The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

In our latest episode, we sit down with Corrie LoGiudice, a professional keynote speaker, coach, consultant, and fractional CMO/COO. Corrie walks us through her riveting journey from an art degree holder waiting tables to a senior vice president of her family's electronics distribution business, then to business coaching and consulting. She opens up about the personal challenges she faced, such as escaping an abusive relationship and the tragic suicide of her partner, which led to a significant turning point in her life. As we continue our conversation with Corrie, she sheds light on overcoming fear and identifying your own talents for success. Corrie shares her own experience of being groomed for a corporate career but choosing to explore coaching instead. She provides a comprehensive explanation on building confidence through knowledge and experience. Corrie also emphasizes the importance of honesty with oneself, taking action, and recognizing one's talents. Listen in as she provides a useful framework for identifying and monetizing your unique talents. Finally, Corrie offers invaluable insights on low-cost marketing and personal branding. She discusses the significance of passion in starting a business and how her childhood hobby of recording her voice inspired her to start her own podcast. She reveals some unconventional ways to generate business without relying on websites, content, social media, or paid ads. She stresses the importance of networking and how commenting on relevant online posts and conversations can showcase your value. We wrap up the episode by exploring how to stand out in a crowded market, taking the leap into entrepreneurship, and finding Corrie on social media and her podcast. Tune in for this insightful and inspiring conversation. More about Corrie: http://www.corrielo.com/ http://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcorrielo

Prepare to be inspired by Girish Bali, a seasoned technologist, podcaster, and a top 10 best Asian host nominee. We explore the fascinating intersection of technology and podcasting and delve into Girish's intriguing journey through the cloud industry. With over three decades of experience, he shares how he created the Back to Basics mode podcast, a platform that simplifies complex issues through engaging conversations with a range of guests. We then dive into a thought-provoking discussion on education in the tech industry. We argue that there isn't a one-size-fits-all education system, emphasizing the significance of hands-on learning, certifications, and life's lessons. Girish shares his experiences of unlearning and relearning, detailing his shift from being deemed unfit for the tech world to establishing his own consulting company, podcast, and production house. We touch upon a variety of captivating topics, including leadership, content creation, and the importance of proper lighting in podcasting. As we delve deeper, Girish unveils his personal system of effective time management that has aided him in building relationships, managing a successful podcast, and juggling numerous projects. He highlights the importance of energy, passion, structure, and routine. He also shares his experiences of taking a podcasting break, underlining the vital role of appreciation and community building. As we wrap up our intriguing conversation, we invite all passionate listeners who'd like to be featured as a guest on the CTO Show. This episode is packed with knowledge, insights, and captivating stories you don't want to miss! Find more about Girish here: https://www.back2basicsmode.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/girishbali/

Join me as I sit down with Andrew Bolis, a business growth consultant from the Windy City, who's been making waves in the world of marketing. Drawing from his rich tech background and immense experience as a marketing manager, Andrew Bolis brings to the table a treasure trove of strategies to bolster businesses. We take a deep dive into his expertise, including cold email outreach, personal branding, and partner marketing, and discuss how these can effectively drive growth and bring in inbound leads. Our enriching conversation turns towards the significance of personal branding in the B2B sector. We shed light on the unique challenges posed by the rigidity of B2B marketing, and how a compelling personal brand can be a game-changer. We also delve into the intriguing world of AI and its rapidly growing influence in marketing, sales, and customer success. We even touch upon how AI can be harnessed effectively to create efficiencies and stay ahead of the curve. As the discussion unfolds, we examine the role charisma plays in founders and how it can provide a competitive edge. We reflect on Andrew Bolis's journey from VP of Marketing to a fractional CMO, a transition that resonates with the current market trends. And finally, we spare a thought for small and medium businesses, exploring how they can leverage innovative strategies, create new product categories, and embrace digital marketing to turbocharge their growth. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or seasoned businessperson, Andrew Bolis's insights are bound to leave you inspired and full of ideas. Find more about Andrew here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewbolis/

Imagine fine-tuning your startup pitch to not only resonate with investors but to leave them eager for more. How would it feel to have a strategic framework for building a brand that stands out in a crowded marketplace? This episode brings you an insightful conversation with Michael Doyle, the CEO of Brand Iron and Brand Champion. Drawing from his rich background in consulting, marketing, and fundraising for startups, he unpacks the makings of a winning pitch deck, emphasizing the importance of a clear value proposition and a compelling story. Ever felt tongue-tied while explaining your business in a succinct yet impactful manner? You're not alone. Michael Doyle stresses the need for a compelling 'elevator pitch' and shares tips on how to communicate value points that strike a chord with potential investors. Understanding your audience is key, and he even helps us understand how to customize pitches for different types of investors. We also dive into the differences between a pitch deck and a capital raise deck, revealing the significance of a teaser piece that piques investor interest. However, it's not all about raising capital. We shift gears to explore the art of branding and marketing, looking at how a well-built brand and effective messaging can attract potential partners and set you apart in a competitive landscape. We also delve into the importance of educating the market about the challenges and opportunities your product or service presents. And for those already contemplating an exit strategy, Michael Doyle shares his hard-earned wisdom on positioning a company for acquisition, from identifying potential buyers to crafting a pitch that lays bare the synergies and values your company offers. This episode is brimming with game-changing insights from an industry veteran - don't miss out! More about Michael: https://brandiron.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandiron/

On this riveting episode of the CTO show with Mehmet, we are joined by Chris Davidson, an IT veteran with decades of experience. Listen in as we journey through the evolution of business and technology, starting from the era of mainframe computers to our present age. We discuss the pendulum swing of computing; from being complex and expensive, to becoming cheap and easy, and back to complexity. Engage with us as we explore the transformation of technology from a supporting role to becoming operationally vital to businesses, and how customers now interact with company’s technology daily. Our conversation takes a turn towards the importance of HTTPS, mobile optimization, and testing. We touch on the accountability of industry giants like Google, Amazon, and Facebook in creating safe online environments, and the relevance of having an HTTPS license. We also discuss the pitfalls of not optimizing and testing websites for usability on mobile devices as we live in a world that heavily relies on handheld technology. Finally, we discuss the future of websites and apps, and the potential of commercial technologies like drones and robots to revolutionize industries. We also highlight the importance of customer engagement, the use of websites for educating customers about a product, and mobile phones as the default interface system. Whether you're a tech enthusiast or a business owner trying to navigate the digital age, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Tune in and join the conversation! Find more about Chris here: https://chrisdavidson.co.uk/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdavidsonuk/

Ever thought how a simple microphone and your voice can turn you into a networking powerhouse? That's what we explore in our enlightening conversation with Mark Savant, a podcasting maverick whose forte lies in helping thought leaders establish their podcasts. Podcasting, as Mark elucidates, is a game-changer - a tool that's not just expanding the horizons of mainstream media but also challenging the dominance of social media's blink-and-miss content style. For anyone with a compelling narrative, podcasting is a platform that favors the bold, the authentic, and those willing to go beyond the traditional 15-second soundbite. In our deep-dive, we also unlock the potential of AI in podcasting. Picture this - a solo episode, powered by AI, that cuts through the noise, offering sharp insights to entrepreneurs and saving them valuable time. Mark and I, delve into the versatility of AI in podcasting, discussing applications like Chat GPT for scripting, cutting-edge video editing software, and audio-to-text conversion tools. And if you're wondering about the intricacies of starting a podcast, Mark’s advice is to start simple - all you need is a laptop or a mobile phone. Finally, we steer towards the art of turning your podcast into a profitable venture. Mark's journey of networking with thought leaders like James Altucher is a testament to the enormous potential of podcasting as a platform for building relationships and generating value. We discuss the nuances of using podcasting as a genuine value-creation tool, not just a sales funnel. The secret of monetizing a podcast, as Mark explains, lies in offering high value, attracting sponsorships, and focusing on packaging the whole experience, not just the downloads. You can listen to Mark's podcast here: https://urlgeni.us/applepodcast/AfterHoursEntrepreneur Check Mark's Website: https://marksavantmedia.com/

What lies at the intersection of traditional process improvement methodologies and the digital age? Ever pondered how process science could automate consulting? Join us as we, along with process science expert Samuel Drauschak, dig into these intriguing questions. We delve into how process science aids in achieving consistent outcomes across different contexts, and the dramatic impacts of normalizing and standardizing data to achieve rich results. In the second segment, we focus on the critical role process tools play in sustainability and effective decision-making. Sam illuminates how robotic process automation could very well be the future. We also grapple with the often complex matter of process optimization, the difficulties associated with process mapping, and why startups are more likely to be early adopters of process science. Finally, Sam takes us on a journey through his experiences with his startup, Truvle. We discuss the potential of AI in generating process designs, and how dealing with complex problems requires a certain level of linguistic finesse. We also mull over the building blocks for any entrepreneur, how to find and sustain the right idea. Sam emphasizes why it's essential to align with ideas that excite you and give you energy. This episode is packed with insightful conversation, so tune in for a deep understanding of process science and its value in today's business landscape. More about Sam and Truvle https://www.linkedin.com/in/samdrauschak/ https://www.truvle.com/

Facing the challenge of implementing AI in your business? I sat down with Kavita Ganesan, an AI practitioner with more than 15 years of experience. She enlightened us on how to identify AI opportunities, establish the problem, and adequately prepare the organization for AI integration on an enterprise level. As an added bonus, Kavita Ganesan offered a sneak peek of her book, The Business Case for AI, which provides practical applications of AI from a business standpoint. The episode didn't stop there. We ventured into the intriguing world of generative AI. Here, Kavita Ganesan unpacked the ethical considerations and challenges that come with it. She weighed in on its cost-effectiveness and the alternative problem-solving methods that may offer companies greater control. With Kavita Ganesan's expertise, we came to understand the risks involved clearly and the need for businesses to tread cautiously when deploying these tools. And just when you thought that was enough, we explored the intersection of AI and other emerging technologies. We examined how AI could be utilized in various fields such as cybersecurity, text-to-speech, speech-to-text, content generation, and storytelling. We also discussed some handy tools like Chat-GPT, Microsoft PowerPoint Designer, Canva, and Jasper AI that are available for small businesses. Our conversation concluded on a note about the potential of AI to replace jobs and the steps people can take to secure their positions. Engage with us in this compelling discussion with Kavita Ganesan about integrating AI in business. Learn about Kavita: https://www.kavita-ganesan.com/

Have you ever wondered how to transition from a blue-collar business to running a tech startup? Join me as I sit down with Bryan Clayton, CEO and co-founder of GreenPal, and pick his brain on how he successfully navigated this challenging journey. His story of creating a new product from scratch and maintaining motivation throughout is sure to inspire anyone who has ever dreamed of launching their own business. In our fascinating conversation, Bryan Clayton sheds light on how having limited resources actually became an asset for him and his team. It forced them to prioritize their customers and keep a laser focus on their needs. We also dive into the nitty-gritty of raising capital for tech startups. Bryan Clayton shares his approach to gaining the necessary skills and knowledge, taking a long-term view, and getting the product to a point where the only missing element is capital. He also provides a balanced perspective on raising funds versus bootstrapping, a decision that needs to be made with a clear understanding of your goals. On a more technical front, Bryan Clayton takes us through his journey of building a software company without knowing how to code. His transformation into the 'world's worst front-end engineer' and how he worked with his co-founder to rebuild the product, is a testament to his resilience and determination. We also explore the importance of data analytics in business growth and the need for a blend of qualitative and quantitative data for effective decision-making. The episode ends with a heart-to-heart chat about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, and the patience and faith required to see your business grow. Bryan Clayton's journey is a testament to what determination, perseverance, and a customer-centric approach can achieve. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or just intrigued by the startup world, this episode is a treasure trove of insights and advice you won't want to miss out on. Find out more about Bryan and his company here: https://yourgreenpal.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-clayton-a96b33214

Listen in as I engage in a riveting discussion with Michael Lenox, a professor at the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business. We unravel the key themes from his latest book, Strategy in the Digital Age: Mastering Digital Transformation. This conversation is packed with insights from Michael's extensive research and teaching experience, as we explore how digital transformation is reshaping competitive landscapes. We further break down key concepts like environmental trends, industry life cycles, and the importance of evolving core capabilities to stay competitive. In the second part of our chat, we tackle how businesses can embrace technological advancements and remain agile. We touch on various digital business models, the advantages of entrepreneurs in the digital age, and the Digital Transformation Stack. We then address the pressing issue of navigating digital transformation challenges, stressing the importance of buy-in from the C-suite, the role of digital champions, and the ethical implications of data collection. This episode is a must-listen for business leaders, strategists, and anyone interested in understanding the profound impact of digital transformation on today's business environment. So, tune in for an enlightening conversation with Michael Lenox. Find out more about Michael and his recent book here: https://www.michael-lenox.com/books