Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Wholly Fractional Podcast

This week on Wholly Fractional: the Podcast, we’re joined by Elles Skony — fractional Chief People Officer and founder of Fractional People People, a thriving Slack-based community for HR solopreneurs.   What started as a small peer group has grown into a trusted space for 600+ experienced HR professionals navigating fractional work, business building and the realities of solopreneurship.In this episode, we explore:
  - Why so many HR leaders are moving toward fractional roles  - How FPP became “the coworkers you wish you had”
- What HR and community-building have in common
- How values like abundance and joy guide the community culture
- The mindset shift from in-house identity to independent brand   Elles shares candid insights from her own career, including the moment she transitioned herself out of a Chief People Officer role and into her first fractional engagement.   Whether you’re in HR or simply curious about what community looks like in the world of solopreneurism, this episode offers a thoughtful look from a gifted connector & fractional visionary.

In our milestone 10th episode, co-hosts Andrew Graft and Todd Hines pull back the curtain on what it really took to get Holy Fractional off the ground, and why this show matters to the growing community of fractional professionals. From heartfelt reflections and early lessons to guest recaps and bold aspirations, this episode is part celebration, part strategy, and all heart.

Watch as we highlight standout moments from past guests, share our learnings from launching this show, and talk openly about everything from impostor syndrome to the future of work. If you’re building your own fractional career, this one’s for you.

Thanks to our founding cohort of guest speakers:

1. Mark Jackson – Founder of Besolo

2. Dipti Patel – Fractional product executive and coach

3. Sal Imami – Fractional Chief Revenue Officer

4. Drew Burdick – Founder of StealthX

5. Fatima Alam – M&A consultant, investment banker, coach

6. Kurt Rudsinski – Fractional team builder and coach

7. Heather Leek – Fractional business adviser

8. Meg Niman – Coach focused on overcoming impostor syndrome

From redefining leadership to navigating imposter syndrome, each guest has brought something unique to the table -- the kind of immeasurable value and insight we could only hope for when we started down this "fractional" path.

So whether you’re a loyal listener or just now discovering Wholly Fractional, this episode is a great way to catch the essence of the series. And to our amazing and talented guests: thank you. You are -- and will always be -- the heart of our show.

What does it really take to move forward when self-doubt is screaming in your ear?
This week, I sat down with Meg Niman — a creative director turned solopreneur, coach, and fractional brand strategist — to unpack one of the most common (and under-discussed) realities of working for yourself: imposter syndrome.

Meg brings a rare blend of honesty, warmth, and strategic insight to this conversation. We explore the concept of microrisks — small, intentional actions that help build momentum even when confidence feels elusive. We talk about noticing as a mindfulness practice that sharpens creativity and builds emotional resilience. And we dig into how solopreneurs can redefine success not by external metrics, but by alignment, fulfillment, and joy.

One of the most meaningful takeaways? That self-doubt doesn’t just ask us to be patient with our insecurities — it invites us to reclaim the track record we’ve already built. To remember what we’ve already done. Meg reminds us that stepping forward sometimes means simply owning our strength.

We also explore the three types of imposter syndrome Meg sees most often in solo professionals — and how to move through them with grace.

Check out these free resources from Meg:

Imposter Syndrome from Niman Design

microRISK Method from Niman Design

What happens when you stop undervaluing yourself and start taking strategic career risks?

Andrew sits down with Fatima Alam, Executive Director at Woodside Capital Partners and President at Chrysalis Labs. Fatima's unconventional path—from self-taught engineer to investment banker—offers a masterclass in career pivots and personal branding.

You'll Learn:

• Why "knowing your superpowers" is more valuable than any degree or certification
• The exact pricing mistakes that kill fractional businesses (and how to avoid them)
• Two proven strategies to overcome imposter syndrome, even in prestigious environments
• How to handle "pick your brain" requests without giving away free expertise
• Why taking strategic career pauses can accelerate your success

Key Takeaways:

• Don't negotiate down your prices—if they don't see your value, they won't value your outcomes
• The "Questions Strategy" for protecting your expertise from free advice seekers
• How to build an "alter ego" to push through limiting beliefs
• Why being kind to yourself is the foundation of professional success

Whether you're considering fractional work, struggling with pricing, or battling imposter syndrome, Fatima's insights will help you recognize your worth and command it in the marketplace.

Contact Fatima on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thefalam/

In this episode of Wholly Fractional, we sit down with Kurt Rudsinski — an experienced business strategist, leadership coach, and founder of Kurtis Coaching & Consulting — for an honest conversation about what it really means to build a successful business.

Kurt shares how he’s spent his career helping leaders understand that sustainable growth comes from developing people first. From his early days as a company builder to his evolution as a coach, Kurt’s insights center on the intersection of leadership, culture, and values. We explore how aligning leadership with a company’s mission and values doesn’t just improve retention — it transforms organizations from the inside out.

Our conversation covers a wide range of topics: coaching, mentorship, faith, family, legacy, and the very personal motivations that drive our work as fractionals and solopreneurs. Kurt opens up about his own journey of figuring out what matters most, how he measures success, and why giving back has become such an essential part of his story.

Whether you’re a fractional leader, a founder navigating growth, or someone wrestling with the deeper “why” behind your business, this episode is a reminder that success isn’t just about the bottom line. It’s about the impact we have on others — and the leaders we empower along the way.

Tune in for a thoughtful, heartfelt look at leadership, business, and the joy of helping others thrive.

In this episode of Holy Fractional, Andrew Graft interviews Drew Burdick, founder of StealthX, who shares his journey from freelancer to corporate leader and back to entrepreneurship. Drew reveals how he's building a company focused on execution over strategy in industries that others overlook. Key takeaways include:

• Why execution matters more than strategy in today's AI-powered business landscape
• How to leverage AI tools to dramatically shorten consulting timelines and deliver more value
• The importance of narrowing your ICP (Ideal Customer Profile) to stand out in a crowded market
• Drew's "Clients, Content, Community" strategy for sustainable business growth
• Why relationship-building beats traditional sales tactics for fractional professionals

Drew shares his "Core Four" qualities for high-performing team members and explains why he's building SEAL teams rather than traditional consulting structures. For fractional professionals feeling overwhelmed by AI disruption or struggling with business development, this episode provides actionable insights and a fresh perspective on building a sustainable practice.

Connect with Drew on LinkedIn or at stealthx.co to learn more about his approach.

In this episode of Wholly Fractional, we sit down with Heather Leek, a data strategist, customer experience leader, and proud spreadsheet enthusiast, to talk about her journey from corporate operations to thriving as a fractional professional. With a career spanning audit, analytics, rev ops, and customer success, Heather's path is anything but linear—and that's exactly the point.

Heather opens up about the power of reinvention, her belief in lifelong learning, and the very real presence of imposter syndrome, even for accomplished executives. She shares why she left behind full-time roles in favor of autonomy and creativity, how she structures her days for success, and what it means to truly choose your clients and projects.

🎧 In this episode:
✔️ Heather’s "portfolio of pivots" and how she’s built a career on curiosity
✔️ Learning to live with fear and still take action
✔️ Why middle management is disappearing—and why that matters
✔️ How Heather uses data to transform customer experiences
✔️ Embracing the freedom of fractional work without losing your edge
✔️ Managing imposter syndrome—even when you’re crushing it

🔗 Resources & Links:
Learn more about Heather's work: AscendGSLLC.com
Connect on LinkedIn: Heather Leek

In this episode of Wholly Fractional, we welcome Dipti Patel, a seasoned product leader turned fractional executive and leadership coach. Dipti shares her deeply personal journey from a high-pressure head of product role in Silicon Valley to forging a more fulfilling and purpose-driven path as a fractional leader and coach.

She opens up about how the loss of her father in 2021 became a pivotal moment, prompting her to reassess her career and life priorities. This conversation dives into career transitions, overcoming fear, aligning with your values, and how fractional work can unlock both freedom and impact.

🎧 Tune in for:
✔️ How personal loss can lead to career transformation
✔️ The hidden struggles of corporate success & burnout
✔️ Why fractional work can be the key to professional fulfillment
✔️ The importance of aligning career choices with your values
✔️ Overcoming fear and taking courageous action in your career
✔️ How to redefine success and build a portfolio career that truly matters

🔗 Resources & Links:
Follow Dipti on LinkedIn: Dipti Patel
Website: diptipatel.net/ 

Episode Chapters & Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction & Dipti’s transition to fractional work
[02:30] Climbing the corporate ladder—why success felt empty
[06:00] The loss of her father & its impact on her career decisions
[09:30] What Dipti learned from her father’s resilience and joy for life
[13:00] How coaching became her path to greater impact
[16:30] Facing fears & taking courageous action in career transitions
[21:00] Aligning with your values—why it’s the key to fulfillment
[24:30] The importance of community and networking as a fractional
[30:00] The difference between acquiring clients vs. creating clients
[34:30] Portfolio careers: Combining multiple passions into one career
[38:00] Lightning Round: Dipti’s favorite tools, books, and wisdom

Key Action Items for Listeners:

✔️ Evaluate your career fulfillment – Are you aligned with what truly matters to you?
✔️ Overcome fear – Taking courageous action is the only way to create change.
✔️ Build your network – Community and relationships will define your success.
✔️ Rethink success – It’s not just about titles or money—it’s about joy and impact.
✔️ Explore the portfolio career approach – You don’t have to do just one thing!

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In this episode of Wholly Fractional, we sit down with Mark Jackson, co-founder of BeSolo, to explore the challenges and opportunities facing solopreneurs, freelancers, and fractional professionals. Mark shares his insights on health benefits, taxes, retirement savings, and business operations—key pain points for anyone working independently.

We dive into the golden handcuffs of health insurance, the explosion of the freelance economy, and how BeSolo is revolutionizing operational support for independent workers. Whether you're a seasoned fractional pro or just getting started, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you set up and run your business more efficiently—without sacrificing stability.

🎧 Tune in for:✔️ How BeSolo is solving the benefits and compliance problem for solopreneurs
✔️ The rapid rise of fractional work and why it's here to stay
✔️ Avoiding tax pitfalls: What solopreneurs must know about estimated taxes
✔️ The difference between an LLC and an S-Corp (and which is right for you)
✔️ Why 50% of independents rely on a spouse’s health insurance—and what to do instead
✔️ Mark’s top tools and strategies for thriving as a solopreneur

🔗 Resources & Links:
Visit BeSolo.io to learn more about how their platform can support your journey as a fractional professional.
Find Mark Jackson on LinkedIn

Episode Chapters & Timestamps

[00:00] Introduction & the rise of fractional work
[02:30] Mark’s background & the journey to founding BeSolo
[05:45] The healthcare struggle for solopreneurs & why benefits are broken
[08:00] The PEO solution & how it simplifies independent work
[12:15] The explosion of freelance work since 2020
[16:00] Common mistakes solopreneurs make when transitioning from W2
[20:30] LLC vs. S-Corp: Choosing the right business structure
[24:45] How BeSolo removes admin & tax burdens for solopreneurs
[29:00] Retirement planning for independent workers
[34:00] Lightning Round: Mark’s favorite tools, books, and career insights

Key Action Items for Listeners:

✔️ Evaluate your business structure – Is an LLC or S-Corp better for your situation?
✔️ Plan for tax obligations – Don’t get blindsided by quarterly estimated taxes.
✔️ Explore healthcare options – Don’t assume you have to rely on a spouse’s benefits.
✔️ Automate your business operations – Use the right tools to streamline admin work.
✔️ Think long-term – Start a Solo 401k or other retirement plan to future-proof your income.

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In this episode of The Wholly Fractional Podcast, hosts Andrew Graft and Todd Hines sit down with Sal Imami, a seasoned Fractional Chief Revenue Officer, to discuss his journey from corporate tech leadership to helping startups scale beyond founder-led growth.

Sal shares candid insights into navigating corporate politics, building predictable revenue engines, networking effectively, and managing multiple clients in the fast-paced world of fractional leadership. He also reveals the challenges of going solo, the importance of integrity in sales, and why believing in yourself is the key to success.

Whether you're an aspiring fractional executive or a startup founder looking to grow, this conversation is packed with valuable lessons you won’t want to miss!

Key Takeaways:

1. The Role of Fractional Leaders – Fractional executives don’t just create strategy; they execute it, bridging the gap between consulting and full-time leadership.
2. Escaping Corporate Politics – Sal transitioned from a corporate career to fractional work to avoid bureaucracy, embrace innovation, and build his own business.
3. The Challenge of Founder-Led Growth – Startups often struggle with inconsistent revenue when the founder is the primary salesperson. Sal specializes in shifting companies to scalable, predictable revenue models.
4. Networking and Integrity Matter – A strong network and a reputation for integrity are key to building a sustainable fractional career.
5. Long-Term Success Takes Patience – Sal spent two years earning $0 while networking and building credibility before his fractional business took off.
6. The Power of Giving Without Expectation – Sal’s belief in giving advice and mentorship freely has led to long-term business success.
7. Managing Multiple Clients – Staying organized with note-taking tools, calendar management, and AI-powered productivity tools is essential for fractional professionals.
8. The Reality of Work-Life Balance – While fractional work provides autonomy, it often demands more hours than traditional corporate roles.
9. Overcoming Doubt and Imposter Syndrome – Belief in oneself is crucial; many fractional professionals struggle with doubt but must push through to succeed.
10. Advice for Aspiring Fractional Executives – If you’re considering going fractional, do it sooner rather than later and commit fully to the journey.

Welcome to the Wholly Fractional Podcast!

Fractional work is changing the game, and the Wholly Fractional Podcast is here to guide you through this exciting new frontier.

Join co-hosts Andrew Graft and Todd Hines as they dive into their vision for the show and what they aim to bring to the fractional community. 

Whether you’re a seasoned fractional pro, just starting your journey, or curious about what it all means, this podcast delivers real stories, expert advice, and unfiltered truths about thriving in a fractional world.

With an authentic, relaxed, and fun tone that refuses to take itself too seriously, Wholly Fractional is your go-to resource for navigating the future of work.

Your fractional future starts here, and it starts now!