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MenuIs it possible for a guy (me) with a bachelor in IT, not too much hands on experience, to become a decent SMB CIO/CTO? If possible, where to start?
I graduated from an undergraduate IT major in Cuba, where IT is still 10 years behind. I moved to Canada 8 months ago and I'm working for a friend in a web development agency. We are still small and we are still settings things up on the go.
While I'm not naked when it comes to the habilitties I need to fill a CIO/CTO position for small business, I fill unprepared and inadequate, but want to improve, if it is possible.
Answers
You can do this! "Act boldly and unseen forces will come to your aid."
I have held a number of C level positions in the past, each of which was for the first time. I made a lot of mistakes but learned very quickly. I'll never forget attending my first corporate board meeting as the CEO of the company and Chairman of the Board. Whew! That was hairy!
It is often said that we learn best by our mistakes and that's how I became an expert! :-)
To your success, Frank
This is the life of an entrepreneur. When I started all of my companies, I did not know what it meant to manage a team, venture, finances, hiring, firing, and everything under the roof.
All it takes is to start. Try looking at some of the best CIO's or CTO's in your industry or other industries and try to understand what makes them successful. One of my favorites is Dharmesh Shah from HubSpot. There are millions of talks by him and other top CIO's.
You can always join a small startup and because of your background in IT, you may get to work with a CTO. Be sure that the team is passionate and the CTO is someone you resonate with.
Bottom line - realize that it is okay to not know what you are doing. Let me know if I can help in any other way via call.
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