If you built something real, and now find yourself in a business that's outgrown your old way of working, you're not alone. The skills that got you here - deep technical ability, high standards, doing whatever it takes - can start to work against you. The role has changed, but no one gave you the manual.
Most of my clients come to me with some version of the same question: "What is my job supposed to be at this stage?" They're capable, respected, and quietly stuck. They're doing too much, struggling to let go, and wondering if they're the problem.
Usually they're not. They're just operating from an old map in new territory.
Sometimes I'm brought in by co-founders or investors who sense something isn't quite right. Often the real issue isn't what it first appears to be.
I work as a thinking partner. Someone outside the pressure who can help you see patterns, make sense of what's actually happening, and figure out where to focus. We work on role clarity, decision-making, difficult conversations, and the inner shifts that make sustainable leadership possible.
I take on a small number of clients for ongoing work. Typically this looks like weekly conversations, for as long as they're valuable. This isn't coaching-by-checklist. It's a relationship built on trust and depth, where real change happens.
Mostly founder-CTOs and senior technical leaders in growing technology businesses. Occasionally CEOs or COOs where the challenges are similar - navigating growth, ownership, and the gap between where they are and where the business now needs them to be.
I work remotely, one-to-one. No workshops. No team facilitation. No on-site programmes.
I'm David Cordner.
I've spent over 30 years in technology, including building and selling a technology business over 20 years. I've lived the transition from maker to leader - and from leader to owner - more than once.
Today I work with others navigating that same shift, helping them build organisations that don't depend entirely on them.
If someone you trust suggested we talk, I'd welcome that. Email me at david@sevaconsulting.net and we'll find a time.