employee to entrepreneur, how to close six-figure enterprise deals, and why cultural resistance to failure is holding regions like Europe and MENA back. 🎯 What You’ll Learn • Why the accounting industry is broken—and how AI agents can fix it • How to sell automation without triggering fear of job loss • Michael’s approach to closing large deals through trust and patience • Why he traveled to Silicon Valley to build founder confidence • How to reframe failure as feedback • The hidden importance of storytelling in tech entrepreneurship • Why personal touch still matters in a world of AI ⸻ 🧠 Key Takeaways • “Build for free to earn trust” can break through even the most skeptical industries • Defensibility in AI isn’t just about code—it’s about context, geography, and relationships • Europe’s fear of failure is cultural, not intellectual—founders need a new narrative • The future of junior roles in accounting (and tech) is advisory, not operational 👤 About the Guest Michael Cutajar is the founder and CEO of AI Partners , a startup creating AI agents tailored for finance and accounting workflows. A qualified accountant turned tech entrepreneur, Michael is passionate about solving real-world problems with automation and building in public with a practical, test-first mindset. https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelcutajar/ https://www.ai-partners.ai/ 🕒 Episode Highlights (Timestamps) 00:00 – Intro & Michael’s background 02:30 – From accounting to entrepreneurship 04:45 – Spotting opportunities in AI automation 06:15 – Why accounting is a broken industry 07:40 – Real-world impact of AI agents (150% efficiency gains) 09:30 – Selling automation without triggering fear 11:00 – Lessons from closing six-figure enterprise deals 13:00 – Playing with pricing models in an evolving AI economy 14:50 – Can Big Tech kill your AI startup? 16:30 – Will AI make purchasing decisions? 17:30 – Are junior accounting jobs disappearing? 19:00 – How Michael built confidence through pitching 20:30 – Going to Silicon Valley for real-world feedback 22:00 – Why failure is taboo in Europe and MENA 26:30 – How to change a risk-averse culture 29:00 – Why schools need entrepreneurship education 31:00 – AI Partners’ roadmap and UK expansion 32:00 – The truth about “one-person unicorns” 37:00 – Final thoughts: Learn, test, and take the leap…

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

1
#485 Scaling Starts with People: Nahed Khairallah on Building Teams That Don’t Break 1:02:38

לפני 26 ימים1:02:38

1:02:38

Mehmet sits down with Nahed Khairallah , founder of Organized Chaos , to discuss why startups that reach initial traction often stall or fail due to people-related blind spots. With experience advising over 150 startups globally, Nahed unpacks the tactical, cultural, and strategic layers of building scalable teams that last. 🔑 Key Takeaways • 🚫 The real reason startups fail after product-market fit isn’t product—it’s people decisions • 🧠 Why founders struggle to let go—and how that bottlenecks growth • 🔍 The myth of culture as an “HR responsibility” and how to fix it • 🌍 When (and how) to scale internationally from a headcount perspective • 🔄 Burnout, layoffs, and the hidden cost of poor hiring processes • 💡 Why copying big company playbooks kills early-stage startups • 🤖 How AI is changing HR infrastructure—and where the tech is still falling short ⸻ 📚 What You’ll Learn • How to plan headcount like a growth-stage founder, not a first-time operator • Tactics to avoid operational debt from misaligned hires • The early signals that your startup culture is breaking • Frameworks for HR as a business enabler, not a cost center 👤 About Nahed Khairallah Nahed is a relentless advocate for the extraordinary potential of fast-growing startups. For over a decade, he has built a track record of transforming 7-figure companies into 9-figure powerhouses by turning HR into rocket fuel for their growth. His journey in scaling startups has been an exhilarating global expedition, taking him across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. This experience has enriched his perspective on what it truly means to drive hyper-growth on a global scale and across cultures. https://www.linkedin.com/in/khairallahnahed https://organizedchaos.fyi/ Episode Highlights & Timestamps 00:00 – Intro and why people ops is often overlooked 01:30 – Nahed’s journey: from IT to HR for startups 05:15 – Common people mistakes when startups start scaling 10:05 – Hiring for short-term needs vs long-term adaptability 14:10 – When is a startup really ready to scale globally? 20:00 – Why founders must stop treating HR as admin overhead 26:00 – A real example of cutting $500K in hiring costs 29:40 – Why startup culture breaks after 50+ employees 35:00 – Burnout, silent resignations, and founder blind spots 44:20 – Layoffs as a symptom of bad planning 48:00 – Using AI in HR: what’s working and what’s not 56:00 – Nahed’s podcast, newsletter, and startup HR course…

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

1
#484 The CTO as Orchestrator: Naga Vadrevu on Leading Tech with First Principles 42:33

לפני 28 ימים42:33

42:33

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , Naga Vadrevu, Chief Technology Officer at Wonderschool and former engineering leader at Square, Adobe, and Autodesk, shares his journey from big tech to startup disruption. Naga dives deep into how he applies AI and machine learning to revolutionize childcare access in the U.S., and why modern CTOs must evolve from coders to orchestrators. He also reflects on the tough decisions leadership demands, including disbanding QA teams and embracing lean, impact-focused engineering. 🔑 Key Takeaways • Why CTOs today must focus on customer outcomes , not just technical execution • How AI is reshaping industries with human-centric applications • The jobs-to-be-done mindset that shaped Square’s success • Lessons from shutting down a QA department in favor of full automation • The future of lean engineering teams and the end of unnecessary hierarchy • Thoughts on MCP, API design, and the orchestration layer of modern platforms ⸻ 💡 What You’ll Learn • How to lead tech teams with purpose and clarity • What it takes to align engineering with business goals • First-hand insights into AI implementation in non-technical industries • Why understanding “first principles” can give you a competitive edge • Tips for future CTOs and first-time startup tech leaders 👤 About Naga Vadrevu Naga is the CTO of Wonderschool, a platform transforming early childhood education through tech. With 15+ years in Silicon Valley, his experience spans enterprise giants like Adobe and Square to fast-scaling startups. Naga is passionate about using technology to solve human problems—and doing it with first-principles thinking. https://www.wonderschool.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/naga-ravi-vadrevu-8b142521/ Episode Highlights ⏱️ [00:02:00] Naga’s journey from India to Silicon Valley ⏱️ [00:03:00] Applying AI-driven pricing in childcare ⏱️ [00:05:00] Matching parents and childcare providers with tech ⏱️ [00:09:00] Learning the business: Lessons from Square and “Jobs To Be Done” ⏱️ [00:14:00] Thoughts on mass layoffs and the evolving role of engineers ⏱️ [00:21:00] Lean teams and the new standard for Series A+ readiness ⏱️ [00:26:00] Deterministic APIs vs non-deterministic agents ⏱️ [00:30:00] Shutting down QA and retraining engineers ⏱️ [00:34:00] Advice for aspiring CTOs: Think like a business owner…

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

1
#483 Bootstrapping in Motion: Nelson Nigel’s Blueprint from Yellow Cab to Kidmoto 35:14

לפני 4 weeks35:14

35:14

In this episode, Mehmet Gonullu sits down with Nelson Nigel , the founder of Kidmoto , a ride-hailing service designed specifically for families traveling with young children. From driving a yellow cab in New York to building a tech-enabled transportation service operating in 64+ cities , Nelson shares how he bootstrapped his company past $1M in revenue—without external funding, without a co-founder, and without chasing VC hype. It’s a raw, refreshing look at building a real business in a noisy tech world. 🔑 Key Takeaways • Why Nelson chose to bootstrap instead of raising funding—and what it really takes • How being a yellow cab driver helped him identify the market gap • The power of a 400-page business plan as a startup GPS • Why focusing on operations, not investors, led to lasting traction • How Kidmoto scaled to 64 cities by owning its niche • His framework for leadership: “The path to greatness is along with others.” ⸻ 📘 What You’ll Learn • The realities of bootstrapping in a competitive market • How to validate product-market fit from first-hand customer pain • When not to chase investors—and how to stay grounded instead • The mindset it takes to turn operational grit into strategic scale • How humility and focus build trust in high-stakes services 👤 About Nelson Nigel Nelson Nigel, the resilient Founder and CEO of Moto Nation, transformed a personal challenge into a thriving business. In 2016, as an Uber driver, he observed the absence of child car seats in taxis and car services, leaving parents in a vulnerable position. Recognizing the gap in the market left by Uber and Lyft, Nelson developed a mobile app to offer a convenient and safe solution for parents traveling with small children, particularly to and from airports. https://www.linkedin.com/in/nelsonnigel/ https://kidmoto.taxi/ Episode Highlights (Chapters) 00:00 – Intro and Nelson’s journey 03:00 – Spotting the market gap for Kidmoto 05:00 – Bootstrapping vs. fundraising: The decision 08:00 – Creating a 400-page business plan 11:00 – Product-market fit from real-world taxi insights 14:00 – Competing with Uber and Lyft? “I run my race” 17:00 – Scaling to 64 cities and $1M+ in revenue 20:00 – How Nelson would approach investors today 22:00 – Leadership philosophy and culture at Kidmoto 26:00 – Staying grounded through adversity 28:00 – What’s next: MotoNation and healthcare logistics 31:00 – Kidmoto’s use of AI and future outlook 33:00 – Final thoughts and Nelson’s advice for founders…

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

1
#482 The Browser Is the New Battleground: John Carse on Securing the Modern Endpoint 49:37

לפני 5 weeks49:37

49:37

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we’re joined by John Carse , Field CISO at SquareX , to explore a fast-emerging shift in cybersecurity: the browser as the new endpoint. John shares why traditional tools like EDR and CASB are no longer sufficient, how modern threats are bypassing enterprise defenses, and what CISOs need to prioritize in a SaaS-first, GenAI-driven world. With decades of leadership across Dyson, Rakuten, Expedia, and the U.S. Navy, John brings both a practitioner’s lens and a future-forward vision to security. 💡 What You’ll Learn • Why the browser is now the most targeted endpoint • How unsanctioned SaaS apps increase attack surface • The growing importance of browser-based detection and response • Where AI is accelerating both attackers and defenders • Practical advice for CISOs prioritizing browser security today ⸻ 🔑 Key Takeaways • Over 60% of cyberattacks now begin in the browser. • Legacy tools like EDR, CASB, and DLP often miss context at the browser layer. • Browser extensions can now enforce enterprise-grade policies with minimal user friction. • AI is a dual-edged sword —accelerating threats but also helping defenders respond faster. • SquareX helps convert any browser into a secure enterprise environment with deep visibility, policy control, and threat mitigation. 👤 About the Guest John Carse is Field CISO at SquareX, a browser security company redefining how enterprises protect their workforce. He previously served as Global CISO at Dyson and Rakuten, and led security operations at JP Morgan Chase and Expedia. John blends deep hands-on expertise with strategic insight into emerging threat landscapes and CISO priorities. https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncarse/ https://www.securityweek.com/industry-moves/feb-24-2025/ https://sqrx.com/ Episode Highlights [00:03:00] – What is a Field CISO and John’s role [00:06:00] – Why the browser has quietly become the new endpoint [00:10:00] – How detection and response works inside the browser [00:18:00] – The real threats: browser-based social engineering, sync jacking, and polymorphic extensions [00:24:00] – Why EDR and SASE tools are not enough [00:32:00] – Balancing security and user experience in browser-based defense [00:40:00] – What excites John about the future of browser security and GenAI…

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

1
#481 Go-to-Market Clarity in a Noisy World: Jan van Schuppen’s GTM Wisdom 45:22

לפני 5 weeks45:22

45:22

In this episode, Mehmet sits down with Jan van Schuppen , a seasoned sales entrepreneur and founder of Ideas in Spades , who has led global B2B sales teams for over 30 years. They explore the biggest myths in go-to-market (GTM) strategy, the traps of founder-led content, how to balance automation with authenticity, and why selling before building is often the smartest startup move. Whether you’re a founder looking for early traction or a tech leader rethinking your sales stack in the age of AI, this conversation cuts through the noise and delivers timeless, actionable GTM wisdom. 🧩 Key Takeaways: • Why “sell first, build later” works in B2B SaaS • The founder-as-content-creator myth—and what to do instead • How AI tools and digital avatars can boost outreach and sales trust • Why startups need fewer followers—and more qualified conversations • How to train sales teams to blend automation with authenticity • The future of sales in an AI-driven market (from both seller and buyer sides) ⸻ 🎓 What You’ll Learn: • How to map out your GTM motion before product is finished • Ways to convert your network into test users and early buyers • How to avoid “spray-and-pray” tactics that waste founder time • The 5/95 method for using AI in sales without losing your voice • How to create trust-based outreach without overthinking algorithms 👤 About the Guest: Jan van Schuppen is a sales strategist and founder of Ideas in Spades . After exiting his last company, Jan began helping founders accelerate their path to revenue through hands-on coaching and AI-powered digital sales solutions—including avatar-based training. He also partners with leading AI video platform HeyGen as a creative and enterprise sales advisor. https://www.linkedin.com/in/janvanschuppen/ https://ideasinspades.com/ 🔍 Episode Highlights: [00:02:00] – What it means to be a “sales entrepreneur” [00:04:00] – The one sales principle that never changes [00:08:00] – How Jan coaches founders to unlock early revenue [00:10:00] – Why founders don’t need to be content creators—but must be visible [00:17:00] – The power of founder-led pilots and early feedback loops [00:21:00] – AI outreach vs. authenticity: Jan’s 5/95 framework [00:26:00] – Using digital avatars in sales follow-ups and proposals [00:31:00] – How to build an audience without chasing algorithms [00:36:00] – What AI means for future sales teams—and how to stay relevant…

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The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu « » #441 From Struggles to Success: How Founders Can Optimize Tech Teams with Vygandas Pliasas

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The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About

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The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu « »
#441 From Struggles to Success: How Founders Can Optimize Tech Teams with Vygandas Pliasas