Skip to main content
Enrol Anytime. Start Immediately — Explore the Digital MBA
CTO Academy
For Organisations For Individuals Customer Stories
About
Company Team Events Affiliate Contact Us
Log In
Home / Newsletter

Technology Leadership Newsletter

Can You Push Through the Plateau?

1 August 2025

Can You Push Through the Plateau?

This week we're digging into a more common trap—and more damaging—than many realise: the Peter Principle. It’s what happens when yesterday’s high performer becomes today’s bottleneck, especially in fast-scaling tech environments where engineers become execs almost overnight.

👉 Our latest article breaks down how this dynamic shows up in technology leadership, why it derails delivery and morale, and what you can do to sidestep the slide—from execution drift to talent loss and strategic misfires.

Read now: [Combating the Peter Principle in Technology Leadership]

—
Stay sharp,
The CTO Academy Team

Did You Know?

A Harvard study found that top performers often struggle when promoted, because what made them great in their last role doesn't prepare them for the next. In tech, that gap widens fast, especially when stepping from engineer to executive.

This does not happen due to a lack of talent, but because the next role demands an entirely new skill set. In tech, that transition can be especially steep.

It’s a reminder that moving up isn’t just about doing more—it’s about thinking differently. And sometimes, a structured path can make all the difference.

Also today…

Our Monterrey Chapter Director, Angie Miranda, hosted a meetup last week for local tech leaders. The focus of the event was a great talk from Karina Derbez on how to “Unleash Your Inner Tech Founder.”

We thank both for the time and effort put into this event, and to everyone who attended.

Recommended reading

Guide

Combating the Peter Principle in Technology Leadership

Why smart technologists stall in leadership—and what you can do to avoid the same fate.

Read the article →

Career

The Impact of a Tech MBA on Your Career

Explore how an MBA designed for tech leaders can fast-track your path to the C‑suite.

Find out how →

Blog

Advantages of Industry-Experienced Faculty in Executive Education

Learn why real-world expertise—not just theory—matters when you're stepping into strategic roles.

Discover the difference →

The Digital MBA for Technology Leaders

The next cohort launch is in just 3 days, on Monday, August 4.

Book Your Seat Now

And immediately join the 14,000-strong alumni network with technology leaders from over 100 countries.

As a member, you gain access to weekly online sessions with senior leaders, such as CTO Shadowing, Expert Q&As, and Peer-to-Peer sessions where you can get prompt answers and direct guidance.

With 135 Trustpilot reviews and a 4.9 rating, our MBA for technology leaders is now a top choice for professionals seeking executive education grounded in real-world leadership—not theory. It’s built around the day-to-day nuances of tech leadership, offering immediately applicable tools and insights for those ready to step up and lead at the highest level.

Here's just one of the most recent reviews to get a better sense of the value our program is providing to technology leaders:

“A thoughtfully designed and well-structured course. The progression from one topic to the next feels natural and intuitive, offering a seamless learning experience. It provides a strong, holistic perspective that is essential for anyone transitioning into a senior role. I particularly appreciated how the course goes beyond the technical aspects to also cover foundational financial concepts—an often overlooked but critical area. Overall, it’s an excellent investment of time and money. Thank you to everyone involved for the effort and expertise that clearly went into creating this course.” - A. Kulkarni, Director of Engineering and Architecture

If still uncertain, schedule a Discovery Call with our CEO and explore how our CTO Program caters to your career goals.

CTO Community Pulse: This Week's Highlight

#Ask-the-Community:

“I’ve been approached for an acquisition of my side-hustle app... it's a generous offer, but not cash-driven—and I’m giving up 80%.”

That candid message from one of our members sparked an insightful thread in the community Slack this week, with seasoned founders and tech leaders jumping in to share advice on deal structuring, valuation beyond cash, and what to watch out for when ownership is on the line.

📌 Key takeaway? Even small products can attract big deals—but how you structure them matters more than the offer headline.

🚀 Whether you're scaling a startup, leading a spin-off, or building something on the side, these kinds of real-world conversations are why our community exists.

🧠 Want to see the thread or add your take? Join the conversation inside the CTO Academy Slack. (Members only)

Join us

Watch our podcasts here or listen on Apple & Spotify

Newer issue Leading from the Front
Back to the Newsletter archive
Older issue Career Talk Time…

Technology leadership insights

Get future insights in your inbox

Subscribe for practical perspectives from CTO Academy and the wider technology leadership community.

CTO Academy

CTO Academy
4 Blackburn Road,
Accrington,
United Kingdom, BB5 1HD
CPD UK Certified Trustpilot reviews

Programmes

Organisations Individuals Community

Guides & Playbooks

90 Practical Tips for Tech Leaders Your First 90 Days as a CTO MBA Sponsorship Kit

Resources

Blog Case Studies Skills Assessment CTO Programmes Reviews

About

Company Team Events Affiliate Contact Us

Technology Leadership Newsletter

Get regular updates from CTO Academy and the tech leadership world.

Copyright © 2026 – CTO Academy Ltd

Privacy Policy Sustainability Policy Terms of Use Cookies

Your cookie choices

Necessary features keep this site working. With your permission, we use analytics to understand visits and marketing tools to measure campaigns. You can change your choices at any time. Read our cookie information.

Cookie settings

Choose which optional tools may run. Closing this panel does not save a choice.

Necessary

Always on. These features let the site and forms work and keep it secure.

Optional categories

Privacy and cookie information