The Return of "Shut Up and Grind" Is Killing Tech Culture
Fear-based leadership is creeping back into tech. And it's eroding trust, ethics, and retention.
Nicolas Cava
Fractional CTO
Recent Notes
Why Hiring Should Be Your Last Growth Lever
Headcount isn't the default answer to growth. And treating it that way leads to overhiring, inefficiency, and painful corrections later.
Nicolas Cava
Fractional CTO
Rebuilding Confidence Is a Full-Time Job
A behind-the-scenes look at how I'm building momentum during a career transition. Without waiting for permission or perfect conditions.
Nicolas Cava
Fractional CTO
Empowerment Is a System, Not a Slogan
Empowering your team isn't about saying the right things. It's about building the right systems. Approach empowerment as a design challenge.
Nicolas Cava
Fractional CTO
How I Broke the Loop
After getting laid off, I found myself caught in a perfectionist spiral. Waiting to feel ready again. But readiness never came.
Nicolas Cava
Fractional CTO
Authenticity Broke the Rules. And Built Real Leadership
Authenticity is a leadership strategy. Showing up as your true self can transform trust, culture, and impact.
Nicolas Cava
Fractional CTO
Failure Is the Process, Not the Opposite of Success
We often mistake repeated failure for a lack of progress. But if you're still showing up, you're already ahead.
Nicolas Cava
Fractional CTO
Busy ≠ Productive: The Leadership Trap of Activity Tracking
Many leaders fall into the trap of measuring motion instead of progress. Productivity paranoia leads to micromanagement, not results.
Nicolas Cava
Fractional CTO
Leadership Isn't About You
Good leadership isn't measured by how much you gain, but by how much you're willing to give up to do right by your people.
Nicolas Cava
Fractional CTO