Direct Tech Training Scotland Ltd reposted this
On-demand (Fractional) CTO for scale-ups and start-ups | Tech mentor for founders | Scale your Tech Team | Product and tech team alignment
I never expected to start my own business. It wasn't on my life goals or even a vague aspiration. I just didn't think I would enjoy it and I couldn't see what I could bring that someone else didn't have already. Then the company I worked for went into liquidation 😢 and everything changed. I looked around for jobs, but I couldn't see myself going back to being a cog in the wheel in a corporate after having had almost two years at such a mission driven company. I still thought I just needed to find the right place to work. Until two people approached me to help them out. One was Direct Tech Training Scotland Ltd who wanted to fill the gap left by my old place of work (CodeClan) and the other was Kirsty Bathgate with some fascinating customer research. I was happy to help out with both. I thought it would tide me over until that job I was looking for came along. Then I started to realise I loved what I was doing. And that people needed what I could bring - 20 years of technical expertise and leadership, aligning development and product to build fantastic teams that "build the right thing" as well as "building the thing right". The more I networked, the more convinced I became there was a real need I could fill and the more excited I became hearing all the founder stories, their business ideas and passions. So Thistle Labs Ltd came into being and my role changed to Fractional CTO (I didn't even know that was a thing 6 months ago!). I'm loving what I do. Helping people and solving problems is what I do best. I love the buzz from figuring out a suitable MVP, solving a tech issue or guiding people along their tech journey. In 6 months, I've mentored aspiring CTOs, advised on MVP designs, planned a pilot launch to test product market fit and supported Direct Tech Training Scotland Ltd to build a new bootcamp and connect with Scottish employers. I never would have imagined myself doing this job, but I love it and whilst I dearly wish CodeClan still existed, I don't regret where I have ended up. For other founders out there - did you always imagine yourself running a business or, like me, did it take you by surprise? Female Founders Rise
Your passion shines through Ceri - that's what will ultimately carry you 🔥
I'm totally the same - i never set out to be a business owner at all! Still sometimes don't even feel like one 😅
I love how this just grew organically, and came from a place of you genuinely seeing where you can add value! Fractional work is super exciting and allows you to really help people along their journey at a crucial time.
Love this Ceri and great to be part of Female Founders Rise with you. I’ve a similar story and ethos to you, inspiring to read 💪
Great to read this Ceri. Do you know Rob Bowley - also a Fractional CTO…?
Thanks for sharing your story! I never planned to run a business too but it's one of the greatest things I've ever done!
Ceri Shaw - its a good feeling when the feeling fits! Thanks for sharing your story!
What a great post outlining that inevitably bumpy but incredible founder journey. So much resonates, and your talent and ambition are palpable. I think founder journeys often take us by surprise - perhaps for the best - I'm not sure if most founders would want to know everything that was waiting for them!
It's amazing to hear how you found your passion and purpose in running a business. Your journey is truly inspiring and motivational for other founders!(Inherently wishing to join the band wagon)
Period Reality 💜 | Advisor | Mum of 2 | Women's Health + Social Impact + Gender Equity | Curious & Fun-loving
9moLove this! Sometimes when one door shuts another blows open! 💥