In this thought-provoking episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we explore the intersection of AI, blockchain, and economic systems with Barbara Biro, an award-winning expert in digital transformation and finance, and Paul Dowding, a veteran in financial infrastructure and blockchain innovation. Together, we dive deep into the challenges of legacy systems, the rise of decentralized solutions, and the pressing question of whether universal income is inevitable in the AI era. Key Takeaways 1. The Trust Issue in Finance: Legacy systems are losing trust due to inefficiencies and centralization, opening opportunities for blockchain. 2. Blockchain Beyond Crypto: Cryptocurrencies are just one application of blockchain. The true potential lies in decentralized ledgers for transparent transactions. 3. The Universal Income Debate: Barbara argues it’s a necessity for survival in the AI age, while Paul presents a more optimistic view of new job creation through technological disruption. 4. AI + Blockchain Synergy: Combining these technologies can create transparent, scalable systems for financial services and beyond. What You’ll Learn in This Episode • Why legacy systems are failing in the age of AI. • The role of blockchain in building trust and decentralization. • The case for universal income in an AI-driven economy. • Misconceptions about blockchain and cryptocurrencies. • How AI and blockchain together can create a thriving, scalable economy. About the Guests Barbara Biro is the CEO of Digit8—a trailblazing company reshaping financial and operational systems for the future. With nearly two decades of experience in the Middle East, Barbara has served as Head of Digital for major financial institutions. She is an economist with a master’s degree in data science and a recipient of the Global Finance Award.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbarabiro/ Paul Dowding: Paul has had a prolific career in institutional financial operations, infrastructure, and blockchain innovation. He is dedicated to making the financial industry more efficient and transparent through groundbreaking blockchain solutions. Paul is Board Member at the Government Blockchain Association, blockchain strategist, and creator of the IBM Accelerator award-winning DLT solution Tapestry X. https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulfdowding/ Episode Highlights [00:03:00] Barbara on why centralized systems are losing trust. [00:12:00] Paul explains the technical challenges and misconceptions of blockchain scalability. [00:25:00] Discussion on the impact of blockchain on financial systems and KYC processes. [00:38:00] Barbara’s case for universal income in the AI-driven future. [00:45:00] Paul shares how blockchain could commoditize transactions, revolutionizing finance.

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive into the transformative world of electric vehicles (EVs) with Ken Boyer, a seasoned researcher in supply chain management and author of The Electric Vehicle Revolution: Five Visionaries Leading the Charge. From Elon Musk’s Tesla to Vietnam’s VinFast, Ken sheds light on the visionaries driving the EV revolution, the challenges of adoption, and the impact of EVs on global economics and sustainability. Electric vehicles are more than just cars; they are the future of global transportation and sustainability.” – Ken Boyer What Listeners Will Learn • How EVs are reshaping transportation and global economics. • The strategic decisions that companies like Tesla, VinFast, and GM are making. • Insights into EV battery technology, supply chain challenges, and the role of renewable energy. • The importance of circular economies in EV production and sustainability. Key Takeaways 1. Visionaries Behind the EV Revolution: Elon Musk, Pham Nhat Vuong, Mary Barra, and other leaders are transforming the automotive industry. 2. Challenges of EV Adoption: From battery supply chains to consumer hesitations, the hurdles are real but solvable. 3. The Global EV Race: China is leading the EV market with over 50% of its cars being electric, while Western economies need to catch up. 4. Technological Innovations: Advances in battery technology, circular supply chains, and solid-state batteries are making EVs more affordable and sustainable. 5. The Role of Governments: Policies, incentives, and investments are critical for driving EV adoption and maintaining competitiveness. About the Guest Ken Boyer combines a lifelong love of cars and engineering with a career focused on management and supply chain. He's the Fisher designated professor of operations and business analytics at Fisher College of Business, Ohio State University./ He was coeditor-in-chief of the Journal of Operations Management, and served on the faculty at Michigan State and DePaul universities. Boyer is a member of the Academy of Management, Production and Operations Management Society, and the Decision Sciences Institute. Recently, he visited Vietnam to study Vinfast's rise. He's published numerous academic articles and two books. His latest is The Electric Vehicle Revolution: Five Visionaries Leading the Charge. He lives in Columbus, Ohio, and currently drives a Tesla Model 3. Learn more at gearschange.com.  Timestamps • [00:00:00] Introduction and Welcome • [00:02:00] Ken Boyer’s Background and Book Inspiration • [00:05:00] The Story of VinFast and Pham Nhat Vuong • [00:10:00] Challenges in EV Adoption • [00:14:00] Battery Technology and Circular Economies • [00:22:00] Government Policies and Incentives • [00:29:00] EV Expansion Beyond Cars

In this insightful episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Hamel Kothari, the Co-Founder and CTO of Brigit, a financial wellness app empowering millions of Americans to manage cash flow and avoid overdraft fees. Hamel shares his journey, the technology behind Brigit, and how the company leverages AI to create scalable, user-centric financial solutions. From the challenges of entering the highly regulated fintech space to the innovative use of cash flow analytics, Hamel provides a masterclass on building impactful products that truly make a difference. What You’ll Learn • How Brigit uses cash flow data and AI to empower its users. • Insights into building scalable financial products in a highly regulated industry. • The role of innovation and adaptability in navigating economic crises like COVID-19. • Strategies for creating redundancy in technology stacks to ensure seamless user experiences. • Why understanding regulations is critical for fintech entrepreneurs. Key Takeaways • The genesis of Brigit and the problem it solves for Americans living paycheck to paycheck. • How AI and machine learning enable Brigit to assess risk and approve more customers with high accuracy. • The importance of redundancy in fintech to ensure reliability for users. • Navigating regulatory complexities in the financial services sector. • Advice for tech entrepreneurs entering the fintech space. About the Guest Hamel Kothari is the Co-Founder and CTO of Brigit, a platform helping millions of Americans achieve financial stability. With a background in technology, Hamel has over a decade of experience, including roles at Palantir and various financial services companies. At Brigit, Hamel is on a mission to create AI-driven tools that solve short-term financial stress and build long-term financial health. Brigit Website: Brigit.com Connect with Hamel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamelkothari/ Episode Highlights 1. [00:01:00] – Hamel introduces his journey, starting from Palantir to co-founding Brigit. 2. [00:03:30] – The inspiration behind Brigit and addressing financial stress with technology. 3. [00:10:00] – How AI and machine learning drive Brigit’s predictive analytics. 4. [00:16:00] – The evolution of Brigit’s product suite, including instant cash, budgeting tools, and credit-building features. 5. [00:26:00] – Hamel’s leadership strategies for maintaining resilience during volatile economic times. 6. [00:37:00] – Hamel’s advice for aspiring fintech entrepreneurs and CTOs.

In this thought-provoking episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Rabeeh Abla, an AI pioneer, entrepreneur, and founder of CSP Solutions. Rabeeh shares his incredible journey from teaching algorithms to building AI-driven platforms, offering insights into the evolution of artificial intelligence—from early neural networks to the era of AGI (Artificial General Intelligence). Together, we explore the transformative power of AI in business and society, and what lies ahead in the rapidly advancing field. “AI is not here to replace us; it’s here to elevate us.” – Rabeeh Abla What You’ll Learn • How AI is being applied to solve business challenges today. • Why LLMs and solvers are game-changers in the AI landscape. • The role of AI in transforming industries like government, healthcare, and customer support. • Predictions for the future of AGI and its implications for humanity. Key Takeaways 1. AI Evolution: How AI has progressed from early neural networks to large language models (LLMs) and intelligent agents. 2. Practical AI Use Cases: Real-world applications of AI in speech recognition, document generation, and AI copilots for businesses. 3. The Rise of AI Workers: The transition from AI copilots to AI employees and their role in the future workforce. 4. Ethical Considerations: Why humanity must govern AI’s use to avoid societal dilemmas. 5. AGI’s Potential Impact: What Artificial General Intelligence means for innovation and business operations. About Rabeeh Abla Rabeeh Abla is the founder of CSP Solutions, a company focused on delivering AI-based optimization and automation solutions. With over two decades of experience in AI, Rabeeh specializes in LLMs, solvers, and AI agents, helping businesses unlock the true potential of artificial intelligence. Connect with Rabeeh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rabeehabla/ CSP website: https://www.cspsolutions.com/ Episode Highlights • [00:02:00] Rabeeh’s early fascination with AI and his journey in the field. • [00:10:00] The missing pieces in AI and how LLMs changed the game. • [00:24:00] AI copilots: The most in-demand solutions for businesses. • [00:40:00] Exploring AI agents and their collaborative potential. • [00:50:00] A deep dive into AGI and its opportunities and risks.

In this exciting episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we welcome back Bart Jenezon, Chief Inspirational Officer and co-founder of CASTOMAI. Bart shares his journey of creating CASTOMAI, a cutting-edge platform designed to simplify entrepreneurship through AI-powered tools. We dive into the philosophy behind the Inspiration Canvas, the challenges entrepreneurs face, and how AI is reshaping the startup ecosystem. Whether you’re a seasoned founder or a first-time entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights to inspire and empower your journey. What You’ll Learn • How to leverage AI tools to streamline workflows and enhance productivity. • The importance of purpose and storytelling in building a successful startup. • Practical ways to pitch your idea effectively to investors and mentors. • How CASTOMAI is enabling entrepreneurs to scale faster with customized tools and solutions. About the Guest Bart Jenezon is a visionary entrepreneur passionate about helping startups and small businesses achieve success. As the creator of the Inspiration Canvas and co-founder of CASTOMAI, Bart has been transforming how entrepreneurs build, plan, and scale their ventures. His unique approach combines simplicity, purpose, and cutting-edge technology to create tools that help entrepreneurs succeed. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenezon/ Website: https://castomai.com/ Episode Highlights • [00:02:00] Bart introduces CASTOMAI and its mission. • [00:04:00] The journey from Inspiration Canvas to a fully AI-powered platform. • [00:07:00] Bart’s perspective shift on AI and its benefits for entrepreneurs. • [00:11:00] The power of purpose-driven entrepreneurship. • [00:15:00] CASTOMAI’s tools for startup success, from business planning to pitching. • [00:22:00] Global programs empowering entrepreneurs, including female founders in Nigeria.

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we’re joined by Will Blackburn, co-founder of DevClarity, to explore how AI is transforming the management of developer teams. From his journey as a first-time CTO to building tools specifically for engineering leaders, Will shares invaluable insights into leveraging AI for productivity, managing software teams effectively, and navigating the future of development leadership. “Developers are the most highly leveraged employees in organizations today, and AI is amplifying that leverage even further.” – Will Blackburn What Listeners Will Learn: • How AI tools like Copilot and Cursor are reshaping software development. • Key skills engineering leaders need to acquire to thrive in the AI era. • The role of context and structured workflows in achieving better AI-driven outputs. • The future of software development and the increasing role of prompting in programming. About DevClarity: DevClarity is a platform designed to help software development leaders better manage their teams by providing structure and insights for developer-specific management functions, from one-on-ones to team-wide skill assessment. Website: https://devclarity.ai About Will: https://www.linkedin.com/in/willhblackburn/ Episode Highlights: • [00:02:00] Will’s journey from developer to CTO and co-founder of DevClarity. • [00:06:00] The inspiration behind DevClarity and the lack of tools for engineering leaders. • [00:11:00] How AI is transforming productivity and creativity in software development. • [00:24:00] The evolving role of engineering leaders in the AI era and new skills required. • [00:30:00] Predictions on the future of software development with AI and prompting. • [00:32:00] Will’s advice to CTOs and founders: “Lean into the tech and form strong opinions.”

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive into the evolution of Flowwow, a global gifting marketplace, with COO Vera Modenova. Vera shares her inspiring journey, starting as a student in a five-person startup to scaling Flowwow across 30+ countries. We explore how Flowwow leverages AI, adapts to a mobile-first market, and empowers local sellers while navigating cultural diversity in the MENA region. If you’re curious about e-commerce, leadership, and market expansion, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Quote: “Just start. The UAE market is vibrant, full of opportunity, and always ready for innovation.” – Vera Modenova About the Guest: Vera Modenova is the COO of Flowwow, a global gifting marketplace connecting customers with local sellers. Starting her career with Flowwow 10 years ago, Vera played a pivotal role in scaling the company to over 500 employees and expanding into new markets, including the UAE, UK, Brazil, and Turkey. Passionate about women in tech and empowering small businesses, Vera balances leadership with her advocacy for local sellers and cultural inclusivity. What Listeners Will Learn: • How AI is reshaping the gifting marketplace. • The importance of a mobile-first strategy in the MENA region. • Practical advice for businesses looking to enter the UAE market. • Insights into balancing family, leadership, and business success as a woman in tech. Resources Mentioned: • Flowwow Website: flowwow.ae Episode Highlights: • [00:01:00] Vera shares her early journey with Flowwow as one of five team members. • [00:06:00] AI in action: how Flowwow helps sellers generate content and filters using AI. • [00:09:00] The impact of a mobile-first strategy: 80% of Flowwow’s orders come through mobile apps. • [00:12:00] Why Flowwow focuses on influencers over social media shopping integrations. • [00:13:00] Adapting to cultural diversity in the UAE: celebrating global and local holidays. • [00:15:00] What’s next for Flowwow: plans for 300% growth in the UAE and expansion into Saudi Arabia. • [00:18:00] E-commerce trends in the UAE: opportunities in a $17B market. • [00:20:00] Vera’s leadership style: trust, open communication, and empowering ambitious team members. • [00:24:00] Flowwow’s successful marketing collaborations with local artists during Women’s Day and Ramadan.

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Kiran Chinnagangannagari, Co-Founder, CTO, and CPO of Securin, to explore his journey from a stable role as the CTO for the State of Arizona to the exciting and challenging world of cybersecurity entrepreneurship. Kiran shares how Securin is working to democratize cybersecurity through proactive, accessible solutions, and we dive into critical topics like zero-day vulnerabilities, AI-driven cyber threats, and the evolving digital attack landscape. Key Takeaways • Why cybersecurity is moving toward proactive solutions and what it means for businesses. • The democratization of security: Making tools affordable and accessible for all. • Understanding zero-day vulnerabilities and why they’re critical for every organization. • How AI is both a tool for defense and a weapon for threat actors. • The role of regulations and why cybersecurity is becoming a legal priority for organizations. “Cybersecurity is not a solo sport—it’s for everyone.” — Kiran Chinnagangannagari About Kiran Chinnagangannagari Kiran Chinnagangannagari is a seasoned technologist and cybersecurity expert with a passion for solving complex problems. As the Co-Founder, CTO, and CPO of Securin, Kiran is on a mission to make cybersecurity tools accessible for businesses of all sizes. His rich career spans public sector leadership as the CTO for the State of Arizona and now, entrepreneurship in the private sector. Resources Mentioned • Securin Website: Securin.io • Kiran on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiranc/ Episode Highlights • [00:02:00] Kiran’s journey: From public sector leadership to cybersecurity entrepreneurship. • [00:04:30] The story behind Securin and its mission to simplify and unify cybersecurity. • [00:07:45] Breaking down emerging threats: AI, ransomware, and supply chain vulnerabilities. • [00:20:00] Zero-day vulnerabilities: What they are and how Securin helps mitigate them. • [00:28:00] The future of cybersecurity: Regulations, hyperconnectivity, and digital warfare. • [00:36:00] Kiran’s advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals and entrepreneurs.

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Ed Osckar, CEO of Wowrack, a cloud service provider specializing in Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), hybrid cloud solutions, and managed services. From his humble beginnings in Jakarta, Indonesia, to building Wowrack into a global player in the cloud infrastructure space, Ed shares his incredible entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of scaling a capital-intensive business, and the evolution of cloud computing. Ed also dives into the concept of cloud repatriation, the growing demand for hybrid cloud solutions, and how customer-centricity remains at the core of his company’s success. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a tech leader navigating the complex cloud landscape, this episode is packed with valuable insights! Key Takeaways • Entrepreneurship in Tech: Ed shares how he started Wowrack with just $5,000, overcoming early challenges as a fresh college graduate with no business experience. • The Evolution of Cloud Computing: Insights into the shift from web hosting to hybrid cloud and the emergence of cloud repatriation. • Navigating a Competitive Market: Strategies Ed employs to compete with industry giants like Amazon and Microsoft while retaining a “startup mindset.” • Customer-Centricity: How prioritizing service and building long-term relationships with clients has been key to Wowrack’s success. • The Future of Hybrid Cloud: Ed’s perspective on why hybrid cloud and tailored infrastructure solutions are gaining traction. About the Guest: Ed Osckar Ed Osckar is the CEO of Wowrack, a cloud service provider founded in 2001. With operations spanning nine global markets, Wowrack offers cutting-edge solutions in cloud hosting, data center infrastructure, and managed services. Born in Jakarta, Ed relocated to Seattle, Washington, where he pursued his education and launched his career in technology. Known for his customer-centric approach and innovative mindset, Ed has led Wowrack to thrive in a highly competitive industry. Connect with Ed Osckar and Wowrack: Website: wowrack.com Email: ed@wowrack.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eosckar/ Episode Highlights • [00:01:00] Ed Osckar’s introduction and his entrepreneurial journey. • [00:03:00] Starting Wowrack with $5,000 and no business experience. • [00:09:00] The evolution of cloud computing from web hosting to hybrid cloud. • [00:15:00] Cloud repatriation: Why companies are moving workloads back on-premise. • [00:22:00] How Wowrack competes with industry giants through creativity and customer service. • [00:30:00] Transforming IT departments into value-adding technology hubs. • [00:36:00] Ed’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the tech industry.

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we explore the critical components of a successful pitch deck with Sergio Yankovenko, a seasoned digital consultant who has helped startups raise over $560 million. Sergio reveals his approach to transforming technical ideas into fundable business propositions, discusses how to avoid common pitch deck pitfalls, and offers strategies for tailoring your deck to different investor types. Tune in for practical insights every founder needs to know about fundraising! Key Takeaways: 1. Tailor Your Pitch: Align your deck’s content with the investor’s focus (e.g., angels vs. VCs). 2. Simplify the Message: A concise 12-15 slide pitch deck with minimal text works best. 3. Highlight the Problem & Solution: Always start with these two key elements to hook investors. 4. Storytelling Matters: Weave a compelling narrative to inspire confidence and interest. 5. Smart Money Wins: Investors who bring connections and expertise are as valuable as funding. 6. AI’s Role in Fundraising: AI can assist with deck creation but can’t replace experience or research. About the Guest: Sergio Yankovenko is a digital consultant and startup advisor with over eight years of experience. Specializing in pitch deck optimization, he has worked on over 400 projects and helped startups secure over half a billion dollars in funding. Sergio is passionate about bridging the gap between technical innovation and investor expectations. Connect with Sergio Yankovenko: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergio-y/ Episode Highlights (Timestamps): • [00:01:00] Sergio’s background and career in startup consulting. • [00:03:00] Common mistakes founders make in pitch decks. • [00:06:00] Structuring your deck for angels vs. VCs. • [00:09:00] The importance of storytelling in pitching. • [00:16:00] Why design should support, not overshadow, your message. • [00:22:00] How AI is helping (and hurting) pitch deck preparation. • [00:24:00] Final advice for founders preparing for fundraising.