The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Glyn Roberts, CTO of Digital Solutions at Vention, a leading custom software development services company. With over 20 years of experience in the tech industry, Glyn has climbed the leadership ladder from a developer to overseeing a global team of over 3,000 engineers across 20 countries. Glyn shares his insights on the key challenges and strategies for managing distributed teams in a remote-first world. Glyn discusses the complexities of leading a large team dispersed across multiple countries, highlighting the cultural differences and the need to balance company culture with client needs. He stresses the importance of embedding engineers into client teams to foster collaboration and align with the client’s ways of working. One of the biggest challenges in a remote setting, according to Glyn, is communication. He shares his approach to ensuring smooth collaboration through thoughtful, clear, and documented communication, emphasizing the fine line between over-communication and efficiency. Glyn also dives into the nuances of expectation management, especially regarding availability, asynchronous communication, and the balance between work and personal time. The conversation also explores how the shift to remote work has affected creativity and collaboration. Glyn reflects on the need for in-person meetings for creative projects and brainstorming sessions, while also recognizing that with the right tools and methods, remote teams can successfully achieve creative breakthroughs. In the second half of the episode, Glyn talks about leadership development and how it has evolved over time. He emphasizes the importance of people management, psychological safety, and creating an environment where team members can thrive, especially in remote setups. Glyn also touches on how AI is impacting leadership and team management, from automated meeting summaries to AI-driven project management tools, and the potential risks of over-relying on AI without human oversight. Towards the end, Glyn shares valuable advice for aspiring tech leaders, discussing the importance of mentorship, learning from both good and bad leaders, and the ever-evolving nature of leadership in the tech world. Whether you’re managing a small team or leading a global workforce, this episode offers practical insights into the art of remote tech leadership. More about Glyn: With over 18 years of extensive experience in delivering software projects and leading technology teams across the UK and Europe, Glyn is an exceptional IT professional. His expertise encompasses a diverse range of technology stacks, cloud solutions, and strategies for enhancing the performance of distributed teams. Glyn is frequently sought after by various tech companies to serve as an engineering advisor, interim CTO consultant, and mentor, particularly for those engaged in developing cutting-edge products. Actively engaged in the technology community, Glyn is a prominent member of CTO Craft, the founder of CTO Portugal, and a resident CTO of TechKitchen. He’s also the host of TechKitchen Talks — a podcast that delivers thought leadership and veteran insights on current events in the tech world. His commitment to sharing knowledge extends to being a regular public speaker and panelist at industry events, where he imparts his wealth of experience and contributes to the broader discourse within the tech community. https://glynrob.com/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:47 Challenges of Managing Global Tech Teams 04:20 Effective Communication in Remote Teams 07:50 Balancing Communication and Productivity 15:55 Leadership in the Age of Remote Work 19:53 The Impact of AI on Leadership 32:08 Future Technologies Shaping Leadership 36:18 Advice for Aspiring Tech Leaders 39:24 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Rob Futrick, the CTO of Anaconda, for an in-depth discussion on how Anaconda is positioning itself at the forefront of the AI revolution. Rob shares his impressive journey in the tech industry, from his first startup over 25 years ago to his time at Microsoft, where he led product teams for high-performance computing and AI software. He now leads engineering at Anaconda, a company with a strong legacy in Python and data science, and is excited about its future role in AI. Rob provides insights into why Anaconda is now positioning itself as the “Operating System for AI,” emphasizing the company’s commitment to democratizing access to AI technologies, particularly through open-source frameworks. He explains how Anaconda’s focus on empowering developers and data scientists has evolved from simplifying Python environment management to supporting AI and machine learning solutions. Rob highlights the importance of community-driven innovation, particularly in the open-source space, and how Anaconda has been a key player in supporting and sustaining that community. We also dive into the challenges of building AI solutions at scale, particularly for enterprises. Rob discusses how Anaconda helps enterprises integrate AI solutions, providing tools for deploying large language models (LLMs) both locally and in the cloud. He also shares his views on the future of AI, touching on the importance of AI agents, the continued role of Python, and emerging trends that excite him, such as the potential for smaller, more specialized AI models and the increasing demand for running models locally. Throughout the conversation, Rob emphasizes Anaconda’s dedication to innovation, both in terms of its contributions to the open-source community and its ongoing development of tools to improve Python’s performance in AI. He also shares his thoughts on the balance between open-source and closed-source AI models and the importance of fostering a collaborative ecosystem that drives rapid progress. More about Rob: Rob Futrick is the Chief Technology Officer at Anaconda, where he leads the company’s technology strategy, vision, and development and delivery of Anaconda’s cutting-edge AI + data science platform technologies. With over 25 years of software engineering and product development experience, Rob has a proven track record of building and scaling engineering teams and complex software systems for some of the world’s leading companies. Prior to joining Anaconda, Rob was co-founder and CTO of Cycle Computing, where he drove the company’s technology and product vision with a particular focus on enabling highly scalable cloud and hybrid HPC solutions. Cycle was acquired by Microsoft in 2017, where he owned product management for Azure’s HPC + AI Software platform and led teams responsible for building and delivering key services.  Passionate about entrepreneurship, Rob is involved in several initiatives to mentor young tech professionals and encourage diversity in STEM fields, including Cornell University’s eLab program. Rob attended Cornell as a Computer Science major. https://www.anaconda.com/about-us/leadership/rob-futrick 00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction 01:09 Rob Futrick's Career Journey 02:22 Anaconda's Evolution and Community Commitment 06:15 The Role of Anaconda in AI and Open Source 10:06 Benefits of Open Source vs. Closed Source AI Models 14:51 Ensuring Quality and Security in Open Source Models 18:43 Local vs. Cloud Deployment of AI Models 25:39 Enterprise Adoption of AI Solutions 26:56 Deploying LLMs Locally with Anaconda 28:13 Measuring ROI in AI Strategies 28:55 The Importance of Clear Objectives and Measurement 31:06 Anaconda's Internal Use of LLMs 33:01 Python's Dominance in AI 39:07 Emerging Trends in AI and Machine Learning 48:49 Final Thoughts and Future Prospects

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we have the pleasure of speaking with Geoffrey Huck, a former tech professional turned public speaking coach. Geoffrey shares his incredible journey from being a self-described introvert with a deep passion for computers and algorithms to becoming a confident public speaker and influencer in the tech community. Geoffrey opens up about his early fascination with computers, which led him to develop a strong technical background. However, this passion came at a cost—his social skills. As Geoffrey candidly explains, his love for tech and coding left him struggling with interpersonal communication, which became a significant barrier in both his personal and professional life. Determined to overcome this challenge, Geoffrey embarked on a personal mission to conquer his fears. He pushed himself into uncomfortable situations, attending networking events, engaging in public speaking, and even joining Toastmasters, a global organization dedicated to helping people improve their communication skills. Geoffrey describes how these experiences gradually transformed his life, leading him to discover a newfound love for public speaking that eventually eclipsed his passion for tech. Throughout the episode, Geoffrey offers invaluable advice for tech professionals who face similar challenges in communication. He discusses the common mental blocks that prevent many from speaking clearly and effectively, especially in high-stakes situations. Geoffrey emphasizes the importance of speaking naturally and provides practical exercises that anyone can do to improve their public speaking skills, such as recording oneself or engaging in imaginative scenarios. Geoffrey also shares insights into the broader applications of public speaking skills beyond the stage. Whether it’s pitching an idea to investors, presenting to leadership, or simply networking, Geoffrey stresses that the ability to communicate effectively is crucial in all areas of life. He highlights the emotional connection that all humans share and how understanding this can help tech professionals resonate with any audience. More abut Jeff: https://geoffreyhuck.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrey-huck/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:01 Jeff's Background and Journey 02:29 Overcoming Social Challenges 03:43 Public Speaking Transformation 04:54 Challenges for Tech Professionals 08:43 Exercises for Natural Speaking 16:23 Importance of Emotional Connection 18:28 First Impressions and Storytelling 25:00 Inner Game of Public Speaking 32:16 Charisma and Authenticity 42:29 Final Thoughts and Resources

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we’re joined by Aaron Painter, CEO and Founder of NameTag. Aaron shares his journey from working at Microsoft for 14 years to founding NameTag, a company dedicated to securing digital identities. He discusses the growing threats of identity theft and social engineering, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a surge in online account takeovers. Aaron explains how NameTag is addressing these challenges by creating technology that verifies human identity with high fidelity and integrates it into existing identity solutions. He emphasizes the importance of rethinking traditional methods of identity verification, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), which often fail when it comes to preventing social engineering attacks. Aaron shares insights into the vulnerabilities that even large enterprises like MGM have faced, highlighting the need for more robust and user-friendly security measures. The conversation also delves into the potential dangers posed by deepfake technology and how NameTag is working to counter these threats. Aaron offers a behind-the-scenes look at how NameTag’s solutions are being implemented to enhance security while maintaining user convenience. He also touches on the importance of listening and cultural understanding in leadership, drawing from his extensive international experience. Aaron’s background in large corporations like Microsoft has shaped his approach to building enterprise-ready solutions that cater to the complex needs of large organizations. He provides valuable advice for CTOs, CISOs, and other tech leaders on how to protect their companies from the evolving landscape of cyber threats. About Aaron: Aaron Painter is a deepfake expert and the CEO of Nametag Inc., an identity verification company that is at the forefront of stopping social engineering attacks at the employee IT helpdesk. With a mission to bring authenticity to the internet and build more trusted relationships, Nametag is revolutionizing online account protection through innovative technology solutions. Having lived and worked in six countries across four continents, Aaron exemplifies a new generation of global leaders. Aaron is a Fellow at the Royal Society of Arts, a member of Forbes Business Council, and a senior External Advisor to Bain & Company. He was also named the AWS 2019 Consulting Partner of the Year for his work at Cloudreach. A frequent media commentator, Aaron has appeared on Bloomberg and Cheddar News, and is also an active speaker, advisor, and investor to companies that are pursuing business transformation. https://www.getnametag.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronpainter/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:04 Aaron Painter's Background and Career Journey 02:01 The Birth of NameTag 02:30 Challenges in Identity Verification 04:46 Technological Solutions and Innovations 07:33 Real-World Examples of Security Breaches 09:51 Addressing Social Engineering Attacks 20:02 The Future of Authentication and Passwordless Solutions 30:21 Impact of International Experience on Leadership 35:26 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive deep into the transformative world of AI with Stefan Fehr, an entrepreneur who has been at the forefront of leveraging AI for content creation. Stefan shares his journey, beginning in 2019, when he first used AI to generate text for websites, leading to significant increases in traffic. This experience inspired him to develop a tool that drastically reduces the time required to create high-quality blog articles, optimizing them for Google’s algorithms. His platform, Modern IQs, is designed to automate numerous processes, from plagiarism checks to image resizing, allowing users to generate optimized content in just seconds. As the conversation progresses, Stefan discusses the importance of quality in content creation, emphasizing that true quality encompasses more than just SEO optimization—it also includes engagement and informativeness. He also shares his thoughts on the current state of AI, particularly the concept of AGI (Artificial General Intelligence), which he believes we are halfway toward achieving since the launch of ChatGPT. Stefan explains the implications of AGI on the workforce and society, particularly the potential for massive disruptions in industries reliant on manual labor, such as manufacturing. The discussion takes a philosophical turn as Mehmet and Stefan explore the potential societal impacts of AGI, including the challenges it poses to mental health and the necessity of preparing the global workforce for a future where robots perform most jobs. Stefan advocates for a more measured approach to AI development, suggesting that we focus on fully utilizing current AI capabilities before pushing further into new frontiers. Toward the end of the episode, the conversation shifts to the entrepreneurial landscape, where Stefan addresses the growing trend of startups incorporating AI into their products. He cautions against using AI just for the sake of it and stresses the importance of meaningful implementation. Stefan also shares his perspective on the concept of technological singularity and the potential risks of uncontrolled AI development. More about Stefan: Stefan Fehr is an AI Pioneer & Founder of ModernIQs.com, who is deeply immersed in content creation, content dominance, inbound marketing, business, and entrepreneurship. He has been involved in the world of artificial intelligence since 2019. His expertise lies in crafting intelligent apps, founding an AI App Store, and designing large-scale websites. Also, he is speaking and blogging about the future of work, society & AI. Social links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stefan-fehr/ https://twitter.com/StefanFehrAC ModernIQs: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moderniqs/ 00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction 01:01 Stefan's Journey into AI and Content Creation 01:55 Building an AI-Powered Blogging Tool 04:39 Debating AI Quality in Content Creation 08:09 The Future of AGI and Its Impacts 13:17 Humanoid Robots and the Future of Work 18:48 Preparing for an AI-Driven Future 25:48 The Role of AI in Entrepreneurship 29:46 Technology Singularity and Ethical Considerations 38:34 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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