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by OJFord 1078 days ago
Did it ever go anywhere? I think it just takes a company of a certain size to be able to have a (formal, with some kind of written scope or responsibility anyway) IC track.

Imagine a little start-up with a 'Distinguished Engineer' and slew of Principals and Staffs, it'd seem a bit weird wouldn't it? Even if they distinguished themselves elsewhere. Maybe it's just me.
1 comments
ska 1077 days ago
> it'd seem a bit weird wouldn't it?

No weirder than a little young startup with a CEO, a CTO, a CMO, etc. etc.

Titles in general aren't that meaningful without context, no?

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OJFord 1077 days ago
I suppose, but it does need some top-level leadership, and those (vs 'head of' or whatever) are reflective of legal structure.

Have you ever seen/heard of one with a DE? My starting point was that it basically/presumably doesn't happen - 'imagine' - and that it would seem weird if it did. If it is fina and normal as you suggest then ok, it is just me (as I said it might be), and I haven't come across it.

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ska 1077 days ago
Of course it needs some leadership, but the multiple "C" levels are mostly just about ego management, very little to do with day-to-day or scope, in practice.

Hell you don't need any C levels at all. The legal structure doesn't require it, corporate directors is not tied to title ... there are few things that have to exist, and it's mostly about who can sign contracts that bind your company.

Fundraising is probably easier if you go out as "CEO" just because expectations are met, but that's a separate issue.

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