What is a Fractional COO?

Last week, I announced that I am launching a new venture as a fractional COO. Thank you to all who have reached out to me. I'm very grateful for all the well-wishes that I received. 

I did receive several responses to the effect of - "What is a fractional COO?!" or "I had to look up 'fractional!'" 

I get it. Whenever I say it, I feel a little like the Grinch when Cindy-Lou Who asked him to be the Holiday Cheermeister:

A 'fractional COO' offers the strategic leadership of a Chief Operating Officer on a flexible, part-time basis—ideal for organizations needing executive expertise without the full-time commitment.

Fractional COOs may serve part-time, on a specific project, or on an interim basis. I'm available to work in any of these types of arrangements.

Fractional executives are different from consultants. We're much more hands-on with our organizations. Think of us more as a team member than an external advisor.

The Fractional COO role is one that best utilizes my skill sets, experience, and interests. After running a couple of organizations for nearly a decade, I'm ready to use what I've learned to help other founders and organizational leaders. 

Think of me as an in-the-background #2 who will accelerate an organization's ability to achieve its goals and accomplish its mission. 

As a fractional COO, I come in and relieve overworked executives. By taking an integrated approach, I ensure that holistic visions are translated into reality. I work with organizational leaders to develop and execute strategic plans. I can oversee finance and budgeting.

In short, I ensure that all activities align with organizational goals and objectives. 

Could you benefit from a Fractional COO?

• Have you experienced growth in the past but feel like you've hit a ceiling and can't seem to grow past where you are? You could benefit from a Fractional COO.

• Are you an exhausted leader who has to be both the external face of an organization *and* the one who is making sure the trains run on time within the organization? You could benefit from a Fractional COO.

• Do you hate the 'business side' of running a nonprofit? You could benefit from a Fractional COO.

• Is your organization in transition and needing an interim leader? You could benefit from a Fractional COO.

• Are you tired of hiring consultants to 'fix' things but feel that all the 'fixes' are mere bandaids? You could benefit from a Fractional COO who will use an integrated approach. 

I'm fired up about serving leaders and organizations in this capacity. Is a Fractional COO something you might be interested in? Do you know an organization or leader who could use this support? Let me know!