“It wasn’t a conscious decision at first... It was a transition that happened naturally.”
That’s how Philipp Deutscher describes his journey from a full-time leadership role to becoming a successful Fractional CTO. It’s a story that resonates with many senior technical leaders who might be contemplating a similar move but aren’t sure where to begin.
In my latest podcast episode, I sat down with Philipp to uncover the secrets behind his shift from full-time to fractional leadership, and what it takes to succeed in this flexible yet challenging role.
If you're a CTO or senior tech leader thinking about what comes next, or if you’re curious about the fractional world, you’re in the right place. This post breaks down the key takeaways from our conversation and offers practical advice for making the leap.
Video interview
You can watch the video on YouTube or below:
Why Become a Fractional CTO?
Philipp’s path to becoming a Fractional CTO wasn’t planned. Like many tech leaders, he enjoyed his full-time role but was ready for a change after returning from a stint abroad.
“I didn’t wake up one day and say, ‘I’m going to be a Fractional CTO,’” he explains. “But when I left my last full-time job, the opportunities started to come in one after the other.”
His first engagement was with an InsurTech startup, where he helped restructure the organization and introduce agile methodologies like Scrum. This led to more engagements, eventually solidifying his decision to continue working in a fractional capacity.
If you’re considering making the switch, ask yourself:
- Do I want more flexibility in my career?
- Am I ready to work across multiple industries and adapt quickly?
- Is the idea of project-based work appealing to me?
If you answered yes, then fractional leadership might be worth exploring.
Networking: Your Lifeline as a Fractional Leader
One thing Philipp emphasizes is the importance of networking. While traditional full-time roles might come with built-in stability and a steady pipeline of work, fractional CTOs often rely heavily on their networks to secure new opportunities.
“It’s not about luck,” Philipp says. “Yes, the first gig may have come easily, but sustaining it requires intentional networking and positioning.”
When Philipp started out, he had to make himself visible to potential clients. Here’s how he did it:
- LinkedIn Activity: “I post three times a week on LinkedIn, sometimes more,” he shares. “It’s all about staying top of mind with CEOs and recruiters. They might not need a Fractional CTO now, but when they do, I want them to think of me.”
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Engaging with Recruiters: “Recruiters play a key role in getting those initial engagements. You need to be on their radar,” Philipp explains. “Reach out, get into their databases, and follow up.”
Takeaway: Make LinkedIn your daily playground. Post regularly, comment on posts from other leaders, and always be open to networking with recruiters. The more you engage, the better your chances of landing that next big project.
Should You Niche Down as a Fractional CTO?
One of the questions I asked Philipp was whether he feels it's necessary to specialize in a specific industry, like FinTech or SaaS, as a Fractional CTO. His answer was refreshingly honest.
“I’m great at being a generalist,” he laughs. “People always tell me to pick a niche, but I love the challenge of working across different industries. I bring best practices from one field into another, and that’s been my superpower.”
This insight might challenge what you’ve heard before. We’re often told to niche down, but Philipp’s experience shows that there’s value in being a Jack of all trades—if you know how to leverage it.
However, he does caution that every tech leader’s journey is different. For some, niching down can help them become the go-to person in a specific industry. For others, like Philipp, being adaptable across various industries is what sets them apart.
Takeaway: Consider your strengths. If you’re passionate about a specific industry, go deep. But if you thrive on variety and adaptability, don’t be afraid to market yourself as a generalist.
The Importance of Personal Branding
One of the most significant lessons from Philipp’s story is the importance of building a personal brand. Being a Fractional CTO requires more than just technical expertise—you need to know how to market yourself.
“I created a website, but I knew that alone wouldn’t be enough,” Philipp recalls. “It’s about writing blog posts, staying active on LinkedIn, and positioning yourself as an expert in the field.”
Your personal brand is what sets you apart from the competition. If you’re not actively shaping it, you’re missing out on potential opportunities.
Here are a few tips from Philipp:
- Write regularly: Whether it’s LinkedIn posts or blog articles, the more content you produce, the more visible you become.
- Be authentic: “I don’t outsource my content,” Philipp says. “It’s important that my voice comes through in everything I write.”
- Stay consistent: Personal branding is a long game. You won’t see results overnight, but the more consistently you show up, the more people will start to notice.
Takeaway: You’re not just a CTO; you’re a brand. Invest in your personal brand by producing content, sharing insights, and engaging with your network.
What’s Next for Fractional CTOs?
The rise of the fractional executive is a trend that’s not going away. Philipp has seen the demand for Fractional CTOs grow, even as economic challenges made things more difficult last year.
“There was a dip in 2023, but it’s starting to pick up again,” he notes. “Companies need experienced leaders who can step in and solve problems quickly without the long-term commitment of a full-time hire.”
So, what’s next for someone like Philipp, or for any seasoned Fractional CTO?
“I’ve seen some people transition into full-time roles after a fractional engagement, but it’s rare,” Philipp says. “For most of us, it’s about continuing to build relationships, fine-tuning our expertise, and maybe even starting our own consultancy down the road.”
For those of you contemplating the next phase of your career, Philipp’s advice is simple:
“Stay flexible and be open to new opportunities. The world of tech is constantly evolving, and so should you.”
Final Thoughts: Is a Fractional CTO Role Right for You?
If you’ve been a CTO or senior tech leader for a while, the idea of switching to a fractional role might seem daunting at first. But as Philipp’s journey shows, it’s not only possible—it can be incredibly rewarding.
Fractional leadership gives you the chance to work with multiple companies, tackle unique challenges, and maintain a flexible schedule. However, it also requires a strong personal brand, continuous networking, and the ability to adapt quickly to different industries and projects.
If you’re still unsure, take Philipp’s advice: “You never really know until you try. There’s no certification for being a Fractional CTO, but if you’ve got the leadership experience, the willingness to learn, and a solid network, you’ve already got the tools to succeed.”
For more insights, you can connect with Philipp on his LinkedIn profile or check his website.
