The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

Join us on "The CTO Show with Mehmet" as we welcome Brittany Greenfield, CEO of Wabbi, to discuss the evolving challenges of cybersecurity in software development. Brittany shares her journey into the cybersecurity domain, revealing how Wabbi is pioneering the integration of security within the development lifecycle for companies ranging from startups to Fortune 500s. In This Episode, You'll Learn: The Inspiration Behind Wabbi: Discover the inception story of Wabbi and its mission to seamlessly blend security with software development. The State of Cybersecurity: Brittany breaks down the complexities of the cybersecurity industry and highlights the unique approach Wabbi takes to address these challenges. Entrepreneurial Wisdom: Gain insights into Brittany's entrepreneurial path, including the importance of grit, agility, and self-investment. The Role of AI and Future Trends: A look into how AI impacts cybersecurity, the importance of foundational security processes, and predictions for the future of application security. Advice for Aspiring Founders: Brittany shares valuable advice for entrepreneurs, emphasizing the need for focus, resilience, and balance. Don't miss this insightful episode with Brittany Greenfield as we delve into the critical role of cybersecurity in today's tech landscape and explore the traits essential for entrepreneurial success. More about Brittany: Brittany Greenfield is the Founder & CEO of Wabbi, a Boston-based Continuous Security Platform revolutionizing the integration of security into the software development lifecycle. A Duke University and MIT Sloan MBA alumna, Brittany has honed her expertise in market opportunity identification and strategy execution at leading companies including OpenAir, NetSuite, Kronos, Cisco, and Cybereason. Under her leadership, Wabbi has achieved notable industry acclaim, including being a finalist in the RSA Innovation Sandbox Contest and recognition by Gartner, eSecurity Planet, and BostInno for its pioneering application security solutions. Wabbi's growth is supported by leading investors like Cisco Investments, Mendoza Ventures, and Work-Bench. https://wabbisoft.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanygreenfield 01:08 The Genesis of Wabi: Bridging Security and Development 03:11 Why Cybersecurity? Brittany's Personal Drive and Vision 05:30 The Evolution and Challenges of DevSecOps 13:03 Addressing the Myths: Developers, Security, and Collaboration 17:27 Who Owns Application Security? A Leadership Perspective 18:43 Measuring ROI in Cybersecurity: A New Approach 22:38 Every Company is a Software Company: The Growing Need for Security Solutions 25:09 Gartner Recognition and the Importance of Market Awareness 27:36 Leveraging AI in Cybersecurity: Opportunities and Cautions 29:46 Navigating AI in Development: Opportunities and Risks 31:42 The Philosophy of DevOps: Efficiency Over Speed 32:26 Automation vs. AI: Prioritizing for Productivity 33:31 Guided Decisions: Enhancing Developer and Security Expertise 36:03 The Entrepreneurial Journey: Spotting Opportunities and Capitalizing 39:31 The Importance of Grit and Agility in Entrepreneurship 49:22 Advice for Aspiring Founders: Prioritizing Time and Self-Care 52:49 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find More

In this episode of 'The CTO Show with Mehmet', Mehmet interviews Ravi Pratap, the CTO and Co-founder of Uniqode, a company that is at the forefront of QR code technology. Ravi shares his journey as an entrepreneur and the evolution of Uniqode. He discusses the pivotal role QR codes play in bridging the physical and digital world, and how the technology has found widespread application across various industries, especially post-COVID. Ravi further elaborates on the initial challenges, the importance of customer feedback in product development, and the future of QR codes. Moreover, he emphasizes the pivotal role of business acumen for technical co-founders and CTOs in ensuring product success and customer satisfaction. This conversation sheds light on the innovative ways QR codes are being used to enhance business operations and customer experiences globally. More information about Ravi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravipratapm https://www.uniqode.com/ 00:00 Welcome to the CTO Show with Guest Ravi from Uniqode 01:07 Ravi's Entrepreneurial Journey and the Genesis of Uniqode 01:47 The Power and Potential of QR Codes Explained 02:43 Innovations and Opportunities in the QR Code Space 03:34 From Bluetooth Beacons to QR Codes: A Technological Pivot 06:35 The Rise of QR Codes: A Market Shift and Uniqode's Strategy 12:35 Customer-Centric Product Development at Uniqode 15:23 The Importance of Direct Customer Engagement 25:38 The Art of the Welcome Email: Building Trust and Connection 45:07 The Future of QR Codes and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the CTO show with Mehmet, Sean Languedoc, the CEO of Outforce.ai from Canada, shares his journey as a tech entrepreneur and how it led him to create a solution for the common challenges faced in outsourcing for tech startups. He delves into the intricacies of outsourcing, including selecting the right team, understanding common pitfalls, and leveraging technology and AI to enhance productivity and quality. Sean also covers the critical role of culture fit, the importance of avoiding technical debt, and the impact of AI in the modern engineering workspace. This comprehensive discussion offers valuable insights for founders on managing outsourcing relationships effectively, ensuring quality, and accelerating their project timelines. More about Sean: With over 25 years of immersion in the tech industry, Sean has navigated the challenging yet exhilarating journey of nurturing ideas into thriving enterprises. As the CEO of Outforce.ai, formerly known as Global Talent Accelerator, his entrepreneurial journey continues in the realm of transforming outsourcing from a daunting task to a strategic asset for venture-backed companies. https://www.linkedin.com/in/seanlanguedoc https://www.outforce.ai/sign-up 01:24 The Genesis of Outforce.ai 02:07 The Journey of a Tech Entrepreneur 02:40 The Art of Identifying Business Opportunities 04:10 The Challenges of Outsourcing 05:40 The Pros and Cons of Outsourcing for Startups 08:12 The Role of Founders in a Startup 11:26 The Dilemma of Outsourcing and Idea Theft 15:32 The Role of Outforce.ai in Outsourcing 20:35 The Importance of Cultural Fit in Outsourcing 24:16 The Emergence of Fractional CTOs27:03 The Role of a Fractional CTO in Scaling Your Business 27:46 Equity Distribution and Building a Support Team 29:45 The Impact of AI on Engineering Productivity 30:29 The Influence of AI on the Engineering Industry 32:27 The Importance of Due Diligence When Outsourcing 39:19 The Role of Geography and Time Zones in Outsourcing45:07 Current Trends in Outsourcing 47:48 Final Thoughts and Advice on Outsourcing

Discover the transformative power of authenticity in tech leadership with Noah Cantor, a seasoned tech leadership coach from New Zealand, who joins us to explore the nuances of guiding teams through challenges and personal growth. Noah brings to light the intimate struggles of tech leaders, recounting his own journey from confronting demotivated teams and technical debt to harnessing the strength of genuine management. Through his candid storytelling, we learn how a leader's journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about strategy and execution. Unpack the psychological and emotional facets of tech leadership as we traverse the compelling story of Anne, a new CTO thrust into a maelstrom of layoffs and the struggle to stay true to her values. Our discussion breaks down the myths surrounding motivation and reveals how aligning management style with core values can not only relieve stress but also invigorate an entire organization. Noah and I dissect the mental shifts required for leaders to transition from the mindset of an individual contributor to an inspiring manager, and the organizational implications of technical debt that go beyond just the tech team. Our conversation rounds out with an earnest endorsement of the often-ignored need for coaching in the tech leadership space. Sharing personal revelations, I highlight the profound impact that coaching has had on identifying my own blind spots and combating the isolation felt in leadership roles. We confront the industry's resistance to coaching, championing its potential to cultivate a healthier work culture and bolster mental health. For tech leaders seeking depth and direction, this episode promises insights into why investing in coaching can lead to transformative benefits for both the individual and the organization at large. More about Noah: https://noahcantor.com 02:38 The Importance of Self-Development in Tech Leadership 03:16 The Journey to Becoming a Tech Leadership Coach 07:45 Challenges and Learnings in Tech Leadership 08:15 The Impact of Personal Values on Leadership 11:39 The Role of Coaching in Tech Leadership 21:40 Addressing Technical Debt and Organizational Culture 37:40 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Tech Leaders 38:35 The Importance of Feedback and Reflection in Leadership

Unlock the transformative secrets of HR technology and navigate the ever-evolving landscape of job seeking with our special guest, Sharanu S. Shirol, the Chief Digital Officer of Buzzwords and Innovations Group. Our enlightening chat in Bangalore takes you through the seismic shifts from conventional job markets to the dynamic internet-driven employment and gig economies, dissecting the challenges like skill mismatches and underscoring the critical role of continuous learning. Discover the ingenious ways AI is reshaping recruitment, with intelligent CV analysis leading to more precise candidate selection and the strategies to enhance communication, ensuring candidates no longer endure the disheartening 'ghosting' phenomenon. Prepare to be captivated by the discussion on the integration of multi-channel workflows in recruitment, as we analyze the power of WhatsApp and other communication tools in streamlining the hiring process. Learn how clear timelines and proactive engagement can elevate the recruitment experience, while also recognizing the cultural variances that influence communication preferences across different regions. Sharanu's seasoned perspective provides a deep dive into the recruitment industry's transformative communication strategies and the crucial role of technology in building more efficient and responsive hiring workflows. As we peer into the crystalline ball of the job market's future, we assess the impact of AI advancements like ChatGPT and its profound effects on customer relations and future skills. The episode wraps up with an exploration of the innovative shift towards microlearning platforms, essential for the upskilling required in tomorrow's job ecosystem. With Gen Z set to assume leadership roles, we spotlight the pivotal changes in learning methods and the ways Innovations Group is dedicated to fostering a global workforce community through their pioneering app and platform. Join us on this journey through the fascinating world of HR tech and gain valuable insights from an industry veteran that could reshape your approach to work and learning. More about Sharanu: Sharanu Shirol brings a wealth of experience and expertise to Innovations Group, propelling the organization into a new era of digital innovation. For a quarter-century, Innovations Group has been a stalwart in the HR & Staffing sector, offering a spectrum of services encompassing recruitment, temporary staffing, HR outsourcing, and payroll outsourcing. In his role as Chief Digital Officer, Shirol assumes a leadership position, integral to the digital evolution. His responsibilities extend beyond the conventional realms of strategy and execution; Shirol is entrusted with positioning the Innovations Group at the forefront of technological advancement, both nationally and globally. https://innovationuae.com 01:53 Exploring the Evolution of the Job Market 06:58 The Impact of Technology on HR and Recruitment 08:09 The Role of AI in Modern Recruitment 11:01 Innovations Group's Approach to HR Tech 21:15 Addressing Communication Challenges in Recruitment 30:37 The Future of Skills and AI's Impact 37:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Step into the world of cybersecurity with industry luminary Terry Ziemniak, as he shares a wealth of knowledge that transcends the typical hacker narrative and delves into the strategic dimension of cybersecurity in business. Terry's tale is not your average story of coding and firewalls; it's an odyssey from the front lines of white hat hacking to the boardrooms where the language of risk is spoken fluently. Our conversation navigates the transformation of the Chief Information Security Officer role and zeroes in on the fine art of aligning tech defenses with business objectives. Terry's insights are a beacon for understanding cyber threats not just as IT issues, but as critical business risks, teaching us how to articulate these dangers in the language of C-suite executives. As we unravel the complex tapestry of cybersecurity, we uncover the real-world impact of flouting regulations like HIPAA, SOC 2, and GDPR - it goes beyond government penalties to the heart of trust and business partnerships. Terry and I tackle the notion of resilience, stressing the need for companies to not only weather cyber storms but to sail smoothly through them. We probe the evolving landscape of phishing scams, where generative AI ushers in an era of sophisticated trickery, challenging even the most robust email filters. The discussion is rounded out with sage advice for the guardians of our digital world, from startups safeguarding their innovations to veterans steering the ship of enterprise security through the choppy waters of data risk management. About Terry: Terry has over 25 years of experience in the information security field, with work ranging from technical, compliance, and executive leadership. His most recent positions include 10 years as Information Security Officer for multi-billion dollar healthcare organizations across the United States, including working as VP of Cybersecurity at Atrium Health. Terry has achieved the CISSP and FACHE certifications and earned a Master's degree in Information Security from DePaul University. https://www.northwonders.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/terryziemniak 01:06 Guest's Journey into Cybersecurity 01:56 Transition into Healthcare Cybersecurity 03:05 The Role of Cybersecurity in Business 04:28 The Evolution of the CISO Role 05:09 Understanding Cybersecurity as a Business Risk 11:31 The Importance of Cybersecurity Compliance 13:45 The Challenges of Data Protection and Privacy 40:42 The Future of Cybersecurity and Career Advice 43:55 Conclusion and Contact Information

Embark on a voyage of entrepreneurial wisdom as Hakob Sharabkhanyan, a visionary leader who crafted his tech empire from Armenian roots to the dynamic MENA market, sits down with me, Mehmet. Uncover the secrets behind transforming a tech-savvy mind into a CEO's strategic outlook, and why the early investment in a CTO or product manager can catapult a startup to stardom. Let Hakob's tale of nurturing a fledgling idea into an industry titan, with a team 80-strong serving elite clients, inspire your own path to business triumph. His insight into not just supplying talent but embedding crucial processes and frameworks into growing enterprises is a masterclass in building a startup with staying power. Plus, we dissect the common traps of SaaS development through the lens of Hakob's own roller coaster of successes and stumbles. As AI revolutionizes our world, likened to the dawn of electricity, we explore its transformative role across the tech spectrum with our guest. Instead of a faceless threat, AI emerges as a partner, reshaping tasks from coding to quality assurance and unlocking potentials in product management through profound user data analysis. Get a glimpse of the future with AI-powered voice tools and the necessity of anti-AI measures to safeguard against a new wave of misinformation. This discussion isn't just about tech trends; it's a window into a future where AI and human creativity merge, crafting a professional realm redefined by this powerful synergy. Join us for a session that's at the forefront of technological evolution and the human touch that shapes its course. About Hakob: Hakob Sharabkhanyan is a young entrepreneur from Armenia. He started his first company, HackTech LLC at the age of 19 and grew it to a team of 80 people with $3M revenue as of now. He likes the gym, swimming, skiing, reading, and traveling. https://www.linkedin.com/in/hakobsharabkhanyan

Have you ever wondered how a leap of faith from agency life to the stock market can redefine success? Sean Tepper joins me, Mehmet, to share precisely that—a journey marked by resilience and a keen understanding of value investing, akin to the philosophies of Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger. As we traverse Sean's path, we unlock the Excel system that catapulted him to consistent market outperformance, leading to the birth of a SaaS platform that's reshaping how investors interact with the stock market. The art of the subscription model is no small feat, and together, Sean and I unpack the intricacies behind free trials, optimal duration, and the contentious credit card info requirement. We delve into the customer mindset, especially when it comes to testing the waters without financial commitment. Furthermore, Sean's platform stands as a testament to the significance of high-quality service that naturally guides users from free trials to loyal subscribers. It's a dance between psychology and strategy, and we're here to teach you the steps. In our final act, we explore the vast landscape of stock investing, contrasted sharply with the high-stakes world of trading. Through the clear lens of Tykr's AI-infused analysis and the inspiring tale of a janitor who grew an $8 million fortune, we emphasize that investing, not trading, is the true path to wealth. Our discussion extends an invitation to beginners and seasoned investors alike to embrace the market with confidence and start the journey to financial freedom today. Join us for this enlightening conversation that could be the catalyst for your next financial milestone. More about Sean: Sean is the founder and CEO of Tykr, a stock screener and education platform all-in-one that helps you manage your own investments with confidence. https://tykr.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/seantepper 00:45 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:08 Sean Tepper's Journey and Early Career 02:31 Transition into Investing and Stock Market 03:18 Learning from Warren Buffet and Charlie Munger 04:03 Creation of the Excel Sheet and Initial Success 05:26 Turning the Excel Sheet into a Software 05:58 Challenges and Successes in Building the Software 06:48 Discussion on B2C and B2B Models 07:21 Building the Software and Managing Customer Perspective 10:49 Navigating Policies and Regulations in FinTech 15:39 Pricing Strategies and Churn Rates 20:31 Utilizing AI in Ticker 22:10 Introduction to the Four M's of Investing 22:20 Understanding the Margin of Safety 22:54 The Importance of Business Model 23:08 The Role of Moat and Management in Investing 23:29 How Ticker Simplifies Stock Analysis 24:22 The Global Reach of Ticker 24:59 The Challenges and Successes of Global Expansion 26:07 The Decision to Focus on Education over Brokerage 27:34 The Power of Value Investing 28:19 The Difference between Stock Investing and Stock Trading 33:59 The Power of Passive Income through Covered Calls 38:26 The Future of Ticker: New Features and Expansion 41:29 Final Thoughts and Advice for New Investors

Unlock the secrets of entrepreneurial finesse with Jodi Hume, as she guides us through the labyrinth of leadership and decision-making strategies that have defined her journey from engineering to psychology, and ultimately, to business betterment. Our in-depth conversation with Jodi is an expedition across the terrain of business growth, where we uncover the strategic use of one's innate superpowers and the art of delegation. As we traverse this path, Jodi spotlights the parallels between IT troubleshooting and business challenges, emphasizing the importance of isolating variables to craft effective solutions. Embarking on an entrepreneurial venture is no stroll in the park, and this episode lays bare the often unspoken trials of such an undertaking. Jodi and I delve into the transformative phase of ‘business puberty,’ a time rife with growth pains yet critical for maturation. We dissect the essence of emotional and energetic stewardship to ward off cognitive depletion, framing self-care not just as a luxury, but as a strategic imperative for peak performance. Jodi's acumen shines as she decodes the symptoms of burnout and prescribes the necessary reflection and recalibration, underscoring the power of aligning work with passion to sustain momentum. As we round off this episode, Jodi imparts her wisdom on the nuanced dance of decision-making in businesses, balancing conviction with humility and adaptability. Leadership emerges as a central theme, with Jodi advocating for transparency and collective problem-solving, over the myth of the all-knowing founder. The cruciality of a robust support network, or 'village', is illuminated, as we discuss the right timing for seeking guidance and the benefits of an on-call coaching model. Through Jodi's eyes, we see the entrepreneurial odyssey as one of continuous learning and adaptation, where endurance and resilience are paramount for navigating the ever-evolving challenges that lie ahead. More about Jodi: After a 15-year career as COO of a growing architecture firm, Jodi Hume shifted gears and made a name for herself over the last decade providing on-call decision support and facilitated leadership conversations for startup founders and entrepreneurs throughout North America, Europe and Australia. While Jodi works 1:1 with a small number of clients, she also convenes roundtable conversations for entrepreneurs & founders https://atthecore.com 00:45 Introduction and Guest Background 02:25 Jody's Journey from Architecture to Leadership Facilitation 04:54 The Importance of Energy and Passion in Entrepreneurship 08:13 The Challenges of First-Time Founders 12:20 The Role of Emotional and Energetic Regulation in Business 14:48 Overcoming Indecision and Burnout 24:40 The Importance of Clarity, Confidence, and Courage in Decision Making 31:27 The Art of Business and Decision Making 31:57 The Importance of Sticking to Your Vision 32:50 The Dangers of Ignoring Evidence and Data 33:56 The Art of Course Correction in Entrepreneurship 34:36 The Challenges of Delegation and Micromanagement 36:13 The Importance of Being Open to New Data 37:12 The Role of Leadership in Startups 39:00 The Importance of Involving Your Team in Decision Making 44:35 The Challenges of Building a Strong Team 51:33 The Importance of Continuous Learning in Entrepreneurship

Join the ranks of savvy startup founders as Silicon Valley's own Bao Tran, a patent attorney with a trove of knowledge from engineering to IPOs, graces our podcast with his wisdom on the strategic mastery of intellectual property. Bao's narrative, seasoned with anecdotes from tech behemoths and emerging innovators like Invisalign, is a treasure map for entrepreneurs looking to shield their creative genius and amplify their company's valuation. Through his expert lens, we uncover the pivotal moments for startups to lay claim to their inventions, and why doing so can be the linchpin in captivating investor interest—even before you unveil your pitch. In a digital era where AI is reshaping every industry corner, our discussion with Bao takes an intriguing turn towards the future of patent law. Entrepreneurs take heed as we probe into the ways artificial intelligence is slashing costs and streamlining processes, from conceptualizing patents to fending off legal challenges. Bao's strategic insights also navigate the global landscape of IP, offering a compass for where and why startups should plant their patent flags. This episode is a masterclass for founders aiming to fortify their ventures and for visionaries eager to understand the nuances of IP that could make or break their success story in the ever-evolving market. More about Bao: With over 16 years of experience as a patent attorney and over 2.5 years as the founder and CEO of PowerPatent, Inc., he is passionate about developing and applying cutting-edge technologies to improve the patent process. PowerPatent is a company that provides tools that help patent lawyers, agents, and inventors in their quest to obtain great IP protection for inventions. Our automation techniques enable IP practitioners to regain valuable time to enjoy life and contribute to society. https://www.linkedin.com/in/bao-tran-470939209 00:45 Introduction and Guest Background 02:38 The Importance of Patents for Startups 07:27 How to Identify and Protect Your Intellectual Property 11:56 The Role of Patents in Business Strategy and Market Valuation 27:56 The Impact of Emerging Technologies on Patent Filing and Management 35:12 The Global Perspective on Patents and Intellectual Property 40:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts