How It Works For Companies For CTOs Get Started

This handbook is based on interviews with 100+ successful CTOs and our own experience building technology teams. Whether you're a first-time CTO or a seasoned leader, you'll find actionable insights here.

01

Defining the CTO Role

The CTO role varies dramatically by company stage and type. We break down the different flavors of CTO — from hands-on builder to strategic leader — and help you understand which you are (or should be).

  • The Four Types of CTOs
  • CTO vs. VP Engineering
  • Reporting Structure & Stakeholders
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02

Technical Strategy

How to think about technology choices, architecture decisions, and technical roadmaps. Plus: when to build vs. buy, managing technical debt, and planning for scale.

  • Creating a Technical Vision
  • Build vs. Buy Decisions
  • Managing Technical Debt
  • Scaling Architecture
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03

Building & Leading Teams

Hiring, onboarding, performance management, and creating a culture where engineers thrive. The people side of technical leadership.

  • Hiring Engineers at Scale
  • Building Engineering Culture
  • Performance & Growth
  • Retention Strategies
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04

Working with the Business

How to communicate with non-technical stakeholders, manage expectations, and align technology with business goals.

  • Partnering with Product
  • Board & Investor Communication
  • Budgeting & Resource Planning
  • Vendor Management
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05

The First 90 Days

A playbook for new CTOs — whether you're joining as a fractional leader or full-time. How to assess, plan, and start making impact quickly.

  • Assessment Framework
  • Quick Wins vs. Strategic Changes
  • Building Trust & Relationships
  • Setting Up for Success
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06

Security & Compliance

The security responsibilities every CTO must understand. From SOC 2 to GDPR, incident response to security culture.

  • Security Fundamentals
  • Compliance Frameworks
  • Incident Response
  • Building Security Culture
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07

Scaling Through Growth

What changes as your company grows from seed to Series A to growth stage. How to evolve your role, team, and systems.

  • Stage-Appropriate Leadership
  • Organizational Design
  • Process at Scale
  • Knowing When to Change
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08

Taking Care of Yourself

The CTO role is demanding. How to manage stress, prevent burnout, and sustain your effectiveness over the long term.

  • Managing Stress & Burnout
  • Delegation & Letting Go
  • Building Your Support Network
  • Career Development
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