The Many Hats of a CTO • Dave Thomas • YOW! 2018

Focus on the strategic and forward-looking aspects

• As a CTO, focus on the big picture and long-term vision
• Prioritize simplicity and clarity when communicating the vision

Bridging the gap between technology and business

• As a CTO, you need to understand both technical and business aspects
• Be prepared to make decisions and provide leadership

Encourage innovation and disruption

• Hire people who are willing to take risks and challenge conventional wisdom
• Emphasize the importance of failure and learning from mistakes

Effective leadership

• Leadership matters, and it’s not just about technical competence
• Recognize and appreciate the contributions of your team members

Importance of culture and communication

• Create a culture of transparency, integrity, and accountability
• Communicate the vision and strategy clearly and simply

Hypergrowth and scaling

• Focus on building a strong team and culture to support hypergrowth
• Be prepared to adapt and evolve the business model to stay ahead

Continuing education and personal growth

• As a CTO, you need to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies and trends
• Continue to learn and grow professionally through mentorship, conferences, and other means

Embracing uncertainty and ambiguity

• As a CTO, you need to be comfortable with uncertainty and ambiguity
• Encourage a culture of experimentation and learning

Emphasis on people and talent

• Prioritize building a strong, diverse, and talented team
• Foster a culture of collaboration and inclusivity

Effective execution

• Prioritize execution over planning and strategy
• Celebrate small wins and recognize the contributions of team members

Scaling while maintaining a strong culture

• As a CTO, you need to balance the need to scale the business with the need to maintain a strong culture
• Focus on building a strong team and culture to support hypergrowth