The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

Unlock the secrets to thriving as a small or medium-sized business in today's tech-driven landscape, as astutetechnologist.com's CEO, Nick Lorizio, reveals how SMBs can punch above their weight. Battling against industry titans may seem daunting, but with Nick's visionary take on service models, inspired by the likes of DoorDash and Grubhub, these businesses can streamline their operations through standardization and robust cybersecurity measures. Delving into our enlightening discussion, you'll grasp the misconceptions many business owners hold about AI and digital transformation, and why embracing these advancements is not just beneficial, but essential. Artificial intelligence isn't just a buzzword; it's a game changer for how we conduct business. Nick shares his firsthand experiences with AI tools, illustrating how they've redefined everything from customer engagement to strategic planning. We navigate through the ethical minefield AI presents, considering its role in decision-making and the vital cultural shifts needed as we edge closer to an AI-centric world. If you've ever worried about maintaining your company's unique edge in a market where AI levels the playing field, this segment offers strategies to keep creativity and personal relationships at the heart of your competitive strategy. Step into the future with us as we explore the Internet of Things (IoT) and edge computing, and how these technologies are revolutionizing industries from the ground up. With an eye on the evolution from Web 1.0 to the uncharted territories of Web 4.0, Nick underscores the urgency for businesses to adapt to rapid tech advancements. But it's not just about staying ahead of the curve; it's also about building a sustainable business model that fosters eco-friendly practices and robust defenses against global threats. As we wrap up, we delve into the importance of securing decentralized workforces and personal devices, ensuring the future of work remains safe, efficient, and cutting-edge. More about Nick: Nicholas Lorizio, the founder of AstuteTechnologists.com, is the visionary force behind the creation of the Astute Advisor platform. His journey in the tech world has been marked by a deep commitment to understanding and shaping the digital landscape. With Astute Advisor, Nick has successfully developed an AI tool that excels in offering expertise in cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, and software development, with a special emphasis on the integration of AI and IoT technologies. https://linktr.ee/nlorizio 00:46 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:59 The Importance of Small and Medium-Sized Businesses 04:23 The Role of AI and Technology in Business 06:45 The Impact of AI on the Workforce 11:26 The Future of AI and Emerging Technologies 13:58 The Intersection of AI, IoT, and Cybersecurity 27:41 The Role of Edge Computing in Business 31:16 The Future of Work and Business 36:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Child prodigy turned tech magnate, Denzil Eden, graces our airwaves, offering a treasure trove of insights from her remarkable transition to founding Smarty, an AI productivity startup set to revolutionize how we tackle our to-do lists. Our conversation takes us on a whirlwind tour through her academic exploits at MIT, her tenure at giants like Microsoft and Yammer, and even her eclectic endeavors in teaching and politics. Denzil's story is a vivid tapestry, illustrating not just the trajectory of a tech virtuoso, but how a multitude of experiences can foster the innovative mindset that drives the industry forward. Denzil pulls back the curtain on the inception of Smarty, where the frustration of inefficiency sparked the idea for a chatbot that doesn't just schedule, but actively takes the reins on tasks. He unravels the criticality of user feedback in the alchemy of converting a great idea into a user-beloved product, and casts her vision on AI's transformative potential in personalizing and preempting our productivity needs. As we navigate through the contrasts in agility and resource availability between startups and tech behemoths, Denzil's narrative is a masterclass for anyone looking to understand the nuances of innovation within the heart of the industry. For those charting a course through the startup cosmos or toying with the leap, Denzil's pearls of wisdom, distilled from the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, are truly invaluable. He shines a spotlight on the essentiality of passion, the art of storytelling in securing investments, and the virtues of resilience when facing the twin titans of fundraising and gender bias. Tune in for an episode that's as much a roadmap for tech entrepreneurs as it is an enlightening peek into the mindset of one of the industry's luminaries. Join us for a session that's guaranteed to fuel your tech enthusiasm and satiate your curiosity about the entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of the tech world. More about Denzil: Denzil Eden built Smarty, an all-in-one AI productivity assistant that plans your best day, every day. A trailblazer as a solo female technical founder, Denzil carved her niche with an AI-focused degree from MIT, an MBA from Harvard, and a distinguished career at Microsoft. Denzil is devoted to making your life smarter with AI — enhancing routines, automating mundane tasks, and maximizing every minute. When she unplugs, Denzil plays the piano, authors fiction and op-eds, and sips teas. https://www.smarty.ai https://www.linkedin.com/in/denzils 00:45 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:10 Guest's Background and Journey into Tech 04:03 Exploring Different Career Paths 06:56 The Birth of Smarty: An AI Productivity Assistant 10:00 The Importance of Idea Validation in Startups 12:44 The Power of AI in Personalized, Predictive, and Proactive Productivity 15:56 Future Trends in SaaS and AI 16:38 The Role of Startups and Big Tech in the AI Space 22:14 The Potential of AI and Bots in Empowering New Startups 24:06 The Importance of Experimentation in Product Development 25:11 The Role of AI in Business and Productivity 26:12 The Integration of AI Tools in Big Tech Companies 27:56 The Journey of Becoming a Founder 28:26 The Importance of Persistence and Listening to Users 28:52 The Lean Startup Model and Its Importance 29:51 The Transition from Software Engineer to CEO 32:46 The Challenges and Successes of Raising Funds 33:40 The Importance of Networking and Persistence in Fundraising 34:34 The Role of Passion and Strategy in Pitching 42:28 The Importance of Patience and Perseverance in Tech Startups 45:01 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Founders

I once believed that the pinnacle of success was a solitary journey, until I met Charles Vogl. His stories of connecting individuals and transforming communities revealed a deeper truth about the power of human bonds. As our special guest, Charles, an esteemed author and expert on leadership, shares his transition from documentary filmmaking to a beacon for community building, he unpacks the critical need for non-transactional relationships in leadership and the often-overlooked societal issue of loneliness. His insights offer a lens through which to view our own interactions, as we consider how to foster authentic connections in our personal and professional lives. Amidst the hum of daily business, we might forget the importance of a simple invitation to connect. Charles provides practical advice on avoiding the pitfalls that prevent meaningful interactions and emphasizes the critical role invitations play in creating a sense of belonging. He introduces the campfire principle from his latest book—how intimate spaces for interaction are crucial for nurturing supportive relationships. Our conversation also covers the imperceptible yet profound influence of sharing personal stories, reinforcing the human element that can strengthen bonds in environments like healthcare and education. In our final segments, we rediscover the healing power of ancient practices and the importance of consistent, technology-free interactions for our communal and personal health. Charles illuminates the beauty of simplicity in connecting with others and the hidden potential of generosity that flourishes with just a spark of an invitation. As we wrap up, we're reminded of the lasting impact of sharing inspiring stories and extend an invitation to listeners worldwide to contribute their own experiences. Join us for this compelling dialogue that celebrates the timeless art of community and the impact of fostering genuine connections in an increasingly isolated world. About Charles: Charles Vogl is an adviser, speaker, and author of three books, including the international bestseller The Art of Community. He works with Google in several capacities, including as a trusted thought leader for the Google School for Leaders, which develops over 20,000 Google managers. His work is used to advise and develop leadership and programs worldwide within organizations including Airbnb, LinkedIn, Twitch, Amazon, ServiceNow, Meetup.com, Wayfair and the US Army. Charles holds an M.Div. from Yale, where he studied spiritual traditions, ethics, and business as a Jesse Ball duPont Foundation scholar. As a young man he served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Sub-Saharan Africa where he worked on justice for human rights abuse and providing rural health care for his host village. Later he created a documentary film company in NYC. His PBS projects won numerous international awards, including the Amnesty International Movies That Matter Award. The experiences taught him the importance of and how to bring people together around shared values and purpose. Website: charlesvogl.com Podcast: https://www.charlesvogl.com/wisdom-podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesvogl

Unlock the secrets of web design seamlessly with Kelsey Gilbert-Kreiling, who brings a tapestry of experiences from international relations to the world of fashion and finally to the art of creating dynamic websites. As the co-founder of Week of the Website and an author, Kelsey's path showcases the power of pivoting and the strategic embrace of Squarespace for its user-friendly yet sophisticated capabilities. This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to understand how to make technology an empowering tool, breaking down the complex task of website creation into something anyone can handle with confidence and creativity. As we weave through the importance of design in digital storytelling, Kelsey highlights that design is more than just pretty pictures—it's a vital component in guiding user behavior and evoking the right emotions. She shares crucial insights on how to ask the right questions to ensure a website doesn't just dazzle but also drives the desired user action. This conversation is a treasure trove for aspiring designers and entrepreneurs who want to learn how to use design to craft compelling narratives that resonate with their audience and align with their evolving business goals. Wrapping up our engaging chat, Kelsey addresses the hot topic of AI's role in creative industries. Far from the doomsday predictions, she illustrates how AI is an asset, augmenting human creativity rather than replacing it. We also tackle the need for more women in technology, sharing both Kelsey's experiences and her successes in navigating a male-dominated field. Her parting wisdom and resources offer not only inspiration but also practical pathways for anyone looking to leave a digital imprint in a way that's uniquely human. More about Kelsey: Kelsey Gilbert Kreiling is a web designer, author, and entrepreneur passionate about transforming digital landscapes. With over 800 Squarespace websites under her belt through her agency, Week of the Website, she's a trailblazer in the tech industry. Kelsey's book, Squarespace from Signup to Launch, makes web design approachable at any stage of understanding. Her unique journey challenges conventional notions of balance as a mother, entrepreneur, and author. http://www.bykelseygk.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelseygilbertkreiling 00:46 Introduction and Guest Presentation 02:05 Kelsey's Journey into Web Design 05:47 The Importance of Web Design and User Experience 11:16 The Role of Storytelling in Web Design 17:34 The Impact of AI on Web Design 32:32 Encouraging More Women in Tech 39:56 Where to Find More About Kelsey and Her Work 41:06 Conclusion and Farewell

The unmistakable beep and whir of an MSX computer booting up marked the start of Barry Luijbregts' lifelong dance with code, a passion he shares with us as we traverse the landscape of software development and podcasting. Our conversation glides from his early days of programming to his current endeavor, Podhome FM, a modern podcast hosting platform. Through Barry's eyes, we witness the transformation of technology from the bulky tapes and CRT screens of yesteryear to the sleek digital advancements of today — a journey that reveals the potent magic of Microsoft technologies and the rich history of software development. Barry's narrative doesn't just stay locked in the past; it's a forward march into the realms of teaching, cloud computing with Microsoft Azure, and the conscious decision to back personal interests over traditional industries. He opens up about the motivations behind choosing podcasting as his focus, underscoring the empowering nature of podcasts to spread knowledge and inspiration. As we examine the interplay between technology and content creation, Barry highlights a pivotal truth — it's often the essence of your project that resonates with audiences, not the pursuit of perfection. Wrapping up our journey, we extend a warm invitation to our listeners, both seasoned and newcomers, to become a more integral part of our community. Your input not only enriches our content but also fuels our creativity. So, whether you’re a tech aficionado, a podcasting pro, or simply intrigued by the synergy of technology and storytelling, Barry's insights and our discussions are sure to provide a wellspring of wisdom and encouragement for your own creative ventures. More about Barry: Barry Luijbregts began his career as a software developer, fueling his passion for bringing ideas to life through code. With nearly two decades in the software industry, he has evolved from crafting software to imparting knowledge, spending eight years as an educator in software development through in-person and online courses. Recognized as a thought leader, particularly in Microsoft technology and Microsoft Azure, Barry earned the title of Microsoft Azure MVP for five years and gained prominence as an international speaker. In early 2023, seeking new challenges, Barry contemplated various paths including the healthcare sector, but ultimately decided to leverage his expertise to empower creators. This led to the creation of Podhome, a sophisticated podcasting platform. Launched in November 2023, Podhome offers unique features such as Podhome AI for automated content generation, comprehensive podcasting 2.0 support, and enhanced user engagement tools. Barry's extensive experience and dedication were pivotal in the rapid development of Podhome. He finds joy in supporting his users, helping them enhance productivity and improve their content's quality. https://www.linkedin.com/in/barryluijbregts https://www.podhome.fm 00:46 Introduction and Guest Presentation 01:34 Early Experiences and Passion for Software Development 03:11 First Projects and the Magic of Programming 06:49 Transition to Microsoft Technologies and Teaching 12:42 Understanding Business Needs and Technology Solutions 17:16 Choosing Podcasting and Building Podhome 18:53 The Value of Podcasting and Future Plans 26:45 The Importance of Podcast Workflow and Metadata 27:54 The Role of AI in Streamlining Podcast Production 29:22 The Benefits of a Unified Podcasting Platform 29:56 The Challenges and Rewards of Podcast Post-Production 30:57 Feedback and User Experience in Podcasting 33:25 The Future of Podcasting: Modern Features and Monetization 35:01 The Impact of Companies and Advertisements on Podcasting 37:26 The Shift Towards Value for Value Model in Podcasting 43:14 The Journey of a Tech Entrepreneur in Podcasting 43:26 The Role of Focus and Creativity in Podcasting

Navigating the stormy seas of tech fundraising, we were fortunate enough to be joined by the insightful Andrew Ryan, the mastermind behind NewChip Accelerator and Astralabs. Andrew, with his extensive experience in startups and AI, opened up about the tremors shaking the investment landscape. He painted a vivid picture of the ongoing downturn in investments and what it means for startups scrambling for capital. We tackled the evolving role of AI in shaping competition and investment outlooks, and the creative strategies founders employ, from bootstrapping to seeking support from angel investors. As Andrew and I sifted through the complex world of venture capital, we uncovered the stark contrasts between the approaches of VCs and angel investors. The conversation took a turn to reflect on the perils of VC investment, focusing on the pitfalls of unsustainable growth and the ballooning of valuations that often accompany it. Through the lens of Pitch.com's bold step away from VC reliance, we discussed the profound effect investment decisions have on a company's trajectory and the intricate dance between investors and founders post-funding. Our dialogue then shifted gears, bringing to light the often-overlooked personal battles faced by CEOs, particularly during global crises like the pandemic. Andrew didn't shy away from sharing his own struggles, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing one's health and well-being amid the high-stakes game of leadership. He left us with a powerful reminder that self-care is not just a luxury—it's an essential component of sustained success. Join us for a candid and eye-opening journey into the heartbeat of tech innovation and investment. More about Ryan: https://andrewryan.io/about https://twitter.com/andrewryanatx 00:46 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:10 Andrew's Journey into AI and FinTech 03:56 The State of Fundraising in 2024 05:34 The Impact of Economic Conditions on Startups 06:10 Alternatives to Traditional Fundraising 06:26 The Changing Landscape of Venture Capital 11:48 The Challenges of Working with VCs 12:05 The Shift Towards Profitability and Revenue Generation 20:25 The Role and Impact of Accelerators 24:48 The Need for a Reset in the Tech Industry 29:08 The Rise of Unqualified Tech Analysts 30:17 The Impact of COVID-19 on Tech Industry 30:30 The Decline of Fake Tech Analysts 31:08 The Key Factors for Startup Success 31:41 The Role of Profitability in Startup Success 32:09 The Impact of Crypto on the Tech Industry 33:39 The Shift in Investor Expectations 35:18 The Challenges of Being a CEO in Tech 35:27 The Importance of Experience in Startup Success 35:51 The Impact of the Startup Bubble Burst 36:31 The Story of Silicon Valley Bank 47:58 The Importance of Self-Care for Founders 50:07 The Future of AI in Tech 54:33 The Role of Twitter in Networking

Unlock the secrets to effective leadership within the tech realm as I, Mehmet, join forces with the esteemed executive coach, Vladimir Baranov. Together, we shed light on the pivotal role that coaching plays in aiding tech industry leaders and founders to steer their own ship. As Vladimir eloquently distinguishes coaching from mentoring, consulting, and therapy, he shares how his approach empowers clients to uncover new possibilities through strategic questioning, rather than spoon-feeding them advice. The crux of our conversation reveals when leaders should seek coaching and how to measure its transformative impact on their journey to becoming more effective at the helm. Navigating the terrain of tech startups, we dissect the intricate ballet between maintaining technological innovation and a human-centric approach. As I converse with Vladimir, we underscore the frequently overestimated user engagement with tech solutions and address the friction that can arise between tech-savvy and non-technical co-founders. We provide strategies for preserving the delicate balance between innovation and human-centricity as companies burgeon, all while considering how industry influences sculpt the organizational culture. For tech leaders aiming to scale their enterprises without compromising their core values, these insights are invaluable. Lastly, we cast our gaze upon the future, exploring how technology shapes the coaching industry itself. By recognizing the diversity of each business context, I draw parallels from my company, Human Interfaces, to stress the uniqueness of communication and decision-making processes. We caution tech founders against cookie-cutter strategies, instead encouraging informed decision-making in new and unfamiliar landscapes. With a nod to technology trends influencing startups, our dialogue offers a compass for founders to navigate the ever-changing seas of the tech industry. More about Vladimir: If you feel that a change in your entrepreneurial path is overdue, it’s a signal to stop wasting your precious time and life. Vladimir specializes in converting your signals into aligned outcomes. ✅ Zero-to-MVP Start-up Journey ✅ Team Management ✅ Transitioning from full-time role ✅ C-Suite Relationship with CTOs ✅ Perfect vs Good Decision Making Vladimir offer for the audience : https://www.humaninterfaces.co/mehmet 00:45 Introduction and Guest Presentation 01:47 Understanding Executive Coaching 03:17 Differentiating Coaching and Mentoring 04:15 The Role of a Coach in Leadership 05:58 When to Start Having a Coach 06:56 Measuring the Impact of Coaching 09:57 Challenges Tech Leaders Face in Accepting Coaching 18:51 The Interplay of Technology and Organizational Behavior 24:24 Maintaining Culture and Values in Scaling Organizations 41:11 The Future of Personal Development Technology 44:14 Conclusion and Contact Information

Have you ever wondered how technology organizations transform from good to great? Gene Kim, a luminary with 25 years in the trenches of tech innovation, joins us to share the transformative concepts of 'slowification' and simplification. His journey from the early days as CTO at Tripwire to the epicenter of the DevOps movement uncovers the symbiotic relationship between culture, technical practices, and architecture in leading organizations. Gene illuminates how these elements, coupled with a commitment to modular and independent problem-solving, can forge an enterprise that stands resilient in the face of disruption, much like Netflix's triumph over AWS outages with Chaos Monkey. Stepping into the realm of leadership, we navigate the nuanced role of socio-technical maestros, those who must orchestrate the organizational symphony to ensure smooth, independent operations. Gene's insights from the transformations of companies like Amazon through API rearchitecture, expose the essence of amplifying the faintest signals of issues, which pivots organizations towards proactive response and innovation. It's a compelling discussion on the intricacies of managing growing organizations, the value of modularization, and creating a culture that champions thorough planning and preparation. Wrapping up, the conversation ventures into the rapidly evolving intersection of AI development and traditional software practices. Gene contemplates the exhilaration of learning AI's capabilities and its impending impact on technology leadership, while maintaining the importance of human creativity amidst these advancements. The episode wraps with a narrative on the indispensable role of customer feedback and continuous integration, linking engineering processes directly to competitive advantage. Join us for this exploration of complex tech concepts, as we share these insights in a manner that promises to enlighten and engage, whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your tech journey. More about Gene: Gene Kim has been studying high-performing technology organizations since 1999 and was the founder and CTO of Tripwire for 13 years. He is the author of six books, The Unicorn Project (2019), and co-author of the Shingo Publication Award-winning Accelerate (2018), The DevOps Handbook (2016), and The Phoenix Project (2013). Here is his recent book: Wiring the Winning Organization https://www.amazon.ca/Wiring-Winning-Organization-Simplification-Slowification/dp/1950508420 https://twitter.com/RealGeneKim https://www.linkedin.com/in/realgenekim 00:45 Introduction and Guest Presentation 01:04 Understanding Gene Kim's Journey and Work 03:53 Exploring the Concept of Slowfication 04:35 Real-World Application of Slowfication 10:13 The Importance of Simplification 16:48 The Role of Amplification in Problem Solving 22:23 The Impact of Organizational Size on Implementation 22:54 Practical Steps to Start Implementing the Concepts 28:16 Discussing the Importance of Measuring New Processes 29:10 The Role of Leadership in Overcoming Objections 30:34 The Impact of Organizational Performance on Profitability and Employee Satisfaction 31:28 Addressing Objections and Misconceptions about Processes and Bureaucracy 32:56 Who Should Own the Initiative? The Role of Different Positions 35:44 The Future of AI and Automation in Business Processes 41:52 Reflecting on Past Decisions and Advice for Future Founders 49:41 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your tech team? Let's explore the game-changing perspectives shared by our guest, tech executive advisor Aviv Ben-Yosef. From unearthing the significant role a growth mindset plays in hiring practices to embarking on a mission to weave innovation into the fabric of daily operations, Aviv's insights are a treasure trove for anyone in the tech field. He champions the idea of 'intermissions,' a dedicated time for teams to break away from the routine and delve into creative pursuits, reshaping the way we perceive failure and success within our work culture. Join us as we traverse the landscape of leadership in technology with anecdotes and strategies that are as enlightening as they are actionable. Aviv illustrates the critical transition from just participating in technology to shaping its future through strategic decision-making and leadership. His views on scaling out rather than up offer a fresh perspective on R&D growth, which diverges from traditional venture capitalist tactics. The conversation is peppered with insights that connect engineering prowess with a deep understanding of business implications, a balance that is becoming increasingly essential in the fast-evolving tech industry. Finally, our journey with Aviv reaches a crescendo as we tackle the symbiotic relationship between engineering and product teams. Through a non-adversarial lens, this collaboration is dissected to reveal the importance of a cooperative mindset in handling the minutiae that can make or break a project. Aviv encourages tech leaders to anticipate and integrate innovations like AI into their strategic roadmap proactively. For those aspiring to climb the ranks to roles such as CTO, Aviv offers practical advice, emphasizing the necessity of initiative and a robust business acumen. Prepare to be inspired to embrace the changes of the tech world with confidence and to step into your next role with the wisdom gleaned from a seasoned veteran's journey. https://avivbenyosef.com

Prepare to have your understanding of technology's trajectory fundamentally challenged as UK tech sage Peter Swain joins us to dissect the relentless wave of AI sweeping across industries. With a legacy steeped in the evolution from coding whiz to mobile agency trailblazer, Peter imparts his profound insights on how AI, much like the revolutions of web and mobile before it, is set to redefine efficiency and profitability, particularly for product-centered enterprises. Meanwhile, service sectors may face a starkly different fate, with the potential for drastic employment transformations lying in wait. Our conversation ventures into the labyrinth of challenges AI injects into educational and business spheres, questioning the preparedness of our learning institutions and the adaptability of businesses in the face of this relentless technological tide. Peter provides indispensable strategies for companies eager to harness AI's power, underscoring the danger of enigmatic tools without a strategic underpinning. We peer into the crystal ball of AI's future, from its impact on the creative realms to the legal tangles of AI-generated content. This episode is an essential compass for navigating the seismic shifts AI is unfurling upon our societal fabric. More about Peter: Peter is an international speaker, best selling author and founder of ROAI: an AI consultancy and education company. Prior to his newfound career in helping people and companies decode AI, Peter was a digital marketeer with over 25 years at the forefront of technology disruption. With a tech career that started with developing yelp (before internet explorer was launched!) he has owned and managed agencies involved in over 1,400 projects with market leaders such as Jamie Oliver, Microsoft, Apple, Google and more. Peter's current focus is to use the knowledge and experience gained from being at the epicenter of 2 tech paradigm shifts to help individuals and institutions see what they have, what they need to succeed and how to bridge the two. https://www.roaimastermind.com/freetrial We run an AI mastermind and this link will give listeners a 2 week free trial.