My Role Of Being A CTO An interim conclusion ... and why I‘m probably not the best software engineer André Neubauer (@devpg), talents meets tech, Feb 2019 

My journey (so far) • Computer science studies • data experts - IT consultant • ImmobilienScout24 - Sofware Engineer, Team lead, Head of ... • Business Administration & Entrepreneurship Studies • Deutsche Post, E-POST – Director Engineering, VP Product, CTO • Mister Spex – CTO Education Career 

My jobs as being a CTO https://www.flickr.com/photos/ojimbo/5755042801 • Platform strategy • Technology upgrades • Hiring • Business agility • Due diligence process • Post merger integration • Contract negotiation • Cloud migration • Tool decisions • Roadmap planning • ... 

3 learnings when looking back ... 

„I need to become a CTO“ – The misunderstood career path?! Software Engineer Teamlead Head of CTO Specialist Generalist • Try to become outstanding in your decipline. • Don‘t strive for the next position just for the sake of it (Peter principle – "In a hierarchy every employee tends to rise to his level of incompetence.") Mastery 

CTO !== CTO ... It‘s all about context CTO Role By Organizational Needs Tom Berray, Raj Sampath Pioneers, Settlers, Town Planners Simon Wardley 

It‘s more than „tech“ ... but leadership My best career decision: Studying Business Administration & Entrepreneurship Areas Levels People Process Culture Operational Tactical Strategic Strive for business agility Hiring People development Org setup Being a role model Give freedom Challenge status quo Advocate on corporate values Discuss values and principles Tech IT strategy Technology decisions ... Active role Passive role 

My interpretation à Chief Tailwind Officer* • Gather the right people around you. Hiring is mission-critical • Encourage people to step up and take over responsibility • Help with decisions and share the „whole picture“ • Challenge the status quo and give impetus • Act as a role model * Created by Johann-Peter Hartmann, Mayflower