A resident of New Jersey, Rao Chalasani has spent over 20 years working as a technology executive and risk management professional. Focused largely on the financial services industry, Rao Chalasani most recently served as the director of trading risk strategy for Bank of America-Merrill Lynch in New York, NY, in addition to being chief technology officer (CTO). Here are several traits shared by successful CTOs: Strong Engineering Discipline Great CTOs do not rely on other people for technical expertise, they have it themselves. This guides them when making technology-related decisions, since they have a firm understanding of a company’s framework. Without this practical knowledge, CTOs are more prone to making costly decisions. Good Communication The CTO is responsible for explaining technical concepts to people within the organization who lack a technical background. For this reason, they need superb communication skills that come from having a true understanding of the technology, as well as plenty of patience to convey complex topics in a way others can grasp. Vision and Drive to Achieve Success In addition to being technically savvy, CTOs must be forward-thinking and have a clear idea of where their businesses will be in the future. This helps them find existing technologies that improve their companies’ chances of success, in addition to giving them an idea of which technology developments to keep an eye out for.

1. Three Traits Shared by Successful
CTOs
Rao Chalasani

2. Introduction
A resident of New Jersey, Rao Chalasani has spent
over 20 years working as a technology executive
and risk management professional. Focused
largely on the financial services industry, Rao
Chalasani most recently served as the director of
trading risk strategy for Bank of America-Merrill
Lynch in New York, NY, in addition to being chief
technology officer (CTO). Here are several traits
shared by successful CTOs:

3. Strong Engineering Discipline
Great CTOs do not rely on other people for
technical expertise, they have it themselves. This
guides them when making technology-related
decisions, since they have a firm understanding
of a company’s framework. Without this practical
knowledge, CTOs are more prone to making
costly decisions.

4. Good Communication
The CTO is responsible for explaining technical
concepts to people within the organization who
lack a technical background. For this reason, they
need superb communication skills that come
from having a true understanding of the
technology, as well as plenty of patience to
convey complex topics in a way others can grasp.

5. Vision and Drive to Achieve Success
In addition to being technically savvy, CTOs must
be forward-thinking and have a clear idea of
where their businesses will be in the future. This
helps them find existing technologies that
improve their companies’ chances of success, in
addition to giving them an idea of which
technology developments to keep an eye out for.