The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, I sit down with Steve and Melissa Fultz — founders of The Fultz Group, authors of Family Business Facelift, and consultants helping family businesses unlock hidden revenue and embrace digital transformation.From uncovering inefficiencies worth hundreds of thousands to guiding owners through AI adoption, Steve and Melissa share practical strategies for future-proofing businesses while keeping the human touch at the core.Whether you’re a founder, family business owner, or investor, this conversation will open your eyes to how technology and automation can transform businesses without losing what makes them human.About the GuestsSteve & Melissa Fultz are co-founders of The Fultz Group. Melissa brings decades of Fortune 500 leadership experience in healthcare and automation, while Steve combines family business roots with psychology and marketing expertise. Together, they help business owners scale, modernize, and find freedom through systems and technology. They are co-authors of Family Business Facelift.Key Takeaways • Why many business owners wear “velvet handcuffs” — and how to break free. • The hidden revenue formula that uncovers $50K–$100K without extra marketing spend. • How AI and automation can serve as a “board of advisors” for small businesses. • Why tech readiness assessments are the first step to digital transformation. • The importance of human connection in a tech-driven world.What You’ll Learn • How to identify inefficiencies and hidden revenue streams in your business. • Practical ways family businesses can modernize without massive budgets. • How to overcome resistance to technology and build team-wide adoption. • The role of coaching, community, and mentorship in digital transformation.Episode Highlights • [00:05] The “velvet handcuffs” problem: when businesses own their owners. • [00:12] Why many companies resist modernization — and how to overcome it. • [00:20] How to set realistic expectations for AI adoption. • [00:28] Coaching, community, and group learning as transformation catalysts. • [00:35] Case study: helping a business owner scale and pursue her passion. • [00:45] Future of AI, automation, and the importance of the human touch.Resources Mentioned • Family Business Facelift (Book + Workbook) – https://a.co/d/jfvef06 • Steve’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevefultzphd/ • Melissa’s Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissahufffultz/https://bizgrowthmatters.com/

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, I sit down with Lori Crooks, CEO of Cadra, to explore the evolving world of compliance and cybersecurity. From FedRAMP and SOC 2 to the latest AI regulations, Lori breaks down why compliance matters, where companies often go wrong, and how startups can use compliance as a competitive advantage.We also dive into Lori’s entrepreneurial journey as a solo founder in a male-dominated industry, her lessons learned in building Cadra, and her advice for the next generation of founders and leaders.About Lori CrooksLori Crooks is the founder and CEO of Cadra, a consultancy specializing in cybersecurity compliance. With 20+ years of experience spanning government, accounting, and technology, Lori helps organizations navigate complex frameworks such as FedRAMP, SOC 2, ISO, PCI DSS, and HIPAA. Beyond compliance, she is passionate about mentoring women in cybersecurity and building the next wave of leaders in the field.Key Takeaways • Why compliance is more than just checking a box • The most misunderstood aspects of frameworks like FedRAMP, SOC 2, and HIPAA • The hidden risks of third-party vendors and supply chains • How startups can prepare for compliance before selling to enterprise or government customers • The role of training programs in preventing human-factor breaches • The cultural balance between security and productivity • How AI and automation are reshaping compliance audits and regulations • Lori’s entrepreneurial lessons as a solo founder in cybersecurityWhat You’ll LearnListeners will gain practical insights into: • Building and maintaining compliance readiness year after year • Protecting customer data as a startup or SME • Evaluating and managing third-party vendor risks • Implementing effective employee security awareness programs • Understanding emerging AI compliance frameworks like ISO 42001 and NIST’s AI Cybersecurity Framework • Finding your niche and building credibility in a competitive industryEpisode Highlights • [00:04] Lori’s journey from accounting to cybersecurity • [00:07] Why FedRAMP is the toughest compliance framework today • [00:11] The ongoing nature of compliance (not a one-time project) • [00:13] Third-party vendor risks and real-world examples • [00:17] Security training programs that actually stick • [00:21] Balancing compliance with company culture • [00:23] AI and automation in compliance audits • [00:26] Are we ready for AI regulation? • [00:29] Data leaks, LLMs, and employee training • [00:30] Lori’s entrepreneurial journey as a solo founder • [00:33] Competing with Big Four consultancies by finding a niche • [00:36] Encouraging more women in cybersecurity • [00:38] Advice for startup founders on what not to neglectResources Mentioned • Cadra – www.cadra.com • Connect with Lori Crooks on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-crooks/

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, I’m joined by Chad Link, Co-Founder & CEO of Swyvvl, and Rob Brower, Co-Founder & CTO. Together, they share their journey of building Swyvvl — a PropTech startup that’s reimagining how real estate transactions are done by shifting power back to buyers, sellers, and agents.We dive into how Chad’s 18 years in real estate brokerages revealed systemic inefficiencies, how Rob turned that vision into a scalable platform, and why disrupting a legacy industry like real estate requires both grit and tech innovation.About the Guests • Chad Link – Co-Founder & CEO of Swyvvl. Veteran real estate broker with 18+ years of experience, founder of multiple brokerages, and passionate about fixing broken incentives in home buying and selling. • Rob Brower – Co-Founder & CTO of Swyvvl. A lifelong technologist, serial entrepreneur, and digital media veteran who transformed Chad’s vision into a nationwide PropTech platform.Key Takeaways • The hidden cost of middlemen in real estate — and how Swyvvl is solving it. • Lessons from living out of a car to keep a brokerage alive. • Why building PropTech is harder than it looks: from data access to compliance. • How AI and blockchain will play a role in the future of real estate platforms. • The importance of finding co-founders who believe rather than just earn.What You’ll Learn • How PropTech startups can challenge entrenched industry giants. • Why emotional decision-making in home buying matters as much as logical filters. • The grind and sacrifices behind turning a brokerage pain point into a tech startup. • Insights into scaling Swyvvl from beta to a national platform.Episode Highlights • (00:02:00) Chad’s journey from real estate broker to startup founder. • (00:04:00) Rob on how a client relationship evolved into a co-founding story. • (00:10:00) The problem with referral fees and why buyers/sellers never see the value. • (00:18:00) The tech stack challenges of building a national real estate platform. • (00:29:00) Using AI to match emotional preferences in home searches. • (00:41:00) Exploring future revenue streams and blockchain possibilities. • (00:47:00) How investors are viewing PropTech today. • (00:51:00) Advice for PropTech founders: leave your ego at the door, embrace the grind.Resources Mentioned • Swyvvl Official Website: https://www.swyvvl.com/ • Contact Chad: chad@swyvvl.com • Contact Rob: rob@swyvvl.com

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, I sit down with Jeff Greenfield, CEO of Provalytics, to unpack one of the biggest shifts in marketing: moving from click-based attribution to AI-driven attention analytics.From the death of cookies to the rise of connected TV, podcasts, and non-click channels, Jeff explains how marketers, CFOs, and entrepreneurs alike can avoid wasting ad spend, uncover the real ROI of campaigns, and navigate a marketing world where “less wrong” beats the illusion of precision.⸻👤 About the GuestJeff Greenfield is the CEO of Provalytics, an AI-driven attribution platform helping brands and finance leaders understand what’s really working in their marketing. A pioneer in multi-touch attribution, Jeff previously co-founded C3 Metrics and has decades of experience working with some of the world’s largest marketers.https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffgreenfield/⸻💡 Key Takeaways • Why clicks are misleading and why attention is the metric that matters. • How the cookie collapse is reshaping marketing measurement. • The hidden 15–25% revenue drop companies face without new attribution models. • Why CFOs, not just CMOs, must own marketing accountability. • The role of AI and machine learning in running “micro-experiments” for smarter spend. • The overlooked power of creative and emotional resonance in ad effectiveness.⸻📚 What You’ll Learn • How to future-proof your marketing in a cookie-less, non-click world. • How Provalytics uses AI-driven incrementality modeling to unlock true ROI. • Why a holistic view of marketing beats fragmented channel-by-channel ROI. • The B2B angle: how startups and enterprises alike can apply these methods.⸻🕑 Episode Highlights00:02 – Jeff’s journey from marketer to attribution pioneer.00:06 – Life after cookies: what marketers still get wrong.00:12 – How the cookie collapse leads to a 15–25% revenue drop.00:16 – Rise of non-click channels: CTV, podcasts, digital out-of-home.00:20 – Provalytics’ AI approach to impressions and incrementality.00:28 – Moving from deterministic to holistic ROI.00:31 – Why CFOs are now central to marketing accountability.00:37 – Creativity, emotions, and the forgotten power of messaging.00:40 – How B2B companies can still apply these insights.00:43 – Resources and Jeff’s free attribution certification course.⸻🔗 Resources Mentioned • https://provalytics.com • GetProva.com • Free Attribution Certification Course (via Provalytics Resources)

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive into the future of management with Jack Skeels, CEO of Agency Agile and author of Unmanaged. Jack shares why traditional command-and-control structures are outdated, how hidden dysfunctions cripple organizations, and what it takes to unlock true productivity in the age of AI.We explore why overmanagement is slowing teams down, the warning signs leaders should watch for, and how AI can either reinforce bad habits—or transform organizations when paired with agile, human-centric practices.Key Takeaways • Why most management practices are outdated—and what to do instead • The “plateau of optimism” and “chasm of despair” in projects and transformations • How to spot hidden dysfunctions that derail productivity • Why AI won’t fix bad processes—and how to redesign work for real impact • The power of asking why and questioning the status quoWhat You’ll Learn • How to move from bureaucracy to agility in your organization • Practical techniques to boost productivity and reduce rework • Why unleashing talent beats overmanaging • How AI is reshaping teams, value chains, and leadership rolesAbout Jack SkeelsJack is the founder and CEO of Agency Agile, where he has worked with nearly 200 organizations to help them run faster, better, and happier. With a career spanning programming, project management, consultancy, and research at the RAND Corporation, Jack brings a unique perspective to modern leadership. His award-winning book Unmanaged offers a blueprint for rethinking how teams thrive.https://www.amazon.com/Unmanaged-Master-Creating-Empowered-Organizations/dp/B0CLSJJJ49https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackaskeels/Episode Highlights • [02:00] Jack’s journey from programmer to RAND researcher to Agency Agile founder • [07:00] Why outdated management persists and the role of education in leadership • [12:00] Warning signs of overmanagement and how to measure real productivity • [18:00] Why CEO buy-in is non-negotiable for transformation • [20:00] The “plateau of optimism” and “chasm of despair” in projects • [24:00] How AI changes management—and why undoing structures is key • [31:00] Trust and manipulation in AI decision-making • [37:00] Jack’s book Unmanaged and its core lessons • [40:00] Advice for the new generation of leaders: think different and always ask why

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, Angela Thomas shares her extraordinary journey from growing up in East Germany to building award-winning businesses, reinventing her career, and now helping entrepreneurs scale in Dubai.We dive into the misconceptions about scaling, the role of authenticity, why reinvention is critical, and why Dubai has become a global hub for entrepreneurs.Key Takeaways • Why authenticity is a non-negotiable asset when scaling a business • The difference between scalable and non-scalable models (time vs. value detachment) • How value ladders unlock sustainable growth • Why founders must invest in their own development before their businesses can grow • Dubai’s rise as the “Disneyland for entrepreneurs”⸻What You’ll Learn • How to reinvent yourself without abandoning your past achievements • Strategies to avoid stagnation and overcome plateaus • The importance of lead magnets, trust-building, and tiny challenges in client acquisition • Why moving to Dubai offers unique opportunities for global foundersAbout Angela ThomasAngela Thomas is the founder of Angel Success Consulting, a Dubai-based entrepreneurial family office that helps founders, doctors, and service providers scale sustainably and internationally. With nearly 30 years as a serial entrepreneur, Angela has built and sold businesses across industries – from retail and real estate to aviation, healthcare, and luxury.Today, she is known as Europe’s #1 Scaling Expert and the visionary behind high-impact programs like Skillionair, Skillionize, and Dubai Docs Fast Track – a relocation success model for physicians entering the UAE market.https://www.angelsuccess.consulting/https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-thomas8/Episode Highlights • [00:02:00] Angela’s entrepreneurial roots in East Germany • [00:07:00] Reinvention and overcoming the fear of leaving success behind • [00:13:00] Why authenticity matters more than ever in business • [00:16:00] Business doesn’t grow unless the founder does • [00:21:00] Scalable vs. non-scalable business models • [00:26:00] The process Angela uses to help founders find growth • [00:33:00] Why she calls her boutique setup a “Family Office 2.0” • [00:36:00] Dubai as the Disneyland for entrepreneurs

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, I sit down with Rob Matzkin, a serial entrepreneur, investor, and connector who has built and exited multiple companies and now advises startups on scaling, fundraising, and execution.Rob shares the hard truths of entrepreneurship — why execution beats hype every time, what founders get wrong about investor readiness, and how AI is reshaping startup moats. We also dive into founder burnout, the myth of overnight success, and the importance of building authentic relationships.Key Takeaways • Why most founders are not actually investor-ready • How to show traction and de-risk your pitch to investors • The double-edged sword of AI in fundraising and positioning • Why execution > ideas (and how to prove it) • How to avoid burnout and build a sustainable founder journeyWhat You’ll Learn • The stages of fundraising explained clearly (friends & family, pre-seed, seed, Series A) • The signals investors actually look for — beyond hype and storytelling • How startups can think about moats in the age of AI • The role of vulnerability and authenticity in leadershipAbout Rob MatzkinRob has founded and led 16 different companies, with multiple exits across sectors. Today, he consults founders on reaching product–market fit, scaling to millions in ARR, and navigating capital raising. He is also the host of the Purpose-Driven Summit and a recognized global connector across business, sports, and the arts.https://robmatzkin.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-j-matzkin-06027634/Episode Highlights • (00:04:50) Why founders think they’re unique (but they’re not) • (00:09:30) The truth about being “investor-ready” • (00:14:00) Risk vs reward: how investors really decide • (00:22:00) AI hype vs real AI companies — what matters now • (00:30:00) Product–market fit and why most founders misunderstand it • (00:33:30) Burnout, balance, and the myth of working 16-hour days • (00:44:30) Why most public stories about success are PR illusions

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, I sit down with Tomas Navickas, Co-Founder and CTO of myTU, a digital-first financial institution known for running an entire bank on less than €1,000/month in cloud costs. We explore how efficiency, AI, and smart architecture are redefining the future of digital banking and fintech.Tomas shares how myTU built efficiency into its DNA, why fraud prevention requires more than rules, and how APIs and AI are reshaping payments. This conversation is packed with insights for founders, CTOs, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology, regulation, and finance.Key Takeaways • How efficiency became myTU’s moat in a competitive fintech landscape • Lessons from running a bank on €1K/month in cloud costs • The role of AI in fraud prevention — from reactive to real-time decisioning • Why APIs are the future of B2B payments • Cloud-native vs. legacy banking systems: what traditional banks can’t solve • The next wave of digital banking innovation: conversational interfacesWhat You’ll Learn • Practical strategies for scaling efficiently without massive infrastructure spend • How AI is transforming fraud detection and compliance in fintech • The regulatory realities of building a cloud-first bank • Why support can be minimized by design before AI automation • Where fintech is heading in the next decadeAbout Tomas NavickasTomas Navickas is the Co-Founder and CTO of myTU, a European fintech building cloud-native digital banking solutions. With over two decades of experience in software, engineering, and financial systems, Tomas brings deep expertise in building efficient, scalable, and secure platforms.https://www.linkedin.com/in/ntomas/https://www.mytu.co/Connect with The CTO Show • Subscribe to the newsletter: MEA Tech & Startup Digest • Follow Mehmet Gonullu on LinkedIn • Share this episode with founders, CTOs, and investors who care about fintech innovationEpisode Highlights • [00:03:00] Tomas’s journey from coding at age 6 to CTO and fintech founder • [00:05:00] Running a bank on €1K/month — architecture decisions that made it possible • [00:10:00] AI’s role in fraud prevention and customer protection • [00:17:00] Cloud-native vs. legacy banks: why traditional migration fails • [00:29:00] Reinventing B2B payments with APIs • [00:40:00] How AI could automate compliance, support, and even development • [00:46:00] Predicting the next wave of digital banking innovation • [00:50:00] Tomas’s advice for founders and aspiring fintech builders

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, I sit down with Soha Ashrafian, co-founder of Temis and a fearless serial entrepreneur who turned early challenges into a global track record of business building. From launching her first startup at 21 in Iran—against social resistance and financial restrictions—to building ventures across Dubai, Soha’s journey is a powerful lesson in resilience, creativity, and the true drivers of business success.We dive deep into why distribution and execution matter more than ideas, the art of storytelling in marketing, and how entrepreneurs can use MVPs to test and scale quickly without over-engineering. Soha also shares her perspective on empowering women entrepreneurs in the MENA region, embracing creativity in branding, and navigating opportunities in the AI era.Key Takeaways • Why execution beats ideas every time • The importance of MVP testing before investing heavily in product development • How storytelling makes marketing memorable • Lessons on resilience and determination when society doubts your path • The role of distribution and partnerships in sustaining growth • Why fearlessness and boldness are essential traits for entrepreneurs⸻What You’ll Learn • How Soha built her first company with zero money, zero experience, and 1000+ clients • Why focusing on distribution and marketing is more critical than a polished product in the early stages • The mindset shifts entrepreneurs need to push past societal expectations and barriers • How to apply story-selling instead of hard selling to build lasting brands • Where the biggest opportunities lie for marketers and creators in MENAAbout the GuestSoha Ashrafian is a Dubai-based entrepreneur and co-founder of Temis. She has founded and invested in multiple ventures, from digital marketing and beauty to mobile gaming and SaaS platforms. Her passion lies in marketing, distribution, and creating sustainable, profitable businesses. With a background that spans Iran, Italy, and Dubai, Soha brings a global mindset to building and scaling ventures.Connect with Soha:https://www.linkedin.com/in/soha-ashrafiyan/https://www.instagram.com/soha_ashrafian/https://www.temisbranding.com/Episode Highlights⏱️ 00:02 – Growing up in Iran and dreaming beyond limitations⏱️ 00:07 – Launching a business at 21 despite resistance⏱️ 00:16 – Why distribution beats product and brand⏱️ 00:18 – Testing ideas with low-cost MVPs in 48 hours⏱️ 00:24 – Storytelling vs selling in marketing⏱️ 00:28 – Lessons from Apple and Steve Jobs’ branding approach⏱️ 00:39 – Advice to her younger self: Be fearless and bold⏱️ 00:42 – Future opportunities in marketing and AI

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, I sit down with Jon Sabes, Founder & CEO of Longevity FP, serial entrepreneur, and author of Healthy Wealthy Longevity. We explore how the intersection of health, wealth, and technology is reshaping our future. From the basics of extending healthspan to the economic implications of an aging population, Jon shares practical wisdom and groundbreaking insights for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone interested in living longer — and better.📌 Key Takeaways • Why longevity is the missing piece in financial planning. • How healthspan and wealthspan must align for a fulfilling life. • The basics of longevity — movement, nutrition, purpose, and connection. • Journaling as a tool for focus, clarity, and stress reduction. • The rise of the longevity economy and opportunities for entrepreneurs. • How AI and wearables will transform financial services and healthcare.⸻🎧 What You’ll Learn • How to prepare financially for a longer life expectancy. • The role of purpose and human connection in aging well. • Practical daily habits to extend both healthspan and wealthspan. • Why entrepreneurs must treat health as the antidote to stress. • The macro-trends driving growth in the global longevity economy.👤 About the GuestJon Sabes is a serial entrepreneur and CEO of Longevity Financial Partners (Longevity FP). With a career rooted in financial services and life insurance, Jon has become a leading voice on how longevity science impacts financial planning, retirement, and human well-being. He is also the author of Healthy Wealthy Longevity: The Good Things in Life for as Long as Possible.https://linktr.ee/jsabeshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-sabes-14368257/Episode Highlights (Timestamps)00:02 — How Jon transitioned from financial services into longevity science00:06 — Why retirement planning is broken and the real “magic number” for savings00:10 — Healthspan vs. lifespan: why the difference matters00:14 — The Blue Zones and the fundamentals of longevity00:18 — Stress, entrepreneurship, and why movement is medicine00:22 — Journaling as a tool for clarity and resilience00:29 — The risks of ignoring health and self-care in pursuit of success00:34 — Rethinking wealth and happiness beyond money00:38 — The longevity economy: a massive demographic shift00:42 — AI, wearables, and the future of financial services00:46 — Final thoughts: preparing for a longer, healthier, wealthier life