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Fractional Futures is the essential podcast for CEOs, investors, and senior marketing executives looking to unlock the power of fractional marketing leadership.

Hosted by Paul Mills, Founder at VCMO, and with special guests, we'll share expert insights, provide actionable strategies and explore real-world success stories to help you leverage fractional marketing leadership for maximum impact.

In this episode

In this episode, Paul Mills interviews Henning Schwinum, co-founder of Vendux and Be Fractional, discussing the evolution and acceptance of fractional leadership in the American business landscape. Henning shares his journey into the fractional space, the misconceptions surrounding fractional executives, and the growing acceptance of this model in various industries. He emphasizes the commitment of fractional executives and the future of this organizational model, as well as the mission of the Fractional Leadership Alliance to unify voices in the industry.

Special Guest
Henning Schwinum, Co-Founder Vendux; Co-Founder #befractional; Executive Director Fractional Leadership Alliance

Join the Fractional Leadership Alliance

Key takeaways

• Henning Schwinum transitioned to fractional leadership to affect change.
• Fractional roles are becoming more accepted in various industries.
• CFOs were the first to embrace fractional roles.
• Misconceptions about fractional executives often stem from traditional views.
• Fractional executives are often more committed than full-time hires.
• The Fractional Leadership Alliance aims to unify the industry voice.
• Fractional leadership can provide expertise without full-time costs.
• The future of fractional leadership looks promising across sectors.
• Education about fractional roles is still necessary in some markets.

Sound Bites

• "I wanted to build something."
• "The fractional model is here to stay."
• "The FLA is meant to address that void."

Contact VCMO

• Connect with the host on LinkedIn
• Tweet us at @VCMO_UK
• Email us at hi@vcmo.uk
• Visit our website vcmo.uk
• Phone us +44 (0) 331 630 9395

Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Fractional Marketing Leadership | Marketing Transformed.

Send us a text

Fractional Futures is the essential podcast for CEOs, investors, and senior marketing executives looking to unlock the power of fractional marketing leadership.

Hosted by Paul Mills, Founder at VCMO, and with special guests, we'll share expert insights, provide actionable strategies and explore real-world success stories to help you leverage fractional marketing leadership for maximum impact.

In this episode…
Paul Mills interviews Zachary King, a Fractional VP Sales from Australia, who shares his journey into fractional leadership. Zac discusses his background in tech commercialization and startups, the challenges he faced transitioning to fractional work, and the importance of networking and client education. He emphasizes the value of the fractional model for startups and offers insights on managing client expectations, charging for services, and the future of fractional leadership. Zac also introduces the Fractional Exec Community he founded, a support network for those in the fractional space.

Special Guest
Zachary King, CEO & Co-Founder The Fractional Directory

Join the Fractional Exec Community www.thefractionalexec.com.au

Key takeaways

• Zachary King transitioned from startups to fractional leadership.
• The fractional model offers flexibility for professionals with families.
• Financial insecurity is a common challenge in fractional work.
• Networking and referrals are crucial for finding clients.
• Pro bono work can help build a portfolio and gain referrals.
• Educating clients about the fractional model is essential.
• Fractional leaders must integrate quickly into client teams.
• Retainer models are common in fractional engagements.
• Client value delivery is more important than time spent.
• The fractional leadership model is growing and evolving.

Sound Bites

• "I'm doing this fractional thing."
• "Financial insecurity is real."
• "What is this fractional thing?"

Contact VCMO

• Connect with the host on LinkedIn
• Tweet us at @VCMO_UK
• Email us at hi@vcmo.uk
• Visit our website vcmo.uk
• Phone us +44 (0) 331 630 9395

Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Fractional Marketing Leadership | Marketing Transformed.

Send us a text

Fractional Futures is the essential podcast for CEOs, investors, and senior marketing executives looking to unlock the power of fractional marketing leadership.

Hosted by Paul Mills, Founder at VCMO, and with special guests, we'll share expert insights, provide actionable strategies and explore real-world success stories to help you leverage fractional marketing leadership for maximum impact.

In this episode…
Paul Mills interviews Sofiane Morouche, a fractional CMO based in Thailand. They discuss the fractional leadership model, its appeal, and the challenges faced by fractional leaders. Sofiane shares his journey from traditional marketing to becoming a fractional CMO, the misconceptions surrounding the model, and the importance of integrating into client organizations. He emphasizes the flexibility and strategic advantages of fractional leadership, as well as its potential for growth in the future.

Special Guest
Sofiane Morouche, Fractional CMO, Growth Connect Thailand

Learn more about Growth Connect https://growthconnect.io/

Key takeaways

• To be a fractional leader, you need prior leadership experience.
• The fractional model allows working with multiple clients simultaneously.
• Fractional leadership is still developing in Asia compared to the US.
• Clients need to be open-minded about the fractional model.
• Fractional CMOs focus on strategy, not execution.
• Integration into client organizations is crucial for success.
• The fractional model offers flexibility for experienced professionals.
• Companies need to be financially stable to hire fractional leaders.
• The future of fractional leadership looks promising post-pandemic.
• Curiosity and openness are key for business leaders considering fractional CMOs.

Sound Bites

• "You need to have a bit of background."
• "I started in traditional marketing."
• "I came across the concept of fractional leader."

Contact VCMO

• Connect with the host on LinkedIn
• Tweet us at @VCMO_UK
• Email us at hi@vcmo.uk
• Visit our website vcmo.uk
• Phone us +44 (0) 331 630 9395

Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Fractional Marketing Leadership | Marketing Transformed.

Send us a text

Fractional Futures is the essential podcast for CEOs, investors, and senior marketing executives looking to unlock the power of fractional marketing leadership.

Hosted by Paul Mills, Founder at VCMO, and with special guests, we'll share expert insights, provide actionable strategies and explore real-world success stories to help you leverage fractional marketing leadership for maximum impact.

In this episode…

In this episode of Fractional Futures, Paul Mills interviews Michelle Allbon, a Fractional Chief Revenue Officer based in New Zealand. They discuss Michelle's journey into fractional leadership, the challenges and opportunities it presents, and the current state of the fractional model in New Zealand compared to other regions. Michelle shares insights on the misconceptions surrounding fractional roles, the importance of understanding deliverables, and the future of fractional leadership as a sustainable work model. Additionally, they touch on the launch of the Fractional Directory, aimed at mapping and legitimizing the fractional community in New Zealand and beyond.

Special Guest
Michelle Allbon, CEO & Co-Founder The Fractional Directory

Learn more about the Fractional Directory https://www.fractional.co.nz/

Key takeaways

• Fractional leadership is often stumbled upon rather than planned.
• The fractional model allows for flexibility and work-life balance.
• New Zealand's fractional community is still in its early stages.
• Misconceptions about fractional roles can lead to mismatched expectations.
• Fractional leaders can deliver results in fewer hours than traditional roles.
• The demand for fractional leadership is growing post-COVID.
• Understanding deliverables is key to hiring fractional leaders.
• The fractional model is becoming more recognized globally.
• Technology integration is crucial for fractional leaders in all sectors.
• The future of work will likely include more fractional roles.

Sound Bites

• "I think it's a more stable way to build a career."
• "Fractional is just going to be what leadership is in the future."
• "It's a real de-risking model."

Contact VCMO

• Connect with the host on LinkedIn
• Tweet us at @VCMO_UK
• Email us at hi@vcmo.uk
• Visit our website vcmo.uk
• Phone us +44 (0) 331 630 9395

Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Fractional Marketing Leadership | Marketing Transformed.

Send us a text

Fractional Futures is the essential podcast for CEOs, investors, and senior marketing executives looking to unlock the power of fractional marketing leadership.

Hosted by Paul Mills, Founder at VCMO, and with special guests, we'll share expert insights, provide actionable strategies and explore real-world success stories to help you leverage fractional marketing leadership for maximum impact.


In this episode…

In this final episode of Season 1, Paul Mills and Dan Gwalter discuss common pitfalls associated with a portfolio career. They cover topics such as identifying growth traps, maintaining quality while scaling a service, financial management, planning for growth, and staying ahead of industry trends. Dan emphasizes the importance of finding time to build your brand and nurture relationships, rather than dedicating 100% of your time to one client. He also advises knowing your ideal client profile and being selective in order to avoid overcommitting. Paul and Dan also discuss the challenges of managing sustained growth and future-proofing your career in a competitive market.

Special Guest
Dan Gwalter, Founder No-Nonsense Leadership

Dan has kindly offered a complimentary 30 minute consultation to anyone who wants to know more about his fractional executive coaching service. You can book using this link.


Key Takeaways…

• Identify growth traps in a portfolio career and find time to build your brand and nurture relationships.
• Know your ideal client profile and be selective to avoid overcommitting.
• Maintain quality while scaling a service by prioritizing incumbent clients and developing processes to manage multiple clients simultaneously.
• Future-proof your career by creating value-based products, developing a safety net option for existing clients, and staying focused on your core offer.
• Stay ahead of industry trends by selectively pivoting and avoiding overloading your offering with too many skills and capabilities.

Sound Bites

• "You have to find time to build your brand, to nurture the existing relationships that you've created and to create new relationships."
• "Define your ideal customer in both directions, not just what they are, but what do they need and what does that mean for you?"
• "Your time is always best spent looking after incumbent clients because the cost of acquisition for new clients is so high."

Contact VCMO

• Connect with the host on LinkedIn
• Tweet us at @VCMO_UK
• Email us at hi@vcmo.uk
• Visit our website vcmo.uk
• Phone us +44 (0) 331 630 9395

Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Fractional Marketing Leadership | Marketing Transformed.

Send us a text

Fractional Futures is the essential podcast for CEOs, investors, and senior marketing executives looking to unlock the power of fractional marketing leadership.

Hosted by Paul Mills, Founder at VCMO, and with special guests, we'll share expert insights, provide actionable strategies and explore real-world success stories to help you leverage fractional marketing leadership for maximum impact.


In this episode…

In this episode, Paul Mills and dan Gwalter discuss the challenges faced by Fractional CMOs and how to navigate the personal transition when entering a portfolio career. They cover topics such as establishing credibility, building resilience, managing work-life balance, and the importance of sales and marketing skills. They emphasize the need for adaptability, learning from rejection, and finding support from others. They also discuss the integration of work and personal life and the importance of taking regular breaks and regrouping. The episode concludes with a discussion on mindset and the challenges of growth in fractional leadership.

Special Guest
Dan Gwalter, Founder No-Nonsense Leadership

Dan has kindly offered a complimentary 30 minute consultation to anyone who wants to know more about his fractional executive coaching service. You can book using this link.


Key Takeaways…

• Establishing credibility and building a brand takes time in the fractional landscape.
• Sales and marketing skills are essential for success in a portfolio career.
• Rejection is often a 'no, not now' rather than a permanent rejection.
• Finding support from others and seeking feedback is crucial for personal resilience.
• Work-life balance in a portfolio career requires integration and finding a blend that works for you.
• Taking breaks and regrouping is important for mental and physical well-being.
• Mindset plays a significant role in navigating the challenges of growth in fractional leadership.

Sound Bites

• "Establishing credibility and building a brand takes time in the fractional landscape."
• "Sales and marketing skills are essential for success in a portfolio career."
• "Rejection is often a 'no, not now' rather than a permanent rejection."

Contact VCMO

• Connect with the host on LinkedIn
• Tweet us at @VCMO_UK
• Email us at hi@vcmo.uk
• Visit our website vcmo.uk
• Phone us +44 (0) 331 630 9395

Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Fractional Marketing Leadership | Marketing Transformed.

Send us a text

Fractional Futures is the essential podcast for CEOs, investors, and senior marketing executives looking to unlock the power of fractional marketing leadership.

Hosted by Paul Mills, Founder at VCMO, and with special guests, we'll share expert insights, provide actionable strategies and explore real-world success stories to help you leverage fractional marketing leadership for maximum impact.


In this episode…

In this episode, Paul Mills and Dan Gwalter discuss the strategies fractional CMOs can adopt to grow their portfolio. They cover topics such as leveraging networks and referral mechanisms, building thought leadership, and managing multiple clients without compromising on service quality. The main takeaway is that business development is the primary struggle for fractional consultants, and it requires dedicated time and effort. They emphasize the importance of getting the foundational elements right, such as identifying ideal customers and understanding the purpose of content. They also discuss how to manage an increasing client base and the option of forming strategic partnerships.

Special Guest
Dan Gwalter, Founder No-Nonsense Leadership

Dan has kindly offered a complimentary 30 minute consultation to anyone who wants to know more about his fractional executive coaching service. You can book using this link.


Key Takeaways…

• Business development is the primary struggle for fractional consultants.
• Dedicate a healthy amount of time each week to ongoing business development.
• Get the foundational elements right, such as identifying ideal customers and understanding the purpose of content.
• Manage an increasing client base by adjusting pricing, forming strategic partnerships, and maintaining a balance between work and personal life.

Sound Bites

• "The bit that fractional consultants cite as their primary struggle is business development."
• "If you price per hour, then most people will benchmark you on a 37 and a half hour type week."
• "Your profile shouldn't be a CV. It should be a landing page for your business."

Contact VCMO

• Connect with the host on LinkedIn
• Tweet us at @VCMO_UK
• Email us at hi@vcmo.uk
• Visit our website vcmo.uk
• Phone us +44 (0) 331 630 9395

Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Fractional Marketing Leadership | Marketing Transformed.

Send us a text

Fractional Futures is the essential podcast for CEOs, investors, and senior marketing executives looking to unlock the power of fractional marketing leadership.

Hosted by Paul Mills, Founder at VCMO, and with special guests, we'll share expert insights, provide actionable strategies and explore real-world success stories to help you leverage fractional marketing leadership for maximum impact.

In this episode…

In this episode, Paul Mills and Dan Gwalter discuss how Fractional CMOs can become trusted advisors to their clients. They explore the meaning of being a trusted advisor and how to transition from being a service provider to a retained advisor. They also discuss the importance of building an advisor-level relationship and the value of integration into the client's business. They provide insights on pricing advisory services and the pitfalls of using an hourly rate model. The episode concludes with a preview of the next episode on strategies for expanding client relationships.

Special Guest
Dan Gwalter, Founder No-Nonsense Leadership

Dan has kindly offered a complimentary 30 minute consultation to anyone who wants to know more about his fractional executive coaching service. You can book using this link.


Key Takeaways…

• Fractional CMOs need to establish themselves as trusted advisors to maintain long-term client relationships.
• Being a trusted advisor means providing high-level expertise and guidance to clients.
• Transitioning from a provider to an advisor requires building trust and credibility over time.
• Integration into the client's business and involvement in strategic decision-making can increase the value offered as a fractional executive.
• Pricing advisory services should be based on fixed monthly rates with agreed deliverables, rather than an hourly rate model.

Sound Bites

• "When I think about advisor, I think the consultancies get this right and they have, they always have done."
• "The whole concept of being the trusted advisor, the key word in that sentence is trusted."
• "The more integrated you get into the business, the more value you can offer because you're having those conversations."

Contact VCMO

• Connect with the host on LinkedIn
• Tweet us at @VCMO_UK
• Email us at hi@vcmo.uk
• Visit our website vcmo.uk
• Phone us +44 (0) 331 630 9395

Thanks for listening & keep podcasting!

Fractional Marketing Leadership | Marketing Transformed.