The Unconventional CTO: A Journey from Developer to Founder and CTO with Harold Thétiot

Becoming CTO Secrets

keywords

CTO, Sylaps, video conferencing, software development, AI, mentorship, technology trends, startup challenges, UX design, leadership

summary

In this episode of the Becoming CTO Secrets podcast, Philipp Deutscher interviews Harold Thétiot, the CTO and founder of Sylaps, a video conferencing tool. Harold shares his journey in the tech industry, his unique perspective on the role of a CTO, and the challenges he faces while managing multiple responsibilities. He discusses the evolution of the video conferencing market, the importance of UX design, and how he maintains motivation over the years. The conversation also delves into the impact of AI on software development and offers valuable advice for aspiring CTOs.

takeaways

• Harold sees himself as a software architect rather than a traditional CTO.
• The video conferencing market has evolved significantly over the past decade.
• Maintaining a focus on UX is crucial for product success.
• Delegating responsibilities is essential for effective management.
• AI's impact on software development is significant but not a replacement for developers.
• Mentorship plays a vital role in personal and professional growth.
• Quality assurance and testing are critical for product reliability.
• The importance of releasing products in a timely manner cannot be overstated.
• Understanding the market and user needs is key to success.
• Finding the right people to work with is more important than equity.

Sound Bites

• "I'm many things at once."
• "AI is stupid."
• "Shares is not everything."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Harold Titeo and Xylabs

01:42
Harold's Journey as a CTO and Founder

03:46
Inspiration Behind Xylabs and Early Development

05:02
Acquisition and Delegation of Responsibilities

07:00
Current Market Landscape for Video Collaboration

09:13
Challenges of Juggling Multiple Roles

10:13
Maintaining Motivation and Productivity

15:41
Differences in Experience Between Small and Large Teams

17:07
Innovation Strategies in a Small Company

18:46
Strategic Responsibilities and Business Aspects

20:56
Differences in CTO Roles Across Organizations

23:08
Navigating Code Ownership and Delegation

25:50
Staying Updated in Tech: The Role of YouTube

27:15
Collaborating with Freelancers and External Partners

28:24
The Future of Meetings: Quality Over Quantity

30:37
The Evolution of Software Development and AI

35:39
The Changing Role of Developers in an AI World

41:28
Advice for Future CTOs and Developers