“Data security is not just the next big thing—it’s the foundation for the future of cybersecurity.” – Ron Reiter In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Ron Reiter, Co-Founder and CTO of Sentra, to explore the rapidly evolving world of cybersecurity, particularly focusing on data security. Ron shares his incredible journey as a tech entrepreneur and cybersecurity innovator. Together, we dive into how data security is transforming in the age of cloud computing, AI, and generative models. Key Takeaways 1. Data Security is the Future: With the exponential growth of unstructured data and AI-driven models, protecting data has become a non-negotiable aspect of cybersecurity. 2. AI Brings New Challenges: As organizations rush to adopt AI, they often overlook critical data security risks, such as unauthorized data in training models. 3. Startups Need to Think Big: Ron emphasizes solving big problems in cybersecurity—ones that CISOs are willing to pay for and that can grow into long-term solutions. What You’ll Learn • Ron’s journey from coding at age 9 to building multimillion-dollar companies. • Why data security is becoming the cornerstone of cybersecurity. • Overlooked security risks in AI adoption and how to mitigate them. • The challenges of managing unstructured data in modern enterprises. • Emerging cybersecurity threats in the era of AI and large language models. • Practical advice for aspiring cybersecurity entrepreneurs. About the Guest Ron Reiter is the Co-Founder and CTO of Sentra, a data security platform designed to help organizations protect their most critical assets. With decades of expertise in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and AI, Ron has a proven track record of solving complex challenges and building scalable solutions. Previously, Ron co-founded and sold Crosswise, a cross-device technology company, to Oracle for $50M. Today, he’s on a mission to revolutionize the way companies approach data security. Resources Mentioned • Sentra: www.sentra.io • Ron Reiter’s Email: ron@sentra.io Episode Highlights • [00:01:00] Ron introduces himself and his journey in cybersecurity. • [00:04:00] The founding of Sentra and why data security is the “next big thing.” • [00:14:00] The intersection of AI and data security: overlooked risks and best practices. • [00:26:00] How bad actors are leveraging AI for more sophisticated cyberattacks. • [00:31:00] Striking the balance between innovation and data security in enterprises. • [00:38:00] Advice for aspiring cybersecurity entrepreneurs: solve real, large-scale problems.

“Feel the fear and do it anyway.” These powerful words guide Sophia Matveeva’s mission to empower non-technical professionals in a world dominated by technology. In this episode, Sophia shares her inspiring journey from media and finance to becoming the founder of Tech for Non-Techies, a platform that equips non-tech founders and professionals with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age. Sophia Matveeva joins The CTO Show with Mehmet to discuss her personal story of overcoming fear, her insights on enabling non-tech founders, and how storytelling can transform your entrepreneurial journey. From prototyping with AI to the importance of asking the right questions, Sophia provides actionable advice for anyone looking to succeed in tech—without a technical background. What You’ll Learn • How Sophia turned fear into fuel to build Tech for Non-Techies. • Why non-tech founders are perfectly positioned to solve real-world problems. • Tools and strategies for using AI and no-code platforms to prototype ideas. • The role of storytelling in attracting investors and customers. • How to identify and embrace the intersection of your expertise and technology. Key Takeaways 1. Fear is natural—accept it and move forward. Fear is an evolutionary response, but it shouldn’t stop you from pursuing your dreams. 2. Prototyping has never been easier. With AI and no-code tools, you can create and test ideas quickly and inexpensively. 3. Storytelling is your secret weapon. Investors and stakeholders are drawn to founders who tell compelling stories about their vision. 4. Non-tech founders are valuable. Leverage your expertise in areas like sales, marketing, and problem-solving to build successful ventures. 5. Seek complementary relationships. Collaborate with technical professionals who align with your vision and skill set. About Sophia Matveeva Sophia has contributed to the Harvard Business Review, Financial Times, The Guardian and Forbes on entrepreneurship and technology, and hosts the top rated Tech for Non-Techies podcast.   She has also guest lectured at the University of Chicago, London Business School, and Oxford University.  Sophia is a start-up mentor at the Chicago Booth Polsky Center of Entrepreneurship, and has advised leading accelerators including Chicago Booth’s New Venture Challenge and the Techstars x Blackstone Launchpad.   She holds an MBA from Chicago Booth, and a BSc (Hons) in Politics from Bristol. She speaks English, Russian and French.  Sophia also sits on the Advisory Board to Riviter, which uses AI to predict consumer trends for the world's biggest brands. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-matveeva-556365a/ https://techfornontechies.co/ Resources Mentioned • Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers • Tools for Prototyping: Galileo, UI Wizard, Bubble, Adalo, Softr • Tech for Non-Techies Podcast: https://www.techfornontechies.com/podcast • Google Ventures Methodology for Product Testing Episode Highlights • [00:03:00] Sophia explains how fear and shame led her to create Tech for Non-Techies. • [00:07:00] The importance of asking questions—even if you feel intimidated. • [00:18:00] Why AI and no-code tools are revolutionizing prototyping for non-tech founders. • [00:34:00] How non-technical founders like Steve Jobs and Jack Ma achieved success. • [00:45:00] The power of storytelling in pitching to investors and customers. • [00:52:00] Why cultivating relationships between techies and non-techies leads to better outcomes.

“Search is evolving, but the question remains—who’s looking out for the creators of knowledge? At HyperDart, we’re putting them in the driver’s seat.” – Vikas Sehgal In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive into the world of search engines and innovation with Vikas Sehgal, a second-time founder and technologist with a proven track record. From co-founding the billion-dollar company Nagarro to now disrupting internet search with his new startup, HyperDart, Vikas shares his vision for a future where AI-powered search platforms prioritize fairness and empower knowledge creators. What Listeners Will Learn: • Why traditional search engines are ripe for disruption. • How HyperDart creates a more inclusive and fair ecosystem for knowledge providers. • The impact of AI on search and the future of internet interaction. • Practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, from starting small to overcoming challenges. Key Takeaways: • The Evolution of Search Engines: How AI is reshaping the traditional search model. • HyperDart’s Vision: Empowering content creators and ensuring fairness in search monetization. • Challenges in the Search Space: Addressing the dominance of algorithms, SEO pitfalls, and AI-generated content. • Building a Billion-Dollar Company: Lessons from Vikas’s journey with Nagarro and how they shape HyperDart’s growth. • Entrepreneurial Insights: Wisdom for first-time and second-time founders on perseverance, scaling, and staying true to your vision. About the Guest: Vikas Sehgal is a visionary technology entrepreneur known for founding a highly successful tech startup that scaled to over a billion dollars in revenue. With a proven track record of innovation and leadership, he is now focused on building his next groundbreaking venture - hyperDart, a revolutionary internet search engine designed to reshape how people access and interact with information online. His work combines cutting-edge AI with expert-driven knowledge curation, positioning him as a key disruptor in the tech industry. https://www.linkedin.com/in/vsehgal/ https://hyperdart.com/ Episode Highlights: 00:02:00 – Vikas introduces himself and shares his journey from Nagarro to HyperDart. 00:04:30 – The motivation behind HyperDart: redefining the role of knowledge creators in search. 00:07:45 – How AI is disrupting the search engine landscape. 00:10:30 – SEO challenges and how HyperDart eliminates the need for it. 00:14:00 – Tackling AI-generated content in the search ecosystem. 00:25:00 – Building HyperDart with lessons learned from Nagarro. 00:40:00 – Advice for first-time founders and the importance of perseverance. 00:48:00 – Vikas shares his vision for the future of HyperDart and the search engine industry.

“We’re not just building skills; we’re building futures by bridging the gap between talent and global opportunities.” – Ayman Bazaraa In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Ayman Bazaraa and Bassam Sharkawy, the visionary co-founders of Sprints AI, to discuss their mission to unlock the tech potential of the MENA and Africa regions. They share how Sprints AI is revolutionizing education and employment by equipping local talent with cutting-edge AI skills and connecting them to global opportunities. From guaranteed hiring programs to their innovative AI-powered learning platforms, Ayman and Bassam reveal how they are addressing the challenges of upskilling and employment in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. What Listeners Will Learn: • How Sprints AI is transforming education with AI-driven, project-based learning. • The importance of branding and trust in showcasing MENA and African tech talent to the global stage. • Strategies for creating sustainable employment and enabling local talent to thrive in international markets. Key Takeaways: 1. The Talent Gap in MENA and Africa: Why local tech talent is underutilized and how Sprints AI is addressing this issue. 2. Guaranteed Hiring Programs: How Sprints AI bridges the gap between education and employment with outcome-driven learning models. 3. AI’s Role in Education: Leveraging AI to personalize learning, improve engagement, and create global-standard talent. 4. Global Opportunities for Local Talent: Success stories of Middle Eastern and African talent securing roles in global tech companies. 5. Future Plans: Sprints AI’s vision to expand across more countries in Africa and the Middle East, and their bold goal of reaching 1 billion learners. About the Guests: • Ayman Bazaraa is a serial entrepreneur and the CEO of Sprints AI, with over 20 years of experience in the technology sector. He has co-founded three startups, with his last venture acquired by a Fortune 100 company. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayman-bazaraa-5a750517/ • Bassam Sharkawy is a seasoned engineer and co-founder of Sprints AI. With a rich background in software development and deep tech, Bassam has worked with multinational teams across the globe, contributing to cutting-edge innovations. https://www.linkedin.com/in/bassam-sharkawy/ Resources Mentioned: https://sprints.ai/en-ae Episode Highlights: 00:02:30 Ayman Bazaraa’s entrepreneurial journey and why Sprints AI was founded. 00:05:00 Bassam Sharkawy’s experiences with deep tech and the untapped potential of African and Middle Eastern talent. 00:10:45 The challenges of outdated education systems and how Sprints AI tackles them. 00:18:00 Using AI to simulate real-world work environments and enhance employability. 00:30:00 Scaling globally: Sprints AI’s expansion plans across MENA, Africa, and beyond.

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Tom Altman, a seasoned fractional CTO and founder of Altus, to explore the critical role of aligning technology with business strategy. Tom shares his fascinating journey from radio DJ to tech leadership and offers actionable insights on preparing for the AI tidal wave in 2026. Whether you’re a startup founder or a tech enthusiast, this episode provides a wealth of knowledge about future-proofing your business, fractional leadership, and the growing importance of process documentation. “2025 is the year to get your technological house in order, because 2026 will be defined by AI agents.” – Tom Altman What Listeners Will Learn • The importance of aligning technology with company strategy. • How to prepare your business for the rise of AI agents in 2026. • The value of fractional executives in driving innovation and growth. • Insights into emerging tech trends beyond AI, including cybersecurity and automation. Key Takeaways 1. Aligning Technology with Business Goals • Why aligning your tech stack with your company’s long-term vision is non-negotiable. 2. AI Readiness • Why 2025 is the year to document systems and processes for AI integration. 3. The Role of Fractional Leadership • How fractional CTOs bring specialized expertise to startups and growing businesses without the overhead of full-time hires. 4. The Cybersecurity Imperative • Understanding the risks of underestimating cybersecurity and why documentation is critical. 5. The Evolution of Remote Work • Why remote work, supported by VR and AI tools, is redefining team collaboration and innovation. About the Guest Tom Altman is a fractional CTO and founder of Altus, a firm that provides expert guidance in technology, HR, and finance. With over 15 years in e-commerce and a passion for helping companies solidify their technology foundations, Tom specializes in creating systems that bridge business needs and technical strategy. https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomaltman/ https://outlook.office365.com/book/AltusCXOTomAltman-Bookings@altuscxo.com/ Episode Highlights • 00:01:00 Tom’s journey: From radio DJ to fractional CTO. • 00:03:30 The transition from traditional business to tech and e-commerce. • 00:07:00 Preparing businesses for AI agents: Why documentation matters. • 00:11:00 The role of fractional CTOs in startups and scaling businesses. • 00:19:00 Challenges and opportunities in remote-first innovation. • 00:27:00 Emerging trends in tech: Cybersecurity, automation, and gig economies.

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.