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Fractional, full-time, or consultant. Here's how to decide.

There's no single right answer. The best choice depends on your stage, your budget, and the kind of leadership you need right now. This page breaks it down honestly.

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Side-by-side comparison

Time to start

Fractional1 to 3 weeks
Full-Time3 to 6 months
Consultant2 to 4 weeks

Cost

FractionalPart-time rate plus placement fee
Full-Time$250K to $400K+ salary plus benefits
ConsultantProject-based or hourly

Commitment

FractionalFlexible, typically 3 to 12 months
Full-TimeIndefinite
ConsultantProject-scoped

Ownership and accountability

Fractional
Full-Time
Consultant

Sits in leadership meetings

Fractional
Full-Time
Consultant

Manages teams directly

Fractional
Full-Time
Consultant

Industry-specific experience

Fractional
Full-TimeVaries
Consultant

Scales with your needs

Fractional
Full-Time
ConsultantVaries

Builds internal systems

Fractional
Full-Time
Consultant

Transfers knowledge to your team

Fractional
Full-Time
ConsultantVaries

When each option makes sense

Choose fractional when...

  • You need senior leadership but can't justify a full-time salary
  • The role needs someone who takes ownership, not just advice
  • You want to test the role before committing to a full-time hire
  • You need someone to start within weeks, not months

Choose full-time when...

  • The role requires 40+ hours per week of sustained attention
  • You have the budget for a $250K to $400K+ compensation package
  • You're confident about the role scope and long-term need
  • You can wait 3 to 6 months for the right person to start

Choose a consultant when...

  • You need expertise for a specific, time-bound project
  • The deliverable is a report, model, or audit, not ongoing leadership
  • You don't need someone managing your team or sitting in leadership meetings
  • The scope is clear and the end date is defined

Common questions

Still not sure? Let's figure it out together.

Book a free discovery call. We'll ask about your situation and give you an honest recommendation, even if fractional isn't the right answer.

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