The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Kiran Chinnagangannagari, Co-Founder, CTO, and CPO of Securin, to explore his journey from a stable role as the CTO for the State of Arizona to the exciting and challenging world of cybersecurity entrepreneurship. Kiran shares how Securin is working to democratize cybersecurity through proactive, accessible solutions, and we dive into critical topics like zero-day vulnerabilities, AI-driven cyber threats, and the evolving digital attack landscape. Key Takeaways • Why cybersecurity is moving toward proactive solutions and what it means for businesses. • The democratization of security: Making tools affordable and accessible for all. • Understanding zero-day vulnerabilities and why they’re critical for every organization. • How AI is both a tool for defense and a weapon for threat actors. • The role of regulations and why cybersecurity is becoming a legal priority for organizations. “Cybersecurity is not a solo sport—it’s for everyone.” — Kiran Chinnagangannagari About Kiran Chinnagangannagari Kiran Chinnagangannagari is a seasoned technologist and cybersecurity expert with a passion for solving complex problems. As the Co-Founder, CTO, and CPO of Securin, Kiran is on a mission to make cybersecurity tools accessible for businesses of all sizes. His rich career spans public sector leadership as the CTO for the State of Arizona and now, entrepreneurship in the private sector. Resources Mentioned • Securin Website: Securin.io • Kiran on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiranc/ Episode Highlights • [00:02:00] Kiran’s journey: From public sector leadership to cybersecurity entrepreneurship. • [00:04:30] The story behind Securin and its mission to simplify and unify cybersecurity. • [00:07:45] Breaking down emerging threats: AI, ransomware, and supply chain vulnerabilities. • [00:20:00] Zero-day vulnerabilities: What they are and how Securin helps mitigate them. • [00:28:00] The future of cybersecurity: Regulations, hyperconnectivity, and digital warfare. • [00:36:00] Kiran’s advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals and entrepreneurs.

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Ed Osckar, CEO of Wowrack, a cloud service provider specializing in Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), hybrid cloud solutions, and managed services. From his humble beginnings in Jakarta, Indonesia, to building Wowrack into a global player in the cloud infrastructure space, Ed shares his incredible entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of scaling a capital-intensive business, and the evolution of cloud computing. Ed also dives into the concept of cloud repatriation, the growing demand for hybrid cloud solutions, and how customer-centricity remains at the core of his company’s success. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a tech leader navigating the complex cloud landscape, this episode is packed with valuable insights! Key Takeaways • Entrepreneurship in Tech: Ed shares how he started Wowrack with just $5,000, overcoming early challenges as a fresh college graduate with no business experience. • The Evolution of Cloud Computing: Insights into the shift from web hosting to hybrid cloud and the emergence of cloud repatriation. • Navigating a Competitive Market: Strategies Ed employs to compete with industry giants like Amazon and Microsoft while retaining a “startup mindset.” • Customer-Centricity: How prioritizing service and building long-term relationships with clients has been key to Wowrack’s success. • The Future of Hybrid Cloud: Ed’s perspective on why hybrid cloud and tailored infrastructure solutions are gaining traction. About the Guest: Ed Osckar Ed Osckar is the CEO of Wowrack, a cloud service provider founded in 2001. With operations spanning nine global markets, Wowrack offers cutting-edge solutions in cloud hosting, data center infrastructure, and managed services. Born in Jakarta, Ed relocated to Seattle, Washington, where he pursued his education and launched his career in technology. Known for his customer-centric approach and innovative mindset, Ed has led Wowrack to thrive in a highly competitive industry. Connect with Ed Osckar and Wowrack: Website: wowrack.com Email: ed@wowrack.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eosckar/ Episode Highlights • [00:01:00] Ed Osckar’s introduction and his entrepreneurial journey. • [00:03:00] Starting Wowrack with $5,000 and no business experience. • [00:09:00] The evolution of cloud computing from web hosting to hybrid cloud. • [00:15:00] Cloud repatriation: Why companies are moving workloads back on-premise. • [00:22:00] How Wowrack competes with industry giants through creativity and customer service. • [00:30:00] Transforming IT departments into value-adding technology hubs. • [00:36:00] Ed’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the tech industry.

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we explore the critical components of a successful pitch deck with Sergio Yankovenko, a seasoned digital consultant who has helped startups raise over $560 million. Sergio reveals his approach to transforming technical ideas into fundable business propositions, discusses how to avoid common pitch deck pitfalls, and offers strategies for tailoring your deck to different investor types. Tune in for practical insights every founder needs to know about fundraising! Key Takeaways: 1. Tailor Your Pitch: Align your deck’s content with the investor’s focus (e.g., angels vs. VCs). 2. Simplify the Message: A concise 12-15 slide pitch deck with minimal text works best. 3. Highlight the Problem & Solution: Always start with these two key elements to hook investors. 4. Storytelling Matters: Weave a compelling narrative to inspire confidence and interest. 5. Smart Money Wins: Investors who bring connections and expertise are as valuable as funding. 6. AI’s Role in Fundraising: AI can assist with deck creation but can’t replace experience or research. About the Guest: Sergio Yankovenko is a digital consultant and startup advisor with over eight years of experience. Specializing in pitch deck optimization, he has worked on over 400 projects and helped startups secure over half a billion dollars in funding. Sergio is passionate about bridging the gap between technical innovation and investor expectations. Connect with Sergio Yankovenko: • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sergio-y/ Episode Highlights (Timestamps): • [00:01:00] Sergio’s background and career in startup consulting. • [00:03:00] Common mistakes founders make in pitch decks. • [00:06:00] Structuring your deck for angels vs. VCs. • [00:09:00] The importance of storytelling in pitching. • [00:16:00] Why design should support, not overshadow, your message. • [00:22:00] How AI is helping (and hurting) pitch deck preparation. • [00:24:00] Final advice for founders preparing for fundraising.

In this exciting episode, Mehmet speaks with Yohann Abitann, founder of NewMail AI, about tackling one of the most pressing challenges for executives today: email overload. Yohann shares his fascinating journey, from studying at NYU and working at Stanford Research Institute to developing an AI-powered executive assistant designed to transform productivity for leaders. Discover how NewMail AI leverages cutting-edge artificial intelligence to prioritize communication, declutter inboxes, and manage calendars—letting busy professionals focus on what matters most. 👤 About the Guest Yohann Abitann is a Swiss-French entrepreneur and founder of NewMail AI, an innovative platform redefining email and calendar management. With a background in computer science and cybersecurity from NYU, Yohann honed his skills at Stanford Research Institute and Carnegie Mellon University. His career spans pivotal roles in AI-driven projects, including real-time speech analysis and computer vision systems, culminating in his mission to create a smarter, AI-powered executive assistant for leaders and entrepreneurs. 🔑 Key Takeaways • Why traditional tools fall short: The outdated email model vs. modern challenges in the attention economy. • AI as a “guardian of attention”: How NewMail filters critical communications while maintaining privacy. • Unified communications: The vision for integrating email, calendar, and messaging platforms. • AI collaboration: Why human-AI partnerships are the future of productivity. 💡 What You’ll Learn • The philosophy behind building tools that enhance—not replace—human capabilities. • How NewMail prioritizes and organizes emails using advanced AI techniques. • The importance of explainable and transparent AI for managing sensitive business data. • Practical insights for integrating AI into your daily workflows. 📝 Episode Highlights On Email Overload “I actually offer a bounty to whoever can prove to me they have the high score of the most emails—I’ve seen up to 150,000 unread emails in an inbox!” On AI and Productivity “Personal touch at scale. We’re not trying to replace you. We’re trying to give you more time to be you and let the machine do what’s for machines.” Advice for Entrepreneurs “Find the pain. If there’s no pain, it’s not worth it. Become married to the pain, not the solution.” 🔗 Resources Mentioned • https://newmail.ai: Explore their AI-powered productivity tools. • Connect with Yohann Abitann on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yohann-abittan/ Episode Timestamps [00:00:00] Introduction and guest background [00:05:00] Discussion of email management challenges [00:16:00] NewMail AI's approach to privacy and data handling [00:26:00] Future of AI integration with messaging platforms [00:34:00] Discussion of AI agents and automation [00:46:00] Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

In this episode of The CTO Show, we're joined by Lillian Pierson, a fractional CMO and marketing strategist with an impressive track record of supporting 10% of Fortune 100 companies and educating two million learners on data science and AI. With a unique background as a licensed professional engineer and two decades of marketing experience, Lillian brings a distinctive perspective to the intersection of technology and growth strategy. Lillian discusses her upcoming book, "The Data and AI Imperative: Designing Strategies for Exponential Growth," which aims to protect business leaders in their decision-making around technical strategies while helping data professionals advance into more strategic roles. She shares valuable insights on how organizations can avoid common pitfalls in AI implementation, emphasizing the importance of aligning technology initiatives with business objectives rather than adopting new tools simply because they're trending. About Lillian: Lillian Pierson, P.E., author of Wiley’s groundbreaking new book “𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘢𝘵𝘢 & 𝘈𝘐 𝘐𝘮𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦”, is a celebrated growth strategist, advisor, and fractional CMO for B2B tech startups, scale-ups, and consultancies that want to drive more consistent, reliable revenue growth. Leveraging the strategic, data-driven methodologies she’s used to support 10% of the Fortune 100, Lillian eliminates the guesswork from marketing to deliver predictable and measurable results. With a formidable reputation as a leading educator and consultant in data, AI, and growth marketing, Lillian has empowered over 2 million learners through her dozens of books and courses, produced in partnership with Wiley and LinkedIn Learning. Links: https://www.data-mania.com/blog/the-data-ai-imperative/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillianpierson/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 01:07 Lillian Pierson's Background and Journey 02:20 Initial Spark in Data, AI, and Growth Strategy 03:40 Discussing Lillian's New Book 06:05 Five Signs Your AI Strategy Isn't Ready to Scale 07:34 Challenges in Adopting New Technologies 15:35 Data Monetization Strategies 18:25 Scaling Strategies for Long-Term Success 21:15 Product-Led Growth and AI Integration 26:01 Understanding Product-Led Growth 26:56 The Role of a CMO in Product Development 27:46 Marketing Strategies for Product Validation 28:40 Leveraging Community and Buyer Perspectives 29:37 Integrating Product and Marketing for Growth 31:18 Enterprise Sales and Outdated Playbooks 32:10 The Power of Personal Branding and Influencers 35:04 Exploring Partnerships and Monetization 38:07 The Impact of AI on Marketing 41:42 Final Words of Wisdom for Founders 44:53 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive deep into the world of artificial intelligence with Rajeev Kapur, President and CEO of 1105 Media. Rajeev brings decades of leadership experience, from working as one of Michael Dell’s first executive assistants to spearheading AI initiatives long before they became mainstream. Join us as we explore how businesses can leverage AI to stay competitive and why waiting to adopt AI might spell disaster for your organization. Rajeev shares his journey through the tech industry, including his role in launching Dell India and his pivotal experiences in the PC and AI-driven startup spaces. He provides valuable insights into the distinction between machine learning and generative AI, offering real-world examples like Netflix’s recommendation engine and Amazon’s delivery route optimization to illustrate how companies are already benefiting from AI. The discussion highlights the challenges businesses face when adopting AI and emphasizes the importance of having clean, well-organized data for successful implementation. Rajeev explains how companies can empower their workforce to embrace AI tools, starting with training leadership teams to integrate AI strategies from the top down. He also predicts how AI will reshape industries such as law, translation, and healthcare, and why embracing AI is essential to avoid becoming obsolete. As a thought leader and author of the best-selling book AI Made Simple, Rajeev provides actionable advice on how to begin your AI journey. Whether it’s adopting machine learning today or preparing for generative AI tools like ChatGPT, Rajeev outlines practical steps that businesses can take to remain innovative and competitive. About Rajeev: Rajeev is a seasoned high tech executive with broad global experience. He’s worked in over 20 countries across the United States, Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Rajeev was recognized as a CEO of the year finalist for 2011-2012 from Tech America and was a finalist for Entrepreneur of The Year from the Orange County Business Journal. He received his Global MBA from the USC Marshall School of Business in Los Angeles and Shanghai’s Jiaotong University Antai college of business and economics. Personal Website: https://rajeev.ai/ Company website: https://1105media.com/Home.aspx LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rajeevkapur1/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/Made-Simple-Beginners-Generative-Intelligence/dp/1962017001 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:10 Overview of 1105 Media 02:25 Rajeev's Career Journey 04:35 Impact of AI in Business 05:50 Machine Learning AI Explained 09:01 Generative AI and Business Adoption 12:24 Importance of Data in AI 16:06 Training Workforce for AI 19:50 AI in Business: Personal and Professional Use 20:45 Mastering ChatGPT: Tips and Tricks 23:38 Industries at Risk: The Impact of AI 27:57 Future of Work: AI and Human Collaboration 30:35 Philosophical Insights: The Future of AI 32:33 Practical Applications: AI in Everyday Life 35:45 Looking Ahead: AI in 2034 39:19 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Joe Conley, an accomplished CTO and the founder of Techsight, to dive deep into the intricacies of technology leadership and innovation. With over 16 years of experience in software engineering, Joe has honed his expertise in scaling data platforms, navigating M&A due diligence, and driving efficiency for startups and established businesses alike. Currently based in the greater Philadelphia area, Joe shares his journey from full-stack engineering to fractional CTO roles, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and rewards of leading in tech. Key Topics Discussed: Technical due diligence red flags in M&A Integration challenges post-acquisition PropTech trends and data standardization Practical applications of Generative AI in business Transitioning from engineering to technical leadership Building simple, effective systems at scale Notable Quotes: "Anyone who's built a startup knows that nothing's perfect, you know, you're going to take, you're going to incur tech debt in certain areas." - Joe Conley "Having a good understanding of the business and the market that you're in... I think that's probably a good sort of general point for anyone who wants to be a CTO." - Joe Conley About Joe Conley: Joe Conley is a Fractional CTO based in the greater Philadelphia region. Through his company TechSight, he provides technical leadership for M&A due diligence, startup scaling, and enterprise technology transformation. His experience spans multiple industries including PropTech, healthcare, and telecommunications. Links and Resources: • Connect with Joe Conley on LinkedIn. • Learn more about Techsight at techsight.dev. • Check out Joe’s personal blog at jpc2.org. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:06 Joe Conley's Background and Career Journey 01:43 Challenges and Opportunities in Startups 02:47 Building Robust Systems Across Industries 05:41 Technical Due Diligence in M&A 15:51 Trends in PropTech and Real Estate 18:15 The Impact of Gen AI on Technology 38:25 Advice for Aspiring CTOs and Leadership Insights 44:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join us for an insightful conversation with Ahmad Baitalmal, Co-founder and CTO of Mytra, as he shares his journey from Tesla's manufacturing innovation to revolutionizing warehouse automation. Learn how Mytra is transforming traditional warehouses with autonomous robots that can think, communicate, and solve problems independently. Key Topics Discussed: Ahmad's background from Microsoft to Tesla, and eventually founding Mytra The evolution of warehouse automation and why current solutions fall short How Mytra's autonomous robots communicate and coordinate with each other The concept of "software-defined warehouses" and why it matters Balancing innovation with practical implementation The role of AI in exception handling and warehouse automation Leadership lessons from aviation, Tesla, and startup experience The changing role of CTOs in hardware and software innovation Notable Quotes: "The bots have got to be autonomous, meaning that they need to handle simple exceptions on their own. And to do that, they need to communicate with each other." - Ahmad Baitalmal "It's almost like starting your own restaurant. Just not knowing anything about cooking and you start a restaurant - like first go work at a restaurant. Learn how to make food." - Ahmad Baitalmal on startup experience Links: Mytra Website: mytra.ai Connect with Ahmad Baitalmal on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/baitalmal/ Email: info@mytra.ai Featured Guest: Ahmad Baitalmal is the Co-founder and CTO of Mytra, a company revolutionizing warehouse automation with AI-powered robots. Previously, he led manufacturing systems innovation at Tesla during the crucial Model 3 ramp and factory scale-up. His experience spans enterprise software, IoT, and advanced manufacturing systems. 01:14 Ahmad Baitalmal's Background and Career Journey 03:26 Aviation Influence on Leadership and Technology 07:41 Building High-Performing Teams at Mytra 09:57 Challenges and Innovations in Manufacturing 14:33 Revolutionizing Warehouse Operations with Robotics 23:03 Autonomous Bots and Future of Warehousing 29:27 AI and the Future of Supply Chain 30:36 Humans vs. Robots: The Exception Handling Advantage 31:04 The Next Frontier for AI: Exception Handling 32:49 Generative AI in Industrial Automation 35:32 Balancing Innovation and Practicality 41:29 The Role of the CTO in Emerging Technologies 48:26 Navigating Between Startups and Large Organizations 54:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, Mehmet sits down with Ahraz Hussain, VP of Product Engineering and Data at Growers Edge, to explore the powerful intersection of AgriTech and FinTech. Ahraz shares his journey from technology to agriculture and the incredible impact Growers Edge is making in supporting farmers through advanced financial products and innovative technology. The conversation delves into the fascinating ways technology is revolutionizing agriculture. From automated machinery that optimizes planting and fertilizing to AI-driven tools for precision agriculture, Ahraz explains how these innovations are transforming traditional farming practices. He highlights how AI and data analytics help farmers make informed decisions that reduce costs and improve yields, all while promoting sustainability. A significant part of the discussion centers on the unique financial challenges farmers face and how Growers Edge is working to solve them. Ahraz introduces listeners to the concept of “FinTech for agriculture,” which includes creating accessible financial solutions like crop insurance, dynamic pricing, and warranties for crop plans. These tools provide farmers with financial security, enabling them to take calculated risks and experiment with new technologies that could increase their productivity and sustainability over time. Mehmet and Ahraz also explore the critical role of AI in agriculture, particularly in terms of risk management. Through products like crop prescription warranties, Growers Edge offers protection for farmers who are embracing sustainable practices or trying new approaches. This risk management innovation empowers farmers to adopt environmentally friendly practices without the fear of financial loss due to unpredictable yields. Throughout the episode, Ahraz shares valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities that come with bridging agriculture and technology, especially for smallholder farmers. By leveraging FinTech solutions, Growers Edge aims to support these farmers by reducing barriers to entry and making vital resources more accessible, helping to bridge the digital divide in rural communities. About Ahraz Hussain Ahraz Hussain is an expert at the intersection of AI, agriculture, and fintech, offering a unique perspective on how technology can transform traditional industries. With a foundation in computer science and data analytics, he has applied his expertise to create cutting-edge solutions in the agricultural sector. At Growers Edge, Ahraz has led initiatives that drove a 500% revenue increase and introduced innovative products, reshaping how farmers manage risk and secure financing. http://www.ahrazhusain.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahrazhusain/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:29 Ahraz Hussain's Background and Journey 02:33 Intersection of Agriculture and Technology 05:53 FinTech in Agriculture 07:44 AI and Its Impact on Agriculture 13:19 Sustainability in Farming 16:19 Risk Management for Farmers 28:04 Challenges and Opportunities for Smallholder Farmers 36:15 Emerging Technologies in Agri-FinTech 40:25 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we’re joined by Andrew Duncan, CEO of Vertice Labs, a boutique software engineering company that helps startups and SMBs turn innovative ideas into functional products. Andrew kicks off by sharing his journey in the tech world, which spans nearly two decades, and explaining the unique approach that Vertice Labs brings to software development. Their work goes beyond simple execution, focusing on strategic alignment between management and engineering teams to deliver projects efficiently and without unnecessary complexity. A significant part of the discussion explores why non-technical founders benefit from partnering with experienced tech companies like Vertice Labs. Andrew explains that having access to strategic technical leadership from the start helps avoid costly missteps in architecture, stack choice, and development planning. For founders aiming to get a minimum viable product (MVP) to market, Vertice Labs provides a comprehensive service from ideation through to launch, including guidance on finding a suitable CTO as the startup grows. The conversation also touches on aligning short-term execution with long-term vision. Andrew explains the importance of a CTO’s role in bridging the gap between high-level business goals and day-to-day engineering work. This alignment, he notes, is essential not only for startups but also for SMBs and even larger enterprises where strategic clarity can prevent costly mistakes and wasted resources. Andrew delves into the challenges of managing technical debt and shares insights on building high-performance engineering teams that stay focused on clear, measurable outcomes. He emphasizes the importance of setting milestones and managing resources effectively, ensuring that each stage of development is tightly aligned with the company’s objectives and that teams are always working towards a defined goal. In a lively discussion about innovation, Andrew and Mehmet explore the impact of AI on software development. While AI tools can significantly enhance efficiency and allow teams to focus more on creative problem-solving, Andrew stresses that a human touch is still essential for providing context and strategic guidance. They discuss recent advances in AI, such as AI agents that streamline software development workflows, and how these technologies lower barriers to entry for startups. About Andrew: Andrew Duncan is the founder of Duncan Labs, a boutique software engineering firm. Andrew is a highly driven technology executive with a combination of strategic insight, business expertise, financial skills, and deep technology experience, with a record of success in the leadership of application development, vendor management and consulting initiatives for major companies and high-growth startups. Duncan Labs focuses on providing custom software delivery and strategic technical advisory services for small to mid-sized companies and startups looking to launch or enhance products and services or increase the efficiency of their technical teams. https://www.duncanlabs.io/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-b-duncan/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:06 Andrew Duncan's Background and Vertis Labs 01:49 Importance of Technical Leadership for Startups 04:35 Building MVPs and Scaling Startups 09:17 Aligning Technical Teams with Business Goals 14:59 Avoiding Failures and Managing Technical Debt 20:24 Balancing Speed and Decision-Making in Startups 24:13 The Role of AI in Software Engineering 33:22 When and How to Use AI Effectively 37:49 Conclusion and Contact Information