#executive advisory

Raising funds, expanding reach, or navigating tough terrain?

As part of executive advisory that I do with several of my clients - I am often involved in interviewing CTO or VP of Engineering candidates. The most common question is what is the difference between the two roles. In this first part, I will talk about the key role of the CTO:

CTO is usually the strongest technologist in the organization. Usually the CTO is more of a technologist than a business pragmatist. It is good to have an opinionated technology visionary who has a vision to use technology for the advancement of business goals.

Eventually, the CTO sets the tone of the function of technology in the organization. It is CTO’s job to make sure that the best technical solution (platform, framework, technology, approach) are deployed to solve business problems.

CTO is aligned on the long-term business vision and understand the long-term business vision and sets the future technical road-map. Ensure that the technology strategy is aligned with the business strategy.

CTO is responsible for innovation and R & D.

CTO is able to create a buy-in on technical vision and solutions.

CTO is able to identify technology trends and have strong experience and knowledge of latest and greatest technologies and product.