Why CTOs need coaching to excel in today’s tech landscape
Written by: Adam Horner, CTO Coach & Fractional CTO
Introduction
Many CTOs quickly realize that leading a fast-growing company isn’t just about technical know-how. When I first stepped into the CTO role, I was confident in my tech skills but soon found myself challenged by the demands of leadership. To truly excel, I needed more than just technical expertise—I needed to evolve as a leader. Seeking guidance from experienced mentors was a turning point for me.
Why CTOs face unique challenges
As a CTO, you’re expected to juggle multiple responsibilities—making technology choices, steering company strategy, and leading teams. During my time at Satago and Realforce, I learned that technical skills alone weren’t enough. Leading people and aligning tech with business goals requires a new set of leadership skills.
Common CTO challenges and how coaching helps
In my coaching experience, I’ve met many CTOs who face similar challenges, even though their situations are unique. Here are a few examples:
The Firefighter CTO:
Imagine starting your week with a plan, only to have it derailed by urgent issues. You’re constantly putting out fires, whether it’s a system outage, a major bug, or an urgent request from the CEO. This CTO is always on the back foot, trapped in an endless cycle of reactive problem-solving. Every day is consumed by yesterday’s emergencies, leaving little time to think strategically or plan ahead. These CTOs often reach out to me exhausted and uncertain about how to break the firefighting cycle and start leading proactively.
“CTOs often reach out to me exhausted and uncertain about how to break the firefighting cycle and start leading proactively.”
The Senior Developer Turned CTO:
You’re the go-to person for all things tech in your startup, the one who knows the codebase inside and out. Then, as the company grows, you’re asked to step up to be the CTO. What an opportunity! Now, you’re not just writing code—you’re expected to lead a team, manage projects, and align technology with business goals. The shift from being the hands-on tech expert to a strategic leader is unnerving. These CTOs often come to me with a solid technical foundation but without a clear framework for what’s expected of them in their new role.
The Seasoned Technologist Ready to Lead:
Then there’s the seasoned technologist who’s been climbing the ranks, excelling as a VP of Engineering, and now wants to step into a formal leadership role as CTO. You’re proactive, recognise the gap between where you are and where you want to be, and are determined to close it. However, the shift from managing teams, leaders, and processes to influencing company strategy at the executive level isn’t straightforward. These CTOs are driven and aware of what they need to develop and so they reach out for assistance with this new step.
How coaching helps CTOs overcome these challenges
These CTOs often share a common challenge—doubting their ability to lead strategically. Here’s how coaching helps:
Bank the fires: We start by taking control of the emergencies.
Clarify the role: Together, we define what the CTO role should look like for you, whether you’re moving from firefighting to strategic planning or from technical expert to team leader. We also align the role with the business growth stage.
Identify gaps and create a roadmap: We assess the knowledge and experience both now and expected, then we develop a clear, actionable plan that guides you to success.
Fill knowledge gaps: We work on areas that need growth, like strategic planning, team management, or aligning technology with business goals.
Address fears: Coaching helps identify and tackle fears, such as impostor syndrome, fear of failure, or fear of negative feedback.
Build confidence: We continue by addressing doubts and reinforcing your leadership potential.
Is coaching worth the investment?
Some CTOs might wonder if coaching is worth the investment of time and money. Consider this: The difference between a good CTO and a great one often comes down to the support they receive and the network they build around themselves.
Coaching provides tailored guidance that generic advice can’t match. It’s an investment that pays off in the form of more trustworthy leadership, quicker decision-making, and faster growth. Early in my career, I made avoidable mistakes, and I know that many other first and second-time CTOs are making—or narrowly avoiding—the same errors. Coaching helps you sidestep these pitfalls and accelerates your path to success.
“Coaching provides tailored guidance that generic advice can’t match. It’s an investment that pays off in the form of more trustworthy leadership, quicker decision-making, and faster growth. ”
The transformative power of CTO coaching
Coaching isn’t just about fixing immediate problems—it’s about long-term growth. I didn’t have a formal coach, but I sought advice from startup veterans and the founders of Seedcamp. They helped me validate my strategies and anticipate challenges. However, I did much of the hard work of learning through trial and error. Looking back, I realize how much smoother my journey could have been with structured coaching.
Why coaching is essential for CTOs
The right support can be the defining factor between a good CTO and a great one. Early in my career, I made mistakes that could have been prevented. I notice many CTOs are making those same mistakes today. Coaching provides the tools, confidence, and support to lead effectively. For any CTO, especially in startups, it’s a critical investment in personal and professional growth.
“The right support can be the defining factor between a good CTO and a great one. ”
Steps to find the right CTO coach
If you’re ready to explore coaching, here’s how to get started:
Set clear goals: What do you want to achieve? Better leadership skills? A more effective tech strategy? An understanding of the financials of engineering?
Look for experience: Choose a coach with significant CTO or senior tech leadership experience. The role is different enough from other C-suite positions that generic executive leadership coaching can only get you partway to your goals.
Check references: Ask for testimonials from past clients to understand what you can expect.
Start with an introduction meeting: Some coaches offer an introduction meeting, others a trial session—use it to see if their style resonates with you and gives you some immediate benefit.
Assess coaching style: Do they focus on coaching, teaching, mentoring, or a blend? Make sure their approach fits your needs and that you feel immediately confident, comfortable, and reassured by them.
Evaluate progress: Regularly assess your progress and adjust as needed. Coaching should be as dynamic as your role and growth are.
Conclusion
The tech world isn’t slowing down, so CTOs must constantly evolve. Coaching accelerates growth, sharpens leadership skills, and equips you to confidently lead your organisation to success. Learn more about personalised CTO coaching and schedule a free introductory call today. Let’s discover how I can help you navigate your toughest leadership challenges.
Learn more about
How personalised, pragmatic CTO coaching can help transform you into a confident, strategic leader.
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How strategy workshops can help drive strategic alignment to grow your startup or scale-up.
Don’t miss the latest episode of The CTO Playbook — the podcast dedicated to helping CTOs excel.