CTO Archetypes: Eight Shapes of Technical Leadership

CTO Archetypes

TLDR: The CTO title carries seniority but almost never comes with documented scope. Pat Kua introduces eight recurring archetypes that emerge based on organizational context, helping leaders, recruiters, and executives have clearer conversations about expectations and fit.

What's missing: The article provides excellent taxonomy but stops short of addressing the painful transitions. What happens when your company outgrows your archetype? How do you know when to hire a different type of CTO or step aside? The framework sets up the conversation but the hardest parts remain unspoken.

CTO Archetypes