In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Colm Nee, CTO of Enlighted, a Siemens company focused on IoT and sustainability. Colm shares his journey and expertise in using AI and IoT to create smarter, more energy-efficient buildings. With a background in machine learning, Colm is passionate about solving complex problems, particularly those related to sustainability in commercial buildings. Throughout the conversation, we delve into the challenges and innovations surrounding data exchange, energy efficiency, and occupant experience in smart buildings.

Colm explains the role of digital twins in building management, highlighting how AI can help create smarter environments by improving systems like lighting and HVAC through real-time data integration. He shares practical examples of how Enlighted’s technology allows building occupants to have more control over their environment, leading to both energy savings and enhanced comfort. This democratization of building controls has not only increased operational efficiency but also reduced carbon emissions, a core focus in Colm’s work.

As the conversation progresses, we explore the balance between AI growth and sustainability. Colm emphasizes the importance of CTOs and tech leaders making responsible decisions regarding energy consumption, as data centers and cloud computing continue to demand significant power. He sheds light on the growing need for transparency in reporting operational carbon emissions, detailing how Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions frameworks help companies measure and manage their impact on the environment.

Colm also shares his insights on the broader challenges of sustainability in the tech industry. He speaks about the importance of designing computational workloads that fit the problem at hand, avoiding unnecessary energy consumption, and fostering a culture of sustainability within tech teams. His leadership philosophy centers around building autonomous, motivated teams that are empowered to innovate sustainably.

Towards the end of the episode, Colm reflects on his transition from financial services to the sustainability sector, driven by a desire to work closer to the customer and make a tangible impact. He discusses the future intersection of AI and IoT, particularly in areas like environmental monitoring, energy optimization, and renewable energy integration. Colm is optimistic about the role technology will play in addressing global sustainability challenges, especially with advancements in AI agents and IoT sensors.

About Colm Nee:

Colm Nee is the Chief Technology Officer at Enlighted, a Siemens company, where he leads teams in building data-driven products with AI, focusing on sustainability and innovation. With a career spanning roles at Allianz and UBS, Colm brings a unique blend of technical expertise and strategic business insight to his leadership. His passion lies in transforming complex data into smart, user-friendly solutions that drive business growth and efficiency.

In his tech leadership roles, Colm has spearheaded AI initiatives that turn data into actionable insights, enhancing product capabilities and user engagement. His ability to align technology with business strategy ensures that the innovations his teams develop are both impactful and aligned with organizational goals.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjnee/

00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction

01:08 Colm Nee's Background and Enlighted's Mission

02:52 Challenges and Innovations in Smart Buildings

04:09 AI and IoT in Building Management

05:18 Enlighted's Connect App and Democratizing Comfort

11:11 Balancing AI Growth and Sustainability

13:33 Reporting and Managing Carbon Emissions

23:39 Motivating Teams for Sustainability

27:23 Transitioning Industries: Colm's Journey

33:47 Future of AI and IoT

41:02 Final Thoughts and Connecting with Colm

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by IT veteran David Boscia, who brings over 32 years of experience in the IT domain, including leadership roles at NCR Corporation. David shares his journey managing tens of thousands of endpoints, discussing the complexities of handling a global network of devices and the challenges that arise in ensuring compliance, security, and smooth user experience.

David delves into the importance of identity and access management (IAM) in modern IT infrastructure, stressing how critical it is for organizations to control who has access to key business functions. He also discusses the role of compliance and the importance of managing a heterogeneous environment, where different operating systems and devices require varied approaches. David talks about the future of endpoint management and how the industry is moving toward converging tools, though we are not entirely there yet.

The conversation explores strategies for effective endpoint management, particularly in a remote work environment that has grown since the pandemic. David offers practical advice on managing updates, ensuring security, and overcoming user resistance to change, providing insights into the balance between security and usability. He also shares his thoughts on passwordless authentication and its future, noting that while the journey toward passwordless systems has begun, it’s still evolving, with organizations needing to adopt a phased approach.

AI’s impact on IT management is another key topic in the discussion. David explains how AI is being leveraged in endpoint security, identity verification, and IT operations to reduce user friction and improve security. The use of adaptive controls to combat issues like MFA fatigue and how AI can support smarter, more context-aware systems is also covered.

As the episode concludes, David offers valuable advice for IT leaders looking to improve their endpoint management practices, emphasizing the importance of balancing security measures with a seamless user experience. He also touches on the role of continuous learning, auditing, and user training in building a robust IT management system. You can connect with David on LinkedIn for more insights and follow-up questions.

More about David:

David Boscia is a seasoned IT leader with over 30 years of experience in Information Technology, specializing in Identity and Access Management (IAM) and end-user computing (EUC). As Director of IT at a Fortune 500 company, David has led significant global transformations, improving employee digital workspace experiences while ensuring compliance with evolving security standards. His innovative leadership has modernized IT infrastructure, enhancing collaboration services, mobility, and security operations across the enterprise.

With a proven track record in program management and vendor negotiations, David managed a $38M budget covering various IT services, including collaboration tools like Microsoft 365 and mobile device management via Airwatch and Intune. His core competencies include managing complex global projects, contract negotiations, mergers and acquisitions, and risk management. David’s leadership continues to drive innovation and digital transformation in IT, advancing security and enhancing employee experiences in today’s dynamic work environment.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidboscia/

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:11 David Boscia's IT Journey

02:21 Challenges in Managing Endpoints

05:17 Strategies for Endpoint Management

11:05 Importance of Identity and Access Management

13:28 Best Practices for Identity Lifecycle Management

20:04 The Future of Passwordless Authentication

32:33 AI in IT and Endpoint Management

39:49 Final Thoughts and Advice for IT Leaders

42:32 Closing Remarks and Farewell

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we have the pleasure of hosting Mohammad Bahareth, an award-winning business consultant and entrepreneur from Saudi Arabia. Mohammad shares his personal journey, including his challenges with dyslexia and ADHD, and how they shaped his path to becoming a successful entrepreneur. His story is one of resilience, passion, and continuous learning, with valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs across the MENA region and beyond.

Mohammad discusses his early work experiences, starting in the hospitality industry, before venturing into various fields, including public relations and eventually entrepreneurship. His diverse career path has helped him accumulate a wealth of knowledge, which he now uses to advise and support other entrepreneurs. A key theme throughout the episode is Mohammad’s belief in lifelong learning and the importance of adapting to new opportunities, even in the face of obstacles.

Mohammad talks about the value of structure in setting and achieving goals, highlighting his own framework, the “Goal Model Canvas,” which helps individuals break down their annual, monthly, and weekly goals to stay on track. He emphasizes the importance of curiosity, passion, and problem-solving in entrepreneurship, offering practical advice for anyone looking to carve out a successful path in business.

The episode also explores Mohammad’s views on technology and innovation, particularly his insights on e-learning and the future of education in the MENA region. He expresses the need for more tailored approaches to innovation in education technology, and his frustration with the “copy-paste” syndrome, where successful models from other markets are simply replicated without adapting them to the region’s unique needs.

Mohammad closes the conversation by encouraging entrepreneurs to focus on passion rather than money, advising them to solve real problems, do thorough research, and build strong teams.

More about Mohammad:

Mohammad Bahareth was born and raised in Saudi Arabia, he encountered a significant

challenge early on – dyslexia. Despite facing skepticism from teachers and doctors who

doubted my potential, he embarked on a remarkable journey of overcoming adversity. His

childhood was marked by a determination to prove that miracles could happen, starting at the

age of 11 when he defied expectations, excelling in school and earning a memorable reward – a

trip to NASA. This experience ignited the spark for my uncharted odyssey.

Bahareth’s passion extends to authoring over 50 books in two languages, including the globally

acclaimed Sherlock Holmes 2012 series. Through his literary pursuits and articles in Inc. Arabia,

he delves into entrepreneurship, leadership, and innovation, bridging the gap between theory

and practice.

As a fervent advocate for dyslexia awareness, he shares his personal journey to inspire and

educate, championing neurodiversity as a catalyst for innovation. His efforts have been

recognized by Forbes Middle East, the Wagensberg Award, the Jeddah Award, and the Prestige

Awards, affirming my impact in both business and literary fields.

Media Presence and Publicity:

Websites: MohammadBahareth.com

Social Handles:

twitter.com/mbahareth

facebook.com/mbahareth

instagram.com/mbahareth

tiktook.com/@mbahareth

snapchat.com/add/mbahareth

https://www.youtube.com/@mbahareth

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohammadbahareth/

https://t.me/mohammadbahareth

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Tammy Klotz, a cybersecurity veteran and CISO with over 30 years of experience in IT and cybersecurity. Tammy shares her journey, starting in infrastructure roles and moving into cybersecurity leadership, currently holding her third CISO role in the manufacturing industry. She emphasizes the importance of translating cybersecurity risks into business risks and how this communication is vital for effective leadership.

Tammy discusses the high-pressure nature of cybersecurity, reflecting on a recent global incident involving CrowdStrike. She outlines her leadership techniques for managing stressful situations, such as organizing teams into structured workstreams and maintaining clarity of roles. Tammy also highlights the critical role of empathy in leadership, particularly during crisis situations, and how maintaining a calm, composed, and inclusive environment allows teams to perform at their best.

The conversation touches on how Tammy integrates empathy and grace into her leadership style, focusing on active listening, creating inclusive discussions, and ensuring that every team member’s input is valued. She stresses the importance of trust and respect in building high-performing teams and how these values help in retaining top talent. Additionally, Tammy reflects on her approach to hiring in cybersecurity, noting that while technical skills are important, passion and a willingness to learn often outweigh strict qualifications.

Tammy also discusses the evolving cybersecurity landscape, especially in the AI era, and how CISOs must stay updated on the latest trends while balancing innovation with security. She explains the importance of not being the ‘office of no,’ but instead fostering a partnership with business leaders to implement secure solutions that drive productivity.

Finally, Tammy shares her thoughts on work-life balance in the cybersecurity industry, especially for those in leadership positions. She highlights the need for self-awareness and setting boundaries to maintain personal well-being while managing the demands of a cybersecurity role. Tammy wraps up by inviting listeners to connect with her on LinkedIn and check out her book, Leading with Empathy and Grace, available on Amazon.

About Tammy:

Tammy Klotz is a highly accomplished cybersecurity executive leader with over 30 years of experience in the field. Here are a few highlights about her:

Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), and Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)

Awarded the 2022 "Covanta Leadership Award" and named a Top 100 CISO by Cyber Defense Magazine in 2023

Author of the book "Leading with Empathy & Grace"

Expertise in building high-performing teams, embracing empathy and grace in the corporate world, and developing resilience as a single mother, daughter, and partner.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammyklotz

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:13 Tammy Klotz's Professional Journey

03:00 Why Cybersecurity?

08:00 Handling High-Stress Situations

13:16 Empathy and Leadership

17:19 Hiring and Retaining Talent

22:39 Balancing Innovation and Security

27:55 Privacy, Regulations, and Ethical Considerations

35:36 Work-Life Balance in Cybersecurity

40:11 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive deep into the future of e-commerce with Dan Brownsher, CEO of Channel Key. Dan brings over a decade of experience in building and scaling e-commerce businesses, particularly on the Amazon platform. He shares his journey from founding a private label business to leading an Amazon-focused agency that manages over half a billion dollars in retail revenue annually.

Dan offers valuable insights into the evolving landscape of e-commerce, emphasizing the growing importance of AI in optimizing various business processes. He discusses how AI tools are revolutionizing tasks like content creation, graphic design, and personalization, helping brands stay ahead in an increasingly competitive market. Dan also highlights Amazon’s Demand-Side Platform (DSP), explaining how it allows sellers and advertisers to leverage Amazon’s vast data to target specific audiences, improving ad effectiveness and scaling brands.

The conversation also covers the challenges of building a brand exclusively on Amazon, the importance of owning intellectual property, and how businesses need to think beyond Amazon by developing a strong multi-channel presence. Dan stresses the value of advertising, brand-building, and customer acquisition strategies for long-term success. He also touches on the benefits of managing a fully remote workforce, sharing his approach to fostering culture and productivity through transparent communication and regular team engagement.

For aspiring e-commerce entrepreneurs, Dan offers practical advice on navigating the complexities of starting a business on Amazon, managing cash flow, and scaling sustainably. He concludes by sharing his thoughts on the future of e-commerce and how businesses can prepare for emerging trends like AI-driven search and personalized shopping experiences.

More about Dan:

Dan Brownsher is a national thought leader in Amazon retail strategy and emerging e-commerce trends. He is a commentator on Amazon practices, policies, and technologies as well as a sought-after opinion source for media, quoted by Bloomberg, Forbes, MSN.com, LA Times, Reuters and key specialist trade and business media outlets across the country.

Brownsher has spoken on panels, at tradeshows, conferences and industry think tanks and is President, CEO and Co-Founder of Channel Key, advising everyone from multi-million-dollar corporations to fast-paced entrepreneurial start-ups on how to navigate the complex landscape of Amazon retail, and the broader world of e-commerce in general.

https://channelkey.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-brownsher/

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:05 Dan Brownsher's Background and Business Overview

03:34 Evolution of Amazon Business

06:59 Challenges and Strategies in Amazon Selling

16:22 Importance of Advertising on Amazon

17:24 Amazon DSP Explained

23:31 The Importance of Starting Your Business

25:13 Challenges of Selling on Amazon

27:11 Scaling Your Business Effectively

29:02 Managing Remote Teams

37:07 The Role of AI in E-commerce

41:33 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Glyn Roberts, CTO of Digital Solutions at Vention, a leading custom software development services company. With over 20 years of experience in the tech industry, Glyn has climbed the leadership ladder from a developer to overseeing a global team of over 3,000 engineers across 20 countries. Glyn shares his insights on the key challenges and strategies for managing distributed teams in a remote-first world.

Glyn discusses the complexities of leading a large team dispersed across multiple countries, highlighting the cultural differences and the need to balance company culture with client needs. He stresses the importance of embedding engineers into client teams to foster collaboration and align with the client’s ways of working.

One of the biggest challenges in a remote setting, according to Glyn, is communication. He shares his approach to ensuring smooth collaboration through thoughtful, clear, and documented communication, emphasizing the fine line between over-communication and efficiency. Glyn also dives into the nuances of expectation management, especially regarding availability, asynchronous communication, and the balance between work and personal time.

The conversation also explores how the shift to remote work has affected creativity and collaboration. Glyn reflects on the need for in-person meetings for creative projects and brainstorming sessions, while also recognizing that with the right tools and methods, remote teams can successfully achieve creative breakthroughs.

In the second half of the episode, Glyn talks about leadership development and how it has evolved over time. He emphasizes the importance of people management, psychological safety, and creating an environment where team members can thrive, especially in remote setups. Glyn also touches on how AI is impacting leadership and team management, from automated meeting summaries to AI-driven project management tools, and the potential risks of over-relying on AI without human oversight.

Towards the end, Glyn shares valuable advice for aspiring tech leaders, discussing the importance of mentorship, learning from both good and bad leaders, and the ever-evolving nature of leadership in the tech world. Whether you’re managing a small team or leading a global workforce, this episode offers practical insights into the art of remote tech leadership.

More about Glyn:

With over 18 years of extensive experience in delivering software projects and leading technology teams across the UK and Europe, Glyn is an exceptional IT professional. His expertise encompasses a diverse range of technology stacks, cloud solutions, and strategies for enhancing the performance of distributed teams. Glyn is frequently sought after by various tech companies to serve as an engineering advisor, interim CTO consultant, and mentor, particularly for those engaged in developing cutting-edge products.

Actively engaged in the technology community, Glyn is a prominent member of CTO Craft, the founder of CTO Portugal, and a resident CTO of TechKitchen.

He’s also the host of TechKitchen Talks — a podcast that delivers thought leadership and veteran insights on current events in the tech world. His commitment to sharing knowledge extends to being a regular public speaker and panelist at industry events, where he imparts his wealth of experience and contributes to the broader discourse within the tech community.

https://glynrob.com/

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:47 Challenges of Managing Global Tech Teams

04:20 Effective Communication in Remote Teams

07:50 Balancing Communication and Productivity

15:55 Leadership in the Age of Remote Work

19:53 The Impact of AI on Leadership

32:08 Future Technologies Shaping Leadership

36:18 Advice for Aspiring Tech Leaders

39:24 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Rob Futrick, the CTO of Anaconda, for an in-depth discussion on how Anaconda is positioning itself at the forefront of the AI revolution. Rob shares his impressive journey in the tech industry, from his first startup over 25 years ago to his time at Microsoft, where he led product teams for high-performance computing and AI software. He now leads engineering at Anaconda, a company with a strong legacy in Python and data science, and is excited about its future role in AI.

Rob provides insights into why Anaconda is now positioning itself as the “Operating System for AI,” emphasizing the company’s commitment to democratizing access to AI technologies, particularly through open-source frameworks. He explains how Anaconda’s focus on empowering developers and data scientists has evolved from simplifying Python environment management to supporting AI and machine learning solutions. Rob highlights the importance of community-driven innovation, particularly in the open-source space, and how Anaconda has been a key player in supporting and sustaining that community.

We also dive into the challenges of building AI solutions at scale, particularly for enterprises. Rob discusses how Anaconda helps enterprises integrate AI solutions, providing tools for deploying large language models (LLMs) both locally and in the cloud. He also shares his views on the future of AI, touching on the importance of AI agents, the continued role of Python, and emerging trends that excite him, such as the potential for smaller, more specialized AI models and the increasing demand for running models locally.

Throughout the conversation, Rob emphasizes Anaconda’s dedication to innovation, both in terms of its contributions to the open-source community and its ongoing development of tools to improve Python’s performance in AI. He also shares his thoughts on the balance between open-source and closed-source AI models and the importance of fostering a collaborative ecosystem that drives rapid progress.

More about Rob:

Rob Futrick is the Chief Technology Officer at Anaconda, where he leads the company’s technology strategy, vision, and development and delivery of Anaconda’s cutting-edge AI + data science platform technologies. With over 25 years of software engineering and product development experience, Rob has a proven track record of building and scaling engineering teams and complex software systems for some of the world’s leading companies.

Prior to joining Anaconda, Rob was co-founder and CTO of Cycle Computing, where he drove the company’s technology and product vision with a particular focus on enabling highly scalable cloud and hybrid HPC solutions. Cycle was acquired by Microsoft in 2017, where he owned product management for Azure’s HPC + AI Software platform and led teams responsible for building and delivering key services.

Passionate about entrepreneurship, Rob is involved in several initiatives to mentor young tech professionals and encourage diversity in STEM fields, including Cornell University’s eLab program. Rob attended Cornell as a Computer Science major.

https://www.anaconda.com/about-us/leadership/rob-futrick

00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction

01:09 Rob Futrick's Career Journey

02:22 Anaconda's Evolution and Community Commitment

06:15 The Role of Anaconda in AI and Open Source

10:06 Benefits of Open Source vs. Closed Source AI Models

14:51 Ensuring Quality and Security in Open Source Models

18:43 Local vs. Cloud Deployment of AI Models

25:39 Enterprise Adoption of AI Solutions

26:56 Deploying LLMs Locally with Anaconda

28:13 Measuring ROI in AI Strategies

28:55 The Importance of Clear Objectives and Measurement

31:06 Anaconda's Internal Use of LLMs

33:01 Python's Dominance in AI

39:07 Emerging Trends in AI and Machine Learning

48:49 Final Thoughts and Future Prospects

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we have the pleasure of speaking with Geoffrey Huck, a former tech professional turned public speaking coach. Geoffrey shares his incredible journey from being a self-described introvert with a deep passion for computers and algorithms to becoming a confident public speaker and influencer in the tech community.

Geoffrey opens up about his early fascination with computers, which led him to develop a strong technical background. However, this passion came at a cost—his social skills. As Geoffrey candidly explains, his love for tech and coding left him struggling with interpersonal communication, which became a significant barrier in both his personal and professional life.

Determined to overcome this challenge, Geoffrey embarked on a personal mission to conquer his fears. He pushed himself into uncomfortable situations, attending networking events, engaging in public speaking, and even joining Toastmasters, a global organization dedicated to helping people improve their communication skills. Geoffrey describes how these experiences gradually transformed his life, leading him to discover a newfound love for public speaking that eventually eclipsed his passion for tech.

Throughout the episode, Geoffrey offers invaluable advice for tech professionals who face similar challenges in communication. He discusses the common mental blocks that prevent many from speaking clearly and effectively, especially in high-stakes situations. Geoffrey emphasizes the importance of speaking naturally and provides practical exercises that anyone can do to improve their public speaking skills, such as recording oneself or engaging in imaginative scenarios.

Geoffrey also shares insights into the broader applications of public speaking skills beyond the stage. Whether it’s pitching an idea to investors, presenting to leadership, or simply networking, Geoffrey stresses that the ability to communicate effectively is crucial in all areas of life. He highlights the emotional connection that all humans share and how understanding this can help tech professionals resonate with any audience.

More abut Jeff:

https://geoffreyhuck.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoffrey-huck/

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:01 Jeff's Background and Journey

02:29 Overcoming Social Challenges

03:43 Public Speaking Transformation

04:54 Challenges for Tech Professionals

08:43 Exercises for Natural Speaking

16:23 Importance of Emotional Connection

18:28 First Impressions and Storytelling

25:00 Inner Game of Public Speaking

32:16 Charisma and Authenticity

42:29 Final Thoughts and Resources