Initial Assessment: The client wanted an Uber-like platform for recovery drivers with text message notifications. I listened carefully to their goals and deferred an immediate response to fully understand the technical and cost implications. My focus was on providing a practical, high-value perspective rather than debating technical possibilities prematurely.
Planning & Analysis: I evaluated the technical feasibility and cost of sending text notifications at scale. It became clear that SMS notifications would be prohibitively expensive for an MVP, so I proposed an email-based notification system as a low-cost, functional alternative that still met user needs and maintained the core experience.
Strategic Decision: I designed a solution that balanced functionality, cost, and scalability. The email-based notification system was chosen for the MVP, enabling the platform to operate reliably while keeping expenses under control and allowing for future upgrades as demand increased.
Execution & Oversight: Over six months, I led the design, development, and testing of the platform, ensuring the software was reliable, modular, and scalable. Simplicity, maintainability, and cost-efficiency were prioritized throughout, reducing risk while delivering a functional product aligned with business objectives.
Outcome: A fully built, cost-conscious platform that could scale when demand arose, illustrating pragmatic, risk-aware decision-making. The platform represented a solid foundation for future iterations, demonstrating how CTO-level guidance ensures technical solutions meet both immediate and long-term business goals.