The Startup CTO's Handbook

Essential Skills and Best Practices for High Performing Engineering Teams

By: Zach Goldberg

Narrated by: Zach Goldberg

The job of a Chief Technical Officer is broad, ever-changing, and hard to define.

Is the CTO an engineer, an architect, a people manager, or an executive?

Turns out, in most cases, it’s all of the above—and even the most experienced “techies” often find themselves feeling underprepared for the human and logistical sides of this pivotal role.

In this engaging yet eminently practical book, consultant and veteran CTO Zach Goldberg shares his guidance on handling the complexities of one of business’s hardest to define roles, and provides clear pathways through the most common challenges facing startup CTOs and technical founders. From managing other executives, to hiring (and firing), to supporting engineers through critical rollouts, this book has frameworks, best practices, and guidance to help you build a high-performing, happy engineering organization.

This book is a must-listen for all founders, as well as anyone transitioning from a technical or engineering role to the position of CTO. With Goldberg’s knowledge at your fingertips, you’ll soon master both the science and the art of leading a high-performing technical team.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2023 Zach Goldberg (P)2024 Zach Goldberg

New CTO

As a up and coming CTO, this was great prep for my interview as it helped me understand the gaps I need to strengthen before I go in.

For those who drive excellence and innovation

If you're a startup CTO, or a startup leader, 'The Startup CTO's Handbook' is a must-read. The book offers clear insights and practical advice that can be applied to all aspects of leading a high-performing team. The author draws from his extensive experience to provide a comprehensive guide that covers essential skills, best practices, and key leadership principles.

The content is well-structured and easy to digest, making it a valuable resource for both new and experienced CTOs. The book addresses an array of topics, from building and scaling an engineering team to fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. It also delves into the technical aspects of the role, such as architecting scalable systems and making informed technology choices.

One of the strengths of this book is its practicality: The author provides concrete examples and actionable steps that readers can implement in their own organizations. The knowledge provided is grounded in real-world experience, making it both relatable and effective.

The narration by the author is excellent, and I found the book so useful that I purchased both the print and audible versions. Having access to this valuable resource in multiple formats is a great benefit in my experience.

I highly recommend 'The Startup CTO's Handbook' to anyone in the startup world who wants to drive technical excellence and innovation. It provides a wealth of knowledge and practical advice that can help you build and lead high-performing engineering teams.

Ok for beginners

Great points when discussing soft skills, valuable suggestions on people management and hiring, but disappointing when discussing hard skills, some suggestions on tech and architecture are shallow and incorrect. Would be better if it included more real life stories and examples for each chapter. This is a good book for mid-level engineers who want to understand the fundamentals of engineering management