CTOStartup to Growth

Yan Pritzker @skwp @reverbdotcom

4 yearsAlexa #500Top Gear Destination100+ Employees30 Engineers

What does a CTO do?How did I get hereHow my role has changedAdvice and questions

What is a CTO?

Understand theWHY of the Business

Understand theHOW of Engineering

Seeing The Matrix

My First Computer

OpenQubit

Startups

Planypus

0. Get The Job

Know what you wantPresent experience confidentlyTake a chance

1. Build The Product

Make product decisions - cut aggressivelyLaunch without a billing systemEstablish engineering cultureLean/MVPGet to know your customersHack hack hack

2. Grow the Team

Establish architectural patternsMentor the teamFeel less effective tackling big projectsHire hire hireGet help in managing

3. Glue the Team

Help others tackle big problemsPoke your nose inJump start projects - API/lessonsIdentify and elevate talent and expertsEncourage docs & knowledge sharingManage spend, prepare for scaleFind time to hack

AdviceTo my former self

Be prepared to redefine your job every 6-12 mos

Recognize when you are or are not effective, and don’t be a hero

Step outside your comfort zone