Ever wondered what a fractional CTO does all day? It’s like being a tech visionary, a team coach, and a problem-solver all rolled into one. At Valerian, our fractional CTOs wear many hats—balancing big-picture strategy while rolling up their sleeves to tackle everyday challenges. Let me take you inside a typical day for one of our fractional CTOs. Spoiler alert: it’s anything but boring.
8:00 AM – Morning Coffee and Checking In
The day kicks off with a much-needed cup of coffee. But it’s not just about the caffeine buzz—there’s a big-picture check-in to handle. Scanning through emails, catching up on project updates, and spotting any fires that need immediate attention. While sipping that first coffee, our CTOs are already strategizing for the day, looking for key updates from clients and the team that could influence the game plan.
Why It Matters: Getting an early read on what’s happening across projects keeps our CTOs one step ahead. If a client has an urgent issue, it’s better to know early on so they can tackle it proactively, ensuring the day runs smoothly.
9:00 AM – Client Calls and Strategy Sessions
Once they’re in the loop, it’s time to dive into client calls. These morning meetings are a mix of high-level strategy discussions—like how to scale tech as a company grows—and specific project updates. Sometimes, it’s about understanding a client’s long-term goals; other times, it’s troubleshooting a recent snag.
Why It Matters: Fractional CTOs aren’t just advisors—they’re hands-on partners in helping clients grow. By staying closely connected, they can align the tech strategy with what the business truly needs, ensuring every decision supports the client’s vision.
11:00 AM – Hands-On Work with the Tech Team
Here’s where it gets really exciting. Mid-morning is dedicated to getting hands-on with the tech. Whether it’s diving into code, reviewing code, or working on a tricky issue with the engineering team, our CTOs are in the thick of it. It’s a blend of tackling complex technical challenges and mentoring team members through the process.
Why It Matters: Staying close to the work means our CTOs understand both the technology and the strategy. This dual insight leads to stronger guidance and more effective problem-solving, ensuring that technical solutions are both innovative and practical.
1:00 PM – Lunch Break (and Some Brainstorming Time)
Lunchtime is a crucial pause from the screen. Whether stepping outside for fresh air or catching up on the latest tech news, it’s a time for a mental reset. Some of the best ideas come when you’re not actively working, so lunchtime often becomes a built-in brainstorming session.
Why It Matters: Taking a break is essential for keeping creativity flowing. It’s a chance to step back and come back refreshed, leading to new insights and innovative solutions.
2:00 PM – Team Collaboration and Project Planning
Afternoons are all about collaboration. Our CTOs spend this time working directly with internal teams and client teams, planning out project roadmaps, checking on progress, and ensuring everyone has what they need to move forward smoothly.
Why It Matters: Fractional CTOs focus on preventing project roadblocks. By regularly checking in and working alongside the team, they keep things running smoothly and resolve issues before they become big problems, maintaining momentum and ensuring project success.
4:00 PM – Mentoring and Skill Development
One unique aspect of the fractional CTO role at Valerian is the commitment to mentoring. Our CTOs dedicate time each week to help team members build skills, answer questions, and offer guidance on everything from coding practices to career growth.
Why It Matters: Tech is always evolving, and our team’s growth is paramount. Mentoring isn’t just about today’s projects; it’s about building a stronger team for the future, ensuring continuous improvement and fostering a culture of learning and development.
5:00 PM – Wrap-Up and Reflecting on Wins and Challenges
As the day winds down, it’s time to wrap up and reflect. Our CTOs review what got done, what needs follow-up, and check in with clients and the team to ensure everything is on track. This wrap-up is also a moment to celebrate any wins, big or small, and set goals for the next day.
Why It Matters: Reflection is key to continuous improvement. Taking stock of the day’s achievements and challenges helps our CTOs keep moving forward with purpose, ensuring that each day builds towards greater success.
Wrapping It Up
A day in the life of a fractional CTO is a balancing act between big-picture vision and hands-on tech work. At Valerian, our CTOs stay deeply involved with our clients’ needs and are always ready to jump in wherever they’re needed. It’s this combination of strategy, collaboration, and hands-on work that makes the role so impactful—and so rewarding.
