The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

Want to turbocharge your business by enhancing the digital employee experience? We promise you'll acquire the keys to this powerful strategy in our enlightening conversation with Mark Banfield, CEO of 1E. Mark delves into how technology can monitor and improve the employee experience and how it can reduce digital friction while significantly increasing productivity. With real-life examples, he illustrates the dramatic improvements businesses have achieved by enhancing their employees' digital landscapes - think reduced production line downtime and a big boost in customer service. Imagine a world where your IT operations team is equipped to provide an excellent digital employee experience. Can you see it? With the right technology and operational tools, it's a reality. Today, we're exploring that vision, with Mark shining a light on the importance of these tools, especially in the context of a hybrid or remote work model. Mark also highlights how 1e uses specific metrics to measure the digital experience score of employees and the pivotal role automation plays in improving this score. Ever wondered how automation can streamline your support desk operations and yield a significant return on investment? We've got the answers. Mark shares intriguing insights into how remote control, knowledge-based articles, and automation can ensure device compliance and VPN accessibility. He also explores the future of digital employee experience and shares his vision - a world where employees never have to worry about IT issues, and IT becomes a strategic enabler of the organization. Ready for an IT revolution? Then, you don't want to miss this discussion. More about Mark: Mark Banfield is a seasoned software industry executive with 20 years experience building and running high performance global teams. Mark’s foundation is being relentlessly focused on world class customer experience and building collaborative high energy teams. Prior to joining 1E Mark was Chief Revenue Officer at LogicMonitor responsible for leading go to market strategy and operations globally. Mark worked for Autotask (acquired by Datto) where he was SVP and General Manager for International responsible for leading all aspects of the business. Mark started his career as a sales executive always in the Enterprise software space. https://www.1e.com

Join me as we venture into the world of entrepreneurship with our guest, Uzair Ahmed, whose tale of transforming a mobile mechanic business into a scalable venture using technology and automation is as captivating as it is instructive. We ruminate over the often misunderstood nature of automation and its role in customer-centricity, debunking the myth that it necessarily equates to impersonal service. The conversation further unravels the role of outsourcing as a leverage in business growth, a dimension worth exploring for every entrepreneur. The discourse takes an intriguing turn as we ponder the implications of AI in business automation, debating its potential and drawbacks in various aspects of business, including customer service and marketing campaigns. Uzair brings his unique perspective on this, weighing in on how to balance automation and human involvement, making for a lively, thought-provoking exchange. You won't want to miss his insights into the use of blockchain and cryptocurrencies in the home service sector, opening up a whole new discussion about the future of business automation. Wrapping up, Uzair delves into the essential role of sales in entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of focusing on sales in the early stages of building a business. He shares his wisdom on raising capital and the concept of 'status selling,' a potent tool leveraged by successful salespeople. We invite listeners interested in sharing their stories to join us on our platform, reinforcing our commitment to continually improving our show with your feedback. Tune in for this enlightening episode and join us on this journey of learning and growth. Uzair Ahmed is a Solutions Consultant at Cottonwood Automation, a home-service business process automation, and outsourcing firm. Previously, Uzair founded InstaMek, an on-demand mechanics service that he successfully scaled and led to a multi-million-dollar venture investment. Uzair has a unique perspective on how automation can drive growth while maintaining the human touch. With over ten years of experience in sales, operations, and technology, he has a proven track record of building and scaling delivering results of raising seven-figure funding and multi-million business. https://www.cottonwoodautomation.com https://twitter.com/uzairtruball https://www.linkedin.com/in/uzairahmed2

Join us as we delve into the mind of the tech-savvy entrepreneur, Parker Harris, in a conversation that uncovers the essence of entrepreneurship, the significance of networking, and the potential in building supportive communities. Parker's insights into the entrepreneurial journey are as enlightening as they are empowering, offering a fresh perspective on carving your own path amid the cacophony of the world. Drawing on ancient wisdom, the conversation navigates the journey from folly to wisdom, emphasizing the importance of self-trust and internal guidance. The discussion takes an interesting turn as we delve into the realm of mindful habits, particularly around technology. Listen in as Parker and I expound on the concept of deep work, discussing how reducing distractions can not only boost productivity but also aid in self-discovery. We also touch upon the need for educational reform and the transformative power that lies within uncomfortable conversations. To round off this insightful episode, we open the lines to feedback and appreciation. This segment underlines the value of being open to new ideas and ready to step outside your comfort zone. The conversation underscores the importance of adaptability and an open mind. Join us for an engaging discussion about networking, walking your own path, and the immense power of deep work. About Parker: Parker started his career landing his dream job working for a Fortune 100 technology company doing operations and strategy. After getting to know the executives there, he asked the advice they gave their children he realized he must choose a different path. He started a mastermind modeled after Benjamin Franklin that overtime became his business and mission. Today he leads Junto Global which has served thousands of entrepreneurs to connect with like-minded peers and build the relationships, health, and business they deeply desire. https://junto.global https://www.linkedin.com/in/parkerharris

Joining me on this episode is the inimitable Luis Baez, a revenue enablement maestro, who has weaved his magic in tech behemoths like LinkedIn, Google, Uber, and Tesla, boasting an impressive revenue impact surpassing 600 million. Luis offers a treasure trove of wisdom on the transformation and leadership in tech sales, sharing his tried-and-true strategies for multiplying revenues and amplifying success within a team. He underscores the power of equipping your team with the right tools, training, and coaching, and how this trifecta of strong leadership, constituted of IQ, EQ, and cultural intelligence, can surmount the towering challenges of leadership. As we voyage through the complex terrain of the sales landscape, Luis illuminates the key to understanding customer needs - the art of active listening. He unboxes valuable strategies for founders to polish their leadership skills and foster a culture ripe for the implementation of these methodologies. As we peek into the realm of the futuristic, we discuss the transformative potential of AI in sales and personalization. The opportunity of exploiting AI tools to create content, generate savvy questions for quizzes, and surface calls with specific behaviours is indeed vast and revolutionary. Make sure you don't miss out on this insightful conversation with Luis, as he lays bare the mechanics of tech sales, leadership, and AI in sales and personalization. More About Luis: Luis Báez is a Bronx-raised, proud, gay Puerto Rican-American and former Silicon Valley C-Suite professional dedicated to serving online business owners including consultants, coaches, B2B startups and SaaS companies. With over 14 years of experience in Sales & Marketing, Luis brings a breadth of knowledge and experience that spans across digital advertising, software-as-a-service, and sustainability — with a revenue impact of over $600 Million to date. Today Luis is Global Director of Revenue Enablement at Deputy, not to mention a published author through the internationally-recognized Madecraft organization. Recently, Luis was named an official Linkedin Instructor averaging 1.2K learners a day! https://www.luisbaez.com https://learnfromluis.com

In this episode, Raju Malhotra, Chief Product and Technology Officer at PAR, shares his tech journey from Microsoft to smaller startups. They discuss the impact of automation, robotics, and AI in the food industry. Raju emphasizes the importance of zero-party data and the power of AI in customizing offers for guests. They also explore the roles of product managers and engineers, the risks of developing on top of other platforms, and valuable lessons for entrepreneurs.

Ever wondered what it takes to build a tech startup from a simple need? Allow me to introduce Max Gutsche, the co-founder of UniFire.AI, who did just that! His journey through the tech landscape, peppered with challenges and rich with insights, is a captivating tale. Max's personal need to efficiently repurpose content was the spark that ignited the creation of UniFire. Listen in as Max candidly discusses the obstacles he faced during the launch, from misunderstandings about the product to AI-related hurdles. It's a brave new world out there, with AI making giant strides in transforming SaaS businesses. Max offers valuable insights into how AI providers are now pulling ahead in the game with advanced features, making plugins look like yesterday's news. However, it's not all about staying ahead; Max sheds light on the importance of creating unique use cases rather than merely replicating existing ones, and the potential of a consolidated SAS tools market. This conversation takes a detailed look at building sustainable AI businesses, a must-listen for any founder in the tech industry. Now, let's get imaginative! Max and I delve into the potential of large language models, APIs, and autonomous agents to break new ground with emerging technologies. We envision a future where LLMs could be used to create a virtual reality mock trial for lawyers - exciting, right? We also muse over the promise of frameworks like GPT-3 for crafting unique applications, the future of AI in developer assistance, and the crucial role of humans in content creation. As we wrap up, we invite you, our listeners, to share your thoughts, ideas, or any interesting projects you're working on. Tune in, be inspired, and let's learn together! About Max in his own words: I've built, failed and iterated over 9 products before making Unifire.ai work. My co-founder and I tried all kinds of business models and technologies from AI to crypto. This gives me a deep understanding of what potentially works and what doesn't. I oppose the bullshit corporate speech and hype cycles, that praise the next big thing. Think Metaverse, NFTs or drone highways. https://www.unifire.ai https://www.linkedin.com/in/maximiliangu

Can AI revolutionize the advertising industry? We're sitting down with Ian Liddicoat, CTO and Head of Data Science at Adludio, to discuss the role AI plays in advertising technology. Ian's expertise shines a light on the complex interplay between businesses and consumers, where AI optimizes real-time bids and uses computer vision and neural nets to curate the perfect blend of creative elements for specific audiences. Navigating the rapidly changing Ad Tech landscape can be a challenging endeavor. But Ian deftly guides us through these tumultuous waters, from the struggle of keeping pace with big tech firms to the opportunities AI presents in generating ad text, images, and videos. We also tackle the sensitive topic of data usage and privacy in the Ad Tech space, underscoring the urgent need for transparency in the industry. We end this enlightening conversation with Ian sharing valuable advice for tech startups and individuals venturing into the Ad Tech space. We discuss the potential of computer vision algorithms in creating innovative concepts for campaigns and the implications of neural networks driving this advancement. Don't miss the insightful tips and wisdom from a seasoned expert in the field. As we bid farewell to Ian, we extend our gratitude to you, our listeners, for joining us in exploring the exciting world of AI in advertising. More about Ian: Ian Liddicoat is the CTO of Adludio, a company using AI to create high-engagement campaigns for brands at a time when access to first-party data is shrinking. A former Publicis exec, Ian is an expert in the issues surrounding AI in the ad industry, specifically around transparency, creativity, and the benefits of computer vision.

Step into the tech-verse with us as we welcome Dr. Mohamed Zaki, a distinguished academic from the University of Cambridge, to our podcast universe. Dr. Mohamed, a trailblazer in the world of machine learning and customer experience, escorts us on a fascinating voyage into the heart of digital transformation. How can machine learning finesse our approach to customer experience? We navigate through this intriguing question, unearthing the invaluable role of machine learning in integrating digital and physical channels, managing customer experiences and segmenting valuable customer clusters. As we journey forward, we uncover the essentials of building a customer-experience-centric organization. We underline the necessity of a paradigm shift from selling mere products to selling experiences. We delve into the significance of measuring performance, emotional attachment, purchase behavior, and more. The future is digital, and we discuss how digital maturity is integral to crafting seamless customer experiences. Our conversation also gravitates towards the hurdles that come with the rapidly evolving landscape of technology. Dr. Mohamed shares his insightful perspective on the importance of merging physical, digital, and social elements for a holistic and delightful customer experience. We also broach the subject of data security and startup ethics, emphasizing the importance of stringent data security and compliance protocols in building trust with customers. So lend us your ears for this enlightening exchange that promises to blend technology, customer experience, and invaluable wisdom. About Dr. Mohamed: Dr Mohamed Zaki is the Deputy Director of the Cambridge Service Alliance at the University of Cambridge, A research centre that brings together the world’s leading firms and academics to address service challenges.Mohamed’s research interests lie in the field of machine learning and its application on Digital Manufacturing and services. He uses an interdisciplinary approach of data science techniques to address a range of real organizations’ problems such as measuring and managing customer experience and customer loyalty. Other research interests include digital service transformation strategy and data-driven business models. https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamed-zaki-66539920

What if we told you that data could revolutionize healthcare, and in particular, the fight against cancer? You can discover the power of data in our enlightening conversation with Catherine Miller, CTO of Flatiron Health, a seasoned tech expert who transitioned into the healthcare sector. We dive into the profound impact of data analytics and how it can extend lives, inspire drug development, and provide a comprehensive understanding of treatment effects across diverse populations. The second part of our discussion takes us into the captivating world of AI and machine learning within healthcare. Catherine elucidates how these technologies can decode the vast amounts of unstructured data from electronic health records and aids in extracting critical patient information. She also voices her concerns about the potential risks of AI, underlining the importance of multiple checks on AI models to ensure patient safety. Together, we dissect the pressing issue of data security, a necessity in our current digital age. Lastly, we grapple with the persistent challenges of efficiency and innovation in healthcare. Catherine offers a wealth of insights into the hurdles faced by clinical trials, including cost implications, time consumption, and potential errors. We also broach the subject of the complex relationship between pharmaceutical companies and health tech companies like Flatiron Health. If you're an entrepreneur trying to break into the healthcare sector, Catherine's practical advice and advocacy for a health equity prioritization lens when building models are indispensable. So, join us on this stimulating journey into the future of health tech. About Catherine: Cat Miller is no ordinary CTO. She's been instrumental in transforming the infrastructure of cancer care by harnessing the power of real-world data and incorporating AI into health data analytics. Despite initial skepticism about AI's potential in healthcare, she has led the successful integration of AI into Flatiron's operations, driving forward efficiency and quality of data extraction. Cat predicts a future where 95% of Flatiron's data could be extracted through AI models, a vision aligned with Flatiron's mission to redefine the boundaries of health data analytics. Cat is also an advocate for the responsible use of AI. As generative AI becomes more widely available and used across the health care landscape, it’s critical that there are standards in place that define high quality data in order to ensure the relevance and reliability of AI’s findings. https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherine-miller-0177142

Step into the exciting world of cybersecurity with our latest guest, Jason Mar-Tang, a seasoned Sales Engineer leader who's been in the tech industry for over 20 years. This episode promises a deep understanding of the attackers' mindset, their varied motivations, and the importance of identity security. Remember, no one is immune from cyber attacks, and your online identity can be a goldmine for attackers. Pondering how to prioritize cybersecurity investments amongst countless tools and technologies? This podcast brings clarity to your rescue. With Jason, we dissect the various challenges encountered by security professionals and draw parallels between cybersecurity risks and other risk incidents. Expect to gain insights on how to be proactive rather than reactive in the face of potential cyber threats. But we don't just stop at cybersecurity. We transition to the multifaceted role of Sales Engineers, likening them to startup founders. Embrace our journey as we reveal the significance of technical acumen, problem-solving skills, and identifying pain points. We also shed light on the importance of soft skills and adaptability in a client-facing role. As we explore career paths and automation in SE, remember, the choice of becoming an SE is as unique as you are. Finally, we round off the episode by extending an invitation for guest opportunities and expressing our gratitude for your invaluable feedback. Listen in, and join us on this enlightening journey. More about Jason: Jason is a 17 year veteran of Information Technology who has been helping organizations of different industry verticals all over the United States. He also has 12 years experience in sales and recently stepped into leadership as well. In his spare time, Jay is extremely passionate about health, fitness, and nutrition. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-mar-tang-cissp-ccsp-50943122