Today, Mike speaks to Andy Skipper, the founder of CTO Craft, and a senior technology leader, delves into the challenges faced by CTOs in the current market. With a community of 16,000 members, CTO Craft offers mentoring, coaching, and e-learning opportunities for technology leaders. Mike and Andy cover topics such as the impact of the pandemic on hiring practices, the importance of commercial understanding for CTOs, and the skills needed to navigate the role successfully. Andy shares insights on building relationships, managing burnout, and the significance of prioritization in a CTO's journey.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Leverage local communities, events, and online platforms to connect with other technology leaders and expand your professional network.
Develop skills in understanding business objectives, budgeting, and forecasting to align technology strategies with overall company goals.
Cultivate strong relationships with team members, peers, and leadership to foster collaboration and effective communication within the organization.
Identify key objectives and focus on tasks that have the most significant impact on achieving your goals, while letting go of less critical activities to avoid burnout.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think anybody, who has any kind of relevant experience can become a mentor and a coach as well."

"Navigating the current job market is like sailing in a storm; the key is to be adaptable and multi-skilled—to become the Swiss Army Knife of technology talent."

"As a CTO, you're not just an engineer. You're a bridge builder, connecting the nuts and bolts of technology with the bricks and mortar of business strategy."

"Leadership in technology is less about mastering the code and more about mastering the art of communication; translating complex ideas into visions that inspire teams and align with business goals."

"The resilience of a company's technology strategy during downturns is a testament to the CTO's foresight—balancing innovation with practicality, and technical debt with market demands."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

FIIT is the UK’s #1 rated interactive hybrid fitness platform on a mission to make fitness a habit for every body: https://fiit.tv/

ABOUT THE GUEST
Andy Skipper is a seasoned technology leader with a wealth of experience in steering startup engineering teams to success. Currently, he leads CTO Craft, a mentoring community for global CTOs and tech leaders. Andy oversees 15,000+ professionals, offering personalized mentorship and strategic guidance.
He also curates the Tech Manager Weekly newsletter, a vital resource for technology leaders seeking insights and best practices in the tech landscape.

ABOUT THE HOST

Meet Mike, a seasoned tech entrepreneur and visionary with over two and a half decades of invaluable experience in founding and scaling successful tech startups. Mike brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and tech professionals.

As a host, Mike is dedicated to sharing actionable insights, strategies, and stories gathered from conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and experts. With a remarkable ability to distil practical wisdom from guests, Mike curates engaging discussions that resonate with both aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Welcome to Mastering Tech Growth, where we dive deep into the strategies, challenges, and triumphs of scaling tech-driven ventures. Join us as we explore the dynamic world of technology businesses, uncovering the secrets behind successful growth trajectories. Each episode brings you candid conversations with founders and industry experts, sharing invaluable insights, proven tactics, and real-life stories. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, discover the roadmap to navigating the complexities of scaling in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

The Journey to Becoming a CTO: Tips for Aspiring Technology Leaders

Mastering Tech Growth