Join us each week as celebrity guests pitch an idea for a film based on one of the SUPER niche sub-genres on Netflix. From ‘Steamy Crime Movies from the 1970s’ to ‘Australian Dysfunctional Family Comedies Starring A Strong Female Lead’, our celebrity guests will pitch their wacky plot, their dream cast, the marketing stunts, and everything in between. By the end of every episode, Jimmy Carr, Comedian by night / “Netflix Executive” by day, will decide whether the pitch is greenlit or condemned to development hell! New episode every other Wednesday starting May 28th! Listen on all podcast platforms and watch on the Netflix is a Joke YouTube Channel . The Big Pitch is a co-production by Netflix and BBC Studios Audio.…
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محتوای ارائه شده توسط Mehmet Gonullu. تمام محتوای پادکست شامل قسمت‌ها، گرافیک‌ها و توضیحات پادکست مستقیماً توسط Mehmet Gonullu یا شریک پلتفرم پادکست آن‌ها آپلود و ارائه می‌شوند. اگر فکر می‌کنید شخصی بدون اجازه شما از اثر دارای حق نسخه‌برداری شما استفاده می‌کند، می‌توانید روندی که در اینجا شرح داده شده است را دنبال کنید.https://fa.player.fm/legal
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#382 Speaking Up in Tech: Geoffrey Huck’s Journey from Introvert to Influencer
Manage episode 437672865 series 3506362
محتوای ارائه شده توسط Mehmet Gonullu. تمام محتوای پادکست شامل قسمت‌ها، گرافیک‌ها و توضیحات پادکست مستقیماً توسط Mehmet Gonullu یا شریک پلتفرم پادکست آن‌ها آپلود و ارائه می‌شوند. اگر فکر می‌کنید شخصی بدون اجازه شما از اثر دارای حق نسخه‌برداری شما استفاده می‌کند، می‌توانید روندی که در اینجا شرح داده شده است را دنبال کنید.https://fa.player.fm/legal
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we have the pleasure of speaking with Geoffrey Huck, a former tech professional turned public speaking coach. Geoffrey shares his incredible journey from being a self-described introvert with a deep passion for computers and algorithms to becoming a confident public speaker and influencer in the tech community.
Geoffrey opens up about his early fascination with computers, which led him to develop a strong technical background. However, this passion came at a cost—his social skills. As Geoffrey candidly explains, his love for tech and coding left him struggling with interpersonal communication, which became a significant barrier in both his personal and professional life.
Determined to overcome this challenge, Geoffrey embarked on a personal mission to conquer his fears. He pushed himself into uncomfortable situations, attending networking events, engaging in public speaking, and even joining Toastmasters, a global organization dedicated to helping people improve their communication skills. Geoffrey describes how these experiences gradually transformed his life, leading him to discover a newfound love for public speaking that eventually eclipsed his passion for tech.
Throughout the episode, Geoffrey offers invaluable advice for tech professionals who face similar challenges in communication. He discusses the common mental blocks that prevent many from speaking clearly and effectively, especially in high-stakes situations. Geoffrey emphasizes the importance of speaking naturally and provides practical exercises that anyone can do to improve their public speaking skills, such as recording oneself or engaging in imaginative scenarios.
Geoffrey also shares insights into the broader applications of public speaking skills beyond the stage. Whether it’s pitching an idea to investors, presenting to leadership, or simply networking, Geoffrey stresses that the ability to communicate effectively is crucial in all areas of life. He highlights the emotional connection that all humans share and how understanding this can help tech professionals resonate with any audience.
More abut Jeff:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrey-huck/
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:01 Jeff's Background and Journey
02:29 Overcoming Social Challenges
03:43 Public Speaking Transformation
04:54 Challenges for Tech Professionals
08:43 Exercises for Natural Speaking
16:23 Importance of Emotional Connection
18:28 First Impressions and Storytelling
25:00 Inner Game of Public Speaking
32:16 Charisma and Authenticity
42:29 Final Thoughts and Resources
474 قسمت
اشتراک گذاریManage episode 437672865 series 3506362
محتوای ارائه شده توسط Mehmet Gonullu. تمام محتوای پادکست شامل قسمت‌ها، گرافیک‌ها و توضیحات پادکست مستقیماً توسط Mehmet Gonullu یا شریک پلتفرم پادکست آن‌ها آپلود و ارائه می‌شوند. اگر فکر می‌کنید شخصی بدون اجازه شما از اثر دارای حق نسخه‌برداری شما استفاده می‌کند، می‌توانید روندی که در اینجا شرح داده شده است را دنبال کنید.https://fa.player.fm/legal
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we have the pleasure of speaking with Geoffrey Huck, a former tech professional turned public speaking coach. Geoffrey shares his incredible journey from being a self-described introvert with a deep passion for computers and algorithms to becoming a confident public speaker and influencer in the tech community.
Geoffrey opens up about his early fascination with computers, which led him to develop a strong technical background. However, this passion came at a cost—his social skills. As Geoffrey candidly explains, his love for tech and coding left him struggling with interpersonal communication, which became a significant barrier in both his personal and professional life.
Determined to overcome this challenge, Geoffrey embarked on a personal mission to conquer his fears. He pushed himself into uncomfortable situations, attending networking events, engaging in public speaking, and even joining Toastmasters, a global organization dedicated to helping people improve their communication skills. Geoffrey describes how these experiences gradually transformed his life, leading him to discover a newfound love for public speaking that eventually eclipsed his passion for tech.
Throughout the episode, Geoffrey offers invaluable advice for tech professionals who face similar challenges in communication. He discusses the common mental blocks that prevent many from speaking clearly and effectively, especially in high-stakes situations. Geoffrey emphasizes the importance of speaking naturally and provides practical exercises that anyone can do to improve their public speaking skills, such as recording oneself or engaging in imaginative scenarios.
Geoffrey also shares insights into the broader applications of public speaking skills beyond the stage. Whether it’s pitching an idea to investors, presenting to leadership, or simply networking, Geoffrey stresses that the ability to communicate effectively is crucial in all areas of life. He highlights the emotional connection that all humans share and how understanding this can help tech professionals resonate with any audience.
More abut Jeff:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrey-huck/
00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome
01:01 Jeff's Background and Journey
02:29 Overcoming Social Challenges
03:43 Public Speaking Transformation
04:54 Challenges for Tech Professionals
08:43 Exercises for Natural Speaking
16:23 Importance of Emotional Connection
18:28 First Impressions and Storytelling
25:00 Inner Game of Public Speaking
32:16 Charisma and Authenticity
42:29 Final Thoughts and Resources
474 قسمت
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In this episode, Mehmet sits down with Anya Cheng , the founder and CEO of Taelor , a fashion-tech startup revolutionizing how busy men dress—without shopping or doing laundry. With past leadership roles at Meta, eBay, and McDonald’s, Anya brings a unique product mindset and startup resilience that shines through her journey from MVP to raising millions. This is a masterclass in product thinking, perseverance, and staying focused—even when things get scrappy. 🔑 Key Takeaways • Start with real customer pain , not tech buzzwords • Use product intuition and lean MVPs to validate ideas • Why storytelling and empathy beat sales tactics in fundraising • Fundraising is less about pitching, more about training champions • Deep customer insight is your competitive moat 🎧 What You’ll Learn • How Anya applied agile principles to build Taelor from a landing page • The truth about launching AI products in fashion • Lessons from her time at Meta, eBay, and Target • How to approach investors with authenticity and relevance • Why female founders and minority-led teams should lean into their strengths 👤 About the Guest Anya Cheng is a serial builder and product leader turned founder. As a Mentor at '500 Startups' and ex-product leader at McDonald, eBay and Facebook, she has been listed in 'Girls Tech 40 Under 40' and founded a sustainable men clothing rental platform- Taelor (currently doing $1.5m in revenue). She’s also a TEDx speaker and a mentor at 500 Startups. At Taelor , she’s building “Netflix for menswear,” using AI to deliver rental clothing for men who want to look great without effort. Use code PODCAST25 for 25% off your first month! https://www.linkedin.com/in/anyacheng/ https://taelor.style/ 🧭 Episode Highlights 00:02 – Anya’s background and the aha moment behind Taelor 00:07 – Early MVP experiments and Taelor’s first 100 customers 00:12 – GTM lessons from Meta, eBay, and Target 00:15 – Knowing when to follow data—and when not to 00:18 – Building a product team with complementary pieces 00:22 – What Anya looks for in startup founders as a 500 Startups mentor 00:26 – Fundraising stories and mindset reframes 00:34 – Solving for a focused use case instead of chasing features 00:39 – Her perspective on being a female founder in tech 00:42 – TEDx behind the scenes and tips for pushing through hardship 00:47 – Mehmet’s reflections on podcasting, persistence, and building in public…
Episode Overview In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , Andy Cwik—co-founder and CEO of Hubub—shares his lessons from three startups, including the painful failures and meaningful wins. From crashing his first startup to exiting a telehealth company, Andy now leads Hubub, a SaaS platform that automates client entertainment for B2B teams. He opens up about what truly makes a startup successful (hint: it’s not the idea), how AI fits into real business workflows, why network effects matter more than ever, and how he’s using his time to mentor founders and advocate for mental health reform through a personal documentary project. 💡 Key Takeaways • Execution outweighs the idea: Why founders often get stuck at ideation. • Building defensibility through network effects and switching costs. • How to pitch enterprise tools to decision-makers, not just users. • Why most AI startups are chasing buzzwords—and what actually works. • The evolution of startup ecosystems beyond Silicon Valley. • A rare look into Andy’s advocacy for mental health reform in the justice system. 🎧 What You’ll Learn • The origin story behind Hubub and its 13-year evolution • How to move from “paper napkin” idea to product with traction • Strategic use cases of AI in early-stage SaaS • How to validate pain points and avoid marketplace traps • Navigating risk aversion in startup hubs like Chicago • Why some founders should take the exit—and why others shouldn’t 👤 About the Guest Andy Cwik is a seasoned entrepreneur and AI thought leader with a track record of building innovative businesses. As the Co-Founder and CEO of hubub, he is redefining business client entertainment through AI-driven digital concierge services, automating logistics from reservations to expense reporting. With over a decade of experience in tech-driven ventures, Andy has successfully founded and exited multiple companies, including a telehealth startup with peak annual revenues of $25 million and a data encryption firm. Beyond hubub, Andy is a key figure in Chicago’s startup ecosystem, serving in leadership roles for the Founders Institute and Founders Network, where he mentors emerging entrepreneurs. He has raised over $5 million across his ventures and has spoken at leading AI and business events, including GenAI Collective and the Union League of Chicago Business Leaders Group. Passionate about AI’s capabilities and limitations, Andy brings unique insights into the evolving landscape of technology, work, and automation. His thought leadership challenges mainstream AI narratives, advocating for a balanced perspective on its future impact. https://www.linkedin.com/in/andy-cwik https://hubub.me/ Episode Highlights & Timestamps 00:01 – Andy’s startup journey: 3 ventures and one painful failure 04:00 – The aha moment that led to Hubub 08:00 – Why expense reporting is the hidden pain point no one talks about 10:30 – Building a two-sided marketplace with smart API integrations 13:00 – What startup founders get wrong about AI 17:30 – Network effects and why Groupon failed 23:00 – Defensibility: Your real moat in a world of clones 28:00 – How AI is reshaping VC workflows (and deal sourcing) 32:00 – Chicago vs. Silicon Valley: What founders should know 40:00 – When to exit and when to stay the course 47:00 – Andy’s work on a documentary about mental health and the justice system…
In this episode of The CTO Show , serial entrepreneur and podcast host Anthony Franco joins Mehmet to unpack how AI is fundamentally reshaping how businesses operate—beyond the hype. With six exits under his belt and decades of experience launching and scaling ventures, Anthony shares what it really takes to operationalize AI in today’s organizations and why the real disruption isn’t about job loss—it’s about organizational survival. 💡 What You’ll Learn • Why most leaders still misunderstand what “AI transformation” really means • The biggest mistake companies make when automating workflows • How to rethink outdated systems like Agile and Six Sigma in the AI age • Why agentic AI is less about replacing roles and more about rebuilding how work is done • How founders can leverage AI for early-stage growth, product-market fit, and GTM ⸻ 🧠 Key Takeaways • Don’t automate bad processes—simplify first, then apply AI • Think like a gardener, not a factory manager: AI requires adaptability • Founders need to master human-to-human connection more than ever • Smaller teams will win, but collaboration still beats solo work • The best time to exit is two years before you burn out 👤 About the Guest Anthony Franco is a serial entrepreneur, founder of six companies, and host of the How to Founder podcast. He’s currently helping companies apply AI-first thinking to real-world operations through his work with OneReach and initiatives like AI First Principles and the WISER Methodology . http://www.howtofounder.com/ https://linkedin.com/in/anthonyfranco/ ⏱️ Episode Highlights 00:02 – Anthony’s journey and current projects 04:00 – What it means to “operationalize” AI 06:30 – AI First Principles and the WISER Methodology 11:00 – Why old frameworks like Agile are becoming obsolete 17:00 – Can this work for large enterprises? 20:00 – Is AI a threat to jobs or to companies? 25:00 – How founders should approach AI-powered ventures 30:00 – Building vs. selling: What founders forget 34:00 – Why a great product isn’t enough without distribution 39:00 – The story behind How to Founder 43:00 – Smaller teams, bigger outcomes 47:00 – Signs it’s time to exit 51:00 – Final thoughts on the startup mindset…
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we dive into the world of deep tech and hardware innovation with Faizan Ahmed , founder and CEO of Invensify . From solving his father’s insulin storage problem to building a patented solid-state cooling module, Faizan walks us through the journey of reinventing refrigeration and building a product-as-a-service business in a legacy-driven industry. 🎯 Key Takeaways • What solid-state cooling really is—and why it matters • The surprising size of the pharma cold chain logistics market • Why hardware innovation must be 10x better to be taken seriously • How a Product-as-a-Service model creates defensibility • Fundraising for deep tech: what works and what doesn’t • Real-world sustainability beats greenwashing ⸻ 📚 What You’ll Learn • How to identify deep tech opportunities from personal problems • The trade-offs of designing hardware with no moving parts • Why solid-state cooling is more sustainable and scalable than compressors • What it takes to commercialize deep tech in a SaaS-obsessed world • How to overcome industry resistance to innovation 👤 About the Guest Faizan Ahmed is a second-time hardware founder with a background in electrical engineering and solid-state physics. Before Invensify, he exited a startup that built camera lens rain deflectors, and earlier contributed to a defense tech company acquired by the U.S. Air Force. Today, he leads Invensify in building energy-efficient, compressor-free cooling systems for healthcare and beyond. https://www.invensify.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/faizan-ahmed-a720b411/ 🕒 Episode Highlights & Timestamps 00:00 – Intro and guest welcome 01:30 – Faizan’s engineering background and past exits 03:55 – The insulin travel problem that sparked Invensify 05:30 – Cold chain logistics is a $6.2B market still using ice packs 06:45 – What is solid-state cooling? Tech foundations explained 10:00 – Efficiency, battery weight, and key trade-offs 12:30 – Designing lightweight, plug-and-play cooling systems 14:00 – Zero moving parts = low maintenance + high reliability 15:00 – Accidental sustainability: how climate impact became a bonus 17:00 – Key verticals: pharma, EV batteries, AI chips, data centers 21:00 – Product-as-a-Service: Why Faizan avoided hardware sales 24:30 – ESG regulations and sustainability tailwinds 28:00 – Manufacturing in Malaysia and global expansion plans 29:00 – Fundraising lessons from deep tech 31:00 – The importance of 10x differentiation in hardware 34:00 – Transferable skills from previous startups 36:00 – Will solid-state cooling replace traditional refrigeration? 39:00 – Faizan’s vision: Cooling fridges in off-grid areas 42:00 – Which is harder—tech innovation or mindset shift? 47:00 – Final advice to founders…
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we dive into the intersection of technology, creativity, and brand authenticity with Mona Bavar — founder of DLISH and BlueApples.ai . From a childhood shaped by cultural resilience to building borderless brands rooted in storytelling, Mona shares why the future of innovation needs more than algorithms — it needs soul. 📌 Key Takeaways • Why your brand story matters more than ever in the AI age • The difference between scaling fast and building with soul • How Mona went from gifting to launching an AI agency rooted in authenticity • Real-life case studies of AI in brand strategy, market research, and storytelling • The role of vulnerability and purpose in leadership and entrepreneurship • Why asking the right questions is the most creative act in AI-driven work ⸻ 💡 What You’ll Learn • How to use AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini for creative ideation without losing your voice • Why understanding your “why” is non-negotiable for sustainable brand building • Tactics for blending human emotion with automation in a noisy digital world • How Mona helps clients transform brand identity into impactful narratives using AI 👤 About the Guest Mona Bavar is a creative entrepreneur and founder of DLISH , a Europe-based gifting company that curates meaningful experiences through food and design, and BlueApples.ai , an AI consulting agency helping businesses implement AI while preserving their unique brand voice. Her work bridges design, purpose, and emerging technology. https://www.linkedin.com/in/bavar/ https://dlish.us/ https://www.blueapples.ai/ ⏱️ Episode Highlights & Timestamps 00:00 – Intro & Mona’s background 03:00 – Story behind DLISH & cultural roots of the brand 07:00 – Is AI killing creativity or enhancing it? 10:30 – Avoiding generic content with AI 15:00 – Shortcuts vs. long-term brand building 18:00 – Examples of AI-powered storytelling & product positioning 25:00 – Asking better questions: the key to powerful outputs 27:30 – Personal branding and building trust through vulnerability 32:00 – Customer-centricity, inspiration, and Steve Jobs 36:00 – What Mona means by “the future needs soul” 40:00 – Advice for entrepreneurs on staying grounded in their why 42:00 – Where to connect with Mona…
What happens when a developer in Dubai decides to solve his own problem—and ends up building a 300M SKU e-commerce engine? In this episode, I speak with Rahul Swaminathan , the founder of Desertcart , one of the region’s most iconic tech-native e-commerce platforms. We dive deep into Rahul’s 11-year journey: from building Desertcart with Ruby on Rails and web crawlers to navigating logistics, AI, and expansion into new markets like India, Saudi, and Australia. He also shares why he resisted becoming a marketplace, how GenAI is reshaping logistics, and why curiosity might be the best startup fuel. 💡 Key Takeaways • Build for yourself first — Rahul’s journey started with a personal frustration around product availability. • Scale follows pain — His obsession with solving delivery, logistics, and data issues led to organic growth. • Tech as a differentiator — From using Ruby on Rails to building proprietary warehouse systems, custom code was a moat. • E-commerce evolution — He breaks down how MENA has shifted from 10,000 SKUs online to a fully mature retail market. • AI is not just hype — Desertcart is already leveraging GenAI in supply chain and engineering. ⸻ 📚 What You’ll Learn • How to identify scalable startup ideas from personal problems • The importance of founder-led engineering in early-stage ventures • Why building custom infrastructure (vs. off-the-shelf tools) gave Desertcart an edge • The layered evolution of e-commerce in MENA and why logistics still matters • The future of AI in e-commerce, from customer experience to supply chain 👤 About the Guest Rahul Swaminathan is the founder and CEO of Desertcart , a Dubai-based global e-commerce platform serving millions of users in the Middle East and beyond. With a background in computer science and a passion for solving real-world problems with code, Rahul bootstrapped the company from a personal pain point—lack of access to niche global products—to a tech-driven operation offering 300M+ products and operating across MENA, Asia, and parts of Europe and Oceania. https://www.desertcart.ae/ 🔍 Episode Highlights [00:02:00] – Why Desertcart started with magic tricks and niche hobbies [00:07:00] – Choosing Ruby on Rails and building the system solo [00:10:00] – Why Rahul avoided the marketplace model [00:14:00] – The 3 layers of modern e-commerce: instant, regional, and global [00:22:00] – How AI is already helping logistics and engineering at Desertcart [00:29:00] – Will AI replace coders? A nuanced view from a founder-engineer [00:35:00] – A philosophical look at how society may adapt to AI [00:38:00] – Rahul’s advice: follow your curiosity and start early…
In this episode, I sit down with Frank Sondors , founder of Salesforge , to explore how AI is reshaping outbound sales, why traditional sales hiring models are broken, and how modular tools are empowering leaner, more efficient GTM motions. Frank shares his journey from Google to launching a multi-product startup that hit $3M ARR in just 12 months—without burning VC cash. Whether you’re a founder, sales leader, or tech operator, this episode breaks down the future of B2B sales and why AI agents like Agent Frank may be your next SDR hire. 🎯 Key Takeaways • The myth of “more heads = more sales” — and what works instead • The rise of AI-powered SDRs and how Agent Frank works • Why modular systems beat super-apps for sales teams • The shift from labor-intensive CAC to automation-led CAC • How Salesforge built 6 products in 22 months with a lean team • The real future of sales: human + AI collaboration • Launching into underserved markets like Japan to outmaneuver competition ⸻ 📚 What You’ll Learn • How to think about GTM efficiency in the AI era • What it takes to scale to $3M ARR profitably • Frameworks for building sales tools in red ocean markets • How “Sales Development Engineers” are reshaping pipeline generation • Why outbound is getting harder—and how to make it work again 👤 About the Guest Frank Sondors is the founder and CEO of Salesforge , a platform revolutionizing outbound sales through automation, modular tools, and AI agents. With a background spanning Google, SimilarWeb, and machine learning companies, Frank brings deep insight into what it takes to scale sales in today’s hyper-competitive SaaS market. https://www.salesforge.ai/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/franksondors/ https://lunchclub.com/ https://www.saleshookup.com/ ⏱️ Episode Highlights (Timestamps) • [00:03:00] Frank’s background: From Google to founding Salesforge • [00:07:00] The broken math of hiring more reps • [00:11:00] The real problem in outbound: Not leads, but relevance • [00:14:30] The modular vs. super-app approach to sales tools • [00:18:00] Salesforce stack vs. the Forge ecosystem • [00:21:00] Inside “Agent Frank”: An AI SDR in action • [00:28:00] Can AI replace SDRs entirely? • [00:33:00] CRM integration and how teams actually use Salesforge • [00:36:00] Entering the Japanese market: Why and how • [00:40:00] Advice to early-stage founders: Talk to 10 users a day • [00:44:00] Frank’s personal growth habits and founder mindset…
In this episode, Mehmet is joined by Tyler Dunagin, Founder & CEO of Turnserv, a platform powering multiple tech-enabled service brands in the multifamily housing sector. Tyler has scaled five brands to 7-figure revenue, secured private equity backing, and earned a spot on the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing U.S. companies. From building within arm’s reach to leading with culture and equity, Tyler shares hard-won insights into scaling non-obvious businesses with discipline and purpose. ✅ Key Takeaways • Why tech isn’t the only path—service businesses can scale fast if built smart • The “within arm’s reach” framework for discovering untapped opportunities • Why specialization beats generalization in early-stage business models • Scaling operations through playbooks, KPIs, and culture codes • Fundraising lessons: services vs. software, and earning trust before capital • The underestimated power of personal branding for founders ⸻ 🎧 What You’ll Learn • How Tyler built multiple 7-figure businesses with low ego and high focus • The hidden challenges of growing service companies (and how to solve them) • When founders must delegate—and how to do it without losing control • A real founder’s mindset on burnout, motivation, and purpose • How to align your team with equity, not just expectations 👤 About the Guest Tyler Dunagin is a serial entrepreneur and founder of Turnserv, a tech-enabled service platform for property management. He has directed $250M+ in asset management, developed patented products, and been nominated for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year award. Tyler is also a strong advocate for founder mental health, team equity, and personal branding done right. https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerdunagin/ https://dunagincollective.com/ https://www.turnserv.com/ Episode Highlights (Chapters) 00:00 – Introduction & Tyler’s journey 03:00 – Building within arm’s reach 06:00 – Frameworks for fast, focused scaling 10:00 – Bottlenecks and solving for scale in service businesses 15:00 – Scaling company culture with speed 21:00 – Delegation, burnout, and breaking founder bottlenecks 27:00 – Managing $250M in assets and applying it to entrepreneurship 30:00 – Fundraising for service businesses vs. tech 35:00 – Personal branding and its impact on recruiting, sales, and trust 44:00 – The founder mindset: staying grounded through uncertainty 49:00 – Final reflections and how to connect with Tyler…
1 #467 From Engineer to Entrepreneur: Tom Basey on Reinventing Career Paths Through Insurance & Impact 45:52
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we sit down with Tom Basey , a former engineer and project manager turned entrepreneur, to unpack what it really takes to pivot from corporate life to a lean, scalable business in an unexpected space—insurance. Tom shares lessons from 30+ years in tech and telecom, why he believes insurance is a smart entry point for aspiring entrepreneurs, and how he’s leveraging digital tools and AI to scale impact without the traditional overhead. 🔑 Key Takeaways • Why simplicity and execution often outperform innovation • How to build a scalable business with no payroll or supply chain • The overlooked power of insurance as a lean startup model • What Web3 and blockchain can teach us about ownership and decentralization • Why lifelong learning and digital mentorship are the future of education ⸻ 📚 What You’ll Learn • How corporate experience can prepare you for entrepreneurship • The pros and cons of entering a crowded market • What “doing the work once and getting paid repeatedly” looks like • Real-life use cases for blockchain in fraud prevention, insurance, and creator economy • How to rethink traditional education in an AI-first world 👤 About the Guest Tom Basey is a self-described “recovering engineer” who spent decades in corporate America before launching a successful entrepreneurial career in the insurance industry. Drawing from his background in engineering, telecom, and medical devices, Tom now helps people secure their futures through insurance, while mentoring others on digital learning and distributed ownership. https://www.basey-insurance.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tombasey/ ⏱️ Episode Highlights 00:00 – Tom’s journey: from engineering to entrepreneurship 03:00 – Why he chose insurance and how it scales lean 07:00 – Competing in a crowded market through consultative selling 09:00 – Incentives, recurring revenue, and trust in sales 11:00 – How AI is transforming underwriting in insurance 14:00 – Leaving corporate: mindset shifts and myths to break 18:00 – Digital learning, mentorship, and monetizing expertise 27:00 – Web3, blockchain, and decentralizing ownership 36:00 – Use cases for blockchain in insurance, identity, and tickets 41:00 – Staying human in a digital world 43:00 – Final advice: Own your future, stay curious, and keep learning We’re proud to share that The CTO Show was recently featured by Million Podcasts as a top show across several categories: 100 Best Business Technology Podcasts 100 Best Digital Business Podcasts 100 Best Digital Transformation Podcasts 100 Best Future of Work Podcasts 100 Best Future Tech Podcasts 100 Best Startup Podcasts Check it out here: Million Podcasts Feature…
1 #466 What Founders Miss Most: Moataz Mukhaimer on Strategy, Pricing, and Funding Readiness 1:04:24
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پسندیدن 
دوست داشته شد1:04:24
پخش در آینده پخش در آینده لیست ها پسندیدن دوست داشته شدIn this episode, Mehmet sits down with strategy and finance advisor Moataz Mukhaimer , joining from Jordan, to unpack the most overlooked blind spots in early-stage startups. From pricing pitfalls to financial illiteracy, Moataz reveals the top three areas founders consistently ignore—and why getting these right can be the difference between scaling and stalling. A must-listen for any entrepreneur serious about building fundable, resilient companies. Key Takeaways • Why external research is the #1 blind spot for most founders. • The critical link between pricing strategy and sustainable profitability. • How to simplify financial modeling—even if you’re not a numbers person. • The psychology of founders: knowing when to say no . • The anatomy of investor due diligence and how to prepare. • Why culture and failure acceptance matter in MENA’s startup ecosystem. ⸻ What You’ll Learn • How to avoid “build, build, build” syndrome without losing focus • The real reason investors care more about cash flow than your pitch • How to use value-based pricing to strengthen your margins • What it means to be funding-ready —from story to spreadsheets About the Guest Moataz Mukhaimer is a seasoned strategic and financial advisor with 20+ years of experience supporting SMEs across the MENA region. Based in Jordan, he has worked with a wide range of clients—from family businesses to international brands—across sectors like retail, medtech, edtech, e-commerce, manufacturing, and software. Moataz specializes in strategy, pricing, financial modeling, and business valuation, helping founders make smarter decisions and build fundable companies. https://www.linkedin.com/in/moataz-mukhaimer/ https://moatazmukhaimeradvisory.com Episode Highlights ⏱️ 03:00 – The top 3 blind spots Moataz sees in startups ⏱️ 08:30 – Why founders avoid financial modeling (and how to simplify it) ⏱️ 14:45 – Burn rate, cash flow, and pricing as strategic tools ⏱️ 23:10 – Strategy vs. operations: defining the big picture ⏱️ 29:30 – The founder mindset: ego, FOMO, and resilience ⏱️ 36:00 – How to know you’re ready to raise funding ⏱️ 45:00 – Financial due diligence: what investors actually look at ⏱️ 52:30 – The rise of the MENA ecosystem and what still needs work…
In this bold and thought-provoking episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , UK-based serial entrepreneur and investor Steve Endacott joins the show to discuss the intersection of AI, entrepreneurship, and legacy . From backing disruptive startups to launching Neural Voice , a conversational AI platform for the travel industry, and Life’s Echo , a digital legacy tool that lets people speak at their own funerals—Steve is turning ambitious ideas into impactful ventures. You’ll hear why Steve believes AI is still at the “engine” stage, why implementation is the real frontier, and how his AI incubator is matching technical founders with seasoned business leaders to accelerate market-ready innovation. 🎯 Key Takeaways • Why AI startups need real business models, not just tech • The danger of overestimating big tech’s dominance in AI • Why UK founders struggle to scale—and how Dubai is emerging as an alternative funding hub • How AI can preserve human stories through voice and memory • The funding death zone: why early UK startups thrive but Series A remains elusive • Why failure is embraced in the US—but still taboo in the UK ⸻ 🎓 What You’ll Learn • How to build scalable AI startups with B2B2C models • What it means to “build a car, not just the AI engine” • How to make your startup fundable through SEIS and EIS • Real examples of AI products in travel, legacy tech, and politics • Why founders need to surround themselves with “gray hair” and business realism 👤 About the Guest: Steve Endacott STEVE ENDACOTT (AI-STEVE) NON-EXEC CHAIRMAN NEURAL RIVER (AI), NEURAL VOICE (AI) AND TRAVEL SOLUTIONS NETWORK AND FOUNDER OF ECO–ELECTRIC CAR ORGANISATION. He had an extensive business career before Steve created the SmarterUK party and exploded into political work by standing as AI Steve to become the UK's first AI Member of Parliament in Brighton Pavilion. Steve has the unusual distinction of having successful careers within both corporate and entrepreneurial environments. Steve is now “Semi-Retired”, having sold Holiday Taxis Ltd (Jan 2019) and Rock Insurance Ltd in multimillion-pound deals. He, however, continues to invest in startup businesses and has recently launched a range of new companies. ⏱ Episode Highlights (Timestamps) 00:00 – Intro and Steve’s entrepreneurial background 03:00 – The “AI car” metaphor: why implementation is everything 06:00 – Neural Voice: building travel-focused conversational AI 10:00 – Running for office as AI Steve 14:00 – Politics vs AI: fear of disruption 17:00 – The UK startup environment: good for early-stage, hard for scaling 20:00 – Why Steve is looking to Dubai for follow-on funding 22:00 – Life’s Echo: creating digital legacies and posthumous storytelling 27:00 – Public reactions: love, hate, and death threats 32:00 – Startup building lessons: team balance, sweat equity, and valuation realism 38:00 – Global-first thinking: building 25-language, 24/7 AI products 42:00 – Final advice: move fast, go global, and build meaningful businesses…
1 #464 The Resume is Dead: Garrett Rice & Philippe Cailloux on Reinventing Job Hunting with AI 1:30:49
1:30:49 پخش در آینده پخش در آینده لیست ها پسندیدن دوست داشته شد1:30:49
پخش در آینده پخش در آینده لیست ها پسندیدن دوست داشته شدIn this episode, I’m joined by two tech veterans, Garrett Rice (former Apple) and Philippe Cailloux (former Head of Product Design at Adobe), co-founders of Callings.ai —a platform that’s rethinking how we search for jobs in the AI era. We dive into how the traditional job-hunting process is broken, what’s wrong with the resume as we know it, and how AI can help job seekers know themselves better, stand out, and land more meaningful work. 💡 Key Takeaways: • Why resumes and job portals are built for companies, not candidates—and how that’s failing job seekers. • The origin story of Callings.ai and how Garrett & Philippe used their own job hunt frustration to build a new solution. • How AI can help users reflect, self-brand, and generate tailored applications at scale. • The importance of personal intention and identity in an increasingly automated hiring world. • The philosophical and practical shift from “spray and pray” to focused, purposeful job searching. ⸻ 🎓 What You’ll Learn: • How AI is changing the job search process • The flaws of applicant tracking systems (ATS) • How to use personal branding to stand out • Why self-awareness matters more than ever • The role of LLMs in reimagining career platforms 👤 About the Guests: Garrett Rice is a former Apple executive and startup operator with deep expertise in technology, product, and business building. Garrett is a leader with a 25-year record of shipping innovative products, developing meaningful partnerships, designing effective processes and leading dynamic teams. Experience with startups, medium and large companies. Love building things and solving problems to make customers happy and companies better. https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrettrice/ Philippe Cailloux has 20+ Years of Experience, he engaged in emerging technology product strategy and design, leading teams to develop products appreciated by a global user base (hundreds of millions). He has led product design at Adobe and several other companies, and brings a unique lens to merging user-centric design with cutting-edge AI. https://www.linkedin.com/in/cailloux/ Together, they co-founded Callings.ai , a platform focused on empowering job seekers—not employers—with AI-driven tools to navigate the modern hiring landscape. https://callings.ai/ Episode Highlights: ⏱️ [00:04:20] – Why traditional job search tools ignore the candidate’s experience ⏱️ [00:08:40] – Building tools out of frustration: the founding story of Callings.ai ⏱️ [00:16:00] – Resume ≠ identity: how AI helps uncover the real value behind your past roles ⏱️ [00:27:30] – The “My Insights” feature and how AI personalizes the career journey ⏱️ [00:34:50] – LLMs as enablers: using tech to accelerate self-discovery, not replace it ⏱️ [00:45:00] – The role of purpose, personal branding, and the future of work ⏱️ [01:03:00] – Will AI lead to one-person unicorns? The myth, the reality, and the nuance…
1 #463 From Corporate to Startup: How DXwand is Driving AI-Powered Business Growth from MENA to the World 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…
What happens when the very platforms meant to connect us instead manipulate us? In this eye-opening conversation, Tim O’Hearn — former black-hat growth engineer, bestselling author of Framed: A Villain’s Perspective on Social Media — joins Mehmet to expose the hidden mechanisms behind social media addiction, fake engagement, and the dark psychology driving today’s online behavior. Whether you’re a startup founder, tech leader, marketer, or a concerned user, this episode will shift the way you think about algorithms, content, and influence. Key Takeaways • Why all social platforms eventually get gamed — and why they let it happen at first. • How social proof, dopamine loops, and algorithmic feedback traps rewire our behavior. • The blurry line between black-hat marketing and everyday online tactics. • How social media evolved from community to manipulation machine. • Realistic strategies to protect yourself and your mental health online. ⸻ What You Will Learn ✅ How black-hat tactics exposed deep weaknesses in major platforms ✅ Why being controversial now beats being authentic in the algorithm game ✅ How kids and adults alike are losing control to tech-designed addiction ✅ Why the future of the internet might feel “dead” unless something changes ✅ Practical tips for healthier digital habits About Tim O’Hearn Tim O'Hearn is a software engineer who created some of the most pesky and effective bots to ever be unleashed on social media. Between 2017 and 2022, his agency gained millions of followers for its clients while generating hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue. His February 2025 debut, Framed: A Villain's Perspective on Social Media, was a #1 New Release in "Social Aspects of the Internet" on Amazon. Framed is Tim's confrontation with the Internet Age delivered by a video game cheater who outgrew gaming but never stopped breaking the rules. Tim has spent his career working in quantitative trading and has freelanced as a sports journalist. The book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DW2X8YSK Tim’s Website: https://www.tjohearn.com/links Episode Highlights & Timestamps 00:00 — Intro: Welcome and overview of today’s discussion 01:00 — Tim O’Hearn’s journey: from black-hat engineer to bestselling author 04:00 — Building bots that beat the system: Early vulnerabilities of Instagram 08:00 — The psychology of fake followers, likes, and social proof 11:00 — How AI is changing (and worsening) manipulation dynamics 14:00 — Growth hacks vs black-hat: where’s the line today? 18:00 — Is the algorithm pushing creators toward extremes? 22:00 — How the algorithm manipulates our emotions and behavior 27:00 — Who’s really to blame: us, the platforms, or someone else? 32:00 — Are kids the biggest victims of addictive tech? 36:00 — The lost magic of early internet communities 40:00 — Dead Internet Theory and the rise of AI-generated everything 45:00 — If we could redesign social media from scratch: what Tim would change 48:00 — Final thoughts: How to regain control in a hyper-digital world…
1 #461 Investing in the Future of Healthcare: Cameron Sabet on AI, Space, and the VC Edge in MedTech 43:55
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we dive into the unique intersection of venture capital, healthcare innovation, and frontier tech with Cameron Sabet , a Georgetown medical student and Principal at Multifaceted Capital. Cameron shares his unconventional path from academia to venture capital, and how he evaluates startups through both a clinical and investor lens. From AI-powered health tools to biotech innovation in space , this episode explores what it takes to build and back the next wave of MedTech startups. 💡 Key Takeaways • Why domain expertise is critical in healthcare startups • Cameron’s 3 red flags that kill MedTech deals before they start • The rise of AI-driven patient intake systems • Why the future of medicine might be built… in space • How founders can get VC attention—with or without early revenue ⸻ 🎓 What You’ll Learn • How Cameron balances being a med student and VC investor • How to assess healthtech traction when clinical trials take years • The strategic importance of your board composition • How grants, institutional backing, and timing can replace seed funding 👤 About the Guest Cameron Sabet is a U.S.-based medical student, VC investor, angel backer of Y Combinator startups, and advisor to early-stage healthtech ventures. At Multifaceted Capital, he backs high-potential founders with a bias toward deep domain understanding and global scalability. https://www.cameronsabet.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-sabet-178079250/ ⏱️ Episode Highlights 00:00 – Intro and Cameron’s background 03:00 – From Georgetown to VC: Why Cameron got into investing 07:00 – What defines a good healthtech investment thesis 10:30 – The 3 biggest red flags in early-stage MedTech 15:00 – How founders should pitch health investors 17:00 – Moats, speed, and defensibility in an AI-driven world 21:00 – Can AI close the healthcare knowledge gap? 25:00 – Cancer care in Africa and AI in low-resource settings 27:00 – Why space is the next frontier in biotech 30:00 – Regrets, missed startups, and lessons learned 33:00 – What traction really looks like in healthcare 36:00 – Non-traditional paths to early-stage MedTech funding 40:00 – Final advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in healthcare…
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The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu
In this deeply reflective episode, Mehmet welcomes futurist, bestselling author, and technologist Sam Rad to explore how we navigate—and thrive—in a world reshaped by exponential tech. From AI and quantum computing to deepfakes and biotech, this conversation is less about predicting the future and more about reclaiming what it means to be human. 🔑 Key Takeaways • Why acceleration , not just change, defines this tech era • How to surf the wave of AI, quantum, and biotech without losing your sense of self • The importance of deprogramming from outdated operating systems • What “post-human” really means—and why reconnection is the key • Sam’s own experience with building a deepfake of herself • A powerful reminder: Purpose is your protection in uncertain times ⸻ 📘 What You’ll Learn • What’s driving the current “age of acceleration” • How to build mental and emotional resilience as a founder or leader • The role of spirituality and introspection in shaping your path • How emerging technologies may force a radical rethink of work, identity, and meaning • Whether Universal Basic Income is a solution or a patch 👤 About Sam Rad Sam Rad (Samantha Radocchia) is a lifelong student of humanity—futurist, anthropologist, and creative technologist—a four-time technology entrepreneur, and the founder of the meta-media storytelling studio Radical Next. Sam has shared stories of radical change with global audiences on stages across five continents—empowering individuals, leaders, and organizations not only to survive but to thrive amid radical and accelerating change. Her work has led to advisory roles with the United Nations, the World Economic Forum, and the Federal Reserve, among others. She has served in multiple founding executive roles across the C-Suite, including co-founder of NYOUM, a London-based generative AI communication platform, and Chronicled, a San Francisco-based blockchain company bringing trust to global commerce. Prior to Chronicled, Sam founded two companies leveraging AI to map personal aesthetics and taste. She holds a dual bachelor’s degree in Anthropology, English Literature, and Linguistics from Colgate University, a master’s degree from New York University in Game Design and Social Analysis of Technology, and several patents linking the physical and digital worlds. She is considered a pioneer in extended reality (XR), simulation design, applied cryptography, blockchain systems, artificial intelligence, and natural language processing. Sam’s work has been featured in Newsweek, Fast Company, and Forbes, where she previously wrote as a contributor. She was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 List for Enterprise Technology and is also the author of the bestselling book: Bitcoin Pizza: The No-Bullshit Guide to Blockchain. Sam is a citizen of the world and is most often found people-watching somewhere between a Brooklyn coffee shop, South American rainforest, London’s West End, or some undisclosed off-grid location. https://sam-rad.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantharadocchia/ ⏱️ Episode Chapters 00:00 – Intro & Sam’s background 03:00 – Living on the edge of emerging tech 06:00 – The Age of Acceleration explained 09:00 – Deepfakes, cognition, and digital identity 14:00 – Are we ready for what’s coming? 17:00 – Learning to surf change 22:00 – The post-human dilemma 28:00 – Reprogramming vs. resisting 33:00 – Future of work, economics & Universal Basic Income 39:00 – Spirituality, purpose & thriving in the now 49:00 – What “radical” really means 52:00 – Final thoughts & optimism…
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The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu
In this thought-provoking episode, Mehmet sits down with Joel Quintela , a business psychologist and former computer systems engineer, to break down the biggest hiring blind spots—and how to fix them. Joel shares how psychology, structured assessments, and poker strategies can help founders and leaders hire better, retain top talent, and create winning teams. You’ll learn how to go beyond gut feel and “culture fit” into something more predictive—and scalable. 🎯 Key Takeaways • Why bad hires hurt startups more than big companies • How to identify and avoid founder blind spots when hiring • The difference between person-job fit and person-environment fit • The P.O.K.E.R. framework to align perception with reality • Why most roleplays and interviews fail to predict success • The hidden cost of complexity in HR tech and candidate experience • Why founders often think they’re good at hiring—but aren’t ⸻ 🧠 What You’ll Learn • How structured job profiling can reduce attrition • How to assess motivation fit in early interviews • What data-driven hiring looks like at scale • Why simplicity and clarity matter more than AI in talent tech • The link between self-awareness and high performance 👤 About Joel Quintela Joel Quintela is the founder and CEO of Quintela Group LLC, a minority-owned business enterprise specializing in HR technology solutions. With over 25 years of experience in HR assessment technology and 15 years as an entrepreneur, Joel has worked with numerous Fortune 500 clients to improve their hiring processes. https://quintela.io/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelquintela/ 🕒 Episode Highlights (Timestamps) 00:00 – Intro & Joel’s background 03:45 – Why gut feeling fails in hiring 07:00 – The impact of a bad hire on startups 10:20 – Common founder blind spots 13:45 – Job profiling: the missing step in hiring 16:50 – Role plays, assessments, and triangulation 22:10 – Culture fit vs real environmental fit 28:00 – Complexity kills: The UI/UX trap in HR tech 34:30 – The P.O.K.E.R. Framework: From perception to reality 47:00 – Final thoughts on performance, mindset, and human behavior…
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The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu
🔍 Episode Overview In this episode, Mehmet sits down with Lucas Lovell , VP of Product at Paddle , to unpack the powerful yet often overlooked role of payments in SaaS growth. From navigating tax compliance and pricing localization to optimizing for global expansion, Lucas shares product leadership insights and the future of billing in an AI-powered world. Whether you’re a founder scaling globally or a product leader aiming to boost efficiency, this episode delivers practical frameworks and forward-thinking strategies. 📌 Key Takeaways • What the Merchant of Record model really is—and why it matters • How Paddle handles tax, compliance, and fraud so SaaS companies can scale • Why localized pricing and payment methods impact conversion • The power of web-first flows for mobile apps to bypass app store fees • Using your payments platform as a strategic GTM and growth tool • How AI will shape the future of subscription billing and product design • What founders should prepare before an exit or fundraising round ⸻ 🎧 What You’ll Learn • How to enter new markets without spinning up new entities • Tactical ways to increase revenue through smarter payment setups • Why usage-based pricing is gaining momentum across SaaS • How Paddle supports product teams through compliance shifts and AI tools • Real trends from global SaaS markets—from MENA to India and Southeast Asia 👤 About Lucas Lovell Lucas Lovell is currently VP of Product a Paddle, a payments infrastructure company for digital software companies. Prior to that, Lucas was Founder of an early stage SaaS startup in the travel & hospitality space, that he launched in Australia out of Law School. He was a laureate of the French Tech Ticket Program, and grew the startup in Paris & across Europe before joining Paddle in 2021. His experience in technology is firmly at the intersection of SaaS & fintech, which is the primary problem space he explores day-in day-out at Paddle. Outside of work, Lucas is a keen runner & skier, and loves both the outdoors & exploring his now home city of London. https://www.paddle.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucaslovell/ 🕒 Episode Highlights (Timestamps) 00:00 – Intro and Lucas’s journey from law to SaaS founder to VP Product 04:00 – Explaining the Merchant of Record model 07:00 – How Paddle enables localized payment methods 09:30 – Product complexity at the intersection of tax, compliance, and UX 14:30 – Pricing localization strategies and regional purchasing power 21:00 – Web-first flows vs. App Store dependency 26:00 – How payments impact exit valuations and due diligence 31:00 – AI’s role in billing, usage-based models, and future product trends 36:00 – Emerging SaaS GTM playbooks and community-led growth 40:00 – Regional SaaS trends: India, Singapore, and beyond 42:00 – Where to connect with Lucas and learn more about Paddle…
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The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu
1 #457 Why Founder-Led Growth Isn’t Optional: Jess Schultz on Early-Stage GTM, Metrics, and Startup Scaling 49:41
In this high-impact episode, Mehmet sits down with Jess Schultz , a fractional CRO/CMO and angel investor, to unpack what truly drives early-stage startup success. From the importance of founder-led sales to building a go-to-market (GTM) motion that actually works, Jess shares practical advice that bridges theory and execution. Whether you’re a technical founder hesitant to sell, or an early-stage investor looking for better GTM signals, this episode delivers actionable insights grounded in Jess’s experience as both a growth operator and former VC. 🎯 What You’ll Learn • Why founder-led sales is non-negotiable in the early stages • How to know when to hire your first sales rep or fractional GTM leader • The signs of early product-market fit (it’s not just ARR) • How to segment and prioritize ideal customer profiles • Why building a personal brand as a founder accelerates GTM • The truth about outbound vs. inbound in 2025 —and how AI is changing both • What metrics actually matter before you hit $10M ARR ⸻ 🧠 Key Takeaways • Founder-market fit and coachability matter as much as traction to early investors • The founder should drive top-of-funnel AND be the closer—until it’s time to slowly step back • Thoughtful positioning and audience-building beats ad spend in early GTM • Outbound still works , but only when highly personalized (and not AI-written) 👤 About Jess Schultz Jess Schultz brings a rare blend of experience across capital markets, SaaS sales, venture capital , and now entrepreneurship —giving her a sharp, forward-looking perspective on business growth and market dynamics. At Amplify Group , Jess helps startups master go-to-market strategy and navigate the transition from founder-led sales to scalable growth. Her hands-on work has driven 150–590% YoY revenue growth for her clients. Beyond her role as a fractional CRO/CMO, Jess is a thought leader and brand builder—for both herself and the startups she advises. Her passion for sharing practical insights and demystifying growth strategy makes her an engaging and highly impactful guest. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicatschultz/ https://www.amplifyscales.com/ ⏱️ Episode Highlights 00:00 – Intro and Jess’s background 03:00 – Why she became a fractional CRO/CMO 05:00 – Why founder-led sales always comes first 10:00 – Common mistakes founders make when selling 13:00 – The power of founder-led content & brand 18:00 – Knowing when you’ve hit product-market fit 21:00 – When (and how) to hire your first sales rep 24:00 – Metrics that really matter under $10M ARR 29:00 – What’s changed in outbound and AI’s role in GTM 34:00 – The case for consistent marketing, not just campaigns 39:00 – How Jess evaluates startups as an angel 44:00 – Fundraising readiness tips from a former VC 47:00 – Final advice + where to follow Jess…
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The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu
1 #456 Colin Fitzpatrick on AI Agents, Vibe Coding, and the Future of Web3, Robotics, and Work 54:14
🔍 Episode Overview In this forward-looking conversation, Mehmet welcomes Colin Fitzpatrick, founder of Griffin AI and long-time tech leader, to unpack the convergence of artificial intelligence, Web3, and robotics. From “vibe coding” and AI agents to programmable avatars and robotic personal assistants, Colin paints a vision of a world being reshaped by exponential technology. They also explore how AI will democratize software development, disrupt work as we know it, and create massive opportunity. 📌 Key Takeaways • Why we haven’t seen the true “ChatGPT moment” yet—and what’s coming next • What “vibe coding” is and how it’s revolutionizing app development • Why AI won’t replace developers—but will change who builds software • How AI agents are solving onboarding and usability issues in Web3 • How AI and Web3 are becoming a “happy marriage” of complementary technologies • What robotics breakthroughs (like Figure and Gemini for Robotics) mean for your everyday life • Why tech-savvy founders will use AI agents as a competitive edge • How to future-proof yourself and your company in the AI age ⸻ 🎧 What You’ll Learn • The role of AI agents in automating complex, goal-oriented tasks • The current limitations of AI coding tools—and why they’re about to disappear • How AI and robotics together will reshape daily life and physical labor • The rise of deep research tools and personalized AI assistants • Why knowing how to use AI tools will become a fundamental job skill 👤 About the Guest Colin Fitzpatrick is a tech entrepreneur and futurist based in Dubai. With a career spanning Oracle, Salesforce, and HubSpot, he founded a metaverse/NFT venture and now leads Griffin AI , a platform enabling autonomous AI agents for Web3 applications. He is a vocal thought leader on LinkedIn covering emerging tech, AI, and the future of work. https://www.griffinai.io/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/colly/ 🕒 Episode Highlights & Timestamps 0:00 – Intro and Colin’s journey from enterprise software to Web3 2:00 – How ChatGPT changed everything for Colin 4:30 – The rise of AI agents and the next “GPT moment” 6:45 – Vibe coding: Coding apps just by describing them 10:00 – From hobbyist tools to startup MVPs: what’s possible today 14:00 – How Griffin AI is building agents for Web3 wallets and dApps 18:30 – The difference between bots and true AI agents 21:00 – How AI will automate personal and business workflows 26:00 – Using AI to explore meme coins and analyze trends 29:00 – Deep Seek, Grok, and Google’s edge with Gemini 33:00 – Robotics breakthroughs: Figure, Sora, Gemini for Robotics 38:00 – The future of AI-embodied robots in everyday life 43:00 – Preparing for the AI-driven job market 45:30 – Why AI has to become more human and contextual 48:00 – Personal AI personalities and voice assistants 50:00 – Final advice: How to stay ahead in the AI age…
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The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu
In this mind-expanding episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , futurist investor and international entrepreneur Steven Zeller joins us to explore the cutting edge of human advancement through technology. From genetic engineering and health tech breakthroughs to brain-computer interfaces , quantum computing , and the philosophical questions of immortality , Steven shares a vision of the near future that is as inspiring as it is disruptive. Whether you’re a tech founder, startup enthusiast, or future-focused investor, this episode is packed with next-level insights. 🔑 Key Takeaways • Why AI is only the beginning—and how quantum computing will unlock true superintelligence • How CRISPR and AI are merging to rewrite human biology and potentially eradicate cancer • The race to build ethical and non-invasive brain-computer interfaces • The philosophical and economic implications of human pseudo-immortality • Why repetitive jobs must be automated —and how it will free humanity for higher pursuits • The bold case for optimism in the face of exponential technological change 📚 What You’ll Learn • The state of AI-powered genetic engineering in 2025 • Cutting-edge examples of non-invasive neurotech • The case for investing in humanity’s long-term future • Steven’s framework for evaluating high-impact, long-horizon tech investments • Why fear of innovation is outdated—and how to embrace what’s next 👤 About the Guest Steven Zeller is an international entrepreneur and investor focused on frontier technologies such as AI, quantum computing, longevity, and neurotech. His mission is to help accelerate humanity into a prosperous future by backing innovations that have profound societal impact. http://linkedin.com/in/steven-zeller-b05664100 ⏱️ Episode Highlights (Timestamps) • [00:01:00] Steven’s background and his mission to accelerate humanity • [00:05:00] Health tech, AI, and the dawn of engineered longevity • [00:13:00] The reality of brain-computer interfaces today • [00:20:00] The rise of non-invasive neurotech and its commercial future • [00:26:00] Quantum computing breakthroughs and what’s next • [00:33:00] Why we need quantum to achieve superintelligence • [00:38:00] Investing with a long-term vision vs. short-term ROI • [00:44:00] The future of work: replacing repetitive jobs with human creativity • [00:47:00] Final thoughts: hope, harmony, and embracing innovation…
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The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu
In this episode, Mehmet sits down with Srini Parthasarathy , CTO of Shardeum , a Layer 1 EVM-compatible blockchain that’s rewriting the rules of scalability, decentralization, and transaction efficiency. Srini shares his journey from building NFT platforms and working at AWS to leading a project that’s tackling the blockchain trilemma head-on. Whether you’re a developer, founder, or Web3 investor, this episode breaks down what makes Shardeum different—and why it could shape the future of blockchain infrastructure. 💡 What You’ll Learn • The core problems with today’s blockchains (scalability, gas fees, decentralization) • How Shardeum uses dynamic state sharding and transaction-level consensus • Why Shardeum is developer-friendly and EVM-compatible • Srini’s thoughts on the intersection of AI and blockchain • What it takes to transition into Web3 as a tech leader or developer ⸻ 🔑 Key Takeaways • Shardeum dynamically scales by increasing the number of “shards” as usage grows. • Unlike traditional blockchains, consensus is achieved per transaction—not per block. • This design enables low, predictable gas fees , even during high demand. • The network becomes more decentralized as it scales. • Shardeum is fully open-source and developer-friendly. 👤 About the Guest Srini Parthasarathy is the Chief Technology Officer at Shardeum , a dynamic state-sharded blockchain offering linear scalability, low gas fees, and robust decentralization. Srini’s career includes leadership roles at Silks, DraftKings, and AWS, and he brings decades of experience in distributed systems and blockchain innovation. http://shardeum.org/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/svasan/ ⏱️ Episode Highlights • [00:02:00] Srini’s background in blockchain gaming and infrastructure • [00:05:00] Explaining Shardeum with the spreadsheet analogy • [00:08:00] What makes Shardeum’s dynamic state sharding unique • [00:12:00] How Shardeum benefits both users and developers • [00:14:00] Shardeum’s Proof of Quorum and security model • [00:18:00] Open source philosophy and transparency at Shardeum • [00:20:00] Srini’s take on the synergy between AI and blockchain • [00:25:00] Advice for tech leaders transitioning into blockchain • [00:28:00] Final reflections and where to follow Srini and Shardeum…
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The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu
“AI won’t replace marketers—but marketers who use AI will replace those who don’t.” – Prashant Agrawal In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we sit down with veteran marketer and educator Prashant Agrawal to explore how AI is transforming the marketing function. From his roots in traditional FMCG marketing to his deep dive into the world of LLMs and AI tools, Prashant shares a refreshingly honest and practical view on what it means to integrate AI into business and marketing strategies today. Whether you’re a tech leader, CMO, or founder trying to make sense of all the AI noise—this one is for you. 🧠 Key Takeaways • The ChatGPT moment that shifted Prashant’s career toward AI • Why AI in marketing is neither a magic button nor overhyped • Practical misconceptions about AI most business leaders still have • Why cost-cutting is the wrong way to think about AI in marketing • The must-know tools for marketers (hello, “Mrs. Peg” stack!) • How to use prompt engineering and conversation-driven workflows effectively • The skillsets marketers and teams need to futureproof their roles • Why strategic experimentation beats all-in AI transformations • What AI agents mean for the future of marketing automation ⸻ 🎓 What You’ll Learn • How to critically evaluate AI tools and avoid chasing buzzwords • Tips for training your team to embrace AI without fear • The importance of data literacy and prompt fluency in modern marketing • How to use LLMs like ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity to solve real-world problems • Why iterative thinking, not just prompting, is the future of AI collaboration 👤 About the Guest Prashant Agrawal is a seasoned marketing leader with over two decades of experience in brand building across 40+ countries. From heading marketing at Himalaya Herbals to co-founding Swiss Image in Europe, he’s now focused on AI, consulting, and teaching. Prashant brings a rare mix of hands-on experience and academic insight to the table. https://www.linkedin.com/in/prashant-agarwal-8353848/ ⏱️ Episode Highlights & Timestamps • [00:02:00] Prashant’s transition from FMCG to entrepreneurship and AI • [00:06:30] The spectrum of AI misconceptions in business • [00:08:45] Why AI is about quality and creativity, not just cost savings • [00:13:00] The “Mrs. Peg” AI stack: Tools marketers should explore • [00:20:00] Deep search, thinking LLMs, and the new research paradigm • [00:26:00] Critical AI skills: Data literacy and prompt engineering • [00:31:00] Advice for leaders: how to start integrating AI without fear • [00:35:00] Continuous learning and AI’s accelerating pace • [00:41:00] What’s next: AI agents and hopes for hallucination fixes…
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The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu
“The cost of non-compliance is much higher than the cost of getting it right from day one.” – Vikas Panchal In this episode, Mehmet sits down with Vikas Panchal , General Manager – MENA at Tally Solutions , and a seasoned leader with two decades of experience in helping small and medium enterprises (SMEs) modernize their operations. Together, they dive into the evolving role of AI and automation in SME finance, compliance, and digital transformation—especially in the MENA region . From solving hidden inefficiencies to boosting cash flow visibility and minimizing compliance risks, Vikas offers a practical roadmap for SME founders and operators looking to step into the digital era. 💡 Key Takeaways • Why automation isn’t just for large enterprises —and how even basic tools can transform SME operations • Common pain points SMEs face and how they can be tackled with digital solutions • How AI is making financial analytics, cash flow forecasting, and compliance smarter and easier • The importance of compliance readiness and how automation helps prevent, detect, and correct errors • What SME founders should know about adopting cloud-based tools in the age of remote work • Actionable advice on where to begin your digital transformation journey 📚 What You’ll Learn • How to make sense of automation as an SME founder • The role of AI in financial decision-making • Tips for adopting tech tools that solve your real business problems • How to stay compliant with local VAT and corporate tax regulations • Insights into the future of financial management for MENA’s growing SME ecosystem 👤 About the Guest Vikas Panchal is the General Manager – MENA at Tally Solutions , a trusted voice in the business software ecosystem for SMEs. Based in Dubai, Vikas has spent nearly 20 years working with small and medium businesses across the region to drive digital adoption, streamline financial operations, and ensure regulatory compliance. https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikas-panchal-59375630/ https://tallysolutions.com/ 🕒 Episode Highlights • [00:02:00] — Vikas introduces his background and work with SMEs across MENA • [00:04:30] — Why SMEs hesitate with automation (and how to overcome it) • [00:08:00] — The importance of end-to-end automation, not just invoicing • [00:10:30] — Real-world examples of how AI is enhancing SME decision-making • [00:14:00] — Tips on getting started with AI: Start small, solve real problems • [00:16:30] — Compliance: The hidden cost of getting it wrong • [00:19:00] — How automation tools help prevent, detect, and correct financial errors • [00:24:30] — Will AI replace accountants? Vikas shares a balanced perspective • [00:26:00] — How remote work and cloud access changed the SME landscape • [00:30:00] — Final advice to SME owners: Start your digital journey now…
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The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu
“You either earn or you learn — both are wins.” – Allan Abbas In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , Allan Abbas joins us to explore the world of fintech innovation, startup growth, and what it takes to build a game-changing product in the Middle East. Allan, a former Amazon leader turned founder, shares his personal journey from bootstrapping his first startup to co-founding Emflex — a company focused on fixing car financing in Saudi Arabia. We dive deep into what it means to “play the two startup games”: lifestyle businesses vs. venture-scale startups, the power of embedded finance, and why the MENA region is primed for fintech disruption. 💡 What You’ll Learn • The difference between bootstrapped vs. VC-backed startup models • Why fintech is just getting started in the MENA region • How AI and open banking are reshaping financial services • What embedded finance really means — and why it’s the future • How to navigate fintech regulations in Saudi Arabia • The psychology of being a solo founder vs. being in a builder community ⸻ 📝 Key Takeaways • Fintech in MENA is still <1% of the banking market — massive upside remains • The car financing journey today is broken — Emflex aims to cut it from 7 days to 90 minutes • AI isn’t just a feature; it’s infrastructure • Open banking gives users control over their financial data — unlocking new business models • Know which game you’re playing: lifestyle vs. scale — and commit fully About Allan Abbas Allan Abbas is a former Amazonian engineer who thrives on pushing boundaries both personally and professionally. He previously launched and bootstrapped a niche sports tourism startup in Dubai, generating $1.2 million in product sales without any mentorship or external funding. With six years of progressive leadership experience at Amazon, Allan has led large-scale operations, product development, and launch management across multiple verticals. He specializes in assembling and leading high-performing teams. Today, Allan is focused on building an AI-powered fintech startup aimed at transforming the car financing experience across the MENA region. https://www.allanabbas.com/ https://linkedin.com/in/alanabbas ⏱️ Episode Highlights 00:00 – Intro and Allan’s background 02:00 – From Amazon to startups: The itch to build 04:30 – Why fintech? The “aha” moment 06:00 – Is MENA fintech really saturated? 08:00 – What is embedded finance and why it matters 10:00 – How car financing works today vs. Emflex’s vision 13:00 – How Emflex uses AI to match lenders and improve credit checks 15:30 – Fintech regulations: What founders need to know 19:00 – Why open banking is a game-changer 22:00 – Allan on startup scars, lessons, and pivoting 25:30 – Bootstrapping vs. VC: Choosing your path 29:00 – The Antler experience and value of being among builders 33:00 – MENA startups going global — when and how? 36:00 – Final thoughts, favorite fruit, and closing words…
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The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu
“My grand vision is to make the RFP obsolete — and I believe AI can make that happen.” — Peter Bonney , CEO & Founder of Fastbreak In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we’re joined by Peter Bonney , CEO and Founder of Fastbreak , to discuss how AI is transforming one of the most painful processes in enterprise sales: responding to RFPs . With over 9 years of experience navigating the procurement landscape from both buyer and seller perspectives, Peter shares his bold vision for eliminating inefficiencies, empowering sales teams, and ultimately making the traditional RFP obsolete. We dive deep into how Fastbreak uses AI to semantically understand complex company knowledge, automate responses, and allow human teams to focus on what truly matters. We also touch on the future of SaaS, defensibility in the AI age, and how to scale efficiently in uncertain times. 🔑 Key Takeaways • The inefficiency in RFP processes is still a major pain point for enterprises. • Fastbreak’s AI engine builds a semantic understanding of company content to generate smart, relevant responses. • The goal isn’t to replace people but to empower them — AI handles repetitive tasks, humans focus on high-value work. • Peter’s ultimate vision: make RFPs obsolete by using AI on both buyer and seller sides. • In a world where “every company is now an AI company,” finding a defensible moat is more important than ever. • Scaling AI-driven SaaS is easier than ever thanks to API access to foundation models — but maintaining differentiation is critical. • AI helps in shortening B2B sales cycles by optimizing responses, follow-ups, and internal coordination. ⸻ 🎓 What You’ll Learn • Why enterprise procurement is still stuck in a legacy loop • How AI changes the way sales teams and proposal managers operate • What the future of “robot-to-robot selling” could look like • The risks of building on top of foundational models — and how to stay ahead • How founders should think about scalability , support , and customer trust in the AI age 👤 About the Guest – Peter Bonney Peter Bonney is the CEO and Founder of Vendorful, a SaaS platform designed to simplify and accelerate complex engagements between B2B buyers and sellers. Peter's leadership has helped Vendorful become a key player in the B2B tech space, focusing on making complex procurement processes more efficient and transparent. He is also the CEO and Founder of Fastbreak, a spinoff from Vendorful focused on helping sales and pre-sales teams leverage their company’s knowledge and collaborate seamlessly with internal subject-matter experts (SMEs) to make complex deals faster and easier. https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-bonney-nyc/ https://vendorful.ai/ https://fastbreakrfp.com/ 🕒 Episode Highlights & Timestamps 0:00 – Welcome and introduction 1:05 – Peter’s background and the founding of Fastbreak 3:30 – Where AI fits into the RFP response process 6:50 – Why procurement remains one of the most outdated processes 10:00 – AI’s impact on sales roles: AEs, SDRs, and proposal managers 14:30 – Reducing repetitive work with AI and improving quality of responses 18:00 – Are buyers using ChatGPT to write RFPs? Signs you can spot 21:00 – Peter’s “wild idea” to eliminate RFPs using dual-sided AI 24:30 – Robot-to-robot selling and how customers use AI to choose vendors 26:00 – Shrinking B2B sales cycles with AI-enabled efficiency 29:00 – Virtual sales engineers and the future of sales collaboration 32:00 – Is every SaaS company now an AI company? 34:30 – The challenge of defensibility in a world of rapid AI evolution 37:00 – Scaling SaaS in the age of APIs and democratized infrastructure 39:30 – Fundraising, angel investing, and Peter’s honest outlook on the future 42:00 – Final thoughts on Lean Startup principles, failure, and staying adaptive…
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The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu
In this episode, Mehmet speaks with Zeke Camusio , founder of Data Speaks , an AI-powered platform helping marketers and founders finally solve the attribution puzzle. From cutting through vanity metrics to deploying machine learning for media mix modeling, Zeke shares a tactical playbook for maximizing return on every marketing dollar —without increasing ad spend. Whether you’re a founder navigating early-stage growth or a CMO optimizing multimillion-dollar campaigns , this conversation offers powerful insights into how AI is transforming marketing efficiency . 🔑 Key Takeaways • The two major attribution challenges most startups overlook • Why traditional analytics tools like Google Analytics can mislead your strategy • The difference between multi-touch attribution and media mix modeling • How AI and machine learning bring clarity to messy marketing data • What startup founders should know before scaling their ad budget • How to optimize ROI across multiple channels—even with limited resources • What to expect from the future of marketing in a cookie-less, AI-powered world 💡 What You’ll Learn • Why attribution is broken—and how to fix it • How to reduce waste in marketing spend • How small businesses can access tools once limited to enterprise • The strategic role of AI in marketing planning • When to consider first-party tracking vs. third-party pixels • How to think about incrementality in your campaigns 👤 About Zeke Camusio Zeke Camusio is a serial entrepreneur and the founder of Data Speaks, an AI-powered analytics platform that helps companies identify what drives their sales and invest in the right marketing strategies. With a background in economics and data science, Zeke has spent the last 20 years developing AI, machine learning and data analytics solutions, enabling hundreds of companies to make data-driven decisions and accelerate growth. He is a frequent speaker at AI, machine learning, and digital marketing conferences and podcasts. https://www.dataspeaks.ai/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/zekecamusio/ ⏱️ Episode Highlights & Timestamps • [00:02:00] – Zeke’s background and journey from marketing agency to AI startup • [00:06:00] – Common misconceptions about data-driven marketing • [00:10:00] – Attribution breakdown: why last-click logic fails • [00:13:00] – Explaining media mix modeling with real-world examples • [00:17:00] – Where machine learning fits into attribution • [00:20:00] – Why tracking individual users is no longer the best path • [00:26:00] – Cost considerations: DIY vs. partnering with attribution experts • [00:29:00] – Can we track traffic from ChatGPT and LLMs? • [00:33:00] – Zeke’s prediction: AI agents as decision-making assistants • [00:36:00] – Final advice for founders and marketing leaders…
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The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu
AI is reshaping consumer behavior like never before, creating both opportunities and challenges for businesses. In this episode, I sit down with Shahar Boyayan , an expert in consumer psychology and AI-driven behavior, to discuss how businesses—especially small businesses and entrepreneurs—must adapt to this shift. We explore hyper-personalization, AI-driven marketing, the ethics of AI in business, and how companies can leverage AI without crossing privacy boundaries. Key Takeaways ✅ AI is becoming an extension of consumer behavior – Understanding how consumers interact with AI is crucial for business success. ✅ The rise of hyper-personalization – AI can tailor experiences, but businesses must balance personalization with privacy. ✅ Small businesses can compete with big players – AI tools are now accessible to startups, leveling the playing field. ✅ The ethics of AI in marketing – Businesses need to be aware of AI’s influence and ensure transparency in data usage. ✅ Why you need to embrace AI now – Waiting too long to adapt could leave businesses behind. What You’ll Learn in This Episode 🔹 How AI is shaping modern consumer behavior 🔹 The eight laws of irresistibility in business 🔹 The risks and benefits of AI-driven personalization 🔹 How small businesses can leverage AI for growth 🔹 The future of AI in marketing, e-commerce, and customer engagement About the Guest Shahar Boyayan is a leading expert in the fascinating intersection of consumer behavior and artificial intelligence. With her finger on the pulse of emerging technologies and their impact on commerce, Shahar offers invaluable insights into the future of consumer trends and business strategies. She is the author of the groundbreaking report, "AI-Driven Consumer Trends and Business Applications: Navigating the Near Future of Commerce and the Eight Laws of Irresistibility." This seminal work has quickly become a go-to resource for businesses looking to harness the power of AI in understanding and influencing consumer behavior. https://proptalkie.com/ai-trends https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahar/ Episode Highlights (with timestamps) ⏳ [00:02:00] – Shahar’s journey from Brazil to the U.S. and her passion for consumer behavior ⏳ [00:04:00] – Why AI is the biggest shift in consumer behavior in decades ⏳ [00:06:30] – The eight laws of irresistibility and why emotional connection matters in business ⏳ [00:09:00] – The rise of AI-generated marketing content—how can businesses stay authentic? ⏳ [00:12:30] – AI-driven personalization: How much is too much? ⏳ [00:18:00] – The role of AI in e-commerce and retail transformation ⏳ [00:24:00] – AI’s ability to understand human emotions and predict moods ⏳ [00:28:00] – The AI shopping cart: How AI is reshaping online shopping experiences ⏳ [00:31:00] – How small businesses can use AI to stay competitive ⏳ [00:37:00] – Shahar’s final advice for entrepreneurs on using AI wisely…
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The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu
1 #447 Islamic Finance Meets Blockchain: Ethical DeFi with Haqq Network’s Alex Malkov & Andrey Kuznetsov 53:10
In this episode, I sit down with Alex Malkov and Andrey Kuznetsov , co-founders of Haqq Network , to explore how Islamic finance and blockchain are merging to create ethical DeFi solutions . Haqq Network aims to bring Sharia-compliant financial products into the Web3 space, addressing fairness, transparency, and financial inclusion. We discuss real-world tokenization , the role of AI in DeFi , and how blockchain can revolutionize Islamic finance for 2 billion Muslims worldwide . Key Takeaways ✅ Bridging Islamic Finance & Web3 – Why Sharia-compliant finance matters in DeFi ✅ Tokenization of Real Assets – Gold, Sukuk, and commodities in the blockchain era ✅ Regulatory Landscape – How MENA and Southeast Asia are shaping crypto adoption ✅ AI in Blockchain – The role of machine learning in ethical finance and user experience ✅ Beyond Meme Coins – Why sustainable, mission-driven crypto matters What You’ll Learn 📌 The core principles of Islamic finance and how they apply to DeFi 📌 How Haqq Network is pioneering Sharia-compliant blockchain solutions 📌 The challenges and opportunities in tokenizing real-world assets 📌 Why AI is a game-changer for user-friendly DeFi adoption 📌 The future of ethical investing in blockchain About the Guests 🔹 Alex Malkov – Alex Malkov combines over a decade of legal experience with a focus on Web3 projects. He has worked with major blockchain and fintech firms like AAVE and Bequant, ensuring legal compliance and innovative approaches in the space. His leadership at HAQQ focuses on building an ethics-first blockchain platform that addresses real-world challenges, particularly in emerging markets. His areas of expertise include DeFi, crypto adoption in South East Asia, Real World Tokenization, Rise of Islamic Fintech, Blockchain solutions. https://www.linkedin.com/in/probono42/ 🔹 Andrey Kuznetsov –Andrey is a serial entrepreneur and engineer focused on fintech, cybersecurity, and network communication solutions. He has led teams that have built payment services, corporate messengers, blockchain staking services, and financial analysis software.Andrey is a serial entrepreneur and engineer focused on fintech, cybersecurity, and network communication solutions. He has led teams that have built payment services, corporate messengers, blockchain staking services, and financial analysis software. His areas of expertise include real world tokenization, crypto adoption in GCC and SEA regions, and a tech side of blockchain. https://www.linkedin.com/in/brainsmith/ https://haqq.network Episode Highlights ⏳ [00:00] – Welcome & Introduction to Haqq Network ⏳ [02:00] – Alex & Andrey’s backgrounds and roles at Haqq ⏳ [05:00] – The inspiration behind Haqq Network & Islamic Coin ⏳ [08:00] – How Sharia principles apply to blockchain finance ⏳ [12:00] – Tokenizing real assets: Gold, commodities, and beyond ⏳ [18:00] – Regulatory insights: MENA vs. Southeast Asia adoption ⏳ [26:00] – AI’s impact on blockchain & DeFi accessibility ⏳ [35:00] – The future of ethical crypto & sustainable DeFi ⏳ [45:00] – Final thoughts: Advice for entrepreneurs in Web3…
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The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu
In this episode, I sit down with Nadav Boaz , a seasoned entrepreneur and AI-driven product builder, to explore how AI is reshaping business, product development, and sales. Nadav shares his insights on launching AI-powered startups, the evolving landscape of human-to-AI interactions, and why competitive advantages are shifting away from technology itself. We also dive into thought-provoking questions like: • Will AI replace human-led sales and customer interactions? • What gives startups a competitive edge when AI levels the playing field? • How is AI changing the speed and dynamics of launching new products? • What’s the future of B2B SaaS in a world where businesses can build their own tools? If you’re an entrepreneur, tech leader, or curious about the future of AI-driven businesses, this episode is for you! 🎯 Key Takeaways ✅ AI is an amplifier—launching products is easier, but differentiation is harder. ✅ Competitive advantage now comes from market capture rather than just technology. ✅ AI-powered sales and customer interactions are already replacing human-led processes. ✅ Startups should validate markets before building , as launching is now faster than ever. ✅ B2B SaaS could face disruption as companies build their own AI-powered internal tools. ✅ Future success depends on speed, adaptability, and customer acquisition strategies . 🎙 About the Guest: Nadav Boaz Nadav is an AI and tech thought leader, ranked as LinkedIn’s Top AI Voice, with extensive experience in Al Transforming Industries, Philosophy in Tech, Remote Teams & Hiring, Automation & Efficiency, Innovation & Leadership, Tech & Dating, Digital Psychology, Growth Hacking and Human Engineering He’s passionate about AI, humanity’s future, and the philosophical implications of tech and would bring valuable insights to your audience. 🔗 Connect with Nadav Boaz • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nedx/ • Website: https://voiceDrop.ai | https://www.prymatica.com/ 📌 Episode Highlights & Timestamps ⏳ 00:00 – Intro & Welcome Nadav Boaz ⏳ 01:30 – Nadav’s journey: From failures to AI-powered success ⏳ 04:00 – How AI is changing product development and competition ⏳ 07:00 – The future of startup differentiation: Is tech still a competitive advantage? ⏳ 10:30 – The rise of AI-powered sales and marketing: Is human-led interaction dead? ⏳ 14:00 – AI selling to AI: The future of automation in business ⏳ 19:30 – The importance of market validation before product development ⏳ 24:00 – How AI is used in cold email marketing and voice automation ⏳ 32:00 – The future of B2B SaaS: Will big companies replace SaaS with internal AI? ⏳ 38:00 – Entrepreneurial mindset: How to stay ahead in the AI revolution ⏳ 40:00 – Final thoughts & where to connect with Nadav…
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