What Is A Fractional CTO? An interview with Brian Childress
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
Release Date: 10/05/2023
Reading the Room: The Leadership Skill That Sets You Apart
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
In this episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche discuss one of the most underrated leadership and communication skills in business: reading the room. Whether you’re pitching a project, leading a team meeting, or giving a client presentation, understanding how your audience is responding in real time is the key to success. This episode bridges the gap between performance, perception, and persuasion—and shows why paying attention is as important as being heard. 💡 Quick Insight Reading the room is about adapting your message on the fly...
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How to Demo Your Product and Get Feedback That Matters
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
In this episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche walk you through how to demo your product in a way that not only shows off your work but also gathers critical feedback. Whether you’re pitching to potential clients, investors, or internal stakeholders, the proper demo can shape the direction of your product and business. 💡 Quick Insight The goal isn’t just to impress—it’s to learn. A successful product demo uncovers how your audience thinks, feels, and reacts. Why Learning How to Demo Your Product Is Essential Learning...
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Stop Chasing Your Tail: How To Reset Your Progress Without Panicking
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
In the latest episode of the Building Better Developers podcast — part of the Building Better Businesses season — Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche tackle an all-too-common challenge: how to stop chasing your tail when you’re overwhelmed. When panic sets in, it’s easy to feel trapped and exhausted. But by learning to recognize the signs early and taking small, strategic steps, you can break the cycle and get your progress back on track. Stop Chasing Your Tail: Recognize When You’re Stuck Panic usually strikes when we realize we’re no longer moving forward. Rob...
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How to Build a Minimal Viable Product Without Blowing Your Budget
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
Welcome back to another episode of the Building Better Developers podcast! In this session, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche dive into one of the most potent strategies for startups and growing businesses: building a minimal viable product (MVP) that delivers real customer value — without draining your time or budget. Learn how focusing on the essentials can help you launch smarter, generate revenue faster, and build a product your customers truly need. What is a Minimal Viable Product (MVP)? At its core, a minimal viable product is the simplest version of a product that...
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PTO Taking Breaks: Why You Need More Than a Long Weekend
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
In the latest episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore the real impact of not taking time off. Titled “PTO: Taking Breaks,” the episode is a candid, at times humorous, look at why stepping away from work is crucial, not just for employees, but for entrepreneurs, managers, and developers alike. 🛑 PTO Taking Breaks Is Not a Luxury—It’s a Necessity Rob admits he preaches taking time off but struggles to follow his own advice. Michael shares a cautionary tale about being the only person at his company who could handle a...
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Why Setting Deadlines Is the Key to Successful Projects
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
In this episode of the Building Better Developers podcast, Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche dive deep into a critical—but often misunderstood—element of project management: setting deadlines. This episode goes beyond the basics of timelines and introduces the psychology, strategy, and communication needed to make deadlines effective, not stressful. Why Setting Deadlines Matters for Business Projects Deadlines define a project’s rhythm. As Rob puts it, “the deadline is the finish line.” It’s not just about when code is complete—it’s about when the product is ready for...
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Building Customer Trust in Business: Turning Mistakes into Opportunities
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
In the latest Building Better Developers podcast episode, co-hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche discuss an uncomfortable but essential part of doing business: what to do when you make a mistake. More specifically, they explore how turning errors into opportunities can be a powerful tool for building customer trust in business, strengthening relationships, and creating long-term success. 🎧 Listen Now: Why Building Trust Matters More Than Being Flawless No business is perfect. Mistakes are part of growth. What truly separates successful companies is how they respond...
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Customer Communication Strategies: How To Improve Client Interactions
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
“The more you can adjust your communication to fit your customer, the more effective you’ll be.” – Rob Broadhead In this episode of Building Better Developers, part of the Building Better Businesses season, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore customer communication strategies. From tone and timing to tools and follow-up processes, they share real stories and practical tips that every developer and entrepreneur should know. Tone and Timing: Keys to Effective Customer Communication Strategies One of the top takeaways? Tone matters. Even when following up...
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Pitching Your Business: Start Conversations That Drive Growth
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
Welcome back to the Building Better Developers podcast recap! This season, Building Better Businesses is all about practical ways to improve your entrepreneurial journey. In this episode, “Pitch Party: Pitching Your Business,” hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche unpack what it means to pitch your business — and how to do it effectively. Whether you’re refining your elevator pitch or creating a full pitch event, this episode explains why authentic conversations are the heart of successful business growth. Why Pitching Your Business Is About Connection, Not Just Sales ...
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How to Build a Sustainable Business: From Idea to Execution
Develpreneur: Become a Better Developer and Entrepreneur
In this insightful episode of Building Better Developers, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche tackle a key theme for entrepreneurs: transitioning from a flexible side hustle to building a sustainable business. The conversation is rooted in experience, realism, and the kind of long-term thinking that separates temporary income from lasting impact. The Mindset Shift: From Side Hustle to Building a Sustainable Business Many great businesses begin as side projects, but success requires more than passion. Rob and Michael clarify that building a sustainable business means thinking...
info_outlineWe start a new interview and sit down with Brian Childress to answer the question, what is a fractional CTO? Well, we cover far more than that. However, we start at the beginning and look at what he does as a fractional CTO, why it matters, and the benefit of bringing one aboard
Sounds Great! What Is A Fractional CTO?
In short, a fractional CTO (or any fractional position) is not much different from being part-time. The benefits of bringing on a C-suite role part-time are covered in our discussion. However, cost, political capital, and practicality can all factor in. There are many things a fractional can do that are difficult and costly for one in the position full-time. You can even leverage a fractional to vet and hire for the permanent job.
About Brian
Brian is a husband, father, technologist, and avid adventurer. As a technical advisor with a strong background in software engineering, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, he is experienced in helping CTOs and CEOs make the right technical decisions for their organizations.
He understands the challenges that leaders face when it comes to technology. That's why he takes a pragmatic approach, focusing on delivering tangible results that impact business performance. By leveraging his deep understanding of the technology landscape and his experience working with startups and established organizations, he can provide valuable insights and guidance that help drive strategic decision-making.