True Self CTO

Many CTOs and tech leaders are working harder than ever. They've read all the books, improved processes, optimized communication. Yet work still feels like constant firefighting, like an ongoing battle.

They believe the solution is working smarter, making better technical decisions, reading more, doing more. But the truth is that you can't optimize your way out of fundamental misalignment.

The real problem is invisible limiting beliefs that constrain every decision you make. "I must have all the answers" makes you the bottleneck. "More work proves my value" drives you straight into burnout. "Showing uncertainty undermines my authority" creates conflicts and misunderstandings. You're not aware of these beliefs—but they're running the show.

I work with technical leaders to make these limiting beliefs visible, challenge them, and create real alignment with what actually matters to you. Solving problems at their roots, building a fulfilling, playful relationship to work. Maximizing your agency. Building sustainable success.

Christian Schulze

Fractional CTO | Personal development coaching to help tech leaders design their dream careers and achieve lasting success

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My Story

CTO burnout led to leaving everything behind. Rebuilding helped me find what I actually wanted: supporting others through career transitions.

Mindfulness Is Necessary

Mindfulness rewires your brain to create decision-making space where there was only automatic reaction, enabling change.

Finding Flow By Alignment

True alignment happens when your values, vision, and actions converge—the difference between pushing through life and flowing through it.

My Coaching Approach

My coaching integrates mindfulness, shadow work, and personal development to help tech leaders align who they are with how they lead.

My Story

Mindfulness Is Necessary

Finding Flow By Alignment

My Coaching Approach

Latest posts

My Story

CTO burnout led to leaving everything behind. Rebuilding helped me find what I actually wanted: supporting others through career transitions.

by Christian Schulze

mindfulness

Finding Your Mindfulness Practice

by Christian Schulze

Mindfulness Is Necessary

Mindfulness rewires your brain to create decision-making space where there was only automatic reaction, enabling change.

by Christian Schulze

Finding Flow By Alignment

True alignment happens when your values, vision, and actions converge—the difference between pushing through life and flowing through it.

by Christian Schulze

My Coaching Approach

My coaching integrates mindfulness, shadow work, and personal development to help tech leaders align who they are with how they lead.

by Christian Schulze

True Self CTO Coaching

Personal development coaching to help tech leaders design their dream careers and achieve lasting success | Fractional CTO

by Christian Schulze

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this coaching for?

I primarily work with CTOs, VPs of Engineering, tech CEOs/founders, engineering managers, and senior technical executives. If you're in tech leadership and this approach resonates with you—regardless of your specific title—you're welcome.

In what languages is the coaching offered?

I speak fluent English and German and happily provide my services in any of these languages.

What if I'm not currently in a leadership role but aspiring to be?

I work with senior engineers and technical leads preparing for their first management or CTO role. If you're planning that transition, we can work on strategic positioning, executive presence, and developing the leadership mindset before you step into the role.

Do you only work with people in the USA and Europe?

While most of my clients are based in the USA and Europe, I work with technical leaders globally across time zones. What matters most is that you're committed to the process and we can find a meeting time that works.

How is your coaching different from other executive coaches?

I spent 9+ years as a CTO, so I deeply understand the specific pressures of technical leadership—I've been in your seat. My focus is making hidden behavioral patterns and beliefs visible, so you can see the full view and all your options instead of operating with blind spots and biases that narrow your choices.

What do you mean by 'alignment'?

Alignment is when what you do connects directly to why you're doing it—your core values and life goals, not external paths or expectations (even from childhood). When you're aligned, work doesn't feel like work but play. You don't need motivation because you genuinely love what you do and it comes effortlessly. It's the difference between pushing through versus being pulled forward.

What's the difference between your coaching and fractional CTO services?

These are separate offerings with different structures. Executive Coaching focuses on your personal leadership development—preparing for new roles, recovering from burnout, managing transitions, building sustainable leadership practices. Fractional CTO services are project-based engagements providing hands-on strategic technical leadership—roadmap development, team structure, investor communication, technical strategy.

How long does coaching typically last?

We start with 2-6 months (8-12 sessions), then decide from there based on your progress and goals. Some clients continue longer, while others take what they've learned and check in periodically with booster sessions.