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Description

In this episode of "How Many CTOs Does It Take?" podcast, hosts Scott Porad and Brad Hefta-Gaub discuss the critical role of a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) as a bridge between technology and business success. They delve into important topics such as organizing engineering teams, managing tech debt, and the trade-offs between enhancing engineering velocity and reducing operational costs. They emphasize the importance of clear metrics and accountability to measure team performance and align engineering efforts with business goals. Citing real-world examples and experiences, they provide insights into maintaining a balance between profitability and technical excellence. This episode also explores cultural shifts needed within organizations to prioritize collective objectives and improve overall efficiency.
 
  • 00:00 Introduction to the Role of a CTO
  • 00:34 Meet the Hosts: Scott and Brad
  • 00:47 Challenges Faced by Engineering Leaders
  • 02:26 Organizing Engineering Teams
  • 05:35 The Importance of Platform Teams
  • 16:14 Balancing Profitability and Maintenance
  • 20:50 Cultural and Process Considerations
  • 25:33 Real-World Examples and Strategies
  • 27:18 Contemplating a Shift in Platform Strategy
  • 27:31 Defining Platform KPIs and Value
  • 28:40 Customer Satisfaction and Platform Velocity
  • 30:14 Balancing Cost and Velocity in Platform Teams
  • 34:58 Organizational Structure and Conway's Law
  • 39:19 Engineering Metrics and Success
  • 42:36 Connecting Technology to Business Success
  • 45:48 Implementing and Socializing New Ideas
  • 52:37 Podcast Conclusion and Call to Action