In this episode of Mastering Tech Growth, Mike interviews Armagan Amcalar, a seasoned professional in the tech industry. Armagan shares his extensive experience and valuable insights on the role of fractional CTOs, sustainable business practices, and the future of work in the tech sector. He discusses the importance of strong company culture, effective remote leadership, and the potential impact of AI on productivity. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Fractional CTOs offer a cost-effective solution for startups, providing experienced leadership without the full-time commitment.


• Establishing a shared culture and aligning values are crucial for successful remote work and seamless collaboration.


• Sustainability and regenerative energy practices are key to long-term success in the tech industry.


• AI will revolutionise the future of work by automating mundane tasks and allowing humans to focus on creativity and passion.


• Decentralisation and autonomous units within a company can lead to increased productivity and employee satisfaction.


• Measuring the success of a fractional CTO should be based on tangible business outcomes and ROI.


• Effective leadership involves empowering employees, fostering autonomy, and drawing inspiration from real-life examples.


• Apple serves as a prime example of sustainable growth through smart investments and long-term vision.

BEST MOMENTS

"I found myself here one day at home. I was out of books to read. And the last book I could find to read was the instructions manual for Commodore 64. I was at the age of six." (00:45 ) Armagan shares how he first got into programming at a young age 

"A fractional CTO should be there to make sure you're not losing energy and if possible, you're creating energy with your practices. You have the right team in place, right process in place. You're building the right thing that your users need that will keep your business growing." (18:16 ) Armagan explains the role of a fractional CTO in ensuring sustainable business practices and growth

"You have to be able to convince people to buy your product and your service or whatever your offering is, without actually having that offering. And if this sounds unreasonable to you, just stop working right now. You're not going to make it." (22:17 ) Armagan advises startup founders to validate their ideas and secure funding before hiring a CTO

"The biggest problem that I have with start-up founders are like first time founders or second time founders who are bringing on their egos too much to the game." (34:16 ) Armagan points out that the biggest issue he faces is working with first or second-time founders who let their egos interfere with the success of their startup.

"You need to challenge your fractional CTO to create sustainable systems. Within the company, you have to create a culture that's going to survive even after you leave, even after you change a CTO" (38:47 ) Armagan stresses the importance of challenging fractional CTOs to create sustainable systems and a strong company culture that can outlast their tenure.

"Apple is doing great. I think in this aspect of growing sustainably, whereas every major company in the U.S. is talking about laying off thousands and thousands of people." (01:15:06 ) Armagan praises Apple as an example of a company that has mastered sustainable growth

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.