Being a CTO isn't just about leading a tech team—it's about mastering the balance between technology, business, and leadership. If you've ever wondered how to bridge these worlds effectively, you're not alone. In my latest podcast episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sergio Gago, a seasoned technology leader and author of The CTO Toolbox. His insights are invaluable for anyone in the CTO role or aspiring to get there.
In this blog post, I'll share some key takeaways from our conversation. If you're serious about thriving in your role and avoiding burnout, keep reading. You won't want to miss the wisdom Sergio has to offer.
You can watch the video on YouTube or below:
Let’s start with something that Sergio emphasized right off the bat: "Every CTO needs a strong network of other CTOs to avoid burnout." This isn't just a nice-to-have; it's essential for your mental and professional well-being.
As a CTO, you’re often navigating uncharted territory. You might be the only person in your organization who truly understands the technical challenges at the highest level. This can be isolating, and that’s why it’s crucial to have a network of peers who can offer advice, share experiences, and simply understand what you’re going through.
Sergio put it perfectly:
"Speak with as many people as you can. Be always open-minded to opportunities, and be always willing to help. What goes around comes around."
Building a network isn't just about getting help when you need it—it's also about offering help to others. This mutual support can be a game-changer in how you approach challenges in your role.
One of the standout moments from our conversation was Sergio’s perspective on technical debt. Many CTOs view technical debt as purely a technical issue, but Sergio sees it differently:
"Technical debt is more financial than technical. In the moment you measure it in dollars, it suddenly becomes the CFO’s interest and the CEO’s interest."
This is a powerful mindset shift. When you start thinking about technical debt in financial terms, you not only gain a new perspective but also create a common language with the rest of the C-suite. It’s about aligning your technical concerns with the business’s financial goals. By doing so, you position yourself as a leader who understands the bigger picture, which is invaluable to any organization.
Sergio also stressed the importance of soft skills and being open to opportunities. As he shared:
"Embrace opportunities. Speak with as many people as you can. Be always open-minded to opportunities, and be always willing to help."
Opportunities don’t just fall into your lap; they often come from being proactive, networking, and improving your soft skills. Whether it’s communication, negotiation, or simply being able to translate complex technical issues into business terms, these skills are crucial for any CTO.
Sergio’s advice here is gold. By continuously working on your soft skills, you make yourself more adaptable, more valuable, and ultimately more successful in your role.
One of the most enlightening parts of our discussion was Sergio’s take on what it means to be a CTO. It’s easy to think of the CTO role as the pinnacle of a technical career. However, Sergio challenged this notion:
"Becoming a CTO is not the next step in your technical career. It’s more like a side step into management."
This is a crucial distinction. As a CTO, you’re not just a super-engineer—you’re a business leader. Your role is about guiding the company’s technical strategy in a way that supports its overall business objectives. This means you need to have a deep understanding of the business, including its financials, market strategy, and long-term goals.
Sergio shared his experience of being the only technologist in his MBA program, surrounded by people from marketing, sales, and general management backgrounds:
"I was the only CTO in the room. All my classmates were from the McKinseys of the world, in marketing, in sales. They were general managers, really smart people. But I was the only one coming from technology."
This experience taught him the importance of blending technical expertise with business acumen. As a CTO, you need to be fluent in both languages—technology and business—to be truly effective.
In our fast-paced industry, standing still is not an option. Sergio emphasized the importance of continuous learning, especially in areas that might not be your natural strengths, like finance and business strategy.
He recommended one book that has been particularly influential in his career: Principles of Corporate Finance.
"It’s a book that every MBA recommends. It helped me, not only in my CTO job, but also as a business angel and investor."
If you’re serious about excelling as a CTO, investing time in learning about finance and business is non-negotiable. This knowledge will empower you to make better decisions, communicate more effectively with the C-suite, and ultimately drive more value for your organization.
Being a CTO is a challenging but incredibly rewarding journey. It requires you to wear many hats and continually grow in multiple dimensions—technical, managerial, and personal. Sergio’s insights offer a roadmap for navigating this complex role.
As you continue in your career, remember to:
If you’re looking for more insights, I highly recommend watching the full interview with Sergio Gago. You’ll gain even more valuable advice that can help you thrive in your role as a CTO.
You can connect with Sergio on his LinkedIn or his website.