To CTO or not to CTO

​To CTO or not to CTO (Part two)

15th April 2026 | 6:00pm | The Conduit, 6 Langley St, London WC2H 9JA

​Following the success of our first To CTO or not to CTO event, we’re back for a deeper, more candid conversation about what the CTO role really demands, and whether it’s the right move for you.

​This panel brings together experienced technology leaders to move beyond the theory and into the lived reality of senior technical leadership.

​Meet the panel:

• ​Georgina Owens - Chief Technologist

• ​Shaun Pearce - CPTO at Gousto

• ​Mel Unsworth - Former CTO at END.

• ​Gareth Webber - CTO at Clarion Events

​This session will explore:

• ​What actually changes when you step into the CTO role

• ​The trade-offs no one talks about: influence, pressure, pace and politics

• ​How to assess whether you want the role, not just whether you’re ready for it

• ​Different CTO archetypes, and how the role varies by business, scale and context

• ​When staying technical, or choosing an alternative leadership path, might be the smarter move
  

​This is not a checklist for promotion. It’s an honest discussion about ambition, identity, and long-term career satisfaction.

​Expect straight talking, practical insight, and an open debate designed to help you make a more informed decision about your next step.