The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

In this insightful episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Shanif Dhanani, founder of Locusive, an AI-powered platform revolutionizing customer success. Shanif brings a wealth of experience in software engineering, machine learning, and startups, having previously built and sold Tap Commerce to Twitter and founded Apteo, a predictive marketing company. Join us as Shanif delves into how AI can transform customer success teams, streamline data management, and enhance customer experience. Discover the challenges faced by CS teams, the impact of data fragmentation, and how AI tools like ChatGPT can help businesses pull crucial information from multiple systems to provide timely and accurate responses. Key Topics Discussed: Shanif Dhanani's journey from software engineering to AI-driven startups. The founding and vision behind Locusive. Challenges in customer success and the importance of data consolidation. How AI can enhance customer experience and boost revenue. Implementing AI tools for efficient data retrieval and analysis. Addressing security and privacy concerns with AI in enterprise settings. The importance of adaptability and pivoting in startup growth. Bootstrapping vs. VC funding: Lessons from Shanif's entrepreneurial journey. Building a cohesive and effective startup team. The significance of data accuracy and minimizing AI hallucinations.   More about Shanif: Shanif Dhanani is a software engineer, data scientist, and founder of Locusive - a company that's creating an AI-powered customer success assistant for SaaS. He has built machine learning, analytics, and software systems at large companies like Twitter and Booz Allen, smaller startups like Apteo, where he was the founder, and TapCommerce, one of the world's first mobile advertising platforms. Shanif loves creating software and AI products for startups and has learned the ups and downs of starting new companies from scratch. https://www.locusive.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/shanifdhanani/ https://twitter.com/shanif 01:03 Shanif's Journey: From Startups to AI Innovations 02:19 Tackling Customer Success Challenges with AI 04:23 Exploring Data Fragmentation and Access Issues 06:04 Leveraging AI for Enhanced Sales and Customer Experience 09:20 AI's Role in Upselling and Product Feedback 16:05 Navigating Data Privacy and Security with AI Tools 20:08 Addressing Accuracy and Hallucination in AI Outputs 24:27 Exploring the Impact of Technology on Business Metrics 26:59 The Journey of Bootstrapping vs. VC Funding 29:32 Strategies for Scaling in a Competitive Market 31:32 Vision, Pivoting, and the Startup Mindset 34:05 Navigating Startup Challenges and Failures 36:53 Building the Right Team for Startup Success 38:32 The Importance of Agility and Data in Startups 41:26 Final Thoughts and Advice for Founders

In this episode of the CTO Show, host Mehmet interviews Buchi Reddy, founder and CEO of Levo.ai, a proactive API security platform. Reddy shares his journey from India to Silicon Valley, the inception of Levo.ai, and the gaps he identified in API security which led him to start the company. With significant experience at AppDynamics and witnessing firsthand the challenges in securing applications post-development, Reddy emphasizes the importance of proactive security measures. Levo.ai aims to provide comprehensive API security by discovering vulnerabilities early, ensuring enterprises can secure their APIs effectively. Reddy also discusses the wide implications of API breaches in various industries and the technology behind Levo.ai, including their use of EBP (Extended Berkeley Packet Filtering) for seamless data capture and machine learning for data classification. Reddy's vision for Levo.ai encompasses reducing the gap between innovation and security, advocating for a strong focus on problem-solving, customer empathy, and avoiding the pitfalls of early heavy fundraising or selling unfinished products. More about Buchi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/buchireddy https://www.levo.ai 01:07 Buchi Reddy: The Journey to Founding Levo.ai 01:45 Identifying and Addressing Gaps in API Security 02:20 The Genesis of Levo.ai: A Proactive Approach to API Security 05:43 The Importance of Proactive vs. Reactive Security Measures 08:10 Levo.ai's Unique Approach to API Security 10:11 The Broader Impact of API Security on Businesses 13:08 Levo.ai in the Cybersecurity Ecosystem 16:30 The Role of AI in Enhancing Levo.ai's Solutions 39:25 Advice for Tech Founders from Buchi Reddy 43:22 Closing Thoughts and How to Connect

In this episode of "The CTO Show with Mehmet," we are joined by Ashis Parajuli, Founder and CEO of DLytica. Ashis shares his extensive experience in AI, data science, machine learning, and data engineering analytics. We dive deep into the transformative power of AI and big data, exploring how organizations can leverage these technologies to drive innovation and make data-driven decisions. Ashis also discusses the importance of moving from vendor lock-in to open source solutions, fostering collaboration, and the future of large language models (LLMs). Whether you're a startup founder or a tech enthusiast, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice on navigating the ever-evolving tech landscape. Key Topics Discussed: Ashis Parajuli's background and journey in AI and big data The growing importance of AI in boosting business productivity Challenges organizations face in implementing data-driven solutions The significance of data fragmentation and how to overcome it Transitioning from vendor lock-in to open source systems Benefits of open source for innovation and customization The future of large language models (LLMs) and their impact on businesses How startups can effectively collect and leverage data from the beginning Fostering collaboration among startups, enterprises, and the community More about As his: Ashis Parajuli is the Founder and CEO of DLytica, a company specializing in AI, data science, machine learning, and data engineering analytics. With over 15 years of experience in the field, Ashis is passionate about driving digital transformation through innovative data solutions. DLytica provides consulting services and a big data platform designed to help businesses harness the power of AI and data for decision-making and growth. https://www.dlytica.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashis-parajuli 01:19 Ashis Parajuli: The Journey into AI and Big Data 01:47 The Rise of AI in Business: Opportunities and Challenges 04:21 Navigating the Complexities of Data-Driven Solutions 15:47 The Shift from Vendor Lock-In to Open Source Innovation 24:30 The Future of Open Source and Large Language Models 37:15 Fostering Collaboration and Innovation in the Tech Ecosystem 42:02 Closing Thoughts and How to Connect

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Bill Simmons, the co-founder of Thrive Business Operations. Bill shares his extensive experience and insights into the growing trend of fractional Chief Operating Officers (COOs) and how they play a crucial role in driving sustainable growth for startups. We dive deep into the Thrive Ops Cycle, a business operating system designed to help small to mid-sized businesses achieve operational excellence. Bill also discusses the balance between innovation and efficiency, the importance of clear communication, and how strategic interventions can help businesses get unstuck and scale successfully. Key Takeaways: Introduction to Thrive Business Operations: Bill Simmons introduces Thrive Business Operations and its mission to provide outsourced executive leadership to small and mid-sized businesses worldwide. The Rise of Fractional COOs: The evolution and growing popularity of fractional leadership roles in the business world, especially post-COVID. The Thrive Ops Cycle: An overview of Thrive's five-step operational cycle designed to drive business success, including strategy advance, talent and teams evaluation, quarterly sprints, yearly growth preparation, and transition strategy. Balancing Innovation and Efficiency: Strategies for maintaining a balance between innovation and operational efficiency, and avoiding the pitfalls of shiny object syndrome. Overcoming Operational Challenges: Common operational challenges faced by startups and small businesses and how Thrive's approach helps overcome these obstacles. The Importance of Communication: The critical role of communication in building effective teams and ensuring alignment within the organization. Data vs. Intuition: The balance between relying on data and leveraging intuition in decision-making processes. Enhancing Business Processes: Insights into improving business processes and reducing frustration within teams. More About Bill: Bill has over 30 years of experience helping entrepreneurs and individuals grow in their life and their business. Bill is also an experienced speaker, sharing his message of leadership and success with well over 250,000 people throughout the world. With his gift as a storyteller he will be sure to inspire your audience while also bringing them value from his years of experience https://thrivebusinessoperations.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/billsimmonslive 01:49 The Rise of Fractional Leadership Roles 05:06 Unpacking Thrive's Business Model 08:03 Operational Challenges and Solutions for Startups 29:02 The Power of Storytelling in Leadership 31:19 Final Thoughts and How to Connect

In this enlightening episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, I sit down with Ryan Pollyniak, a seasoned technology consultant with two decades of experience in IT, business systems, and sales. Ryan has extensive expertise in helping businesses of all sizes embark on their digital transformation journeys, particularly within the Microsoft ecosystem. This episode delves into how AI can act as a co-pilot for business growth, guiding organizations through technological advancements and strategic upgrades. Key Topics Discussed: Ryan Pollyniak discusses his extensive background in IT and his journey from ADP to specializing in the Microsoft ecosystem. The conversation covers the current landscape of digital transformation and the role of AI in revolutionizing business processes. Ryan emphasizes the importance of having a solid data foundation and addresses common misconceptions about AI. He offers practical advice on preparing data for AI integration and the benefits of migrating to modern cloud-based solutions. The episode also explores the alignment of sales and marketing strategies with technology. Ryan highlights the use of tools like LinkedIn and CRM systems for effective sales and underutilized features of these platforms. The discussion extends to the concept of a "business in a box," using integrated platforms like Microsoft Dynamics to manage various business operations. Ryan provides valuable insights on forward-thinking technology decisions and the role of AI as a co-pilot, not a replacement for employees. More about Ryan: Ryan Pollyniak is a seasoned sales professional with a rich background in the Microsoft Dynamics space. He is passionate about the future of AI, the cloud, and upgrading from legacy systems. He is a Cloud Transformation Executive and has worked closely with the executive teams of mid-sized businesses in a variety of industries to make them feel valued throughout the entire sales cycle. https://www.westerncomputer.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/microsoftdynamicssolutions 01:08 Ryan Pollyniak's Journey in IT and Digital Transformation 01:56 The AI Evolution in Business: Are Companies Ready? 03:41 AI Implementation Challenges and Strategies 09:29 The Importance of Data Management for AI Success 15:28 Navigating Legacy Systems and Cloud Migration 28:08 Aligning Sales and Marketing in the Tech Landscape 33:42 Leveraging AI and Cloud for Business Operations 38:01 Final Thoughts and Where to Find More

In this episode of "The CTO Show with Mehmet," we dive deep into "The Alpha Movement" with Seif El Hakim, a seasoned entrepreneur and former CMO of Samsung. Seif shares his extensive experience and unique insights into the entrepreneurial journey, discussing the critical elements of grit, leadership, and innovation. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or an established business leader, this episode offers valuable strategies and real-life advice to help you navigate the challenges of the business world. What You'll Learn: • Entrepreneurial Grit: How to develop the resilience and perseverance needed to overcome obstacles and thrive in competitive environments. • Effective Leadership: Insights into the traits of successful leaders and how to cultivate a leadership style that fosters innovation and drives business growth. • Innovative Strategies: Practical tips on staying ahead in rapidly changing industries and leveraging innovation for sustainable success. More About Seif: Seif El Hakim (known as the Alpha) is a global authority on entrepreneurship, personal branding, success mindset and business scaling with 15+ years of international experience (UAE, Egypt, Turkey, South Korea, Russia, Iraq, Tunisia). There are some people that, when you encounter them, you instantly know they were born to impact the masses. Seif El Hakim is undeniably one of those people. Ex-Chief Marketing Officer of the tech giant Samsung turned extraordinary serial entrepreneur running a portfolio of 8 figure businesses across different countries and different industries. He is a high sought-after strategic advisor for leaders and companies across the globe. Bringing the uncommon edge of true Fortune 500 experience, he is set apart in the business, entrepreneurship, personal branding and mentoring space by proven experience leading organizations and individuals to multimillion-dollar revenues. Committed to pursuing legacy over location, Seif left his home in Cairo, Egypt, first relocating to South Korea to pursue his path to success. Furthermore, ultimately living in Dubai and running his businesses in several countries. Seif is dedicated to craft Alpha people of influence and Alpha businesses of impact through the global Alpha movement, he founded in 2022. https://seifelhakim.com https://www.instagram.com/seifelhakim Episode Highlights: 01:38 Seif's Diverse Journey: From Corporate to Entrepreneurship 02:48 The Realities of Entrepreneurship: Challenges and Mindset 04:22 Corporate Experience as a Foundation for Entrepreneurship 07:22 The Essence of Entrepreneurial Success: Beyond Motivation 09:22 Learning and Adaptability: Key Traits for Entrepreneurs 15:35 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Failure in Entrepreneurship 25:35 The Power of Personal Branding in Business 28:00 The Power of Personal Branding: Elon Musk's Example 28:21 The Shift from Logos to Personal Connections 29:56 Authenticity in Personal Branding and Social Media 30:48 The Importance of Being Authentic and Presentable 31:29 Building a Strong Personal Brand 34:08 The Role of Podcasts in Personal Branding 36:28 Entrepreneurial Insights: Demand vs. Product Focus 39:54 Elon Musk: A Case Study in Persistence and Innovation 42:45 Introducing the Alpha Movement in Entrepreneurship 47:21 Leadership and the Alpha Trait 50:21 Final Thoughts and Resources for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

In this episode of "The CTO Show with Mehmet," we are joined by Jamal Ahmed, a renowned expert in the field of data privacy. Together, we explore the multifaceted challenges of data privacy, the power of storytelling in branding, and the transformative influence of neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) on personal development. Jamal shares his experiences as the global privacy and AI expert at Kazient Privacy Experts, the founder of Privacy Pros Academy, and the host of the top-rated Privacy Pros Podcast. He discusses his commitment to enhancing data privacy globally and creating a community of elite privacy professionals. Additionally, we delve into the nuances of privacy compliance for multinational companies and the cultural dimensions essential for effective privacy strategies, particularly in vibrant regions like the UAE. Jamal also emphasizes the critical role of AI in shaping the future of privacy and advocates for responsible innovation backed by robust governmental regulations. More about Jamal: Jamal Ahmed, the "King of Data Protection" as dubbed by the BBC, isn't just the reigning global expert on data privacy - he's a passionate advocate for privacy rights. His commitment to ensuring that organisations treat personal data with the utmost respect and earn the trust of their customers sets him apart as a leader in the field of data privacy and protection. Jamal’s signature "Easy Peasy" style of delivery has made him one of the most sought-after keynote speakers in the industry. Jamal and his multi award winning consultancy Kazient Privacy Experts, based in the City of London, is at the forefront of the data privacy industry. He’s earned recognition for excellence including Best Data Protection & GDPR Consultants, Excellence in Enterprise, and Best Data Privacy Training Provider. His podcast, "The Privacy Pros Podcast," is ranked in the top 2.5% globally by ListenNotes and his first book “The Easy Peasy Guide to GDPR” was an instant International Bestseller in 3 countries. Connect with Jamal https://www.linkedin.com/in/kmjahmed https://privacypros.captivate.fm https://www.youtube.com/@PrivacyPros https://www.bestgdprbook.com/ 01:18 Jamal Ahmed: A Visionary in Data Privacy 04:31 The Challenges of Data Privacy Compliance 05:56 Staying Ahead in Data Privacy Regulations 09:09 Cultural Challenges and Opportunities in Data Privacy 19:49 AI and Data Privacy: Navigating the Future 32:12 The Power of Storytelling in Personal Branding 36:48 Reframing with NLP: Changing Your Mindset 43:39 Final Thoughts and How to Connect

Join us on this enlightening episode of "The CTO Show with Mehmet" as we delve into the transformative world of AI-driven supply chain management with the cofounders of TrueGradient, CEO Ankur Verma and CRO Jasneet Kohli. Discover how True Gradient's self-serve AI platform is revolutionizing demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and price optimization in the CPG and retail sectors. Learn about the challenges and solutions in implementing AI technologies directly from the visionaries behind one of the industry's leading innovations. What You Will Learn: The concept and benefits of self-serve AI in supply chain management. Key challenges businesses face in supply chain optimization and how AI can address them. Practical insights into deploying AI solutions in real-world business scenarios. The future of AI in improving business decision-making and operational efficiency. Find More about TrueGradient here: https://truegradient.ai 01:17 Introducing True Gradient: Revolutionizing Supply Chain with AI 02:27 Exploring Self-Serve AI in Supply Chain Planning 04:24 Business Impact: Solving Real-World Problems with AI 09:01 Technical Innovations Behind True Gradient AI 14:26 Quantifying the Benefits: True Gradient AI in Numbers 17:52 Enhancing Decision Making in Supply Chain with AI Technology 24:23 Overcoming Implementation Challenges of AI in Business 31:36 Strategies for Successful AI Adoption and Implementation 38:50 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

Welcome to another episode of "The CTO Show with Mehmet," where we delve into the journeys of successful tech entrepreneurs and leaders. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Ryan Matonis, the founder of a leading SaaS startup in the lead generation space. Join us as Ryan shares his transition from a technical expert to a successful entrepreneur. Episode Highlights: The Spark of Entrepreneurship: Ryan discusses his early career as an intern and the pivotal moments that led him to entrepreneurship. Insights into the realizations about corporate limitations and the potential of applying one’s skills independently. Building A Company: The origin story of his company, LeadForce, and how a simple project evolved into a successful business venture. Discussing the initial challenges and how Ryan tackled issues related to sales and marketing with no prior experience. Key Strategies for Startup Success: Ryan shares effective marketing strategies that helped scale his business, including leveraging lifetime deals and outbound marketing. The importance of understanding the market and direct customer engagement. Lessons Learned from Going Solo: Ryan reflects on the pros and cons of being a solo founder and the crucial lessons learned about team building and delegation. The Future of Lead Generation: Predictions about how AI and changing regulations might affect lead generation strategies. Ryan’s thoughts on the sustainability of various lead generation tactics in the face of evolving technology and regulatory environments. Life After the Exit: Ryan discusses life post-acquisition and how he integrated into a larger corporate structure while maintaining his entrepreneurial spirit. About Ryan Matonis: Ryan Matonis is a seasoned computer scientist and data scientist who pivoted to entrepreneurship to escape the confines of traditional employment. His journey through founding and scaling a successful lead generation SaaS company offers valuable insights into the world of tech startups. https://leadforce360.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-matonis 01:08 Ryan's Journey from Tech Expert to Entrepreneur 02:31 The Wake-Up Call: Realizing Corporate Limitations 05:59 The Birth of Lead Engines: A SaaS Success Story 15:53 Marketing Strategies for B2B SaaS Success 21:00 The Future of Lead Generation in the AI Era 30:49 Transitioning from Founder to Part of a Larger Team 33:08 Final Wisdom for B2B SaaS Founders 37:10 Closing Thoughts and Goodbye

Join us on this enlightening episode of "The CTO Show with Mehmet," where we sit down with Jon Gillham, founder of Originality.Ai. From his days as a mechanical engineer to becoming a trailblazer in the digital content arena, Jon shares his unique journey and how AI is reshaping the landscape of content marketing. What You'll Learn: How Jon’s engineering background influenced his approach to online business and content marketing. Key challenges and solutions in distinguishing AI-generated content from human-created content. Practical tips for entrepreneurs looking to leverage AI in their content strategies. Predictions for the future interaction between AI technologies and human creativity. As we wrap up the discussion with Jon, he emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the digital age, urging content creators to embrace AI as a tool for growth while staying vigilant about the authenticity of their creations. More about Jon: An early generative AI content adopter for SEO purposes at scale, Jon understood the wave that was coming which ChatGPT and GPT-4 have fully unleashed. He also recognized the need for a modern plagiarism-checking solution that delivered advanced features such as  scan history, detection scores, shareable results, and team access, all of which are now integral parts of his tool. Jon's work has garnered attention from renowned publications like The New York Times, The Guardian, and Axios. His expertise in AI content detection is shaping the narrative of the digital era. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/sep/01/mushroom-pickers-urged-to-avoid-foraging-books-on-amazon-that-appear-to-be-written-by-ai https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-gillham-80912a14a/ Episode Highlights: [00:02:00] Jon’s Engineering to Entrepreneurship Journey: Discover how Jon leveraged his technical skills to forge a new path in content marketing. [00:18:00] The Genesis of Originality.Ai: Jon discusses the inception of his company and its mission to ensure content authenticity. [00:35:00] Tools and Techniques: Insights into the tools developed by Originality.Ai to combat AI plagiarism and maintain content integrity. [00:50:00] Looking Ahead: Jon shares his vision for the role of AI in enhancing content creation without compromising quality or originality.