The CTO Podcast

Insights & Strategies for Chief Technology Officers Navigating the C-Suite while Balancing Technical Strategy, Team Management, & Innovation
The CTO Podcast

The CTO Podcast explores the worlds of Chief Technical officers as they manage the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of technologists in the C-suite. Hosted by Etienne de Bruin, founder of 7CTOs and author of CTO Excellence in 100 Days: Becoming the leader your company deserves. www.ctopod.com

  1. Steven Zgaljic, Jahnel Group, CTO: Harnessing AI for Health Insights

    APR 1

    Steven Zgaljic, Jahnel Group, CTO: Harnessing AI for Health Insights

    RSVP to the 13th CTO Colloquium on 4/17/25 In this episode, Steven Zgaljic, CTO of Jahnel Group, joins host Etienne de Bruin to share a personal story about his daughter’s health challenges. Faced with the need to meticulously track symptoms and daily activities, Steven leveraged his technical expertise to create a custom AI-powered solution using tools like N8N and Superbase. The conversation highlights how AI can transform complex problems into actionable insights, even in personal contexts. Steven discusses the challenges of using traditional methods like pen and paper for symptom tracking, leading him to build an automated workflow integrated with Slack. By applying AI for data validation and pattern recognition, he gains real-time insights into potential triggers and patterns in his daughter's symptoms. Beyond his personal use case, Steven reflects on the broader applications of AI in problem-solving and the necessity of human oversight in AI-driven systems. This conversation explores the intersection of personal challenges, technological innovation, and the potential of AI to improve lives. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Overview 01:00 Steven Zgaljic's Background and Family Story 03:00 Challenges with Tracking Medical Symptoms for His Daughter 05:00 Using Slack for Family Communication 07:00 Applying AI to Track and Analyze Symptoms 09:00 Exploring N8N, Superbase, and AI for Automation 11:00 Creating Validation Models for AI Accuracy 13:00 Building a Custom AI System for Health Tracking 15:00 AI Insights and Pattern Recognition in Health Data 17:00 Future Plans for AI Health Analysis 18:00 Reflections on AI in Problem Solving We have 200+ CTOs in peer groups: Quick Testimonials Video Contact Etienne: Website / YouTube / LinkedIn / X / Instagram / The CTO Podcast WebsiteContact Steven: Website /LinkedIn Great news! The CTO Podcast has been featured on Feedspot's list of Top CTO Podcasts. Huge thanks to our amazing guests and listeners for being part of these conversations. Check out the full list here: Feedspot’s Top CTO Podcasts. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ctopod.com

    19 min
  2. Zayna Rose, Image Strategist & Communications Consultant: Elevating Your Image as a Tech Leader

    JAN 8

    Zayna Rose, Image Strategist & Communications Consultant: Elevating Your Image as a Tech Leader

    In this episode of the CTO Podcast, host Etienne speaks with image strategist Zayna Rose about the importance of personal branding and leadership presence for technology leaders. They discuss how visual identity, color psychology, and intentional self-expression can enhance a leader's credibility and connection with others. Zayna emphasizes the need for tech leaders to be mindful of their appearance and how it impacts their professional image, while also encouraging them to embrace their authentic selves. The conversation highlights practical tips for improving one's image and the significance of digital presence in today's world. Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction to the CTO Podcast and Guest Zaina Rose 03:06 Understanding Leadership Presence 05:29 The Importance of Visual Identity 09:55 Casual Power Looks for Tech Leaders 12:18 Strategic Wardrobe Levels 16:30 Choosing Colors That Work for You 21:17 Tailored vs. Standard Looks 23:38 Experimenting with Self-Expression 30:14 Leveraging Digital Assets for First Impressions 34:33 Practical Steps for Improving Personal Branding 38:42 Enhancing Stage Presence and Communication 42:45 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action We have 200+ CTOs in peer groups: Quick Testimonials Video Contact Etienne: Website / YouTube / LinkedIn / X / Instagram / The CTO Podcast WebsiteContact Zayna: Website /LinkedIn This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ctopod.com

    51 min
  3. Lena Skliarova-Mordvinova, Good Face Project CTO and Co-Founder: Revolutionizing Personal Care with AI and Resilience in Challenging Times

    11/19/2024

    Lena Skliarova-Mordvinova, Good Face Project CTO and Co-Founder: Revolutionizing Personal Care with AI and Resilience in Challenging Times

    In this episode of the CTO Podcast, host Etienne de Bruin speaks with Lena Skliarova-Mordvinova, CTO and Co-Founder of the Good Face Project. They discuss the origins of the Good Face Project, which aims to educate consumers about the ingredients in personal care products and promote safer alternatives. The conversation delves into the role of generative AI in analyzing ingredient safety, the challenges of navigating the venture capital landscape, and the importance of parenting in the digital age. Lena shares her insights on balancing technology and family life, as well as cultural perspectives on parenting from her experiences in Ukraine. In this conversation, Lena shares her experiences navigating the challenges of leading a tech team in Ukraine during the ongoing war, highlighting the resilience and determination of her team. She discusses the importance of maintaining a sense of normalcy and connection amidst chaos, the innovative tech stack they are using in AI, and the complexities of regulatory environments in the personal care industry. Additionally, she reflects on her passion for space research and the evolution of data mining technologies. Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction to the CTO Podcast and Guest 03:01 The Good Face Project: Origins and Mission 06:01 Understanding Ingredients: The Science Behind Personal Care 08:53 Generative AI in Personal Care: Innovations and Challenges 12:12 Venture Capital Landscape: Navigating the Hype 15:07 Parenting in the Digital Age: Balancing Technology and Family 21:04 Reflections on Parenting: Learning and Growing Together 26:56 Cultural Perspectives on Parenting: A Global View 34:03 The Power of Connection in Uncertain Times 39:14 Resilience Amidst Chaos: The Ukrainian Experience 45:09 Innovations in AI: Tech Stack and Models 53:39 Navigating Regulations in Personal Care and Supplements 01:02:22 Passion for Space: A Journey Through Research We have 200+ CTOs in peer groups: Quick Testimonials Video Contact Etienne: Website / YouTube / LinkedIn / X / Instagram / The CTO Podcast WebsiteContact Lena: Website /LinkedIn This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ctopod.com

    1h 8m
  4. Dr. Aadeel Akhtar, PSYONIC's Visionary: Transforming Lives Through Advanced Bionic Prosthetics and Entrepreneurial Innovation

    10/29/2024

    Dr. Aadeel Akhtar, PSYONIC's Visionary: Transforming Lives Through Advanced Bionic Prosthetics and Entrepreneurial Innovation

    In this episode of The CTO Podcast, Dr. Aadeel Akhtar CEO and founder of PSYONIC, discusses the evolution of bionic hands and the advancements in robotics and AI that have made them possible. He shares his personal journey and motivation for creating prosthetics that can change lives, as well as the entrepreneurial challenges faced in bringing this technology to market. The conversation explores the design considerations of bionic hands, the integration of AI, and the future of prosthetics. In this conversation, Aadeel discusses the journey of developing innovative bionic hands through customer discovery, design constraints, and a unique funding approach. He emphasizes the importance of durability and functionality in prosthetics, the role of human users in robotics, and the challenges of navigating crowdfunding and institutional investment. The conversation also touches on the competitive landscape in prosthetic technology and the growth dynamics of his company. Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction PSYONIC and bionic hands 02:53 The Evolution of Robotics and Human-like Design 05:46 The Journey of Creating the Ability Hand 09:07 Advancements in Robotics and AI Integration 12:00 Personal Story and Motivation Behind PSYONIC 15:08 The Future of Bionic Limbs and Technology 17:51 Entrepreneurial Challenges in Bionic Technology 31:26 Customer Discovery and Design Constraints 34:46 Innovative Approaches to Bionic Hands 37:52 The Role of Human Users in Robotics 40:40 Funding Journey and Shark Tank Experience 52:06 Navigating Crowdfunding and Institutional Investment 56:15 Competitive Landscape in Prosthetic Technology 59:00 Company Structure and Growth Dynamics We have 200+ CTOs in peer groups: Quick Testimonials Video Contact Etienne: Website / YouTube / LinkedIn / X / Instagram / The CTO Podcast WebsiteContact Dr. Aadeel Akhtar: Website /LinkedIn This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ctopod.com

    1h 2m
  5. Decoding AI: Expert Panel Insights for CTOs

    10/08/2024

    Decoding AI: Expert Panel Insights for CTOs

    In this episode of The CTO Podcast, Etienne engages with AI experts, Ksenia Palke (Director AI: Airspace), Lena Skliarova-Mordvinova (Co-Founder & CTO: Good Face Project) and Sharon Zhang (Co-Founder & CTO: Personal AI) to discuss the current state and future of AI in technology organizations. The conversation covers the different AI stacks being used, the evolution of AI technologies, the societal impact of AI, and the challenges faced by CTOs in implementing AI solutions. The guests share their personal journeys in AI, highlight the importance of human oversight, and provide valuable advice for CTOs looking to leverage AI effectively in their organizations. Time Stamps 00:00 - Introduction to AI in Production02:58 - AI Stacks and Tools in Use05:50 - AI’s Evolution and Its Impact11:50 - The Rise of Large Language Models (LLMs)17:59 - Challenges in AI Development24:09 - AI’s Philosophical and Ethical Implications30:13 - Building AI for Business: Practical Advice35:38 - Final Thoughts on AI Development40:20 - The Future of AGI and Its Potential Dangers47:04 - Impact of AI on Language and Communication53:46 - The Role of AI in Education and Child Development58:21 - AI in the Workplace: Communication and Productivity1:04:54 - Human Evolution in the Age of AI We have 200+ CTOs in peer groups: Quick Testimonials Video Contact Etienne: Website / YouTube / LinkedIn / X / Instagram / The CTO Podcast WebsiteContact Lena: Website /LinkedInContact Ksenia: Website /LinkedInContact Sharon: Website /LinkedIn This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ctopod.com

    1h 15m
  6. Ryan Kari, CTO of MagCanica: Revolutionizing Motorsports with Torque Sensors and the Art of CTO Leadership

    08/27/2024

    Ryan Kari, CTO of MagCanica: Revolutionizing Motorsports with Torque Sensors and the Art of CTO Leadership

    In this episode of The CTO Podcast, Etienne interviews Ryan Kari, CTO of MagCanica, a company in the torque sensor space. They discuss the role of torque sensors in Formula One racing and other motorsports, as well as their use in hybrid engines. They also touch on the challenges of delegating invention in a hardware company and the importance of communication between software and hardware teams. Ryan also shares his approach to CTOing the organization, which involves exploring new ideas and shining a light on different areas of the business. 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:40 Interview with Ryan Kari, CTO of MagCanica 03:06 The Role of Torque Sensors in Motorsports 08:42 Sending Torque and Other Data Digitally 12:48 Balance of Performance in Racing 18:01 Formula One as a Technology Testing Ground 29:08 CTOing the Organization and Delegating Invention 39:21 Exploring New Ideas and Using AI Tools 46:28 Conclusion and Closing Remarks We have 200+ CTOs in peer groups: Quick Testimonials Video Contact Etienne: Website / YouTube / LinkedIn / X / Instagram / The CTO Podcast WebsiteContact Ryan: Website /LinkedIn This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ctopod.com

    48 min
  7. Kathy Keating, Fractional CTO | Interim CTO | Executive Coach | CTO Levels™: Mastering Growth; Operational Excellence and Leadership Insights

    08/06/2024

    Kathy Keating, Fractional CTO | Interim CTO | Executive Coach | CTO Levels™: Mastering Growth; Operational Excellence and Leadership Insights

    In this conversation, Etienne interviews Kathy Keating, a fractional CTO and executive coach. They discuss topics such as finding joy in work, dealing with disagreement and rejection, and the importance of operationalizing processes in growing companies. Kathy emphasizes the need for alignment on the problems worth solving and the value of creating a consistent operational cadence. They also touch on the importance of being a systems thinker and the benefits of writing and documenting ideas and processes. Etienne and Kathy discuss the importance of documentation, decision-making, and operationalizing processes in the role of a CTO. They emphasize the need for clear communication, alignment, and trust within an organization. They also highlight the value of incremental changes and continuous improvement in addressing complex problems. The conversation touches on the relevance of CTO Levels in understanding common challenges faced by CTOs at different levels of experience. Overall, the discussion emphasizes the importance of effective leadership and the role of processes in driving growth and success. Time Stamps 00:00 - Introduction and Finding Joy in Work 06:27 - Dealing with Disagreement and Rejection 09:15 - Operationalizing Processes for Growing Companies 13:00 - The Importance of Alignment and Systems Thinking 19:10 - The Benefits of Writing and Documenting 29:56 - Introduction and the Importance of Documentation 35:37 - Operationalizing Processes for Business Growth 42:51 - The Value of Incremental Changes and Continuous Improvement 50:58 - Understanding Common Challenges with CTO Levels 53:20 - Effective Leadership: Communication, Alignment, and Decision-Making We have 200+ CTOs in peer groups: Quick Testimonials Video Contact Etienne: Website / YouTube / LinkedIn / X / Instagram / The CTO Podcast WebsiteContact Kathy: Website /LinkedIn This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ctopod.com

    1h 1m
  8. Aliza Carpio, Director of Product Management Data Platform at JLL Technologies: The Code of Collaboration and Navigating Open Source

    07/09/2024

    Aliza Carpio, Director of Product Management Data Platform at JLL Technologies: The Code of Collaboration and Navigating Open Source

    Aliza Carpio (Director of Product Management Data Platform at JLL Technologies) discusses with Etienne open source communities, codes of conduct, and the relationship between product management and engineering. She emphasizes the importance of open source as a team sport and the benefits of collaboration and problem-solving in the open source community. Aliza also highlights the value of open source for businesses, including cost savings and access to tried and true solutions. She emphasizes the need for clear communication and inclusive documentation in open source projects, as well as the importance of psychological safety in remote work environments. In this conversation, Aliza and Etienne discuss the importance of communication and collaboration between product managers and engineers as well as emphasizing the need for product managers to understand the 'why' behind their products and for engineers to understand the customer problem. They also highlight the value of experimentation and failure in the product development process. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the potential impact of language models like ChatGPT on communication and trust. Time Stamps 00:00 - Introduction and Overview 00:40 - Aliza’s Background and Role in Product Management 06:47 - The Value of Open Source for Businesses 13:31 - Creating Safety and Inclusivity in Open Source Communities 25:11 - The Importance of Reflection and Intentional Connection 29:38 - Invitation to Join 7CTOs Growth Program 31:20 - The Importance of Understanding the 'Why' in Product Management 36:08 - The Role of Engineers in Understanding the Customer Problem 39:46 - The Value of Experimentation and Failure in Product Development 44:32 - Creating a Culture of Experimentation and Discovery 51:53 - The Potential Impact of Language Models on Communication and Trust 58:55 - Effective Communication and Collaboration in Product Development We have 200+ CTOs in peer groups: Quick Testimonials Video Contact Etienne: Website / YouTube / LinkedIn / X / Instagram / The CTO Podcast WebsiteContact Aliza: Website /LinkedIn This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.ctopod.com

    1h 1m
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4.7
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

The CTO Podcast explores the worlds of Chief Technical officers as they manage the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of technologists in the C-suite. Hosted by Etienne de Bruin, founder of 7CTOs and author of CTO Excellence in 100 Days: Becoming the leader your company deserves. www.ctopod.com

Information

  • Creator
    Insights & Strategies for Chief Technology Officers Navigating the C-Suite while Balancing Technical Strategy, Team Management, & Innovation
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2025
  • Episodes
    232
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Etienne De Bruin
  • Show Website
    The CTO Podcast

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