The CTO Show With Mehmet Gonullu podcast

53:13

In this episode, I sit down with John Cousins , a serial entrepreneur, investor, and educator, to discuss financial literacy, startup success, AI’s impact on learning, and the future of solopreneurship . With experience spanning MIT, IPOs, hedge funds, and AI-driven education , John shares powerful insights on navigating the world of business, investment, and entrepreneurship. 🔹 Key Takeaways from This Episode ✔️ The Power of Financial Literacy – Why schools fail to teach financial basics and how to take control of your money. ✔️ Startup Success – The traits that define successful entrepreneurs and why execution matters more than ideas. ✔️ Angel Investing & Hedge Funds – What John looks for in founders and how to evaluate great investments. ✔️ AI & Business Education – How AI is transforming the way we learn, create, and run businesses. ✔️ The Future of Solopreneurship – Why AI-powered one-person businesses are the future. ✔️ Building a Learning Habit – The secret behind writing 63 books and educating 30,000+ students. ✔️ Actionable Advice – How to take control of your finances, career, and entrepreneurial journey. 🔹 About John Cousins John Cousins is an investor, tech founder, and bestselling author of Corporate Finance A$AP and over 60 other books. John is the founder of MBA ASAP, which provides training to individuals, over 30,000 students in 165 countries, and corporations including Adidas, Apple, General Mills, Kaiser Permanente, Lyft, PayPal, Pinterest, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen. John has taught MBA students at universities worldwide. Currently General Partner at Tetraktys Global, a quantitative hedge fund, he is an early investor in many successful tech companies and crypto protocols. https://www.mba-asap.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/johncousinsiii/ 🔹 Episode Highlights & Timestamps ⏳ [00:01] – John’s Background : From MIT and electronic music to entrepreneurship ⏳ [00:06] – Taking Companies Public : John’s experience with IPOs and running a hedge fund ⏳ [00:12] – The Financial Literacy Gap : Why schools don’t teach finance & how to learn it yourself ⏳ [00:17] – 30,000+ Students Across 167 Countries : How MBA ASAP is making business knowledge accessible ⏳ [00:22] – AI in Learning & Business : John’s AI-driven negotiation course and multi-language digital learning ⏳ [00:28] – Investment Strategies & Startup Traits : What investors look for in founders & businesses ⏳ [00:36] – Solopreneurship & AI Tools : How AI is enabling individuals to run entire companies ⏳ [00:42] – The Future of Work : AI agents, automation, and the rise of one-person empires ⏳ [00:48] – John’s Writing Process : How he has published 63 books and distilled complex ideas…

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

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#443 AI in Healthcare: Dr. Robert Toth on Medical Imaging, Robot Surgeons, and Predictive Medicine 40:51

3 days ago40:51

40:51

AI is transforming healthcare at an unprecedented pace, from medical imaging advancements to the potential of robotic-assisted surgeries and predictive medicine . In this episode, Dr. Robert Toth , Founder of Thetat Tech AI , joins us to discuss how AI is revolutionizing radiology, diagnostics, and patient care , the ethical and regulatory challenges ahead, and what the future holds for AI-driven healthcare solutions . 🔑 Key Takeaways ✅ How AI is revolutionizing medical imaging – from X-rays and MRIs to 3D imaging and segmentation ✅ The role of AI in surgery – why fully autonomous robotic surgeons are still far away ✅ The impact of AI on healthcare workflows – improving documentation, diagnostics, and patient care ✅ Regulatory challenges – how FDA approvals and data privacy laws shape AI adoption ✅ Predictive medicine – how AI can forecast disease risks based on genetic and lifestyle data ✅ The future of patient data ownership – shifting from hospital control to consumer-driven models 🎯 What You’ll Learn • Why AI in medical imaging is one of the most exciting areas of innovation • How robot-assisted surgeries are evolving • The challenges of AI adoption in healthcare , from regulatory hurdles to physician resistance • How AI-driven predictive analytics could revolutionize preventative medicine • What the future holds for wearables, medical IoT (M-IoT), and patient data control 🎙️ About Our Guest – Dr. Robert Toth Dr. Robert Toth holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering with a focus on medical imaging AI . As the Founder of Thetatech AI , he has spent the last 11 years developing custom AI healthcare solutions , working with universities and medical device companies to push the boundaries of AI applications in healthcare . https://thetatech.ai https://www.linkedin.com/in/robtoth/ 🎥 Episode Highlights (Timestamps) ⏳ [00:02:00] – Why Dr. Robert Toth chose biomedical engineering and AI ⏳ [00:05:00] – AI’s biggest impact today: automating paperwork, transcriptions, and medical summaries ⏳ [00:09:00] – Why fully autonomous robot surgeons are still far off ⏳ [00:12:00] – Breakthroughs in medical imaging AI and 3D models for diagnostics ⏳ [00:17:00] – How AI helps in medical research and drug discovery ⏳ [00:22:00] – The regulatory hurdles slowing AI adoption in healthcare ⏳ [00:27:00] – Future trends : VR in surgery, medical IoT, and predictive health analytics ⏳ [00:32:00] – How startups and entrepreneurs can break into the health AI space ⏳ [00:37:00] – What the future of AI-powered hospitals will look like…

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

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#442 From Davos to DeFi: Agne Linge on Blockchain, AI, and the Future of Money 43:29

8 days ago43:29

43:29

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we dive deep into the future of finance with Agne Linge, Head of Growth at WeFi . Fresh from Davos , Agne shares insights into the latest trends in DeFi, AI-powered fintech, and the evolving global economy . We explore how blockchain and AI are reshaping banking , why traditional financial institutions are falling behind , and how decentralized finance is unlocking economic freedom worldwide . 🎯 Key Takeaways ✅ Why DeFi & AI are disrupting traditional banking models ✅ How blockchain enables financial freedom & inclusion ✅ The role of AI in fraud detection, KYC, and wealth management ✅ The impact of US crypto policies and Trump’s stance on blockchain ✅ The latest insights from Davos on finance, trade wars, and digital assets 📌 What You’ll Learn in This Episode 🔸 What makes DeFi superior to traditional banking? 🔸 How AI is being used in neobanks for security, automation, and compliance 🔸 How global regulations—including in the UAE—are shaping Web3 and crypto adoption 🔸 Will blockchain disrupt central banking and government spending transparency? 🔸 How financial institutions are preparing for the AI-powered banking future 🔹 About Agne Linge Agne Linge serves as a head of growth and board member of WeFi, with a robust background in the crypto, DeFi, and fintech sectors. She brings over eight years of experience in the crypto industry, complemented by more than ten years in consulting, where she has honed her skills in advisory services, strategic planning, and business development.Her expertise spans blockchain technologies, including Layer 1s and Layer 2s, as well as centralized and decentralized exchanges and DeFi protocols. With a solid foundation in traditional finance, Agne’s hands-on experience in crypto and DeFi positions her as a knowledgeable voice in the field. She is an active participant in the crypto community, with a vast network that fosters collaboration and innovation. A sought-after speaker, Agne regularly presents at major global conferences, including Devcon, ETH Denver, and ETH Barcelona. Her previous roles as a director at Binance and head of communications at DeGate further highlight her influential presence in the evolving landscape of digital finance. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/agnelinge/ WeFi Website: https://www.wefi.co/ 🎙 Episode Highlights & Timestamps ⏳ [00:01:00] – Agne Linge’s background in finance & crypto ⏳ [00:04:30] – The vision of WeFi: AI & blockchain in neobanking ⏳ [00:10:00] – Why crypto, AI, and blockchain are more than just buzzwords ⏳ [00:15:30] – Understanding DAOs: How decentralized governance works ⏳ [00:21:00] – Trump, Elon Musk & blockchain: The impact of US policies on DeFi ⏳ [00:27:45] – The role of AI in fraud detection, compliance, and risk management ⏳ [00:32:00] – The future of finance: How AI & DeFi will shape the global economy ⏳ [00:37:00] – Crypto regulation in the UAE & MENA: Why Dubai is the global Web3 hub ⏳ [00:40:30] – Final thoughts & Agne’s advice for embracing financial innovation…

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

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#441 From Struggles to Success: How Founders Can Optimize Tech Teams with Vygandas Pliasas 43:33

10 days ago43:33

43:33

Struggling to scale your tech team? Not sure when to move beyond an agency and build in-house? In this episode, we dive deep into engineering team optimization, startup scaling challenges, and the future of AI in development with Vygandas Pliasas —a Fractional CTO and expert in engineering management. 🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ When startups should transition from an agency to an in-house team ✅ The common traps founders fall into when working with external dev teams ✅ The step-by-step process for fixing tech bottlenecks and improving team efficiency ✅ How to scale remote engineering teams without chaos ✅ AI’s impact on development and how to integrate it into your tech strategy ✅ The biggest mistakes startups make when hiring developers ✅ The red flags that indicate it’s time for a change in your tech team 🎯 Key Takeaways: 📌 Miscommunication with agencies can slow progress—here’s how to fix it 📌 The right moment to build an in-house team and hire a Fractional CTO 📌 Scaling tech teams requires balancing technical leadership & business goals 📌 AI helps but doesn’t replace human decision-making —how to use it effectively About Vygandas: Vygandad is a seasoned Fractional CTO and software development executive with over 18 years of experience. He specializes in scaling startups, building dedicated remote teams, and driving technical innovation. With expertise in SaaS, e-commerce, and compliance-driven industries, he helps businesses align their technology with strategic goals, ensuring impactful, sustainable growth. From mentoring engineering leaders to streamlining operations, he empowers teams to deliver excellence while cutting costs and boosting performance. https://www.cortip.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/vygandas/ ⏱️ Episode Highlights & Timestamps: 00:00 - Welcome & intro to Vygandas Pliasas 02:30 - Why founders struggle with agency-based development 05:15 - How to know when to bring development in-house 08:40 - The challenges of scaling remote engineering teams 12:10 - Hiring & firing: How fast is too fast, how late is too late? 18:45 - AI in development: What works, what doesn’t 30:10 - The biggest startup tech mistakes and how to avoid them 38:45 - Final thoughts & where to find Vygandas online…

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

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#440 How AI is Fixing Late Payments: Fabio Fleitas on Automating Cash Collections 54:32

15 days ago54:32

54:32

“Reducing the amount of time to receive cash unlocks working capital and fuels business growth. AI is transforming this process like never before.” – Fabio Fleitas In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we dive into the world of fintech and AI-driven financial operations with Fabio Fleitas , Co-Founder and CTO of Tesorio . Tesorio is revolutionizing cash flow automation , helping businesses collect payments faster and optimize financial operations with AI. We discuss: • The biggest pain points finance teams face in accounts receivable and cash collections • How Tesorio uses AI to automate collections, predict payments, and improve cash flow • The impact of AI and automation on financial operations • The challenges of integrating fintech solutions with banking systems • How startups and enterprises can leverage AI to streamline financial workflows 🚀 Key Takeaways ✅ AI is revolutionizing cash collections by automating invoices, follow-ups, and reconciliation ✅ Tesorio helps reduce payment delays by analyzing financial data and predicting when invoices will be paid ✅ Businesses lose millions in bad debt write-offs —AI-driven automation can significantly cut these losses ✅ Even enterprise finance teams remain understaffed , making automation essential for scalability ✅ The rise of AI agents and operators is making financial workflows more efficient than ever 🎯 What You’ll Learn 🔹 Why late payments are a major financial bottleneck for businesses 🔹 How AI-powered tools like Tesorio improve cash flow predictability 🔹 The importance of automating financial workflows to scale without increasing headcount 🔹 How neobanks and fintech innovations are changing the financial landscape 🔹 Insights into how AI is being used in fintech beyond generative models 🎙️ About Fabio Fleitas Fabio Fleitas is the Co-Founder & CTO of Tesorio , a fintech platform transforming how businesses manage cash flow. He started the company while studying at the University of Pennsylvania and later went through Y Combinator in 2015. Over the past decade, he has led Tesorio’s evolution from a startup to a key player in AI-powered financial automation . https://www.linkedin.com/in/fabiofleitas/ https://www.tesorio.com/ ⏳ Episode Highlights (Timestamps) 📌 [00:02:00] – What is Tesorio? The problem it solves for finance teams 📌 [00:04:30] – Fabio’s startup journey: from university to Y Combinator 📌 [00:06:50] – The pain points in finance and why late payments are a major issue 📌 [00:10:00] – How Tesorio automates cash collections and integrates with financial systems 📌 [00:14:30] – Addressing objections: Why companies still need specialized fintech tools 📌 [00:18:00] – AI-powered automation: How businesses can reduce cash flow risks 📌 [00:21:00] – Banking and fintech evolution : What’s changed in the last decade 📌 [00:28:00] – AI’s growing role in predicting payments and automating financial decisions 📌 [00:33:00] – The future of AI in fintech and Fabio’s take on rapid AI advancements 📌 [00:45:00] – How AI agents can now fully automate invoice submissions 📌 [00:50:00] – Advice for fintech entrepreneurs: How to build impactful AI solutions…

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

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#439 The Future of Digital Marketing: Merag Shahzad on AI, Strategy, and Growth 53:16

17 days ago53:16

53:16

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we dive deep into the evolving landscape of digital marketing with Merag Shahzad , a digital marketing expert and strategist. Merag shares insights on AI’s role in marketing , how brands can balance automation with authenticity, and the future trends shaping digital engagement. We explore the must-have tools for marketers, discuss the overuse vs. underuse of AI , and break down how businesses—especially startups—can leverage marketing as a growth powerhouse . 🔥 Key Takeaways ✔️ AI’s Biggest Impact on Digital Marketing – How AI tools like ChatGPT, Jasper AI, and Synthesia are revolutionizing content creation. ✔️ Too Much AI vs. Not Enough – Where businesses are going wrong in AI adoption and how to strike the right balance. ✔️ Must-Have AI Tools for Marketers – Essential AI-driven tools for content creation, search optimization, and audience engagement. ✔️ The Role of Personal Branding – Why founders and executives should invest in building their personal brands online. ✔️ Influencer Marketing & B2B Trends – How Gen Z and the creator economy are shaping brand storytelling across platforms. ✔️ Platform-Specific Strategies – Understanding the unique culture and algorithm of platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok. ✔️ Marketing as a Growth Engine – Why startups should prioritize marketing from day one to scale effectively. 🎧 What You’ll Learn 🔹 How to integrate AI into your marketing strategy without losing authenticity 🔹 The difference between AI-powered efficiency and over-reliance on automation 🔹 Why storytelling and emotional connection are key to marketing success 🔹 How businesses can tailor their marketing for different digital platforms 🔹 Why consistency is the secret weapon in content marketing 👤 About Merag Shahzad Merag Shahzad is a seasoned digital marketing expert specializing in AI-driven branding and content strategies. His agency helps businesses optimize their marketing strategies by leveraging AI tools while maintaining authenticity and engagement. https://www.linkedin.com/in/immerag/ https://instagram.com/immerag/ https://www.tiktok.com/@immerag 📌 Episode Highlights ⏳ [00:01:00] – Introduction & Guest Background ⏳ [00:04:00] – The Evolution of AI in Digital Marketing ⏳ [00:10:00] – Must-Have AI Tools for Businesses & Creators ⏳ [00:16:00] – The Balance Between AI and Human Touch ⏳ [00:24:00] – The Power of Storytelling in Marketing Strategy ⏳ [00:30:00] – The Rise of Influencer Marketing & B2B Branding ⏳ [00:40:00] – Best Practices for Digital Marketing in 2025 ⏳ [00:49:00] – How to Choose the Right Social Media Platform…

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

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#438 Lean Product Design: Daniel Andor on UX, Startups, and Avoiding Common Pitfalls 38:40

22 days ago38:40

38:40

In this episode, Mehmet sits down with Daniel Andor , a seasoned product designer and founder of Durran , a product design studio specializing in early-stage tech startups. With 15 years of experience in UX and product design, Daniel shares his insights on lean product design , common startup mistakes , and how to build products that truly engage users . If you’re a founder, product leader, or UX enthusiast, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to improve your design approach and enhance user experience. Key Takeaways ✅ What is Lean Product Design? – Understanding how rapid iteration and user feedback can shape successful products. ✅ Common UX Mistakes Startups Make – Why technical founders often struggle with product design and how to fix it. ✅ How to Identify User Engagement Issues – Signs your product isn’t working and how to address high churn rates. ✅ Empathy-Driven UX – Why understanding your users’ journey is critical for product success. ✅ The Role of AI in UX Design – Can AI assist in product design, or is it still unreliable? ✅ Metrics That Define Product Success – The key indicators that show your product is resonating with users. ✅ Resources and Frameworks – Daniel’s go-to books and methodologies for UX and product design. What You’ll Learn 🚀 How to validate design decisions before building costly features 🎯 The importance of onboarding and user journey mapping 🔄 How to leverage feedback loops to continuously refine your product 📊 The difference between good and bad UX design for SaaS startups 🤖 Can AI improve UX design? Where it works—and where it fails About the Guest Daniel Andor is the founder of Durran , a product design studio that helps early-stage startups refine and launch their products. He has mentored founders at top accelerators like Techstars , guiding them through the process of product-market fit, UX design, and customer engagement strategies. https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniandor/ https://www.durran.co/ Episode Highlights ⏳ [00:01:00] – Daniel’s journey from graphic design to UX and product design ⏳ [00:04:00] – The importance of lean product design in early-stage startups ⏳ [00:06:30] – Why startups fail: The dangers of feature parity and lack of customer feedback ⏳ [00:10:00] – How to measure user engagement and detect churn signals ⏳ [00:14:00] – The role of empathy in UX and best practices for user onboarding ⏳ [00:19:30] – The lean startup approach: Building, testing, and iterating quickly ⏳ [00:22:00] – AI in UX: Can generative AI enhance product design? ⏳ [00:28:00] – Metrics for success: How to determine if your product is working ⏳ [00:32:00] – Daniel’s recommended books and frameworks for UX and product design…

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

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#437 Smart Buildings: Marek Kozlak & Michał Szopa on AI and Digital Twins in Construction 52:13

24 days ago52:13

52:13

In this episode, we dive into the world of digital twins and AI-driven facility management with Marek Kozlak (CTO & Founder of SIMLAB) and Michał Szopa (Product Owner & Project Manager at SIMLAB) . They share how their cutting-edge technology transforms construction, facility management, and real estate operations by creating real-time, interactive digital twins of buildings . Whether you’re a real estate developer, tech leader, or entrepreneur , this episode provides insights into AI, IoT, and smart building innovations that are reshaping the industry. 🔹 Key Takeaways 🚀 What are digital twins, and how do they impact real estate and construction? 🏗️ The role of AI and IoT in making buildings smarter and more efficient 📊 How SIMLAB’s technology helps prevent costly construction rework and maintenance issues 🔍 How facility managers, homeowners, and developers can leverage digital twins for predictive maintenance 💡 The future of smart buildings and how this innovation can help cut costs and reduce carbon footprints 🔹 What You’ll Learn ✔️ How digital twins bring real-world assets to life with data and visualization ✔️ The difference between ‘as-designed’ vs. ‘as-built’ digital twins ✔️ How SIMLAB integrates with IoT devices, sensors, and automation platforms ✔️ The power of 3D scanning—how anyone can create a digital twin using just a smartphone ✔️ Why AI-driven maintenance and predictive analytics are the future of real estate and construction 🔹 About Our Guests Marek Kozlak is the CEO & Founder of SIMLAB , an expert in mechanical engineering, computer graphics, and digital twin technology . He founded SIMLAB to solve real-world challenges in the construction and property sectors using advanced 3D scanning and AI-powered analytics. https://www.linkedin.com/in/marek-kozlak-82481258/ Michał Szopa is the Product Owner & Project Manager at SIMLAB , specializing in building automation systems, digital transformation, and facility management . His expertise bridges the gap between technology, real estate, and end-user needs . https://www.linkedin.com/in/michal-szopa/ SIMLAB Website: http://www.simlabinc.com/ 🔹 Episode Highlights (Timestamps) ⏳ [00:00] Welcome & introduction to SIMLAB ⏳ [02:00] Marek & Michał’s backgrounds and why they founded SIMLAB ⏳ [06:30] What is a digital twin, and how is it revolutionizing real estate? ⏳ [10:00] The role of IoT in building maintenance and automation ⏳ [14:30] How digital twins help prevent costly construction errors ⏳ [20:00] AI and predictive maintenance in facility management ⏳ [27:00] Real-world use cases: Smart buildings, energy savings & sustainability ⏳ [35:00] Live demo: A deep dive into SIMLAB’s technology (watch on YouTube!) ⏳ [45:00] How anyone can scan their property and create a digital twin ⏳ [50:00] Business model, pricing, and final thoughts…

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

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#436 Building the Cities of Tomorrow: Lawrence Eta on Digital Infrastructure and AI 42:37

29 days ago42:37

42:37

In this insightful episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we dive into the world of smart cities, digital transformation, and AI-driven urban innovation with Lawrence Eta , a seasoned technology leader with experience spanning Toronto, Saudi Arabia, and beyond. Lawrence shares his expertise on how cities can harness AI, data, and infrastructure planning to build sustainable, people-centric urban environments. 🎯 Key Takeaways 🔹 Smart Cities as a Blueprint for the Future – Why digital infrastructure is essential for modern urban development. 🔹 AI & Data-Driven Cities – How AI is transforming city planning, public services, and security . 🔹 The Role of Government & Regulations – How policy plays a crucial role in creating innovation-friendly cities . 🔹 The 5S Framework for Smart City Success – Lawrence’s strategic approach to stability, scalability, security, sustainability, and integration . 🔹 Tech Leadership & Innovation – Why city CTOs should be at the center of urban strategy . 🔹 The Future of Urban Mobility & Digital Identity – How AI, biometrics, and automation will change the way we interact with cities. 💡 About Our Guest: Lawrence Eta Lawrence Eta is a global digital transformation expert and former Chief Technology Officer of the City of Toronto. He is currently based in Saudi Arabia , where he leads digital transformation and smart city initiatives for one of the region’s mega projects. With a background in technology leadership across North America, Europe, and the Middle East , Lawrence brings a unique perspective on urban planning, governance, and the intersection of AI and infrastructure. Lawrence’s extensive educational background—including an Executive MBA—complements his commitment to innovation and continuous learning. Lawrence Website: https://lawrenceeta.com/ Bridging Worlds: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D188F7WR 📌 Episode Highlights (with Timestamps) ⏳ [00:01:00] – Lawrence’s journey from Toronto to Saudi Arabia & the future of smart cities ⏳ [00:04:30] – Why digital transformation is critical for urban infrastructure ⏳ [00:09:00] – AI’s role in creating more efficient and sustainable cities ⏳ [00:15:00] – Balancing privacy, security, and innovation in data-driven cities ⏳ [00:20:00] – Real-world applications of AI: Biometrics, transportation, and governance ⏳ [00:26:00] – The Middle East as a hub for smart city development & investment opportunities ⏳ [00:34:00] – Why we should rethink IT departments as Technology & Innovation Teams ⏳ [00:39:00] – Leadership lessons & advice for tech professionals in public service…

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

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#435 Revolutionizing Healthcare UX: AI, Personalization, and Design Innovation with Mary Borysova 42:46

4 weeks ago42:46

42:46

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we dive into the evolving landscape of healthcare UX, AI-driven personalization, and innovative design strategies with Mary Borysova , a seasoned product designer specializing in healthcare . Mary shares her insights on how AI, gamification, and behavioral design are transforming the patient experience , improving accessibility, and making health apps more engaging and effective . She also discusses the challenges of designing for diverse user groups, from Gen Z to senior citizens , and the privacy and regulatory constraints that shape digital healthcare solutions. 🚀 What You’ll Learn ✅ How AI is shaping healthcare UX and driving personalized patient experiences ✅ The role of gamification and behavioral design in keeping users engaged ✅ Challenges in designing healthcare apps for different demographics (Gen Z vs. seniors) ✅ Privacy and data security concerns in AI-powered healthcare applications ✅ Innovations in predictive analytics and digital health accessibility ✅ How AI-driven chatbots and voice assistants are revolutionizing mental health support ✅ What it takes to design for both patients and healthcare providers 🏆 About the Guest: Mary Borysova Mary has a unique business and creative approach, backed by her 7 years of design experience specifically in healthcare design, and 12 years of experience in the design and marketing of tech products. Some of the highlights of her work are: - Mary was part of the healthcare venture building studio, working on 5 products 0 To 1, one of them became a unicorn. - She designed a new AI-powered app for CVS Pharmacy (about to launch). She was leading design projects at SaaS PandaDoc, a product used by Patagonia, Panasonic, and Autodesk and 50K more business users. https://techmattersstudio.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-borysova/ https://healthmattersandme.substack.com/ ⏳ Episode Chapters & Timestamps 🎤 [00:00] Introduction & Guest Welcome 👩‍⚕️ [02:00] Mary’s Journey in Healthcare UX & Product Design 📱 [06:30] How Healthcare UX Differs from Other Industries 🔒 [10:00] Privacy & Security Challenges in Healthcare AI 🎯 [14:30] Gamification & AI Personalization in Health Apps 🏥 [18:45] Designing for Accessibility: Seniors vs. Younger Users 🌍 [22:00] Bridging Healthcare Gaps in Underserved Communities 📊 [27:15] Predictive Analytics & AI in Healthcare Decision-Making 🧠 [30:45] AI Chatbots & the Future of Mental Health Support 🎙️ [36:00] The Future of Healthcare UX & Emerging Trends 👋 [40:30] Final Thoughts & How to Connect with Mary…

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

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#434 Managing AI Risks: Jim Olsen on Governance, Compliance, and Business Strategy 47:52

5 weeks ago47:52

47:52

“Most companies can’t answer the fundamental questions about their AI models—where they’re used, how they’re performing, and if they’re compliant. That’s where AI governance comes in.” — Jim Olsen In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive deep into AI governance, compliance, and risk management with Jim Olsen, the CTO of ModelOp, a leading AI governance firm. As AI adoption accelerates, enterprises must navigate the complexities of AI governance, regulatory compliance, and business strategy. Jim shares his journey in AI, the importance of AI governance, and how enterprises can balance innovation while mitigating risks. Whether you’re a tech leader, founder, or executive, this episode provides valuable insights into securing AI models and ensuring responsible AI use in businesses. Key Takeaways: ✔️ AI governance is not just about regulation—it ensures AI models drive business value. ✔️ Most enterprises lack visibility into how AI is being used internally, leading to compliance risks. ✔️ AI models are non-deterministic, requiring monitoring and lifecycle management. ✔️ Regulatory frameworks are evolving, and businesses must be prepared for compliance. ✔️ Balancing AI innovation with risk management is crucial for long-term success. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🚀 Why AI governance is a critical priority for enterprises. 📊 How organizations can track AI models and ensure compliance. ⚖️ The evolving landscape of AI regulations in the US and Europe. 🛡️ Strategies to mitigate AI risks and protect business reputations. 💡 The role of AI in business decision-making and automation. About the Guest – Jim Olsen Jim leads the technical innovation and design of the ModelOp Center platform. He also is integral to advising ModelOp customer CIOs and CTOs on requirements to better support their IT operations as they execute on digital business strategies that often strain technology infrastructure. Prior to ModelOp, he was Director of Software Development at Think Big, a Teradata Company for the Americas consulting organization, and responsible for the design of their Analytics Ops framework. Jim has also held technical design and architect positions at Qualtrics, W.J. Bradley Company, and Convasant and was a Distinguished Engineer at Novell. Jim holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Psychology from Clarkson University and currently has two patents in his name. Connect with Jim on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimolsen/ https://www.modelop.com/ Episode Highlights & Timestamps: ⏳ [00:01:00] – Jim Olsen’s background and how he got into AI governance. ⏳ [00:03:30] – Why enterprises struggle with AI oversight and compliance. ⏳ [00:06:00] – The disconnect between AI adoption and C-suite understanding. ⏳ [00:09:00] – AI regulations: What’s changing and how businesses should prepare. ⏳ [00:14:30] – Risks of deploying AI models without governance. ⏳ [00:18:00] – Generative AI: Potential, pitfalls, and business impact. ⏳ [00:23:00] – Best practices for AI governance in enterprises. ⏳ [00:28:00] – The CTO’s role in balancing AI adoption with compliance. ⏳ [00:35:00] – Future of AI: Agentic AI, automation, and evolving risks.…

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

1
#433 Breaking the Cash Flow Barrier: Malachi Halliday on Supporting Startups and Small Businesses 38:15

5 weeks ago38:15

38:15

“Accessing funding shouldn’t be a roadblock to growth. Startups and small businesses deserve a financial ecosystem that supports their ambitions.” – Malachi Halliday In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , Malachi Halliday, founder of HFS and a 15-year veteran of the UAE startup ecosystem, joins Mehmet to discuss the pressing issue of cash flow challenges faced by startups and small businesses. Together, they explore innovative funding solutions, the structural hurdles in the UAE, and the importance of financial preparedness for growth. Malachi shares his journey of funding MSMEs, insights into alternative financing options, and actionable advice to help businesses unlock their potential. Key Takeaways: • The unique cash flow challenges faced by startups and MSMEs in the UAE. • Why traditional banks often fail to meet the needs of small businesses. • How alternative funding options like factoring and revenue-based financing are bridging the gap. • The critical role of financial preparedness and collections in scaling a business. • How funding startups and small businesses drives economic growth, competition, and innovation. What You’ll Learn: • The structural challenges of securing funding in the UAE and how to overcome them. • The benefits of providing startups and MSMEs with accessible funding. • Strategies for improving financial readiness before seeking funding. • Real-life examples of how businesses have thrived after receiving tailored financial support. About the Guest: Malachi Halliday is the founder of HFS (Halliday Forfaiting Services), a UAE-based company dedicated to funding startups and MSMEs across the region. Malachi is an award-winning 𝐌𝐒𝐌𝐄 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭. He 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐩𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐥 to UAE-based, B2B, post-revenue businesses with revenue below AED20m p.a. With a mission to fund 2,000 businesses by 2030, Malachi brings a wealth of experience in providing working capital and financial advisory services tailored to the unique needs of small businesses. https://www.linkedin.com/in/malachihalliday/ https://www.hallidayforfaiting.com/ Episode Highlights: • [00:01:00] Malachi introduces himself and his mission to support MSMEs in the UAE. • [00:03:00] The challenges startups face with cash flow and accessing bank funding. • [00:07:00] Why traditional banking isn’t always a solution for small businesses. • [00:10:00] Success stories: Funding that drives competition and innovation. • [00:14:00] The importance of financial readiness and preparation before seeking funding. • [00:23:00] Common mistakes startups make after raising funds. • [00:27:00] Trends in SME financing and the role of innovation and technology. • [00:30:00] How HFS uses technology to bridge funding gaps. • [00:34:00] Malachi’s final advice: Mastering collections and improving payment terms.…

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

1
#432 The Next Big Thing in Cybersecurity: Insights from Sentra’s CTO Ron Reiter 45:51

6 weeks ago45:51

45:51

“Data security is not just the next big thing—it’s the foundation for the future of cybersecurity.” – Ron Reiter In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we sit down with Ron Reiter, Co-Founder and CTO of Sentra, to explore the rapidly evolving world of cybersecurity, particularly focusing on data security. Ron shares his incredible journey as a tech entrepreneur and cybersecurity innovator. Together, we dive into how data security is transforming in the age of cloud computing, AI, and generative models. Key Takeaways 1. Data Security is the Future : With the exponential growth of unstructured data and AI-driven models, protecting data has become a non-negotiable aspect of cybersecurity. 2. AI Brings New Challenges : As organizations rush to adopt AI, they often overlook critical data security risks, such as unauthorized data in training models. 3. Startups Need to Think Big : Ron emphasizes solving big problems in cybersecurity—ones that CISOs are willing to pay for and that can grow into long-term solutions. What You’ll Learn • Ron’s journey from coding at age 9 to building multimillion-dollar companies. • Why data security is becoming the cornerstone of cybersecurity. • Overlooked security risks in AI adoption and how to mitigate them. • The challenges of managing unstructured data in modern enterprises. • Emerging cybersecurity threats in the era of AI and large language models. • Practical advice for aspiring cybersecurity entrepreneurs. About the Guest Ron Reiter is the Co-Founder and CTO of Sentra, a data security platform designed to help organizations protect their most critical assets. With decades of expertise in cybersecurity, cloud computing, and AI, Ron has a proven track record of solving complex challenges and building scalable solutions. Previously, Ron co-founded and sold Crosswise, a cross-device technology company, to Oracle for $50M. Today, he’s on a mission to revolutionize the way companies approach data security. Resources Mentioned • Sentra : www.sentra.io • Ron Reiter’s Email : ron@sentra.io Episode Highlights • [00:01:00] Ron introduces himself and his journey in cybersecurity. • [00:04:00] The founding of Sentra and why data security is the “next big thing.” • [00:14:00] The intersection of AI and data security: overlooked risks and best practices. • [00:26:00] How bad actors are leveraging AI for more sophisticated cyberattacks. • [00:31:00] Striking the balance between innovation and data security in enterprises. • [00:38:00] Advice for aspiring cybersecurity entrepreneurs: solve real, large-scale problems.…

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

1
#431 From Fear to Founding: Sophia Matveeva’s Journey and Lessons for Non-Tech Entrepreneurs 58:20

6 weeks ago58:20

58:20

“Feel the fear and do it anyway.” These powerful words guide Sophia Matveeva’s mission to empower non-technical professionals in a world dominated by technology. In this episode, Sophia shares her inspiring journey from media and finance to becoming the founder of Tech for Non-Techies , a platform that equips non-tech founders and professionals with the tools they need to thrive in the digital age. Sophia Matveeva joins The CTO Show with Mehmet to discuss her personal story of overcoming fear, her insights on enabling non-tech founders, and how storytelling can transform your entrepreneurial journey. From prototyping with AI to the importance of asking the right questions, Sophia provides actionable advice for anyone looking to succeed in tech—without a technical background. What You’ll Learn • How Sophia turned fear into fuel to build Tech for Non-Techies . • Why non-tech founders are perfectly positioned to solve real-world problems. • Tools and strategies for using AI and no-code platforms to prototype ideas. • The role of storytelling in attracting investors and customers. • How to identify and embrace the intersection of your expertise and technology. Key Takeaways 1. Fear is natural—accept it and move forward. Fear is an evolutionary response, but it shouldn’t stop you from pursuing your dreams. 2. Prototyping has never been easier. With AI and no-code tools, you can create and test ideas quickly and inexpensively. 3. Storytelling is your secret weapon. Investors and stakeholders are drawn to founders who tell compelling stories about their vision. 4. Non-tech founders are valuable. Leverage your expertise in areas like sales, marketing, and problem-solving to build successful ventures. 5. Seek complementary relationships. Collaborate with technical professionals who align with your vision and skill set. About Sophia Matveeva Sophia has contributed to the Harvard Business Review, Financial Times, The Guardian and Forbes on entrepreneurship and technology, and hosts the top rated Tech for Non-Techies podcast. She has also guest lectured at the University of Chicago, London Business School, and Oxford University. Sophia is a start-up mentor at the Chicago Booth Polsky Center of Entrepreneurship, and has advised leading accelerators including Chicago Booth’s New Venture Challenge and the Techstars x Blackstone Launchpad. She holds an MBA from Chicago Booth, and a BSc (Hons) in Politics from Bristol. She speaks English, Russian and French. Sophia also sits on the Advisory Board to Riviter, which uses AI to predict consumer trends for the world's biggest brands. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-matveeva-556365a/ https://techfornontechies.co/ Resources Mentioned • Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers • Tools for Prototyping: Galileo, UI Wizard, Bubble, Adalo, Softr • Tech for Non-Techies Podcast : https://www.techfornontechies.com/podcast • Google Ventures Methodology for Product Testing Episode Highlights • [00:03:00] Sophia explains how fear and shame led her to create Tech for Non-Techies . • [00:07:00] The importance of asking questions—even if you feel intimidated. • [00:18:00] Why AI and no-code tools are revolutionizing prototyping for non-tech founders. • [00:34:00] How non-technical founders like Steve Jobs and Jack Ma achieved success. • [00:45:00] The power of storytelling in pitching to investors and customers. • [00:52:00] Why cultivating relationships between techies and non-techies leads to better outcomes.…

The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

1
#430 The Future of Search: Vikas Sehgal on AI, Fairness, and Empowering Content Creators 52:41

7 weeks ago52:41