The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

In this insightful episode, our guest Subbu Rao, joining from London, delves into the dynamic world of cybersecurity, sharing his extensive experience with telco providers and his expertise in the field. Subbu highlights the universal importance of cybersecurity, not just for large enterprises but for businesses of all sizes, emphasizing compliance with regulatory requirements like GDPR. The conversation takes a deep dive into the latest trends in cybersecurity, including the growing role of AI in crafting sophisticated malware and phishing attacks. Subbu elaborates on various types of cyber threats, such as DDoS attacks, and discusses effective mitigation strategies and the importance of robust security infrastructures. Shifting focus, Subbu and Mehmet explore the intersection of technology and business, discussing the lucrative opportunities in the cybersecurity sector and the various career paths available. Subbu also shares his insights from his executive MBA journey, stressing the value of marketing, organizational skills, and sales in the tech entrepreneurship space. The discussion further delves into venture capital trends, observing a significant focus on AI, web 3, blockchain, and crypto startups. Subbu offers a critical view of the current investment landscape, highlighting the shifts in funding patterns due to economic changes globally. Lastly, the episode touches on the crucial topic of green computing, exploring how technology can aid in reducing carbon footprints and promoting sustainable practices in data management and infrastructure. Throughout the episode, Subbu provides invaluable advice for startups and entrepreneurs, especially in the realms of cybersecurity and technology, encouraging awareness and proactive measures to safeguard against evolving digital threats. More about Subbu: Subbu is a tech expert with over 15 years of experience in product marketing, MarTech, sales, business development and customer success across multiple domains, including cloud computing, network security, and telco. https://www.linkedin.com/in/raos

Picture a world where AI reshapes SEO, the way we consume content, and the manner in which we approach work. Intrigued? Well, join us and our esteemed guest, Alexander De Ridder, the brains behind the innovative AI startup, SmythOS. An AI enthusiast, De Ridder unveils the fascinating universe of artificial intelligence (AI) and its accelerating role in our society. From new developments like the release of GPT-4 to the potentials of AI agent orchestration, Alex gives us an exciting glimpse into the future of how businesses connect with their customers. Dive into the AI-driven landscape of content creation where Siri and Google Assistant dictate how we interact with content. As De Ridder explores, it's a brand-new game for SEO and the way brands reach audiences. And then there’s the tantalizing idea of the internet itself as an AGI, with AI agents orchestrating its intelligence. Wonder about the future of work? De Ridder's insights into the potential reshoring of jobs and the rise of workflow-efficient AI agents are backed by his wealth of experience and expertise in the field. Imagine a workplace where AI technology streamlines processes and boosts efficiency. De Ridder enlightens us on how AI agents could redefine the work environment, perhaps even outperforming platforms like Upwork and Fiverr. But with this revolution comes responsibility - De Ridder carefully touches upon the ethical considerations around AI implementation and the need for auditability. Strap in for an electrifying exploration of AI's future, its implications for work, marketing, and society. This episode promises a thrilling journey into tomorrow's world. More about Alexander: Alexander De Ridder is a pioneering technologist pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence. As Co-Founder and CTO of SmythOS, he is spearheading the development of SmythOS - the world's first operating system designed to coordinate specialized AI agents and unlock new levels of efficiency. Leveraging over 15 years of experience spanning computer science, entrepreneurship, and marketing, Alexander is uniquely positioned to guide organizations in navigating the AI revolution. He has co-founded and successfully exited multiple startups applying transformative technologies to drive business impact. With an innovative outlook and technical expertise honed in Houston, Alexander is an agile leader able to synthesize technological vision with business strategy. He is a respected voice in AI development, advocating for practical approaches that enhance human capability. Driven by a belief in AI's potential for social good, he aims to empower governments and enterprises to unlock their full potential. https://www.linkedin.com/in/adridder https://smythos.com

Unlock the secrets of open banking with tech veteran Kieron James. Prepare to be taken on a journey from the early days of web development to the cutting edge of financial technology. We explore how open banking is disrupting the traditional banking sector, why banks are scrambling to keep up, and the crucial part played by the Open Banking Implementation Entity (OBIE). Also, learn about the transformative influence of open banking within the charity sector, as well as the challenges and rewards of introducing a new method of payment. But we're not just talking banking and finance, we're also entering the thrilling world of entrepreneurship. Kieron is not only a serial entrepreneur, but a true expert on the process of starting a business in the charity sector. Whether you're curious about the nuts and bolts of the authorization process, intrigued by the potential challenges of introducing a novel payment method, or simply eager to learn from Kieron's own experiences with startup funding –you're in for a treat. We also delve into the importance of setting yourself apart in a crowded market like Fintech, and the immense value of a unique value proposition. To wrap up this episode, we look beyond the horizon to the future of open banking. Discover how open banking is revolutionizing payment processes, elevating security, and improving user experience by streamlining transactions. More about Kieron: An entrepreneur with 30 years of experience in launching and scaling start-up businesses in the ICT sector, I am the CEO and Founder of Wonderful, a company that provides simple, fast, and secure instant bank payment technology. By leveraging Open Banking and at just 1p per transaction, Wonderful payments are much cheaper than debit and credit card processing. (Our payment processing and fundraising platform are both completely free for UK charities.) I am also Non-Executive Director at the Fundraising Regulator, where I contribute to the regulation and promotion of ethical fundraising practices in the UK. https://wonderful.co.uk https://linkedin.com/in/kieronjames

Unlock the immense potential of AI and its transformative impact on the workforce and education in our enlightening conversation with Kaj Pedersen, CTO of AstrumU. We've had a deep discussion about the shift towards a skill-based economy and how AI can facilitate this transition, translating skills into hard and soft capabilities for a comprehensive understanding of an individual's competencies. Kaj takes us behind the scenes of AstrumU's AI engine as he shares how it uses past alumni data and data science to bridge the gap between employers and underserved talent. The conversation takes a critical look at the current state of education, its delay in adapting to the market's demand for new skills, and the dire need for innovation. We've touched on the looming fear of universities becoming obsolete and the rise of alternative pathways such as apprenticeships and credential programs. Kaj, with his wealth of experience in both tech and education, shares valuable insights and brings to light the need for universities to rethink their approach to cater to the changing needs of the workforce. We end the episode with an optimistic note about the future, questioning the relevance of higher education and whether it's the only pathway to success. With AI's impending impact on the job market, we also discuss the concept of AI augmentation and the importance of cultural fit and capacity to master in hiring decisions. Additionally, we've got a taste of how AI is being used in companies like Tesla and its potential implications across industries like logistics and financial services. The episode is a definitive guide to understanding the rapidly changing landscape of education and work, and the future of AI and key technologies. More about Kaj: A forward-thinking executive with 30 years of experience in data and broad-based software services with a proven record of success in setting strategic directions and leading teams to reach challenging goals. Managing a team with over 200 years of data science for AstrumU, he is a trusted business advisor. An incisive decision-maker who consistently delivers results. A visionary leader who effectively leverages innovative technologies to realize significant ROI improvements, expertly leading product development, service delivery, expense reduction, and efficiency improvement initiatives. His specialties include Strategic Planning, Product Development, Operations Leadership, Technology Leadership, Profitability Improvement, Business Start-ups, Organizational Restructuring, Mergers & Acquisitions. Kaj has been widely published and a leader in the data industry as well as featured in periodicals and journals such as Gold: Seattle’s Once and Future Element of Innovation, STP: Current trends driving investment and how to deploy a strategic plan without disrupting business operations, Bold Innovation Predictions for 2019, and Healthcare's "Big Data" Conundrum. https://www.linkedin.com/in/kajpedersen https://astrumu.com

Join us as we explore the intriguing world of creativity and innovation with our special guest, Patrick Williams, a lifelong artist and creativity consultant. Patrick takes us through his fascinating journey of teaching art, practicing martial arts, and working in non-profit organizations, and how these experiences have shaped his approach to innovation. Listen to his enlightening perspective on the differences between creativity and innovation, and how the former is the precursor to the latter. He also highlights the importance of reconnecting with our innate creativity to spark innovative ideas in business and beyond. The conversation takes a turn towards understanding how to restore our natural creative abilities and unlock our minds to new ideas and insights. We discuss practical activities to stimulate creativity, such as nature walks, breathing exercises, and cross-domain learning experiences. Listen to Patrick's invaluable advice on taking small steps towards creativity and building on them, instead of waiting for a sudden creative spark. Don't miss the insightful discussion on the significance of maintaining creativity in our everyday lives. Patrick shares his personal practice of morning meditation drawing and encourages listeners to find their own daily creative activities. He emphasizes the connection between maintenance and innovation, offering valuable advice for entrepreneurs who need to stay in a creative state to succeed. We also discuss the pivotal role of creativity in entrepreneurship and how it can be nurtured and integrated into the company culture. Tune in for a wealth of wisdom on embracing your creativity and leading by example to inspire innovation within your team. More about Patrick: Patrick Williams is a passionate and inspiring public speaker, consultant, writer, artist, independent scholar, and visionary educator. Patrick has 0ver 4 decades of experience teaching and facilitating deep learning to a wide range of audiences. He is a TEDx speaker and an award winning artist. Patrick has exhibited throughout the USA, Japan, and China. His art is in public and private collections. He has been represented by galleries in Chicago, Seattle, Omaha, and Albuquerque. Patrick holds black belts in Karate-Dō and Aikidō with decades of experience training and teaching Budō. Patrick's comprehension, experience, expertise, and synthesis of creativity and innovation is unparalleled. Patrick is the founder and president of Satori Innovation: A Consulting and Ideation Accelerator. http://patrickwilliamsstaycreative.com https://www.instagram.com/pmwcreativity

Prepare yourself for an enlightening exploration of the tech industry with our distinguished guest, Mark Herschberg. As a seasoned professional straddling the roles of CTO and CPO, Mark shares his vast experience in leading teams and companies of diverse sizes. You'll learn about the crucial professional skills often overlooked in academia, such as leadership, networking, and communication. Mark's unique perspective, drawn from his dual career as an educator and tech expert, provides a fresh viewpoint on the role these skills play in the tech industry. Moving from the classroom to the world of higher education, our conversation pivots to the evolving role of universities. We tackle the complexities of a university degree, the social aspects it encompasses, and the importance of networking. For tech professionals looking to expand their skill set, this discussion underscores the significance of a broad network beyond the tech field. As we delve deeper into the tech landscape, we discuss the role of a CTO and examine the concept of value delivery through understanding customer needs. You will gain insights into the rise of fractional CTOs, CMOs, and CFOs from Mark's personal experiences. The conversation then segues into the future of content delivery and thought leadership. We critique the push model of content delivery and propose an alternative pull model, to ensure content is both relevant and accessible at the right time. Our discussion concludes with a heartfelt appreciation for our listeners and an open invitation for audience participation. Whether you're an aspiring CTO, a seasoned professional or simply curious about the tech industry, this episode is packed with invaluable insights and lessons. Tune in for a conversation that promises to be both engaging and enlightening. More about Mark: Mark Herschberg is the author of The Career Toolkit: Essential Skills for Success That No One Taught You and creator of the Brain Bump app. From tracking criminals and terrorists on the dark web to creating marketplaces and new authentication systems, Mark has spent his career launching and developing new ventures at startups and Fortune 500s and in academia, with over a dozen patents to his name. He helped to start the Undergraduate Practice Opportunities Program, dubbed MIT’s “career success accelerator,” where he teaches annually. The Career Toolkit Website Links https://www.thecareertoolkitbook.com https://www.thecareertoolkitbook.com/resources https://www.thecareertoolkitbook.com/career-plan-questions (Career plan questions) https://www.thecareertoolkitbook.com/candidate-interview-questions (interview questions) Brain Bump app (Brain Bump app) https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.brainbump&hl=en_US&gl=US (Android) https://apps.apple.com/us/app/brain-bump/id1616654954 (Apple) https://brainbumpapp.com/#video (Brain Bump 90 second video) Social Media Links https://www.linkedin.com/in/hershey/ https://www.facebook.com/TheCareerToolkitBook https://www.instagram.com/thecareertoolkit

Tim Tutt, CEO and co-founder of Night Shift Development, shares his journey in data analytics. We explore democratizing data analytics with ClearQuery, discuss AI's role in enhancing data analytics, and the importance of data security. Tim reveals Night Shift Development's impressive bootstrap success and leadership principles. We touch on qualities sought in hiring and the mission to democratize data analytics. A discussion on mentors, inspirations, and taking action in the startup world wraps up the episode.

Ever wondered how artificial intelligence is reshaping content creation? Nico Lagan, an AI specialist and content creator, joins us to share his insights and exciting journey. Pivoting his career amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Nico turned his previous experience as a sales engineer into a fulfilling role as a podcaster, author, and men's coach. Together we explore the power of AI in content creation, yet the persistent need for that irreplaceable human touch. We delve into the fascinating trend of faceless content creation and discuss our experiences with AI platforms like Opuspro and Streamyard, shedding light on how technology aids but does not replace the human element. Turning towards personal branding and social media strategy, Nico and I share our tips for creating authentic content that truly resonates with your audience. We dive into the power of social media in showcasing your personal side, values, and in building long-term relationships with your audience. We also debate the delicate balance between sharing inspiring content and avoiding the perception of being overly self-promotional. We look to successful content creators like Gary Vaynerchuk and Alex Hormozi for inspiration, emphasizing the importance of always considering the impact of your content on your audience. Towards the end, Nico introduces the Alpha Creator Blueprint, a personal relationship program designed to help individuals excel in their field. We discuss the importance of storytelling, understanding the customer journey, and the role of mentorship. We also touch upon our appreciation for feedback and collaboration. Whether you're a sales engineer, a business expert, or a technology whiz, we invite you to join us on this thrilling journey of self-discovery, content creation, and constant learning. Listen in, get inspired, and let's create powerful stories together! More About Nico: AI-Powered Content Creation Specialist, Social Media Strategist & Sales Expert Nico's journey underscores a vital lesson for the digital age: In a world inundated with content, genuine connection stands out. By synergistically blending sales techniques, NLP, psychology, and AI, Nico has pioneered a strategy that's not just about reaching audiences, but about touching lives. In doing so, he's redefining what it means to be a content creator in the modern era, showcasing the limitless potential of interdisciplinary innovation. https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolagan https://plproduction.co

Are you ready to leap into the future? We've got an exhilarating adventure for you. Step into the riveting and often complex universe of Web3, as we speak with blockchain industry expert, and co-founder of Adlunam, Nadja. Her compelling journey from psychology and marketing to becoming a journalist and entrepreneur in the blockchain world is nothing short of inspiring. We navigate the challenging waters of understanding and regulating cryptocurrencies, and how to differentiate trustworthy from untrustworthy companies in this rapidly evolving industry. Picture a world without phones, where technology is a living entity, shaping our identities and altering the way we perceive reality. Intriguing, right? We dive into this futuristic realm with Nadja, discussing the concept of humane AI and the potential of a future dominated by advanced technology. Furthermore, we delve into the intricacies of fundraising in Web3, exploring its unique characteristics and how it contrasts from traditional fundraising routes. The episode rounds off with an open conversation about the audience's crucial role in shaping the podcast's direction. We express genuine gratitude to our steadfast listeners and warmly invite fresh ears to join our burgeoning community. We also welcome potential guests from around the globe, promising engaging and enlightening conversations. Prepare for a thrilling journey as we unveil the exciting potential and challenges of Web3 and its dynamic interaction with AI and technology. Join us on this futuristic voyage! More about Nadja: Founder, Web3 investor, startup advisor, and marketing & Seasoned entrepreneur with a unique blend of marketing, investment, Co-founder of AdLunam Inc., the Web3 industry’s first Engage to Earn investment ecosystem with a Proof of Attention model. https://nadjabester.com

Ever wondered how software development teams manage multiple environments? We're joined by Sorin Dumitrescu, the visionary CTO and VP of Engineering for BunnyShell, who sheds light on this intricate subject. We dive into BunnyShell's innovative Environment-as-a-Service platform, a game-changer that simplifies the complexity gap between production and development environments. Sorin shares firsthand the challenges that arise and the undeniable advantages that a cloud-based solution brings to the table. This illuminating chat offers a look under the hood of software development and the pivotal role efficient environment management plays. Shifting gears, we uncover the magic of preview environments and their significant impact in software development. Prepare to have your misconceptions shattered as we expose the truth behind Kubernetes technology - it's a powerful facilitator in creating environments, but it's no replacement for preview environments. Sorin shares his grand vision for BunnyShell as an all-in-one resource for development teams, and we delve into the rising trend of cloud development environments. So, if you're looking to gain a deeper understanding of the world of software development and the future of environment management, tune in for an episode packed with valuable insights. More about Sorin and BunnyShell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sorin-dumitrescu