CTO Coaching
I coach bold and bright CTOs and engineering leaders who have experienced the inevitable loneliness of leadership, suffer from their own unrelenting standards, and yearn deeply to make a difference.
I work with first-time CTOs and technical founders navigating the messy transition from building systems to building teams.
Who I Work With
I coach bold and bright CTOs and engineering leaders who have experienced the inevitable loneliness of leadership, suffer from their own unrelenting standards, and yearn deeply to make a difference.
The move from individual contributor to leader is uncomfortable, with one needing to redefine their sense of self-worth. No longer are your contributions measured in readily quantifiable metrics, you have to give up direct control over a product — one you may have built from scratch — and your new leadership team understand little of what you do behind the scenes to make all these devices dance.
Choosing between React and Svelte is a breeze compared to the challenges you face now. The problems aren't so cut and dry, and the consequences are significant.
- How do I establish my presence among the SLT?
- Is it time to let this person go?
- Am I really qualified to do this job?
How We Work Together
Every collaboration consists of careful conversation where we work to better understand your values, your ideas, and to map out a path forward.
All too often the answer is already within. We find those answers together.
Sessions are typically 60-90 minutes, weekly or fortnightly, depending on what you're navigating. Most engagements run 3-6 months, though some CTOs work with me long-term as a thinking partner.
What CTOs Say
James serves as an invaluable sounding board, attentively addressing the challenges that arise in my professional life. His approach involves guiding me through these issues, not through prescriptive directives, but rather by facilitating a process that empowers me to uncover and implement my own solutions.
— Head of Engineering, Bootstrapped SaaS startup
His expertise and thoughtful guidance have been instrumental in my growth as a leader, and I highly value the insights he brings to our conversations. I appreciate James for his ability to strike a balance between offering support and encouraging self-discovery.
— CTO, PE-backed growth stage
James offers a perspective that emphasises what's important, rather than merely urgent. He is skilled at providing a gentle challenge that punctures my pomposity when I've lost my way with grandiose ideas. He's an intriguing person, and it has been fun getting to know him.
— Technical Founder, post-Series A
Work With Me
If you're a first-time CTO or technical leader navigating the transition to executive leadership, let's talk.
Schedule an intro call or send me an email if you prefer.