

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu
Mehmet Gonullu
Broadcasting from Dubai, The CTO Show with Mehmet explores the latest trends in technology, startups, and venture funding. Host Mehmet Gonullu leads insightful discussions with thought leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs from diverse industries. From emerging technologies to startup investment strategies, the show provides a balanced view on navigating the evolving landscape of business and tech, helping listeners understand their profound impact on our world.
mehmet@yassiventures.com
mehmet@yassiventures.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 13, 2023 • 31min
#254 Legal Strategies for Startups: Understanding Trademarks, Copyrights and AI with Karin Coger
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

Nov 9, 2023 • 59min
#253 Valmiki Mukherjee On Navigating Cyber Risks, The Impact of AI and the Role of CISOs
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

Nov 8, 2023 • 57min
#252 Exploring the Dark Side of the Internet: Phishing and Insider Threats With Tyler Ward
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

Nov 7, 2023 • 41min
#251 Rishab Chandra on Revolutionizing Task Management, SaaS Adoption and the Power of AI in SMEs
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

Nov 6, 2023 • 43min
#250 Staying Ahead in Tech with Bob Lamendola: Insights on People-Focused Security, AI, and Cloud Strategies
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

Nov 3, 2023 • 40min
#249 Unveiling the Future of Personalized Medicine with Real-World Data and AI: A Discussion with Nadia Lipunova
Does the traditional clinical trial process capture the full breadth of patient experiences? Put on your learning caps as we join forces with Nadia Lipunova, VP RWE at Holmusk. Nadia is an epidemiologist specializing in psychiatry, who takes us on a deep-dive into the transformative power of real-world data. With the advent of electronic health records, we now have access to evidence that paints a much more comprehensive picture of patients' experiences - crucial in this era of personalized medicine.
The episode takes a thrilling turn as we venture into the intersection of artificial intelligence and psychiatry. Nadia, with her wealth of knowledge, peels back the layers on the complexities of data collection in psychiatry. The absence of biomarkers, the need for careful de-identification of data, and the crucial role of data engineering in this intricate process - no stone is left unturned. Find out how these steps, from data gathering to management and analysis, can result in better outcomes for patients.
But it's not all smooth sailing. As we traverse the landscape of healthcare analytics, Nadia helps us understand challenges like data availability, accuracy, and differing governance frameworks. However, with challenges come opportunities. Discover how AI can streamline administrative tasks, aid decision-making, and even improve diagnostic accuracy. As we wrap up, Nadia underscores the importance of empathy and understanding among all stakeholders - clinicians, data scientists, and policymakers alike. So buckle up, for Nadia's insights into the future of data in healthcare is a journey you don't want to miss.
More about Nadia:
Experienced Real-World Evidence Specialist and Team Lead with a demonstrated history of working in the biotechnology industry. Skilled in Epidemiology, Real-World Data (registries, EHR, observational studies), data curation and standardizations, generating and applying Real-World Evidence to clinical problems in various stages of development, and stakeholder engagement.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-lipunova-516220128
https://www.holmusk.com

Nov 2, 2023 • 50min
#248 Revolutionizing the Call Center Industry with AI: A Conversation with Chris Barkhurst, CEO of BBCE
How do you revolutionize a traditional industry with AI? What if we told you that there's an AI product that can handle over 500,000 phone calls? You'll find the answers in our insightful conversation with Chris Barkhurst, CEO of BBCE and mastermind behind BarkyAI, the virtual call center agent that's disrupting the industry. Chris takes us on a fascinating journey, sharing how he leveraged AI to not only enhance business processes but also to create a solution for handling entry-level technical queries.
Onto the intriguing world of counterfeit proof systems, Chris uncovers how AI plays a pivotal role in combating counterfeits. He emphasizes the importance of continual learning and an unwavering 'I want to learn' mentality. Sprinkling in some invaluable insights into his hiring philosophy and how it's more about passion and ambition than experience, he takes us through his process of building a successful business.
As we delve deeper into the episode, Chris paints a fascinating picture of the future trends in AI and entrepreneurship. He warns against the rise of fake accounts created by bad actors using AI and shares his thoughts on how to counteract these threats. Chris also offers nuggets of wisdom for budding entrepreneurs - find your niche, be ready to face the challenges, and above all trust your instinct. He signs off with a sneak peek into his personal project, the Beaver and Otter Show, where he plans to explore hypothetical questions using AI characters. This conversation with Chris is a goldmine of information for anyone interested in the evolving world of AI.
More about Chris:
Chris Barkhurst stands as a paragon of innovation and leadership in the fields of Data and AI, boasting an illustrious career spanning over two decades. With a knack for technology and a visionary outlook, he has been a driving force in pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence and data analytics, contributing significantly to the advancements in these domains.
From a young age, Chris displayed an entrepreneurial spirit that set him apart. Demonstrating remarkable business acumen, he sold his first venture at the tender age of 19 while still navigating the halls of academia. This early success marked the beginning of a journey characterized by innovation, determination, and a passion for entrepreneurship.
Central to Chris’s leadership philosophy is his “employee-first” approach to business. He firmly believes that the backbone of any successful enterprise is its workforce. By fostering a nurturing and supportive environment, Chris ensures that his team feels valued and motivated, which in turn, drives productivity and innovation. This compassionate approach to leadership has earned him respect and loyalty from his colleagues and peers alike.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbarkhurst
http://www.barkyai.com

Nov 1, 2023 • 50min
#247 AI's Revolutionary Role in Farming and Philanthropy: A Talk with Mike De'Shazer
Unlock the potential of AI as we navigate its profound impact on sectors such as farming, food security and the future of work with the insightful Mike De'Shazer, the lead dev and executive director of Giving Desk. Prepare yourself to be amazed as Mike shares his riveting story of merging AI and farming, choosing Dubai as his startup’s base and how his unique product 'Flags' is revolutionizing document analysis. Discover how Giving Desk is redefining philanthropy by creating prosperity through AI, fostering a culture of mutual growth.
As we traverse the realm of AI’s implications on the job market, Mike enlightens us on the immediate and long-term effects it can have. Reflect with us on the transformation of 'job' definition and ponder upon the influence of capitalist systems and big tech companies in the AI space. We also touch upon Meta AI and its promising future. If you're seeking a fresh perspective on AI's role in the world of work, this discussion with Mike will not disappoint.
We conclude with profound deliberation on AI's power, diversity of thought, and the potential dangers it holds. Mike puts forth compelling examples of implementing AI solutions through platforms like Giving Desk to tackle unique challenges. He encourages breaking down biased "bubbles" and leveraging AI for innovative problem-solving approaches. We also speculate on the future of AI, its implications on human creativity, and employment. Get ready to embark on an enlightening journey into the world of AI with Mike De'Shazer, and grasp how AI, when harnessed correctly, can be a potent tool in addressing complex issues.
More about Mike and his startup:
Mike De'Shazer is the executive director at Giving Desk, an organization that uses AI to acquire and operate farms. Giving Desk is also the maker of GiveFlag, the premiere Enterprise AI tool for SMEs across sectors, from manufacturing to financial services. Mike holds an MBA in AI and has worked as a founder and software engineer for over 15 years. Mike is currently pursuing an LLM in international law by night, while working with dozens of Giving Desk team members around the world by day. Mike is passionate about building equitable technology frameworks and strong government policies for the future Sentient AI-Human partnerships to come.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikedeshazer
https://www.giveflag.com
#AI #FutureOfWork #ArtificialIntelligence

Oct 31, 2023 • 43min
#246 Revolutionizing Patient Care with AI: A Conversation with Michael Armstrong
Ever wonder how AI could revolutionize the healthcare customer experience? We've got Michael Armstrong, the CTO of Authenticx, joining us today to shed light on this fascinating intersection of tech and healthcare. Michael paints a compelling picture of using AI to analyze interactions from call centers to glean unique patient insights and address customer issues. He also explains why traditional surveys are falling short and how AI can fill that gap.
We take a deep dive into the Eddy effect model and the safety events model, discovering how these AI models are used to measure friction, NPS and identify adverse events. Michael emphasizes the importance of relevant data sets in creating these models and how Authenticx ensures they're using the most pertinent data. We also explore how these models apply to call center conversations to foster better customer and patient experiences.
Lastly, we delve into the future of AI, exploring the potential of AI in job replacement, answering customer queries, and revolutionizing customer experiences. We also discuss the importance of encryption, the effort that goes into redacting PHI, and how a single conversation can serve multiple purposes. Join us as we unravel the complexities of training AI algorithms and the challenges and opportunities that come with implementing AI. You don't want to miss this insightful episode!
More about Michael and Authenticx:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-armstrong-938a526
https://authenticx.com

Oct 25, 2023 • 1h 2min
#245 Cybersecurity: A Closer Look at Industry Shortcomings, Risk Mitigation, and Strategies for the Future With Richard Hollis
Our conversation with Risk Crew's seasoned cybersecurity expert, Richard Hollis, is likely to challenge everything you thought you knew about the industry. For over three decades, Richard has been at the forefront of cybersecurity, and today he's sharing his perspective on the industry's shortcomings, the efficacy of products and vendors, and the startling loss of 16 billion personal records over the past seven years. Richard's insights are a wakeup call for an industry-wide shift in approach towards cybersecurity.
Richard pulls no punches as he highlights the pitfalls of security products that merely treat symptoms rather than addressing root causes. He emphasizes the need for due diligence in verifying a vendor's security credentials before implementing their products. Our discussion illuminates the often glossed-over importance of user training and risk mitigation in cybersecurity. There's a deep dive into the disproportionate budget allocations in the industry, which often undermine the critical role of people and processes.
Finally, we tackle the topic of risk assessments - a crucial but frequently overlooked aspect of cybersecurity. Richard talks about the alarming lack of qualified professionals in the field, attributing it to inadequate investment in people skills over the years. We end on a contemplative note, discussing the complex landscape of cybersecurity threats, the need for offensive security strategies, and the role of AI and machine learning technologies. It's a conversation that brings to light the necessity of staying a step ahead of the threats for effective cybersecurity. Be sure to tune in for a conversation that will redefine your perspective on cybersecurity.
More about Richard:
Richard Hollis is the CEO for Risk Crew a London-based cyber security & testing consulting firm specialising in providing cyber risk management and security testing services. He possesses over 30 years of “hands on” skills and experience in designing, implementing, managing, testing, and auditing enterprise level information security programs.
Richard is a celebrated public speaker and seasoned information security awareness trainer. Richard has presented to hundreds of audiences across the world on a wide variety of information risk management topics and techniques. As a recognised industry authority, he has published numerous articles and white papers and appeared on national and international broadcast news shows as well as being cited in a wide range of press including the BBC, MSNBC, Radio 4 and the Financial Times, Time magazine and various others. He is also a regular contributor to industry publications such as Wired, SC, InfoSec and Security Penetration Testing magazines.
Richard brings a fresh, simple and product agnistic perspective on cyber security and the current threat landscape.
https://www.riskcrew.com


