[iaw]

> The owner (he sees himself a CTO) is just technical enough to be dangerous. He knows the buzzwords and feels comfortable making decisions without fully understanding the impact.

Three thoughts:

1) The owner/"CTO" is going to create extra stress for you regardless what working relationship you develop. He's not going to get better about this.

2) Just because the company needs someone to be the CTO doesn't mean that it's C-suite/board know that. Without explicit communication about trajectory you can find yourself doing a CTO's job without the recognition, respect, or salary.

3) There's no foul in walking away from something bad for you. It's hard to do when you're used to completing what you start, but every once in a while it's the better decision.