Check My Book!

Episodes

March 4, 2024

#304 Mastering Cyber Risk Management in the Boardroom with Terry Ziemniak

Step into the world of cybersecurity with industry luminary Terry Ziemniak, as he shares a wealth of knowledge that transcends the typical hacker narrative and delves into the strategic dimension of cybersecurity in business. Terry's tale is not your average story of coding and firewalls; it's an odyssey from the front lines of white hat hacking to the boardrooms where the language of risk is spoken fluently. Our conversation navigates the transformation of the Chief Information Security Officer...
March 1, 2024

#303 Building SaaS Products with AI: Lessons from Hakob Sharabkhanyan's Entrepreneurial Experience

Embark on a voyage of entrepreneurial wisdom as Hakob Sharabkhanyan, a visionary leader who crafted his tech empire from Armenian roots to the dynamic MENA market, sits down with me, Mehmet. Uncover the secrets behind transforming a tech-savvy mind into a CEO's strategic outlook, and why the early investment in a CTO or product manager can catapult a startup to stardom. Let Hakob's tale of nurturing a fledgling idea into an industry titan, with a team 80-strong serving elite clients, inspire you...
Feb. 28, 2024

#302 Sean Tepper: Democratizing Wealth Building with SaaS and AI

Have you ever wondered how a leap of faith from agency life to the stock market can redefine success? Sean Tepper joins me, Mehmet, to share precisely that—a journey marked by resilience and a keen understanding of value investing, akin to the philosophies of Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger. As we traverse Sean's path, we unlock the Excel system that catapulted him to consistent market outperformance, leading to the birth of a SaaS platform that's reshaping how investors interact with the stoc...
Feb. 26, 2024

#301 Navigating Growth, Decision-Making, and the Startup Mindset with Jodi Hume

Unlock the secrets of entrepreneurial finesse with Jodi Hume, as she guides us through the labyrinth of leadership and decision-making strategies that have defined her journey from engineering to psychology, and ultimately, to business betterment. Our in-depth conversation with Jodi is an expedition across the terrain of business growth, where we uncover the strategic use of one's innate superpowers and the art of delegation. As we traverse this path, Jodi spotlights the parallels between IT tro...
Feb. 23, 2024

#300 The Founder's Guide to Intellectual Property: Insights from Patent Pro Bao Tran

Join the ranks of savvy startup founders as Silicon Valley's own Bao Tran, a patent attorney with a trove of knowledge from engineering to IPOs, graces our podcast with his wisdom on the strategic mastery of intellectual property. Bao's narrative, seasoned with anecdotes from tech behemoths and emerging innovators like Invisalign, is a treasure map for entrepreneurs looking to shield their creative genius and amplify their company's valuation. Through his expert lens, we uncover the pivotal mome...
Feb. 21, 2024

#299 Innovate, Communicate, Lead: Tami Reiss's Guide to Product Management In Tech

Have you ever wondered what it takes to truly excel in the world of product management? Join us as we sit down with Tami Reiss, a product management maestro with over fifteen years in the trenches. Her journey from fundraising to coaching product leaders is a testament to the transformative power of relentless customer focus and astute problem-solving. In our latest episode, Tami unveils her pivotal three-question framework that every product manager should keep top of mind. We dissect the essen...
Feb. 19, 2024

#298 Yuri Dvoinos on Building a Cyber-Resilient Society with AI

Ever wondered why, despite being armed with knowledge, we still fall prey to cyber threats? Join me as I sit down with Yuri Dvoinos, Chief Innovation Officer at Aura and a tech visionary at Figleaf, who peels back the layers on cybersecurity's persistent challenges. Our conversation spans from Yuri's early days securing Apple computers to his latest endeavors, where he ingeniously intertwines human-centric design with digital safeguarding. Discover the gaps in our digital armor and learn how, ev...
Feb. 16, 2024

#297 Disrupting the Energy Industry: The Digital Journey with Workrise's CTO Praveen Kalamegham

Embark on a technological expedition with Praveen Kalamegham, the visionary CTO of Workrise, who joins us to unravel his journey from an inquisitive child playing with embedded systems to a master orchestrator of innovation in the energy sector. Praveen's tale is infused with inspiration, tracing back to the influence of his father, and spans a career marked by strategic decision-making and a commitment to impactful work. As we converse, we uncover the intricate layers of vendor management, the ...
Feb. 14, 2024

#296 Mastering the Art of Managing AI with Robert Plotkin

Unlock the transformative power of AI with our esteemed guest Robert Plotkin, the sharp-witted patent attorney who's once again gracing our studio with his insight on the latest AI upheavals. This episode sails through the emergence of chat GPT and its role in the democratization of AI, making powerful tools like natural language processing accessible to the masses. We dissect the daily advancements in AI, showcasing how these technologies arm professionals from myriad fields with capabilities t...
Feb. 12, 2024

#295 Navigating Dubai's Startup Scene with Deepak Ahuja

Ever wondered what fuels the rapid growth of startups in the heart of Dubai's bustling market? This episode pulls back the curtain, as we sit down with iACCEl Gulf Business Incubator CEO & co-foudner Deepak Ahuja, an ex-banker turned investor, who navigated the shift from high finance to high stake investments with an eye on nurturing future unicorns. Deepak brings to the table an unfiltered look into an ecosystem that's evolving at an astronomical pace, tackling unemployment with a surge of ent...
Feb. 9, 2024

#294 Exploring Decentralized AI and Blockchain's Future with Roberto Capodieci

Unlock the secrets of blockchain's transformative power and peer into the future of decentralized AI with Roberto Capodieci, a pioneer in the tech landscape. This episode takes you on a journey through the ever-evolving world of digital uniqueness and asset tokenization, where the usual suspects like cryptocurrencies are just the tip of the iceberg. As Roberto and I dissect the complex cultural challenges and common misconceptions of adopting these technologies, you'll gain a fresh perspective o...
Feb. 7, 2024

#293 The Charismatic Connection: Building Rapport and Influence in Tech with Sebastian Walls

Unlock the secrets to magnetic presence and powerhouse communication with our Scottish charisma coach, Sebastian Walls, as he demystifies the concept of charisma in the professional landscape. Charisma isn't the exclusive domain of extroverts; it's a craftable skill set that can significantly amplify your influence in business and tech spaces. This episode is a goldmine for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of building rapport, with our discussion on active listening and the importance...
Feb. 5, 2024

#292 Jake Moshenko on the Frontlines of Tech: Building, Scaling, and Innovating with Purpose

Join us as we sit down with Jake Moshenko, the dynamic CEO of AuthZed and co-founder of Quay, and chart his impressive journey from Michigan's engineering halls to the cutting edge of tech entrepreneurship. As we dissect his early career at Boeing and subsequent roles at Amazon and Google, Jake gives us an insider's glimpse into the genesis of his groundbreaking projects. The stories of developing Quay, the pioneering private Docker registry, and its evolution through acquisitions by CoreOS, Red...
Feb. 2, 2024

#291 Code with Care: Katherine Lewis's Approach to Inclusive Engineering

When Katherine Lewis decided to trade her lesson plans for lines of code, she wasn't just shifting careers; she was redefining what it means to pursue a dream. On our latest podcast, the former teacher and current software engineer at LinkedIn shares the intricate tapestry of her journey, weaving through the challenges she faced while grasping the nuances of front-end development and the paramount importance of user experience. Her unwavering commitment to making technology accessible is a beaco...
Jan. 31, 2024

#290 Automating Success: A Discussion on SMB Digital Empowerment with Pete Romano

Unlock the potential of your small business with the invaluable insights from Pete Romano, a trailblazer transitioning from the beats of music production to the rhythms of software development. Our discussion with Pete offers a unique convergence of experience and passion, where the melodies of process and mindset meet the harmonies of marketing and operations. His story reveals a tenacious quest to fill the void in CRM solutions, giving rise to a platform that not only challenges the status quo...
Jan. 29, 2024

#289 Empowering SMBs in the Tech Era: AI, IoT, and Cybersecurity Strategies with Nick Lorizio

Unlock the secrets to thriving as a small or medium-sized business in today's tech-driven landscape, as astutetechnologist.com's CEO, Nick Lorizio, reveals how SMBs can punch above their weight. Battling against industry titans may seem daunting, but with Nick's visionary take on service models, inspired by the likes of DoorDash and Grubhub, these businesses can streamline their operations through standardization and robust cybersecurity measures. Delving into our enlightening discussion, you'll...
Jan. 26, 2024

#288 Denzil Eden's Blueprint: Building an AI Startup for Next-Level Productivity

Child prodigy turned tech magnate, Denzil Eden, graces our airwaves, offering a treasure trove of insights from her remarkable transition to founding Smarty, an AI productivity startup set to revolutionize how we tackle our to-do lists. Our conversation takes us on a whirlwind tour through her academic exploits at MIT, her tenure at giants like Microsoft and Yammer, and even her eclectic endeavors in teaching and politics. Denzil's story is a vivid tapestry, illustrating not just the trajectory ...
Jan. 24, 2024

#287 Authenticity Over Algorithms: Reclaiming Connection in the Digital Divide With Charles Vogl

I once believed that the pinnacle of success was a solitary journey, until I met Charles Vogl. His stories of connecting individuals and transforming communities revealed a deeper truth about the power of human bonds. As our special guest, Charles, an esteemed author and expert on leadership, shares his transition from documentary filmmaking to a beacon for community building, he unpacks the critical need for non-transactional relationships in leadership and the often-overlooked societal issue o...
Jan. 22, 2024

#286 The Future of Creativity in Tech: AI, Design, and Women's Empowerment with Kelsey Gilbert-Kreiling

Unlock the secrets of web design seamlessly with Kelsey Gilbert-Kreiling, who brings a tapestry of experiences from international relations to the world of fashion and finally to the art of creating dynamic websites. As the co-founder of Week of the Website and an author, Kelsey's path showcases the power of pivoting and the strategic embrace of Squarespace for its user-friendly yet sophisticated capabilities. This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to understand how to make technology an...
Jan. 19, 2024

#285 Crossroads of Creativity: Barry Luijbregts' Synergy of Software Development and Podcasting

The unmistakable beep and whir of an MSX computer booting up marked the start of Barry Luijbregts' lifelong dance with code, a passion he shares with us as we traverse the landscape of software development and podcasting. Our conversation glides from his early days of programming to his current endeavor, Podhome FM, a modern podcast hosting platform. Through Barry's eyes, we witness the transformation of technology from the bulky tapes and CRT screens of yesteryear to the sleek digital advanceme...
Jan. 17, 2024

#284 The Future of Tech Funding: Angel Insights and VC Shifts with Andrew Ryan

Navigating the stormy seas of tech fundraising, we were fortunate enough to be joined by the insightful Andrew Ryan, the mastermind behind NewChip Accelerator and Astralabs. Andrew, with his extensive experience in startups and AI, opened up about the tremors shaking the investment landscape. He painted a vivid picture of the ongoing downturn in investments and what it means for startups scrambling for capital. We tackled the evolving role of AI in shaping competition and investment outlooks, an...
Jan. 15, 2024

#283 Innovative Leadership: Coaching Tech Founders Towards Success with Vladimir Baranov

Unlock the secrets to effective leadership within the tech realm as I, Mehmet, join forces with the esteemed executive coach, Vladimir Baranov. Together, we shed light on the pivotal role that coaching plays in aiding tech industry leaders and founders to steer their own ship. As Vladimir eloquently distinguishes coaching from mentoring, consulting, and therapy, he shares how his approach empowers clients to uncover new possibilities through strategic questioning, rather than spoon-feeding them ...
Jan. 12, 2024

#282 Tech Mastery with Gene Kim: Simplify, Slow Down, Innovate

Have you ever wondered how technology organizations transform from good to great? Gene Kim, a luminary with 25 years in the trenches of tech innovation, joins us to share the transformative concepts of 'slowification' and simplification. His journey from the early days as CTO at Tripwire to the epicenter of the DevOps movement uncovers the symbiotic relationship between culture, technical practices, and architecture in leading organizations. Gene illuminates how these elements, coupled with a co...
Jan. 10, 2024

#281 Leadership at the Intersection of Engineering and Product Development With Aviv Ben-Yosef

Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your tech team? Let's explore the game-changing perspectives shared by our guest, tech executive advisor Aviv Ben-Yosef. From unearthing the significant role a growth mindset plays in hiring practices to embarking on a mission to weave innovation into the fabric of daily operations, Aviv's insights are a treasure trove for anyone in the tech field. He champions the idea of 'intermissions,' a dedicated time for teams to break away from the routine and...