The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Nader Abdelrazik, the CEO and co-founder of MoneyHash, a pioneering payment orchestration platform in the emerging markets. Nader shares his journey from academia to entrepreneurship, detailing how his diverse background in economics and engineering has shaped his strategic approach to building a successful fintech company. We delve into the founding story of MoneyHash, exploring the synergy between Nader and his co-founder Mustafa, and the unique challenges they identified in the fragmented payment infrastructure of the Middle East and Africa. Nader explains how MoneyHash aims to revolutionize this space by providing a comprehensive operating system that simplifies and optimizes payment processes for businesses across the region. The conversation also touches on the broader fintech landscape in MENA and Africa, with Nader offering insights into the rapid evolution of this sector, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. He argues that the fintech infrastructure is still in its infancy, with immense potential for growth and innovation. Despite common concerns about the saturation of fintech startups, Nader believes there is still a vast landscape to be explored and that competition will only serve to enhance the ecosystem. Nader also discusses the recent milestone partnership between MoneyHash and Visa, which he sees as a significant step towards elevating the payment ecosystem in the region to a new level of sophistication. This partnership not only validates MoneyHash’s approach but also opens up new opportunities for merchants to leverage advanced payment solutions. As the discussion progresses, Mehmet and Nader explore the challenges of building a global company from the MENA region, the importance of robust support systems, and the need for more growth-stage funding to sustain ambitious startups. Nader shares valuable advice for fellow entrepreneurs on building strong teams, investing in middle management early, and avoiding the pitfalls of over-optimization. About Nader: As the co-founder and CEO of MoneyHash, Nader Abdelrazik leads a team of technologists and payment experts who are on a mission to reshape the quality of money-processing tech in emerging markets and help businesses scale. With over 12 years of experience in strategy, consulting, and complexity management, he has worked with innovative startups and organizations in payments, fintech, and blockchain across Africa and the Middle East. Nader’s passion for complex problems stems from his academic background in development economics and international development at UC Berkeley, and management of technology and innovation at Nile University. He uses ecosystem approaches and systems thinking to tackle techno-economic issues and create value for customers and stakeholders. He is also deeply committed to topics such as remote work, diversity and inclusion, growth flywheels, learning and development, and product discovery and design. Nader is always eager to chat and collaborate with people who share his vision and mission. https://www.linkedin.com/in/naderfahim/ https://moneyhash.io/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:33 Nader Abdelrazik's Background and Journey 03:11 The Birth of MoneyHash 05:39 Challenges and Solutions in the Payment Ecosystem 10:14 Customer Journey with MoneyHash 15:13 Partnership with Visa and Ecosystem Impact 17:38 FinTech Landscape in MENA and Africa 24:42 The Role of Academia and Higher Education 28:05 Investment and Growth Challenges 37:00 Building a Startup: Strategies and Advice 42:21 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Danny Nathan, the driving force behind Apollo 21, a company that operates at the intersection of innovation consultancy and product design. Danny shares his insights on how companies, particularly those in the growth stage like Series A and beyond, can move beyond mere “innovation theater” and take meaningful steps toward true innovation that drives long-term success. He discusses the critical importance of operationalizing innovative practices and the challenges companies face when they become too focused on short-term efficiencies and shareholder value at the expense of future growth. Danny delves into the common pitfalls that companies encounter as they scale, including the danger of optimizing too heavily for what works today, which can stifle creativity and experimentation. He emphasizes the need for companies to allow their teams the freedom to explore new ideas, even if it means risking failure. In fact, Danny argues that embracing failure is a crucial component of any innovation strategy, as it leads to valuable learning and ultimately, greater success. The conversation also explores the concept of venture-driven growth, where Danny outlines how large corporations can benefit from investing in or partnering with startups and disruptors rather than viewing them as threats. This approach not only fosters innovation but also positions established companies to remain competitive in an ever-changing market landscape. Additionally, Danny offers practical advice for founders and entrepreneurs on the verge of starting their journey. He highlights the importance of customer development and the need to constantly validate ideas with real users before scaling. Danny also touches on the role of technology in streamlining operations and solving business challenges, cautioning against the premature adoption of AI when simpler, more immediate solutions like automation can often provide significant benefits. About Danny: Throughout a roller coaster of a career that has spanned acting, advertising, consulting, technology, and now entrepreneurship, Danny has developed a habit of helping companies create new products & services and launch new ventures. In the past, he’s been called a product person, a UX guy, a designer, a strategist, a marketer, a creative (and a few other choice names like “The Cleaner”). Today, Danny is the founder of Apollo 21, a company which sits at the intersection of a business consultancy, a product design studio, and a venture studio. Apollo 21 helps companies foster innovation, leverage venture-driven growth, and remove barriers to scale by building technology that solves complex business and operational challenges. https://apollo21.io/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:02 Danny Nathan's Background and Company Overview 02:29 Challenges and Focus in Innovation 05:39 Importance of Customer Development 22:16 Operational Efficiency and AI 26:44 Embracing Failure and Final Advice 34:17 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

In this episode of “The CTO Show with Mehmet,” we are joined by Ramesh Subramanian, a seasoned transformational leader and CFO with over 25 years of experience in global multinationals and government entities. Ramesh shares his deep insights into the critical factors that drive successful digital and business transformation, emphasizing the importance of addressing resistance to change and ensuring that transformations are led from the top with a clear vision. He highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that simultaneously addresses strategy, culture, and capabilities to achieve sustainable success. Ramesh also delves into the evolving role of the modern CFO, describing it as the “chief storyteller” who integrates value across the organization and ensures the monetization of that value. He stresses the importance of understanding and embracing new technologies like AI, machine learning, and the Internet of Things, not only for the C-suite but across the organization. As a proponent of ESG, Ramesh discusses the significance of sustainability and why businesses must embed ESG principles to remain competitive and attract top talent. The conversation also explores real-world AI use cases that have successfully delivered value in areas such as customer service, personalized marketing, predictive maintenance, and healthcare diagnostics. Ramesh emphasizes that AI is more than just chatbots; it’s a powerful tool that can drive efficiency and real-time decision-making across various industries. Towards the end of the episode, Ramesh shares valuable life and business lessons drawn from his extensive career. He discusses the importance of embracing change, maintaining a growth mindset, and achieving work-life integration. For future leaders, he underscores the necessity of staying customer-focused, fostering diversity and inclusion, and building strong ecosystems that create lasting value. About Ramesh: With over 25 years of international experience, Ramesh is a transformational leader & a strategic CFO who has successfully steered world leading global MNCs such as FedEx, Inchcape PLC, Ericsson AB, Volex PLC as well as Government entities in the GCC such as Bahrain International Circuit ( F1 circuit) & Ras Al Khaimah economic Zone (RAKEZ) towards greater efficiency and profitability. In his illustrious career spanning over 5 countries he has built, coached, motivated high- performance multinational/multicultural teams that consistently deliver. He has a proven track record of driving business & digital transformations, innovation & growth, improving P&L scenarios, and implementing crucial change initiatives while maintaining employee & creditor loyalty and trust. He excels in shaping business strategies and addressing growth challenges for growing, mature and declining businesses. Ramesh Subramanian is a skilled negotiator with balanced judgement, capable of steering consensus among core business disciplines with diverse agenda. www.linkedin.com/in/ramesh0508 01:09 Ramesh Subramanian's Background 02:51 Challenges in Digital Transformation 03:51 Formulas for Successful Digital Transformation 16:05 AI Use Cases and Emerging Areas 23:37 Expectations from a Modern CFO 28:04 Importance of ESG and Sustainability 33:12 Life and Business Lessons 43:33 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Mark Stern, founder of the Custom Box Agency, who shares his journey from a corporate career at Deloitte to entrepreneurship. Mark discusses the evolution of his business, which focuses on blending physical and digital experiences to optimize customer journeys. He reveals how physical box experiences can elevate brand identity, increase customer engagement, and drive loyalty in a world that’s increasingly digital. Mark recounts his transition from the predictable corporate path to the unpredictable yet rewarding world of online entrepreneurship. He highlights a pivotal moment in his life when he realized that staying in his corporate job might be detrimental to his well-being, leading him to explore new ventures in digital marketing and experience design. His story is one of bold moves, following inner desires, and the relentless pursuit of innovation. Mark explains the concept behind the Custom Box Agency, where physical boxes are used to create a tangible connection with customers, providing a unique touchpoint that complements digital interactions. By sharing success stories and examples, Mark illustrates how this approach has doubled conversion rates for some clients and dramatically reduced churn rates, emphasizing the power of a well-defined customer journey. The conversation also delves into the importance of branding, customer loyalty, and how businesses can stand out in a crowded marketplace. Mark offers practical advice on defining success, reducing customer churn, and increasing lifetime value through innovative customer experience strategies. He also discusses emerging trends in customer experience design, particularly the growing intersection of physical and digital realms, and the role of AI and QR codes in enhancing these experiences. About Mark: Mark Stern is an accomplished serial entrepreneur and the visionary behind Custom Box Agency, an acclaimed customer experience design agency headquartered in Austin, TX.  Mark's extensive expertise and strategic acumen were showcased in Joey Coleman's renowned book, "Never Lose an Employee Again." A former top-rated strategy consultant at Deloitte Consulting, Mark holds a distinguished MBA degree from Duke University.  Furthermore, his role as a mentor at SXSW (South by Southwest) and recognition as a Forbes Next 1,000 Entrepreneur exemplify his commitment to excellence in the entrepreneurial world. https://customboxagency.com/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:04 Mark Stern's Background and Business Overview 02:04 Transition from Corporate to Entrepreneurship 06:47 The Birth of Custom Box Agency 10:56 Innovative Customer Experience Strategies 21:11 Increasing Customer Lifetime Value and Reducing Churn 24:41 Success Stories and Use Cases 27:10 Emerging Trends in Customer Experience Design 32:52 Global Expansion and Final Thoughts 37:06 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by André Laplume, a professor at the Toronto Metropolitan University, to discuss the fascinating world of spinout ventures. André shares his insights on why the narrative of startups beginning in garages is often misleading, and how many successful companies actually originate as spinouts from established organizations. We explore the concept of spinout ventures, where employees leave an incumbent firm to start their own companies, often carrying with them the knowledge and experience gained from their previous roles. André highlights the difference between corporate spinoffs and spinouts, emphasizing how the latter is typically driven by the entrepreneurial ambitions of individuals or small teams rather than managerial decisions. Throughout the conversation, we delve into the advantages of spinouts, such as better survival rates and faster scaling compared to traditional startups. André also busts the myth that most startups begin in garages, using examples like Apple, where much of the foundational work occurred within an established company. We discuss the triggers that lead to spinouts, including strategic disagreements, ethical conflicts, and the desire to innovate beyond the constraints of a parent organization. André provides valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs currently working in established firms, encouraging them to view their employment as a learning environment rather than just a job. He also addresses the legal and strategic considerations for those looking to pursue a spinout, including the importance of navigating non-compete agreements and maintaining good relationships with former employers. As the episode concludes, André offers final advice for fellow entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of leveraging the experience gained in established companies to create successful ventures. Whether you’re considering a spinout or simply interested in the dynamics of startup creation, this episode is packed with insights that challenge conventional wisdom about entrepreneurship. More about Andre:DR. ANDRÉ LAPLUME, co-author of SPINOUT VENTURES, is a Full Professor in Entrepreneurship and Strategy at the Ted Rogers School of Management, which is part of Toronto Metropolitan University. Laplume researches the intersections where new entrants and incumbent firms meet with the aim of breaking down the barriers facing entrepreneurs, while helping managers deal with entrepreneurial ambitions in their organizations. His research has appeared in top journals like Human Relations, Journal of International Business Studies, and Journal of Business Research, among others. He received his PhD in Management from the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, and spent seven years at Michigan Tech, teaching in its MBA program. Earlier, Laplume was a business and information technology consultant, helping clients integrate businesses and automate units. He is a frequent judge at entrepreneurship pitch competitions and an experienced entrepreneur, having launched a startup while in Michigan. https://spinoutventures.net/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:04 André Laplume's Background and Research 02:12 Discussion on Spin Out Ventures 05:11 Examples of Successful Spin Outs 07:36 Triggers and Motivations for Spin Outs 16:32 Challenges and Risks for Spin Outs 21:01 Legal and Financial Considerations 28:16 Future of Spin Outs and Final Advice 33:36 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of “The CTO Show with Mehmet,” we dive deep into the world of AI and blockchain with our special guest, Jordan Miller. Jordan, the visionary behind the SatoriNet project, shares his ambitious journey to create a decentralized network of computers aimed at predicting the future. We explore how Jordan’s background in blockchain and his fascination with distributed consensus led him to develop a system that gathers and analyzes vast amounts of global data—from economic indicators to environmental metrics—to foresee future events. Jordan explains the philosophical and technical underpinnings of SatoriNet, comparing the network’s predictive capabilities to the human brain’s ability to anticipate the future based on sensory inputs. We discuss the potential to reduce the frequency of “Black Swan” events—unpredictable occurrences that have significant impact—through the intelligent correlation of global data streams. The conversation also touches on the ethical and practical implications of AI, including the challenges of ensuring that AI predictions are based on reality rather than biased inputs. Jordan shares his thoughts on the future of AI and blockchain, addressing the role of quantum computing and the potential for decentralized AI to democratize access to powerful predictive tools. Additionally, we delve into the concept of governance tokens in the SatoriNet ecosystem, highlighting how token holders can influence the direction of the network. Jordan emphasizes that while the project is still in its early stages, the goal is to create a system that benefits both society and individuals by making accurate predictions accessible to all. He also shares his thoughts on the importance of open-source development in maintaining transparency and trust in AI systems. More about Jordan: Jordan is the driving force behind the Satori Network. As the lead developer of Moontree, a crypto startup Jordan has blended his blockchain expertise with his passion for AI in Founding Satori - a pioneering Crypto AI endeavor designed to decentralized the power benefit and control of AI. See more at satorinet.io Jordan's goal is to expose people to Satori. Satori's primary objective is to predict the future of everything we human's find valuable to foresee. Its predictions are free and open for everyone. Anyone can participate by downloading the Satori Neuron software from the website. For more information on it go to http://satorinet.io 01:06 Jordan's Background and SatoriNet Project 01:51 Interest in Blockchain Technology 02:49 Predicting the Future with Blockchain 08:20 Philosophical Insights on Intelligence and Prediction 32:35 Challenges and Future of SatoriNet 40:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we welcome Ricardo Jimenez, an entrepreneur, angel investor, and author of the book Crash Course. Ricardo shares his journey from being an entrepreneur to writing a book that delves into the emotional challenges faced by founders. He discusses his motivation for becoming an entrepreneur, his experiences with failure, and the psychological aspects of managing the ups and downs of startup life. Ricardo emphasizes the importance of separating one’s identity from their venture, understanding that failure is often a part of the entrepreneurial journey, and the need to process and release the emotions tied to these experiences. Throughout the conversation, Ricardo offers valuable insights into the mental and emotional resilience required to navigate the often turbulent world of startups. He talks about the fear of failure, the societal pressure to succeed, and how entrepreneurs can maintain their mental well-being. Ricardo also shares his own story of risking personal finances to fund his startup and how he managed the stress and eventual decision to step back from his venture. His experience led him down a spiritual path, and he discusses how meditation and self-awareness have played a crucial role in helping him stay grounded and make better decisions. Towards the end of the episode, Mehmet and Ricardo explore the concept of entrepreneurship not being for everyone, with Ricardo offering thoughtful advice for those contemplating this path. He encourages listeners to reflect on their motivations, understand the sacrifices involved, and consider whether the entrepreneurial journey aligns with their personal goals and values. Ricardo’s book, Crash Course, aims to provide support and companionship to entrepreneurs, offering a perspective that is both practical and empathetic. He invites listeners to explore his book, which is available on Amazon, and to connect with him through his website and social media platforms. More about Ricardo: RICARDO JIMÉNEZ is a Puerto Rico- and Barcelona-based writer, entrepreneur and active angel investor. Since 2014, he has performed direct investments in over 30 tech projects, including the Ethereum token launch. Jiménez, who was born in Spain, holds an MBA from Duke and is fluent in Spanish, English and conversational Indonesian. He has traveled to 60 countries, visited the Seven Wonders of the World, spent six months at a meditation retreat in Uruguay, and he continues to spend several months every year in the Isha meditation center in Mexico. He enjoys kite surfing in Puerto Rico and motorbike riding the Texas back roads. He is a founder supporter of Yo Elijo, a not-for-profit that supports children and families in socio-economic stress in Colombia in choosing a different path in their lives. https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Crash-Course/Ricardo-Jimenez/9781637632963 https://www.linkedin.com/in/ricardojimenezh/ 01:42 Ricardo's Journey to Entrepreneurship 04:40 Overcoming Fear of Failure 06:46 Emotional Resilience in Entrepreneurship 11:48 Financial Challenges and Lessons Learned 18:21 The Importance of Self-Awareness 34:08 Spiritual Path and Meditation Insights 37:32 Final Thoughts and Book Information

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Walid Abou Ali, the CTO and Co-Founder of Places, a groundbreaking F&B discovery platform based in Dubai. Walid shares his unique journey from a 3D artist to a tech innovator in the MENA region, where he has channeled his passion for food and technology into creating a highly advanced search engine for the F&B industry. We dive deep into the challenges and triumphs of building a tech startup in Dubai, the importance of accurate data, and how Places is revolutionizing the way people discover dining experiences across the city. Walid also discusses the technical complexities of developing a robust search engine tailored to Dubai’s diverse culinary landscape and his approach to balancing innovation with practical business needs. He shares valuable insights on the future of F&B tech in the MENA region, offering advice for fellow CTOs on avoiding technical debt and scaling smartly. More about Walid: https://www.linkedin.com/in/walid-abou-ali-45680a43/ https://placesuae.com/ 01:11 Walid's Journey from 3D Artist to Software Engineer 03:24 Founding and Vision of Places 03:43 The Spark Behind Places 04:19 Building the Places App 05:22 Meeting Co-Founder Matthew Davidson 07:00 Challenges in Dubai's F&B Scene 08:05 Advanced Search Engine for Foodies 09:20 Data Accuracy and Engineering 13:44 Revenue Model and Business Strategy 19:43 Technical Challenges and Solutions 24:19 Combining AI and Traditional Search 24:56 Transparency in Episode Recording 25:13 The Gold Rush of AI 26:23 The Role of LLM in Software Engineering 28:54 Choosing the Right Technology 35:18 Scaling and Technical Debt 36:41 The Importance of DevOps 41:24 The Evolution of Startups in MENA 48:06 Future Expansion Plans 49:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of “The CTO Show with Mehmet,” we dive into the intricate dynamics between CTOs and CEOs, exploring how these relationships can make or break a startup’s success. Our guest, Hutton Henry, founder of Beyond M&A and a seasoned expert in due diligence, shares his valuable insights on how CTOs and CEOs can better align their goals, manage expectations, and overcome common challenges in high-pressure environments. Hutton discusses the importance of understanding the different speeds at which CTOs and CEOs operate, especially post-investment, when new pressures and expectations emerge. He emphasizes the need for effective communication and mutual understanding to prevent friction and ensure that both technical and business objectives are met. We also explore the role of due diligence in the startup journey, with Hutton providing an insider’s view of the process. He highlights the common pitfalls that startups encounter during due diligence, particularly in areas like cybersecurity and technology stack assessments. Hutton underscores the value of conducting due diligence early, even before seeking investment, to create a stronger, more resilient business. Throughout the conversation, Hutton offers practical advice for both CTOs and CEOs on how to navigate their partnership, optimize their collaboration, and prepare for the rigorous demands of due diligence. Whether you’re a founder, tech leader, or investor, this episode is packed with actionable insights that can help you steer your startup toward success. More about Hutton: https://linktr.ee/huttonhenry 01:10 Hutton Henry's Background and Expertise 02:09 Inspiration Behind Hutton's Career 04:34 Challenges in CEO-CTO Relationships 11:07 Investor's Role and Expectations 16:12 Transactional Analysis in Leadership 21:16 The Importance of Training in Tech 22:08 Balancing Speed and Quality in Product Development 23:46 Effective Communication Between CTOs and Founders 24:23 Introduction to Due Diligence 25:03 The Due Diligence Process Explained 27:18 Common Issues Found During Due Diligence 40:57 Advice for Founders and CTOs 42:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Juliette Denny, a pioneer in the learning and development space and the driving force behind Growth Engineering and the newly launched Iridescent Technologies. Juliette shares her journey from founding Growth Engineering, a company that has been revolutionizing corporate learning for over 20 years, to her latest venture focused on AI-powered learning solutions. We delve into the evolution of learning technologies, particularly the role of gamification in making corporate training more engaging and effective. Juliette explains the difference between game-based learning and gamification, emphasizing how gaming mechanics like streaks, points, and leaderboards can significantly enhance the learning experience. The conversation then shifts to Zavmo AI, Iridescent Technologies’ innovative AI-driven learning companion set to launch soon. Juliette explains how Zavmo AI is designed to provide personalized learning experiences by understanding individual learner needs, behaviors, and preferences through a four-step process: Discover, Discuss, Deliver, and Demonstrate. This approach aims to break away from traditional one-size-fits-all education models, offering tailored learning paths that cater to each user’s unique learning style and goals. Juliette also touches on her upcoming book, The Learning Revolution, which explores the intersection of brain science, technology, and education, and how AI can be leveraged to create more effective and inclusive learning environments. Throughout the episode, Juliette’s passion for transforming education is evident, particularly her focus on making learning accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or learning challenges. She discusses her personal motivation, rooted in her own experiences with dyslexia, and how this has driven her to ensure that no one is left behind in the learning process. Juliette also offers her insights on the broader implications of AI in education and the entrepreneurial opportunities that this rapidly evolving field presents. Finally, Juliette shares her thoughts on the current landscape of AI applications, particularly the need for entrepreneurs to go beyond merely wrapping existing large language models in simple applications. She stresses the importance of solving real problems and creating impactful solutions that can truly make a difference in people’s lives. More about Juliette: https://www.growthengineering.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliettedenny/ https://iridescenttechnology.ai/ 01:05 Juliette Denny's Background and Career Journey 01:10 Growth Engineering and Learning Solutions 02:06 Introduction to Iridescent Technologies and Zavmo AI 02:56 The Learning Revolution Book 03:20 Challenges in Learning and Development 03:58 Juliette's Journey into Learning and Development 07:49 The Role of Gamification in Learning 10:50 Transitioning to AI-Powered Learning 16:27 The 4D Process of Personalized Learning 27:54 The Flexibility and Potential of AI 28:14 Guardrails and Learning Models in AI 29:13 AI's Role in Human Potential 29:50 Cost-Effective Education with Zavmo 30:31 Skepticism and Misconceptions about AI 32:01 Choosing the Right AI Tools 32:24 The Birth of Zavmo 33:37 Developing AI for Learning 36:01 The Future of AI in Education 37:27 Entrepreneurship in the Age of AI 38:09 The Economics of AI 39:46 Building Meaningful AI Applications 48:40 The Learning Revolution Book 51:40 Final Thoughts and Contact Information