Most of my tech stack just became a geopolitical risk
Most of my tech stack just became a geopolitical risk. I saw the US tariffs against countries that defend Denmark's sovereignty. My anxiety surged. Reality...
Nicolas Cava
Fractional CTO
2.5 months ago: $460K debt. 99% depressed.
Today: $20K MRR.
I didn't get lucky. I got desperate.
I stared at my runway. Panic attacks were my daily routine. I couldn't stand another "tech layoff" headline.
My morale was at its lowest. Felt like every hour this year was pain.
Still. I was unable to shake the dread that maybe, just maybe. I never had what it takes to land a job anymore.
I took a step back. Looked at the fire I was standing in. Is it the way I'm contorting myself just to fit in? What if the pain isn't a signal to quit? But a sign it's time to go all-in?
So with 1% battery left, I stopped trying to fit in. I bet on myself. I went from saving money on shoes to $20K MRR in 10 weeks.
Was I ready? No. Did I wait for the perfect market conditions? Hell no.
I hit this damn wall anyway and went through it.
The only thing stopping you? This "employee mindset" that waits for permission. No one is coming to save you.
Scared? Good. Use it.
Unstoppable.
Most of my tech stack just became a geopolitical risk. I saw the US tariffs against countries that defend Denmark's sovereignty. My anxiety surged. Reality...
Nicolas Cava
Fractional CTO
I run a US$400K operation on Apple Notes. I follow one rule: Constantly and ruthlessly simplify how to do business. Subtract first. Add only what screams for...
Nicolas Cava
Fractional CTO
I used to think AI would democratize execution. It just exposed who can't decide. You can't prompt your way past indecision. You can't automate mindset. You...
Nicolas Cava
Fractional CTO
Shipping fast requires one skill founders hate. Saying no. I just forced a founder to cut 70% of their scope. We go live next week. I constantly see it. I know...
Nicolas Cava
Fractional CTO
Most founders prove they can't make hard calls. I just got off a strategy call with a founder. 52 features planned for 2026. Let me tell you: You spend $10K on...
Nicolas Cava
Fractional CTO
I spent 15 years building teams. Now I'm running the opposite in 2026. Pure AI agent-driven ops. Solo execution. Maximum margin. No noise. No waste. 100%...
Nicolas Cava
Fractional CTO
5 years of Node.js experience is worth 6 months now. AI broke the barrier to syntax. Pre-AI era: → Stack switch: months → Primary skill: syntax and library...
Nicolas Cava
Fractional CTO
Your friends are terrible hires. Not because they lack skill. Because you'll never treat them like employees. I did it years ago. Almost destroyed friendships...
Nicolas Cava
Fractional CTO
I lied to 3 clients this week. Told them I was excited about our calls. The truth? I stared at the screen for 20 minutes. I have zero inspiration for this...
Nicolas Cava
Fractional CTO

Early-stage CTO helping founders build scalable software and teams from MVP to $5M+ ARR without burnout.
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