[anandnair]

A CTO should be the bridge between technology and the business. They should understand both business and technology. You'll learn things as you grow. But the CTO mindset is important. Your job is NOT JUST to be a developer, an engineer, or an architect. The decisions you take can have a huge impact on your business, and the bottom line. Your experience at FAANG definitely helps. But think beyond that engineering experience. You're building a business. Can you foresee where your company is heading? Can you recruit, train, and grow a team of engineering leaders who will also steer the company in the same direction?

From day one, keep these in mind

1. Anyone can build anything, given they have the time and money, and resources. But only a few people can understand what their customers really want, and build that.

2. You are not an engineer. You are an entrepreneur.

3. You are not here for a solo game. Can you be a great leader?

4. You should understand how your decisions affect the company's finances.