Best CTOx Podcasts (2026)

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Scaling Up, Scaling Down, and Rolling Off: How to Rebalance Your Client Portfolio with Intention 10:40

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19d ago10:40

10:40

In this episode, the conversation focuses on how Fractional CTOs and independent tech leaders can intentionally rebalance their client portfolio as their business evolves. Rather than defaulting to reactive decisions, the discussion explores when to scale up, when to scale down, and how to roll off clients without damaging relationships or income s…

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Boundaries That Build Trust: Serving Clients Without Feeling Like You Have 10 Hungry Children 19:23

26d ago19:23

19:23

In this episode, Marissa and Lior dig into one of the hardest parts of running a fractional CTO practice: setting boundaries that actually build trust instead of eroding it. They unpack why overwhelm is usually a systems problem, not a capacity problem, and how saying “yes” to everything quietly turns you into a glorified gopher instead of a strate…

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Think About How You Think: Philosophical Tools for CTOs 16:59

1M ago16:59

16:59

In this episode, Marissa and Lior zoom out from tools and tactics to examine your real leverage as a leader: how you think. They unpack the idea of treating your mind as an operating system, exploring epistemology, mental models, and the tiny shifts in thought that compound into huge differences in outcomes. Through concrete examples from fractiona…

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Fail Spectacularly: Why Owning Your Screw-Ups Builds Trust 32:50

2M ago32:50

32:50

In this episode, Marissa and Lior reframe failure as a core leadership asset, not a personal defect. They explore why the leaders people trust most aren’t the ones who never mess up—but the ones who own their decisions, explain their intent, and stay honest about what went wrong. You’ll hear how “failing spectacularly” in front of your team creates…

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Habitats for Inspiration: How to Stay Inspired as an Entrepreneur 24:30

2M ago24:30

24:30

In this episode , Marissa and Lior unpack what it really means to build a “habitat for inspiration” as a founder, rather than chasing rare, one-off moments of motivation. They explore how your everyday environment, community, and business model can either fuel creativity or quietly drain it, and why protecting your energy is a core leadership skill…

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More Than a Retainer: How to Confidently Negotiate Upside Into Your Fractional Deals 20:27

2M ago20:27

20:27

In this episode, Marissa and Lior break down how top Fractional CTOs move beyond retainers to build wealth through equity, revenue share, and performance-based upside. Leor shares how reframing your value around business outcomes—rather than hours or deliverables—changes everything about how clients perceive and reward your impact. You’ll learn how…

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Between You and What You Want: A Pile of No’s 24:37

2M ago24:37

24:37

Fractional CTOs don’t stall because they fail—they stall because they freeze. In this episode, Marissa and Lior reframe “no” as useful signal, not a verdict, and show how high-performing CTOs build momentum by stacking rejections, extracting feedback, and iterating fast. You’ll learn why ten consistent “nos” beat silence, how to track them objectiv…

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Good Enough to Start: The Truth About Confidence, Credentials, and Client Impact 24:07

3M ago24:07

24:07

In this episode, Marissa and Lior go deeper than “impostor syndrome” to unpack what it really takes to start serving at a high level—before you feel ready. They reframe confidence as a byproduct of action, emphasizing minimum viable expertise, outcome ownership, and the core CTO skill: figure-out-ability. You’ll hear how to shift attention from peo…

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Policy, Preference, or Regulation? Why Fractional CTOs Must Ask Better Questions 35:00

3M ago35:00

35:00

In this episode, Marissa and Lior dig into a deceptively simple leadership filter: before you act, ask whether a rule is policy, preference, or regulation—and why it exists. From the “new leader grace period” to cutting through acronym soup, they show how fractional CTOs earn trust by questioning assumptions, depersonalizing debates, and reframing …

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Can't AI Eat My Vegetables for Me? 30:27

3M ago30:27

30:27

This episode challenges the myth that AI can “eat the vegetables” of a fractional CTO practice. Marissa and Lior break down the non-delegable work—discernment in prospecting, trust-building in sales, and real-time leadership—while showing where AI truly accelerates: prep, polish, and follow-up. Listeners get a clear, practical lens for balancing au…

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The Hard Way vs. The Easy Way: Why Going Solo Isn’t a Badge of Honor 30:24

3M ago30:24

30:24

Going solo as a Fractional CTO may feel bold, but in reality, it’s often the slow and costly route. In this episode, Marissa and Lior explore why doing everything yourself isn’t a badge of honor—and how community, proven frameworks, and mentorship can accelerate growth. They break down the hidden opportunity costs of trial-and-error, the common tra…

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Mindset Matters Part 1: The Fear of Selling (And How to Make It Disappear) 45:42

3M ago45:42

45:42

Sales can feel intimidating—especially for technical founders and Fractional CTOs who don’t see themselves as “salespeople.” In this episode, Marissa and Lior reframe selling from something uncomfortable into a powerful act of service. They break down the psychology behind why sales often feels icky, and offer practical mindset shifts to help you m…

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Mindset Matters Part 2: Why Imposter Syndrome Is the Enemy of Impact (And How to Beat It) 37:08

3M ago37:08

37:08

This episode tackles impostor syndrome for fractional CTOs, with Marissa and Lior breaking down why even seasoned leaders feel it—and how to move through it. They reframe confidence around proven activities, not titles or encyclopedic knowledge, and highlight leadership as creating new capabilities, not doing all the hands‑on work. Expect practical…

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Breaking the Tech Corporate Mold: A Day in the Life of a Fractional CTO 20:59

3M ago20:59

20:59

In this episode of the CTOx Podcast, host Marissa sits down with Lior to unpack what it really means to leave corporate tech and step into the life of a Fractional CTO. Far from abstract theory, this conversation dives into daily rhythms, mindset shifts, and the systems that create both freedom and sustainability. From structuring client relationsh…

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From Employee to Fractional: Making the Leap with Intention 39:48

4M ago39:48

39:48

Making the leap from a W2 job to a fractional CTO role isn’t just about swapping paychecks—it’s about redefining value, outcomes, and freedom. In this episode, Marissa Brassfield and Lior Weinstein unpack the realities of leaving traditional employment and stepping into the autonomy of fractional work. They explore the mindset shifts needed to thri…

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AI Agents Are Drivers, Not Robots Designing Tech That Thinks for Itself 35:39

4M ago35:39

35:39

In this episode, Lior Weinstein reframes how we think about AI—not as robots blindly following scripts, but as drivers navigating toward a mission. Using the powerful metaphor of AI agents as drivers, Leor explains why discernment, alignment, and judgment matter more than speed. From redefining automation to avoiding the trap of “artificial intimac…

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Core Functions of a Business That Are Fractional by Nature (But Not by Name) 35:10

4M ago35:10

35:10

This episode of the CTOx Podcast explores how fractional leadership extends beyond technology into the very core functions of business. Marissa and Lior unpack why roles in legal, finance, and marketing have long operated fractionally, even if not called that, and how this perspective helps founders and CEOs better understand the value of a Fractio…

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Consultant vs. Fractional CTO: Sit-Ups, Six-Packs, and True Ownership 30:03

4M ago30:03

30:03

In this episode of the CTOx Podcast, Marissa and Lior tackle the critical difference between consultants and Fractional CTOs—and why true leadership is about ownership, not just deliverables. Using memorable metaphors like sit-ups versus six-packs and firefighters versus sprinkler systems, they illustrate how consultants provide advice while Fracti…

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Building Your Olympic Gold Medalist Leadership Team as a Fractional CTO 37:35

5M ago37:35

37:35

Building Your Olympic Gold Medalist Leadership Team as a Fractional CTO | w/ Chris Johnson In this episode, we sit down with leadership strategist and hiring expert Chris Johnson to explore how Fractional CTOs can build what he calls an “Olympic gold medalist leadership team.” Whether you’re scaling a startup or leading a tech transformation in a l…

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Money Matters | Managing Finances, Taxes, and Cash Flow as a Fractional CTO 32:37

6M ago32:37

32:37

Today we dive into how you manage your cash flow as a Fractional CTOBy CTOx

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Build A Magnetic Personal Brand As A Fractional CTO 43:52

6M ago43:52

43:52

In this episode of the CTOx Podcast, we explore how fractional CTOs can position themselves as high-value leaders by building a magnetic personal brand. Learn how to differentiate yourself in a crowded market, communicate your unique value, and attract ideal clients without chasing them. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale your con…

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Scaling Yourself: Managing Multiple Clients Without Losing Your Freedom 24:43

6M ago24:43

24:43

Today we dive into how to scale your business and not lose your freedom.By CTOx

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Functional Technology Framework, Unclogging, De-risking, and Scaling Tech Teams 39:10

6M ago39:10

39:10

Today we discuss functional technology framework, unclogging, de-risking, and scaling tech teams.By CTOx

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From Pitch to Close Practical Sales Tactics for Fractional CTOs 45:03

6M ago45:03

45:03

Today we discuss sales tactics that Fractional CTOs can use to grow their businessBy CTOx

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Why Most Fractional CTOs Don’t Make Real Money 13:48

7M ago13:48

13:48

In this brutally honest episode, Lior and Marissa break down why so many talented fractional CTOs stay broke—or worse, burn out. If you’ve ever felt stuck trading time for dollars, this one’s for you. From mindset to messaging to model, learn what actually drives revenue in a successful fCTO business (and what keeps most people spinning their wheel…