How to Make Fractional Leadership Work

In this episode of HBR On Leadership, host Kurt Nickish discusses fractional leadership with Tomoko Yokoi, a researcher at IMD Business School, and Amy Bonsall, founder of Collective and a fractional chief product officer. They explore the growing trend of fractional leadership, where experienced leaders offer their expertise to multiple organizations on a part-time basis. The discussion covers the reasons behind its acceleration, the types of companies and roles where it works best, the benefits and downsides for both leaders and organizations, and advice for companies considering hiring fractional leaders, as well as for leaders considering a fractional role. They also touch upon the importance of clear communication, strategic alignment, and the mindset shifts required for both companies and executives to succeed in this evolving work model.