Hello again, As I previously mentioned I love sharing podcast interviews.
Sadly, I haven’t been doing as good a job as I would like, but that is probably something you deal with in your own life too.
This time I was speaking with Mehmet Gonullu host of The CTO Show.
From The Host
In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, I’m joined by Max Ivey, known as The Blind Blogger and a leading voice in digital accessibility.
Max shares his remarkable journey from growing up in a family-run carnival business to becoming an accessibility advisor helping companies rethink how they design products, websites, and AI tools.
We go deep into why accessibility is not a legal checkbox but a business, UX, and growth advantage, and why most modern AI tools are still failing real users.
This conversation is a masterclass for founders, product leaders, designers, and executives who want to build inclusive, scalable, and future-proof products.
Key Takeaways
- Accessibility improves UX for everyone, not just people with disabilities
- WCAG compliance alone does not guarantee usability
- Many AI tools are unintentionally scaling inaccessibility
- Inclusive design builds brand loyalty, trust, and advocacy
- Small companies can outcompete big players by embracing accessibility early
- Designing with a keyboard-first mindset changes everything
What You’ll Learn
- Why accessibility should be treated as a competitive advantage
- How blind and disabled users actually navigate digital products
- The hidden accessibility debt in AI-generated content
- Practical principles for accessible and inclusive product design
- The real business case behind accessibility, beyond legal risk
- How founders can avoid common UX mistakes that cost revenue
On With The Show
About Mehmet
With more than two decades of experience in deep tech, AI, and B2B go-to-market, I focus on building and scaling commercial engines that drive enterprise adoption and international market expansion.
My background spans both early-stage and enterprise environments, with hands-on experience across the Middle East, Africa, and Türkiye.
My work sits at the intersection of go-to-market strategy, market expansion, and emerging enterprise technologies.
I bring a combination of technical fluency and commercial leadership, with a track record of helping organizations design repeatable sales systems, align product and GTM strategy, and execute cross-border growth between the US and MENA.
I am the host of The CTO Show with Mehmet, a global technology podcast featuring 500+ conversations with founders, operators, and technology leaders.
Through these discussions, I explore how teams build, scale, and lead in complex, fast-evolving technology environments.
I am also the author of From Nowhere to Next, a best-selling book reflecting on my entrepreneurial journey and distilling lessons from global innovators.
I complement this work through early-stage investing and advisory roles, staying close to the trends shaping the future of enterprise technology.
Today, my work centers on technology leadership, go-to-market excellence, and building bridges for innovation between the MENA region, Europe, and the United States.
About The Show
Broadcasting from Dubai, The CTO Show with Mehmet explores the latest trends in technology, startups, and venture funding.
He leads insightful discussions with thought leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs from diverse industries.
The show provides a balanced view on navigating the evolving landscape of business and tech, helping listeners understand their profound impact on our world.
Connect With Mehmet
Website: www.mehmetcto.show
Linked In: www.linkedin.com/in/mgonullu
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mehmetctoshow
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mehmetctoshow
Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/@ctoshow
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@thectoshowwithmehmet
Sharing Is Caring
I provide all this information and these links because I want to support the continued growth of the shows whose hosts give me the opportunity to share my knowledge and improve accessibility for people of all abilities.
I ask that you help me say thank you by checking out our conversation. And by considering leaving a rating and or review on your favorite podcast platform.
As a podcast host myself I can also tell you that nothing makes my day better than receiving a heart-felt comment on my work.
If me and Mehmet have convinced you that it’s time to invest in improving accessibility within your organization, then please book a chat so we can get started.
Thanks for your continued support. I hope you will continue to follow along on my journey.
Until next time, take care out there. Maxwell
Founder The Accessibility Advantage
Because accessibility isn’t just about compliance. It’s about reputation, innovation, and groth.
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