My name is Etienne de Bruin. Born and raised in South Africa in the 80s. I was born at just the right time. The advent of computing. The fall of Apartheid. The birth of the Internet.

Bio

Etienne de Bruin is the founder and CEO of 7CTOs, a training company dedicated to developing world-class Chief Technology Officers. He is also the co-founder of EXE, a coaching organization focused on helping executive teams in technology companies achieve breakthrough leadership.

As the creator of the CTO Levels framework, Etienne helps organizations assess and develop CTO leadership capabilities. He is the author of CTO Excellence in 100 Days and writes the CTO Substack, where he shares insights on strategy, leadership, and technology. He also hosts The CTO Podcast, where he interviews industry leaders and explores the evolving role of the CTO.

Through 7CTOs, EXE, his writing, and his podcast, Etienne continues to shape the future of CTO leadership, helping technical executives bridge the gap between technology and business success.

Bio with more words

Etienne de Bruin is the founder and CEO of 7CTOs, Inc., an organization dedicated to developing world-class Chief Technology Officers through specialized training programs. With a passion for technology leadership and a deep understanding of the challenges CTOs face, he has built a thriving community that helps technical executives grow into impactful leaders.

Originally from South Africa, Etienne graduated from Stellenbosch University before moving to Aachen, Germany, in 1997. In 2000, he relocated to San Diego, California, where he has since been at the forefront of SaaS innovation and technology leadership. From 2005 to 2015, he served as CTO of a high-growth SaaS company, navigating rapid scaling, product development, and executive leadership challenges.

Etienne is also the creator of the CTO Levels framework, a structured approach that helps organizations assess and develop the leadership capabilities of their CTOs at different stages of their growth. This framework has been widely adopted by technology leaders seeking clarity on their career progression and executive responsibilities.

In addition to leading 7CTOs, Etienne co-founded EXE in 2023, an executive coaching organization aimed at empowering leadership teams within technology companies. Through one-on-one and group coaching sessions, as well as tailored workshops, EXE focuses on helping executives achieve breakthrough leadership. 

Etienne is also the author of the CTO Substack, where he shares insights on strategy, management, security, and other challenges faced by Chief Technical Officers. His writings delve into the evolving role of the CTO, offering practical advice and thought leadership to help technology leaders navigate complex organizational landscapes. 

Through 7CTOs, EXE, his writing, and his coaching, Etienne continues to shape the future of CTO leadership, helping technical leaders bridge the gap between technology and business success.