FAQ

About My CTO Coaching

What is CTO coaching and how does it work?

CTO coaching is a personalized development program designed to help CTOs and engineering leaders navigate complex challenges and become more effective leaders. My coaching works through regular one-on-one sessions (typically 1-2 hours every second week, or weekly during demanding situations) where we focus on your specific challenges and goals.

My approach combines four pillars:

Consulting: I help you fix current problems that are blocking you
Mentoring: Knowledge transfer to enable you to grow and scale for what’s coming
Coaching: Changing your behavior to make you successful
Branding: Be seen the way you want to be seen

Who is my coaching for?

My coaching is specifically designed for:

CTOs and VPs of Engineering in startups and scale-ups (5-80 developers)
Recently promoted technical leaders who feel out of their depth
CTOs joining companies with technical debt and scaling challenges
Engineering leaders facing rapid growth periods and new responsibilities
Technical founders transitioning from hands-on coding to leadership roles

I specialize in fast-growing startups because I’m most interested in challenges arising from growth and change. My clients span various industries including fintech, healthtech, adtech, retail, and more.

What problems do I help solve?

I help CTOs tackle the most common challenges they face:

Technical & Strategic Issues:

Managing and reducing technical debt
Scaling systems from hundreds to millions of users
Architecture decisions and technology strategy
Platform selection and technical design

Team & People Challenges:

Scaling development teams and processes
Hiring and managing developers, testers, and operations staff
Difficult work relationships and team dynamics
Developer productivity and motivation issues

Leadership & Growth:

Transitioning from developer to technical leader
Managing through investment rounds and due diligence
Balancing technical work with management responsibilities
Strategic thinking and providing options to the business

Personal Development:

Finding happiness and motivation in the CTO role
Managing stress and avoiding burnout
Building your personal brand and visibility
Developing executive presence

How long does coaching typically take?

Coaching duration varies based on your specific situation and goals. Most clients work with me for 6-18 months. We typically start by focusing on immediate problems and challenges, then shift toward longer-term coaching focused on your personal development and leadership growth.

This can work out into a long-term relationship spanning your career. I have several clients who have been with me for years.

What makes my coaching approach unique?

With over 40 years of coding experience and 25+ years as a technical manager, I bring deep practical experience from roles including:

Founder and CTO of a VC-funded startup
CTO at eBay Inc. subsidiary
Engineering manager at ImmobilienScout24
Experience across crisis management, scaling teams, and building systems

As a CTO coach, I’ve seen patterns across hundreds of situations in startups of all sizes. I can quickly identify the underlying issues and provide proven solutions. My approach is hands-on and practical - I understand the technical challenges because I’ve lived them.

What can you expect from working with me?

Immediate problem-solving: Get unstuck on current blockers and challenges
Strategic guidance: Gain clarity on technology strategy and business alignment
Leadership development: Develop the skills to be an effective technical executive
Peer support: Have someone who truly understands your role and challenges
Accelerated growth: Avoid common pitfalls and learn from others’ experiences
Increased confidence: Feel more prepared for the challenges ahead

How do we get started?

The best way to start is with a free introductory call where we can discuss your specific situation and challenges. This allows us to determine if coaching is the right fit and how I can best help you.

During this call, we’ll explore:

Your current challenges and pain points
Your goals and what success looks like
How my coaching approach could address your needs
The logistics of working together

Is coaching confidential?

Absolutely. All our coaching conversations are completely confidential. I understand the sensitive nature of leadership challenges and the importance of having a safe space to discuss problems openly.

My Book for CTOs