Synopses & Reviews
What does it take to be a great CTO? Leadership - Expertise - Innovation - Teamwork - Relationships - Passion In the 21st century, every company that is going to be a leader in its industry needs an executive who is focused on identifying, tracking, developing, and profiting from new and emerging technologies. General Electric, Motorola, Cisco, Intel, Microsoft and hundreds of other major firms bring technology awareness into the executive ranks and the strategic decision making process. Modern business cannot be performed without leveraging the new technologies that are being created around the globe. This book describes the role and responsibilities of the Chief Technology Officer and executives with similar titles. It provides a framework for understanding the many unique flavors the position; identifies key responsibilities that go with the job; and provides vignettes of successful CTO's in large and small companies. This book is the first to take a disciplined look at this important executive position and to describe the best practices necessary to excel. Every prospective technology leader must read this book and apply its ideas in their organizations.
Synopsis
Chief Technology Officer is the first book of its kind to dissect this pivotal role within modern corporations. It provides a disciplined examination of the CTO's position, unveiling the multifaceted responsibilities that range from technology foresight to corporate governance. The book presents a rich tapestry of insights drawn from the forefront of business giants such as General Electric, Motorola, Cisco, Intel, and Microsoft, where technology awareness is not just part of the executive vocabulary but the core of strategic decision-making.
Through this book, you will explore the six archetypes of CTO roles that pervade industry, encapsulating the unique challenges and contributions of technology leaders in both colossal enterprises and nimble startups. It imparts a holistic framework that dissects the nuances of the job, from monitoring emerging technologies to guiding R&D investments, assessing mergers and acquisitions, engaging with media, and influencing professional groups.
Our narrative delves into how industry titans like GE's Jeffery Immelt and Scott Donnelly have recalibrated their corporate compass to harness the winds of technological change. The book underscores the transformational impact of the CTO, detailing how this role is pivotal in transmuting innovative ideas into market-defining products and services, thereby carving out a competitive edge.
The book unfolds in three compelling parts. Initially, it embarks on the evolution and escalating significance of technology leadership, elucidating how the CTO role is reshaping business landscapes. Subsequently, it ventures into the synergy between the CTO and innovation within the hallowed halls of R&D and the bustling arenas of business units. Finally, it offers a gallery of industry-specific vignettes, showcasing the distinct responsibilities of CTOs across a diversity of sectors including manufacturing, defense, government, and small businesses.
At its heart, Chief Technology Officer is a clarion call to those positioned at the helm of technology within their organizations. It addresses the shifting responsibilities from traditional roles like the Director of R&D and the CIO to the CTO, whose remit extends beyond internal IT management to encompass the broader horizon of market and financial gains.
The book is not merely a collection of theories but a nexus of real-world experiences, practical research, and strategic foresight from practicing CTOs, leading academics, and innovative corporations. It is a treasure trove of best practices, academic principles, and seasoned experiences, equipping current and prospective technology executives with the wisdom and tools to excel.
Synopsis
Smith describes the role and responsibilities of the Chief Technology Officerand executives with similar titles. He provides a framework for understandingthe many unique flavors the position; identifies key responsibilities that gowith the job; and provides vignettes of successful CTOs.