Fractional executives provide senior-level management services to organizations on a part-time, contractual basis. The fractional model isn’t new, but it has gained popularity over the past decade as small and mid-sized business – $10 +/- million in revenue – found they needed the expertise of senior technical and strategic leadership but couldn’t justify the cost of a full-time hire.
An experienced fractional leader working 10-15 hours per week can deliver more impact than a full-time junior resource. That’s not a slight on junior talent. Problem solving and strategic decisions don’t require a constant presence; they require deep expertise at just the right moments.
For organizations trying to scale, it can be very cost-effective to pay a premium for fractional expertise at the right moments and then transition to a full-time employee once the program structure matures. Fractional talent is particularly helpful for start-up and solopreneur companies. Because many of these companies support remote workers, they have access to industry top talent regardless of the size or location of the firm.
When Does a Fractional Make Sense?
Fractional consulting allows clients to access my expertise precisely when they need it. Here’s a few situations when hiring me as a fractional might be a good option for you:
- A key team member just left. You need the function covered immediately while you run a proper search. A fractional can step in and keep your team from losing momentum and structure.
- You’re initiating a new project or have a failing project that needs to be fixed. Maybe you have purchased a 3P Saas? Perhaps you hired a consulting group to create a custom solution? Maybe an existing project is stumbling and needs a “fixer”? A fractional leader is an ideal solution. A highly skilled fractional leader can jump in, get things back on track, and then help transition in a full-time resource for the long-term broader management.
- You’re pre-fund or pre-exit. PE firms look for more than innovation. They want to see operational maturity. A fractional executive can help to ensure investors you have the talent and expertise engaged without bloating headcount before the transaction.
- You need a project or strategy roadmap for something you know nothing about. Process optimization, demand management, AI strategy, enterprise roadmaps. When forecasting is challenging, fractional expertise can help to clear to fog and move your program forward thoughtfully and efficiently by avoiding costly “newbee” mistakes.
My Core Competencies
AI Strategy
Many companies are seeking guidance on an AI strategy but are not ready to commit to full-time AI executive or expensive tools. As fractional, I can lead your workshops and discovery. We will refine your goals, develop a strategy, determine a clear business case, and identify all enterprise contingencies. Your AI tools are a long-term investment in your business. Let’s ensure your money is spent wisely, and your tools are supported with budget and clear governance.
Project Implementation / Project “Fixer”
I’ve spent a good deal of my career fixing projects that had gone off course. While there are many reasons a project can stumble, one of the most common is a failed implementation phase. Too often I see that key decisions were back-burner-ed, essential project artifacts are missing, and there’s no agreement among stakeholders, or shared vision of what success looks like. All these issues should have been settled during initiation. They weren’t, and now they are derailing the project.
Project initiation is where an experienced fractional leader can really make a difference. Once the project moves into the execution phase, full-time resource for the broader management of the program can be brought on to shepherd the effort long term.
Demand Management, Enterprise Strategy & Roadmapping
Roadmapping is a strategic planning process that creates a high‑level visual plan (a “roadmap”) showing long‑term goals, key initiatives, milestones, and timelines needed to move from the current state to a desired future state.
I can help you to link your vision to actionable steps to manage your business, technology, and organizational growth.
Why I Love Fractional Consulting
The most fulfilling aspect of this work is the relief that is see in the faces of clients who hire me! These were people struggling with scaling, with structure, and with direction. As a fractional, I work directly with business owners, and leadership teams to design and implement practical technology solutions that improve productivity and increase profitability.