From CTO to Software Developer: My Rollercoaster Journey after Acquisition

Being a software engineer often means wearing multiple hats, from managing a team to ensuring smooth business operations. That was my reality as the CTO of NeedMyTranscript, a company I poured my heart and soul into. But life had a funny way of surprising me. Our small ship was acquired by the industry giant Parchment, catapulting me into a new role as a software developer. Join me as I share my rollercoaster journey through the acquisition, highlighting the changes, challenges, and laughter along the way.

As the CTO of NeedMyTranscript, my responsibilities covered a broad spectrum, ranging from overseeing infrastructure operations and website development to managing internal tools and optimizing SEO. However, with the acquisition, I found myself transitioning from a position of leadership to one focused solely on software development. Talk about a plot twist!

Change can be daunting, but I chose to embrace it with open arms. Stepping away from the nitty-gritty of business operations allowed me to dive headfirst into the world of coding. Gone were the days of worrying about SEO rankings and infrastructure maintenance. Instead, I could now focus on crafting elegant solutions and turning ideas into reality.

Shifting from the C-suite to a software developer role meant letting go of my ego and embracing a healthy dose of humility. Suddenly, I found myself learning from teammates who were experts in their respective fields. It was both humbling and invigorating to collaborate with talented individuals who had different perspectives and skills. We shared laughs, brainstormed solutions, and bonded over the common goal of building remarkable software.

In the face of change and challenges, laughter and communication became the secret ingredient that kept our team united. Software development can be a frustrating endeavor, but humor served as a pressure valve, allowing us to find joy even in the most trying times. From inside jokes about mysterious bugs to playful banter during code reviews, laughter became our trusty companion on this unpredictable journey.

Acquisitions can be daunting, with uncertainties and challenges lurking around every corner. However, my experience transitioning from the CTO of NeedMyTranscript to a software developer at Parchment proved to be an exhilarating ride—one filled with unexpected changes, newfound humility, and plenty of laughter. By embracing the shifting landscape, I discovered the joy of focusing on what I love most: software development. So, whether you find yourself leading a team or diving into code, remember to adapt, laugh, and keep optimizing—both your software and your SEO.