In this episode of the CTO Podcast, host Etienne speaks with image strategist Zayna Rose about the importance of personal branding and leadership presence for technology leaders. They discuss how visual identity, color psychology, and intentional self-expression can enhance a leader's credibility and connection with others. Zayna emphasizes the need for tech leaders to be mindful of their appearance and how it impacts their professional image, while also encouraging them to embrace their authentic selves. The conversation highlights practical tips for improving one's image and the significance of digital presence in today's world.Time Stamps00:00 Introduction to the CTO Podcast and Guest Zaina Rose03:06 Understanding Leadership Presence05:29 The Importance of Visual Identity09:55 Casual Power Looks for Tech Leaders12:18 Strategic Wardrobe Levels16:30 Choosing Colors That Work for You21:17 Tailored vs. Standard Looks23:38 Experimenting with Self-Expression30:14 Leveraging Digital Assets for First Impressions34:33 Practical Steps for Improving Personal Branding38:42 Enhancing Stage Presence and Communication42:45 Closing Thoughts and Call to ActionWe have 200+ CTOs in peer groups: Quick Testimonials VideoContact Etienne: Website / YouTube / LinkedIn / X / Instagram / The CTO Podcast WebsiteContact Zayna: Website /LinkedIn Get full access to The CTO Podcast at www.ctopod.com/subscribe

In this episode of the CTO Podcast, host Etienne de Bruin speaks with Lena Skliarova-Mordvinova, CTO and Co-Founder of the Good Face Project. They discuss the origins of the Good Face Project, which aims to educate consumers about the ingredients in personal care products and promote safer alternatives. The conversation delves into the role of generative AI in analyzing ingredient safety, the challenges of navigating the venture capital landscape, and the importance of parenting in the digital age. Lena shares her insights on balancing technology and family life, as well as cultural perspectives on parenting from her experiences in Ukraine. In this conversation, Lena shares her experiences navigating the challenges of leading a tech team in Ukraine during the ongoing war, highlighting the resilience and determination of her team. She discusses the importance of maintaining a sense of normalcy and connection amidst chaos, the innovative tech stack they are using in AI, and the complexities of regulatory environments in the personal care industry. Additionally, she reflects on her passion for space research and the evolution of data mining technologies.Time Stamps00:00 Introduction to the CTO Podcast and Guest03:01 The Good Face Project: Origins and Mission06:01 Understanding Ingredients: The Science Behind Personal Care08:53 Generative AI in Personal Care: Innovations and Challenges12:12 Venture Capital Landscape: Navigating the Hype15:07 Parenting in the Digital Age: Balancing Technology and Family21:04 Reflections on Parenting: Learning and Growing Together26:56 Cultural Perspectives on Parenting: A Global View34:03 The Power of Connection in Uncertain Times39:14 Resilience Amidst Chaos: The Ukrainian Experience45:09 Innovations in AI: Tech Stack and Models53:39 Navigating Regulations in Personal Care and Supplements01:02:22 Passion for Space: A Journey Through ResearchWe have 200+ CTOs in peer groups: Quick Testimonials VideoContact Etienne: Website / YouTube / LinkedIn / X / Instagram / The CTO Podcast WebsiteContact Lena: Website /LinkedIn Get full access to The CTO Podcast at www.ctopod.com/subscribe

In this episode of The CTO Podcast, Dr. Aadeel Akhtar CEO and founder of PSYONIC, discusses the evolution of bionic hands and the advancements in robotics and AI that have made them possible. He shares his personal journey and motivation for creating prosthetics that can change lives, as well as the entrepreneurial challenges faced in bringing this technology to market. The conversation explores the design considerations of bionic hands, the integration of AI, and the future of prosthetics. In this conversation, Aadeel discusses the journey of developing innovative bionic hands through customer discovery, design constraints, and a unique funding approach. He emphasizes the importance of durability and functionality in prosthetics, the role of human users in robotics, and the challenges of navigating crowdfunding and institutional investment. The conversation also touches on the competitive landscape in prosthetic technology and the growth dynamics of his company.Time Stamps00:00 Introduction PSYONIC and bionic hands02:53 The Evolution of Robotics and Human-like Design05:46 The Journey of Creating the Ability Hand09:07 Advancements in Robotics and AI Integration12:00 Personal Story and Motivation Behind PSYONIC15:08 The Future of Bionic Limbs and Technology17:51 Entrepreneurial Challenges in Bionic Technology31:26 Customer Discovery and Design Constraints34:46 Innovative Approaches to Bionic Hands37:52 The Role of Human Users in Robotics40:40 Funding Journey and Shark Tank Experience52:06 Navigating Crowdfunding and Institutional Investment56:15 Competitive Landscape in Prosthetic Technology59:00 Company Structure and Growth DynamicsWe have 200+ CTOs in peer groups: Quick Testimonials VideoContact Etienne: Website / YouTube / LinkedIn / X / Instagram / The CTO Podcast WebsiteContact Dr. Aadeel Akhtar: Website /LinkedIn Get full access to The CTO Podcast at www.ctopod.com/subscribe

In this episode of The CTO Podcast, Etienne engages with AI experts, Ksenia Palke (Director AI: Airspace), Lena Skliarova-Mordvinova (Co-Founder & CTO: Good Face Project) and Sharon Zhang (Co-Founder & CTO: Personal AI) to discuss the current state and future of AI in technology organizations. The conversation covers the different AI stacks being used, the evolution of AI technologies, the societal impact of AI, and the challenges faced by CTOs in implementing AI solutions. The guests share their personal journeys in AI, highlight the importance of human oversight, and provide valuable advice for CTOs looking to leverage AI effectively in their organizations.Time Stamps00:00 - Introduction to AI in Production02:58 - AI Stacks and Tools in Use05:50 - AI’s Evolution and Its Impact11:50 - The Rise of Large Language Models (LLMs)17:59 - Challenges in AI Development24:09 - AI’s Philosophical and Ethical Implications30:13 - Building AI for Business: Practical Advice35:38 - Final Thoughts on AI Development40:20 - The Future of AGI and Its Potential Dangers47:04 - Impact of AI on Language and Communication53:46 - The Role of AI in Education and Child Development58:21 - AI in the Workplace: Communication and Productivity1:04:54 - Human Evolution in the Age of AIWe have 200+ CTOs in peer groups: Quick Testimonials VideoContact Etienne: Website / YouTube / LinkedIn / X / Instagram / The CTO Podcast WebsiteContact Lena: Website /LinkedInContact Ksenia: Website /LinkedInContact Sharon: Website /LinkedIn Get full access to The CTO Podcast at www.ctopod.com/subscribe

In this episode of The CTO Podcast, Etienne interviews Ryan Kari, CTO of MagCanica, a company in the torque sensor space. They discuss the role of torque sensors in Formula One racing and other motorsports, as well as their use in hybrid engines. They also touch on the challenges of delegating invention in a hardware company and the importance of communication between software and hardware teams. Ryan also shares his approach to CTOing the organization, which involves exploring new ideas and shining a light on different areas of the business.00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message00:40 Interview with Ryan Kari, CTO of MagCanica03:06 The Role of Torque Sensors in Motorsports08:42 Sending Torque and Other Data Digitally12:48 Balance of Performance in Racing18:01 Formula One as a Technology Testing Ground29:08 CTOing the Organization and Delegating Invention39:21 Exploring New Ideas and Using AI Tools46:28 Conclusion and Closing RemarksWe have 200+ CTOs in peer groups: Quick Testimonials VideoContact Etienne: Website / YouTube / LinkedIn / X / Instagram / The CTO Podcast WebsiteContact Ryan: Website /LinkedIn Get full access to The CTO Podcast at www.ctopod.com/subscribe

In this engaging discussion, Kathy Keating, a fractional CTO and executive coach renowned for her expertise in growth and operational excellence, shares valuable insights. She emphasizes the joy in work and offers strategies for navigating disagreements in leadership. Kathy explores the significance of operationalizing processes, effective documentation, and maintaining clear communication in tech teams. The conversation highlights the critical need for alignment on problem-solving and the benefits of incremental changes in fostering organizational success.

Aliza Carpio (Director of Product Management Data Platform at JLL Technologies) discusses with Etienne open source communities, codes of conduct, and the relationship between product management and engineering. She emphasizes the importance of open source as a team sport and the benefits of collaboration and problem-solving in the open source community.Aliza also highlights the value of open source for businesses, including cost savings and access to tried and true solutions. She emphasizes the need for clear communication and inclusive documentation in open source projects, as well as the importance of psychological safety in remote work environments. In this conversation, Aliza and Etienne discuss the importance of communication and collaboration between product managers and engineers as well as emphasizing the need for product managers to understand the 'why' behind their products and for engineers to understand the customer problem.They also highlight the value of experimentation and failure in the product development process. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the potential impact of language models like ChatGPT on communication and trust.Time Stamps00:00 - Introduction and Overview00:40 - Aliza’s Background and Role in Product Management06:47 - The Value of Open Source for Businesses13:31 - Creating Safety and Inclusivity in Open Source Communities25:11 - The Importance of Reflection and Intentional Connection29:38 - Invitation to Join 7CTOs Growth Program31:20 - The Importance of Understanding the 'Why' in Product Management36:08 - The Role of Engineers in Understanding the Customer Problem39:46 - The Value of Experimentation and Failure in Product Development44:32 - Creating a Culture of Experimentation and Discovery51:53 - The Potential Impact of Language Models on Communication and Trust58:55 - Effective Communication and Collaboration in Product DevelopmentWe have 200+ CTOs in peer groups: Quick Testimonials VideoContact Etienne: Website / YouTube / LinkedIn / X / Instagram / The CTO Podcast WebsiteContact Aliza: Website /LinkedIn Get full access to The CTO Podcast at www.ctopod.com/subscribe

In this conversation, Etienne interviews Maria Flynn, the Founder and CEO of AmbioLogix, about her new book Make Opportunity Happen. They discuss the importance of carving your own path as an entrepreneur, the challenges faced by early-stage entrepreneurs, and the methods and templates outlined in the book to help entrepreneurs navigate their journey. They also touch on topics such as team dynamics, perseverance, and the role of mindset in entrepreneurship. Maria, the author of Make Opportunity Happen: How to Build a Culture of Innovation in Your Organization, discusses her experience as the CEO of Orbis Biosciences and shares insights on leadership and building successful teams. She emphasizes the importance of staying the course and not getting caught up in frenzy pivots. Maria also highlights the significance of having a clear vision and setting goals to drive progress. She discusses the role of the CEO and CTO in a tech company and the importance of mutual respect and communication between the two. Maria provides valuable advice for founders and shares her thoughts on accountability and appreciation in a team.Time Stamps00:00 - Introduction and Background03:06 - Carving Your Own Path as an Entrepreneur09:40 - Methods and Templates for Success13:59 - The Importance of Team Dynamics, Perseverance, and Mindset37:31 - The Role of the CEO and CTO38:25 - Knowing Where You Want to Go46:29 - The People and Business Aspect of the CTO Role47:56 - The Importance of Different Skill Sets and Personalities53:47 - Accountability and Appreciation in Building a Strong TeamWe have 200+ CTOs in peer groups: Quick Testimonials VideoContact Etienne: Website / YouTube / LinkedIn / X / Instagram / The CTO Podcast WebsiteContact Maria: Website /LinkedInMaria's Book: Make Opportunity Happen: How to Build a Culture of Innovation in Your Organization Get full access to The CTO Podcast at www.ctopod.com/subscribe

Dave Adsit, VP of Engineering at SamCart, and Etienne reminisce about early computer experiences and discuss product management, lean software development, team productivity, and communication mediums' impact on company culture.

Ksenia Palke, Director of AI at Airspace, discusses the use of AI in time-critical shipments. Airspace builds tech for fast automated solutions in shipping critical items such as organs, medical devices, and industrial parts. The goal is to remove unnecessary manual steps and optimize the delivery process. Ksenia explains how AI is used to predict delivery times, optimize routes, and automate interactions with drivers and customers. She also discusses the use of large language models (LLMs) in their AI initiatives and the importance of prompt engineering and ragging. Ksenia emphasizes the need for context-specific training and the ongoing comparison of different LLMs. In this conversation, Etienne and Ksenia discuss the implementation of language models (LLMs) in business and the importance of being specific and intentional in their use. They emphasize the need for a clear strategy and goals when using LLMs, rather than chasing the latest and greatest technology. They also highlight the importance of having a human in the loop to validate and manage LLM outputs. The conversation explores the limitations of LLMs and the potential for future advancements. Overall, the conversation provides practical advice for founders and CTOs on how to approach AI projects and make the most of LLMs.Time Stamps00:00 Introduction and Overview02:12 Automation and Optimization in Time-Critical Shipments09:22 Using LLMs to Automate Interactions14:05 The Importance of Prompt Engineering and Ragging in LLM Training24:14 Bottlenecks and Challenges in LLM Development29:29 Being Specific and Intentional with LLMs35:04 The Importance of Performance over Novelty39:18 The Role of Human Validation44:29 Avoiding the Hype and Focusing on Practical Applications53:26 Understanding the Limitations of LLMs57:47 Embracing Advancements in LLM TechnologyWe have 200+ CTOs in peer groups: Quick Testimonials VideoContact Etienne: Website / YouTube / LinkedIn / X / Instagram / The CTO Podcast WebsiteContact Ksenia: LinkedIn / Website Get full access to The CTO Podcast at www.ctopod.com/subscribe