The Secret to Smarter Hiring: Tapping Fractional Executives for the Right Expertise, Right When You Need It

The rise of the “fractional” executive—leaders who lend their expertise to multiple organizations on a part-time or project basis—marks a major shift in how top talent engages with growing companies. As businesses seek agility without sacrificing expertise, fractional roles are becoming a powerful alternative to full-time hires. In fact, a report found that temporary business management positions, such as fractional executive roles, have surged an astonishing 57% since 2020—a clear signal that the future of leadership is being rewritten.

But what does it actually mean to build a fractional career? How do professionals navigate the freedom and uncertainty that come with redefining traditional corporate paths?

In this episode of Crafted Journeys, brought to you by Digital Artisans, host Suzy DeLine sits down with Katie Walter, CEO of the Fractional Conference and a seasoned Fractional Chief Marketing Officer based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Together, they explore Katie’s remarkable transition from corporate marketing at Thomson Reuters to independent leadership, the rise of the fractional economy, and what it means to “find your people” in a career built on flexibility and connection.

Highlights from the conversation…

• Redefining career success: Katie reflects on leaving a 16-year corporate career to pursue more autonomy and balance through fractional leadership.

• The power of experience sharing: She discusses how small businesses benefit from seasoned executives who bring structure, strategy, and perspective—without the full-time price tag.

• Building community: As founder of the Fractional Conference, Katie explains how the event creates belonging for professionals who often work solo, helping them connect and grow together.

Katie Walter is a seasoned fractional Chief Marketing Officer and leadership coach who specializes in helping B2B technology and professional services companies build trust-first marketing strategies that connect directly to revenue growth. With over two decades of experience—including 16 years at Thomson Reuters leading communications, brand strategy, and marketing—she’s known for translating business goals into high-performing marketing programs and developing strong, capable teams. As CEO of the Fractional Conference and founder of Trellis LLC, Katie combines her strategic marketing expertise with executive coaching to empower leaders, strengthen brands, and shape the evolving future of fractional work.

Article written by MarketScale.