The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

In this episode, Mehmet sits down with VC and author Ben Wiener to unpack one of the most practical, founder-friendly pitching frameworks in the startup world today. Ben is the creator of the HEART Framework and the author of the bestselling business fable Fever Pitch. He breaks down why most pitches fail, how investors actually think, and how founders can use storytelling to turn curiosity into conviction.This episode goes deep into the psychology of pitching, investor behavior, AI startup hype, and the traps founders unintentionally fall into when telling their story.If you’re a founder raising capital, a builder crafting a strong narrative, or an operator helping startups pitch with clarity, this episode is a masterclass.⸻About the Guest: Ben WienerBen Wiener is a professional venture capitalist, founder of a 12-year-old early stage VC fund, and the bestselling author of Fever Pitch. His HEART Framework has become a go-to model for founders seeking a structured, effective, and persuasive way to pitch investors. Ben is known for blending storytelling, psychology, and practical experience from thousands of pitch interactions to help founders succeed.https://www.linkedin.com/in/benwiener/⸻What Listeners Will Learn • How to structure a pitch that mirrors the investor brain. • How to craft a belief statement that captures attention. • How to avoid the fatal traps of overexplaining the tech. • How to use interruptions, objections, and tough questions to your advantage. • How to turn your pitch into a narrative investors want to follow. • How to pitch at any stage, including pre-product and day zero. • How founders can build trust even without traction. • How AI founders can differentiate in a crowded landscape.⸻Episode Highlights (Timestamps)00:00 — Mehmet opens the episode and introduces VC and author Ben Wiener.01:00 — Ben on being a “professional VC and unprofessional author” and how Fever Pitch came to life.03:00 — Why Ben chose to teach pitching through a business fable instead of a traditional book.06:00 — How Guy Kawasaki ended up writing the foreword after a bold cold email.08:00 — Teaching business through fiction and why it works.09:00 — Introducing Mark, the protagonist of Fever Pitch, and why his struggle mirrors most founders.11:00 — Why founders assume investors will understand their brilliance without proper structure.14:00 — Deep dive into the HEART Framework and why order matters.20:00 — Why team traits come last and not first.22:00 — Why founders struggle to articulate their “why.”26:00 — How investors’ subconscious minds evaluate pitches and search for red flags.29:00 — Why pitch templates on the internet often mislead founders.33:00 — What investors actually look for vs what they say they want.35:00 — The danger of jumping straight into the tech.38:00 — Alternatives vs competition and why they are not the same.41:00 — Why interruptions during a pitch are a good sign.45:00 — Mehmet and Ben share personal experiences about tough investor reactions.48:00 — Pitching with no product and no traction: what founders can do.50:00 — Why warm introductions matter 100 times more than cold ones.54:00 — The 10–20–30 pitch rule and why less is more.58:00 — Why AI is a double-edged sword for founders raising today.01:02:00 — Mehmet’s reflection on using HEART as a compass for founders.01:04:00 — Ben’s closing remarks and where founders can access free tools.⸻Resources Mentioned • Fever Pitch by Ben Wiener : https://feverpitchbook.com/ • HEART Framework Tools and Free Pitch Deck Template: https://view.genially.com/682f26cc0eb98daa6299f431 • Guy Kawasaki’s work on pitching and “Start With Why” • The Venture Mindset (book reference)

In this powerful conversation, Wesley Eugene, SVP North America at HIT Global, joins Mehmet to explore a new framework for technology leadership. They go deep into human centered design, why digital transformations fail, how AI forces us to rethink what it means to work, and why empathy is now a competitive advantage.Wesley draws from years of experience in digital transformation, design thinking, and ITIL modernization. He shares the hidden gaps in traditional IT practices, the philosophical questions AI forces us to ask, and the skills leaders must build to stay relevant in the coming decade.This episode is a thoughtful, practical, and timely reminder that technology is at its best when it elevates people.👤 About Wesley EugeneWesley Eugene is the SVP North America at HIT Global, an organization focused on humanizing IT through integrated human centered design. Wesley has led major digital transformation programs, advised global enterprises, and worked alongside design pioneers including Ideal’s leadership team. He champions a future where technology is designed around people, not processes, and where AI augments human potential instead of replacing it.🔥 Key Takeaways • Most digital transformations fail because leaders lose sight of purpose and experience. • True transformation is a business transformation, not a tech project. • Technology without humanity becomes vanity and often leads to harm. • The experience layer is becoming the most important layer in the tech stack. • AI should serve as human augmentation rather than human replacement. • Leaders must invest in empathy, storytelling, creativity, and curiosity. • Regulation is not the enemy of innovation. It is the brake that lets innovation go fast safely. • The rise of AI forces society to rethink work, value, consciousness, and what it means to be human. • Creativity still happens when we disconnect. Nature remains the best CPU upgrade.🎧 What You Will Learn • Why human centered design is the missing link in IT and AI. • The root causes of failed digital transformations across industries. • How to build a purpose driven technology strategy that unites the whole company. • Why every tech leader must become a storyteller. • How to prepare your teams for the AI era. • The ethical, environmental, and human considerations AI leaders must prioritize. • Why curiosity is the most underrated leadership skill in tech today.⏱️ Episode Highlights (Timestamps)00:00 Welcome and intro01:00 The mission behind HIT Global and humanizing IT04:00 Lessons from IDEO, design thinking, and rapid prototyping07:00 Why technology needs to be humanized now10:00 The experience layer and the future of value creation13:00 Why digital transformations fail16:00 The story of buy in and the NASA janitor18:00 Chasing tech vs transforming the business21:00 Why IT is misunderstood and how to fix it27:00 TBM and the importance of storytelling in tech30:00 The promise of AI and the threat of losing the human33:00 The seatbelt metaphor for responsible innovation38:00 AI leaders, risk, and accountability45:00 What AI forces us to confront about humanity50:00 AI as human augmentation, not replacement56:00 The skills leaders need for the next decade59:00 Creativity, nature, and switching off screens01:03 Final advice and how to learn more from HIT Global📚 Resources Mentioned • HIT Global Services: https://www.hitglobal.services/ • Human Centered Design for IT Service Management by Katrina McDermott • IDEO and the history of the Apple Mouse • TBM Council (Technology Business Management Framework) • Humanizing AI Certification at HIT Global • LinkedIn profile of Wesley Eugene: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesleyeugene/

In this episode, Luv Kapur joins Mehmet to break down how composability is reshaping modern engineering. Luv is an engineering leader at Bit, working across their open source and enterprise platforms, and one of the earliest advocates for modular, reusable software as a way to unlock scale.They explore why composability matters, how modular systems speed up delivery, and the cultural shift required inside engineering teams. Luv also shares real results from enterprise adoption, including faster iteration cycles, fewer defects, and measurable ROI in the eight-figure range. The conversation closes with a deep look into HopeAI, Bit’s AI architect designed to orchestrate existing components rather than generate endless code.This is a practical and insightful episode for any CTO, engineering leader, or founder navigating the next era of platform development.⸻About Luv KapurLuv Kapur is an Engineering Lead and Solutions Architect at Bit. His background spans platform engineering, dev tooling, internal systems, and leading enterprise adoption of composable software. He has helped teams move from monolithic and fragmented architectures to modular systems that enable real speed, discoverability, and developer empowerment.He now works across Bit’s open source ecosystem and Bit Cloud for enterprise, helping organizations adopt composability and shift toward a more scalable engineering model.⸻Key Takeaways • Composability is an operating model that enables teams to build with reusable building blocks and ship faster. • Modular architectures reduce defects, improve consistency, and increase transparency across engineering teams. • Discoverability and ownership are core success factors. Without them, composability collapses into fragmentation. • AI should act as an orchestrator, not a generator. The future belongs to systems that reuse proven components. • Enterprise ROI from composability is measurable, from reduced iteration time to real cost savings in the millions. • Citizen developers will play a bigger role as AI unlocks access to complex internal systems. • Engineers will still be needed, but AI will free them to solve harder and more meaningful problems.⸻What You Will Learn • How modular software accelerates delivery • Why enterprises struggle with legacy systems and how bottom up adoption solves it • How to measure success in composability using real metrics • The cultural shift required for high performing engineering teams • How AI can guide architecture instead of generating more code • The role of discoverability, ownership, and inner source in large organizations • What HopeAI is and how it works as an AI architect⸻Episode Highlights00:00 Introduction and guest background03:00 What composability really means and why it matters06:00 Modular architectures explained with real world examples10:00 What defines high performance engineering teams14:00 Why companies fail when adopting composability17:00 The shift from top down mandates to bottom up success20:00 Tangible metrics teams can measure23:00 AI as orchestrator versus generator27:00 Why code reuse will define the next decade31:00 Inside HopeAI and how it guides architecture35:00 Enterprise results and real ROI37:00 The future of platform development41:00 Why engineers remain irreplaceable42:00 How to connect with Luv Kapur⸻Resources Mentioned • Bit (Open Source): https://bit.dev • Bit Cloud (Enterprise): https://bit.cloud • Luv Kapur on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luvkapur/

In this powerful conversation, Christina Richardson — serial founder, resilience researcher, and founder of Foundology — joins Mehmet to unpack the real psychological journey of entrepreneurship.Christina shares the story behind her 2 AM wake-up call that wasn’t a heart attack but a full nervous system collapse. That moment led her to study over 400 founders, uncover patterns of burnout, and build a framework that helps founders perform at their best without destroying themselves.We dive deep into the myths of hustle culture, the neuroscience of performance, the four pillars of resilience, the importance of early warning signs, and why founders must learn to scale themselves as fast as they scale their startups.This episode is essential listening for anyone building under pressure.⸻👤 About Christina RichardsonChristina Richardson is the founder of Foundology, a global resilience platform helping founders navigate stress, uncertainty, and the emotional demands of building a company. Through evidence-backed founder circles, community support, and tools like the upcoming Founder Fuel Gauge, Foundology equips founders with what most startup ecosystems overlook: human performance.Christina is also an Associate Professor at University College London, where she teaches founder development, leadership, and performance psychology. As a serial entrepreneur with a small exit and a very real burnout story, her work sits at the intersection of research, resilience, and lived experience.⸻💡 Key Takeaways • Why hustle culture and “9-9-6” thinking are biologically flawed • What really causes burnout, panic attacks, and chronic overwhelm • The emotional burden founders carry — team, family, investors, expectations • Why founders stop performing well long before they burn out • The four pillars of founder resilience: • Why loneliness is a silent performance killer • How to scale your leadership as the company scales • Why equanimity is the most underrated founder skill • How AI helps founders — and how it also fuels unhealthy pressure • Why human connection will remain irreplaceable in the AI era⸻🎧 What You’ll Learn • How to spot the first early-warning signs of burnout • How to build a daily rhythm that supports clarity and flow • Why recovery is as important as output • How to replace guilt-driven work habits with resilient thinking • Why founders perform better with structured peer circles • How to avoid the trap of meddling as your team grows • How ecosystems and investors can support founders — the right way⸻⏱️ Episode Highlights (Timestamps)00:00 – Introduction and Christina’s story  02:00 – The 2 AM “heart attack” that changed everything05:00 – The symptoms founders ignore: irritability, migraines, digestion issues07:00 – The myth of the grind and the danger of ecosystem bravado08:30 – Your brain under stress: the science of performance and recovery11:00 – What the 400-founder resilience study revealed13:00 – The four pillars of resilience17:00 – The rise of founder circles and why they work20:00 – Loneliness as a toxic performance blocker22:00 – How founders can scale themselves alongside the company25:00 – Leadership at scale: equanimity and coaching mindset28:00 – The fine line between support and pressure from investors34:00 – Why some people cross the entrepreneurial chasm and others don’t38:00 – How AI helps and hurts founders41:00 – Why human connection will always matter42:00 – What’s next for Foundology43:00 – Where to find Christina and Foundology⸻🔗 Resources Mentioned • Foundology – Supporting Founder Resiliencehttps://foundology.org • Founder Fuel Gauge (Early Access)https://foundology.org/founder-fuel • Join the Founder Fuel Community (Free)https://foundology.org/community • Christina Richardson on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/christinarichardson13/

Digital transformation isn’t about technology — it’s about leadership, culture, and execution. In this episode, veteran CTO and transformation expert Tory Bjorklund joins Mehmet to debunk hype-driven transformation, explain why most initiatives fail, and share his proven framework for executing technology-driven change that sticks.Whether you’re scaling a startup or modernizing a large enterprise, this conversation brings clarity and practical wisdom to one of the most misunderstood journeys in tech.⸻👤 About the GuestTory Bjorklund is a serial entrepreneur, CTO, and transformation advisor with decades of experience leading large-scale technology and organizational change across manufacturing, fintech, and enterprise software. He is currently building Victoria Fide, focused on helping organizations succeed with transformational change, and is the author of The Digital Transformation Guidebook.⸻🔑 Key Takeaways • Digital transformation fails when technology leads instead of business goals • Why “go-live” is the beginning, not the finish line • The role of leadership and communication in successful transformation • AI reality check: where companies are going wrong • How to reset a failing transformation before it’s too late • Why ERP and enterprise tools remain underutilized • Building a culture that embraces change, not fears it⸻📘 What You’ll Learn • A 3-stage framework for transformation: Prepare → Execute → Sustain • How to align executive teams and technology leaders • Why transformation is continuous, not a project • Practical steps for avoiding costly technology mistakes • How to think about AI beyond the hype cycle⸻🧠 Episode Highlights0:00 — Intro1:20 — Tory’s journey across tech, manufacturing & consulting4:30 — Tech push vs business pull: who drives innovation?7:05 — Why 70% of digital transformations fail10:40 — How to course-correct a failing initiative14:20 — Defining success and ROI from day one18:30 — The Prepare → Execute → Sustain model22:40 — Who should own transformation inside the company26:00 — AI reality: personal productivity vs enterprise value32:00 — Why ERP & existing tools are still underutilized37:20 — Industrial AI & the real disruption39:40 — About Tory’s book42:00 — Closing thoughts⸻🔗 Resources Mentioned • Victoria Fide – https://victoriafide.com • Tory’s upcoming book: The Digital Transformation Guidebook • Connect with Tory on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/torybjorklund/

In this episode, we sit down with Liam O’Neil, Managing Director at BPMD, to explore how modern organizations can use process intelligence, AI, and change design to build scalable, resilient systems.We go deep into process mining, task mining, the future of process teams, breaking organizational silos, and how AI is reshaping enterprise transformation.Whether you’re a CTO, operator, or founder, this episode demystifies what “process” really means in the AI era — and why it’s more strategic than ever.⸻👤 About Liam O’NeilLiam O’Neil is the Managing Director of BPMD, helping companies transform how they operate through process intelligence, workflow design, automation, and AI-driven change.He has led transformation programs across industries, guiding teams through ERP shifts, hyperautomation, and data-driven operational design.⸻🔑 Key Takeaways • Why process ≠ bureaucracy — and how to reframe it • Moving from siloed teams to connected “change maker functions” • Process mining vs task mining (and when to use each) • AI’s role in accelerating process intelligence & automation • Why CTOs must partner with process functions to drive value • How to spot early signs of underperforming transformation programs • Where process teams sit in modern org structures • Innovation vs stability — and when not to automate • Using upstream fixes to unlock downstream efficiency • The real reason RPA stalled — and what AI does differently⸻🎧 What You’ll Learn • The evolution of process work in the AI age • Real-world examples of process intelligence saving time & cost • How to structure process teams for speed, not bureaucracy • Tools and frameworks shaping enterprise workflow (Signavio, Celonis, SAP, etc.) • How generative & agentic AI is changing execution and adoption • Why culture, communication, and accountability still matter most⸻🕒 Episode HighlightsTimestampTopic00:00Welcome & guest intro01:20Liam’s journey into process & automation03:10Why smart teams get stuck in silos04:50Fixing upstream issues to remove downstream pain06:10Why process has a “bureaucracy problem”09:00How modern process teams look today11:50Process mining vs task mining — explained simply15:20Real enterprise examples & outcomes17:10Where AI accelerates process work20:00Why change dies without ownership & communication24:15Balancing innovation vs experience27:00Capability modeling for tech investment decisions29:00Signals CTOs should watch for in transformation32:40Where to start tomorrow if you lead technology34:30The next evolution of process with AI38:00RPA vs AI — why adoption looks different41:20Closing thoughts & where to find Liam🔗 Resources Mentioned • Liam’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/l-oneill/ • Liam’s company: http://bpm-d.com/ • Celonis • WalkMe / digital adoption platforms • LeanIX / enterprise architecture • RPA vs next-gen AI workflows

In this episode, Apexon CEO Sriniketh Chakravarthi joins us to unpack what it really takes to build and scale a global technology services company in the era of AI and automation.We explore the intersection of technology, culture, and execution — and why the future belongs to leaders who can combine deep tech understanding with human-centric leadership.From scaling teams to embracing Agentic AI, Sriniketh brings a grounded, operator-first perspective shaped by experience across strategy, M&A, and hands-on execution in some of the world’s most dynamic tech environments.👤 About SrinikethSriniketh ChakravarthiCEO, ApexonA seasoned technology leader with a background in financial services, strategy, and digital engineering, Sriniketh has led Apexon’s transformation into a next-gen digital engineering partner focused on AI, digital experience, and data-powered innovation.Backed by Goldman Sachs and Everstone Capital, Apexon operates across the US, UK, India, and Mexico with a mission to improve human life through digital transformation.🔑 Key Takeaways • Culture is the No.1 driver of sustainable performance at scale • Execution is a leadership discipline — not a buzzword • AI will transform services, but humans remain the multiplier • Entrepreneurial DNA must be protected even in large orgs • Services firms must evolve into AI orchestration partners • The next era belongs to companies combining talent, tooling, and trust • Change management in AI era is harder than the tech work itself🎓 What You Will Learn • How to build a culture that scales with growth • Why AI will reshape the technology services industry • What “agentic AI” really means for enterprises • Lessons on leadership, humility, and talent development • How to balance investor expectations with people-first leadership • Why operators must stay hands-on and continuously learn • Strategies to upskill teams for AI-first work environments📌 Episode HighlightsTimeTopic00:00Intro & welcome01:00Sriniketh’s journey: strategy → operating → CEO04:00Leadership pillars: culture, execution, strategy08:30Team mindset & the importance of low-ego talent10:20Tech as a force for good — real healthcare impact stories14:30Keeping entrepreneurship alive in a 5,000+ person org17:40Merging multiple companies into one culture & mission21:00Talent in the AI era: young engineers & reskilling26:00Balancing investors and people — sports team analogy32:00The future of services in the age of AI & agents38:00AgentThrive: scaling AI in enterprise environments46:00Human + AI collaboration and the next workforce frontier52:00Advice for entrepreneurs building future-ready teams57:00Closing thoughts & where to connect🔗 Resources Mentioned • Apexon Website: https://www.apexon.com/ • Sriniketh LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srinikethchakravarthi/ • “Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done” — Ram Charan

In this episode, Mehmet sits down with Brian Corcodilos, CEO of Designblendz, to explore how technology is transforming the built environment — from 3D visualization and digital twins to the future of AR-powered real estate.Brian shares his journey from pro-gamer to architect-founder, scaling a design studio from a college dorm room to a 30-person innovation-driven firm. We dive deep into the intersection of architecture, virtual worlds, AI, AR, and how emerging technologies are reshaping how we design, sell, and experience real estate.If you care about AI, real estate, and the future of human-centric design, this episode is a must-listen.⸻About Brian CorcodilosBrian Corcodilos is the Founder & CEO of Designblendz, a Philadelphia-based architecture and visualization studio specializing in BIM, photorealistic 3D, drone-based digital environments, and immersive design.A former competitive gamer turned architect-operator, Brian combines technical skill with creative vision to help developers, municipalities, and brands design smarter and sell faster in a virtual-first world.⸻✅ Key Takeaways • The connection between gaming, virtual worlds, and architecture • Why AR — not VR — will win mass adoption • How AI is reshaping architecture & 3D visualization workflows • The future of virtual real estate and augmented built spaces • Why blockchain will matter again — and where • Scaling a service business through culture, delegation, and trust • What traditional industries get wrong about tech adoptionEpisode Highlights00:00Intro01:20From pro-gamer to architect-founder04:15When 3D visualization became a business advantage08:32How AI is upending the design pipeline12:40The real value behind photoreal rendering17:45AR vs. VR — why VR flopped and AR will dominate23:18AI assistants, workflows, and replacing admin work29:10Deepfakes, blockchain, and proof-of-reality33:40The future of virtual real estate & urban space42:10Founder lessons — scaling, culture, letting go49:15M&A as a growth strategy in architecture53:40Closing thoughts + where to follow BrianResources Mentioned • Designblendz — www.designblendz.com • Brian’s LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/bcorcodilos/

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Ahmed Bahgat, a leading IT expert, digital forensics specialist, and court-appointed arbitrator who has handled 600+ cyber and technology-related cases across the UAE, GCC, and Canada.From cyber breaches and data leaks to AI deployment disputes and cryptocurrency investigations, Ahmed shares real-world insights into modern digital crime — and how organizations should protect themselves before it’s too late.Whether you’re a founder, executive, or tech leader, this episode will give you a rare insider perspective on the legal, technical, and business complexities shaping cybersecurity and AI in today’s digital economy.⸻👤 About Ahmed BahgatAhmed Bahgat is an IT expert, digital forensics specialist, and arbitrator with over 20 years of experience across oil & gas, banking, retail, and government sectors.He is certified in blockchain, AI, and IT service management, and serves as a registered expert in federal courts across the UAE, Bahrain, and beyond.He has led IT across 18 countries and has been assigned to 600+ cyber and tech disputes, covering: • Cyber fraud & data theft • AI implementation conflicts • Cryptocurrency cases • Internal data abuse & insider threats • Digital forensics & evidence analysis⸻🔑 Key Takeaways✅ The rise of cyber disputes and AI legal cases in the UAE & beyond✅ How digital forensics works in real investigations✅ What executives MUST know before signing tech contracts✅ Why “we’re too small to be hacked” is dangerous thinking✅ How poor data governance and access control lead to legal liability✅ The growing trend of private AI models for government & enterprises✅ Real examples of data leakage and fraud incidents✅ Steps every company should take to build digital readiness⸻📚 What You Will Learn • How cybercrime and digital evidence are handled legally • Key mistakes companies make with data & cybersecurity • Why proactive cyber policies save companies millions • What founders should know about AI risk & compliance • How to protect your business from internal & external threats🕒 Episode Timestamps00:00 – Intro01:00 – Ahmed’s journey from engineer to cyber arbitrator04:00 – Why hands-on tech experience matters in legal cases06:00 – The reality of cybercrime and tech disputes in the region08:30 – Why companies ignore security until disaster strikes11:00 – Digital forensic tools and processes explained14:30 – Mapping digital evidence to UAE federal cyber law17:00 – Common enterprise security gaps (and why they fail)20:00 – Insider threats and financial fraud case examples22:00 – Cryptocurrency, AI & social media disputes on the rise24:00 – Private AI vs public AI — what companies should know27:00 – Final advice for business leaders & tech teams🔗 Resources Mentioned • UAE Federal Cybercrime Law (Law No. 34 of 2021) • Digital forensics tools: FTK, Wireshark, UFED • Local cyber agencies (Dubai Police Cyber Dept., etc.)⸻🤝 Connect With Ahmed Bahgat🔗 LinkedIn: — https://www.linkedin.com/in/bahgatexpert/

Tourism is becoming a strategic economic engine for cities like Dubai, Singapore, Riyadh, and Milan. But one massive gap has been untouched: tax-free shopping.Every year, billions in VAT refunds leave local economies instead of being reinvested into retail and travel ecosystems.Ameer Jumahboy, Co-Founder & CEO of Utu, is changing that.He shares: • How digital tax-free systems work under the hood • Why airports are the next major retail battleground • How AI and data will transform travel spending behavior • Lessons from building with a second-generation founder and global retail pioneer (his father)This is a deep dive into a misunderstood, under-innovated, $5B opportunity.⸻👤 About Ameer JumahboyAmeer Jumahboy is the Co-Founder & CEO of Utu, a travel-fintech platform reimagining tax-free shopping.From Singapore to Dubai and Europe, Utu modernizes VAT refunds by turning them into instant retail value — boosting tourism spend and upgrading traveler experience.His co-founder is his father — the industry veteran who built two global tax-free giants (Global Blue & Planet). Together, they are scaling a third-generation travel retail model across continents.⸻🔑 Key Takeaways • The tax-free refund system is a massive under-innovated fintech layer • Digitization unlocks new value for travelers, governments, and retailers • Airports are evolving into data-first, conversion-driven retail hubs • Middle East destinations are redefining tourism infrastructure • Legacy industries need youthful vision + institutional experience⸻🎧 What You’ll Learn • How tax-free systems actually work — and why digital matters • Role of AI in travel retail personalization & spend prediction • Expansion strategy across GCC, Europe, and global hubs • How to build a business with family — and win • The psychology of travel spending and loyalty mechanics⸻🧭 Episode Highlights • (01:30) Ameer’s journey & building with his father • (05:00) The problem with legacy tax-free systems • (09:15) Product-market fit after multiple iterations • (12:50) Stakeholders in tax-free innovation • (18:20) Why GCC is primed for travel tech leadership • (23:10) Cracking the UAE retail ecosystem through Gold Souk • (27:40) Data, AI, and the next evolution of airport retail • (34:10) Competition, first-mover advantage & innovation culture • (39:00) Vision: a global travel-commerce layer⸻🔗 Resources Mentioned • Utu — https://utu.global/ • Global Blue & Planet (industry context)Ameer’s Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ameerjumabhoy/