What it's Really Like Working for a Startup
After almost ten years working for startups, I’ve seen some pretty wild things. One startup...
Hi, my name is Karl.
I write, speak, and help build startups. After 8 years as a CTO in Chicago, I founded Draft.dev to help software engineering blogs produce high-quality technical content.
On the side, I run CFP Land, an automated newsletter that goes out to almost 2,000 conference speakers every week.
If you like this blog, I send out a weekly newsletter on startups, technology, and leadership called The Portable CTO.
📖 Thanks for reading!
Latest Writing
Why Startup Consulting is a Bad Idea
One of my friends recently brought up the idea of consulting for startups. He’s been...
Maximizing for Energy
When left my full-time job last year, I started thinking about the lifestyle I wanted...
The Founder's Guide to Stealth Startups
I remember the first time I sat down for a job interview with a startup...
High Tech vs. Tech-Enabled Startups
I was talking with an entrepreneur and investor here in Chicago recently, and he pointed...
The Best Management Books
Being a good manager requires a wide range of skills that often take years to...
Building a Great Startup Culture
I once shared office space with a quickly-growing startup in downtown Chicago. This company seemed...
Startup Working Hours: Burnout, Pacing, and Hustle Culture
When I joined my first startup almost ten years ago, most of the prevailing wisdom...
How to Find a CTO: Tips for Non Technical Founders
I’ve worked in startups my whole career, first as a software engineer, then as a...
24 Startup CTO Interview Questions
Hiring a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is a difficult feat at the best of times....