The CTO Show with Mehmet Introduction

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

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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.

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The 3 N’s - Negotiation, Networking & No with Kathryn Valentine | 327 37:43

לפני 5 weeks37:43

הפעל מאוחר יותר

רשימות

לייק

אהבתי

37:43

Let’s talk about the three things women are told not to do: negotiate, network unapologetically, and say no like we mean it. Most of us have been programmed to default to yes—to the point that we feel guilty saying no, even when it’s the most obvious answer. And when we do say no? We often soften it, explain it away, and sugarcoat it so much that it barely sounds like a no at all. Kathryn Valentine—CEO of Worthmore Strategies and corporate badass helping companies retain and promote female talent—is here to flip that script. With experience advising Fortune 100s and dropping knowledge in places like HBR and Fast Company, Kathryn knows exactly how women can claim their worth, own their voice, and not feel bad about it. From salary talks to schedule shifts, from asking for more to turning down what doesn’t serve you, this episode is your reminder: your power doesn't come from being liked. It comes from knowing what matters and having the guts to go after it. Kathryn even drops her epic list of 76 things you can negotiate (yes, SEVENTY-SIX). So if you've ever softened your no or stayed silent in a meeting, this one’s for you. Connect with Kathryn: Website: www.worthmorestrategies.com 76 Things You Can Negotiate: www.76things.com Related Podcast Episodes: The Hard Truths Of Entrepreneurship with Dr. Darnyelle Jervey Harmon | 313 Toxic Productivity with Israa Nasir | 254 Be A Likeable Badass with Alison Fragale | 230 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

לפני 3 שנים 0:57

MP3•בית הפרקים

This is a introduction of the CTO Show with Mehmet Podcast

506 פרקים

#Entrepreneur #Business #Mehmet Gonullu

The CTO Show with Mehmet Introduction

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

published לפני 3 שנים

שתפו

MP3•בית הפרקים

This is a introduction of the CTO Show with Mehmet Podcast

506 פרקים

#Entrepreneur #Business #Mehmet Gonullu

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#507 Telehealth, AI, and Growth: Corey Hart’s Playbook for Mental Health Startups 51:18

לפני יומיים51:18

51:18

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , I sit down with Corey Hart , Senior Director of Growth at Mentavi Health . Corey shares his journey from the entertainment industry to scaling telehealth and mental health startups, his lessons from driving 800% growth in behavioral health, and how AI-driven personalization (“B2Me”) is reshaping healthcare marketing and patient care. We also dive into the Midwest startup ecosystem , the importance of community building through Startup Grind, and why startups must return to first principles when crafting go-to-market strategies. 🔑 Key Takeaways • Telehealth’s Transformation : How COVID-19 accelerated adoption and normalized mental health care globally. • The Mentavi Innovation : Decoupling diagnosis from treatment to reduce costs and increase accessibility. • AI in Healthcare Marketing : Why “B2Me” personalization is becoming the new standard. • Growth Lessons : Why many founders give up on successful tactics too early. • Midwest Advantage : Strong margins, undervalued startups, and overlooked innovation outside Silicon Valley. • Community Matters : How Startup Grind’s ethos of “give before you take” creates real impact. ⸻ 📚 What You’ll Learn • Why mental health startups need purpose and curiosity to succeed • How to scale healthcare services while navigating regulation and compliance • The difference between AI as a tool vs. AI as a crutch in GTM strategy • Why founders must think in first principles rather than copying playbooks • How innovation is thriving in the Midwest — and why investors should pay attention 👤 About Corey Hart Corey Hart is the Senior Director of Growth at Mentavi Health , a pioneering telehealth company specializing in ADHD diagnosis and mental health services. He previously scaled a behavioral health startup by 800% and led large-scale public sector initiatives in New York. Corey also teaches Business 101 at a local university, runs the Grand Rapids chapter of Startup Grind, and was named Global Chapter Director of the Year (2021) . https://www.coreythehart.com/ https://mentavi.com/ Episode Highlights 00:00 – Introduction and Corey’s background 04:30 – Why he pivoted from entertainment to healthcare 07:30 – The core innovation behind Mentavi Health 11:00 – Telehealth adoption post-COVID 18:00 – Healthcare marketing philosophy & personalization (“B2Me”) 23:00 – Using AI in GTM the right way vs. “spray and pray” 29:00 – The most misunderstood growth lever in startups 36:00 – What makes a healthcare startup investible in 2025 38:30 – Why the Midwest is an underestimated startup hub 44:00 – Building global communities through Startup Grind 47:00 – The power of human connection and giving back…

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#506 Ship Fast, Stay Secure: Elipaz Tanzman on Uniting Developers and Security Teams 38:25

לפני 5 ימים38:25

38:25

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , I’m joined by Elipaz Tanzman , Co-Founder and CEO of Cygnostic . Elipaz brings a wealth of experience from his early career as a cybersecurity officer in the Navy to leading innovative solutions in application, AI/ML, and cloud security. We explore how organizations can break the long-standing tension between R&D and security teams, building a partnership that allows products to ship quickly without compromising on safety — even in the rapidly evolving age of AI. From integrating security into developers’ native workflows to preparing for the next wave of AI-driven threats, this conversation is packed with actionable advice for CTOs, CISOs, and startup founders alike. Key Takeaways • Why R&D and security teams often clash — and how to make them BFFs . • How to integrate security seamlessly into the development lifecycle. • The top cybersecurity threats in 2025, from ransomware to AI risks. • Best practices for using AI in software development without exposing sensitive data. • Why startups must prioritize security from day one. • Building ROI for application security investments with developer training and the right tools. • The role of security champions in fostering a culture of secure coding. ⸻ What You’ll Learn • How to identify and prioritize security risks in your organization. • Steps to avoid slowing down product delivery while enhancing security. • Practical tips for securing AI-assisted coding environments. • The evolving landscape of security regulations and standards for AI. • Business case strategies that win executive buy-in for security initiatives. About the Guest Elipaz Tanzman is the Co-Founder and CEO of Cygnostic, specializing in application security, AI/ML security, and cloud security. He serves on the Azure International Committee for ISO 27001, bringing a global perspective on security standards. His mission is to harmonize development speed with robust security practices across industries. https://cygnostic.io/ https://boldpmm.com/elipaz-tanzman/ Episode Highlights [00:01:00] Elipaz’s journey from Navy cybersecurity officer to Cygnostic CEO. [00:03:00] The current top threats in cybersecurity and their financial drivers. [00:06:00] Making R&D and security “best friends forever.” [00:09:00] Does secure development slow down product delivery? [00:10:00] Risks of AI-assisted coding and best practices for safe adoption. [00:14:00] Why startups need security from day one. [00:18:00] Where CISOs should start when building their DevSecOps stack. [00:22:00] AI regulations, ISO standards, and the need for security governance. [00:27:00] Showing ROI for application security programs. [00:31:00] The next wave of threats and the role of AI in security’s future. [00:33:00] Advice for students and career changers entering cybersecurity.…

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#505 From VC to Education Disruptor: Ted Dintersmith on Fixing Math, Schools, and Our Mindset for the AI Era 1:09:23

לפני 7 ימים1:09:23

1:09:23

What if our education system is training students for jobs that no longer exist? In this eye-opening conversation, bestselling author, film producer, and former venture capitalist Ted Dintersmith shares why decades of math education have missed the mark — and what we must teach instead to prepare for the AI-driven future. From his years in venture capital spotting disruptive innovation to his current mission as an education reformer, Ted reveals why rote memorization and high-stakes testing are holding us back, how AI changes what skills matter, and why creativity, decision-making, and real-world math will be the new competitive edge. Whether you’re a founder, tech leader, parent, or investor, this episode will challenge your assumptions about what it really means to be future-ready. Key Takeaways • Why most high school math has little real-world relevance — and what to teach instead. • How AI changes the equation for human skills and employability. • Why decision-making and risk assessment should be core to every student’s education. • The hidden cost of high-stakes testing and standardized curricula. • How to reconnect students (and adults) with curiosity and creativity. ⸻ What You’ll Learn • The wrong math we’ve been teaching for decades — and why it’s stuck in the curriculum. • How venture capital insights shaped Ted’s view on education reform. • Practical ways to make math and problem-solving relevant in any career. • The link between AI, workforce disruption, and the urgent need for new learning models. • Why embracing unconventional career paths may be the best preparation for the future. About Ted Dintersmith Ted Dintersmith is a former partner at Charles River Ventures, named by Business 2.0 as one of the top U.S. venture capitalists. Today, he’s a leading voice in education transformation, focusing on aligning school priorities with the skills and mindsets needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world. He’s the author of multiple books, producer of the Sundance-premiered documentary Most Likely to Succeed, and a sought-after speaker on the future of learning. Ted is consumed with issues at the intersection of education, innovation, and democracy. His films, books, keynotes, and philanthropy focus on the urgency of reimagining school to keep pace with the tsunami of innovation reshaping society. He is the founder of WhatSchoolCouldBe.org, a non-profit organization catalyzing progress in schools, districts, and states across America, and in countries around the globe. https://www.teddintersmith.com/most-likely-to-succeed https://www.teddintersmith.com/about-ted https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-dintersmith-0211985a/ https://wscbpodcast.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rvhb9aoyeZs https://www.ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_do_schools_kill_creativity Episode Highlights [00:02:00] Ted’s journey from Stanford PhD to startup, VC, and now education advocate [00:04:30] The “Where’s Waldo” test of high school math — and why most adults fail [00:09:00] Why AI makes rote math skills obsolete [00:15:00] The case for teaching estimation, prediction, and optimization [00:21:00] AI’s exponential growth and its implications for human advantage [00:29:00] How Finland restructured its education system — and what we can learn [00:34:00] Understanding risk and decision-making — the missing life skill [00:43:00] Why creativity is the most valuable skill schools should protect [00:48:00] Multiple Choice — Ted’s upcoming documentary on integrating career and academics [01:00:00] The venture capital lesson: the best ideas often face the most resistance…

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#504 How Lars Maaløe is Redefining Trust, Accuracy, and Speed in Healthcare AI 44:49

לפני 9 ימים44:49

44:49

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , I sit down with Lars Maaløe , Co-Founder and CTO of Corti.ai , to explore how AI is transforming healthcare. From explainability and compliance to building scalable AI infrastructure, Lars shares his journey from researching generative models to delivering life-changing technology for clinicians and patients worldwide. We unpack the challenges of deploying AI in one of the most highly regulated industries, the importance of trust in AI-assisted decision-making, and why the future belongs to specialized models that combine accuracy, speed, and transparency. Key Takeaways • Explainability matters — why transparency in AI predictions is non-negotiable in healthcare. • From research to reality — how generative AI evolved into mission-critical medical tools. • Compliance as a competitive advantage — meeting and exceeding HIPAA, GDPR, and other regulatory standards. • Scaling responsibly — designing APIs and infrastructure that empower startups and incumbents alike. • Specialized vs. general models — why domain-specific AI will outperform general-purpose LLMs in clinical settings. ⸻ What You’ll Learn • The mindset shift needed to move AI pilots into full-scale production in healthcare. • How uncertainty quantification can make AI safer and more reliable. • Trends in healthtech startups, from ambient scribes to autonomous patient intake agents. • The role of sovereign cloud deployments in protecting patient data. • Why the next AI breakthroughs will come from self-supervised learning. About Lars Maaløe About Lars Maaløe Lars Maaløe is a machine learning researcher turned healthtech entrepreneur, with a PhD in generative models long before they became mainstream. As CTO of Corti.ai, he leads the development of AI infrastructure that powers real-time decision support for healthcare providers globally — from ambient clinical documentation to patient triage and diagnostic assistance. https://www.corti.ai https://www.linkedin.com/in/larsmaaloe/ Episode Highlights 00:00 — Introduction & guest background 02:15 — The early days of generative AI research 06:05 — Why explainability is mission-critical in healthcare 09:50 — Accuracy, performance, and real-world deployment challenges 14:00 — Navigating healthcare regulations globally 18:20 — Startup trends in healthtech and AI 23:00 — Mindset shifts for rapid AI adoption in healthcare 26:10 — Readiness challenges beyond the tech stack 30:00 — Building AI agents for clinical use cases 32:00 — Sovereign cloud vs. public cloud in healthcare AI 34:00 — AI breakthroughs and the path to trustworthy reasoning 41:00 — Why specialized models outperform general-purpose AI in medicine 43:00 — Final thoughts & how to connect with Lars…

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#503 From Data to Differentiation: Ron Green on Building Real AI in the Enterprise 49:06

לפני 14 ימים49:06

49:06

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we dive deep with Ron Green , CTO of Kungfu.ai , a veteran AI engineer and serial entrepreneur who’s built 9 startups and deployed 120+ enterprise-grade AI systems. Ron shares how to go beyond AI hype , build custom AI that works, and unlock real ROI using the data you already have. 💡 What You’ll Learn • Why bottom-up AI initiatives often outperform boardroom mandates • How to build production-grade AI using your enterprise’s proprietary data • Why agentic AI and emergent reasoning are the next major frontier • How startups can avoid the AI label trap and build real defensibility • A practical 4-phase framework for AI adoption: from data assessment to deployment • The surprising industries where AI is already transforming operations—from agriculture to finance ⸻ 🔑 Key Takeaways • Enterprise AI success starts with use-case clarity and data readiness , not “just build me some AI.” • Agentic AI is coming fast , but businesses must balance autonomy with human-in-the-loop safety. • Proprietary data remains the strongest moat —not who owns the model, but who owns the insights. • Startups should be AI-native , but they must ground ambitions in execution, not aspiration. ⸻ 👤 About the Guest Ron Green is the Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at KUNGFU. AI, the leading AI management consultancy and engineering firm. He is a sought-after speaker, thought leader, and podcast host who has spent more than 20 years in artificial intelligence. Ron has successfully launched and led several tech ventures, including Thrive Technologies, Ziften Technologies, and Powered. At KUNGFU.AI, Ron leads the development of AI solutions for clients across multiple industries. He holds a Master’s degree in Evolutionary and Adaptive Systems from the University of Sussex and a Bachelor’s in Computer Science from The University of Texas. https://www.linkedin.com/in/rongreen/ https://www.kungfu.ai/ ⏱️ Episode Highlights & Timestamps • 00:55 – Ron Green’s background in AI since the Clinton era • 03:10 – Why Kungfu.ai focuses on strategy before solutions • 07:50 – Data readiness: where companies still struggle • 09:15 – Top-down vs. bottom-up AI adoption • 14:00 – How Kungfu.ai approaches human-in-the-loop AI • 18:00 – What’s next after generative AI: agentic AI and emergent reasoning • 22:30 – How startups can harness AI without overhyping • 27:00 – A 4-phase blueprint for building production-grade AI • 33:00 – Why every startup needs a real ML engineer now • 43:00 – What really differentiates companies in the AI era: data, not infrastructure • 47:00 – Ron’s final thoughts and where to connect…

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#502 How Data Is Reshaping Venture Capital: AlphaSemantic’s Vision with Cyril Shtabtsovsky 52:20

לפני 16 ימים52:20

52:20

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we dive deep into the future of venture capital with Cyril Shtabtsovsky , founder of AlphaSemantic and a practicing VC. Cyril shares how his data-driven platform helps venture firms source, score, and connect with high-potential startups — using proprietary algorithms and machine learning to augment traditional VC workflows. From the role of AI in deal sourcing to venture arbitrage between US and MENA, this conversation blends tech, strategy, and hard-won insights from both sides of the table. 🔑 Key Takeaways • Why traditional VC gut feeling can be quantified — and where it still matters • How AlphaSemantic helps VCs find, pick, and approach the right startups • Why Series B is the “sweet spot” for data-driven venture strategies • The arbitrage opportunity between regions like Europe, MENA, and the US • Where deep tech, space tech, and robotics are headed in 2025 and beyond ⸻ 🎓 What You’ll Learn • The rise of data-driven VC platforms and what’s driving adoption • How Cyril’s published research back-tested startup success using public signals • What makes a VC fund globally competitive in today’s AI-native environment • Why deep tech may be the last defensible moat in the age of SaaS commoditization • Realistic startup valuation trends and exit paths in 2025 👤 About the Guest Cyril Shtabtsovsky is the founder of AlphaSemantic , a platform that empowers VCs with smart sourcing tools using big data, semantic search, and predictive scoring. Cyril is also an active venture capitalist and published researcher on startup success prediction. His mission is to democratize advanced VC tooling for the next generation of investors. https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyrilsh/ https://www.alphasemantic.ai/ https://arxiv.org/abs/2309.15552v1 ⏱️ Episode Highlights & Timestamps (Spotify + YouTube Chapters) 00:00 – Intro: Meet Cyril, founder of AlphaSemantic 02:00 – Why AlphaSemantic was born: From thesis to product 04:20 – The contradiction: Gut feeling vs. data-driven VC 07:00 – What stage is best for data-driven sourcing? 09:00 – Demo logic: What AlphaSemantic’s onboarding looks like 11:00 – The VC’s job: Find, pick, win 13:10 – Gut feeling as unconscious data processing 15:00 – How Cyril’s paper achieved 86% success prediction rate 17:30 – The challenge of scaling data-driven VC in emerging markets 20:00 – How new VCs can differentiate without a brand 22:00 – Deep tech, AI, and the post-software opportunity 24:00 – MENA data quality gaps vs. US/Europe VC infrastructure 28:00 – Global arbitrage in valuations between MENA, Europe, and the US 34:00 – What deep tech bets matter in 2025 40:00 – Angels vs. VCs: The role of smart capital 44:00 – Final thoughts: Optimism, growth, and regional momentum…

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#501 The Technology of Belonging: Glen Cameron on Identity, Immigration, and Proof of Relationships 49:49

לפני 21 ימים49:49

49:49

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we sit down with Glen Cameron, founder and CEO of Bonded, to explore how technology can validate the most human thing we have: relationships. From immigration barriers to identity verification in a deepfake world, Glen unpacks the inspiration behind Bonded — a startup building proof-of-relationship infrastructure for the AI age. 🎯 Key Takeaways • The problem with traditional identity: it’s static and individual • Immigration systems still rely on analog evidence of relationships • Deepfakes and fraud are making it harder to prove authentic human ties • Bonded’s approach: blending AI, privacy-first design, and blockchain timestamping • The concept of “proof of human relationship” as a new digital primitive • Why self-sovereign identity must extend beyond individuals to relationships • Use cases beyond immigration: from border checks to creative rights and relational passports • Glen’s unique founder journey from global ad exec to protocol builder ⸻ 🎧 What You’ll Learn • How AI and blockchain can work together to solve real-world identity challenges • The unseen complexity behind relationship verification in immigration • Why “relational identity” may be the missing link in Web3 innovation • How Glen is building a platform that’s both deeply technical and radically human 👤 About the Guest Glen Cameron is the founder of Bonded and Together Alone Ventures , with a diverse background spanning global PR, branding, and deep tech innovation. A true global citizen, Glen has lived and worked in 15+ countries and is now building a Web3- and AI-enabled platform to bring dignity, trust, and speed to how we prove human connection in high-stakes processes like immigration, banking, and beyond. https://www.linkedin.com/in/glencameronpb/ https://www.bonded2.com/ ⏱️ Episode Highlights 00:00 – Intro and how Mehmet and Glen met 02:00 – Glen’s personal immigration struggle that sparked Bonded 06:30 – Why traditional proof of relationships is broken 09:00 – Using AI + blockchain to build time-based, verifiable relational identity 13:30 – Starting from scratch: what if you’re already 45 years old? 16:00 – Privacy-first approach: user-owned data, kill switch, full control 18:30 – Getting immigration authorities to accept digital proof 21:00 – How Bonded structures evidence (scrollable timeline, triangulated proof) 23:30 – Border crossings, interrogation, and “proof in your pocket” 25:00 – Glen on why existing tech harvests data without helping users 27:00 – Expanding beyond immigration: traffic stops, IP rights, relational AI agents 30:00 – Why Web3 matters — and how Bonded avoids the hype traps 34:00 – Glen’s global career story and lessons from advertising to tech 41:00 – The rise of real use cases for relational protocols 44:00 – Fundraising, building responsibly, and going beyond MVP 47:00 – Final thoughts and how to get in touch with Glen…

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#500 The Recruiter’s VC Mindset: Betting on Startups and People with Justin Dixon 48:40

לפני 23 ימים48:40

48:40

In this special 500th episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we dive deep into the talent game behind startup scaling and private equity moves. Joining us is Justin Dixon , founder of Hire Tomorrow, who brings nearly two decades of recruiting experience—from Fortune 500s to early-stage startups and PE-backed ventures. We explore how AI is disrupting (and complicating) hiring, why job security at big companies is a myth, and how to evaluate a startup as if you were a VC—even when you’re just looking for your next role. 🔑 Key Takeaways: • The shift from employee to founder mindset (and how Rich Dad Poor Dad started it all) • How startups can compete with Fortune 500s for top talent • Why private equity firms almost always replace the CFO post-acquisition • What startup job seekers should really evaluate (hint: think like a VC) • How AI is flooding hiring pipelines—and what that means for founders and recruiters • Why job security at big companies is often an illusion • How Justin uses AI as a “board of advisors” to sharpen his thinking • The underrated power of podcasting for network building and deal flow ⸻ 🎓 What You’ll Learn: • Practical hiring insights for both founders and job seekers • How to vet a startup before joining—beyond the hype • Trends shaping AI’s role in recruitment (and its limitations) • The human side of recruiting that AI can’t automate 👤 About the Guest: Founder of Hire Tomorrow, Justin Dixon brings a wealth of experience and passion to his business. With a career dedicated to the recruiting industry, Justin has effectively collaborated with companies of various sizes and across diverse industries, ranging from emerging startups to Fortune 500. In January 2020, he transitioned from his role as Head of Recruiting for a Wealth Management firm to establish Hire Tomorrow, dedicated to assisting Private Equity firms and Startups in finding the Right Talent to drive their success. Our focus extends across C-level roles, Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Technology, ensuring a comprehensive approach to fulfilling our clients' staffing needs. https://www.hiretomorrow.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmdixon15/ Episode Highlights (Timestamps): 00:00 – Introduction and Justin’s backstory 02:00 – Quitting a stable job to launch a recruiting firm 06:00 – Building financial freedom through entrepreneurship 08:30 – Working with private equity firms post-acquisition 13:00 – Why PE firms prioritize CFO replacements 15:00 – How startups can win talent over big companies 19:00 – What Justin looks for in a startup before recommending it 23:00 – Startup job seekers need a VC mindset 27:00 – How AI is disrupting hiring—and why it’s messy 33:00 – Why candidate experience is broken 37:00 – Limitations of AI interviews and hidden legal risks 41:00 – Why recruiters (and salespeople) won’t be replaced 43:00 – How podcasting builds network, not just visibility 46:00 – Wrap-up and how to reach Justin…

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#499 Accelerating Enterprise Innovation: Karan Jain on Rethinking Vendor Collaboration 46:57

לפני 28 ימים46:57

46:57

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , host Mehmet Gonullu sits down with Karan Jain , Founder and CEO of NayaOne , to explore the broken state of enterprise tech adoption — and what it takes to fix it. With over two decades of experience in financial services and technology, Karan is on a mission to eliminate the painful 12-month vendor procurement cycles that cripple innovation in large institutions. NayaOne offers a powerful, secure platform that connects enterprises with technology vendors and enables real-time evaluation using synthetic data, workflow tooling, and curated testbeds. From regulated environments like banking and healthcare to emerging innovation hubs in MENA, this conversation dives deep into how enterprises can move faster without compromising trust, compliance, or outcomes. 💡 What You’ll Learn • Why most enterprises still take 6–12 months to validate a tech vendor • How NayaOne shortens this cycle to a few weeks with sandbox infrastructure and synthetic data • The role of AI urgency in transforming procurement culture • Why “measured” doesn’t have to mean “slow” in regulated industries • How enterprise buyers are beginning to embrace experimentation over perfection • Trends in enterprise AI use cases (contact centers, dev tooling, document workflows) • What MENA banks can learn from global innovation patterns — and where they’re leapfrogging ⸻ 🔑 Key Takeaways • 🧪 Proof-of-concept purgatory is real — but solvable with the right tools and mindset • ⏱ Speed is a competitive advantage, even in highly regulated sectors • 🤖 AI adoption requires a cultural shift, not just tools • 🌍 MENA is a region full of top-down innovation energy and emerging early adopters • 🧠 Enterprises must start thinking like platforms — not just buyers 👤 About Karan Jain • Founder & CEO of NayaOne • Former exec in banking, wealth, capital markets • Passionate about transforming enterprise-vendor relationships and building tech infrastructure that accelerates delivery • Actively working with banks, insurers, governments, and regulators globally — including in the MENA region https://nayaone.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/karanjainonline/ ⏱ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 01:30 – Karan’s journey from banking to NayaOne 03:15 – The core problem: why vendor adoption is broken 05:40 – Industries most affected: finance, health, legal, public sector 07:10 – How NayaOne accelerates vendor evaluation with synthetic data 10:30 – Vendor vs. enterprise adoption mindsets 12:20 – Executives as the key stakeholders in tech adoption 14:40 – Why AI has forced enterprises to move faster 17:00 – NayaOne’s internal AI journey and infrastructure 20:15 – Agentic AI: hype vs. real use cases 23:45 – Why 70% of “AI agents” are just glorified automation 26:10 – Real enterprise AI use cases today 29:00 – The enterprise fear of missing out (FOMO) 31:10 – Lessons from neobanks and BNPL players 34:00 – The CVC use case: accelerating adoption within portfolios 36:20 – Expansion and innovation patterns in MENA 39:40 – Cultural nuance and early adopters in B2B 41:00 – Crossing the chasm in the MENA startup ecosystem 44:00 – Where to find Karan and learn more…

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#498 Edge AI Meets Global Impact: Dev Aditya on Scaling Learning Without the Cloud 42:34

לפני 4 weeks42:34

42:34

In this episode, host Mehmet Gonullu welcomes back Dev Aditya , Co-Founder of OIAI by Otermans Institute , who returns nearly two years after his first appearance to share an extraordinary update: they’ve built an AI teacher that runs completely offline — even on a 2020 Android phone. From educating learners in refugee camps to scaling across 17 countries, Dev’s mission is clear: make AI-powered learning accessible to the 750 million people underserved by the internet and modern hardware. We explore the engineering breakthroughs , the philosophical pivots , and the global partnerships that are making it possible. 🔑 Key Takeaways: • Why offline, voice-first AI is a game changer for education in low-connectivity areas • How Dev’s team runs 3D avatar-based AI on edge devices from 2020 — without cloud inference • The reason they pivoted away from enterprise clients to return to their impact-driven mission • Why running AI for the marginalized means solving for both connectivity and hardware bottlenecks • Their ambitious goal: upskill 750M people by 2030 • The launch of an SDK for other organizations to embed their AI teaching system • Upcoming partnerships with African governments and UN bodies ⸻ 🎓 What You’ll Learn: • How to scale AI without relying on cloud infrastructure • What true digital inclusion looks like — beyond donations and broadband • The importance of philosophy and mission in product decisions • The future of immersive, voice-first learning experiences • How to build for constraint — and still scale globally 👤 About the Guest: Dev Aditya is the co-founder of OIAI by Otermans Institute. He’s known for launching the world’s first public-facing AI teachers well before ChatGPT entered the scene. Dev’s work focuses on democratizing education through AI and edge computing, bringing scalable, impactful learning to the most underserved populations. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dev-adityaofficial/ https://www.portfolio.oiedu.co.uk/ 00:00 – Welcome back, Dev Aditya & what’s changed since Episode 212 02:00 – From rural schools to refugee camps: The origin story 05:30 – Content vs. teacher: The real challenge in scaling learning 07:00 – The philosophical misstep and going back to the mission 09:40 – Monetizing impact: Lessons from enterprise and education 11:00 – Offline breakthrough: Running AI without internet 13:40 – Engineering feat: 3D avatar AI on Android 2020 phones 15:20 – Why bigger models don’t equal better outcomes 18:00 – Did open-source LLMs influence their vision? 21:00 – How they handle data, analytics & personalization offline 23:00 – No patents? Why they’re releasing an SDK instead 25:00 – The SEA Model: Skills, Efficiency, Accessibility 27:00 – Building voice-first digital experiences for the underserved 30:00 – VR + AI for marginalized learners? Already built 32:00 – Teaching entrepreneurship, not just STEM 34:30 – An AI teacher that remembers you 36:00 – What’s next: Kenya, Guinea-Bissau & São Tomé 38:00 – Final thoughts & how to get in touch with Dev…

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#497 From Startup Grind to Mozilla Labs: Raj Singh on AI, Vibe Coding, and Building What Matters 50:31

לפני 5 weeks50:31

50:31

Raj Singh, VP of Product at Mozilla and a seasoned startup founder, joins The CTO Show with Mehmet to share a candid look into the evolution of building products—from the early days of AI to today’s GenAI-fueled solo founder wave. We dive into what vibe coding means, how big companies like Mozilla are tackling zero-to-one innovation, and why most startups fail—not because of the idea, but because the founders get tired. 🚀 Key Takeaways • Most startups fail in the messy middle, not the beginning or end • AI is shifting us from “doing the work” to “instructing the machine” • Vibe coding is enabling faster product iteration—but it still needs human judgment • Large companies often struggle with zero-to-one because of talent structure, risk aversion, and short conviction windows • Solo founders can thrive—if they manage their energy and support systems ⸻ 🎯 What You’ll Learn • How Raj defines product-market fit in the GenAI era • The new role of engineers and creators in the age of AI • How to build new products inside legacy organizations • When and how to pivot—without burning out • Why AI shouldn’t be the pitch—it should be the enabler 👤 About the Guest Raj is the VP of Product at Mozilla, leading new 0 to 1 product initiatives. He joined Mozilla in 2022 via the acquisition of his startup, Pulse, which developed AI meeting summarization models. Previously, Raj has been a repeat consumer-focused startup founder. He was Co-Founder and CEO of Tempo AI, a smart calendar acquired by Salesforce in 2015. He also co-founded AllTheCooks, which became the largest recipe community on Android before its acquisition by Cookpad. Earlier in his career, he served as VP of Business Development at Skyfire, a mobile browser acquired by Opera. Prior to this, Raj co-founded and exited startups in the ringtone, live video and college dating categories. https://linktr.ee/mobileraj Episode Highlights (Timestamps) 00:00 – Intro and Raj’s journey from founder to Mozilla 03:00 – Pattern recognition and founder gut-checks 06:15 – Why most startups are stuck in the messy middle 08:45 – Evolution of AI: from OpenCV to GenAI 11:20 – Vibe coding and the shift in creative workflows 13:40 – The 95% AI accuracy rule and human-in-the-loop design 16:00 – AI’s impact on growth hacking and customer acquisition 17:40 – Can solo founders really build unicorns? 20:00 – Trillion-dollar ambitions vs. billion-dollar thinking 21:30 – Building zero-to-one products inside Mozilla 25:00 – Why large companies struggle with innovation 29:00 – Culture, incentives, and the “conviction window” 33:00 – Pivoting: when to stick, when to switch 36:00 – The solo founder dilemma and founder loneliness 41:00 – Consumer AI: solving problems vs. chasing hype 44:00 – Final advice: execute your idea—don’t just think about it…

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#496 From Accidental Founder to 30,000+ Entrepreneurs | Jeremy Ames on Building Businesses That Last 51:34

לפני 5 weeks51:34

51:34

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we sit down with Jeremy Ames , Co-Founder and CEO of Guidant Financial , a company that has helped over 30,000 entrepreneurs fund their businesses using US retirement funds. Jeremy shares his unconventional path into entrepreneurship, the rise of Main Street innovation , and what truly holds people back from launching businesses. This is a masterclass in testing ideas , avoiding costly mistakes, and seeing opportunities where others don’t—plus a refreshing take on AI adoption in traditional businesses. 💡 Key Takeaways • Why retirement funds can be a powerful startup capital source • The secret behind starting a business without quitting your job: “Side Projects” • Why validation before investment is non-negotiable • What entrepreneurs often overlook about financial modeling • The power of AI in traditional businesses and why it’s about culture, not just tools • Why “shiny object syndrome” kills more businesses than lack of capital • A personal story of failure—and what Jeremy learned from a loss-making franchise bet ⸻ 📚 What You’ll Learn • How to reduce risk when starting a business • What investors and entrepreneurs can learn from 30,000+ business launches • How to blend tech savviness with service-based business models • How AI is being used at Guidant Financial to create bottom-up innovation • Why agency, ownership, and intention matter more than ever in today’s uncertain economy 👤 About the Guest Jeremy Ames is a serial entrepreneur and the Co-Founder & CEO of Guidant Financial, a leader in innovative business funding solutions. With over 20 years of experience, Jeremy has helped 30,000+ individuals leverage their retirement funds to start and grow businesses through programs like 401k Business Financing (ROBS). A firm believer in the power of entrepreneurship to create wealth and freedom, Jeremy’s career spans successes, failures, and invaluable lessons, including being recognized as the SBA’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year. http://www.guidantfinancial.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyamesentrepreneur/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyamesentrepreneur/ Episode Highlights 00:00 – Intro & Jeremy’s background 03:00 – The emotional story behind his first business 06:00 – What keeps people from starting businesses 09:30 – The “Side Project” framework 13:00 – The viral cocoa bomb experiment 16:30 – Cleaning trash bins = $4M business? 19:00 – The engineer who bought a car repair shop 22:00 – Guidant’s approach to AI adoption 27:00 – AI’s role in business financing 29:00 – The #1 mistake entrepreneurs make after launching 33:00 – Coffee shop myths and financial realism 36:00 – Research, customer interviews, and competitive edge 40:00 – On the illusion of copying success 44:00 – A personal failure: the massage franchise story 47:00 – Final thoughts on agency, entrepreneurship, and ownership…

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

לפני 6 weeks40:43

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…

לפני 16 weeks52:32

52:32

In this inspiring episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , I sit down with Ahmed Mahmoud (Founder & CEO) and Ahmed Elshahawy (CTO) of DXwand , a MENA-born AI startup reshaping how businesses unlock growth with generative AI, knowledge mining, and document intelligence. The conversation takes you through their courageous leap from successful corporate careers (Microsoft, IBM, EY) into the startup trenches, the reality of building a tech company in emerging markets, the transformative impact of generative AI, and their ambitious expansion from the MENA region to global markets like the U.S. and U.K. If you’re passionate about startups, AI innovation, or scaling tech businesses across borders, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Key Takeaways: • Why pivoting early is critical for startup survival (and success) • How the MENA region’s linguistic and cultural diversity shapes AI development • The real-world business challenges generative AI can (and cannot) solve • Building AI solutions that balance innovation, hallucination control, and data privacy • Why document intelligence and knowledge mining are the new frontier • Lessons on leading tech teams and driving innovation beyond the buzz • How DXwand cracked the formula to serve SMBs with advanced AI • The mindset required to jump from corporate life into true entrepreneurship ⸻ What You Will Learn: • How GenAI unlocked new growth opportunities in enterprise and SMB sectors • Why combining structured and unstructured data is reshaping data analysis • Practical insights into deploying AI in highly regulated industries • Why agent tech is exciting — but not a silver bullet for every problem • The power of resilience, grit, and passion in startup success stories from emerging markets About the Guests: Ahmed Mahmoud is the Founder and CEO of DXwand. With over two decades of experience in technology and enterprise sales, including leadership roles at Microsoft, Ahmed transitioned from a successful corporate career to build one of the region’s leading AI companies. He is passionate about using AI to empower businesses of all sizes and believes in creating meaningful, lasting impact through technology. Ahmed Elshahawy is the CTO of DXwand. An experienced technology leader, Ahmed has a rich background in solution architecture, delivery management, and data analytics, having worked at global organizations like IBM, EY, and various startups across Egypt and Malaysia. At DXwand, he leads the technical strategy, focusing on generative AI, knowledge mining, and enterprise AI adoption, driving innovation in emerging markets and beyond. https://dxwand.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmedmmohammed/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashahawy/ Episode Highlights: [00:02:00] - Founders’ backstory: From Microsoft and IBM to DXwand [00:05:00] - Identifying a major gap: Arabic language and regional AI support [00:08:00] - Pivoting into generative AI and knowledge mining [00:13:00] - Early business wins: Serving financial services and trading platforms [00:19:00] - Moving beyond chatbots: Document intelligence and compliance solutions [00:22:00] - Tackling multilingual and multi-dialect challenges [00:25:00] - How GenAI changed data analysis forever [00:30:00] - Addressing hallucination, security, and enterprise adoption [00:37:00] - Real talk on agent tech: Separating hype from real-world value [00:40:00] - DXwand’s global expansion strategy and new mid-market offerings [00:43:00] - Honest reflections on entrepreneurship: Courage, risk, and fulfillment…

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