Introduction

Hiring top leaders takes time and money most startups don’t have. A part-time exec can help fill gaps fast without big risks.

What's the problem it solves?

Startups often need experienced leaders but can't afford full-time hires or risk picking the wrong one. This article explains how “fractional executives” - part-time, hands-on leaders - can help startups grow smarter and faster.

Quick Summary

Early-stage founders often struggle to hire full-time executives. The search takes months, and hiring the wrong person can hurt the team and the budget. Some try promoting from within, but that can lead to burnout or missed goals. A better option for many is to “rent” part-time leaders, known as fractional executives.

These part-time leaders bring deep experience without the full-time cost. They don’t just give advice like consultants. They actually jump in and do the work. They help with sales, hiring, planning, or even testing new markets. You can try them on a short-term basis, and if it works, keep going. It’s like hiring a skilled pilot to help fly the plane until you can train your own crew. The best fractional execs know they’re temporary. Their goal is to fix problems fast and leave your team stronger than before.

Key Takeaways from the article

• Fractional execs are part-time leaders who help startups solve key problems quickly
• They’re cheaper and less risky than full-time hires
• They go beyond giving advice - they work side-by-side with teams
• Use them when you have gaps in skill, leadership, or direction
• Fractional leaders are great for testing new teams or markets before hiring full-time
• Good ones will help you grow and step away once their job is done

What to do

• Look at where your team is struggling most - is it sales, ops, hiring, or something else?
• Don’t rush into hiring full-time leaders - consider trying a fractional one first
• Ask trusted founders or investors for fractional leader referrals
• Try a short test project instead of a long interview process
• Set clear goals and limits on their role and hours
• Tell your team they’re part-time to manage expectations
• Use fractional execs to test functions like marketing, HR, finance, or new markets
• When your company outgrows the part-time help, hire full-time and let the fractional leader help onboard them
• Remember: a great fractional leader will aim to work themselves out of the job