CTO Ascent
Premium 1:1 coaching for strategic, high-impact leadership
The highest level of support inside The CTO Playbook — built for CTOs, VPs of Engineering, and senior leaders in tech ready to scale leadership, influence, and impact.
Private. Personalised. Results-focused. Works as a standalone engagement or alongside Basecamp or Elevate.
Lead at the highest level without losing clarity
The higher you go, the fewer people truly understand the decisions you face.
You're juggling:
- ✅ Scaling teams and systems
- ✅ Expanding influence across the business
- ✅ Executive-level visibility and politics
- ✅ Delivering on product, technology, and strategy
Coach Adam Horner has been there — and is there now — facing the same pressures in the CTO seat. He knows how to help you navigate complexity and lead with confidence when it matters most.
Why choose CTO Ascent
Premium coaching. Personalised guidance. Pragmatic approach.
Every session is targeted to your reality and the growth you need right now.
✅ Dedicated 1:1 strategic support from a coach who is actively in the CTO role today
✅ Candid, high-trust conversations grounded in lived executive experience
✅ Experienced guidance from someone who's scaled teams, delivered products, and shaped strategy in startups, scaleups, and enterprises
What you'll get
Turn pressure into progress with guidance backed by real CTO and founder experience
Strategic Partnership
Leadership Clarity
Tailored Systems
Technical Navigation
Team Building
Personal Playbook
Choose a format that fits your pace
- 1 Session - Insight when you need it most
- 5 Sessions - Deep dive into a key challenge
- 10 Sessions - Structured strategic growth arc
- Monthly Retainer - Ongoing executive partnership
💡 CTO Ascent works great entirely on its own or alongside Basecamp or Elevate.
Your path. Your pace. Your playbook.
This isn’t off-the-shelf advice.
It’s a leadership system designed for your role, your goals, and your next step.
Built by a CTO. Backed by Results.
What CTO Ascent leaders are saying
Marcus, CTO
“Adam has completely transformed the way I approach leadership. His guidance has been instrumental in helping me develop the skills to step into the CTO role, and his insights into managing people and tech strategy have been invaluable. I continue to learn from Adam and credit much of my professional development to his mentorship.”
Zoë, Head of Engineering & Product
“Adam has been an integral part of my transition into engineering leadership. His mentorship has upleveled our company significantly — from improving engineering velocity and team culture to shaping product strategy. Every session gives me clarity on how to move my team, company, and product forward.”
Christian, CTO
“Adam blends deep tech expertise with a warm, human approach to leadership. He empowers you to develop your own instincts, while pushing you forward with candid, well-formulated feedback. Working with him has sharpened my skills and given me the tools to manage challenges more effectively.”
Abz, CTO
"Adam’s mentorship was instrumental in refining my approach to managing executive stakeholders and strategic planning. He increased my executive presence, improved my leadership skills, business acumen, and overall confidence as a CTO. Anyone looking for a CTO coach who can truly transform your executive leadership should not hesitate to work with Adam."
Adem, Co-founder & CTO
“I learned to take a step back and see the bigger picture thanks to Adam: don’t work in the machine but on the machine. He’s a great listener who helps with exactly what matters. I’ve learned to think more strategically and feel comfortable in my role as co-founder and CTO.”
Isaac, Founding Engineer & Head of Engineering
“Adam’s guidance has been invaluable. His insights helped me navigate a significant career transition, and I believe his advice set me on a path that is best for both myself and the company. His strategic advice and deep understanding of the tech landscape make him an outstanding coach for anyone in a technical leadership role.”
Marcin, Tech Team Lead
“Adam stands out with his technical knowledge, ability to anticipate problems, and deep empathy. Thanks to his support, I developed both my technical and leadership skills. His experience and approach added real value — to both the project and the team.”
Who it’s for
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CTOs, VPs, Heads of Engineering leading through scale or change
-
Founders stepping into executive leadership
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Cohort participants seeking deeper personal support
- Experienced leaders wanting a private space to test ideas and decisions
Ascent meets you where you are and helps you accelerate your growth.
Book your CTO Ascent discovery call
What you’ll walk away with
✅ Clarity – On your priorities and strategy
✅ Influence – Greater visibility and trust at the executive table
✅ Confidence – To lead cross-functional strategy with impact
✅ Systems – Leadership rhythms that reduce reactivity and protect focus
✅ Momentum – Actionable next steps after every session
✅ Renewal – Energy, perspective, and control over your leadership
✅ Transformation – From capable operator to strategic, high-impact executive
Book your CTO Ascent discovery call
Why work with Adam Horner?
With 30+ years in tech, Adam is a CTO, repeat startup founder, and experienced coach. He’s helped startup, scaleup, and enterprise CTOs navigate growth, leadership challenges, and high-stakes decisions — without the trial-and-error.
A coach who understands your CTO journey
✅ Current CTO & serial Founder with hands-on experience.
✅ Specialised in leadership, strategy, and scaling teams.
✅ Has helped hundreds of tech leaders transform their leadership style.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly can I see results from CTO Ascent coaching?
Can I combine this with CTO Basecamp or CTO Elevate?
What’s the time commitment?
How do the packages work and what do they cost?
Why is CTO Ascent your premium offer?
Do you work across time zones?
What does a session look like?
How do I know if I’m ready?
Book your CTO Ascent discovery call with Adam
Ready to elevate your CTO leadership? Learn how our CTO coach, Adam Horner, can help you on your tech leadership journey.
