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Comment by NoRelToEmber | Hacker News Reader

A good title to help further his career seems like a valid concern (even if the title itself may not be legitimate), but so are your concerns.

You could put the burden of finding a solution on him? Share your concerns - that you did the bulk of back-end technical work, and feel that giving someone else the CTO title would devalue it. If he can find a way to get a better title (CTO or something else) without devaluing other roles, then you would not object. Since he's the one that wants to change things, it seems fair that he come up with a solution.

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Appreciate the reply.

I think this is probably the best approach, however I find it hard to believe there is a possible title that he could suggest that wouldn't similarly undermine me somehow.

I'm trying to avoid the conversation turning into an argument about whose done what for the company because I think it would irreparably harm our already tense working relationship, however I think without a doubt I have overwhelmingly been responsible for the companies success from a CTO perspective, especially since taking over the responsibilities of the former Chief Dev Officer. So much so, during client calls I'm often introduced as the CTO by our CEO. CUXO has had practically zero client interactions since he has so far not been working full time for the company.

Would CUXO be happy as Chief Product Officer? The whole thing sounds pretty silly, but if you want to be CTO, then CPO seems like a reasonable thing to offer CUXO (if you think he’s any good at product stuff, anyway).

If the CUXO is not a narcissist and does take the companies interest into account, this is probably the most cogent idea in the thread.

CUXO is obviously a ridiculous title as are both CDO titles.

Yeah this seems to make sense. You should have a CTO and CPO is also logical. If your startup is growing fast you should be changing the structure regularly and be ready to adapt to the change.

> So much so, during client calls I'm often introduced as the CTO by our CEO.

Sounds like you are already doing most of the CTO work and virtually getting recognized as such. Step up and claim the CTO position.

You have to weigh your personal benefit, against the benefit of keeping the company running somewhat smoothly (which is also in your interest). Assuming titles don't affect your current salary/equity in the company (you can get this in writing), it is only your future job prospects that are affected. The CUXO is probably (perhaps rightfully) worried his title sounds too unserious, and wants a better safeguard.

That said, changing the deal you had all agreed to at the start also makes working together harder. Instead of focusing on the company, you find yourselves also fighting among each-other, since the clear lines you had drawn up at the start are apparently up for negotiation. Good fences make good neighbors, as they say.

Note that I have no experience in such matters, I can only offer a fresh, hopefully clear, perspective. Good luck.

> A good title to help further his career seems like a valid concern

Not for the business.

Like others have said it’s at least the CEO’s role to work it out and if they said it’s not their problem then there are bigger concerns.

It's also important to consider that in a future interview, they are going to ask "tell me about your time as CTO at ExectuiveSuitDramaCorp?"

So it's not just going to be just a title. Responsibilities will shift towards the title. It is very much a power grab, and if they do not have the power, then that title will hurt them in the future.

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