from founder-led to expert-driven: a guide to fractional executives
As a founder, you built your business from the ground up. You’ve worn every hat imaginable—head of sales, lead marketer, HR manager, and chief coffee maker. But now, you’ve hit a ceiling. Growth has become more complex, and you’re feeling the strain of trying to be an expert in everything. Your business is ready to scale, but you feel stifled by the traditional, time-consuming, and expensive path of hiring full-time executives.
This is a pivotal moment. It’s the transition from a founder-led hustle to an expert-driven business. And the key to unlocking that next stage could be a fractional executive.
so, what exactly is a fractional executive?
A fractional executive is an experienced, C-suite level professional who joins your team on a part-time basis to solve specific challenges and drive growth in a key area of your business. They are not temporary consultants; they are strategic leaders who integrate into your company, offering "been there, done that" guidance precisely when you need it.
For startups and SMBs, this model is a game-changer. It provides two things you need most:
Affordable Expertise: You get the benefit of a seasoned executive's knowledge without the budget strain of a full-time salary.
Swift Recruitment: You bypass the lengthy hiring process. We can help you find and onboard the right talent in days, not months.
is your business ready for fractional leadership?
How do you know if it's the right time? A fractional hire might be your next best move if you find yourself saying:
"We need to scale our sales/marketing/finance function, but I don't have the expertise to build the strategy myself."
"My sales manager is spending more time on hiring and HR issues than on generating revenue."
"We have a major project, like an IT acquisition or a product overhaul, and need an expert to lead the charge."
"We have a ton of data but aren't using it effectively to make decisions."
how solace helps you make the leap
At solace, we know this transition is about more than just filling a seat. It’s about finding the right partner to help you realize your vision. Our process is built on empathy and a deep understanding of your unique challenges.
We spend time upfront to understand your pain points and goals. Then, we connect you with up to three pre-vetted executives from our talent pool who have the exact skills you need. It costs nothing to speak with them, and you only invest when you're confident you've found the perfect fit.
You've built your business this far. Let us help you build its future.
frequently asked questions
What's the difference between a fractional executive and a consultant?
While both offer expertise, a fractional executive is more integrated into your team. They don't just provide a report or a strategy; they roll up their sleeves and help you execute it, becoming a key part of your leadership and culture. Our focus is on building long-term relationships, not short-term value.
How much does it cost?
We provide access to expert talent for a cost that is affordable and customized to your business's budget. It costs nothing to speak with our pre-vetted candidates , and you only invest in the talent you choose to onboard. This makes pivotal hiring decisions far more cost-effective than a traditional, full-time hire.
What kinds of roles can you fill?
We have a growing list of senior-level talent across multiple fields, including finance, marketing, human resources (HR), tech, product management, operations, and more. Whether you need a fractional CPO to build a product from zero to one or a fractional HR leader to streamline your hiring processes, we can find the right fit.
How do you ensure an executive is a good fit for our company?
Our process is built on empathy. We spend time upfront to truly understand your business's needs, pain points, culture, and goals. From there, we present you with up to three qualified, pre-vetted candidates that we believe can best solve your challenges and align with your vision.
how solace helps you make the leap
At solace, we know this transition is about more than just filling a seat. It’s about finding the right partner to help you realize your vision. Our process is built on empathy and a deep understanding of your unique challenges.
