Best Thomas Brower Podcasts (2025)

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#526 Digitizing Business in Dubai: Moosa Alavi on ERP, Cloud, and the Future of SMEs 47:33

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2h ago47:33

47:33

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive into the digital transformation wave reshaping businesses in the UAE and beyond. Mehmet sits down with Moosa Alavi, Founder & CEO of Techbot ERP, to explore how cloud-based ERP solutions are empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to automate operations, make smarter decisions, and e…

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#525 Can Privacy Survive AI Surveillance? Kee Jefferys on Decentralized Messaging and Digital Freedom 43:57

4h ago43:57

43:57

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive into one of the most pressing questions of our time: Can privacy survive in the age of AI surveillance? Joining Mehmet is Kee Jefferys, Co-Founder of Session, a decentralized, privacy-first messaging platform built on blockchain technology. Kee breaks down how Session protects users from metadata…

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Skull & Shackles 59. O Captain, Who's Captain? 59:13

1d ago59:13

59:13

The Captain’s Council needs to straighten some things out before they can head out from the Port of Ollo. And then, off to the Brine Banshee! Buster mixes his magic. Chozo avoids an ex. Ignis lets herself search her feelings. Max takes command. • • • Patreon: patreon.com/ICastFireball20 Twitter / Instagram: @ICastFireball20 Facebook: @ICastFireball…

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#524 Data-Driven Health: Marco Benítez on Building the API Powering the Future of Preventive Medicine 48:38

1d ago48:38

48:38

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#523 Uncovering Hidden Millions: Steve & Melissa Fultz on Tech and AI for Family Business Growth 51:01

6d ago51:01

51:01

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, I sit down with Steve and Melissa Fultz — founders of The Fultz Group, authors of Family Business Facelift, and consultants helping family businesses unlock hidden revenue and embrace digital transformation. From uncovering inefficiencies worth hundreds of thousands to guiding owners through AI adoption,…

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Skull & Shackles 58. From Heart to Harbor 56:36

7d ago56:36

56:36

After a fierce battle, the Captain's Council (plus one) weigh their options for the journey ahead. Ignis misinterprets how to use her interrogation tactics. Chozo recognizes a sign of one forgotten. Max carries Buster across the water. Buster encourages Max to step into an empty role. • • • Patreon: patreon.com/ICastFireball20 Twitter / Instagram: …

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#522 Navigating Compliance in the AI Era: Lori Crooks on Cybersecurity and Risk Management 41:51

8d ago41:51

41:51

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, I sit down with Lori Crooks, CEO of Cadra, to explore the evolving world of compliance and cybersecurity. From FedRAMP and SOC 2 to the latest AI regulations, Lori breaks down why compliance matters, where companies often go wrong, and how startups can use compliance as a competitive advantage. We also d…

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#521 From Brokerage to PropTech: How Chad Link & Rob Brower Are Reinventing Home Buying 58:43

14d ago58:43

58:43

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, I’m joined by Chad Link, Co-Founder & CEO of Swyvvl, and Rob Brower, Co-Founder & CTO. Together, they share their journey of building Swyvvl — a PropTech startup that’s reimagining how real estate transactions are done by shifting power back to buyers, sellers, and agents. We dive into how Chad’s 18 year…

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[BONUS] Roll With It 2. Sssir Sssylvessster, Sssnake Ssservant 41:31

14d ago41:31

41:31

It's improv time again! Jacob joins Josh to take a trip to Chult, where snake gods will be spoken with, dinosaurs will be dodged, and passive voice will be used excessively in this episode description. • • • Patreon: patreon.com/ICastFireball20 Twitter / Instagram: @ICastFireball20 Facebook: @ICastFireball2020 Email: [email protected] Don…

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#520 Attention Over Clicks: Jeff Greenfield on Disrupting Digital Marketing Analytics 45:10

16d ago45:10

45:10

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, I sit down with Jeff Greenfield, CEO of Provalytics, to unpack one of the biggest shifts in marketing: moving from click-based attribution to AI-driven attention analytics. From the death of cookies to the rise of connected TV, podcasts, and non-click channels, Jeff explains how marketers, CFOs, and entr…

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#519 From Bureaucracy to Agility: Jack Skeels on Leading in the AI Era 47:19

21d ago47:19

47:19

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 overm…

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Skull & Shackles 57. End of the Ratline 1:11:06

21d ago1:11:06

1:11:06

Remember Ratline? That guy who greeted the Satyr's Song when they first arrived at Ollo, and was kind of a huge jerk about it? Yeah, we're gonna ruin that guy. Chozo shoots first. Ignis goes WWE on Ratline's minions. Max practically takes a nap on the battlefield. Buster casts without rhyme. • • • Patreon: patreon.com/ICastFireball20 Twitter / Inst…

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#518 Scaling With Authenticity: Angela Thomas on Founder Growth 45:37

23d ago45:37

45:37

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 ha…

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#517 Execution Over Hype: Rob Matzkin on Raising Capital and Scaling Startups 49:02

28d ago49:02

49:02

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 inve…

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Skull & Shackles 56. First World Problem 1:02:33

28d ago1:02:33

1:02:33

Ataraxia is gone. Ok, don't panic. Don't panic. Ummm... Maybe those fauns know where he is? • • • Patreon: patreon.com/ICastFireball20 Twitter / Instagram: @ICastFireball20 Facebook: @ICastFireball2020 Email: [email protected] Donations: ko-fi.com/icastfireball20 • • • AUDIO CREDITS Mynoise.net Ambience made on the incredible Mynoise.net.…

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#516 Efficiency as an Unfair Advantage: Tomas Navickas on Scaling Digital Banking 54:40

1M ago54:40

54:40

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 myT…

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#515 Execution Over Ideas: Soha Ashrafian on Building Businesses That Last 45:31

1M ago45:31

45:31

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…

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#514 The Longevity Economy: Jon Sabes on Healthspan, Wealthspan, and Aging Well 51:01

1M ago51:01

51:01

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, J…

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Skull & Shackles 55. Riddle & Rhythm 48:06

1M ago48:06

48:06

Up on top of the mountain, it seems that the Captain's Council has a few riddles to solve before they can make their way through to the First World. Max hyper-analyzes a sharp inhale. Ignis gets an unexpected makeover. Ataraxia solves a Resident Evil puzzle. Buster sits in the back with his sandwich. • • • Patreon: patreon.com/ICastFireball20 Twitt…

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#513 No Excuses, Only Solutions: Derrick Girard on the Founder’s Mindset 47:52

1M ago47:52

47:52

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, r…

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#512 From Mainframes to Cloud: Rob Duffy on Reinventing Healthcare Systems 49:07

1M ago49:07

49:07

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 tra…

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#511 Why Latin America Is Becoming the Go-To Talent Hub for Global Startups 51:26

1M ago51:26

51:26

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, I sit down with Leandro Cartelli, CEO of Lana Talent, to explore how Latin America is emerging as one of the most strategic regions for global hiring. From Argentina to the world, Lean shares insights from 15+ years in talent acquisition—helping startups and SMBs build cost-effective, high-performing rem…

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[BONUS] Crunch Squad 27. Divination Dissection 23:04

2M ago23:04

23:04

Want to make sure you roll really well while your opponent rolls really poorly? Perhaps a glimpse into the future would be helpful! Join Ned and Josh as they break down why this wizard subclass has so much broad utility, and why Josh chose it for campaign 2. • • • Patreon: patreon.com/ICastFireball20 Twitter / Instagram: @ICastFireball20 Facebook: …

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#510 Will AI Replace Teachers? Greg Banks on the Real Future of Education 47:34

1M ago47:34

47:34

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive into the future of education and technology with Greg Banks, a veteran teacher, school administrator, researcher, and author. Greg brings over 20 years of experience in K-12 education and chemistry teaching, along with a deep perspective on how AI is reshaping classrooms. From the early days of c…

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#509 Leading Through Chaos: Rob Kalwarowsky’s Lessons for Founders and Tech leaders 28:40

2M ago28:40

28:40

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, I sit down with Rob Kalwarowsky — executive coach, TEDx speaker, and author of Capitalizing on Chaos. Rob shares his powerful personal journey from MIT-trained engineer to leadership coach, opening up about toxic leadership, mental health struggles, and how he transformed adversity into a framework for r…

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#508 Breaking the Expert Trap: Alistair Gordon on Elevating Technical Skills into Enterprise Impact 48:55

2M ago48:55

48:55

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, I sit down with Alistair Gordon, founder of Expertunity and author of Master Expert. Alistair has spent decades helping organizations unlock the hidden potential of their technical experts by transforming them into influential leaders. We dive into why technical skills alone are no longer enough, how “en…

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Skull & Shackles 54. A Glimpse of Us 58:38

2M ago58:38

58:38

Wow, it's been a busy day at the Port of Ollo. Let's wrap us a couple things before we take a rest, and head off up the mountain to find that fey crossing. Buster opens the arcane eye. Max sees his emerald. Ignis has a moment of introspection. Ataraxia plays a lullaby. • • • Patreon: patreon.com/ICastFireball20 Twitter / Instagram: @ICastFireball20…

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#507 Telehealth, AI, and Growth: Corey Hart’s Playbook for Mental Health Startups 51:18

2M ago51:18

51:18

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, I sit down with Corey Hart, Senior Director of Growth at Mentavi Health. Corey shares his journey from the entertainment industry to scaling telehealth and mental health startups, his lessons from driving 800% growth in behavioral health, and how AI-driven personalization (“B2Me”) is reshaping healthcare…

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#506 Ship Fast, Stay Secure: Elipaz Tanzman on Uniting Developers and Security Teams 38:25

2M ago38:25

38:25

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, I’m joined by Elipaz Tanzman, Co-Founder and CEO of Cygnostic. Elipaz brings a wealth of experience from his early career as a cybersecurity officer in the Navy to leading innovative solutions in application, AI/ML, and cloud security. We explore how organizations can break the long-standing tension betw…

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#505 From VC to Education Disruptor: Ted Dintersmith on Fixing Math, Schools, and Our Mindset for the AI Era 1:09:23

2M ago1:09:23

1:09:23

What if our education system is training students for jobs that no longer exist? In this eye-opening conversation, bestselling author, film producer, and former venture capitalist Ted Dintersmith shares why decades of math education have missed the mark — and what we must teach instead to prepare for the AI-driven future. From his years in venture …

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Skull & Shackles 53. Throw Me a Bone 57:54

2M ago57:54

57:54

Information swaps hands as the Captain's Council is secured a meeting with the enigmatic Lady Dendrianne, but it seems somebody here isn't meeting her for the first time... Ataraxia asserts his fearlessness. Ignis jumps on a new opportunity to be mad at Sandara. Max barters for silence. Buster barters away his past. • • • Patreon: patreon.com/ICast…

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#504 How Lars Maaløe is Redefining Trust, Accuracy, and Speed in Healthcare AI 44:49

2M ago44:49

44:49

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, I sit down with Lars Maaløe, Co-Founder and CTO of Corti.ai, to explore how AI is transforming healthcare. From explainability and compliance to building scalable AI infrastructure, Lars shares his journey from researching generative models to delivering life-changing technology for clinicians and patien…

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#503 From Data to Differentiation: Ron Green on Building Real AI in the Enterprise 49:06

2M ago49:06

49:06

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive deep with Ron Green, CTO of Kungfu.ai, a veteran AI engineer and serial entrepreneur who’s built 9 startups and deployed 120+ enterprise-grade AI systems. Ron shares how to go beyond AI hype, build custom AI that works, and unlock real ROI using the data you already have. 💡 What You’ll Learn • Wh…

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Skull & Shackles 52. Cards on the Table 1:04:09

2M ago1:04:09

1:04:09

The Captain's Council now has a solid direction to get to the First World, but first, they have a clandestine meeting to get to, but first, some secrets come to light. Ignis goes shopping for rumors. Buster gets recognized on the street. Ataraxia orders dinner. Max does the thing in the title of this episode. • • • Patreon: patreon.com/ICastFirebal…

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#502 How Data Is Reshaping Venture Capital: AlphaSemantic’s Vision with Cyril Shtabtsovsky 52:20

2M ago52:20

52:20

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive deep into the future of venture capital with Cyril Shtabtsovsky, founder of AlphaSemantic and a practicing VC. Cyril shares how his data-driven platform helps venture firms source, score, and connect with high-potential startups — using proprietary algorithms and machine learning to augment tradi…

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#501 The Technology of Belonging: Glen Cameron on Identity, Immigration, and Proof of Relationships 49:49

2M ago49:49

49:49

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Glen Cameron, founder and CEO of Bonded, to explore how technology can validate the most human thing we have: relationships. From immigration barriers to identity verification in a deepfake world, Glen unpacks the inspiration behind Bonded — a startup building proof-of-relationship infra…

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[BONUS] Crunch Squad 26. Bard Boogaloo 26:19

2M ago26:19

26:19

We're not just talking about backup characters anymore—no, the bard is finally getting its time to shine in the ICF spotlight! Join Ned & Thomas as they talk about why the bard is such a beloved class. • • • Patreon: patreon.com/ICastFireball20 Twitter / Instagram: @ICastFireball20 Facebook: @ICastFireball2020 Email: [email protected] Don…

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#500 The Recruiter’s VC Mindset: Betting on Startups and People with Justin Dixon 48:40

2M ago48:40

48:40

In this special 500th episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive deep into the talent game behind startup scaling and private equity moves. Joining us is Justin Dixon, founder of Hire Tomorrow, who brings nearly two decades of recruiting experience—from Fortune 500s to early-stage startups and PE-backed ventures. We explore how AI is disrupting (…

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#499 Accelerating Enterprise Innovation: Karan Jain on Rethinking Vendor Collaboration 46:57

3M ago46:57

46:57

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, host Mehmet Gonullu sits down with Karan Jain, Founder and CEO of NayaOne, to explore the broken state of enterprise tech adoption — and what it takes to fix it. With over two decades of experience in financial services and technology, Karan is on a mission to eliminate the painful 12-month vendor procur…

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Skull & Shackles 51. Fates and Fey 50:26

3M ago50:26

50:26

The Port of Ollo takes the Captain’s Council in all different directions, and while on their own, discoveries and choices are made that could alter the course of one’s entire life. Ignis window shops for leads. Buster sits outside and waits. Ataraxia learns of a new portal. Max tempts fate. • • • Patreon: patreon.com/ICastFireball20 Twitter / Insta…

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#498 Edge AI Meets Global Impact: Dev Aditya on Scaling Learning Without the Cloud 42:34

3M ago42:34

42:34

In this episode, host Mehmet Gonullu welcomes back Dev Aditya, Co-Founder of OIAI by Otermans Institute, who returns nearly two years after his first appearance to share an extraordinary update: they’ve built an AI teacher that runs completely offline — even on a 2020 Android phone. From educating learners in refugee camps to scaling across 17 coun…

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#497 From Startup Grind to Mozilla Labs: Raj Singh on AI, Vibe Coding, and Building What Matters 50:31

3M ago50:31

50:31

Raj Singh, VP of Product at Mozilla and a seasoned startup founder, joins The CTO Show with Mehmet to share a candid look into the evolution of building products—from the early days of AI to today’s GenAI-fueled solo founder wave. We dive into what vibe coding means, how big companies like Mozilla are tackling zero-to-one innovation, and why most s…

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Skull & Shackles 50. This Episode Brought to You by Spellpan Pete 59:11

3M ago59:11

59:11

Stepping into the Port of Ollo, what wondrous sights and delights await the Captain’s Council? Ataraxia gets a dartboard. Ignis gets some cool new gauntlets. Buster gets a sponsorship deal. Max stays behind to keep an eye on the dweebs. • • • Patreon: patreon.com/ICastFireball20 Twitter / Instagram: @ICastFireball20 Facebook: @ICastFireball2020 Ema…

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#496 From Accidental Founder to 30,000+ Entrepreneurs | Jeremy Ames on Building Businesses That Last 51:34

3M ago51:34

51:34

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Jeremy Ames, Co-Founder and CEO of Guidant Financial, a company that has helped over 30,000 entrepreneurs fund their businesses using US retirement funds. Jeremy shares his unconventional path into entrepreneurship, the rise of Main Street innovation, and what truly holds people back fro…

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#495 Next-Gen Gaming: AI Agents, NFTs, and the Blockchain Frontier 40:43

3M ago40:43

40:43

In this episode, I sit down with Greg Marlin, the CTO of ZKcandy, to explore the evolving intersection of AI agents, blockchain infrastructure, NFTs, and the gaming world. We dive deep into how Greg is building seamless onboarding for Web3 gaming, how AI agents are redefining non-player characters and companions, and why encrypted AI agent NFTs mig…

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#494 Trust is the New Traction: PR, Fundraising, and the AI Discovery Shift with Mauro Battellini 47:51

3M ago47:51

47:51

In this episode, Mehmet sits down with Mauro Battellini, co-founder of Black Unicorn PR, to break down why PR is no longer optional for startups—and how the rise of AI-powered search is changing what investors and customers see first. From fundraising strategy to media perception, Mauro explains how to build legitimacy, earn visibility, and outperf…

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Skull & Shackles 49. Composers & Posers 59:31

3M ago59:31

59:31

The Satyr's Song finally lands at Port Ollo, and it's time to pump up the branding. You know what that means—promotions! Ignis ignores her fear of opening up. Buster ignores his fear of being opened up to. Ataraxia explains what a symphony is. Max explains what a captain is. • • • Patreon: patreon.com/ICastFireball20 Twitter / Instagram: @ICastFire…

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#493 Reimagining Events with Tech: Cosmin Ivan on Scaling Platinumlist Across MENA 44:25

3M ago44:25

44:25

In this episode of The CTO Show, Mehmet Gonullu sits down with Cosmin Ivan, CEO of Platinumlist, the leading event and ticketing platform in the MENA region. From selling tickets by hand to building a platform used for the biggest concerts and sporting events, Cosmin shares his 18-year journey and how Platinumlist became a trusted tech partner for …

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#492 Building Human-First Products in the Age of AI: Eric Müller on Security, Trust, and Leadership 46:20

3M ago46:20

46:20

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Eric Müller, Product Engineering Associate Director at Work & Co, to unpack the evolving intersection of AI adoption, digital security, and empathetic leadership. With a career that spans cybersecurity, product architecture, and agency collaboration, Eric shares how to lead engineering t…

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#491 Scaling Engineering Teams for the AI Era: Insights from Mary Moore-Simmons 41:31

3M ago41:31

41:31

In this episode, Mehmet Gonullu sits down with Mary Moore-Simmons, VP of Engineering at Keebo AI, to unpack what it really takes to scale high-performing engineering teams in today’s AI-powered environment. From DevOps and ML Ops to building team culture that lasts, Mary shares hard-won insights from over a decade in engineering leadership across s…