The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, host Mehmet Gonullu sits down with Gagan Singh, Founder and CEO of WOWS Global, to discuss the intricacies of startup fundraising, navigating private markets, and the increasing importance of secondary transactions. Gagan shares his unique perspective, having experienced both sides of the table as a venture capitalist and entrepreneur. He dives deep into how WOWS Global is reshaping the fundraising landscape for startups by providing liquidity solutions and essential tools for private markets. Gagan starts by detailing his journey from a small town in India to becoming a venture capitalist in Southeast Asia and eventually founding WOWS Global. He reflects on the challenges he faced, especially as a founder and group CFO of the B2B logistics startup Delivere, and how his experiences informed the creation of WOWS Global. The platform, often described as an “operating system for private markets,” facilitates fundraising through various means, including venture debt, revenue-based financing, and secondary transactions, which offer founders and early investors liquidity without the need for a full exit. One of the key topics discussed is the critical role of cap table management and ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) planning. Gagan emphasizes the common pitfalls many founders encounter, such as the lack of awareness regarding dilution and the risks of post-money valuation caps. He explains how improper cap table management can make companies unattractive to investors, particularly as they advance to later stages of funding. Mehmet and Gagan also explore the recent trends in Southeast Asia’s private markets and the global implications of the “funding winter.” Despite the challenges, Gagan highlights how WOWS Global is helping founders prepare for fundraising by providing essential tools like virtual data rooms, which streamline the due diligence process for both startups and investors. He stresses the importance of being investor-ready from day one to maintain momentum and capitalize on investor interest. The conversation also touches on the future of startup funding, with Gagan providing insights into the opportunities and challenges facing Southeast Asia and other emerging markets, such as MENA. He discusses the consolidation trends in various sectors and how platforms like WOWS Global are positioned to support smaller M&A opportunities. About Gagan: Gagan Singh serves as the CEO of WOWS Global, a Fintech platform that facilitates investor matching. This platform creates connections between promising startups and investors, streamlining both primary and secondary transactions. Gagan's professional background includes being a Chartered Accountant by qualification. He initiated his career in the realm of corporate finance with Vedanta Resources, a conglomerate based in the UK. Subsequently, he relocated to Southeast Asia to contribute his expertise at Polyplex. During his career journey, Gagan ascended to the role of Partner & CFO at Inspire Ventures. In this capacity, he made strategic investments in startups like aCommerce, Deliveree, Super Awesome, Totally Awesome, and Softbaked. https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaganajmani/ https://WOWSglobal.com/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:09 Gagan Singh's Background and Career Journey 02:51 Founding WOWS Global 03:09 WOWS Global's Offerings and Services 04:47 Challenges and Solutions in Private Markets 12:02 Importance of Cap Table and ESOP Management 18:00 Valuation and Fundraising Strategies 25:30 Impact of Funding Winter and Market Corrections 28:11 Building Fundamentally Solid Businesses 28:23 The Complex Journey of Founders 30:02 Understanding Fundability and Traction 33:00 The Importance of a Virtual Data Room 38:10 Streamlining the Investment Process 44:39 Trends in Southeast Asia and MENA Markets 51:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, Mehmet welcomes Matt Van Itallie, founder and CEO of SEMA, to explore the evolving world of technical due diligence, particularly in the context of generative AI in coding and software acquisition. Matt shares his journey from a non-professional coder to leading SEMA, a company dedicated to bridging the gap between tech and non-tech teams. He explains how SEMA treats code as data and why understanding the nuances of software is essential, especially during moments of evaluation such as mergers, acquisitions, and investment decisions. Matt dives into the importance of technical due diligence, describing it as a crucial step for evaluating the health and risks of a software company’s codebase. He explains the common misconceptions about technical due diligence, such as its perceived focus on merely checking code quality, and elaborates on the deeper aspects, including functional and non-functional assessments, legal risks, and maintaining the involvement of key developers. He emphasizes that the presence of knowledgeable coders is often the most significant factor in passing technical due diligence, comparing it to having a GPS without the satellite. The conversation then shifts to the growing impact of generative AI tools on software development. Matt highlights the dual nature of these tools, celebrating their ability to significantly boost productivity and coder satisfaction while also pointing out the associated risks, including intellectual property, security, and maintainability concerns. He outlines the critical need for companies to manage these tools carefully, ensuring that AI-generated code is properly vetted, improved, and integrated within existing development processes. Mehmet and Matt discuss how the adoption of generative AI has rapidly transformed technical due diligence, making it essential for investors and acquirers to assess not just the quality of the code but also the extent and manner of AI usage. Matt introduces the concept of the Generative AI Bill of Materials (GBOM), a tool developed by SEMA to measure the presence of AI-generated code within a codebase and manage its associated risks. The episode wraps up with Matt’s insights on the future of software engineering and the evolving role of developers as project managers who leverage AI to enhance their work. He offers practical advice for CTOs on making their work comprehensible to non-technical stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and contextualizing technical aspects in business terms. More about Matt: Matt Van Itallie is the Founder and CEO of Sema. He and his team have developed Comprehensive Codebase Scans, the most thorough and easily understandable assessment of a codebase and engineering organization. These scans are crucial for private equity and venture capital firms looking to make informed investment decisions. Sema has evaluated code within organizations that have a collective value of over $1 trillion. In 2023, Sema served 7 of the 9 largest global investors, along with market-leading strategic investors, private equity, and venture capital firms, providing them with critical insights. In addition, Sema is at the forefront of Generative AI Code Transparency, which measures how much code created by GenAI is in a codebase. They are the inventors behind the Generative AI Bill of Materials (GBOM), an essential resource for investors to understand and mitigate risks associated with AI-generated code. https://www.semasoftware.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mvi/ 00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction 01:18 Matt's Journey and SEMA's Mission 04:40 Understanding Technical Due Diligence 11:08 Importance of Coders in Technical Due Diligence 20:03 Generative AI in Software Development 36:34 Value Creation in Software Companies 40:53 Emerging Technologies in Technical Due Diligence 43:38 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive deep into the world of purpose-driven entrepreneurship with Elona Lopari, a seasoned entrepreneur and leadership coach who helps companies align purpose with profit. Elona shares her journey from climbing the corporate ladder in a Fortune 500 company to taking a bold leap into entrepreneurship, driven by a desire to find fulfillment and make a greater impact. She discusses the challenges of transitioning from a secure corporate job to the uncertain world of entrepreneurship, highlighting the personal development and mindset shifts required to make such a move. Elona emphasizes the importance of connecting with one’s intuition and values, explaining how listening to that inner voice guided her toward a new path that aligned with her passion for helping others. She shares her insights on the seven foundational pillars of building a purpose-driven company, which include branding, marketing, sales, systems, and team dynamics. Elona draws parallels between the growth phases of a company and human development, offering a unique perspective on how businesses evolve from startup to maturity. The conversation also explores the delicate balance between maintaining a company’s purpose and ensuring profitability. Elona provides practical advice on aligning purpose with measurable business outcomes, such as employee engagement, sales growth, and overall company performance. She stresses the importance of conscious leadership, open communication, and collaboration within teams, encouraging founders to embrace diverse perspectives and nurture their talent. Elona and Mehmet also delve into the evolving landscape of business and leadership in the modern world, discussing the role of technology and education in shaping today’s entrepreneurs. Elona shares her views on conscious decision-making, the importance of personal alignment with business goals, and how leaders can inspire their teams to stay true to the company’s mission. As the episode concludes, Elona offers actionable advice for entrepreneurs feeling unfulfilled or at a crossroads in their journey. She emphasizes the need to follow one’s calling, take calculated risks, and continuously learn from every phase of life and business. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business leader, or simply someone interested in aligning your work with your personal values, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. About Elona: Elona is the Visionary CEO of The Life School , Speaker, Best Selling Author to numerous books, Show and Speaking Events Organizer to an audience of over 30,000 heart driven service based entrepreneurs and corporations.  She is both a servant community builder and a people connector.  She is a Prior Fortune 500 CEO also Featured in Disrupt, NY Weekly, Business Insider, CEO Weekly, The Business News & Famous Times.  She is the CEO of The Life School where they help Visionary Leaders CEOs grow legacy purpose driven businesses through Inner Alignment, Branding, Marketing, Sales and Team so that they can maximize their Impact and Income to do more good in the world. https://www.elonaloparicoaching.com/media-press-speaking.html https://www.linkedin.com/in/elona-lopari/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:06 Elona's Journey to Entrepreneurship 02:08 Challenges of Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship 03:24 Personal Development and Overcoming Fear 06:52 Building Purpose-Driven Companies 11:48 Aligning Purpose with Profit 18:00 Leadership and Company Culture 22:44 The New World of Business 25:58 The Essence of Fulfillment and Happiness 26:30 The Power of Education and Awareness 28:06 Connecting the Dots Backward 32:57 The Cycle of Growth and Change 35:58 Embracing Change and Overcoming Fear 36:59 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways 42:19 Upcoming Events and Staying Connected 45:34 Closing Remarks and Audience Engagement

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Peter Curk, the CEO and CPO of Iconomi, a leading crypto portfolio management platform. Peter shares his journey from a non-technical background in industries like retail, energy, and telecommunications to leading a company at the forefront of crypto investments. He discusses the founding story of Iconomi, which was born from the need to simplify access to crypto investments for everyday users. With deep insights, Peter explains how the platform caters to both individual and institutional investors, providing a regulated and secure environment for managing digital assets. Peter dives into the challenges retail investors face, such as the complexity and risks associated with crypto investments, including the prevalence of fake projects and scams in the early days of the market. He emphasizes the importance of choosing the right platform, like Iconomi, which conducts thorough due diligence on listed tokens to ensure only credible assets are available for trading. Peter also highlights the importance of setting a personalized crypto investment strategy, tailored to individual goals and risk tolerance, while cautioning against the pitfalls of emotional trading and unrealistic expectations. Throughout the episode, Peter addresses the evolving regulatory landscape in the crypto world, comparing approaches in the UK and the European Union. He explains how increasing regulatory scrutiny aims to protect consumers and establish a more stable market environment, benefiting both investors and legitimate platforms. Peter outlines the advantages of working with a regulated platform like Iconomi, which follows stringent KYC and AML procedures, offering users a safe entry point into the volatile world of digital assets. Peter also provides valuable advice for new investors, emphasizing the importance of understanding market dynamics, liquidity, and setting clear take-profit rules to avoid turning investments into a stressful second job. He shares insights into why institutional investors have already moved beyond Bitcoin, exploring a broader range of digital assets, and why retail investors should consider diversified strategies rather than waiting on the sidelines. Wrapping up, Peter discusses the importance of education in crypto investing and how Iconomi supports users with a wealth of resources, from market updates to social feeds where investors can share insights and strategies. He also touches on Iconomi’s B2B offerings, catering to financial advisors and wealth managers looking to integrate crypto into their service portfolios. About Peter: Peter Curk is the CEO at ICONOMI, a trailblazing digital assets portfolio management platform designed to democratize access to the new economy, crafting tailored cryptocurrency solutions for all investor types. As an FCA-registered entity, ICONOMI ensures a secure, diversified, and carefully managed investment experience. With a decade of diverse experience, Peter’s expertise includes product marketing, growth marketing, brand strategy, and customer experience. At ICONOMI, he sets the vision and strategy, driving the company’s mission forward. Peter’s passion for innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship fuels his commitment to leading teams that deliver impactful solutions. His success in scaling businesses, launching new products, and developing engaged customer communities is a testament to his transformative leadership. https://iconomi.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/petercurk/ 00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction 01:07 Peter Curk's Background and Journey 02:04 The Story of Iconomi 04:25 Challenges for Retail Investors in Crypto 07:30 Formulating a Personalized Crypto Investment Strategy 11:35 The Role of ETFs and Diversification 17:37 Identifying Healthy Assets vs. Scams 21:12 Iconomi's Services and Platform Features 27:01 Regulation in the Crypto World 31:04 Final Advice and How to Connect

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, Mehmet is joined by Nicky Senyard, Founder and CEO of Fintel Connect, a leader in affiliate marketing for financial services. Nicky shares her journey of over 24 years in affiliate marketing, highlighting her work with banks, credit unions, and fintechs to help them scale their operations. She delves into the unique challenges and opportunities of integrating affiliate marketing into the heavily regulated financial industry, emphasizing the importance of timing and adaptation in business success. Nicky discusses her early ventures, including her time as a dominant affiliate technology supplier in the regulated online gambling industry and how those experiences prepared her for her current role in financial services. She shares insights on how Fintel Connect uses AI-driven compliance tools to help financial institutions manage marketing content effectively, ensuring that all information meets regulatory standards. Nicky explains the complexities of integrating new technologies with legacy banking systems, highlighting her company’s ability to navigate diverse technological landscapes, from traditional banking platforms to cutting-edge fintech solutions. Mehmet and Nicky explore the rise of neobanks and fintechs and their impact on traditional banks, pushing them to be more flexible and consumer-centric. Nicky passionately discusses financial literacy and the growing role of influencers, or “finfluencers,” in reaching younger generations with financial education and advice. She emphasizes the value of authenticity and the potential of influencers to connect with audiences in ways that traditional marketing cannot. The conversation also touches on the evolving role of artificial intelligence in affiliate marketing and consumer trust in AI-generated content. Nicky shares her perspective on AI as a tool that enhances data synthesis and decision-making but stresses the importance of human oversight and primary research in understanding and applying AI-driven insights. As the discussion shifts to entrepreneurship, Nicky reflects on her experiences building and exiting her first business and the lessons she has applied to her current venture. She candidly discusses the challenges of starting over, the importance of risk management, and the need for a deep understanding of revenue streams. Nicky advises aspiring entrepreneurs to carefully consider whether they want to build a lifestyle business or an asset-based business, highlighting the implications of each path. About Nicky: Nicky Senyard is CEO and Founder of Fintel Connect, the leading specialist in performance marketing technology for the financial industry. Nicky is a 20-year pioneer and entrepreneur in performance marketing, building and exiting her first SaaS marketing tech company in 2016. Having started her career in PR and marketing, Nicky is highly invested in seeing brands successfully leverage a multi-channel marketing approach that encompasses all facets of digital, in particular social media and influencer marketing. She and her team are on a mission to create contribution and growth for the financial industry by developing scalable, secure, marketing intelligence solutions that drive breakthrough results. https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickysenyard/ https://www.fintelconnect.com/

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Colm Nee, CTO of Enlighted, a Siemens company focused on IoT and sustainability. Colm shares his journey and expertise in using AI and IoT to create smarter, more energy-efficient buildings. With a background in machine learning, Colm is passionate about solving complex problems, particularly those related to sustainability in commercial buildings. Throughout the conversation, we delve into the challenges and innovations surrounding data exchange, energy efficiency, and occupant experience in smart buildings. Colm explains the role of digital twins in building management, highlighting how AI can help create smarter environments by improving systems like lighting and HVAC through real-time data integration. He shares practical examples of how Enlighted’s technology allows building occupants to have more control over their environment, leading to both energy savings and enhanced comfort. This democratization of building controls has not only increased operational efficiency but also reduced carbon emissions, a core focus in Colm’s work. As the conversation progresses, we explore the balance between AI growth and sustainability. Colm emphasizes the importance of CTOs and tech leaders making responsible decisions regarding energy consumption, as data centers and cloud computing continue to demand significant power. He sheds light on the growing need for transparency in reporting operational carbon emissions, detailing how Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions frameworks help companies measure and manage their impact on the environment. Colm also shares his insights on the broader challenges of sustainability in the tech industry. He speaks about the importance of designing computational workloads that fit the problem at hand, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption, and fostering a culture of sustainability within tech teams. His leadership philosophy centers around building autonomous, motivated teams that are empowered to innovate sustainably. Towards the end of the episode, Colm reflects on his transition from financial services to the sustainability sector, driven by a desire to work closer to the customer and make a tangible impact. He discusses the future intersection of AI and IoT, particularly in areas like environmental monitoring, energy optimization, and renewable energy integration. Colm is optimistic about the role technology will play in addressing global sustainability challenges, especially with advancements in AI agents and IoT sensors. About Colm Nee: Colm Nee is the Chief Technology Officer at Enlighted, a Siemens company, where he leads teams in building data-driven products with AI, focusing on sustainability and innovation. With a career spanning roles at Allianz and UBS, Colm brings a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic business insight to his leadership. His passion lies in transforming complex data into smart, user-friendly solutions that drive business growth and efficiency. In his tech leadership roles, Colm has spearheaded AI initiatives that turn data into actionable insights, enhancing product capabilities and user engagement. His ability to align technology with business strategy ensures that the innovations his teams develop are both impactful and aligned with organizational goals. https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjnee/ 00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction 01:08 Colm Nee's Background and Enlighted's Mission 02:52 Challenges and Innovations in Smart Buildings 04:09 AI and IoT in Building Management 05:18 Enlighted's Connect App and Democratizing Comfort 11:11 Balancing AI Growth and Sustainability 13:33 Reporting and Managing Carbon Emissions 23:39 Motivating Teams for Sustainability 27:23 Transitioning Industries: Colm's Journey 33:47 Future of AI and IoT 41:02 Final Thoughts and Connecting with Colm

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by IT veteran David Boscia, who brings over 32 years of experience in the IT domain, including leadership roles at NCR Corporation. David shares his journey managing tens of thousands of endpoints, discussing the complexities of handling a global network of devices and the challenges that arise in ensuring compliance, security, and smooth user experience. David delves into the importance of identity and access management (IAM) in modern IT infrastructure, stressing how critical it is for organizations to control who has access to key business functions. He also discusses the role of compliance and the importance of managing a heterogeneous environment, where different operating systems and devices require varied approaches. David talks about the future of endpoint management and how the industry is moving toward converging tools, though we are not entirely there yet. The conversation explores strategies for effective endpoint management, particularly in a remote work environment that has grown since the pandemic. David offers practical advice on managing updates, ensuring security, and overcoming user resistance to change, providing insights into the balance between security and usability. He also shares his thoughts on passwordless authentication and its future, noting that while the journey toward passwordless systems has begun, it’s still evolving, with organizations needing to adopt a phased approach. AI’s impact on IT management is another key topic in the discussion. David explains how AI is being leveraged in endpoint security, identity verification, and IT operations to reduce user friction and improve security. The use of adaptive controls to combat issues like MFA fatigue and how AI can support smarter, more context-aware systems is also covered. As the episode concludes, David offers valuable advice for IT leaders looking to improve their endpoint management practices, emphasizing the importance of balancing security measures with a seamless user experience. He also touches on the role of continuous learning, auditing, and user training in building a robust IT management system. You can connect with David on LinkedIn for more insights and follow-up questions. More about David: David Boscia is a seasoned IT leader with over 30 years of experience in Information Technology, specializing in Identity and Access Management (IAM) and end-user computing (EUC). As Director of IT at a Fortune 500 company, David has led significant global transformations, improving employee digital workspace experiences while ensuring compliance with evolving security standards. His innovative leadership has modernized IT infrastructure, enhancing collaboration services, mobility, and security operations across the enterprise. With a proven track record in program management and vendor negotiations, David managed a $38M budget covering various IT services, including collaboration tools like Microsoft 365 and mobile device management via Airwatch and Intune. His core competencies include managing complex global projects, contract negotiations, mergers and acquisitions, and risk management. David’s leadership continues to drive innovation and digital transformation in IT, advancing security and enhancing employee experiences in today’s dynamic work environment. https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidboscia/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:11 David Boscia's IT Journey 02:21 Challenges in Managing Endpoints 05:17 Strategies for Endpoint Management 11:05 Importance of Identity and Access Management 13:28 Best Practices for Identity Lifecycle Management 20:04 The Future of Passwordless Authentication 32:33 AI in IT and Endpoint Management 39:49 Final Thoughts and Advice for IT Leaders 42:32 Closing Remarks and Farewell

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we have the pleasure of hosting Mohammad Bahareth, an award-winning business consultant and entrepreneur from Saudi Arabia. Mohammad shares his personal journey, including his challenges with dyslexia and ADHD, and how they shaped his path to becoming a successful entrepreneur. His story is one of resilience, passion, and continuous learning, with valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs across the MENA region and beyond. Mohammad discusses his early work experiences, starting in the hospitality industry, before venturing into various fields, including public relations and eventually entrepreneurship. His diverse career path has helped him accumulate a wealth of knowledge, which he now uses to advise and support other entrepreneurs. A key theme throughout the episode is Mohammad’s belief in lifelong learning and the importance of adapting to new opportunities, even in the face of obstacles. Mohammad talks about the value of structure in setting and achieving goals, highlighting his own framework, the “Goal Model Canvas,” which helps individuals break down their annual, monthly, and weekly goals to stay on track. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity, passion, and problem-solving in entrepreneurship, offering practical advice for anyone looking to carve out a successful path in business. The episode also explores Mohammad’s views on technology and innovation, particularly his insights on e-learning and the future of education in the MENA region. He expresses the need for more tailored approaches to innovation in education technology, and his frustration with the “copy-paste” syndrome, where successful models from other markets are simply replicated without adapting them to the region’s unique needs. Mohammad closes the conversation by encouraging entrepreneurs to focus on passion rather than money, advising them to solve real problems, do thorough research, and build strong teams. More about Mohammad: Mohammad Bahareth was born and raised in Saudi Arabia, he encountered a significant challenge early on – dyslexia. Despite facing skepticism from teachers and doctors who doubted my potential, he embarked on a remarkable journey of overcoming adversity. His childhood was marked by a determination to prove that miracles could happen, starting at the age of 11 when he defied expectations, excelling in school and earning a memorable reward – a trip to NASA. This experience ignited the spark for my uncharted odyssey. Bahareth’s passion extends to authoring over 50 books in two languages, including the globally acclaimed Sherlock Holmes 2012 series. Through his literary pursuits and articles in Inc. Arabia, he delves into entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation, bridging the gap between theory and practice. As a fervent advocate for dyslexia awareness, he shares his personal journey to inspire and educate, championing neurodiversity as a catalyst for innovation. His efforts have been recognized by Forbes Middle East, the Wagensberg Award, the Jeddah Award, and the Prestige Awards, affirming my impact in both business and literary fields. Media Presence and Publicity:  Websites: MohammadBahareth.com  Social Handles:  twitter.com/mbahareth  facebook.com/mbahareth  instagram.com/mbahareth  tiktook.com/@mbahareth  snapchat.com/add/mbahareth  https://www.youtube.com/@mbahareth  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammadbahareth/  https://t.me/mohammadbahareth 

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Tammy Klotz, a cybersecurity veteran and CISO with over 30 years of experience in IT and cybersecurity. Tammy shares her journey, starting in infrastructure roles and moving into cybersecurity leadership, currently holding her third CISO role in the manufacturing industry. She emphasizes the importance of translating cybersecurity risks into business risks and how this communication is vital for effective leadership. Tammy discusses the high-pressure nature of cybersecurity, reflecting on a recent global incident involving CrowdStrike. She outlines her leadership techniques for managing stressful situations, such as organizing teams into structured workstreams and maintaining clarity of roles. Tammy also highlights the critical role of empathy in leadership, particularly during crisis situations, and how maintaining a calm, composed, and inclusive environment allows teams to perform at their best. The conversation touches on how Tammy integrates empathy and grace into her leadership style, focusing on active listening, creating inclusive discussions, and ensuring that every team member’s input is valued. She stresses the importance of trust and respect in building high-performing teams and how these values help in retaining top talent. Additionally, Tammy reflects on her approach to hiring in cybersecurity, noting that while technical skills are important, passion and a willingness to learn often outweigh strict qualifications. Tammy also discusses the evolving cybersecurity landscape, especially in the AI era, and how CISOs must stay updated on the latest trends while balancing innovation with security. She explains the importance of not being the ‘office of no,’ but instead fostering a partnership with business leaders to implement secure solutions that drive productivity. Finally, Tammy shares her thoughts on work-life balance in the cybersecurity industry, especially for those in leadership positions. She highlights the need for self-awareness and setting boundaries to maintain personal well-being while managing the demands of a cybersecurity role. Tammy wraps up by inviting listeners to connect with her on LinkedIn and check out her book, Leading with Empathy and Grace, available on Amazon. About Tammy: Tammy Klotz is a highly accomplished cybersecurity executive leader with over 30 years of experience in the field. Here are a few highlights about her: Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC) Awarded the 2022 "Covanta Leadership Award" and named a Top 100 CISO by Cyber Defense Magazine in 2023 Author of the book "Leading with Empathy & Grace" Expertise in building high-performing teams, embracing empathy and grace in the corporate world, and developing resilience as a single mother, daughter, and partner. https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammyklotz 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:13 Tammy Klotz's Professional Journey 03:00 Why Cybersecurity? 08:00 Handling High-Stress Situations 13:16 Empathy and Leadership 17:19 Hiring and Retaining Talent 22:39 Balancing Innovation and Security 27:55 Privacy, Regulations, and Ethical Considerations 35:36 Work-Life Balance in Cybersecurity 40:11 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive deep into the future of e-commerce with Dan Brownsher, CEO of Channel Key. Dan brings over a decade of experience in building and scaling e-commerce businesses, particularly on the Amazon platform. He shares his journey from founding a private label business to leading an Amazon-focused agency that manages over half a billion dollars in retail revenue annually. Dan offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of e-commerce, emphasizing the growing importance of AI in optimizing various business processes. He discusses how AI tools are revolutionizing tasks like content creation, graphic design, and personalization, helping brands stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market. Dan also highlights Amazon’s Demand-Side Platform (DSP), explaining how it allows sellers and advertisers to leverage Amazon’s vast data to target specific audiences, improving ad effectiveness and scaling brands. The conversation also covers the challenges of building a brand exclusively on Amazon, the importance of owning intellectual property, and how businesses need to think beyond Amazon by developing a strong multi-channel presence. Dan stresses the value of advertising, brand-building, and customer acquisition strategies for long-term success. He also touches on the benefits of managing a fully remote workforce, sharing his approach to fostering culture and productivity through transparent communication and regular team engagement. For aspiring e-commerce entrepreneurs, Dan offers practical advice on navigating the complexities of starting a business on Amazon, managing cash flow, and scaling sustainably. He concludes by sharing his thoughts on the future of e-commerce and how businesses can prepare for emerging trends like AI-driven search and personalized shopping experiences. More about Dan: Dan Brownsher is a national thought leader in Amazon retail strategy and emerging e-commerce trends. He is a commentator on Amazon practices, policies, and technologies as well as a sought-after opinion source for media, quoted by Bloomberg, Forbes, MSN.com, LA Times, Reuters and key specialist trade and business media outlets across the country. Brownsher has spoken on panels, at tradeshows, conferences and industry think tanks and is President, CEO and Co-Founder of Channel Key, advising everyone from multi-million-dollar corporations to fast-paced entrepreneurial start-ups on how to navigate the complex landscape of Amazon retail, and the broader world of e-commerce in general. https://channelkey.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-brownsher/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:05 Dan Brownsher's Background and Business Overview 03:34 Evolution of Amazon Business 06:59 Challenges and Strategies in Amazon Selling 16:22 Importance of Advertising on Amazon 17:24 Amazon DSP Explained 23:31 The Importance of Starting Your Business 25:13 Challenges of Selling on Amazon 27:11 Scaling Your Business Effectively 29:02 Managing Remote Teams 37:07 The Role of AI in E-commerce 41:33 Final Thoughts and Contact Information