EPISODE · May 17, 2023 · 31 MIN
When Fractional CTOs Make More Sense Than Full-Time Hires
from Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge · host Mike Mahony
In this episode of Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge, Mike sits down with Ram Prasad, CEO of Dellens, to unpack how fractional CPO and CTO services help SaaS companies scale without overextending themselves. Ram works primarily with enterprise SaaS companies ranging from $1M to $20M in revenue that need senior product and technology leadership but are not ready—or willing—to hire a full-time executive. He explains what a fractional Chief Product Officer and Chief Technology Officer actually do, how companies typically save 70–75% compared to a full-time hire, and why even just 1–2 hours per week of senior leadership can change execution outcomes. The conversation digs into a common failure point: teams growing from a handful of engineers to 15+ people and suddenly moving more slowly instead of faster. Ram shares how lack of direction, unclear process, and poor visibility—not talent—are usually the root causes. He also explains why the CTO role is fundamentally strategic, not hands-on coding, and how fractional leaders can mentor internally promoted technical managers into effective CTOs. Key takeaways include: When fractional leadership makes more sense than full-time hires Why execution breaks as teams scale How visibility and a simple process restore trust and momentum What CEOs misunderstand about the CTO role
What this episode covers
In this episode of Gaining the Technology Leadership Edge, Mike sits down with Ram Prasad, CEO of Dellens, to unpack how fractional CPO and CTO services help SaaS companies scale without overextending themselves. Ram works primarily with enterprise SaaS companies ranging from $1M to $20M in revenue that need senior product and technology leadership but are not ready—or willing—to hire a full-time executive. He explains what a fractional Chief Product Officer and Chief Technology Officer actually do, how companies typically save 70–75% compared to a full-time hire, and why even just 1–2 hours per week of senior leadership can change execution outcomes. The conversation digs into a common failure point: teams growing from a handful of engineers to 15+ people and suddenly moving more slowly instead of faster. Ram shares how lack of direction, unclear process, and poor visibility—not talent—are usually the root causes. He also explains why the CTO role is fundamentally strategic, not hands-on coding, and how fractional leaders can mentor internally promoted technical managers into effective CTOs. Key takeaways include: When fractional leadership makes more sense than full-time hires Why execution breaks as teams scale How visibility and a simple process restore trust and momentum What CEOs misunderstand about the CTO role
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When Fractional CTOs Make More Sense Than Full-Time Hires
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