The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

Mehmet Gonullu
  • 5,0 (14)
  • ENTREPRENARIAT
  • DEUX FOIS PAR SEMAINE

Broadcasting from Dubai, The CTO Show with Mehmet explores the latest trends in technology, startups, and venture funding. Host Mehmet Gonullu leads insightful discussions with thought leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs from diverse industries. From emerging technologies to startup investment strategies, the show provides a balanced view on navigating the evolving landscape of business and tech, helping listeners understand their profound impact on our world. mehmet@yassiventures.com

  1. -1 J

    #519 From Bureaucracy to Agility: Jack Skeels on Leading in the AI Era

    In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive into the future of management with Jack Skeels, CEO of Agency Agile and author of Unmanaged. Jack shares why traditional command-and-control structures are outdated, how hidden dysfunctions cripple organizations, and what it takes to unlock true productivity in the age of AI. We explore why overmanagement is slowing teams down, the warning signs leaders should watch for, and how AI can either reinforce bad habits—or transform organizations when paired with agile, human-centric practices. Key Takeaways • Why most management practices are outdated—and what to do instead • The “plateau of optimism” and “chasm of despair” in projects and transformations • How to spot hidden dysfunctions that derail productivity • Why AI won’t fix bad processes—and how to redesign work for real impact • The power of asking why and questioning the status quo What You’ll Learn • How to move from bureaucracy to agility in your organization • Practical techniques to boost productivity and reduce rework • Why unleashing talent beats overmanaging • How AI is reshaping teams, value chains, and leadership roles About Jack Skeels Jack is the founder and CEO of Agency Agile, where he has worked with nearly 200 organizations to help them run faster, better, and happier. With a career spanning programming, project management, consultancy, and research at the RAND Corporation, Jack brings a unique perspective to modern leadership. His award-winning book Unmanaged offers a blueprint for rethinking how teams thrive. https://www.amazon.com/Unmanaged-Master-Creating-Empowered-Organizations/dp/B0CLSJJJ49 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackaskeels/ Episode Highlights • [02:00] Jack’s journey from programmer to RAND researcher to Agency Agile founder • [07:00] Why outdated management persists and the role of education in leadership • [12:00] Warning signs of overmanagement and how to measure real productivity • [18:00] Why CEO buy-in is non-negotiable for transformation • [20:00] The “plateau of optimism” and “chasm of despair” in projects • [24:00] How AI changes management—and why undoing structures is key • [31:00] Trust and manipulation in AI decision-making • [37:00] Jack’s book Unmanaged and its core lessons • [40:00] Advice for the new generation of leaders: think different and always ask why

    47 min

  2. -3 J

    #518 Scaling With Authenticity: Angela Thomas on Founder Growth

    In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, Angela Thomas shares her extraordinary journey from growing up in East Germany to building award-winning businesses, reinventing her career, and now helping entrepreneurs scale in Dubai. We dive into the misconceptions about scaling, the role of authenticity, why reinvention is critical, and why Dubai has become a global hub for entrepreneurs. Key Takeaways • Why authenticity is a non-negotiable asset when scaling a business • The difference between scalable and non-scalable models (time vs. value detachment) • How value ladders unlock sustainable growth • Why founders must invest in their own development before their businesses can grow • Dubai’s rise as the “Disneyland for entrepreneurs” ⸻ What You’ll Learn • How to reinvent yourself without abandoning your past achievements • Strategies to avoid stagnation and overcome plateaus • The importance of lead magnets, trust-building, and tiny challenges in client acquisition • Why moving to Dubai offers unique opportunities for global founders About Angela Thomas Angela Thomas is the founder of Angel Success Consulting, a Dubai-based entrepreneurial family office that helps founders, doctors, and service providers scale sustainably and internationally. With nearly 30 years as a serial entrepreneur, Angela has built and sold businesses across industries – from retail and real estate to aviation, healthcare, and luxury. Today, she is known as Europe’s #1 Scaling Expert and the visionary behind high-impact programs like Skillionair, Skillionize, and Dubai Docs Fast Track – a relocation success model for physicians entering the UAE market. https://www.angelsuccess.consulting/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-thomas8/ Episode Highlights • [00:02:00] Angela’s entrepreneurial roots in East Germany • [00:07:00] Reinvention and overcoming the fear of leaving success behind • [00:13:00] Why authenticity matters more than ever in business • [00:16:00] Business doesn’t grow unless the founder does • [00:21:00] Scalable vs. non-scalable business models • [00:26:00] The process Angela uses to help founders find growth • [00:33:00] Why she calls her boutique setup a “Family Office 2.0” • [00:36:00] Dubai as the Disneyland for entrepreneurs

    46 min

  3. 11 SEPT.

    #517 Execution Over Hype: Rob Matzkin on Raising Capital and Scaling Startups

    In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, I sit down with Rob Matzkin, a serial entrepreneur, investor, and connector who has built and exited multiple companies and now advises startups on scaling, fundraising, and execution. Rob shares the hard truths of entrepreneurship — why execution beats hype every time, what founders get wrong about investor readiness, and how AI is reshaping startup moats. We also dive into founder burnout, the myth of overnight success, and the importance of building authentic relationships. Key Takeaways • Why most founders are not actually investor-ready • How to show traction and de-risk your pitch to investors • The double-edged sword of AI in fundraising and positioning • Why execution > ideas (and how to prove it) • How to avoid burnout and build a sustainable founder journey What You’ll Learn • The stages of fundraising explained clearly (friends & family, pre-seed, seed, Series A) • The signals investors actually look for — beyond hype and storytelling • How startups can think about moats in the age of AI • The role of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership About Rob Matzkin Rob has founded and led 16 different companies, with multiple exits across sectors. Today, he consults founders on reaching product–market fit, scaling to millions in ARR, and navigating capital raising. He is also the host of the Purpose-Driven Summit and a recognized global connector across business, sports, and the arts. https://robmatzkin.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-j-matzkin-06027634/ Episode Highlights • (00:04:50) Why founders think they’re unique (but they’re not) • (00:09:30) The truth about being “investor-ready” • (00:14:00) Risk vs reward: how investors really decide • (00:22:00) AI hype vs real AI companies — what matters now • (00:30:00) Product–market fit and why most founders misunderstand it • (00:33:30) Burnout, balance, and the myth of working 16-hour days • (00:44:30) Why most public stories about success are PR illusions

    49 min

  4. 9 SEPT.

    #516 Efficiency as an Unfair Advantage: Tomas Navickas on Scaling Digital Banking

    In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, I sit down with Tomas Navickas, Co-Founder and CTO of myTU, a digital-first financial institution known for running an entire bank on less than €1,000/month in cloud costs. We explore how efficiency, AI, and smart architecture are redefining the future of digital banking and fintech. Tomas shares how myTU built efficiency into its DNA, why fraud prevention requires more than rules, and how APIs and AI are reshaping payments. This conversation is packed with insights for founders, CTOs, and anyone interested in the intersection of technology, regulation, and finance. Key Takeaways • How efficiency became myTU’s moat in a competitive fintech landscape • Lessons from running a bank on €1K/month in cloud costs • The role of AI in fraud prevention — from reactive to real-time decisioning • Why APIs are the future of B2B payments • Cloud-native vs. legacy banking systems: what traditional banks can’t solve • The next wave of digital banking innovation: conversational interfaces What You’ll Learn • Practical strategies for scaling efficiently without massive infrastructure spend • How AI is transforming fraud detection and compliance in fintech • The regulatory realities of building a cloud-first bank • Why support can be minimized by design before AI automation • Where fintech is heading in the next decade About Tomas Navickas Tomas Navickas is the Co-Founder and CTO of myTU, a European fintech building cloud-native digital banking solutions. With over two decades of experience in software, engineering, and financial systems, Tomas brings deep expertise in building efficient, scalable, and secure platforms. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ntomas/ https://www.mytu.co/ Connect with The CTO Show • Subscribe to the newsletter: MEA Tech & Startup Digest • Follow Mehmet Gonullu on LinkedIn • Share this episode with founders, CTOs, and investors who care about fintech innovation Episode Highlights • [00:03:00] Tomas’s journey from coding at age 6 to CTO and fintech founder • [00:05:00] Running a bank on €1K/month — architecture decisions that made it possible • [00:10:00] AI’s role in fraud prevention and customer protection • [00:17:00] Cloud-native vs. legacy banks: why traditional migration fails • [00:29:00] Reinventing B2B payments with APIs • [00:40:00] How AI could automate compliance, support, and even development • [00:46:00] Predicting the next wave of digital banking innovation • [00:50:00] Tomas’s advice for founders and aspiring fintech builders

    55 min

  5. 6 SEPT.

    #515 Execution Over Ideas: Soha Ashrafian on Building Businesses That Last

    In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, I sit down with Soha Ashrafian, co-founder of Temis and a fearless serial entrepreneur who turned early challenges into a global track record of business building. From launching her first startup at 21 in Iran—against social resistance and financial restrictions—to building ventures across Dubai, Soha’s journey is a powerful lesson in resilience, creativity, and the true drivers of business success. We dive deep into why distribution and execution matter more than ideas, the art of storytelling in marketing, and how entrepreneurs can use MVPs to test and scale quickly without over-engineering. Soha also shares her perspective on empowering women entrepreneurs in the MENA region, embracing creativity in branding, and navigating opportunities in the AI era. Key Takeaways • Why execution beats ideas every time • The importance of MVP testing before investing heavily in product development • How storytelling makes marketing memorable • Lessons on resilience and determination when society doubts your path • The role of distribution and partnerships in sustaining growth • Why fearlessness and boldness are essential traits for entrepreneurs ⸻ What You’ll Learn • How Soha built her first company with zero money, zero experience, and 1000+ clients • Why focusing on distribution and marketing is more critical than a polished product in the early stages • The mindset shifts entrepreneurs need to push past societal expectations and barriers • How to apply story-selling instead of hard selling to build lasting brands • Where the biggest opportunities lie for marketers and creators in MENA About the Guest Soha Ashrafian is a Dubai-based entrepreneur and co-founder of Temis. She has founded and invested in multiple ventures, from digital marketing and beauty to mobile gaming and SaaS platforms. Her passion lies in marketing, distribution, and creating sustainable, profitable businesses. With a background that spans Iran, Italy, and Dubai, Soha brings a global mindset to building and scaling ventures. Connect with Soha: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soha-ashrafiyan/ https://www.instagram.com/soha_ashrafian/ https://www.temisbranding.com/ Episode Highlights ⏱️ 00:02 – Growing up in Iran and dreaming beyond limitations ⏱️ 00:07 – Launching a business at 21 despite resistance ⏱️ 00:16 – Why distribution beats product and brand ⏱️ 00:18 – Testing ideas with low-cost MVPs in 48 hours ⏱️ 00:24 – Storytelling vs selling in marketing ⏱️ 00:28 – Lessons from Apple and Steve Jobs’ branding approach ⏱️ 00:39 – Advice to her younger self: Be fearless and bold ⏱️ 00:42 – Future opportunities in marketing and AI

    46 min

  6. 4 SEPT.

    #514 The Longevity Economy: Jon Sabes on Healthspan, Wealthspan, and Aging Well

    In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, I sit down with Jon Sabes, Founder & CEO of Longevity FP, serial entrepreneur, and author of Healthy Wealthy Longevity. We explore how the intersection of health, wealth, and technology is reshaping our future. From the basics of extending healthspan to the economic implications of an aging population, Jon shares practical wisdom and groundbreaking insights for entrepreneurs, investors, and anyone interested in living longer — and better. 📌 Key Takeaways • Why longevity is the missing piece in financial planning. • How healthspan and wealthspan must align for a fulfilling life. • The basics of longevity — movement, nutrition, purpose, and connection. • Journaling as a tool for focus, clarity, and stress reduction. • The rise of the longevity economy and opportunities for entrepreneurs. • How AI and wearables will transform financial services and healthcare. ⸻ 🎧 What You’ll Learn • How to prepare financially for a longer life expectancy. • The role of purpose and human connection in aging well. • Practical daily habits to extend both healthspan and wealthspan. • Why entrepreneurs must treat health as the antidote to stress. • The macro-trends driving growth in the global longevity economy. 👤 About the Guest Jon Sabes is a serial entrepreneur and CEO of Longevity Financial Partners (Longevity FP). With a career rooted in financial services and life insurance, Jon has become a leading voice on how longevity science impacts financial planning, retirement, and human well-being. He is also the author of Healthy Wealthy Longevity: The Good Things in Life for as Long as Possible. https://linktr.ee/jsabes https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-sabes-14368257/ Episode Highlights (Timestamps) 00:02 — How Jon transitioned from financial services into longevity science 00:06 — Why retirement planning is broken and the real “magic number” for savings 00:10 — Healthspan vs. lifespan: why the difference matters 00:14 — The Blue Zones and the fundamentals of longevity 00:18 — Stress, entrepreneurship, and why movement is medicine 00:22 — Journaling as a tool for clarity and resilience 00:29 — The risks of ignoring health and self-care in pursuit of success 00:34 — Rethinking wealth and happiness beyond money 00:38 — The longevity economy: a massive demographic shift 00:42 — AI, wearables, and the future of financial services 00:46 — Final thoughts: preparing for a longer, healthier, wealthier life

    51 min

  7. 2 SEPT.

    #513 No Excuses, Only Solutions: Derrick Girard on the Founder’s Mindset

    In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, Derrick Girard shares his remarkable journey from financial services advisor to tech founder — despite having no technical background. Derrick opens up about scaling his company without a traditional sales team, surviving multiple lawsuits, and ultimately selling his business. His story is one of grit, resilience, and what he calls the FIO (Figure It Out) mindset — a framework every founder and leader can adopt to overcome obstacles and drive success. 🚀 Key Takeaways • Why excuses are never the solution in entrepreneurship • How Derrick scaled without a traditional sales team • The importance of validating an idea in a resistant market • Lessons from navigating three simultaneous lawsuits • Why success is “stairs, not an elevator” — and the reality check founders need • Building a culture of ownership and resilience inside growing teams ⸻ 🎧 What You’ll Learn • Practical strategies for validating and scaling a startup in regulated industries • How to compartmentalize challenges and stay focused under extreme pressure • The difference between the victim mindset and the solution mindset • Why documenting agreements — even with family and friends — is critical for founders • How to instill the Figure It Out mindset across teams and organizations 👤 About Derrick Girard Derrick Girard is an entrepreneur, author, and speaker who built and exited a tech company in the highly regulated financial services sector. With no formal background in technology, he relied on persistence, problem-solving, and the FIO mindset to navigate challenges that included investor disputes, lawsuits, and industry resistance. Today, Derrick helps founders and leaders embrace resilience, take ownership, and build solutions-driven cultures. He is also the author of Put to the Test: The FIO Mindset. https://derrickgirard.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrickgirard/ https://www.amazon.com/dp/1966190581?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_W4Z0S11X2YDG28CRKE17&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_W4Z0S11X2YDG28CRKE17&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cp_ud_dp_W4Z0S11X2YDG28CRKE17&bestFormat=true&newOGT=1 Episode Highlights • (02:30) Derrick’s unlikely path from finance to tech entrepreneurship • (05:00) Scaling without a sales team and replacing it with relationship managers • (07:30) Validating the idea through networks, questions, and conferences • (11:00) Navigating three lawsuits while scaling the company • (18:30) Why “success is stairs, not an elevator” • (23:00) The danger of excuses and the rise of the victim mentality • (27:00) Applying the FIO mindset to teams and organizations • (31:00) Reality checks every founder should do before starting up • (38:00) Redefining entrepreneurship: problem solvers vs. titles • (44:00) Derrick’s mission today and how to connect with him

    48 min

  8. 30 AOÛT

    #512 From Mainframes to Cloud: Rob Duffy on Reinventing Healthcare Systems

    In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, I sit down with Rob Duffy, CTO of HealthEdge, to unpack how healthcare—one of the last industries to modernize—is finally undergoing a deep digital transformation. Rob shares how his journey through companies like Amazon, Kindle, Time Inc., and Expedia prepared him for leading one of the most complex transitions in technology: taking healthcare systems from legacy mainframes to cloud-native platforms. We discuss the hype vs. reality of AI, what true ROI looks like, and why cultural change is the hardest part of transformation. Whether you’re a tech leader, investor, or founder, Rob’s perspective sheds light on how to drive meaningful change in regulated and lagging industries. Key Takeaways • Why healthcare has lagged in digital transformation and how SaaS is shifting the landscape • The real challenges of replacing mainframes and legacy systems in regulated industries • AI in practice: from demos and hype to real ROI and human-hour savings • Building an AI-first culture and making adoption stick inside organizations • APIs, interoperability, and the future of system integration • Career advice for aspiring CTOs: why learning the business matters as much as tech What You’ll Learn • How to navigate transformation in industries with entrenched legacy systems • The single most important metric for measuring AI impact • Why cultural adoption is the true unlock for enterprise AI • How APIs and interoperability shape the future of healthcare and beyond About the Guest Robert Duffy is an accomplished technology leader with an extensive background in product development and engineering. Rob previously served as the Chief Product and Technology Officer at Drizly, an Uber Company, where he played a pivotal role in scaling the company’s product and engineering teams post-acquisition. His leadership at Drizly was instrumental in driving innovation within Uber Eats' grocery delivery services, showcasing his ability to merge technology with user-centric solutions. Prior to his tenure at Drizly, Robert held significant positions at industry giants including Salesforce.com, Amazon, and Time Inc.    At Salesforce, Rob excelled as the Vice President of Software Engineering, leading the team responsible for the Lightning Web Stack, which handles billions of API calls per day. At Time Inc, he served as VP of Engineering for its video and content platform that powered more than 300 content apps for 91 media brands with 139 million unique monthly users. At Amzaon, he was Head of Strategic Initiatives for the Kindle Store Platform, the content experience powering hundreds of millions of e-commerce transactions on the digital stores (books, audio books, video, and mp3) across all of Amazon's devices (fire tablet, kindle, echo, fire TV, and mobile apps). https://www.linkedin.com/in/platformduffy/ https://healthedge.com/ Episode Highlights • [02:30] Why healthcare is the last major industry to transform • [06:45] Mainframes, legacy systems, and the cost of change • [12:00] AI hype vs. real-world ROI examples • [20:00] Building an AI-first culture and driving adoption • [27:30] Governance, security, and evaluating new AI tools • [33:00] Pilot programs and scaling cultural change • [38:00] AI’s role in cloud optimization and legacy refactoring • [44:00] APIs as the next big unlock for enterprise systems • [46:30] Rob’s advice for aspiring CTOs: learn the business first

    49 min
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À propos

Broadcasting from Dubai, The CTO Show with Mehmet explores the latest trends in technology, startups, and venture funding. Host Mehmet Gonullu leads insightful discussions with thought leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs from diverse industries. From emerging technologies to startup investment strategies, the show provides a balanced view on navigating the evolving landscape of business and tech, helping listeners understand their profound impact on our world. mehmet@yassiventures.com

Informations

  • Création
    Mehmet Gonullu
  • Années d’activité
    2023 - 2025
  • Épisodes
    518
  • Classification
    Tous publics
  • Copyright
    © Mehmet Gonullu
  • Site web de l’émission
    The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu