The pathway
How you actually get there, here
How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.
- 1
Director of Smart Buildings / Head of Digital Transformation (Large Enterprise)
5-7 years at this level before VPSkills to master
- Leading multi-million-pound programmes, managing large teams (50+), influencing C-suite, developing comprehensive tech roadmaps, P&L accountability for a significant business unit.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully delivered a major, company-wide digital transformation initiative.
- Consistently exceeded financial targets for their business unit or function.
- Recognised as a thought leader within their previous organisation and the wider industry.
- Built and retained a high-performing leadership team.
- Proven ability to navigate complex organisational politics and secure executive buy-in.
- 2
CTO / CIO of a Mid-sized PropTech Company
3-5 years at this level before VP at a larger firmSkills to master
- End-to-end product development, scaling technology infrastructure, managing investor relations for a tech company, building a tech-centric culture, market strategy for a niche product.
You're ready to move on when
- Successfully scaled a technology product or platform from concept to market leadership.
- Demonstrated strong commercial acumen alongside technical leadership.
- Experience with M&A activities (either acquiring or being acquired).
- Proven ability to attract and retain top engineering talent in a competitive market.
- 3
Senior Partner / Principal in a Technology Consulting Firm (Real Estate Focus)
7-10 years at this level before VPSkills to master
- Client relationship management at C-suite level, developing strategic technology roadmaps for diverse clients, managing large consulting engagements, business development, thought leadership.
You're ready to move on when
- Consistently brought in significant revenue through strategic client engagements.
- Recognised as a trusted advisor by multiple Fortune 500 real estate clients.
- Developed and published influential thought leadership pieces on property technology.
- Built a strong professional network across the real estate and technology sectors.