

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

Sep 11, 2023 • 49min
#213 Innovation in Motion: Gleb Yushin on Battery Technology and Electric Vehicles
Prepare to embark on an enlightening journey into the fascinating world of battery technology with Gleb Yushin, the CTO and Co-founder of Sila. He's not just a high-profile innovator but a storyteller who makes complex subjects intriguing. Unravel the tale of his transition from a Material Science Assistant Professor at Georgia Tech to pioneering the next generation of lithium-ion batteries. Listen attentively as Gleb outlines the immense challenges confronted while scaling laboratory breakthroughs to factory level, and discover the significant advancements in lithium-ion chemistry that are setting new industry standards.
Ever wondered about the future of transportation? We delve deep into the realm of electric vehicles, discussing how Sila is pushing boundaries to hold their competitive edge. Learn about the potential of new materials to enhance battery life and performance, and how this can revolutionize transportation costs. The highlight of our conversation, however, lies in Gleb's unique perspective on fostering innovation. It's not just about hiring the right team, but also about creating an environment that encourages curiosity and a thorough understanding of fundamentals. We assure you this conversation will leave you with a newfound appreciation for science, innovation, and the future of transportation. Don't miss this brain-stimulating discussion that impeccably combines science, innovation, and a sneak peek into the future.
Gleb Yushin is a Co-Founder & CTO of Sila. He is also a Professor of Materials Science at Georgia Institute of Technology and an Editor-in-Chief for Materials Today. Gleb has co-authored over 170 peer-reviewed publications, and over 140 US and international patents and patent applications. For his contributions to the development of energy storage materials, Gleb has received numerous awards, was elected to be a Fellow of the Materials Research Society, a Fellow of the Electrochemical Society, a Fellow of the EU Academy of Sciences, a Fellow of the National Academy of Inventors and was recognized as one of the world’s most influential scientific minds.
Gleb holds BS and MS degrees in Physics from Polytechnic Institute and a PhD in Materials Science from North Carolina State University.
https://www.silanano.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gleb-yushin-%F0%9F%87%BA%F0%9F%87%A6-54780618/

Sep 8, 2023 • 27min
#212 Transforming Learning Landscapes: The Power of AI in Education with Dev Aditya
Imagine carrying a teacher in your pocket, ready to share insights 24/7 from a corpus of information! Sounds intriguing? Join us in a captivating conversation with Dev Aditya, co-founder at Otermans Institute, who’s making this vision a reality with their AI product department, OIAI. We discuss the transformative power of AI in education, how OIAI swiftly transitioned to virtual content during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the inner workings of their AI digital teacher model that conducts human-like conversations. This groundbreaking innovation is not just disseminating knowledge, but also making complex information from research papers easily comprehensible.
Venture with us as we navigate the revolutionary capabilities of OIAI. This 24/7 accessible virtual teacher is altering traditional teaching techniques, bridging educational gaps, and combating global inequality by enabling access to education in underserved regions. Dev unveils how this product ups the appeal of tech platforms and shares their ambitious plans of collaborating with universities for product testing. As our discussion concludes, we reveal how OIAI is not designed to replace human teachers, but to extend the reach of quality education in a more personalized manner. Brace yourself for this thought-provoking exploration into the future of education with AI.
More about Dev:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dev-adityaofficial/
https://oiedu.co.uk/

Sep 7, 2023 • 38min
#211 Innovation and Real Estate: A Chat with Rokrbox's Josh Cunningham
What if there was a revolutionary system that could streamline your real estate business and help you effectively engage internet leads? Today, we are joined by Josh Cunningham, the CEO of Rokrbox, who enlightens us on how his done-for-you inside sales assistant solution can transform your business. Over the past decade, Rokrbox has been providing solutions to real estate agents, making them more efficient and transforming their sales strategies. Josh gives us a deep dive into the innovative methodologies that have kept the company afloat in the ever-evolving technology landscape.
Rokrbox's success isn't just rooted in their innovative solutions, but in their unique company culture that fosters tangible skill-building among their team members. We discuss how Josh and his team have been able to maintain engagement among their employees with strategies such as daily accomplishment huddles and how these have played a crucial role in the company's growth. Drawing from his experience, Josh gives us a rare glimpse into his unique hiring process, underlining the importance of creating a five-star company culture.
Finally, we navigate through the exciting world of technology, exploring how it can be harnessed to automate and streamline communication with clients. Delving into the traits of successful entrepreneurs, Josh underscores the importance of having a clear vision for the future to stay ahead in the competition. We also discuss how Rokrbox uses technology and communication strategies to not only enhance customer engagement but also foster accountability and trust. If you're an entrepreneur in the real estate industry or any other, this episode is a goldmine packed with insights on how to leverage technology, build a strong company culture, and drive business success.
More about Josh:
https://fivestarcompanyculture.com/

Sep 6, 2023 • 53min
#210 From Field to Fortune: The Tech-Driven Business Journey of Entrepreneur Robert Indries
Get ready to be inspired as we sit down with Robert Indries, a self-made entrepreneur who turned his love for technology into a multi-million dollar empire. Robert takes us on a journey through his humble beginnings, from working the land as a child to becoming a tech-savvy innovator. Listen in as he shares his insightful experiences consulting for other companies and how his client grew from 25 million to 50 million in just two and a half years.
The conversation turns fascinating as Robert provides a behind-the-scenes look at his multiple businesses, which he affectionately refers to as "ends." He candidly discusses the challenges of executing tasks due to a lack of time and resources, and the strategies he employed to overcome them. You won't want to miss his insights on the importance of flexibility in business and the focus on achieving results. Plus, Robert spills the beans on how he successfully grew his Airbnb for luggage to over 90 locations across the UK and US.
Wrapping up, we explore Robert's take on aligning technology with business goals, the role of creativity in business development, and the critical importance of financial management. He emphasizes the significance of having a fortress balance sheet, making hard decisions, and treating your business with the respect it deserves. Hear a hilarious anecdote about a startup in Africa and learn about the trend of fractional CTOs, CMOs, and other roles. So, whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply interested in the world of tech and business, this episode is for you!
Find more about Robert here:
https://robertindries.com/

Sep 5, 2023 • 30min
#209 Bobby Nims: Transforming Dreams into Opportunities with 'Lonch' the next generation crowdfunding platform
Have you ever dreamed of turning your idea into a reality, but lacked the resources to do so? Buckle up, because today's episode is a game-changer. We're privileged to have Bobby Nims, the CEO and co-founder of Lonch, a revolutionary crowdfunding platform, with us. Bobby is on a mission to remove barriers for aspiring entrepreneurs and his platform, Lonch, is a tool designed to make it happen. Listen to his vision of how Lonch is transforming the landscape of idea realization and providing an avenue for dreamers and doers to work on their passions.
The second part of our conversation revolves around the unique features of Lonch that set it apart from traditional investment groups. Bobby unpacks how Lonch's groundbreaking platform empowers individuals to create products, earn for their contributions, and enjoy the liberty to work on their own terms. With forward-thinking tech like Web 3025 stack technology and blockchain royalty token structure, Lonch ensures creators are rewarded in perpetuity for their efforts. So, if you've ever felt confined by the 9 to 5 grind, this part of our chat is going to resonate deeply with you.
In the final segment, we dig into the community-centric aspects of Lonch and the unique user experience it offers. Bobby shares how Lonch is not just a crowdfunding platform, but a comprehensive tool that aids in project management, financial management, and collaboration. He underscores the importance of community engagement for startups and sheds light on the steps Lonch is taking to validate its users. Get motivated by Bobby's advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and his insights into the future of Lonch.
So, ready to catch a glimpse of what's possible with Lonch? Tune in, you wouldn't want to miss it.
More about Bobby and his company:
http://www.lonch.io/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobbynims/

Sep 4, 2023 • 27min
#208 A Deep Dive into 3DX: The Future of Websites with Lee Pillay
What if that website you visit every day could come to life and interact with you in a lively three-dimensional setting? Imagine the mind-blowing possibilities of a 3DX website! This week, we sit down with Lee Pillay, Chief Business Development Officer at Royex Technologies, to discuss the evolution of websites and the groundbreaking introduction of 3DX. Lee reveals how the concept is shaking up how companies communicate, allowing them to create an immersive and interactive experience for users.
Lee offers fascinating insights into the future of 3DX technology and highlights the unique opportunities it offers in revolutionizing customer engagement. Could your company lead the pack in adopting this cutting-edge platform, or is it best suited for certain types of organizations? Lee presents an honest evaluation, pulling the curtain back on how to create a distinct customer experience and the importance of staying one step ahead of future trends.
You won't want to miss our in-depth exploration into the world of 3DX technology! Lee and I venture into the potential for it to enable businesses to showcase their services, themes, and cultures in a more dynamic way. It's a conversation that offers a peek into the future of digital interaction, so grab your virtual reality headset, sit back, and join us as we journey into the exciting realm of 3DX technology. From innovative tech launches to discussions on the extensive transformation of digital landscapes, this episode is a must-listen for those intrigued by the emerging trends in technology.
More about Lee and Royex:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lee12pillay/
https://www.royex.ae/

Sep 1, 2023 • 1h 11min
#207 A Masterclass in Branding, Technology, and Investment for Startups with Pete Sena
What if you could unlock the secret to creating a unique brand identity that captures the hearts and minds of your audience? Get ready to uncover this and more as we sit down with Pete Sena, a creative entrepreneur, and angel investor, known for his knack for helping challenger brands catapult onto their next level of success. We delve deep into the world of branding and marketing, discussing the importance of understanding your customer's needs and the subtle art of making stories personal for forming an emotional bond with your audience.
From crafting strategies for Fortune 50 companies to small startups, Pete has seen it all. He sheds light on how technology, especially AI, is set to revolutionize our lives and the future of work. We probe into how AI tools are making it easier for us to automate content creation without the need for coding, the potential for spatial computing, and the rise of multimillion-dollar solopreneurs.
Amidst the candid discussions on branding and technology, Pete also takes us on his personal journey of investment and bootstrapping, sharing his insights on finding value in the business landscape. We dive into his experiences of raising funds during a recession, why he prefers to bet on the jockey rather than the horse, and his unique perspective on 'super fans' and how understanding their patterns can lead to a multimillion-dollar business. His parting words of wisdom? Lean into fear, explore curiosity, and don't forget to ask for help.
More about Pete:
https://www.petesena.com/
https://forwardobsessed.com/

Aug 31, 2023 • 51min
#206 Madalin Staniu on Cyber Hygiene and the Importance of Trust in Digital World
Join us on an enlightening journey with cybersecurity expert and entrepreneur, Madalin Staniu. Madalin, a seasoned professional with roots in software development and technical leadership, offers a unique perspective on the cybersecurity landscape. He shares her journey, from laying the groundwork of software development to founding her own technology company, Black Bullet, which delivers bespoke software solutions with a heavy focus on cybersecurity. Listen in as we navigate how the software development lifecycle has evolved, enabling developers to easily learn new programming languages and test their work.
This episode also illuminates the critical issue of cybersecurity awareness, which Madalin argues is not just a concern for large corporations, but for society as a whole. We delve into the role of social media in cyber threats and how training and awareness can arm organizations with the tools they need to protect their digital assets. Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in particular, can find this discussion valuable as we highlight ways they can strengthen their digital security and cultivate a robust cybersecurity mindset.
As we round off the conversation, we investigate how AI can serve cybersecurity consultants and the challenging role of cybersecurity consultancies in keeping pace with the rapidly evolving nature of cyber threats. We provide a comprehensive look at how different sectors, ranging from legal and tax to oil and gas, protect their assets and data through cyber hygiene measures. With trust being the cornerstone of any successful relationship, we touch upon the importance of building trust between consultants and clients and the role of virtual CTOs in managing a company's security. We wrap up with a forward-looking discussion on the need to foster cybersecurity talent and make cybersecurity comprehensible to all through user-friendly technology. Don't miss this enlightening discussion on the significance of cybersecurity and the importance of safeguarding privacy in our increasingly digital world.
More about Madalin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/madalinstaniu/
https://www.blackbullet.ro/

Aug 30, 2023 • 58min
#205 Mastering the Art of Powerful Business Communication with Patrick Donadio
Discover the art of impactful communication with our special guest, Patrick Donadio, a renowned business communications strategist. Patrick promises to turn your communication skills around, as he shares his six-step impact process to ensure your messages get across effectively. From setting an intention, selecting a message & method, to the final delivery, Patrick covers it all, including the influential power of personalizing the message for the receiver.
Accelerate to the next level of effective communication by prioritizing and becoming proactive. You know those busy days that seem to just slip away? Patrick has a strategy for them too with his ingenious five-minute cushion technique. He’ll guide you on how to plan your week ahead while keeping your focus on the bigger picture. Get ready to explore message management, where intention plays a significant role in choosing the best method of communication.
Join us on this journey towards effective communication as we delve into the importance of active and thoughtful listening, explore internal mindsets and beliefs, and unravel the mystery of selective perception. We'll delve into how background, experiences, and beliefs shape the way we communicate. Plus, Patrick shares techniques for engaging audiences in interactive presentations and tips for summarizing meetings or presentations. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation!
More about Patrick here:
http://www.patrickdonadio.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrickdonadio/

Aug 29, 2023 • 37min
#204 The Interplay of Content, Product, and Market in Startups with Cigdem Oztabak
Meet the luminous Cigdem Oztabak, entrepreneur, journalist, and startup mentor, who joins us on a riveting episode of the CTO Show. We embark on an enlightening exploration of the intersection of content, product, and market, tailored specifically for those in the startup scene. Cigdem shares her wisdom on capturing the essence of target audiences, the pivotal role of market research in product design, and the art of curating content that speaks volumes about a product's proposition. We rigorously examine the challenge of balancing a startup's product and market positioning, ensuring that your vision stays consistent in the ever-changing business landscape.
Our conversation also delves deep into the realm of communication and storytelling for startups, illuminating the path to establishing a robust thought leadership presence. In this ever-evolving digital age, consistency is key, and Cigdem asserts the necessity of a unified messaging approach across all channels. But what's a good product if it doesn't have a voice? We shed light on the crucial role of influencers and early adopters in amplifying a product's message and the compelling need to focus on user benefits over mere product features. As we wrap up, we touch on the pressing topic of gender equality in the entrepreneurial space, and the ground-breaking initiatives that are making waves in promoting it. Prepare for an episode brimming with game-changing insights for every startup entrepreneur out there. Don't miss it.
More about Cigdem and her startup here:
https://www.pirix.co/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cigdem-oztabak-/


