The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

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.

In this exciting episode, Mehmet speaks with Yohann Abitann, founder of NewMail AI, about tackling one of the most pressing challenges for executives today: email overload. Yohann shares his fascinating journey, from studying at NYU and working at Stanford Research Institute to developing an AI-powered executive assistant designed to transform productivity for leaders. Discover how NewMail AI leverages cutting-edge artificial intelligence to prioritize communication, declutter inboxes, and manage calendars—letting busy professionals focus on what matters most. 👤 About the Guest Yohann Abitann is a Swiss-French entrepreneur and founder of NewMail AI, an innovative platform redefining email and calendar management. With a background in computer science and cybersecurity from NYU, Yohann honed his skills at Stanford Research Institute and Carnegie Mellon University. His career spans pivotal roles in AI-driven projects, including real-time speech analysis and computer vision systems, culminating in his mission to create a smarter, AI-powered executive assistant for leaders and entrepreneurs. 🔑 Key Takeaways • Why traditional tools fall short: The outdated email model vs. modern challenges in the attention economy. • AI as a “guardian of attention”: How NewMail filters critical communications while maintaining privacy. • Unified communications: The vision for integrating email, calendar, and messaging platforms. • AI collaboration: Why human-AI partnerships are the future of productivity. 💡 What You’ll Learn • The philosophy behind building tools that enhance—not replace—human capabilities. • How NewMail prioritizes and organizes emails using advanced AI techniques. • The importance of explainable and transparent AI for managing sensitive business data. • Practical insights for integrating AI into your daily workflows. 📝 Episode Highlights On Email Overload “I actually offer a bounty to whoever can prove to me they have the high score of the most emails—I’ve seen up to 150,000 unread emails in an inbox!” On AI and Productivity “Personal touch at scale. We’re not trying to replace you. We’re trying to give you more time to be you and let the machine do what’s for machines.” Advice for Entrepreneurs “Find the pain. If there’s no pain, it’s not worth it. Become married to the pain, not the solution.” 🔗 Resources Mentioned • https://newmail.ai: Explore their AI-powered productivity tools. • Connect with Yohann Abitann on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yohann-abittan/ Episode Timestamps [00:00:00] Introduction and guest background [00:05:00] Discussion of email management challenges [00:16:00] NewMail AI's approach to privacy and data handling [00:26:00] Future of AI integration with messaging platforms [00:34:00] Discussion of AI agents and automation [00:46:00] Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

In this episode of The CTO Show, we're joined by Lillian Pierson, a fractional CMO and marketing strategist with an impressive track record of supporting 10% of Fortune 100 companies and educating two million learners on data science and AI. With a unique background as a licensed professional engineer and two decades of marketing experience, Lillian brings a distinctive perspective to the intersection of technology and growth strategy. Lillian discusses her upcoming book, "The Data and AI Imperative: Designing Strategies for Exponential Growth," which aims to protect business leaders in their decision-making around technical strategies while helping data professionals advance into more strategic roles. She shares valuable insights on how organizations can avoid common pitfalls in AI implementation, emphasizing the importance of aligning technology initiatives with business objectives rather than adopting new tools simply because they're trending. About Lillian: Lillian Pierson, P.E., author of Wiley’s groundbreaking new book “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘢 & 𝘈𝘐 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦”, is a celebrated growth strategist, advisor, and fractional CMO for B2B tech startups, scale-ups, and consultancies that want to drive more consistent, reliable revenue growth. Leveraging the strategic, data-driven methodologies she’s used to support 10% of the Fortune 100, Lillian eliminates the guesswork from marketing to deliver predictable and measurable results. With a formidable reputation as a leading educator and consultant in data, AI, and growth marketing, Lillian has empowered over 2 million learners through her dozens of books and courses, produced in partnership with Wiley and LinkedIn Learning. Links: https://www.data-mania.com/blog/the-data-ai-imperative/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillianpierson/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:07 Lillian Pierson's Background and Journey 02:20 Initial Spark in Data, AI, and Growth Strategy 03:40 Discussing Lillian's New Book 06:05 Five Signs Your AI Strategy Isn't Ready to Scale 07:34 Challenges in Adopting New Technologies 15:35 Data Monetization Strategies 18:25 Scaling Strategies for Long-Term Success 21:15 Product-Led Growth and AI Integration 26:01 Understanding Product-Led Growth 26:56 The Role of a CMO in Product Development 27:46 Marketing Strategies for Product Validation 28:40 Leveraging Community and Buyer Perspectives 29:37 Integrating Product and Marketing for Growth 31:18 Enterprise Sales and Outdated Playbooks 32:10 The Power of Personal Branding and Influencers 35:04 Exploring Partnerships and Monetization 38:07 The Impact of AI on Marketing 41:42 Final Words of Wisdom for Founders 44:53 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive deep into the world of artificial intelligence with Rajeev Kapur, President and CEO of 1105 Media. Rajeev brings decades of leadership experience, from working as one of Michael Dell’s first executive assistants to spearheading AI initiatives long before they became mainstream. Join us as we explore how businesses can leverage AI to stay competitive and why waiting to adopt AI might spell disaster for your organization. Rajeev shares his journey through the tech industry, including his role in launching Dell India and his pivotal experiences in the PC and AI-driven startup spaces. He provides valuable insights into the distinction between machine learning and generative AI, offering real-world examples like Netflix’s recommendation engine and Amazon’s delivery route optimization to illustrate how companies are already benefiting from AI. The discussion highlights the challenges businesses face when adopting AI and emphasizes the importance of having clean, well-organized data for successful implementation. Rajeev explains how companies can empower their workforce to embrace AI tools, starting with training leadership teams to integrate AI strategies from the top down. He also predicts how AI will reshape industries such as law, translation, and healthcare, and why embracing AI is essential to avoid becoming obsolete. As a thought leader and author of the best-selling book AI Made Simple, Rajeev provides actionable advice on how to begin your AI journey. Whether it’s adopting machine learning today or preparing for generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Rajeev outlines practical steps that businesses can take to remain innovative and competitive. About Rajeev: Rajeev is a seasoned high tech executive with broad global experience. He’s worked in over 20 countries across the United States, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Rajeev was recognized as a CEO of the year finalist for 2011-2012 from Tech America and was a finalist for Entrepreneur of The Year from the Orange County Business Journal. He received his Global MBA from the USC Marshall School of Business in Los Angeles and Shanghai’s Jiaotong University Antai college of business and economics. Personal Website: https://rajeev.ai/ Company website: https://1105media.com/Home.aspx LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajeevkapur1/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Made-Simple-Beginners-Generative-Intelligence/dp/1962017001 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:10 Overview of 1105 Media 02:25 Rajeev's Career Journey 04:35 Impact of AI in Business 05:50 Machine Learning AI Explained 09:01 Generative AI and Business Adoption 12:24 Importance of Data in AI 16:06 Training Workforce for AI 19:50 AI in Business: Personal and Professional Use 20:45 Mastering ChatGPT: Tips and Tricks 23:38 Industries at Risk: The Impact of AI 27:57 Future of Work: AI and Human Collaboration 30:35 Philosophical Insights: The Future of AI 32:33 Practical Applications: AI in Everyday Life 35:45 Looking Ahead: AI in 2034 39:19 Final Thoughts and Contact Information