👋 Welcome to your fortnightly dose of curated content – built for the CTO Craft community.
We’ve handpicked the latest videos, insights, and updates to help you grow as a leader and stay connected. Want this straight to your inbox every time? Become a member and never miss an update!
Last time, we looked at the power of strategic communication, and how the best leaders share their message clearly and effectively across the organisation.
This week, we’re turning the focus inward with a deeper look at what it really means to lead with purpose and perspective. Not just frameworks or playbooks, but the lived experiences, values and resilience that shape how leaders show up every day.
Our headline video features James Ciesielski sharing a raw and honest account of leading a company while navigating grief and personal crisis. It’s a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t just about decision-making and direction. It’s also about resilience, vulnerability and knowing when to ask for help.
You will also hear from leaders on aligning around a North Star, handling change, influencing from the sidelines, and leading through quieter, everyday moments. These are the kinds of stories that rarely make the stage, but often resonate the most.
If you’ve got a unique perspective of your own to share, we’re currently accepting content submissions for CTO Craft Con: London 2026. Whether it’s a bold idea or a quiet truth, we’d love to hear it. Submit your session idea today.
Don’t forget, all of our leadership content and more is available on-demand in Campus.
The Unspoken Struggles of Leadership
In this honest and moving talk, James Ciesielski (Rewind Software) shares what it felt like to lead a company while navigating deep personal challenges. From grief to burnout, he reflects on how those experiences shaped his leadership and relationships at work – and what he learned about being open, self-aware, and supported.
What makes a great CTO
In this short montage, leaders reflect on what separates good from great when it comes to the CTO role. From humility and hiring well to understanding people and balancing business value with technical depth, this collection of insights captures what it truly takes to thrive at the top. A reminder that there’s no single right path – just a commitment to learning, adapting and leading with purpose.
The quietest voices often hold the deepest insight
In this lesson, Zoe Cunningham (Softwire) shares how one uncomfortable silence led to a breakthrough conversation. It’s a practical reminder that leadership isn’t just about knowing what to say – it’s about creating space for others to be heard.
Find the Focus, Align the Team
Lucas Hendrich shares the best leadership advice he’s received – to anchor your teams around a single North Star metric. Using SpaceX as an example, he explains how clarity of focus can sharpen decision-making, unite teams, and drive impact.
Leading without the title
Sarah Persov shares how leadership lives in the everyday – in the quiet moments of influence, not just formal roles. As she moves from team lead to IC, she reflects on how accountability, encouragement and consistency still shape her impact. A reminder that leadership is less about the title, and more about how you help others grow.
Want More Real-World Leadership Insights? Explore CTO Craft Campus
These clips are just a glimpse. Inside CTO Craft Campus, you’ll find a growing library of honest, practical leadership content – from managing change and navigating tough moments to building trust, confidence and influence across your team.
Whether you’re leading through complexity, supporting others or learning to lead yourself, Campus gives you the space and tools to grow.
As we explore what leadership really means in this week’s newsletter – from vulnerability and influence to managing change, it’s the perfect moment to recognise those who are doing it well.
The CTO Craft 100 – Global will celebrate the technology and engineering leaders shaping the future of our industry. Whether they’re building resilient teams, leading with empathy, or pushing the boundaries of innovation, we want to hear about them.
The report (launching later this year) will feature:
- 100 influential leaders from around the world
- In-depth interviews and insights
- Big themes for 2025: AI governance, resilience, talent strategy and more
Nominations are open until 15th August and there is no cost to be nominated or included! Self nominations are welcome.
