In this episode, Mike interviews Craig Mellon, an experienced CTO who shares his journey from a passionate developer to a technology leader. Craig discusses the importance of hands-on experience, the challenges of transitioning into leadership roles, and the key skills needed to succeed as a CTO. He also highlights the significance of fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning within technology teams.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Hands-on experience as a developer is invaluable for CTOs, providing a deep understanding of technology and its impact on business decisions.


• Transitioning from an individual contributor to a leadership role requires letting go of control and trusting your team to grow and innovate.


• Passion for continuous learning and staying up to date with the latest tech trends is crucial for driving innovation and making informed decisions.


• Business acumen is essential for CTOs to effectively communicate with stakeholders and align technology initiatives with business goals.


• A CTO's role varies depending on the size and nature of the company, ranging from hands-on involvement in startups to more strategic roles in larger enterprises.


• Encouraging experimentation and providing opportunities for team members to explore new technologies fosters a culture of innovation.


• Formal education alone may not be sufficient for a CTO role; practical experience and tailored learning resources are equally valuable.


• Clear communication and presenting technology initiatives in terms of business benefits are key to gaining support from executives and stakeholders.

BEST MOMENTS

"I kind of got obsessed with computers and programming then, which really drove me career in that direction." (01:34 ) - Craig shares how his early passion for technology shaped his career path.

"I've always found that most, most companies I've worked at, Kind of kind of always fall into that leadership role I tend to always end up leading a project or lead in a team" (9:44 ) - Craig discusses his natural tendency to take on leadership roles throughout his career.

"You've got to, you've got to, you've got to realize to step back as well, to see bigger picture." (12:43 ) - Craig emphasises the importance of stepping back and seeing the bigger picture as a leader.

"I think from a, from a CTO point of view, if you, during your communication with your team, if you're telling them about how this is going to affect the business. How it's going to help grow the business. And we're going to choose this solution because it'll help scale and it'll be cheaper to scale than this one." (20:02 ) - Craig explains how CTOs can help their teams understand the business impact of technology decisions.

"I'd rather you come out and ask rather than sit there worrying, trying to sort something out." (29:46 ) - Craig encourages a culture of open communication and asking for help when needed.

"You've got to give the business confidence in your decisions and what you're proposing. And so I think that really helps with those kind of decisions." (01:01:09 ) - Craig emphasises the importance of communicating effectively with business stakeholders.

"I think you've got to find a good, fit for your business." (01:14:18 ) - Craig highlights that the CTO role varies depending on the company's size and requirements.

"If you show people they can have that time and foster that innovation, I think that's a great way to progress with it." (01:11:11 ) - Craig discusses the importance of providing time and resources for innovation.

ABOUT THE HOST

Meet Mike, a seasoned tech entrepreneur and visionary with over two and a half decades of invaluable experience in founding and scaling successful tech start-ups. Mike brings a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and tech professionals.

As a host, Mike is dedicated to sharing actionable insights, strategies, and stories gathered from conversations with industry leaders, innovators, and experts. With a remarkable ability to distil practical wisdom from guests, Mike curates engaging discussions that resonate with both aspiring entrepreneurs and seasoned professionals. 

ABOUT THE SHOW

Welcome to Mastering Tech Growth, where we dive deep into the strategies, challenges, and triumphs of scaling tech-driven ventures. Join us as we explore the dynamic world of technology businesses, uncovering the secrets behind successful growth trajectories. Each episode brings you candid conversations with founders and industry experts, sharing invaluable insights, proven tactics, and real-life stories. Whether you're a budding entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, discover the roadmap to navigating the complexities of scaling in the ever-evolving tech landscape.