In this conversation, Mike Sirius and Andrei Nita discuss the critical role of strategy in technology leadership, emphasising that successful CTOs prioritise business goals over technology itself. They explore the importance of understanding business maturity, the challenges of managing a troubled tech stack, and the need for hiring versatile talent. The discussion also covers the transition from a reactive, firefighting approach to a proactive, strategic leadership style, and the significance of aligning technology with business objectives to drive growth and value. The speakers delve into the multifaceted role of a CTO, discussing the importance of effective communication, understanding technical debt, and the significance of aligning engineering objectives with business goals. They explore strategies for navigating the first weeks in a new role, the necessity of constant updates to executives, and the challenges of leading change in a resistant company culture. The discussion also...