The Fractional Executive: A Smart Solution for Growing Businesses

Waxwing Business offers fractional executive services to our retainer clients, but what are fractional services exactly? 

Most commonly, we act as a fractional:

• Chief Marketing Officer

• Chief Operations Officer

• Chief Technical Officer

Sometimes, Waxwing also helps to coach Chief Executive Officers and/or owners through transition periods like start-up, fast growth, acquisitions, etc. 

In today's dynamic business landscape, not every company needs (or can afford) a full-time C-suite executive. Enter the fractional Waxwing Business executive – a seasoned professional who serves as a part-time or "fractional" member of your leadership team.

Think of a fractional executive as having all the expertise of a traditional executive but sharing their time across multiple organizations. They typically work with several companies simultaneously, dedicating a specific portion of their time – perhaps 20-40 hours per month – to each client. This arrangement allows growing businesses to access top-tier talent at a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire.

Fractional executives bring a wealth of experience to the table, having often worked in senior roles at larger organizations. (Waxwing Business has 30+ years of combined C-level experience!) They can step into various positions – CFO, CMO, CTO, or COO – providing strategic guidance, implementing best practices, and helping companies navigate critical growth phases or transitions.

The beauty of the fractional model lies in its flexibility. Companies can scale the executive's involvement up or down based on their needs and budget. This makes it particularly attractive for startups, small to medium-sized businesses, and organizations in transition who need experienced leadership but aren't ready for a full-time executive commitment.

Moreover, fractional executives often bring fresh perspectives from their work with other companies, allowing them to cross-pollinate ideas and best practices across industries while maintaining strict confidentiality.

For businesses looking to level up their leadership without the overhead of a full-time executive, the fractional model offers a pragmatic solution that bridges the gap between consultancy and traditional employment.

Fractional executives can provide the same level of expertise of a C-level executive at a fraction of the cost.