The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

Prepare yourself for an enlightening conversation with our high-profile guest, Tarun, an impactful entrepreneur who brilliantly transitioned from the world of data science into the realm of entrepreneurship. Our chat is a deep-dive into Tarun's innovative logistics company, PartRunner. Discover the unique approach he took to differentiate his company from traditional players in the industry and the significance of persistence, agility and the need to pivot in entrepreneurship. We'll give you an inside look into the journey of a first-time founder, spotlighting the hurdles of understanding the broader aspects of running a business. Hear from Tarun about the intense pressures of pleasing investors, and the critical timing of raising capital. You'll also gain an understanding of the future trends of the logistics industry and how the concept of independent contractors is making waves in various sectors, with a specific focus on the challenges and opportunities in the last mile delivery industry of Latin America. In a heartening finale, we convey our gratitude to our loyal listeners. We encourage those with an extraordinary journey to come forward and share their experiences with us. Hear from Tarun about his plans for the future, and his invaluable tips for those venturing into the world of entrepreneurship, product management, and technology. Don't miss out on this episode loaded with entrepreneurial wisdom, personal experiences, and future industry trends. More about Tarun: Co-Founder & CPTO at PartRunner. They are disrupting last mile logistics in Big & Bulky. They have operations in US & MX. PartRunner was founded in 2018 from an Northeastern University incubator program Tarun also advises new startups on how to achieve product-market fit and avoid some mistakes early-stage companies tend to do. https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarun-aleti https://www.partrunner.com

Join me in a fascinating conversation with Dan Hafner, the innovative mind behind Dapper Mobile Apps, as we uncover the power of no-code and low-code mobile app solutions. Dan's journey from a hobbyist to a full-time freelancer and ultimately the founder of his agency serves as an inspiration for anyone looking to make their mark in the digital space. We also talk about how no-code solutions have the potential to bring ideas to life without a large amount of capital or coding skills, making it an ideal solution for entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses. Listen in as we get down to the nitty-gritty of choosing the right app platform for your business idea. With a wealth of experience in the field, Dan provides invaluable insight into deciding if a mobile or responsive app is the right fit for your business. He also highlights the underrated marketing channel of having an app on the App Store and Google Play, and how this can provide a significant boost to your business's visibility and reach. Lastly, we explore the future of mobile app development and discuss the emerging trends in no-code and low-code solutions. We touch upon the potential of progressive web apps, the increasing popularity of value-specific platforms, and the possibility of Apple and Google introducing a revenue-sharing model. Don't miss out on our discussion about the efficacy of QR codes for businesses and the versatility they offer, especially in physical events or campaigns. Tune in to learn more about how these technologies can revolutionize the way you do business! More about Dan: Dan started out building apps with zero ability to write a single line of code, yet somehow figured out how to build an entire app development business! He works with high-level coaches, content creators and entrepreneurs to put their idea into a tangible, sleek and scalable app model. https://dappermobileapps.com

Join us in this intriguing discussion with Philippe Hummau, CEO and co-founder of CrowdSec, as we navigate the shifting sands of the cybersecurity landscape. Philippe lends his expert insight into how cybersecurity threats have tripled over the past decade and how the ongoing digital warfare between nation-states is shaping our online lives. We explore the pressing challenges businesses face, from DDoS attacks to the loss of private data, and the implications these threats have on potential IPOs and revenue streams. Philippe also sheds light on the advantages and potential pitfalls of open source security platforms, highlighting transparency as a key benefit. Listen in as we delve into the nitty-gritty of zero-day attacks and how CrowdSec's Multiplayer Firewall provides a proactive approach to combat these threats. Philippe discusses the importance of blocking threats before they reach their destination, a marked departure from the traditional reactive approach that only identifies threats post occurrence. We also explore CrowdSec's Network Effect, a dynamic system capable of identifying and blocking threats within minutes. Finally, we shift gears to discuss the rise of cybercrime actors and the difficulties they face in obtaining IP addresses. Philippe underscores the importance of preventive action and shares best practices for protecting against IP hijacking attacks. We also ponder over the potential of AI-powered cyberattacks and their implications for companies and governments. Tune in as Philippe shares his experiences of building a cybersecurity startup and the repercussions for the industry. This episode is packed with insights, don't miss out! More About Philippe: Philippe is the Founder of CrowdSec, an open-source multiplayer firewall that is able to analyze visitor behavior & provide an adapted response to all kinds of attacks. It leverages crowd power to generate a global IP reputation database to protect the user network. As of today, users come from 110+ countries, approximately block 700,000+ malevolent IPs by quarter and in December 2020, the company also raised $5M in funding! Phillipe has also received an MBA in Computer Sciences from EPITA, as well as created 5 start-ups and seeded 10 of them. https://www.crowdsec.net https://www.linkedin.com/in/philippehumeau

Ever thought about AI as a brand new kind of material? How about the idea of a "prompt engineer," a profession birthed by the ever-evolving AI technology? In our enlightening conversation with Artem Koren, co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Sembly AI, we unpack such thought-provoking concepts, and more. Artem offers a revolutionary perspective on AI, articulating its potential to create unprecedented experiences like ChatGPT and reshape job markets. He presents a compelling argument for the power of AI, not just in driving productivity, but also in opening doors for those traditionally not associated with STEM fields. Get ready to redefine how you perceive organizations! This episode peels back the layers of how AI breathes life into organizations, creating a level of strategic alignment that was previously unheard of. Artem shares his take on how AI can provide companies with near real-time insights into their activities, conversations, statuses, and resources. We also delve into Artem's personal journey of transitioning from a consulting firm to a startup, highlighting the stark contrasts and unexpected parallels between the two worlds. But that's not all! We cap off our riveting discussion with Artem by exploring the labyrinth of fundraising for startups. While venture capitalists may be the first port of call, Artem advocates for alternative avenues like public raise platforms and investment offices. Tune in to hear about the criteria that professional investors use, and the impact it has on startups that may not fit the conventional mold. If you're curious about the ways angel investors, public markets, government investors, and auxiliary benefit investors can contribute to a startup's capital raise, you won't want to miss this episode. More about Artem and Sembly AI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akoren https://www.sembly.ai

Ever thought about the untapped talent inside big corporations? Imagine the innovation that could be unlocked if employees were empowered to pursue compelling ideas without needing explicit permission or resources. Enter the Corporate Rebel Model, a fascinating concept that we explore in this insightful episode with Silicon Valley veteran, Jim Verquist. Jim, having led successful transformations at startups and big corporations alike, shares his unique perspective on the culture shock of transitioning from small startups to large corporations. He introduces us to the Corporate Rebel Model, which encourages employees to address challenging problems and opportunities within the company. He highlights how this model has been successful in fostering innovation and agility in large companies without disrupting their core. Together, we examine the crucial role of the CEO, the corporate rebels, and the middle-ground that understands and supports the rebels' ideas. The episode concludes with an engaging discussion on growth strategies for large corporations using the McKinsey three horizons of growth framework. Here, Jim offers his insights on how the Corporate Rebel Model provides a superior approach to this framework. Are you ready to discover the power of innovation in corporations? Join us as we get the inside scoop from Jim on how this model changes the dynamics of innovation and can be applied to companies of any size. This episode is a must-listen for those eager to understand and tap into the full potential of corporations. More about Jim: Jim Verquist did 3 Silicon Valley startups. Then he got an MBA and went to work for big companies. He led a turnaround at Millennium, and Fast Strategy transformation at Best Doctors. Now he's launching an innovation firm. Engine2 Innovation. For businesses that need a second growth engine. https://engine2.us https://www.linkedin.com/in/verquist

Get ready to unlock the knowledge of intellectual property law that could safeguard your brand or startup, with our guest expert, Karin Coger. Karin's insights into the world of trademarks and copyrights not only unveil their critical differences but also stress their importance in protecting your unique venture. She'll guide you on when and how to file for a trademark, and share the best strategies for monitoring it. For companies intrigued by the potential of their source code, Karin also unravels the process of filing for copyright protection, ensuring your innovation stays rightfully yours. Brace yourself as we traverse the uncharted territory of AI and copyright law, in conversation with Karin. Dissecting a recent court case, Karin's expertise allows us to ponder on unique possibilities of authorship and AI, and their implications in the ever-evolving legal landscape. From her journey as a public defender and hustler to becoming an intellectual property law specialist, Karin's experiences offer unique perspectives to aspiring legal minds and business owners alike. For those of you keen on AI or running an AI-based company, this conversation is a goldmine of information about potential copyright lawsuits and how to navigate them. Join us and Karin Coger as we explore these thrilling legal dimensions and so much more! More about Karin: With over 20 years of legal experience, Karin Y. Coger is a passionate and versatile NIL strategist and trademark attorney who helps student-athletes pursue NIL deals and educates students and universities on the emerging NIL landscape. She is also the founder of NIL Prime Management, a premier management company for college and professional athletes, where she leverages her Athlete Marketing Essentials: NIL certification to locate, negotiate, and manage NIL and influencer contracts for her clients. Karin is also the principal and founder of Coger Law Firm, LLC, a virtual legal counsel service that specializes in representing entrepreneurs, businesses, creatives, e-commerce, and Amazon sellers in trademark and copyright registration, enforcement, and defense. She has successfully tried multiple cases to verdict involving various intellectual property and personal injury claims, and has appeared in the New Jersey State Courts and the United States District Court, District of New Jersey. Karin holds the NJ and NY Bar licenses and is certified as an Arbitrator for the State of New Jersey in the area of civil law. https://www.linkedin.com/in/karincoger https://www.cogerlawfirm.com

Welcoming Valmiki Mukherjee, the cybersecurity maestro to the show! As Accolite's Chief Information Security Officer and the visionary founder of Cyber Future Foundation, Valmiki's two decades in the industry are a treasure trove of wisdom that he freely shares. Our conversation travels through his professional journey, conveying the multifaceted role of a CISO, the criticality of communication skills, and the rising prominence of this position in the tech world. Strap in as we navigate the intricate realm of vendor security in cyber risk. Valmiki presents an illuminating perspective on the complex security challenges of technology vendors and the urgent issue of vendor consolidation. Our dialogue goes beyond, discussing risk management, the significance of cyber insurance, and the challenges in quantifying risk. We throw light on how cyber insurance can serve as a financial safety net for organizations, shielding them from the havoc a cyber attack could wreak. Finally, we step into the ever-evolving world of cloud security and responsible AI. Valmiki brilliantly dissects the concept of shared responsibility in cloud security and the impact of AI on risk management and cybersecurity. He passionately advocates for responsible and secure AI, pointing to the efforts of the Cyber Future Foundation’s SAFE project in this field. Offering pearls of wisdom for budding cybersecurity professionals and startup founders, Valmiki's insights on AI's potential to automate manual work and lower cyber threats are not to be missed. Tune in to this enlightening episode and embark on a fascinating journey through cybersecurity's many dimensions. More about Valmiki: Valmiki is a preeminent and globally renowned Risk and Cyber Security executive leader with a distinguished career in developing, building, and leading the cybersecurity transformation journey for many businesses, public agencies, nations, and their civil societies around the world.Valmiki in his career as a cybersecurity professional and multifaceted leader has built global platforms for leadership and leveraged it to make a meaningful impact in collaboration with executive leaders from different domains to build and deliver comprehensive and outcome-oriented programs. He has supported his holistic cybersecurity thinking into action by sponsoring projects, programs, and initiatives both at his day job at EY as well as his nonprofit Cyber Future Foundation. Valmiki is a proven leader and visionary with exceptional ability to build long-term relationships with industry across sectors, and internal stakeholders by establishing a high level of confidence, credibility and trust in advising and implementing solutions. In the industry and cyber security community, Valmiki has established himself to be an impactful business leader and market builder, with a keen understanding of business priorities and economic impacts. He has demonstrated expertise in rapidly enabling organizations with key strategy, policy, and technology risk management solutions.Valmiki is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified on Risk in Information Security Control (CRISC) https://www.linkedin.com/in/valmikim https://www.cyfrontier.com https://cyberfuturefoundation.org

Ever been duped by a phishing email or know someone who has? You're not alone. Our guest, Tyler Ward, a 17-year veteran in the cybersecurity realm, shares his own encounter with cybercrime and how it set him on a path to combatting it. Together, we dissect the reasons why phishing attacks prevail, despite our best efforts and technologies designed to keep them at bay. Tyler sheds light on the psychology behind clicking on those dangerous links and how our trust in others can lead us astray. Do you trust your colleagues? Most of us do. But what if those within your organization pose a threat? We venture into the murky waters of insider threats and corporate espionage, unveiling how even those inside our protective walls can become the perpetrators. Tyler offers a unique perspective on striking a careful balance between trust and vigilance, providing invaluable advice on spotting potential threats before they wreak havoc. Our journey doesn't stop there. We tackle the topic of ransomware attacks, the role of AI in cybercrime, and the unique hurdles that startups and small businesses face when it comes to cybersecurity. Tyler illustrates how cryptocurrency and AI are two sides of the same coin, aiding attackers and defenders alike. We wrap up our enlightening conversation by touching on the importance of cyber liability policies and how they can help mitigate the impact of a cyber attack. Whether you're a business owner, a cybersecurity enthusiast, or simply an internet user, this episode is your guide through the labyrinth of cybersecurity. Join us and arm yourself with knowledge against the invisible enemy. More about Tyler: Ty Ward is a published author and seasoned cybersecurity professional with over 15 years of experience in the field. Ty is a former U.S. Air Force and also a former U.S. Intelligence Agency member. He has responded to hundreds of real-world data breaches and cyber-attacks, performed hundreds of penetration tests against organizations, and has served as a chief information security officer for a multitude of companies both nationally and internationally. He holds multiple university degrees and a long list of professional certifications, including the CISSP, GCIH, and others. Ty is also the Founder of the NightLight Foundation: an anti-child exploitation and trafficking not-for-profit organization. https://www.csgcyber.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerward1

Join me as I sit down with an innovator in the tech industry, Rishab Chandra, CTO and co-founder of Task Tracker Suite. Rishab gives us an inside look at the birth, growth, and evolution of his company, a beacon of productivity enhancement for SMEs. He shares the humble beginnings of Task Tracker Suite, starting with an MVP as simple as a form and an email reminder, now serving over 7,000 businesses globally in a short span of two years. Technology's role in the evolution of business practices is a central talking point of our conversation. Rishab provides insights into the transition of businesses towards hybrid working models, a move made possible by advances in technology. He underscores the need for affordable and user-friendly tools, and the potential to integrate popular platforms such as WhatsApp into business operations. We delve into SaaS adoption and the benefits of subscription-based models, an increasingly popular choice for businesses worldwide. As we round up our conversation, we explore the transformative power of AI in SME task management and workflows. Rishab enlightens us on how AI-driven tools are empowering small businesses, enabling task automation and providing in-depth customer insights. We discuss the advantages of bootstrapping versus seeking venture capital funding and the importance of entrepreneurs' conviction in their vision. Tune in for an insightful discussion that will leave you thinking about the future of technology in business. More about Richab: A highly qualified and experienced professional in the field of SaaS product development, digital marketing, and business consulting, Rishab holds a BSc. from Iowa State University and an MBA from The University of Massachusetts, and he is Google-certified in Digital Marketing. As a co-founder of TaskTracker Pvt. Ltd. and Script Technology, Rishab has extensive experience in building SaaS products for various sectors. He is known for his emphasis on using simple technology to compete and add value to businesses. Rishab's expertise in SaaS product development and digital marketing has made him a sought-after mentor and speaker. He has been part of several discussion panels where he has shared his knowledge and insights on these topics. In addition, Rishab is an active participant in national and international start-up weekends, where he helps budding entrepreneurs develop their ideas and turn them into successful businesses. He also consults and conducts seminars for leading organizations on last-mile connectivity & digitization, including The Friedrich Naumann Foundation (South Asia), QED (Bhutan), and the Digital Empowerment Foundation (India). Overall, Rishab is an accomplished professional with international SaaS expertise, and his contributions to the fields of digital marketing, SaaS product development, and business consulting are highly valued by organizations and individuals alike. https://www.linkedin.com/in/rishab-chandra https://www.tasktracker.io

Ever wondered why people are often considered the weakest link in cybersecurity? This enlightening conversation with Bob Lamendola, Senior Vice President of Technology for Ricoh North America, sheds light on this, highlighting the crucial role of continuous education on security sensitivities and the rising influence of AI in revolutionizing our approach to cybersecurity. We journey through the labyrinth of cloud security strategies, emphasizing the importance of updating procurement processes, navigating hybrid work, and the nuances of identity management. Lamendola shares his deep-seated expertise on these subjects, underlining the significance of rigorous defense methodologies, regular testing of incident response processes, and fostering cross-departmental involvement in table-top exercises. Critical insights are shared on the responsibility organizations bear to secure data even amidst cloud services. We also delve into the vulnerabilities within dealers and targeted departments, and the pressing need for dealers and manufacturers to collaborate towards securing edge devices. The episode talks about how cyber attackers exploit human nature for launching phishing attacks and emphasizes the need to stay vigilant. As we explore how AI is changing the game in predicting and responding to threats and uncovering new revenue streams, Lamendola shares fascinating insights on how AI and data capture can foster innovation around customer requirements. This is a conversation you wouldn't want to miss if you're keen on staying ahead of the curve in cybersecurity. More about Bob: Responsible for creating a clear strategy and identity for Ricoh’s Digital Services portfolio, unifying Service development and innovation to enable efficiency and agility, and aligning and prioritizing resources with a customer centric focus. Prior to this role, served as Vice President, Infrastructure & Engineering Services, leading the evolution and optimal utilization of our Services Delivery infrastructure, technology, processes, systems, and solutions. Additionally, Infrastructure and Engineering Services focused on providing technology leadership and escalation support across Ricoh’s Services portfolio, including IT Services and Service Delivery Innovations, to maximize customer value. Led all aspects of Ricoh's IT Services infrastructure – from engineering and design to the daily operations of those environments. With Ricoh for more than 15 years, held numerous leadership roles within the IT Services organization including management of the Managed Hosting, Application Development, and ITS Infrastructure and Support teams. Over 30 years of experience driving Information Technology initiatives to success by pursuing business alignment and strategically maximizing the value of technology resources. Previously, served as the Vice President, Information Technology, at an international semiconductor manufacturer. Holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer and Information Science from Bloomsburg University. https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-lamendola-6542b95