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In this episode, I interviewed Christian Varisco, a fractional CTO from Italy. We discussed the essential skills to become a Fractional CTO, the challenges involved, why startups succeed, and some handy tips to kickstart your own product business.
Let’s break it down.
The 3 Pillars of Being a Fractional CTO
A Fractional CTO juggles three main things: product, technology, and people management.
It’s a common belief that the CTO should be the most expert technologist in the startup. However, choosing the right people with the right skills is probably one of the most critical responsibilities.
You could hire a super-experienced developer from Facebook. But maybe they’re not the right person for a startup because they usually work on very specific problems in a particular domain and may lack the broader skillset needed to work for a startup.
Challenges of Being a Fractional CTO
Being a Fractional CTO isn’t all unicorns and rainbows. You’ve got to handle pressure, manage various business aspects, and keep up with ever-changing tech trends.
You’re managing multiple startups, each with unique needs. You need to stay calm, solve problems efficiently, and keep learning new things.
Handling pressure is key.
Why Startups Succeed
What makes a startup successful? It's not just luck. Founders who are hungry, curious, and dedicated to solving real problems are the ones who make it.
Take a startup with passionate founders. They invest in the right people, validate their product, and focus on solving customer issues. This approach sets them apart from those who just want to make a quick buck.
Successful entrepreneurs are like detectives – they sniff out problems and solve them. They also know that hiring the right people is crucial. You can't build a dream team with players who don’t show up for practice.
Tips to Start a Startup
“Be an entrepreneur means that you want to change in some part of the world and your life. And we discovered that a lot of people just want to be called entrepreneur without being an entrepreneur.” - Christian Varisco
Starting a startup can be daunting, but here are some tips to make it easier. First, find a problem that needs solving. Then, validate your idea. Build a team that shares your vision.
Imagine you have a brilliant idea. Instead of jumping straight into building, get feedback from potential customers. This helps you refine your product and ensure it’s needed. You’re not just shooting in the dark by the time you start building.
Remember, technology is just a tool. The real focus should be on solving problems and getting customer feedback. And yes, being a Fractional CTO means working on all business aspects, not just the tech stuff.
The End of ZERP
The days of easy money are over. Startups now need to focus on profitability and sustainable growth. It’s no longer about just chasing high valuations.
In the past, many startups prioritized rapid growth. But now, showing a viable business model and sustainable growth is essential. This shift means startups need to be robust and capable of weathering economic storms.
The end of the zero-interest period has made profitability the new cool kid on the block. Startups must show they can make money, not just burn through it.
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