Can a Non-Technical Person Be a CTO?

When it comes to the question of whether a non-technical person can be a CTO, my response is a cautious yes. As a COO and co-founder of inVerita, a software development company, I have witnessed the transformation of technical leadership roles over time. While the traditional definition of a CTO often includes a strong technical background, this is not an absolute prerequisite in today's business landscape.

The Evolution of the CTO Role

The role of a CTO has indeed evolved significantly. From the first developer and infrastructure specialist to a leadership and management position, the responsibilities of a CTO now encompass a broad spectrum of tasks, including strategic planning, team management, and technology adoption for business growth. However, technical proficiency remains a cornerstone, especially for startups where every resource is critical.

Key Skills for a Non-Technical CTO

While a non-technical person can indeed excel as a CTO, it is essential that such a person possesses a range of crucial skills:

These skills are geared towards extracting the best from individuals and the team, regardless of their technical background. This holistic approach to leadership is vital for a non-technical CTO to succeed in driving technological innovation and achieving business objectives.

Understanding Technology without Direct Experience

Understanding technical knowledge is different from having a functional or domain-specific knowledge. When a non-technical CTO possesses a deep understanding of the technology being used or developed, this knowledge contributes significantly to effective communication with the technical team and earning their trust.

Consider the analogy of chopping a fruit. The technical person knows how to chop it into pieces, while the non-technical person with technological knowledge chooses the right type of knife and fruit. A skilled non-technical CTO might not know how to program, but they can choose the right language, understand its applications, and develop strategic management techniques.

The Path to a Non-Technical CTO Role

The transition from a purely technical role to a managerial one is often more beneficial than a short-term, technical-centric experience or a straight MBA. Over many years of technical experience, the individual acquires valuable soft skills, such as leadership, communication, and strategic thinking, which are critical for a non-technical CTO.

As a non-technical CTO, it is essential to have a broad understanding of both the technical and business aspects of the projects. This dual expertise allows for better decision-making and more holistic business outcomes. Investing in early-stage technical knowledge as a co-owner can provide invaluable insights and enhance decision-making processes.