The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

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.

Sue Mysko, founder of Hire A Fractional and a fractional CMO with over 25 years in marketing, shares insights on the rise of fractional executives in business. She explains how these part-time C-suite roles address economic pressures and the demands of small companies. Sue contrasts fractional executives with traditional consultants, discusses key in-demand roles, and offers advice on managing legal considerations. Additionally, she highlights how companies can benefit from fractional expertise and when to consider transitioning to full-time hires.

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive into the fascinating intersection of technology and culinary arts with Fisayo Olawadiya, the visionary founder of OKAO Inc. Discover how her passion for food writing and AI led to the creation of Resactly, a game-changing AI and ML platform that personalizes dining experiences like never before. Join us as Fisayo shares her entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of tech innovation in the food industry, and a peek into the future of food tech. What You'll Learn: - How AI and ML are transforming restaurant recommendations and menu planning. - The personal journey from tech enthusiast to food tech innovator. - The challenges and triumphs of introducing technology into traditional industries. - Insights into the future of personalized dining experiences. Featured Guest: Fisayo Olawadiya, Founder of OKAO Inc. A leader at the forefront of the food-meets-tech space, she’s the founder of Resactly, the only AI tool that matches foodies and travelers to personalized dining experiences. Fisayo is an accomplished Principal Engineer who’s led teams at Nordstrom and MLB as well as a long-time food blogger, the intersection of Fisayo’s skill and passion was the recipe for the future of food discovery. Resactly pairs users with personalized dining experiences based on their favorite cuisines, dietary restrictions, favorite social media pages, and more. Groups can even link profiles to find recommendations everyone will enjoy. Connect with Fisayo https://www.resactly.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/olufisayooluwadiya Episode Highlights: [00:01:00] - Fisayo introduces herself and her company, OKAO Inc. [00:05:00] - The inception story of Resactly and its mission. [00:10:00] - Deep dive into the technology behind personalized dining recommendations. [00:15:00] - The challenges of validating a new tech product in the food industry. [00:20:00] - Fisayo's vision for the future of food tech and expansion plans. [00:25:00] - Discussion on leveraging blockchain for transparency in the food supply chain. [00:30:00] - The importance of resilience and passion in entrepreneurship. [00:35:00] - Advice for aspiring tech entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities.

In this episode of the CTO show with host Mehmet, Dean Croshere shares his unique professional journey, underscoring the importance of assertiveness and emotional awareness in leadership and business. From starting his career through a Facebook ad to running a factory in Thailand and eventually pivoting his career towards business and leadership consultancy, Dean's story highlights the significance of asking effective questions, both of oneself and others, to achieve success. The discussion delves into the five core fears that can hinder startups and how entrepreneurs can navigate these challenges, emphasizing product simplicity, testing, and the willingness to ask for help. Dean and Mehmet further explore the concept of leading from desire, the impact of attachment theory in business, and maintaining flexibility in a company's value systems. Dean concludes with advice for entrepreneurs, stressing the importance of understanding one's desires and ambitions. The episode also touches on Dean's current venture in carbon credit validation and his interest in discussing the interplay between emotions, assertiveness, and business theories. More about Dean: Dean Croshere is an established leader having worked predominantly in the start-up and entrepreneurial space with a career that spans various industries. Dean is now the COO for Geocene, a company which recently made a massive pivot to addressing not only the world’s biggest health crisis but also climate change. They want a world where everyone has access to clean and affordable cookstoves. https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-croshere http://www.geocene.com 00:00 Welcome to the CTO Show with Special Guest Dean 01:10 Dean's Unique Journey from Business to Assertiveness 04:30 Navigating the Challenges of Startups and Entrepreneurship 05:35 The Five Core Fears in Business and Overcoming Them 14:59 Assertiveness, Communication, and Leading with Desire 24:42 Attachment Theory in Business Relationships 29:00 Maintaining Culture and Values in Startups 32:40 Final Thoughts and Advice for Entrepreneurs 33:59 Closing Remarks and How to Connect with Dean

This episode of the CTO Show With Mehmet features a fascinating discussion with Kirk Penn, CEO and Principal Advisor at Service Management Specialists, from Sydney, Australia. Kirk chronicles his journey and expertise in IT Service Management (ITSM) and IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL) practices, detailing how his company helps organizations streamline their IT processes. He shares insights into the challenges and successes of ITSM implementation, highlighting a case study with a commercial real estate company. Furthermore, Kirk explores the significance of operational excellence, the impact of digital transformation on ITSM, and the future role of AI in service management. He also outlines a three-layered innovation platform designed to aid businesses in enhancing their technological capabilities. The episode concludes with advice for IT executives on staying abreast of emerging trends and the importance of aligning IT services with business objectives. More about Kirk: Kirk Penn is a recognized expert in technology and digital transformations, regularly sought after by senior IT leaders across various regions. He has been shortlisted for notable recognitions like "Top 50 Most Admired Tech Companies in APAC 2019" and "Top 10 ITSM Consulting/Service Companies 2020" by APAC CIOoutlook. Despite these accolades, he values most his role in simplifying client complexities. As an ITIL v3 certified expert and the Founder, CEO, and Principal Advisory Consultant at Service Management Specialists, Kirk helps organizations adopt modern service management practices to accelerate their digital initiatives. https://www.servicemanagementspecialists.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirkpenn 00:00 Welcome to the CTO Show: Introducing Kirk Penn 01:12 Kirk Penn's Journey in ITSM and Founding Service Management Specialists 03:49 Transforming IT Service Management: A Real-World Success Story 07:06 The Challenges and Solutions in Digital Transformation 09:33 Building a Digital Business: The Three Layers of Capability 16:05 The Importance of Operational Excellence in IT 20:30 Modern Service Management: Adapting to Digital Transformation 23:12 The Future of Service Management in the Age of AI 31:21 Advice for Technology Executives: Staying Ahead in a Fast-Paced World 33:08 Closing Thoughts and How to Connect with Kirk

In this episode of the CTO Show, host Mehmet is joined by Michael Becker, a marketing technology expert and entrepreneur based in Dubai as part of the Antler Cohort. Michael shares insights from his decade-long career in content and marketing, his journey into launching a startup in Dubai's Antler Accelerator program, and the upcoming release of his book 'Content Capitalist'. The conversation covers the transition from traditional to content-centric marketing models, the importance of video and immersive technologies in modern marketing, and leveraging AI tools for efficiency while maintaining human touch. Michael also introduces his startup, NeoCore, which aims to revolutionize content personalization through non-invasive brain-computer interfaces, capturing the attention of an evolving tech-minded audience. Additionally, the duo discusses strategies for startup founders, especially those in the tech field, emphasizing the blend of technology with human elements for impactful marketing and the significant potential of content in shaping the future of businesses. More about Michael: Michael is the author of CONTENT CAPITALIST and co-founder at neocore. In his 10-year career, Michael has worked with billion-dollar brands including Teradata Corporation, Publicis and SAP, helping lead to four corporate acquisitions including Emarsys’ $500M sale in 2019 where he was instrumental in building the commercial organization. Michael is a contributing author on Content Marketing Institute, CustomerThink, and others. He’s the creator of New Earth Knowledge™ which he grew to 60k followers before selling in 2023. As fractional CMO, Michael has consulted over 50 solopreneurs, software companies and agencies. He shares insights about the creator economy on Instagram, @officialmbecker. He holds a BA in Journalism from Butler University and is currently entrepreneur-in-residence at Antler Dubai. https://michaelbecker.org https://linkedin.com/in/mjbecker 00:00 Welcome to the CTO Show: A Special Guest from Dubai 01:07 Introducing Michael Becker: A Journey from Marketing to Startup Founder 02:32 Diving Deep into 'Content Capitalist': Revolutionizing Marketing Strategies 02:50 The Evolution of Marketing: From Traditional Techniques to Content Centric Models 05:02 Embracing New Marketing Paradigms: Decentralization and Attraction 08:17 The Role of Outreach in Modern Marketing and Sales Strategies 20:32 Leveraging AI in Marketing: Enhancing Human Connection 28:07 Neuro-Emotional Techniques: The Future of Engaging Content 34:34 Introducing NeoCore: A Startup Revolutionizing Content Consumption 38:46 Final Thoughts: The Convergence of Technology and Content 44:09 Closing Remarks and How to Connect