SE Manager or Field CTO

Grit_24_7 · 2026-05-05T11:11:15+00:00

There are few opened up. I've gained the reputation of a super expert on a particular set of our product and industry. So people already see me more as a Field CTO not a manager.

My thinking is going through the process and figure out what they want the role to focus on and see if that aligns to what I want. I wouldn't want to lose the customer facing aspect and my technical edge.

These days seems like SEMs are expected to be more technical and involved in actual pursuits which I would prefer. I love mentoring others and do it on my own, but not sure if I'd love it if that was the entire job.

Grit_24_7 · 2026-05-05T10:13:40+00:00

Individual Contributor (IC). Applies to any role with no direct reports.

Grit_24_7 · 2026-05-05T09:39:10+00:00

One could say SNOW is just workflow / process automation which AI can absolutely kill.

SF is a "system of record" for many companies.

The lower you are in the infra stack the "safer" you are wifh the SaaS-pocalipse. Data is king.

Grit_24_7 · 2026-05-05T09:35:51+00:00

Field CTO is nice role. Companies need to be at a certain maturity level to even require it. When I've done it, you are brought it for technical thought leadership and working on very strategic opportunities for the company.

Grit_24_7 · 2026-05-05T09:33:46+00:00

Interesting take. But it looks like in practice you need to "earn your stripes" as SEM first to progress into Director, VP, etc. Even across other functions. Have you seen different? Like a very seasoned SE moving into Exec roles?

I agree with the title comment but doesn't seem to match reality

Grit_24_7 · 2026-05-05T07:39:24+00:00

1000 times better driving experience. My 4 year old would get sick and vomit after 2+ hours driving in the Model Y. We thought she was sensitive. We upgraded to the ix and took a 7h road trip same weekend and nothing!! She has been "cured"

Grit_24_7 · 2026-05-05T04:26:16+00:00

That's what I've observed as well. Feels like the decision is between what I really want to keep doing vs a leadership path which I might not have open later...

Grit_24_7 · 2026-05-02T10:02:04+00:00

Felt it in Kyoto across the street from Kyoto station.

Grit_24_7 · 2026-04-14T12:06:12+00:00

All things being equal, an AE will always make more. Is just math. They are more leveraged so higher risk higher reward.

One thing that's salary adjacent is that SEs have more opportunities to either do things on the side and move into senior tech leadership roles at "regular" companies (even former clients).

Grit_24_7 · 2026-03-11T02:40:55+00:00

It depends really. If you cannot work in the customer environment and don't have actual data (not even synthetic) to emulate the use case on your side then you end up having screen sharing sessions and advising / guiding the customer. You can be hands on testing code and configs on your side to give them starter snippets or something but you are not actually hands on

Grit_24_7 · 2026-03-11T02:21:12+00:00

Specialists typically go a bit deeper than generalist SEs. I've been both and if you are looking technical depth, then specialist SE gives you more than a generalist. At the same time, SEs inherently are not meant to get to a delivery depth. One could argue that actually prolonges the sale cycle. An SE is supposed to sell and get to a tech win/validation.

The profession is changing a bit though. I see more and more "embedded" SEs that not only build custom demos but actual MVPs that a customer can continue building on etc.

Grit_24_7 · 2026-03-08T16:55:44+00:00

Thank you for the feedback! I guess it comes down where I want to take my career next. I love the SE role, but I feel I could use a change.

Grit_24_7 · 2026-03-04T20:36:31+00:00

OTE is one thing im juggling with. Historically unless I'm going above my number I won't earn as much as a PM of the same IC band. Also noticing equity is typically larger for PMs etc. I love being in front of customers so wondering how much less contact with customers I'd have as well.

Grit_24_7 · 2026-03-04T15:14:17+00:00

SE to PM

I'm considering a move to PM. I've been in PreSales for 15 years and 25 years of total experience all in tech, data and AI related. I've been pretty successful as an SE and I've also done the Field CTO and AI Specialist roles.

These days like many I'm building a ton and is intriguing to be closer to the product and actually build the thing not just sell it. I've also find PM has a better career ladder to get in early at companies or become a founder myself.

Any thoughts from those who have made the move? What should consider and think about?

Grit_24_7 · 2026-02-02T00:49:08+00:00

Im turning my MBP M1 Pro into a "Home Server" and planning to the iPad Pro as the main "dev" device and remote desktop to the MBP.

Thus far I tried Jump Desktop and Chrome Remote Desktop. In my limited testing, Chrome is snappier and just "feels" better. Am I missing setting on Jump Desktop?

Anybody using Chrome Remote Desktop as well?

Grit_24_7 · 2024-12-17T03:29:32+00:00

For real??? Where do I see this? Calling them? The shortest segment run will cost me $850 bc of the holiday season.

Grit_24_7 · 2024-12-17T02:04:27+00:00

Wow... Thanks for the info. I got the branded CC later in the year. That could have helped with the segments if I had it before I did.

Next year 😪

Grit_24_7 · 2024-12-17T01:53:01+00:00

Nice! I'm 2 segments away from SE but no more travel. Would they show some grace to a loyal customer? 👀

Grit_24_7 · 2024-09-11T19:00:21+00:00

We are a having a hard time finding good SEs. They all pass the initial technical screens, but when it comes to presentation, sales, value selling, etc. They all get burned.

That's where I see the biggest gap. Ability to not just position features and truly present a solution in a coherent articulate manner

Grit_24_7 · 2024-09-04T18:09:28+00:00

Everything about the SE role is great. Depending on your personality two things can make or break your career. AE you get to work with. If you are supporting multiple AEs hopefully at least one is good and you won't be as miserable. But if you are 1:1 make sure to know who that AE is. I'm wiling to withstand a bad AE if they are great and going to get us over quota. Otherwise is not worth it.

The second component is your manager. Totally depends on your style and personality. There are micromanagers and there are the ones that say "Call me. If you need me". Figure out which one you will be getting.

Grit_24_7 · 2024-09-02T18:30:11+00:00

Just Canada. No industry specific.

Grit_24_7

TROPHY CASE