Diary of a Fractional

Marques Pizarro
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Diary of a Fractional goes behind the scenes of what it actually takes to build and sustain a fractional practice: the real numbers, the real struggle, and the real wins that nobody posts about. Every episode features a fractional executive sharing their unfiltered story: how they got clients, what broke, what worked, and what they wish someone had told them earlier. If you're a fractional CMO, CFO, COO, or advisor, or thinking about becoming one... this show is for you. Hosted by Linkedful.

Episodes

  1. Aug 24

    Ep. 9 | 20-year Fractional CTO | Trusting Your Team And Templates | Mike Mahony

    I had the pleasure to speak with Mike Mahony, Diary Fractional’s first fractional CTO guest, to unpack how he built a long-running fractional practice after decades in technical support, software development, and executive leadership. This conversation is especially useful for fractionals who want to move beyond “doing the work” and build a repeatable, business-minded practice that creates clarity for clients and protects their own bandwidth. In this episode, Mike and I discuss how to position fractional expertise, how to productize services without becoming a glorified freelancer, and how decentralized leadership helps teams move faster without constant executive bottlenecks. Chapters 00:00 - Live stream check and episode setup 00:24 - Marques introduces Mike Mahony, Diary Fractional’s first fractional CTO 01:12 - Early career mindset shaped by cost-conscious leadership thinking 02:10 - Moving from support and development into specialized technology leadership 03:08 - Building Restaurant on the Run’s digital workflow and rising to CTO 04:41 - Turning a desktop dispatch system into a web-based product 05:08 - The dispatch screen breakthrough that won executive buy-in Connect with Mike Mahony LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljmahony/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@removethebottleneck Email: mike@webscientists.net Thanks to our sponsors at FractionalWordspace.com! If you need a CRM to organize your work as a fractional head, head on over to FractionalWorkspace.com, and they'll provide you a free trial. We hope you enjoy today's show! Marques Pizaro | Host of Diary of a Fractional | By Linkedful

  2. Aug 17

    Ep. 8 | 18-year Fractional CFO Shares How To Run The Business (Not Become It) | Stan Alhadeff

    Stan Alhadeff didn't stumble into fractional work chasing a trend; he built his practice in 2010, back when "fractional" wasn't even a word people used yet. After 15 years as a corporate CFO (including relocating from South Africa to the U.S. in 1999 so his daughter could get the care she needed), a divorce forced Stan to reinvent how he worked.Sixteen years later, he runs a fractional CFO practice serving companies in the $0–100M range, with an average client tenure of 10+ years, against an industry average of three months to a year. He's also the author of Run The Business, Don't Become It, and runs Prosperity Lab, a program helping sub-$5M companies get real financial clarity before they're ready for a full fractional CFO.In this episode, Stan and Marques get into what actually separates fractionals who last from the ones who churn and burn, the client vs. project mindset, why "keeping it real" beats hype every time, and the two rules Stan has lived his entire practice by.Chapters:00:00 – Intro: Meet Stan Alhadeff01:25 – From Corporate CFO to Fractional Life After Divorce03:23 – How Fractional CFO Client Acquisition Has Changed Since 201007:58 – Do You Actually Belong In The CFO Seat?12:25 – Why Stan Wrote "Run The Business, Don't Become It"18:44 – Ethics, Boundaries & Building a Practice That Lasts 16+ YearsTopics covered:- Transitioning from a corporate CFO career into fractional work- The difference between a "client" and a "project," and why it changes everything- How client acquisition and the fractional CFO market have shifted since 2010- Walking away from bad-fit clients and leading with ethics over ego- Lessons from writing Run The Business, Don't Become ItConnect with Stan Alhadeff: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanalhadeff/ Email: stan@businesscfoforhire.com Website: https://businesscfoforhire.com/Resources: Grab Stan's book, Run The Business, Don't Become It, on Amazon: Get The BookSponsored by Fractional Workspace, A CRM built for Fractionals, by Fractionals: https://fractionalworkspace.comDiary of a Fractional is hosted by Marques Pizarro, produced in partnership with Linkedful.

  3. Aug 10

    Ep. 07 | Ex-Weather Channel & McKesson COO Shares How To Build a Fractional Practice | Monisha Longacre

    Most fractional executives are great operators. Building a sustainable practice around that expertise is an entirely different challenge. Monisha Longacre spent 30+ years scaling operations at companies like The Weather Channel, McKesson, EY, and Lotus Development before going fractional, and then took it one step further by building Priorigami, a productivity app designed specifically for the overwhelmed fractional mind.In this episode, she shares what the transition from corporate to fractional actually looks like, how she manages multiple clients without burning out, and the one productivity principle that changed everything.What we cover: How Monisha transitioned from Fortune 500 operations leadership to fractional COO workWhy most fractionals are operating with a wide aperture and how narrowing your focus changes everythingThe story behind building Priorigami, a task management app born from her own fractional strugglesHow she manages multiple client engagements simultaneously without losing momentumWhat she wishes she knew before going fractional and the mindset shifts that made the differenceHer advice for fractionals who are just starting and feeling overwhelmed by it allChapters:00:00 Intro and Monisha's background03:45 From Fortune 500 to fractional COO09:20 Managing multiple clients without burning out15:10 The wide aperture problem fractionals face20:35 Building Priorigami from a personal need27:18 What Monisha wishes she knew earlierAbout Monisha Longacre:Monisha Longacre is a Fractional COO, operational strategist, award-winning author of Practical Productivity, and founder of Priorigami, a task management app built to help fractionals and entrepreneurs focus on what actually matters.Her career spans senior operations roles at The Weather Channel, McKesson, EY, and Lotus Development, and she now helps growing businesses build the systems and structure that support sustainable scale.Connect with Monisha:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlongacre/Website: productivity101.bizBook Page with Ordering Options: https://ripples.media/books/practical-productivity/Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Practical-Productivity-Guide-Surviving-Juggling/dp/B0F2XF321R/ref=rvi_d_sccl_1/140-9169107-3763012?pd_rd_w=X0Y6E&content-id=amzn1.sym.f5690a4d-f2bb-45d9-9d1b-736fee412437&pf_rd_p=f5690a4d-f2bb-45d9-9d1b-736fee412437&pf_rd_r=4Z63AJZ24H79DF84MGFT&pd_rd_wg=3sTvu&pd_rd_r=b6e88cb8-bc14-4656-a348-4d979f70ccfb&pd_rd_i=B0F2XF321R&psc=1Productivity App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/priorigami/id1085694599Hosted by Linkedful - done-for-you LinkedIn outreach for fractional executives.linkedful.io

  4. Aug 3

    Ep. 6 | 30-Year Fractional COO: Why Leading With Value Lands Clients | Michael Johnson

    Most fractional executives are great operators. Building a practice around that expertise is an entirely different skill. Michael Johnson has spent 30+ years across Fortune 500 enterprises and early-stage startups, supporting 50+ companies, closing 9-figures in transactions, and taking companies from chaos to clarity.In this episode, he shares what it actually takes to build a fractional COO practice that lasts, what most operators get wrong, and why faith and calling matter more than any title.What we cover:- How Michael transitioned from Fortune 500 leadership to fractional work- Why most operational failures aren't strategy problems; they're systems problems- What 20%+ EBITDA gains and 50%+ growth actually look like in practice- How to position yourself as a fractional COO in a crowded marketThe difference between being a fractional operator and building a fractional business- What Michael wishes he knew earlier about building a sustainable practiceChapters:00:00 Intro and Michael's background04:30 From Fortune 500 to fractional work09:15 Why operational failures are systems problems15:40 Positioning yourself as a fractional COO21:22 Building a sustainable fractional practice27:45 What Michael wishes he knew earlierAbout Michael Johnson:Michael Johnson is a Fractional COO and CEO with 30+ years of executive leadership across Fortune 500 enterprises and early-stage startups. He has led or supported over 50 companies across SaaS, Healthcare, Finance and Accounting, and AI/ML, closing nine figures in total transactions, including five companies of his own. He is the founder of Tactical Foundry and a Six Sigma Black Belt, PMP, and Certified Management Accountant.Connect with Michael:📧 michael@tacticalfoundry.com🌐 tacticalfoundry.com🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-johnson-780380📰 Substack: tacticalfoundry.substack.com🔗 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marques-pizarro/Hosted by Linkedful | done-for-you LinkedIn outreach for fractional executives.linkedful.io

  5. Jul 27

    Ep. 5 | Ex-Neiman Marcus & JCPenney CMO Shares How To Be A Successful Fractional | Daz McColl

    Most CMOs spend their careers climbing the corporate ladder. Daz McColl spent his career rewriting what great marketing looks like at some of the world's most recognized brands: Neiman Marcus, JCPenney, Carnival Cruise Corporation, and Tourism Queensland. Now he's fractional, and in this episode he shares what that transition actually looks like, what brands consistently get wrong about marketing, and why the best strategy is always the one hiding in plain sight. What we cover: - How Daz transitioned from global CMO roles to fractional work - What leading Neiman Marcus was like and what delivering their best year ever actually taught him - Why most brands don't have a marketing problem; they have a strategy problem - The story behind Tourism Queensland's Best Job in the World campaign that reached 3 billion people on a $1M budget - How Storyscaping changed the way he thinks about brand building - What fractional CMOs need to understand about showing up differently than a full-time hire Chapters: 00:00 Intro and Daz's background 04:15 From global CMO to fractional work 09:42 Leading Neiman Marcus through bankruptcy 16:18 The Best Job in the World campaign 21:35 Why brands have a strategy problem, not a marketing problem 27:04 What fractional CMOs need to know to be successful About Daz McColl: Daz McColl is a globally recognized Chief Marketing Officer, marketing transformation consultant, and fractional CMO with a career spanning Neiman Marcus, JCPenney, Carnival Cruise Corporation, and Tourism Queensland. He is the co-author of the New York Times bestseller Storyscaping, recipient of the 2022 Global CMO Award for Creativity and Storytelling, and Adjunct Professor of Marketing at the University of Miami. Connect with Daz: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/dazmccoll Website: targan.com Hosted by Linkedful, done-for-you LinkedIn outreach for fractional executives.linkedful.io

  6. Jul 13

    Ep. 4 | 20-Year Fractional Shares Why You're Overthinking Client Acquisition | Robert Gilbreath

    Most fractionals make client acquisition harder than it needs to be. Robert Gilbreath has spent two decades in the fractional world and has seen every version of this mistake. In this episode, he breaks down how he built his practice, what he learned about staying visible without burning out, and why he eventually built his own CRM to clean up the business side of fractional work.What we cover:- How Robert transitioned from corporate leadership to fractional work- The real difference between fractional, advisor, and consultant, and why the label matters less than you think- Why LinkedIn is the center of his pipeline and how one search led to a new client- How simple outreach and staying connected beat complicated systems every time- Why he built Fractional Workspace and what problem it actually solves- The lessons he wishes someone had told him earlier about going independentChapters:00:00 Intro and Robert's background00:46 Going all in on fractional work06:32 Fractional vs. consultant vs. advisor10:59 LinkedIn, visibility, and pipeline growth21:54 Building Fractional Workspace30:41 Lessons Robert wishes he knew earlierAbout Robert Gilbreath:Robert is a fractional executive, SaaS operator, and founder of Fractional Workspace, a CRM built specifically for fractionals to organize their pipeline, proposals, and client work. He's spent years operating across corporate and startup environments and now helps independent operators build practices that actually scale.Connect with Robert:LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/robertgilbreathWebsite: robertgilbreath.comEmail: rg@robertgilbreath.comNeed help structuring your Fractional business? Go to Robert's CRM for Fractionals and take his free quiz: https://fractionalworkspace.com/?utm_source=linkedful&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=partner

  7. Jul 6

    Ep. 3 | From Honeywell and Coca-Cola to Fractional CMO: How Jarrett Stands Out

    Most fractional CMOs bring experience to the table. Jarrett Tilton built a system around it.With 25+ years across Coca-Cola, AT&T Wireless, Honeywell, SAP, and TK Elevator, including $5B+ in career pipeline impact, Jarrett went fractional before the word even existed. In 2007, he launched what would eventually become the J3 Momentum Method. This proprietary 90-day marketing operating system builds demand engines for B2B industrial and SaaS companies and leaves a capability behind long after it's gone.In this episode, Jarrett shares what it actually took to build a fractional practice that has lasted nearly two decades, the differentiation strategy, the pipeline lessons, and the four things every fractional needs to hear before they make the leap.What we cover:- Why going fractional in 2007 felt like a crazy idea, and why he did it anyway- The J3 Momentum Method and why having a system beats having a service- How to translate enterprise-level results for a $20M growth-stage company- The single biggest reason fractional engagements fail- Fractional vs. full-time — how Jarrett thinks about the decision- The four lessons every fractional needs to hear starting outTimestamps:00:00 Introduction & Jarrett's background01:00 Going fractional before the word existed05:26 The J3 Momentum Method explained12:08 Translating enterprise results for smaller companies21:30 Fractional vs. full-time — how to think about it27:52 The four lessons every fractional needs to hearConnect with Jarrett Tilton:🌐 j3global.co📧 jarrett@j3global.co🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jarretttilton/🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033w3VExYmpZ1Ps2ltO6l8?si=Q-9_-zPCSbioWJxhVsisPg🔗 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marques-pizarro/Hosted by Linkedful | done-for-you LinkedIn outreach for fractional executives.

  8. Jun 29

    Ep. 2 | Ex Cisco, Intel, Verizon, KÜHL Fractional CMO: Begin With The End In Mind | Drew Bedford

    Navigating a Fractional Career in Marketing: Drew Bedford's Insights and Lessons Discover Drew Bedford's journey from agency work to becoming a seasoned fractional CMO specializing in outdoor brands. In this episode, Drew shares practical lessons on managing client relationships, building your niche, leveraging data, and maintaining balance as a fractional professional in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Key Topics: Drew's transition from agency to freelance and the motivations behind becoming a fractional CMOThe importance of niching down, especially in outdoor and lifestyle brands, based on personal backgroundPractical steps for onboarding new clients and setting expectations in the first 30 daysManaging scope, bandwidth, and avoiding scope creep as a fractional marketerUsing new tools and AI to tell compelling brand stories across generationsBuilding and maintaining a strong network of outsourcing partners and an "A team"Strategies for pipeline development and maintaining a steady flow of clientsCultivating a company culture and navigating organizational dynamics in client organizationsLessons learned from managing a growing agency and managing creative teamsThe significance of transparency, honesty, and setting clear expectations with clientsBalancing passion projects with client work and maintaining personal focus in a flexible careerHow to evolve brand storytelling to resonate with both old and new audiencesChapters:00:00 - Introduction: Drew Bedford’s journey as a fractional CMO since 2012 02:22 - Transition from agency work to freelancing: lessons learned 04:42 - The evolving scope of fractional marketing responsibilities 05:37 - Niching into outdoor and lifestyle brands: personal background and decision-making 08:44 - Using new tools and AI to tell compelling brand stories 12:48 - Navigating client challenges and industry traditionalism in outdoor brands Connect with Drew Bedford on LinkedIn here Diary of a Fractional | Hosted by Linkedful

  9. Jun 22

    Ep. 1 | 30 Years as a Fractional CMO: What Nobody Tells You | Neil Anderson

    Most fractional CMOs are great at their craft. Building a practice that lasts, that's a different story. Neil Anderson has been fractional since before the word existed. With 30+ years of experience and clients across four continents, he's built something most fractionals never achieve: a system that works without him. In this episode, Neil pulls back the curtain on what three decades of fractional work actually look like, the pipeline struggles, the turning points, and the frameworks that made everything click. Main Topics:Transition into fractional marketing after 30 years in corporate rolesThe importance of systems, processes, and embedding with clientsManaging relationships across multiple continents with depth rather than volumeBuilding a lasting pipeline through strategic positioning and publishingWhy long-term brand building and repeatable systems matter more than short-term winsIn this episode:Neil's journey from corporate marketing to fractional consultingHow to identify client needs before applying tools or solutionsThe significance of establishing systems that survive beyond your engagementPractical strategies for building a pipeline, from relationships to publishingThe challenges of maintaining consistency and overcoming the feast or famine cycleChapters:00:00 - Welcome and episode overview01:14 - Neil's transition to fractional marketing04:04 - Tips for managing bandwidth effectively11:24 - Building systems that last16:00 - Developing a consistent lead flow19:52 - Long-term brand building vs. short-term wins26:48 - Advice for new fractional CMOsResources:Outcome Marketing: The Playbook for Building Lasting Business GrowthConnect with Neil Anderson:LinkedInEmailThis episode is packed with actionable insights for fractionals looking to build sustainable practices with lasting client impact.Hosted By Linkedful

  • 9 Episodes

About

Diary of a Fractional goes behind the scenes of what it actually takes to build and sustain a fractional practice: the real numbers, the real struggle, and the real wins that nobody posts about. Every episode features a fractional executive sharing their unfiltered story: how they got clients, what broke, what worked, and what they wish someone had told them earlier. If you're a fractional CMO, CFO, COO, or advisor, or thinking about becoming one... this show is for you. Hosted by Linkedful.

Information

  • Creator
    Marques Pizarro
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Marques Pizarro
  • Show Website
    Diary of a Fractional