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The Fractional Executive Myth with Sally Thornton, Forshay
May 15, 2025
Sally Thornton, founder of Forshay and expert in fractional executive roles, discusses the evolving landscape of fractional work. She highlights the essential skills needed for success, including consultative abilities and trust-building. Sally unpacks common misconceptions surrounding fractional roles, particularly in tech, and drives home the significance of transparent compensation structures. Additionally, she emphasizes the importance of resilience and collaboration in both career management and the fractional hiring process.
44:02
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Quick takeaways
- Successful fractional executives must excel in consultative skills and trust-building to navigate traditional hiring resistance effectively.
- The growing stigma around fractional talent necessitates that professionals prove their unique value to overcome misconceptions and enhance credibility.
Deep dives
Understanding Fractional Work
Fractional work has gained traction as a flexible staffing solution, allowing companies to tap into a diverse talent pool without the long-term commitment of a full-time hire. The discussion reveals that many executives seek fractional opportunities; however, significant resistance exists from companies that still adhere to traditional employment models. This resistance stems from distrust in talent sourced from marketplaces rather than through established networks or intermediaries. Building relationships and demonstrating value is crucial for fractional talent to convince companies of their effectiveness and reliability.
