Plenty of CMOs reach a point where the fractional model starts to look… intriguing. A little more freedom, a little less 24/7 pressure, and a whole lot of variety.
In this episode, Drew brings together three former full-time CMOs who now serve as full-time fractionals: Alan Gonsenhauser (Demand Revenue), Katrina Klier (Sage Strategy Group), and Marshall Poindexter (yorCMO). They get into what it really takes to succeed in the role, from setting expectations with CEOs and boards to choosing the right clients, managing time and scope, and knowing when the fractional model fits and when it is time to move on.
In this episode:
- Alan builds trust fast with structured discovery across leaders and the board, using “three magic wishes” to surface priorities before acting.
- Katrina ties marketing priorities to financial and board targets so strategy supports existing growth and margin commitments.
- Marshall differentiates fractional work from consulting, using a simple framework and 90-day sprints to drive execution through in-house teams or agencies.
Plus:
- Narrowing your niche so you attract clients where you create outsized value
- How to set scope, cadence, and availability so part-time does not quietly become full-time
- Using process, sprints, and metrics to stay focused when new requests pop up
- Planning the transition, from mentoring the incoming full-time CMO to creating a clean off-ramp
Tune in if you are considering going fractional, hiring a fractional CMO, or just trying to understand how this model fits into the modern CMO career.