The Hands-On Approach: How I Work as a Fractional Executive

For a long time, I noticed a gap in the way businesses, especially growing companies, were managing their marketing, sales, and growth initiatives. Companies would bring in consultants—smart people with big ideas—but too often, those ideas never got off the ground. They would hand over a glossy report or a well-polished PowerPoint and walk away. And the team was left to figure out how to turn the strategy into reality, usually on top of everything else they were already juggling.

That’s where I realized things needed to be different.

More Than a Consultant, But Not Full-Time

When I started working as a fractional executive, I wanted to be the opposite of that “come and go” consultant. I wanted to be the person who not only advises but also gets their hands dirty, working right alongside the teams I was brought in to support. And that’s the real difference with what I do.

As a fractional executive, I step into companies in a part-time capacity—whether that’s a few hours a week or a few days a month, depending on the company’s needs. I’m not there to provide you with a stack of theoretical solutions that may or may not work. I’m there to collaborate, work through problems, and make sure those solutions get implemented.

When Teams Need Real, Operational Leadership

Take, for example, a Swiss tech company I recently worked with. They were at a critical stage in their growth—sales were flattening, marketing was misaligned, and the leadership team was stretched too thin to focus on fixing the underlying issues. Bringing in a full-time executive to fill that gap would have been costly and, frankly, unnecessary. They didn’t need someone permanently—they needed someone who could jump in, guide the team, and execute a focused growth strategy over the course of several months.

That’s exactly what I do as a fractional executive. I become part of the team, whether physically or
virtually, leading marketing and sales initiatives, working with teams on growth strategies, and ensuring that the actual work gets done. It’s about being hands-on, sharing knowledge, and using my experience to bring real value without the need for a long-term hire.

Flexibility That Makes Sense for Swiss Companies

Swiss companies, like many others across Northern Europe and beyond, often face unique challenges. Whether it’s scaling operations, expanding into new markets, or simply trying to make processes more efficient, the need for adaptable, senior-level leadership is always there. But hiring full-time executives can be expensive, and finding the right person can take months.

That’s where a fractional executive steps in. With a flexible approach, I can bring high-level strategic leadership to your company without the full-time commitment. And because I’m there for the duration of the project or phase, I can deliver results without the lengthy search and onboarding process that comes with hiring a full-time executive.

The Real Value: Expertise Without the Overhead

For many companies, especially SMEs, the cost of a full-time executive can be prohibitive. Yet, the need for expertise in areas like growth, marketing, and sales doesn’t go away just because budgets are tight. A fractional executive offers the best of both worlds: you get the operational guidance and hands-on leadership you need, without the overhead of a permanent role.

In practice, this means I can be your interim Chief Growth Officer, your part-time VP of Marketing, or simply the expert who steps in to guide a project or a team through a challenging time. I’m not just sitting at the top making decisions—I’m right there in the trenches, working side by side with your team, implementing the strategies we’ve developed together.

The Role of Trust and Partnership

At the heart of my work as a fractional executive is trust. When I step into a business, it’s about building real, meaningful relationships with the team. It’s about understanding the company’s culture, its challenges, and its goals—not just from a strategic level, but from the perspective of the people who are living and breathing it every day.

I’ve seen firsthand how this approach can transform businesses. When teams know that I’m there to work with them, not just hand over ideas, we’re able to tackle problems more effectively. We make things happen together.

What This Means for You

If you’re in a phase where your business is facing growth challenges—whether you need to refine your sales strategy, align your marketing efforts, or simply bring in some fresh energy and expertise—consider what a fractional executive could bring to the table.

I’m here to help, whether you need a short-term boost or ongoing operational support. No glossy reports, no empty advice—just real, actionable solutions that make a difference to your business.
So, if you think this kind of flexible, hands-on leadership could help your team, let’s have a chat. I’m based in Zurich but work with companies across Europe and the US, and I’d love to see how I can support your growth.

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