Your CPG brand needs senior-level expertise, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you need another full-time executive on payroll.

In this episode I’m joined by Beth of S3 Connect, Rich of Atomos, and Rachel of Severo Consulting to break down what fractional leadership actually looks like and when it makes sense for a growing CPG brand.

The three guests represent a larger informal community of cross-functional fractional CPG leaders from across the U.S. that Rachel has built and leads, creating a network of experienced operators who support one another and bring expertise across different areas of the business.

We discuss why fractional leadership goes far beyond “strategy.” The right fractional leader might serve as an ongoing advisor to the founder, build the processes and tools needed to create foundational structure, train or develop someone internally, or help manage execution through outside resources.

We also explore the economics behind bringing in senior-level help. What does it cost when you make the wrong hire? When a junior employee is operating in a role beyond their experience? When poor processes quietly eat into your margins? Or when you make a major pricing, packaging, or operational decision without the right expertise?

Beth, Rich, and Rachel share practical examples of where fractional leaders can quickly uncover opportunities and help founders make better decisions.

If your business is reaching the point where you know you need more experienced leadership but aren’t ready to build out a full C-suite, this conversation will help you understand what fractional leadership can look like and where to start.

Startup to Scale is a podcast by Foodbevy, an online community to connect emerging food, beverage, and CPG founders to great resources and partners to grow their business. Visit us at Foodbevy.com to learn about becoming a member or an industry partner today.