Scott Kay’s Post

As the company grows, so do the CEO’s problems. This is usually because they: → Don’t have time to execute their growing list of high-impact projects. → Get stuck in the day-to-day instead of building the overall business. → Can’t seem to hire the right people or grow their team. → Can’t even think of positioning the company to sell. → Have no time for strategic thinking. Then they spend too much energy working on areas where they kind of suck, and it leaves them feeling drained. It’s enough to make even the most visionary CEO feel overwhelmed. But hear me out—there's a light at the end of the tunnel. Although you might feel like you have to do everything yourself, you don’t. You just need to hire the right second-in-command. The bad news is that hiring the right COO isn’t easy. That’s why, the search for a kick-ass COO doesn’t start with the COO. It starts with the personality of the CEO. What they need, and the perfect match for their skills and character. I cover this in my book, The Second in Command. You can order your copy of The Second In Command here: https://lnkd.in/epURxuNh --- cooalliance.com - where COOs go to grow! PS - Limited time offer. You can save $4,400 by joining the COO Alliance in July. (Offer ends Aug 31).

Are you thinking about your next step for scaling, but you're worried about costs? If so, a Fractional COO could be the answer. For the same price as a full-time junior employee, you can get a senior resource who can accomplish more within a much smaller window of time and with a lot less input needed from you. Essentially, with a Fractional COO, you're getting much more value from much less time. Fractional COOs are typically seasoned executives who have navigated the gamut of business challenges, can understand the context of each problem, and offer solutions that fix the issue in the moment whilst also contributing to longer-term strategic decision-making. In an earlier-stage business, when you're figuring out a lot of things, and everything is constantly moving, a full-time operations employee can be a valuable resource for taking some of your routine work whilst you're focussed on your most pressing tasks, like delighting investors and finding new customers. To get the most out of that junior employee, you'll need to teach and train them, provide them with leadership and guidance, and offer a certain amount of job security. For a similar price, a Fractional COO can work independently, from the start, on significant pieces of work with little guidance (often, they'll be the one telling you what needs to be done). Pay As You Go COO's pricing will always be affordable and transparent - you can find it here: https://buff.ly/3WHcQ9X --- #startups #strategy #operations Pay As You Go COO was founded by an expert company builder who wants to help you beat the odds and build a business that’s destined for success, without breaking the bank. Get Fractional COO and Business Coaching services to help you navigate make the most of your most precious resource - time. If you dream about getting more sh!t done in your growing company, book a free, no-strings, zero-stress chat today. Liked this post and want to see more? 🏷️ Save this post ➕ Follow this page 📰 Subscribe to The Operating Table, the free newsletter that brings you the latest insights and advice for your growing company: https://buff.ly/3yb5dzh

A Fractional COO is a seasoned Executive who provides part-time strategic and operational leadership to your company for a fraction of the time and cost of a full-time hire. The decision to hire a Fractional COO can be a game-changing one. In earlier-stage companies, where resources are limited and runways are short, hiring a Fractional COO is a great way to quickly access the kind of Executive-level expertise that can be the difference between success and failure, without having to have access to a large amount of funding. I have extensive experience across various industries and company sizes. I use this experience to help you design and execute a Strategy for your business that ensures you're always running as efficiently as possible. By running efficiently, you're making best use of two of your most precious resources - time and money - and that expands outwards into every department, oiling the entire machine of the company and propelling you forwards to the next stage in your growth story. If you're wondering if a Fractional COO is the right choice for your business, why not click the logo at the top of this post and book a free, no-commitment Discovery Call? --- #startups #strategy #operations Pay As You Go COO was founded by an expert company builder who wants to help you beat the odds and build a business that’s destined for success, without breaking the bank. Get Fractional COO and Business Coaching services to help you navigate make the most of your most precious resource - time. Liked this post and want to see more? 🏷️ Save this post ➕ Follow this page 📰 Subscribe to The Operating Table, the free newsletter that brings you the latest insights and advice for your growing company: https://buff.ly/3yb5dzh

There's one recurring theme in startup exec recruitment. It's an ongoing debate, with different conclusions based on the business, the decision-makers and the market for available C-level talent. Let's call it the Fractional Debate: 💡Whether (and when) to hire a part-time vs full-time CXO❔ (usually the CFO role, but the arguments are similar across the C-suite). I heard both sides of the debate in two calls last week: One guy was convinced you can outsource the key CFO functions until a startup has meaningful, secure revenue. He thought that hiring someone short-term, who will learn the business in 1-2 days a week (often while working remote), was impractical and even disruptive. He added that fractional CFOs need to 'manage their portfolio' and so are always passively looking for their next role. Liable to move on at any time. The other guy was equally clear on the advantages: ✔Having CFO-calibre insight into the business very early on is key for forward-planning. ✔For a fraction of the cost of a full-time CFO, you can bring on someone who adds real strategic value. But not every exec is cut out for a flexible, plural career. They need to be a quick learner, very adaptable, with the ability to build relationships quickly, both in and outside the company. Relevant sector and stage experience can really help. There are also two other 'ideal' options to consider: ▶You find a less experienced, high potential Head of Finance who costs much less and who will grow with the business; or ▶You bring on a fractional CFO who ultimately wants to be full-time when the business can afford it. Both parties then get to try before they buy. The reality is, you won't necessarily have all of these options available to you when you go into the market. So keep a flexible approach until you have to commit to one, for the short, medium or long term [Needless to say, I can help with all of the above. Just ask 🙂📞] #CFOhiring #CXOtalent #executiverecruitment #startups

As the founder of COHIRE, I often get asked: “𝘚𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘸𝘦 𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝘧𝘶𝘭𝘭-𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦 𝘦𝘹𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘰𝘳 𝘨𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢 𝘍𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘊𝘟𝘖?” I’d say it’s a bit like deciding between buying a luxury car and renting one for a road trip. If you need it every day, year-round, buying makes sense. But if it’s for a specific journey, renting is smarter, more agile, and gives you exactly what you need for that moment. Here’s how I see it: ➡️ 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥-𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 Let’s say you’re building a company poised for steady, long-term growth. You’ve secured funding and need someone to lead from the front, not just for the next quarter but for years ahead. In this case, a full-time executive is the right choice. They can immerse themselves in your culture, set a vision, and stay invested in your long-term goals. ➡️ 𝐅𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐗𝐎𝐬 Now, let’s picture a startup preparing for a critical funding round. You need a CFO to refine your financial strategy and craft a compelling pitch deck, but hiring someone full-time isn’t practical since it’s a project-specific need. This is where a Fractional CFO comes in—bringing in top-tier expertise to deliver high-impact results for the duration of the project, without the need for a long-term hire. It’s a flexible, scalable solution that aligns perfectly with the evolving demands of a growing business. I’ve seen many companies thrive by blending both models—using Fractional CXOs to tackle specific challenges while building a core leadership team for the future. It’s not about choosing one over the other; it’s about what serves your business best in the moment. What’s your take? Have you worked with a Fractional CXO or considered it? Let’s chat in the comments! #FractionalCXOs #COHIRE #Leadership #CXO #Startup #SMEs #FutureOfWork

Dear Network, I’m on the lookout for my next opportunity and would love your help! Are you (or do you know) a start-up or small business looking to organise, optimise, and drive growth? That’s where I excel. As a Fractional Commercially Driven Operator with over 11 years of leadership experience in operations and business development across startups and SMBs. I’ve scaled two businesses, implemented efficient systems, led teams generating over €24 million in revenue, and mentored 100+ professionals into senior roles. 𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗜 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀: 🚀 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀: Crafting and executing strategies to drive growth and align with your vision. 🔧 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘅𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲: Building solid foundations with robust HR, sales, and operational processes. 💡 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 & 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: Creating motivated, engaged teams and mentoring professionals into senior roles. 📈 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗘𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Managing strategic projects from start to finish, ensuring timely and budget-friendly delivery. 🤝 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 & 𝗗𝗮𝘆-𝘁𝗼-𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗢𝗽𝘀: Overseeing daily activities to ensure smooth and efficient functioning. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗲? 🌟 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲:: 11+ years in leadership roles, successfully navigating business transformations and growth stages. 🛠️ 𝗛𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀-𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵: Proactive, strategic, resilient, and results-driven, delivering tangible results. 💰 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁-𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝘆: Full-time energy at part-time cost, offering flexible setups to meet your needs. 👀 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗵 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: Transforming chaos into clarity with an unbiased, clear view. 🤝 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲: Approachable, likeable and supportive through the roller coaster rides. 𝗜𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝘀: • Impact and mission-driven • Fast-growing or preparing for growth • In need of a transformative touch • Teams of 5-50 employees • Collaborative and inclusive cultures • Open-minded founders 𝗔𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 • 1-3 days per week starting 2nd September • Fractional/interim roles • Project-based work • Advisory support 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽? If you or someone you know could benefit from my expertise, please like, share and tag them. 🙏 #fractionalexec #startupgrowth #BusinessTransformation

Are Fractional Executives just for start ups?? I had an interesting discussion with an experienced fractional CMO this morning, Jonathan Milne. We were discussing the why "traditional" larger companies don't tend to use Fractional resources as often as start ups. Some interesting points we agreed on in our conversation: - Large companies have a hard time altering their resource model from permanent, full time employees to something more interim, like fractional executives - Yet, they hire consultants, many, many consultants,....why? - The difference between a consultant and a fractional executive? - Consultants tend to be very project based where fractional executives can provide guidance, experience, and role up their sleeves and get the work done. They can leads teams and deliver objectives. They can provide short term or medium term support, in other words, lots of flexibility to meet a client need. There is no doubt that a start up benefits greatly from Fractional resources during the early lean days when funding is scarce but we're not just for small companies anymore! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- I'm Tim and I provide fractional CPO / COO services that help companies develop strategy, business planning, product / market fit guidance, and operational strength. If you have a need or questions, please reach out to book a complimentary discussion on your challenges. tskelly@managementcollective.ca

A COO becomes effective when you are: -Experiencing Rapid Growth:  When your company grows quickly and the existing management team struggles to meet operational demands. -Operational Complexity: When your complexity of operations increases to the point where you need to hire specialized positions to maintain efficiency. - Scalability Challenges: When your company faces challenges in scaling its operations effectively and sustainably. -Focus on Core Activities: When the CEO needs to focus more on strategic vision, fundraising, and market positioning, a dedicated role for operational management is critical. What I’ve encountered: When your team moves from Seed or Startup phase to Series Stage A or from Angel to Venture investors, this is when you want to have your operational infrastructure in place. Often, a company does not have the budget for a full-time COO, so it hires a lower-level, less experienced person. You are giving up the experience that a COO brings to the table. You give up the “been there, done that” experience. And I’m here to say that experience is worth the investment. THERE IS AN OPTION    Bring in a Fractional COO. This person can assist in developing strategy and roadmaps to success.  They work directly with your current teams and provide what you need as an interim option. Will a Fractional COO benefit your company? The first step to operational infrastructure planning is understanding what you have and need.   I can help with this. HI I am Mary Plemons, Fractional COO, and I am available to chat through any ideas or problems you may have. DM me anytime. I love talking Operations!

📈 Unlocking Growth with Fractional CxOs: The Secret Weapon for Startups, M&As, and Global Expansion Are you a startup founder, leading an M&A, or planning international expansion? Let me introduce you to a game-changer: the Fractional Chief Experience Officer (CxO). What's a Fractional CxO? • An experienced executive working part-time or on contract • Provides strategic guidance without the full-time commitment • Brings diverse insights from multiple industries Why consider a Fractional CxO? 1. Startup Boost: Access C-suite expertise without breaking the bank 2. M&A Success: Navigate complex integrations with seasoned leadership 3. Global Growth: Tap into international market knowledge on demand 🌟 Benefits: • Identify blind spots in your strategy • Anticipate and overcome challenges • Capitalize on hidden opportunities • Enhance decision-making with fresh perspectives • Develop robust strategies and systems 💼 Roles can include: • CFO for financial strategy • CTO for tech innovation • COO for operational excellence • CMO for market penetration • And more! Fractional CxOs offer the flexibility and expertise you need when you need it. It's like having a Swiss Army knife of executive talent at your disposal! Ready to supercharge your business growth? Let's connect with Infinite CXO to discuss how a Fractional CxO could be your next strategic move. www.infintecxo.com #FractionalExecutive #StartupGrowth #MandAStrategy #GlobalExpansion #BusinessInnovation #marcosmonday

Hi LinkedIn friends, TLDR: if you're a #founder, #CEO, #VC looking for a COO, strategic #scaleup partner or you are in #growth stage, let's talk. If we haven't crossed paths yet, I'm Tzvika Fisher, aka Mike in the US. For the past 15+ years I've grown, developed and led #operations teams, focusing on executing the #strategy and #roadmap, and scaling up companies to their #next stage. I’ve done this for various organizations, from #startups to #corporate giants, in Israel and the US. Now, I'm excited to bring my extended global experience to companies as a part-time / fractional / on-demand / COO as-a-service. So, who could benefit from it? - Small companies aiming to #scaleup. - #CEOs in need of a #strategic partner for #execution and #growth. - Businesses seeking #process #improvements. Why should a company go for the COO-as-a-service path vs getting a full-time COO? - Gain access to seasoned executive expertise. - Save on costs compared to full-time hires. - Skip the lengthy hiring process. - Avoid traditional employer-employee dynamics. It's a clear win-win! And now, with 2 days a week availability, I'm happy to support the right companies. Intrigued? Would like to learn more?  Comment, DM or email me at COOExec360@gmail.com Feel free to share and spread the word across Linkedin