How do you make the leap from software developer to Chief Technology Officer (CTO)? Our very own Gertjan Oude Lohuis proves it’s possible within a single organization. Together with his mentor and CloudSuite co-founder, Eric Klaasse, Gertjan reflects on his career path and shares valuable insights about leadership, team building, and product-oriented development.
In an in-depth interview with The Software House, Gertjan explains how he progressed from joining CloudSuite in 2017 to being appointed CTO in January 2024. His story shows that success isn’t about secret formulas but about having a solid foundation and the right mindset.
A journey of growth and development
Gertjan started at CloudSuite in 2017 as a software developer, drawn by the team’s enthusiasm and vision. It quickly became clear that his ambitions extended beyond just coding. Within six months, he took on the role of team lead, becoming responsible for the day-to-day management of the team. This experience laid the groundwork for his later promotions to Development Manager and ultimately CTO in January 2024.
The path to CTO wasn’t without challenges. Gertjan learned the importance of combining technical knowledge with leadership skills and a product-oriented approach. “You have to look beyond just writing code. It’s about how, as a team, you can create value for customers and the company,” says Gertjan.
The power of mentorship
Throughout his journey, Gertjan benefited greatly from the support of Eric Klaasse, co-founder and former CTO of CloudSuite. Eric acted as a mentor and sparring partner, helping Gertjan develop his leadership style. Together, they worked on improving processes within CloudSuite, such as introducing monthly release cycles and transitioning to product-focused frontend development.
According to Eric, trust and gradually building responsibilities are essential: “At CloudSuite, we ensure people have the time and space to grow into their roles. That helped Gertjan discover his strengths step by step.”
Lessons for future leaders
In the interview, Gertjan emphasizes the importance of collaboration and trust in your team. He believes that a good leader doesn’t just make decisions but also empowers team members to grow and take responsibility. “Micromanagement doesn’t work,” he says. “You need to trust your team and give them the space to find solutions themselves. Only then can you build a strong foundation.”
Gertjan also shares valuable insights about managing the pressures of his new role. “As a leader, you’re responsible for your team’s well-being and the company’s performance. That can be overwhelming, but at CloudSuite, we have a culture where we share responsibility together. Mistakes are learning opportunities, not reasons to place blame.”
Read the full interview, where Gertjan and Eric share practical tips for developers and (future) leaders, via
this link.
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