Tyson's
Tabletop Strategy
Tyson Martin — Transforming Client Relationships with Play.
5/5
“I turn strategy sessions into play that actually sticks”
Key Numbers
Who is Tyson?
Before CTOx Accelerator™
After CTOx Accelerator™
The Challenge
Many organizations struggle to engage executives and business leaders in strategic technology discussions. Traditional strategy sessions and cybersecurity reviews often feel dry, technical, and disconnected from business outcomes.
Further, most tabletop exercises (simulated drills used in security, compliance, and operational preparedness) focus only on technical teams and lack alignment with broader business strategy. These one-off sessions often fail to build lasting behavior change or cultural alignment.
The CTOx®
Approach
- Dynamic, customizable scenarios: Covering incidents (like ransomware attacks), strategic shifts (like adopting GenAI), and business transformation.
- Industry-specific frameworks: Tailored to regions, compliance requirements, and leadership styles.
- Play-driven design: Inspired by Dungeons & Dragons and business strategy games, the platform engages stakeholders at every level.
- Progressive simulations: Companies can "save their game" and continue evolving their strategy over months or even a year.
- Holistic decision modeling: Each decision affects risk, revenue, investor confidence, and employee and customer sentiment — showing real business impact.
CTOx® Methodologies Used:
The Transformation
High Engagement & Trust
Executives who began skeptical became highly engaged — even competitive — collaborating across functions and leaving sessions energized.
Expanded Market Reach
From the United Nations and defense agencies to Fortune 50 boards and universities, the approach has proven universally appealing and scalable.
Product-Led Growth
Tabletop exercises are used as a “gateway offer” to build trust and generate deeper fractional CTO or advisory engagements.
Strong Differentiation
Instead of selling purely service-based strategy sessions, Tyson offers an interactive, experiential product that sets him apart from other CTO consultants.
Community and Collaboration
Tyson’s platform opens opportunities for other CTOx members to partner, white-label, or co-create industry-specific modules — creating new revenue streams and shared value.
Real Results
What Can You Learn From Tyson?
FAQs About the CTOx® Journey
Common questions technology leaders ask when exploring the fractional CTO path, answered based on patterns we’ve observed across hundreds of successful members.
What kind of background do successful CTOx Accelerator™ members typically have?
Most successful CTOx Accelerator members are experienced technology leaders with 10+ years in the industry, including current or former CTOs, VPs of Engineering, Technical Directors, and Senior Engineering Managers. They typically have experience leading teams, making strategic technology decisions, and working directly with executive leadership. Many come from startups, scale-ups, or enterprise environments where they’ve been responsible for technology strategy, not just implementation.
How long does it usually take CTOx Accelerator™ members to get their first client?
The most proactive CTOx Accelerator™ members typically land their first client within 30-90 days of joining the program. Some exceptional cases have signed clients within their first week, while others may take longer depending on their network activation efforts and niche focus. The timeline largely depends on how consistently members implement the Network Activation process and execute on the business development activities outlined in the program.
What are the most common challenges people face when transitioning to fractional CTO work?
The three most common challenges are: (1) Overcoming discomfort with business development and “marketing” activities, (2) Shifting from hourly thinking to value-based pricing and retainer models, and (3) Learning to delegate tactical work while focusing exclusively on strategic leadership. Many also struggle initially with positioning themselves in a specific niche rather than trying to serve everyone.
What types of client engagements and revenue models do CTOx Accelerator™ members typically build?
CTOx Accelerator™ members typically build diversified portfolios with two main engagement types: “Engaged” clients (full strategic leadership at $10k-$15k/month) and “Advisor” clients (high-level guidance at $3k-$5k/month). Many also offer strategic intensives or half-day consults as entry points. Successful members often manage 5-8 total clients with a mix of engagement levels, targeting $500,000+ annual revenue through this diversified approach.
What advice do most CTOx Accelerator™ members give to technology leaders considering this transition?
The most consistent advice from CTOx Accelerator™ members is: (1) Start while still employed to reduce financial pressure, (2) Focus on a specific niche rather than trying to serve everyone, (3) Leverage your existing network through the Network Activation process before trying cold outreach, and (4) Embrace relationship-based business development rather than traditional marketing. They also emphasize the importance of following the proven system rather than trying to figure everything out independently.
