#150 - How to Think Like a CTO - Alan Williamson

Tech Lead Journal

“A CTO gives the business the technology it needs to drive success by delivering a roadmap to grow and scale at a level and speed where technology never holds up their growth."

Alan Williamson is the author of “Think Like a CTO”. In this episode, we discussed in-depth how to become a great CTO. Alan first described what a CTO role is, how the role differs at different company stages, and the attributes of a good CTO. Alan then explained the importance of a CTO coming up with a vision and how we can improve ourselves in visionary thinking. He then touched on how a CTO should work together and understand the expectations of the CEO. Alan also gave his tips on how to build engineering teams that can produce high-quality results. Towards the end, Alan gave his personal advice on how a CTO can deal with imposter syndrome and the importance of a CTO doing a personal review.

Listen out for:

• Career Journey - [00:03:28]
• The CTO Role - [00:07:47]
• Different Flavors of CTO Role - [00:12:47]
• CTO at Different Company Stage - [00:13:42]
• What Makes a Good CTO - [00:17:04]
• Visionary Planning - [00:19:40]
• Learning How to Create a Vision - [00:23:40]
• Working with the CEO - [00:30:54]
• Building Engineering Teams - [00:36:47]
• Building Quality In - [00:39:58]
• Dealing with Imposter Syndrome - [00:45:36]
• Reviewing Yourself - [00:52:11]
• 3 Tech Lead Wisdom - [00:59:09]

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Alan Williamson’s Bio
Alan was the first U.K. Java Champion and has contributed much to open source, including OpenBD, a Java based CFML runtime engine, that once powered MySpace.com, as well as many other blue-chip CFML sites.

Alan has published a number of books in the Java space covering Enterprise Java, Servlets, JavaMail and database access. He also served in the role of Editor-in-Chief for Java Developers Journal. His recent book, ‘ Think like a CTO ’ aimed at the new and upcoming CTO. Filled with real-world actionable items, including case studies and interviews.

Alan is currently a partner with New Harbor Capital, heading up their Portfolio Operations Group, providing interim and executive CTO services to New Harbor’s portfolios, advising on all levels on how to maximize technology for the growth of the business.

Follow Alan:

• Website – alan.is
• LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/a1anw2/

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