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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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#454 Scaling the Blockchain: Srini Parthasarathy on Fixing Gas Fees and Decentralization

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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

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

  continue reading

463 قسمت

Artwork
iconاشتراک گذاری
 
Manage episode 475850219 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, 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

  continue reading

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In 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…
 
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…
 
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…
 
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…
 
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…
 
🔍 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…
 
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…
 
🔍 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…
 
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…
 
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…
 
“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…
 
“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…
 
“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…
 
“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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