

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

Oct 24, 2023 • 51min
#244 From Stress Management to Nutrition: A Comprehensive Health Guide for Tech Professionals & Startup Founders With Christian Yordanov
Prepare to redefine your approach to health as a tech professional or startup founder. We promise you an enlightening conversation with Christian Yordanov, a certified functional diagnostic nutrition practitioner, who highlights the health challenges often ignored in the tech world. Christian's expertise uncovers the hazards of sitting for extended periods, overworking, and the effects of blue light on our body's natural rhythm. Be prepared to reassess your dietary habits as we explore how trending low carb diets can negatively impact our cognitive abilities, leading to the dreaded brain fog.
In our quest to equip tech professionals with effective strategies to combat stress, we dive into an engaging discussion about stress management and sleep hygiene with Christian. We explore a host of practical strategies to alleviate common tech stressors and get insights into recommended supplements for physiological stress reduction. The conversation takes an interesting turn as Christian shares tips on improving sleep quality without supplements.
For those seeking to enhance cognitive performance, we've got you covered. In the final segment, Christian examines the impact of nutrition on brain function. The discussion delves into how the right foods and supplements can fuel your body for optimal mental performance. This episode is not just about identifying the health issues in the tech world, but offering concrete and practical solutions. Join us for this enlightening episode filled with insights and tips on maintaining your health while thriving in the tech industry.
More about Christian:
Christian Yordanov is a Certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and author of the book Autism Wellbeing Plan: How to Get Your Child Healthy, which is a comprehensive resource for parents to understand the most common health problems that autistic children suffer from and how to address them.
The scope of his health research covers many areas including autism and children’s health, pregnancy preparation and recovery, and optimizing health and longevity.

Oct 23, 2023 • 56min
#243 The Art of Writing to Influence and Engage For For Tech Executives and Founders : A Conversation with Joshua Lisec
Ever thought about the sheer power of persuasive writing and its potential to inspire action? Well, wonder no more! We had the pleasure of sitting down with Joshua Lisec, a seasoned ghostwriter who has spun linguistic magic into over 80 books across his remarkable 12-year career. Joshua shared some invaluable gems about the art of persuasion, warning against manipulative language and discussing the pitfalls of 'anti-persuasive' writing.
Tune in and glean some wisdom from his techniques for compelling communication. Joshua explains how context can make or break a request, and underscores the often underestimated 97% sector of the market that can be harnessed for improved marketing and sales. But that's not all! We also delve into the intriguing world of beliefs in persuasion, exploring how to craft content that engages readers and guides them along the belief-chain to your intended conclusion.
And for all you tech-enthusiasts, we couldn't let Joshua go without a deep-dive into the impact of AI on ghostwriting. A game-changer, AI has the potential to replace 99% of ghostwriters, enabling a fast, cost-effective transition of executive ideas into polished text. Joshua also shares a surprising trick on the strategic use of adverbs to outsmart AI and achieve superior results. Don't miss out on this enlightening chat with Joshua Lisec - it's a masterclass in persuasive writing and a window into the evolving tech space.
More about Joshua:
Joshua Lisec is the Internet’s favorite ghostwriter. His work has gained widespread recognition, from TED to TMZ to Twitter Trends, establishing his reputation for always finding “the best way to say it.”
Joshua is a Wall Street Journal bestselling ghostwriter and the #1 Amazon bestselling author of So Good They Call You a Fake. He earns more than $1 million ghostwriting per year.
Johshua has ghostwritten more than 80 nonfiction books for celebrities, executives, entrepreneurs, and for experts asserting authority in their industries for the first time.
Joshua is the only Certified Professional Ghostwriter (California State University Long Beach) and Certified Hypnotist (National Guild of Hypnotists) in the world, and more than 2,800 people have taken his persuasive writing courses.
Learn more about Joshua's company at www.LisecGhostwriting.com

Oct 20, 2023 • 44min
#242 Becoming the Leader People Won't Leave: A Conversation with Ryan Englin
Ever wondered why talented employees exit your organization? Let’s reveal the answer with Ryan Englin, founder and CEO of Core Matters, the genius behind successful business scaling. Ryan brings his unique blend of experience and insights from his blue-collar entrepreneurial family to shed light on the often overlooked dynamics of job seeking and employment. He goes deep into the mantra "people don't leave jobs, they leave bosses," arguing that a job is more than just pay and benefits. Prepare to rethink your approach to hiring and leadership.
As we navigate the murky waters of the hiring process, Ryan unpacks the reasons behind job seekers ghosting employers, the impact of job boards, and the shared responsibilities of employers and job seekers. He challenges employers to reframe their role and emerge as leaders, emphasizing the importance of genuine connection in the recruitment process. So, if you've ever faced the challenge of ghosting job applicants or felt overwhelmed by the impersonal nature of job boards, this conversation is for you.
Finally, we venture into the world of Applicant Tracking Systems and the wonders of data-driven hiring. Ryan guides us through how automation and transparency in the hiring process can be game-changers in attracting and retaining the best talent. He also shares invaluable advice on employer branding and its powerful influence on attracting the right job seekers. Ready to revolutionize your hiring process? Tune in and gain a fresh perspective on hiring, leadership, and personal growth in job satisfaction.
Here is the gift by Ryan:
https://corematters.com/cto-show
More about Ryan:
Ryan Englin is passionate about supporting growing businesses, particularly in blue collar industries, to build amazingly productive companies by hiring the right people. Growing up, he saw his own father working 12-hour shifts and weekends as an owner/operator, witnessing firsthand the struggles that these companies have in hiring quality frontline employees. Ryan was determined to help them find a better way.
His company, Core Matters, provides coaching and training on attracting, hiring, and retaining rock-star employees. Using his proven process, the Core Fit Hiring System, small and midsize businesses learn how to start hiring better people, faster. With almost a decade in the business, Ryan has worked with over a hundred clients, helping business owners achieve their goals by hiring the right people.
https://www.linkedin.com/company/corematters

Oct 19, 2023 • 51min
#241 Decoding Relationship-Building and Authenticity in Leadership with Victoria Pelletier
Join us as we navigate the fascinating labyrinth of the corporate world with Victoria Pelletier, a seasoned stalwart with over two decades of experience in the B2B professional services sector. Her journey takes us from the humble beginnings of dreaming to be a lawyer to an accelerated ascension as a COO at a BPO organization at the tender age of 24. We dive into how she has continually deployed technology as a potent catalyst throughout her career and the ways she deftly maneuvers the ever-evolving corporate terrain.
From rebuilding the cornerstone of trust and relationships that form the bedrock of successful business transactions, to understanding the critical success metrics, Victoria shares valuable insights into the business ecosystem. You'll get a front-row seat to her experiences in bolstering clients through their M&A journeys and her responsibility in reviving troubled businesses. We also explore the future of the workforce and the nuances of selling to multiple buyers - a journey that emphasizes the role of establishing a solid relationship with them.
As we shift gears towards the latest trends in technology and the ethical use of it, Victoria also shares her perspectives on personal branding - an art of setting oneself apart from the crowd. As we delve into this insightful discussion, Victoria stresses the power of our voices and the fact that leadership is not bound by a title. In a world dominated by technology and data, she throws light on the essence of authenticity, relationship-building, and the ethical use of technology in the world of corporate leadership. Get ready for an insightful journey that promises to challenge your perspectives and encourage you to embrace change with open arms.
More about Victoria:
Victoria is a 20+ year Corporate Executive and Board Director. Nicknamed the “Turn Around Queen” by former colleagues and employers, Victoria inspires and empowers her team and clients to change mindsets and drive growth in business, leadership and culture.
Victoria was recognized as one of the 2023 Woman of Influence by South Florida Business Journal, a semi-finalist in the 2023 50/50 Women on Boards Women to Watch, 2022 Top 30 Most Influential Business Leaders in Tech by CIOLook, 2022 Most Influential Entrepreneur of the Year by World Magazine, 2021’s Top 50 Business Leader in Technology by Insight Magazine and a Mentor of the Year by Women in Communications & Technology in 2020. HSBC bank awarded her the Diversity & Inclusion in Innovation award in 2019 and she was IBM’s #1 Global Social Seller ranked by LinkedIn in 2019 and 2020.
https://victoria-pelletier.com

Oct 18, 2023 • 47min
#240 Reshaping the Job Market: AI's Potential Unveiled by Ben Gold
Are you prepared to unlock the power of AI in your career? This week, we've invited technology and HR veteran Ben Gold to shed light on the transformative potential of AI and chat GPT. Our enlightening exchange with Ben unravels how these technologies are revolutionizing job markets and how you can leverage them to navigate your career path successfully. We talk about the game-changing concept of an AI-first strategy and why staying updated with emerging technologies is no longer an option but a necessity.
We take it a step further with Ben as we delve into the ethical implications of AI and chat GPT. Find out how tech giants like Amazon are investing heavily in large language models like Claude and how these advancements are being woven into the fabric of recruitment processes. Be prepared for an in-depth discussion on how to stay ahead of the curve in an increasingly digital world and secure your position in this evolving landscape.
As we wrap up our riveting conversation with Ben, we turn our gaze towards the future of AI in sales and explore the possibility of revolutionizing outbound sales calls - even hinting at the intriguing potential of robot-to-robot transactions. Ben shares his valuable insights on how AI tools can simplify tasks like content creation, transcription, and summary generation, thereby transforming the way we work. As we conclude, we contemplate the profound implications of AI consciousness and the role of human input in an AI-driven world. Join us for this insightful journey into the future of work, as seen through the lens of AI.
More about Ben:
Ben spent 20 years in the technology field, with the last 5 years specifically focused on AI solutions. When he was let go in early 2023, he leveraged his experience to explore a recent AI innovation, ChatGPT, as a tool to personalize his job search. He mastered the use of ChatGPT to optimize his resume, understand compatibility with new opportunities, write cover letters, and prepare for interviews.
He decided to create an AI-powered career coaching startup, JobCo.ai, aiming to disrupt the job-seeker market. His team has successfully built out a prototype and is currently in discussions with investors.
Having interacted with hundreds of recruiters, career counselors, and job-seekers, he chose to spread his message through webinars, personal coaching, and his recent book titled "Find Your Next Job with ChatGPT, A Guide for Everyone."
His mission is to empower job-seekers and small business owners with cutting-edge AI tools and personalized guidance, transforming the way they navigate the ever-changing landscape of AI innovation.
https://bengoldai.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bengoldsales

Oct 17, 2023 • 38min
#239 Exploring the Impact of Digital Employee Experience on Business Success with Mark Banfield
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

Oct 16, 2023 • 33min
#238 The Success Story of Uzair Ahmed: Leveraging Automation and AI in Entrepreneurship
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

Oct 13, 2023 • 48min
#237 Delving into Entrepreneurship, Masterminds, and Deep Work: A Conversations with Parker Harris
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

Oct 12, 2023 • 34min
#236 Mastering Tech Sales and Leadership with Luis Baez, the Revenue Enablement Maestro
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

Oct 11, 2023 • 48min
#235 Feeding the Future: Raju Malhotra's Insight into FoodTech
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.


