I am an impact-driven business executive and entrepreneur with experience in developing and implementing innovative strategies to drive revenue, streamline operations and facilitate sustainable organizational growth. 

My mission is to empower businesses to achieve their goals and grow their impact with high-performing teams and innovative strategies. With 15+ years of global experience in general management, finance, operations and technology, I have a proven track record of delivering value creation and operational efficiency in diverse industries and markets. As an influential leader, I build high-impact, high-performing and empowered teams motivated for achieving and exceeding organizational goals. I have experience in working at different company types including international non-profits, tech startups, global Fortune 500 companies and private family enterprises. I co-founded Pergatech (2016 - 2020) and DataMingle AI (2020 - 2024), B2B computer vision and AI startups. 

Born and raised in Ankara, Turkey, I have studied and worked in Istanbul, Berlin, Washington DC,  Minneapolis, Atlanta, Chicago and Fort Lauderdale . I have a BA in Finance from Hacettepe University in Ankara, an MS in Financial Economics from Istanbul Bilgi University, an MA in Development Economics from HTW Berlin, and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. At Kellogg, I co-founded Kellogg EMBA Entrepreneur <> Investor Initiative and  started the LEHI - Low Ego High Impact - Mindset Podcast. I am a Crown Family Israel Center for Innovation (ICI) fellow at Northwestern University. 

I speak Turkish, German, English and Farsi, I actively volunteer with Upwardly Global, a San Francisco-based non-profit organization, to support immigrants and refugees with international credentials to restart their careers in the US.

Key Competencies & Experience:

• P&L Ownership
• Revenue Growth
• Business Development
• AI Automation & Product Development
• Business Transformation
• Building and Leading High-Impact Teams
• Financial Planning and Projections
• FP&A
• Strategic Planning
• Project Management (Waterfall & Agile), hold PMI PMP and PMI-ACP certifications

Leadership Mindset

I firmly believe that people are the cornerstone of business performance. Therefore, unlocking their potential is crucial for the success of any organization. My approach to leadership is built on three key pillars, which I strive to enhance and apply consistently:

• Attracting and hiring exceptional talent.
• Facilitating their journey to realize their full potential.
• Fostering a trust-based, collaborative culture where every employee feels empowered to openly share their ideas and feedback.

These pillars guide my leadership style, ensuring that I contribute effectively to both individual growth and organizational success

Personal

I live in the Twin Cities in Minnesota with my wife Beth, my daughter Selma, and our Tibetan Terrier, Whit. I enjoy exploring the living history, culinary traditions, and spirituality of ancient cultures around the world. I am an olive oil enthusiast and am actively trying to learn more about the art of olive cultivation.