This podcast explores the importance of coding skills for a CTO, the challenges of hiring technical managers in non-technical companies, and the hosts' current development projects and learning new technologies.
Having coding skills as a CTO can provide better understanding of the code base and facilitate technical discussions with the team.
For non-technical companies, hiring a technical manager who can stitch together existing solutions can be more beneficial than a coding CTO.
Deep dives
The role of a CTO and the importance of coding
In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss the role of a CTO and the ongoing debate regarding the necessity of coding skills for a CTO. They explore various factors that come into play, such as the size and nature of the company, the expectations of investors, and the focus on communication and management versus hands-on coding. The importance of having a technical manager who can stitch together different systems and explore outside solutions is highlighted, especially for non-technical companies. The hosts also touch upon the challenges of time management and the transition from being a hands-on developer to a more managerial role.
The advantages and disadvantages of a CTO coding
The podcast delves into the advantages and disadvantages of a CTO coding. They discuss how coding experience allows the CTO to have a better understanding of the code base, review pull requests, and have meaningful technical discussions with the development team. However, as the company grows and the CTO's role evolves, time management becomes a challenge, with more focus on meetings, communication, and strategic decision-making. The hosts mention scenarios where hiring a technical manager who can find and stitch together existing solutions can be more beneficial for a company, especially in non-technical industries.
Considerations for hiring the first developer in a small business
The podcast addresses the important considerations when hiring the first developer in a small business. They highlight the potential risks of top-leveling the title as CTO, which may hinder future growth if the person hired lacks the necessary management and communication skills to take on a more senior role. They suggest alternative titles such as VP of development or lead developer to provide flexibility in case a separate management position needs to be created. The hosts also stress the significance of assessing the candidate's potential for growth and management, avoiding long-term titling issues.
Randy is a CTO that codes almost daily. Don has found it difficult to string together multiple days where he's able to code for his current roles. Today, we tackle the topic of whether a CTO or technical manager needs to be able to code to be effective at their job.
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