Bob Stewart shares his remarkable journey from firefighter and rescue diver to founder of ApexVelocity.ai — a fractional CTO advisory that helps tech leaders master AI governance, compliance, and scalable innovation. In this episode, Bob opens up about personal transformation, vulnerability, and the mission-driven urgency he brings to technology leadership.
He reveals how the CTOx Accelerator reshaped his career path — from self-doubt to clarity — and why peer accountability, leverage, and mindset shifts are essential for sustainable success. Plus, in the AI Hot Seat, ChatGPT challenges him to rethink one of tech’s most sacred “best practices.”
About the Guest
Bob Stewart is a seasoned technology leader with more than 25 years of experience and the founder of ApexVelocity.ai, a fractional CTO advisory. He helps executives tackle AI governance, compliance, and scalable innovation.
A former firefighter and rescue diver, Bob brings a mission-driven urgency to his work. Known as a spiritual technologist, he believes AI is not a threat but a co-creative partner in building ethical, scalable systems that protect people, data, and the future.
Connect with Bob
Website: https://x.com/CTO
X: https://x.com/bobstewart
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobstewart
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheDiaryOfACTO
Episode Breakdown
Part 1 – Purpose, Pressure & The CTOx Journey
0:00 – Opening reflection from Bob: there’s a light at the end of the tunnel… and it’s Lior with a flashlight
0:21 – Welcome to Inside CTOx with host Donna
1:08 – Guest introduction: Bob Stewart
1:34 – From firefighter to technologist: Bob’s background and journey
2:26 – What drew Bob to CTOx after years of exploration
3:50 – How the CTOx process helps define personal and professional identity
6:08 – The value of proven systems over “reinventing the wheel.”
6:53 – Lessons in vulnerability, feedback, and self-awareness
8:05 – Why the CTOx peer community stands apart from others
10:58 – Mentorship, challenge, and growth through accountability
Part 2 – Leverage, Leadership & AI Hot Seat
12:51 – Lior’s philosophy on leverage and scalable systems
14:27 – Vulnerability and leadership transparency in action
15:37 – Competing only with yourself: intrinsic motivation and micro-goals
17:19 – Vision for the future: freedom, consistency, and sustainable growth
19:16 – “Gap vs. Gain”: reflections on progress and gratitude
20:07 – AI Hot Seat: Surprise Question from ChatGPT
21:44 – Rethinking “velocity”: measuring success by quality, not speed
23:42 – Closing reflections and final thoughts
