Executive Data Leadership on Your Terms

Operating data organization with embedded leadership that builds capability you own

Most mid-market companies need the outcomes of a Chief Data Officer without the overhead of a full-time hire. Fractional engagement delivers executive data leadership calibrated to your actual needs—from strategic oversight to comprehensive transformation.

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The Full-Time CDO Dilemma

Hiring a full-time CDO takes 6-9 months and costs $300K+ annually. Most organizations don't need 40 hours per week of executive data leadership. They need the right amount of strategic direction at the right time—whether that's 8 hours per month of advisory guidance or 4 days per week of hands-on transformation leadership. Fractional engagement gives you the executive capability you need without the overhead you don't.

Three Engagement Levels

Choose the level of data leadership that matches your organization's current needs and growth stage.

Strategic oversight for companies with existing data teams

Advisory

Commitment:8-12 hours/month

Duration:6+ months

Scope

•Strategy reviews and roadmap guidance
•Team mentoring and capability assessment
•Vendor evaluation and technology selection
•Board-level reporting and stakeholder alignment

Deliverables

•Monthly strategy review sessions
•Quarterly board presentation deck
•Team development plan
•Technology evaluation framework

Ideal For

Companies with established data teams needing senior strategic direction without full-time executive oversight

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Embedded

Commitment:2-3 days/week

Duration:6-12 months

Scope

•Team building and organizational design
•Architecture decisions and technology roadmap
•Vendor selection and contract negotiation
•Stakeholder management across business units
•Governance framework and data policy design

Deliverables

•Complete data organization design
•Hiring plan with role definitions
•3-year technology roadmap
•Data governance framework
•Executive dashboard and KPI framework

Ideal For

Companies building or restructuring their data function who need executive leadership without full-time commitment

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Comprehensive CDO replacement for critical transformations

Full-Scope

Commitment:4-5 days/week

Duration:6-12 months

Scope

•Full executive data leadership and P&L ownership
•Board-level reporting and strategic planning
•Complete organizational design and team hiring
•Enterprise architecture and platform selection
•Cross-functional transformation program management
•Vendor ecosystem management
•Regulatory compliance and risk management

Deliverables

•Complete data strategy execution
•Operational data team (hired and onboarded)
•Production data platform and infrastructure
•Governance operating model
•Self-sustaining organizational capability
•Transition plan to permanent leadership

Ideal For

Organizations undergoing major data transformation, post-acquisition integration, or rapid scaling where full CDO capability is needed temporarily

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How It Works

Discovery Call

30-minute conversation to understand your organization's current state, challenges, and strategic objectives. We'll determine which engagement level aligns with your needs.

Engagement Design

Detailed scoping of deliverables, timeline, and success metrics. We'll define the specific outcomes you need and the cadence that works for your organization.

Onboarding

First 2-4 weeks focused on stakeholder alignment, current state assessment, and priority setting. You'll get immediate strategic direction while we build deeper organizational context.

Execution & Transition

Ongoing execution of the agreed scope with regular check-ins and deliverable reviews. For Embedded and Full-Scope engagements, we build toward a sustainable handoff to internal leadership or a permanent hire.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we transition from fractional to a full-time CDO?

Yes. Many fractional engagements are designed as bridges—providing immediate executive leadership while you search for a permanent hire. I can help define the role, interview candidates, and ensure a smooth transition. In some cases, clients realize fractional is the right long-term model and continue indefinitely.

Who owns the intellectual property and work product?

You do. All deliverables, frameworks, documentation, and work product are owned by your organization. This isn't consulting where insights walk out the door—it's embedded leadership building capability that stays with you.

How do you interact with our existing team?

As an embedded leader, not an external consultant. I work directly with your team through your communication channels (Slack, email, meetings), participate in standups and planning sessions, and operate as a member of your leadership team. Your team reports progress to me; I report outcomes to your executive leadership or board.

Is this remote or on-site?

Flexible. Most engagements are primarily remote with periodic on-site time for kickoffs, stakeholder workshops, or board presentations. For Full-Scope engagements, more on-site time can be arranged if your transformation requires in-person leadership presence.

What if our needs change during the engagement?

Engagements are structured with quarterly review points where we can adjust scope, commitment level, or focus areas. You can scale up from Advisory to Embedded, or scale down as you build internal capability. The goal is to provide exactly the level of leadership you need at each stage.

How do we handle cancellation or early termination?

All engagements include a 30-day termination clause with no penalties. If the engagement isn't delivering value or your priorities shift, you can exit cleanly. For ongoing monthly engagements (Advisory tier), either party can end with 30 days notice.

Ready to Get Executive Data Leadership?

Let's discuss which engagement level fits your organization's needs and timeline.

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