In 2024, a group of CTOs came together at the annual 7CTOs conference affectionately known as the [[0111 CTO Conference]]. There for the first time, the CTO Manifesto was presented by Etienne de Bruin and Brittany Cotton and adopted by the conference. It goes as follows: >**The CTO first and foremost grasps a company's business growth engine. They have a vision for the technology needed and the financial savvy to bring it to reality. The CTO assembles a team and leads them with precision to build the technology that fuels the engine.** ## The Seven Guiding Principles Derived from this manifesto, we have the seven guiding principles stated as follows: [[1. Business alignment over chasing trends]] [[2. Financial discipline over unchecked innovation]] [[3. Team execution over solo brilliance]] [[4. Adaptability over rigid plans]] [[5. Integrity and accountability over cutting corners]] [[6. Sustainable innovation over short-term wins]] [[7. Curiosity and joy over burnout and disconnection]] ## Authors The CTO Manifesto was authored by Etienne de Bruin and Brittany Cotton.