Redefining Strategic Support for Businesses

Last week, I shared the shift in my career journey from twenty years of Permanent employment to growing my own portfolio. I have had a host of messages from people asking why. Why not Head/ Director of People (company size dependent, of course)? My response is simple: We are on a rollercoaster where the rate of change is rapid, and traditional corporate roles are being rethought! So, with a background in people, communications and culture that has enabled me to work on real transformative change covering everything from rapid headcount growth to mergers and acquisitions, funding, organisational redesigns, strategic alignment of business units, and CEOs' personal brands, I'm a square peg you are trying to fit into a round hole. 

So, the details. I have broken my 'why' into four main points that speak to my strengths and, more importantly, the benefits for small and scaling businesses. 

Portfolio services as a Chief of Staff over a Traditional People Role:

1. The Bigger Picture Approach

As a Fractional Chief of Staff (CoS), I can support the whole business strategy, not just the People side. While People leaders are crucial for managing talent, I can help companies tie together operations, communications, and strategic projects. This big-picture view helps ensure everything runs smoothly and the company's vision is clearly executed.

As a Fractional Chief of Staff, I can offer part-time, flexible support that's tailored to each business's specific needs. This setup is perfect for startups and SMEs that might not need a full-time CoS but still want high-level strategic guidance.

2. Executive Support and Alignment

One of the critical aspects of my offering is to support CEOs and their leadership teams in fine-tuning their personal brand and crafting internal/ external communications. A Chief of Staff makes sure the leadership's vision is well understood and consistent throughout the company. This alignment builds a robust and unified culture, boosting employee engagement and, ultimately, retention.

Having worked closely with CEOs to handle tricky situations and manage internal messaging, I know the value of a trusted advisor who can connect the leadership team with the rest of the organisation. This role allows me to foresee challenges, reduce risks, and keep everything strategically aligned with business goals.

3. Expertise Across the Board

Unlike traditional HR roles, that mainly focus on people management, as a Chief of Staff I would expect to handle various ad-hoc projects and tasks. This could be anything from overseeing key projects, coordinating cross-departmental efforts, and improving operational efficiency. The CoS role for me is versatile, enabling businesses to gain expertise in different areas without needing multiple specialised hires- it's a secret weapon for growth companies.

With experience in planning offsites, encouraging teamwork, and creating a positive work environment, I've got a good grasp of how organisations tick. Coupled with a strategic outlook, there is significant value in the Fractional Chief of Staff role, helping businesses handle growth and change.

4. Flexible and Scalable Solutions

One of the biggest perks for companies having a Fractional Chief of Staff is the flexibility and scalability. As businesses change, their needs evolve. As a Fractional CoS, I have the ability to adjust the level of support as needed, meaning companies only pay for what they actually use. This is cost-effective and allows for a quick response to the changing business environment I continually speak of.

Conclusion

Shifting from a corporate role to offering Fractional Chief of Staff services isn't just a career change; it's a strategic decision for me to offer businesses top-level expertise in a new way. By combining a deep understanding of people and culture with a focus on business objectives, as a Fractional Chief of Staff, I can offer unmatched value.

For companies looking to go beyond the usual HR/ People support, as a Fractional Chief of Staff, I can bring a unique mix of strategic oversight and operational execution. As a role/ offering, it's something that can truly lift a company's prospects, ensuring every part of the business is aligned and working towards a shared goal.

As I step into this new role, I'm excited to bring my diverse experience and passion for people and strategy to a broader range of businesses. Together, we can shape a future where business success and employee well-being are closely intertwined, driven by strategic leadership and a unified vision.

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If you would like to learn more about my availability and rates to support you and your business, why not book an initial conversation in my calendar.