The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

In this episode, we sit down with Liam O’Neil, Managing Director at BPMD, to explore how modern organizations can use process intelligence, AI, and change design to build scalable, resilient systems.We go deep into process mining, task mining, the future of process teams, breaking organizational silos, and how AI is reshaping enterprise transformation.Whether you’re a CTO, operator, or founder, this episode demystifies what “process” really means in the AI era — and why it’s more strategic than ever.⸻👤 About Liam O’NeilLiam O’Neil is the Managing Director of BPMD, helping companies transform how they operate through process intelligence, workflow design, automation, and AI-driven change.He has led transformation programs across industries, guiding teams through ERP shifts, hyperautomation, and data-driven operational design.⸻🔑 Key Takeaways • Why process ≠ bureaucracy — and how to reframe it • Moving from siloed teams to connected “change maker functions” • Process mining vs task mining (and when to use each) • AI’s role in accelerating process intelligence & automation • Why CTOs must partner with process functions to drive value • How to spot early signs of underperforming transformation programs • Where process teams sit in modern org structures • Innovation vs stability — and when not to automate • Using upstream fixes to unlock downstream efficiency • The real reason RPA stalled — and what AI does differently⸻🎧 What You’ll Learn • The evolution of process work in the AI age • Real-world examples of process intelligence saving time & cost • How to structure process teams for speed, not bureaucracy • Tools and frameworks shaping enterprise workflow (Signavio, Celonis, SAP, etc.) • How generative & agentic AI is changing execution and adoption • Why culture, communication, and accountability still matter most⸻🕒 Episode HighlightsTimestampTopic00:00Welcome & guest intro01:20Liam’s journey into process & automation03:10Why smart teams get stuck in silos04:50Fixing upstream issues to remove downstream pain06:10Why process has a “bureaucracy problem”09:00How modern process teams look today11:50Process mining vs task mining — explained simply15:20Real enterprise examples & outcomes17:10Where AI accelerates process work20:00Why change dies without ownership & communication24:15Balancing innovation vs experience27:00Capability modeling for tech investment decisions29:00Signals CTOs should watch for in transformation32:40Where to start tomorrow if you lead technology34:30The next evolution of process with AI38:00RPA vs AI — why adoption looks different41:20Closing thoughts & where to find Liam🔗 Resources Mentioned • Liam’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/l-oneill/ • Liam’s company: http://bpm-d.com/ • Celonis • WalkMe / digital adoption platforms • LeanIX / enterprise architecture • RPA vs next-gen AI workflows

In this episode, Apexon CEO Sriniketh Chakravarthi joins us to unpack what it really takes to build and scale a global technology services company in the era of AI and automation.We explore the intersection of technology, culture, and execution — and why the future belongs to leaders who can combine deep tech understanding with human-centric leadership.From scaling teams to embracing Agentic AI, Sriniketh brings a grounded, operator-first perspective shaped by experience across strategy, M&A, and hands-on execution in some of the world’s most dynamic tech environments.👤 About SrinikethSriniketh ChakravarthiCEO, ApexonA seasoned technology leader with a background in financial services, strategy, and digital engineering, Sriniketh has led Apexon’s transformation into a next-gen digital engineering partner focused on AI, digital experience, and data-powered innovation.Backed by Goldman Sachs and Everstone Capital, Apexon operates across the US, UK, India, and Mexico with a mission to improve human life through digital transformation.🔑 Key Takeaways • Culture is the No.1 driver of sustainable performance at scale • Execution is a leadership discipline — not a buzzword • AI will transform services, but humans remain the multiplier • Entrepreneurial DNA must be protected even in large orgs • Services firms must evolve into AI orchestration partners • The next era belongs to companies combining talent, tooling, and trust • Change management in AI era is harder than the tech work itself🎓 What You Will Learn • How to build a culture that scales with growth • Why AI will reshape the technology services industry • What “agentic AI” really means for enterprises • Lessons on leadership, humility, and talent development • How to balance investor expectations with people-first leadership • Why operators must stay hands-on and continuously learn • Strategies to upskill teams for AI-first work environments📌 Episode HighlightsTimeTopic00:00Intro & welcome01:00Sriniketh’s journey: strategy → operating → CEO04:00Leadership pillars: culture, execution, strategy08:30Team mindset & the importance of low-ego talent10:20Tech as a force for good — real healthcare impact stories14:30Keeping entrepreneurship alive in a 5,000+ person org17:40Merging multiple companies into one culture & mission21:00Talent in the AI era: young engineers & reskilling26:00Balancing investors and people — sports team analogy32:00The future of services in the age of AI & agents38:00AgentThrive: scaling AI in enterprise environments46:00Human + AI collaboration and the next workforce frontier52:00Advice for entrepreneurs building future-ready teams57:00Closing thoughts & where to connect🔗 Resources Mentioned • Apexon Website: https://www.apexon.com/ • Sriniketh LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/srinikethchakravarthi/ • “Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done” — Ram Charan

In this episode, Mehmet sits down with Brian Corcodilos, CEO of Designblendz, to explore how technology is transforming the built environment — from 3D visualization and digital twins to the future of AR-powered real estate.Brian shares his journey from pro-gamer to architect-founder, scaling a design studio from a college dorm room to a 30-person innovation-driven firm. We dive deep into the intersection of architecture, virtual worlds, AI, AR, and how emerging technologies are reshaping how we design, sell, and experience real estate.If you care about AI, real estate, and the future of human-centric design, this episode is a must-listen.⸻About Brian CorcodilosBrian Corcodilos is the Founder & CEO of Designblendz, a Philadelphia-based architecture and visualization studio specializing in BIM, photorealistic 3D, drone-based digital environments, and immersive design.A former competitive gamer turned architect-operator, Brian combines technical skill with creative vision to help developers, municipalities, and brands design smarter and sell faster in a virtual-first world.⸻✅ Key Takeaways • The connection between gaming, virtual worlds, and architecture • Why AR — not VR — will win mass adoption • How AI is reshaping architecture & 3D visualization workflows • The future of virtual real estate and augmented built spaces • Why blockchain will matter again — and where • Scaling a service business through culture, delegation, and trust • What traditional industries get wrong about tech adoptionEpisode Highlights00:00Intro01:20From pro-gamer to architect-founder04:15When 3D visualization became a business advantage08:32How AI is upending the design pipeline12:40The real value behind photoreal rendering17:45AR vs. VR — why VR flopped and AR will dominate23:18AI assistants, workflows, and replacing admin work29:10Deepfakes, blockchain, and proof-of-reality33:40The future of virtual real estate & urban space42:10Founder lessons — scaling, culture, letting go49:15M&A as a growth strategy in architecture53:40Closing thoughts + where to follow BrianResources Mentioned • Designblendz — www.designblendz.com • Brian’s LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/bcorcodilos/

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Ahmed Bahgat, a leading IT expert, digital forensics specialist, and court-appointed arbitrator who has handled 600+ cyber and technology-related cases across the UAE, GCC, and Canada.From cyber breaches and data leaks to AI deployment disputes and cryptocurrency investigations, Ahmed shares real-world insights into modern digital crime — and how organizations should protect themselves before it’s too late.Whether you’re a founder, executive, or tech leader, this episode will give you a rare insider perspective on the legal, technical, and business complexities shaping cybersecurity and AI in today’s digital economy.⸻👤 About Ahmed BahgatAhmed Bahgat is an IT expert, digital forensics specialist, and arbitrator with over 20 years of experience across oil & gas, banking, retail, and government sectors.He is certified in blockchain, AI, and IT service management, and serves as a registered expert in federal courts across the UAE, Bahrain, and beyond.He has led IT across 18 countries and has been assigned to 600+ cyber and tech disputes, covering: • Cyber fraud & data theft • AI implementation conflicts • Cryptocurrency cases • Internal data abuse & insider threats • Digital forensics & evidence analysis⸻🔑 Key Takeaways✅ The rise of cyber disputes and AI legal cases in the UAE & beyond✅ How digital forensics works in real investigations✅ What executives MUST know before signing tech contracts✅ Why “we’re too small to be hacked” is dangerous thinking✅ How poor data governance and access control lead to legal liability✅ The growing trend of private AI models for government & enterprises✅ Real examples of data leakage and fraud incidents✅ Steps every company should take to build digital readiness⸻📚 What You Will Learn • How cybercrime and digital evidence are handled legally • Key mistakes companies make with data & cybersecurity • Why proactive cyber policies save companies millions • What founders should know about AI risk & compliance • How to protect your business from internal & external threats🕒 Episode Timestamps00:00 – Intro01:00 – Ahmed’s journey from engineer to cyber arbitrator04:00 – Why hands-on tech experience matters in legal cases06:00 – The reality of cybercrime and tech disputes in the region08:30 – Why companies ignore security until disaster strikes11:00 – Digital forensic tools and processes explained14:30 – Mapping digital evidence to UAE federal cyber law17:00 – Common enterprise security gaps (and why they fail)20:00 – Insider threats and financial fraud case examples22:00 – Cryptocurrency, AI & social media disputes on the rise24:00 – Private AI vs public AI — what companies should know27:00 – Final advice for business leaders & tech teams🔗 Resources Mentioned • UAE Federal Cybercrime Law (Law No. 34 of 2021) • Digital forensics tools: FTK, Wireshark, UFED • Local cyber agencies (Dubai Police Cyber Dept., etc.)⸻🤝 Connect With Ahmed Bahgat🔗 LinkedIn: — https://www.linkedin.com/in/bahgatexpert/

Tourism is becoming a strategic economic engine for cities like Dubai, Singapore, Riyadh, and Milan. But one massive gap has been untouched: tax-free shopping.Every year, billions in VAT refunds leave local economies instead of being reinvested into retail and travel ecosystems.Ameer Jumahboy, Co-Founder & CEO of Utu, is changing that.He shares: • How digital tax-free systems work under the hood • Why airports are the next major retail battleground • How AI and data will transform travel spending behavior • Lessons from building with a second-generation founder and global retail pioneer (his father)This is a deep dive into a misunderstood, under-innovated, $5B opportunity.⸻👤 About Ameer JumahboyAmeer Jumahboy is the Co-Founder & CEO of Utu, a travel-fintech platform reimagining tax-free shopping.From Singapore to Dubai and Europe, Utu modernizes VAT refunds by turning them into instant retail value — boosting tourism spend and upgrading traveler experience.His co-founder is his father — the industry veteran who built two global tax-free giants (Global Blue & Planet). Together, they are scaling a third-generation travel retail model across continents.⸻🔑 Key Takeaways • The tax-free refund system is a massive under-innovated fintech layer • Digitization unlocks new value for travelers, governments, and retailers • Airports are evolving into data-first, conversion-driven retail hubs • Middle East destinations are redefining tourism infrastructure • Legacy industries need youthful vision + institutional experience⸻🎧 What You’ll Learn • How tax-free systems actually work — and why digital matters • Role of AI in travel retail personalization & spend prediction • Expansion strategy across GCC, Europe, and global hubs • How to build a business with family — and win • The psychology of travel spending and loyalty mechanics⸻🧭 Episode Highlights • (01:30) Ameer’s journey & building with his father • (05:00) The problem with legacy tax-free systems • (09:15) Product-market fit after multiple iterations • (12:50) Stakeholders in tax-free innovation • (18:20) Why GCC is primed for travel tech leadership • (23:10) Cracking the UAE retail ecosystem through Gold Souk • (27:40) Data, AI, and the next evolution of airport retail • (34:10) Competition, first-mover advantage & innovation culture • (39:00) Vision: a global travel-commerce layer⸻🔗 Resources Mentioned • Utu — https://utu.global/ • Global Blue & Planet (industry context)Ameer’s Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ameerjumabhoy/

In this episode, Mehmet sits down with Art Rivilis, CTO of Augment, to explore how AI is moving beyond copilots and into the era of AI teammates — intelligent agents that think, act, and collaborate like humans.Art shares his journey from immigrant engineer to CTO, the lessons learned through two major acquisitions (Shopify and Flexport), and what it really takes to lead engineering teams through hypergrowth and M&A.From redefining logistics through AI to tackling the hard problems of workflow automation and prompt design, this conversation unpacks how today’s CTOs can build systems — and teams — that scale with intelligence, not just speed.⸻👤 About the GuestArt Rivilis is the Chief Technology Officer at Augment, a pioneering AI company building intelligent teammates for the logistics and freight industry.With 20 years of experience in engineering and product leadership, Art has held pivotal roles at VMware, Flixster, Symphony, Deliver (acquired by Shopify), and Flexport.His expertise spans distributed systems, startup scaling, and AI-driven automation.⸻🚀 Key Takeaways • From Code to Leadership: How a lifelong engineer transitions from building software to building teams. • Leading Through Acquisitions: Lessons from being acquired twice and integrating engineering cultures. • Beyond Copilots: Why the next wave of AI isn’t about assistance, but collaboration. • AI in Logistics: How Augment is using agentic AI to revolutionize freight and supply chain operations. • Prompting for Precision: Why writing great prompts may be the hardest skill in the age of AI. • Scaling Teams, Scaling Trust: The organizational inflection points at 100+ engineers — and how to maintain clarity and culture.⸻🎓 What You’ll Learn • What it takes to lead a startup through two acquisitions and come out stronger. • How AI teammates differ from copilots — and why that matters for the future of work. • The real-world challenges of integrating AI into legacy industries like logistics. • Why prompt engineering and human context remain essential in building reliable AI systems. • How CTOs can prepare for the agentic AI revolution — where systems act, not just assist.⸻🕒 Episode Highlights (Timestamps for YouTube & Spotify)00:00 – Intro & what to expect in this episode02:00 – Art’s early passion for tech and first steps as an engineer09:00 – From engineer to leader: why he became a CTO17:00 – The challenges of being on the “acquired” side of M&A25:00 – Integrating engineering teams and maintaining trust33:00 – The 100-person rule: when to scale and when to delegate37:00 – What Augment is building and why logistics is ripe for AI45:00 – How the logistics industry is responding to AI adoption53:00 – Can agentic AI transform other verticals?57:00 – The next frontier: prompts, reasoning, and superintelligence1:04:00 – Final reflections and where to find Art⸻🔗 Resources Mentioned • Augment – Official Website: https://www.goaugment.com/ • The Innovator’s Dilemma by Clayton Christensen • Art Rivilis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arturrivilis/

In this episode, Mehmet Gonullu sits down with Carina Negreanu, CTO of Robin AI, to explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the legal industry. From her roots in physics and machine learning to leading one of the most innovative legal tech companies, Carina shares how Robin AI is using AI to simplify contracts, enhance trust, and improve lawyer productivity.The conversation dives deep into the intersection of AI, law, and human judgment, discussing the challenges of accuracy, bias, verification, and the evolving role of co-pilots and agents in legal workflows.⸻About Carina NegreanuCarina Negreanu is the CTO of Robin AI, a fast-growing legal tech company transforming how organizations manage contracts. Before joining Robin AI, she was Principal Research Manager at Microsoft Research, where she led groundbreaking work on formula generation and co-generation for Excel. Carina holds a PhD in Physics, where she studied Einstein’s General Relativity systems — a foundation that shaped her rigorous, data-driven approach to AI.⸻Key Takeaways • AI as an Enabler, Not a Replacement – Tools should empower lawyers to verify results and enhance confidence, not automate judgment. • Verification First Mindset – Robin AI’s approach builds user trust through transparency and feedback loops. • Bridging Accuracy and Bias – Continuous improvement and human oversight are essential for ethical AI adoption. • The Build vs. Buy Debate in AI – Why enterprises should evaluate long-term maintenance, model evolution, and vendor credibility. • The Adoption Challenge – AI success depends as much on user education and expectation-setting as on the technology itself. • Legal Co-Pilots & AI Agents – The next frontier: workflow automation that simplifies contract negotiation and legal research. • Personalization is the Future – AI that understands user preferences and adapts over time will redefine the legal workspace.⸻What You’ll Learn • How Robin AI automates and verifies complex contract review workflows • The importance of human-in-the-loop AI for high-stakes decisions • Why enterprise AI adoption struggles — and how to fix it • How legal copilots and agents are redefining trust, transparency, and productivity • The role of personalization and verification in next-gen AI systems⸻Episode Highlights (Timestamps)00:02 — Carina’s journey from physics to AI leadership00:05 — How Robin AI simplifies contract workflows00:09 — Tackling accuracy and bias in legal tech00:13 — Build vs. Buy: navigating AI decision-making00:18 — Why enterprise AI adoption often fails00:27 — The rise of legal copilots and workflow agents00:34 — The future of interoperability and AI ethics00:37 — Personalization as the next big leap in AI00:39 — Carina’s advice for CTOs evaluating AI partners⸻Resources Mentioned • Robin AI: https://robinai.com/ – Learn more about Carina’s company and its Legal Intelligence Platform • Carina Negreanu on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carina-suzana-negreanu/

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Mark Vange, founder of Autom8ly and former CTO at Electronic Arts, to explore what he calls “cooperative AI.”Mark shares how decades of experience in gaming, enterprise software, and automation shaped his belief that the true power of AI lies not in replacing humans but in partnering with them.From building video games at 13 to running global tech teams at EA and now leading AI-driven automation across industries, Mark explains how trust, context, and human design principles drive adoption and ROI.⸻👤 About Mark VangeMark Vange is a technologist, entrepreneur, and founder of Autom8ly, a platform that helps businesses implement AI automation through partnerships with vertical experts.He previously served as Chief Technology Officer at Electronic Arts, guiding the company’s transition from boxed titles to online, mobile, and social games.Today, Mark focuses on bridging AI’s technical potential with real-world business outcomes — building what he calls “a post-code world” where trust and attention are the new currencies.⸻💡 Key Takeaways • Cooperative AI > Autonomous AI: The future of automation lies in AI that works with people, not instead of them. • The Post-Code World: Code is no longer the moat — trust, domain knowledge, and market access are. • Adoption Through ROI: Start with tasks nobody likes doing; deliver measurable value fast. • Agility Re-Defined: Speed today isn’t about writing code — it’s about adapting architectures, partners, and trust frameworks. • Compliance as an Enabler: Secure, compliant, and explainable AI wins enterprise adoption. • Education Before Implementation: Clarity on the “why” behind automation is more valuable than hype or dashboards.⸻🎧 What Listeners Will Learn • How Autom8ly’s partnership-driven model helps vertical experts scale with AI. • The nine-step framework for identifying automation opportunities that deliver ROI. • Why “vibe coding” is a trap — and what real engineering looks like in a cooperative AI world. • How encrypted retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) enables privacy-first healthcare use cases. • Why trust and attention now matter more than algorithms or lines of code.⸻🕒 Episode Highlights00:02 — Mark’s journey from video-game prodigy to EA CTO00:08 — How Autom8ly partners with industry experts to scale AI solutions00:15 — Defining “Cooperative AI” and why it outperforms autonomous systems00:19 — Human trust and the psychology of AI adoption00:25 — Compliance and agility: balancing speed with enterprise trust00:33 — Building configurable, LLM-agnostic AI systems00:37 — The rise of the post-code world and the new moats of trust and access00:42 — Encrypted RAG in healthcare: AI with privacy by design00:46 — Advice for founders: start with real problems, not tech trends00:50 — AI buzzwords to ignore and why clarity beats vibes⸻🧭 Resources Mentioned • Autom8ly.com — Mark’s company website  • Mark Vange on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markvange • Autom8ly on Medium: https://medium.com/autom8ly

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, host Mehmet Gonullu sits down with Pete Steege, Founder of B2B Clarity and author of Radical Clarity. Pete helps “accidental CEOs” — technical experts who suddenly find themselves leading companies — move from chaos to focus by simplifying what matters most.They explore how meaning, empathy, and intentional leadership drive business growth, why founders must rediscover their true story, and how doing less can unlock exponential results.⸻👤 About Pete SteegePete Steege is the Founder of B2B Clarity, a consultancy helping B2B tech CEOs find clarity and focus in their business strategy and messaging. A former engineer turned advisor and author, Pete guides technical leaders to uncover the “why” behind their business and communicate it with radical simplicity.He’s also the author of Radical Clarity: Simplify to Grow, which offers frameworks for CEOs to align their team, culture, and growth around purpose.⸻💡 Key Takeaways • The concept of the Accidental CEO — when expertise turns into leadership. • Why doing less often accelerates growth. • The power of defining your company’s “true story” and bullseye market. • How empathy and generosity shape authentic leadership. • Why founders should say “no” more often — and how clarity becomes their compass. • Balancing authenticity and AI in the noisy digital age.⸻🎓 What You’ll Learn • How to identify your true purpose as a founder or CEO. • Practical ways to simplify your operations and messaging. • The mindset shift from expert to leader. • How radical clarity drives alignment across culture, customers, and growth.⸻🕒 Episode Highlights • 00:02:00 — What it means to be an “accidental CEO.” • 00:04:00 — The inspiration behind Radical Clarity. • 00:08:00 — The role of empathy and generosity in leadership. • 00:12:00 — Why doing less creates space for meaning and growth. • 00:24:00 — Authenticity, intention, and generosity as a CEO mindset. • 00:39:00 — How to stay human in the AI-driven world. • 00:50:00 — The Accidental CEO Audit and how Pete works with founders.⸻🔗 Resources Mentioned • Book: Radical Clarity: Simplify to Grow — https://www.b2b-clarity.com/books/radical-clarity/ • Website: https://www.b2b-clarity.com/cto— access Pete’s frameworks, audit, and contact info.

In this episode, Mehmet sits down with Federico Ramallo, founder of Density Labs and Prevetted AI, to explore how technology, culture, and human connection intersect in building world-class engineering teams.From managing nearshore teams in Mexico to scaling engineering partnerships for U.S. startups, Federico shares the secrets behind a 6-year average retention rate, and why trust, ownership, and transparent communication are the real differentiators.They also dive into how AI is reshaping technical hiring, when to trust automation, and why the human layer still matters more than ever in the future of work.⸻👤 About the GuestFederico Ramallo is a serial entrepreneur, software engineer, and founder of Density Labs, a boutique engineering firm connecting U.S. companies with top Latin American talent, and Prevetted AI, a platform using AI and human judgment to screen and match world-class engineers.He is also co-author of Open the Valve: The New Path to Creative Play and host of the Prevetted Podcast.⸻🧩 Key Takeaways • How to build remote engineering teams that last for years, not months • Why empathy and feedback loops are key to retention • How to balance human screening with AI automation • The cultural nuances that make or break nearshore success • Why honesty and transparency are non-negotiable in global teams • What AI can and can’t replace in tech hiring⸻📚 What Listeners Will Learn • The operational systems behind high-performing global teams • How startups can use AI responsibly in recruitment • The power of under-promising and over-delivering in remote work • Practical lessons for CTOs hiring beyond their borders⸻🕒 Episode Highlights (Timestamps)00:00 – Introduction and Federico’s journey from Argentina to Mexico04:00 – Building Density Labs: solving the outsourcing “trust gap”10:00 – Quality, ownership, and feedback in remote engineering15:00 – How Prevetted AI combines AI agents with human screening23:00 – The impact of culture and communication on remote success27:00 – Achieving 6-year retention in engineering teams35:00 – Training programs and building future-ready engineers43:00 – Honest conversations about AI in recruitment47:00 – Will AI replace engineers? The real answer49:00 – Lessons from cross-border collaboration55:00 – Federico’s books, podcast, and creative philosophy⸻🔗 Resources Mentioned • Prevetted AI: https://prevetted.ai/ • Density Labs: https://densitylabs.io/ • Open the Valve: The New Path to Creative Play (book) • Prevetted Podcast: https://prevetted.ai/podcasthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/framallo/