#931 Tech Titans: How to Know You’re Not Really a CTO with Alan Williamson

THIS is how you know you’re not really ready for primetime.

Today, we're bringing you our most timeless advice from our last conversation with Alan Williamson, Author of Think Like a CTO. We discuss why most first-time CTOs struggle to communicate with non-technical executives, how to think about budgeting and engineering costs like a true technology leader, and why the ability to articulate a clear vision is what separates a real CTO from a CTO in name only.

All of this right here, right now, on the Modern CTO Podcast! 

To learn more about Alan Williamson, check out his website here.

About Alan Williamson

ALAN WILLIAMSON has over 25 years of data and technology experience, with contributions
to the core server-side Java API specification, creating the world’s first CFML
engine written in Java, which powered MySpace. He was the first UK Java Champion
and has published several books in the Java space covering Enterprise Java, Servlets,
JavaMail, and database access.

He has worked with and for private equity firms for over 15 years, building and
growing teams, as well as serving as CTO for a number of portfolio companies. Alan
served as Chief Technology Officer and Partner of MacLaurin Group, supporting
portfolio company operations through CTO and Architectural Advisory. He has provided
CTO executive team leadership for multiple private equity-backed organizations.
He is currently serving as Partner of Portfolio Operations Group for New
Harbor Capital, a Chicago-based private equity firm focused on midmarket founderled
companies, providing interim CTO and mentoring services.
Alan holds a degree in computer science with a specialization in digital control
from the University of Paisley, Scotland.