In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , I sit down with Alec Crawford , an AI and cybersecurity expert with decades of experience in financial institutions like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Deutsche Bank. Alec is now leading AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, focusing on AI Governance, Risk, Compliance, and Cybersecurity (AI GRCC) . We dive into: 🔹 How AI is reshaping cybersecurity—both defensively and offensively 🔹 The biggest vulnerabilities companies face in the AI era 🔹 Why tr...
Mar 11, 2025•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 h...
Mar 06, 2025•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 an...
Mar 04, 2025•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 tradi...
Feb 27, 2025•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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-s...
Feb 25, 2025•44 min•Transcript available on Metacast “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 p...
Feb 20, 2025•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 pow...
Feb 18, 2025•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 enh...
Feb 13, 2025•39 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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, I...
Feb 11, 2025•52 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 infrastruct...
Feb 06, 2025•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Feb 04, 2025•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast “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 st...
Jan 30, 2025•48 min•Transcript available on Metacast “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 ...
Jan 28, 2025•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast “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 gene...
Jan 23, 2025•46 min•Transcript available on Metacast “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, h...
Jan 21, 2025•58 min•Transcript available on Metacast “Search is evolving, but the question remains—who’s looking out for the creators of knowledge? At HyperDart, we’re putting them in the driver’s seat.” – Vikas Sehgal In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we dive into the world of search engines and innovation with Vikas Sehgal, a second-time founder and technologist with a proven track record. From co-founding the billion-dollar company Nagarro to now disrupting internet search with his new startup, HyperDart, Vikas shares his vision for...
Jan 16, 2025•53 min•Transcript available on Metacast “We’re not just building skills; we’re building futures by bridging the gap between talent and global opportunities.” – Ayman Bazaraa In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we sit down with Ayman Bazaraa and Bassam Sharkawy , the visionary co-founders of Sprints AI , to discuss their mission to unlock the tech potential of the MENA and Africa regions. They share how Sprints AI is revolutionizing education and employment by equipping local talent with cutting-edge AI skills and connecting ...
Jan 14, 2025•55 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we sit down with Tom Altman, a seasoned fractional CTO and founder of Altus, to explore the critical role of aligning technology with business strategy. Tom shares his fascinating journey from radio DJ to tech leadership and offers actionable insights on preparing for the AI tidal wave in 2026. Whether you’re a startup founder or a tech enthusiast, this episode provides a wealth of knowledge about future-proofing your business, fractional leadership,...
Jan 09, 2025•40 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this thought-provoking episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet , we explore the intersection of AI, blockchain, and economic systems with Barbara Biro , an award-winning expert in digital transformation and finance, and Paul Dowding , a veteran in financial infrastructure and blockchain innovation. Together, we dive deep into the challenges of legacy systems, the rise of decentralized solutions, and the pressing question of whether universal income is inevitable in the AI era. Key Takeaways 1. Th...
Jan 07, 2025•56 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive into the transformative world of electric vehicles (EVs) with Ken Boyer, a seasoned researcher in supply chain management and author of The Electric Vehicle Revolution: Five Visionaries Leading the Charge. From Elon Musk’s Tesla to Vietnam’s VinFast, Ken sheds light on the visionaries driving the EV revolution, the challenges of adoption, and the impact of EVs on global economics and sustainability. Electric vehicles are more than just cars; t...
Jan 02, 2025•38 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this insightful episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Hamel Kothari, the Co-Founder and CTO of Brigit, a financial wellness app empowering millions of Americans to manage cash flow and avoid overdraft fees. Hamel shares his journey, the technology behind Brigit, and how the company leverages AI to create scalable, user-centric financial solutions. From the challenges of entering the highly regulated fintech space to the innovative use of cash flow analytics, Hamel provides a m...
Dec 31, 2024•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this thought-provoking episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Rabeeh Abla, an AI pioneer, entrepreneur, and founder of CSP Solutions. Rabeeh shares his incredible journey from teaching algorithms to building AI-driven platforms, offering insights into the evolution of artificial intelligence—from early neural networks to the era of AGI (Artificial General Intelligence). Together, we explore the transformative power of AI in business and society, and what lies ahead in the rapid...
Dec 26, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this exciting episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we welcome back Bart Jenezon, Chief Inspirational Officer and co-founder of CASTOMAI. Bart shares his journey of creating CASTOMAI, a cutting-edge platform designed to simplify entrepreneurship through AI-powered tools. We dive into the philosophy behind the Inspiration Canvas, the challenges entrepreneurs face, and how AI is reshaping the startup ecosystem. Whether you’re a seasoned founder or a first-time entrepreneur, this episode is packe...
Dec 24, 2024•32 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we’re joined by Will Blackburn, co-founder of DevClarity, to explore how AI is transforming the management of developer teams. From his journey as a first-time CTO to building tools specifically for engineering leaders, Will shares invaluable insights into leveraging AI for productivity, managing software teams effectively, and navigating the future of development leadership. “Developers are the most highly leveraged employees in organizations today, ...
Dec 19, 2024•35 min•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive into the evolution of Flowwow, a global gifting marketplace, with COO Vera Modenova. Vera shares her inspiring journey, starting as a student in a five-person startup to scaling Flowwow across 30+ countries. We explore how Flowwow leverages AI, adapts to a mobile-first market, and empowers local sellers while navigating cultural diversity in the MENA region. If you’re curious about e-commerce, leadership, and market expansion, this episode is ...
Dec 17, 2024•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 atta...
Dec 12, 2024•43 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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...
Dec 10, 2024•41 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 fu...
Dec 05, 2024•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 man...
Dec 03, 2024•51 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 Impera...
Nov 28, 2024•47 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
