The Fractional C-Suite Retreat
 

The Fractional C-Suite Retreat

https://feed.podbean.com/fractionalcsuiteretreat/feed.xml

Joseph Frost, Co-Founder of yorCMO, hosts this exclusive retreat for executives to unwind and hear from their peers about new opportunities and innovations in the C-Suite.

Episodes

Navigating Business Growth Through Acquisitions– Alex Alexandrov with host Dave Blanchard - Fractional C-Suite Retreat - Episode #73

Friday Jun 06, 2025

Friday Jun 06, 2025

In this episode of the C-suite retreat, host Dave Blanchard speaks with Alex Alexandrov, CEO of ICC Group, about the company's rapid growth through acquisitions, the impact they have on clients, and the challenges faced in the engineering services sector. Alex shares his personal journey from Russia to becoming a CEO, emphasizing the importance of values, careful decision-making, and the need for engineers to adopt a business mindset. The conversation highlights the significance of client relationships and the drive for continuous improvement in business practices.

Takeaways

  • Growing a business can be challenging but manageable.
  • Acquisitions can significantly enhance company growth.
  • Client impact is measured by tangible cost savings.
  • Values and integrity are crucial in business operations.
  • Engineers must develop business acumen to succeed.
  • Choosing opportunities wisely is essential for growth.
  • The regulatory environment can impact business decisions.
  • Living your values is key to instilling them in your team.
  • The American dream is achievable with hard work.
  • Building strong client relationships leads to repeat business.

 

Quote of the show:

"Validation is key before investing."

Links

LinkedIn:

Dave Blanchard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cognesis


Website:

Alex Alexandrov: https://www.icc-inc.net/

Dave Blanchard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cognesis/

Spotify https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/fractional-pros-canada

 

Ways to Tune In

 

Fractional C-Suite Retreat is produced by Frost Media Group

Learn more at https://frostmediagroup.com 

Read more

AI's Role in Modern Marketing Strategies– Joshua Strawczynski with host Joseph Frost - Fractional C-Suite Retreat - Episode #72

Thursday May 22, 2025

Thursday May 22, 2025

In this episode of the Fractional C-suite Retreat, host Joseph Frost engages with marketing expert Joshua Strowsinski to explore the evolving landscape of marketing, particularly in the context of AI and customer engagement. They discuss the critical importance of understanding customer attention spans, the role of effective copywriting, and the psychological factors influencing B2B decision-making. Joshua shares insights on A/B testing, the necessity of trust in marketing, and the emerging trends in generative engine optimization. The conversation emphasizes the need for businesses to adapt their strategies to remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment.

Takeaways

  • C-level leaders must focus on understanding customer needs.
  • Attention spans have decreased significantly, impacting marketing strategies.
  • AI is changing the marketing landscape but is only part of the equation.
  • Effective copywriting is essential for capturing attention quickly.
  • A/B testing can demonstrate the effectiveness of marketing strategies without upfront costs.
  • B2B decisions are heavily influenced by the removal of fear and anxiety.
  • Trust is a critical factor in customer decision-making.
  • Industry expertise is often perceived as important, but certainty is what clients truly seek.
  • Auditing Google Ads can reveal significant waste and improve ROI.
  • Generative engine optimization is an emerging field that marketers must pay attention to.

 

Quote of the show:

"You have 2.6 seconds to capture someone's interest."

 

Links

LinkedIn:

Joshua Strawczynski: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshstrawczynski

Joseph Frost: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephfrost

Spotify https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/fractional-pros-canada

 

Ways to Tune In

 

Fractional C-Suite Retreat is produced by Frost Media Group

Learn more at https://frostmediagroup.com 

Read more

Navigating the Growth Cycle: Marketing Insights– Chad Person with host Dave Blanchard - Fractional C-Suite Retreat - Episode #71

Thursday May 08, 2025

Thursday May 08, 2025

In this episode, Dave Blanchard and Chad Person discuss the evolution of marketing as businesses grow, particularly in the context of professional services. They explore the different phases of business growth, from discovery to profitability, and emphasize the importance of strategic planning and understanding market needs. Chad shares insights on how marketing strategies should adapt at each stage, the significance of validation, and the need for a shift from an inside-out to an outside-in approach. The conversation also highlights the role of marketing assistance for startups and the importance of unifying marketing and sales efforts to drive growth. In this conversation, Chad and Dave discuss the evolution of marketing in businesses, particularly in professional services. They explore the importance of building credibility, operationalizing marketing for growth, scaling beyond local markets, preparing for exit and valuation, and the need for a strategic approach to marketing. Chad emphasizes the significance of systems, leadership, and diversification in achieving sustainable growth and preparing for a successful exit.

 

Takeaways

  • Marketing evolves as a business grows.
  • Professional services firms often struggle with marketing maturity.
  • The planning process is critical for startups.
  • Inside-out vs. outside-in approaches to strategy.
  • Strategy should precede planning in marketing.
  • Validation of ideas is crucial before investing.
  • Marketing needs to capture leads beyond word of mouth.
  • Thought leadership is essential for content strategy.
  • Referral relationships can significantly boost growth.
  • Attracting traffic is vital for scaling businesses. Building credibility is essential for executing plans.
  • Shifting from tactical to strategic marketing is crucial.
  • Content should drive trust and revenue.
  • Operationalizing marketing allows owners to focus on growth.
  • A marketing leader is necessary for sustainable growth.
  • Diversification helps expand wallet share among clients.
  • Understanding buyer needs is key for service expansion.
  • Investing in people and processes enhances business value.
  • Branding should not solely rely on the founder.
  • An outside-in approach improves marketing strategy.

 Quote of the show:

"Validation is key before investing."

 

Links

LinkedIn:

Chad Person: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-personcmo

Dave Blanchard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cognesis


Website:

Chad Person https://yorcmo.com/chad-person/   

Dave Blanchard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cognesis/

Spotify https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/fractional-pros-canada

 

Ways to Tune In

 

Fractional C-Suite Retreat is produced by Frost Media Group

Learn more at https://frostmediagroup.com 

Read more

From Startup to Profitability: Marketing Insights– Ken Acer with host Dave Blanchard - Fractional C-Suite Retreat - Episode #70

Thursday Apr 24, 2025

Thursday Apr 24, 2025

In this episode, Dave Blanchard and Ken Acer discuss the evolution of marketing as businesses progress through various stages of their life cycle. They explore the importance of understanding the business life cycle, from discovery to startup, achieving profitability, sustainability, scalability, and preparing for exit. Ken shares insights from his extensive experience in marketing, emphasizing the need for strategic marketing involvement at every stage, the relationship between marketing and sales, and the critical role of customer discovery and product management.

Takeaways

  • Marketing evolves as a business grows through its life cycle.
  • Understanding the business life cycle is crucial for effective marketing.
  • The CEO often plays the role of chief salesperson in early stages.
  • Marketing must focus on customer discovery and defining company goals.
  • Achieving profitability requires strategic marketing and sales alignment.
  • Sustainability involves managing product life cycles and customer needs.
  • Scalability requires careful planning and market analysis.
  • International expansion presents unique marketing challenges.
  • Consistent processes and systems are vital for a successful exit.
  • The relationship between marketing and sales is key to overall success.

 Quote of the show:

"Networking is key to building sales pipelines."

 

Links

LinkedIn:

Ken Acer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenacer/

Dave Blanchard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cognesis


Website:

Ken Acer: https://yorcmo.com/ken-acer/

Dave Blanchard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cognesis/

Spotify https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/fractional-pros-canada

 

Ways to Tune In

 

Fractional C-Suite Retreat is produced by Frost Media Group

Learn more at https://frostmediagroup.com 

Read more

Key Metrics for Business Success in 2025- Panel Cast - Raffi Yardemian, Aditi Karandikar, Dave Blanchard and Jay Gordman - Fractional C-Suite Retreat - Episode #69

Thursday Mar 27, 2025

Thursday Mar 27, 2025

Key Metrics for Business Success in 2025- Panel cast - Fractional C-Suite Retreat - Episode #69

This conversation explores the evolving relationship between sales and marketing, emphasizing the importance of metrics in driving business success. The panel discusses key marketing metrics, customer acquisition costs, and the significance of lifetime value in shaping sales strategies. They highlight the challenges businesses face in measuring marketing effectiveness and the need for a strategic approach to metrics to foster growth. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the intricate relationship between marketing and sales, emphasizing the need for alignment and collaboration to maximize efficiency and revenue generation. They explore strategies for client acquisition, the evolving role of marketing in supporting sales efforts, and the importance of performance metrics in evaluating success. The discussion highlights the challenges faced by business leaders in navigating these dynamics and the necessity of a unified approach to drive growth.

 

Takeaways

  • Sales and marketing dynamics have evolved significantly over the last decade.
  • Marketing now plays a larger role in the sales process, influencing customer decisions early on.
  • Key metrics include return on marketing investment and customer acquisition costs.
  • Understanding lifetime value is essential for effective sales strategies.
  • Sales and marketing must work together to optimize customer acquisition costs.
  • Businesses often struggle to measure marketing effectiveness, hindering growth.
  • Metrics should be established before spending on marketing initiatives.
  • Customer acquisition costs vary by channel and should be analyzed accordingly.
  • The ideal customer profile is crucial for targeting and acquisition strategies.
  • Agencies need to provide clear metrics to demonstrate the effectiveness of their efforts. Using AI tools can help visualize traffic and conversion rates.
  • Understanding the full value of marketing spend is crucial.
  • Client acquisition strategies should focus on low-cost entry points.
  • Sales and marketing alignment is essential for success.
  • Marketing's role has expanded to support both hunting and farming.
  • Improving conversion rates at various funnel stages can significantly impact revenue.
  • Performance-based compensation for marketing can enhance collaboration.
  • Revenue generation should be the primary metric for both sales and marketing.
  • A unified approach between sales and marketing drives better results.
  • Identifying and addressing blind spots in business operations is key.

 

Quote of the show:

"If we're overspending on things upfront and not getting acquisition, we may be filling the funnel, but if they don't move through, the cost is out of whack."

 

Links - 

LinkedIn

Raffi Yardemian -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/raffi-yardemian-csl-0725206

Aditi Karandikar -  http://linkedin.com/in/aditikarandikar

Dave Blanchard – https://www.linkedin.com/in/cognesis

Jay Gordman - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaygordman

Company website:

 

Ways to Tune In

 

Fractional C-Suite Retreat is produced by Frost Media Group

Learn more at https://frostmediagroup.com 

Read more

Navigating Business Uncertainty with Fractional Leadership- John Lee- Fractional C-Suite Retreat - Episode #68

Thursday Mar 27, 2025

Thursday Mar 27, 2025

In this conversation, Joseph Frost and John discuss the challenges and opportunities in the fractional leadership space, particularly focusing on decision-making in uncertain times, the evolution of fractional roles, and the importance of resilience and networking for success. They explore how fractional leaders can support small businesses in navigating complexities and scaling effectively, while also addressing the unique characteristics that contribute to success in this model. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the evolving landscape of sales and marketing, emphasizing the importance of relationships in B2B sales, the transformative impact of AI on marketing jobs, and the critical role of hiring strategies in building effective sales teams. They discuss key marketing metrics such as customer lifetime value and churn, and the balance between inbound and outbound leads. The conversation highlights the need for strategic collaboration between sales and marketing to drive growth and profitability.

 

Takeaways:

  • Taking a breath can be more beneficial than rushing decisions.
  • Decisions can be changed as more information becomes available.
  • Fractional leaders provide valuable support to small businesses.
  • Marketing and sales must be closely integrated for success.
  • The fractional model has evolved significantly over the past decade.
  • Resilience is a key trait for success in fractional roles.
  • Building a strong network is essential for fractional professionals.
  • Fractional work can be tailored to fit lifestyle choices.
  • Successful fractional leaders understand the importance of marketing themselves. Sales will always be a relationship, especially in B2B.
  • AI is rapidly changing the landscape of sales and marketing.
  • Hiring the right people is crucial for sales success.
  • Understanding customer lifetime value is essential for strategic decisions.
  • Churn rate significantly impacts client lifetime value.
  • Balancing inbound and outbound leads is key for growth.
  • AI can enhance efficiency in targeting customers.
  • Sales teams need to adapt to the changing market dynamics.
  • Effective communication between sales and marketing drives success.
  • Fractional leaders can provide unbiased insights for growth.

 Quote of the show:

"Don't bet my farm on a decision."- John lee

 

Links

Ways to Tune In

 

Fractional C-Suite Retreat is produced by Frost Media Group

Learn more at https://frostmediagroup.com 

Read more

Offboarding: A Strategic Approach to Delegation - Redefining C-Suite Leadership- Michele Hecken- Fractional C-Suite Retreat - Episode #67

Thursday Mar 06, 2025

Thursday Mar 06, 2025

In this episode of the Fractional C-suite Retreat, Joseph Frost and Michelle Hecken discuss the evolving landscape of workforce engagement and the importance of clarity and agency in leadership. They explore the concept of offboarding as a strategic approach to delegation, emphasizing the need for leaders to define responsibilities clearly and empower their teams. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding generational shifts in work expectations and the necessity of creating a culture that fosters ownership and accountability. Michelle shares insights on how to effectively offboard tasks and responsibilities to enhance productivity and business growth. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the importance of establishing effective KPIs for executive assistants, emphasizing the need for these metrics to be within the control of the assistants. They discuss the role of executive assistants in managing time and responsibilities, the challenges of offboarding processes, and the frameworks that can facilitate effective offboarding. The conversation also highlights the value of fractional leadership and introduces the concept of 'Return on Leadership,' which focuses on the opportunity costs associated with leadership roles. Ultimately, the discussion centers on how proper offboarding can create agency within organizations, leading to improved productivity and satisfaction.

Takeaways

  • Growing a business requires understanding workforce shifts.
  • Leaders must engage employees with clarity and purpose.
  • Agency in the workplace means giving ownership to employees.
  • Offboarding is a strategic approach to delegation.
  • Clarity about responsibilities is essential for effective offboarding.
  • Self-running teams are crucial for business success.
  • The interview process should clarify roles and expectations.
  • Effective offboarding can free up significant time for leaders.
  • Leaders need to measure outcomes with meaningful KPIs. Clear KPIs bring agency and accountability to the agency.
  • KPIs should be within the control of the individual.
  • Fractional leadership can provide significant value to organizations.
  • Return on Leadership emphasizes opportunity costs.
  • Effective offboarding creates agency within teams.

Quote of the show:

"Return on leadership is about opportunity costs." - Michele Hecken

 

Links

Company website:

Ways to Tune In

Fractional C-Suite Retreat is produced by Frost Media Group

Learn more at https://frostmediagroup.com 

Read more

Navigating C-Suite Leadership in 2025 - Swanie Tolentino and Sean Foote - Panel cast - Fractional C-Suite Retreat - Episode #66

Thursday Feb 13, 2025

Thursday Feb 13, 2025

In this panel discussion, C-suite leaders Swanie Tolentino and Sean Foote share insights on the critical themes for 2025, focusing on mindful growth, smart prioritization, and the importance of data-driven decision-making. They emphasize the need for strategic marketing leadership to navigate challenges and drive organizational success, highlighting the balance between immediate results and long-term goals. In this conversation, Swanie Tolentino and Sean discuss the importance of integrating technology and methodology to create value in organizations. They emphasize the shift towards month-to-month engagements in fractional CMO roles, highlighting the flexibility and accountability this model offers. The discussion also delves into the significance of understanding customers deeply, using both qualitative and quantitative data to inform marketing strategies. Finally, they explore the characteristics of ideal customers and the aspirations for future growth in the fractional CMO space.

Takeaways:

  • C-suite leaders must focus on mindful growth in 2025.
  • Smart prioritization is essential due to limited resources.
  • Data-driven decision-making is crucial for effective strategies.
  • Strategic marketing leadership aligns teams and resources for growth.
  • Understanding customer motivation is key to effective marketing.
  • Mindful expansion requires a balance of goals and capabilities.
  • A strategic leader asks hard questions to guide the business.
  • Transforming marketing approaches can lead to better outcomes.
  • Organizations need to move from a scattershot to a focused approach.

 Quote of the show:

"Companies don’t lack data; they lack focus. The real value of leadership is guiding an organization through the noise and aligning efforts where they matter most."

 

Links

Twitter: @seanfoote 

Company website: https://yorcmo.com/sean-foote/ 

 

Ways to Tune In

 

Fractional C-Suite Retreat is produced by Frost Media Group

Learn more at https://frostmediagroup.com 

Read more

From Entrepreneur to Visionary: Redefining C-Suite Leadership- Tom Daly - Fractional C-Suite Retreat - Episode #65

Thursday Dec 19, 2024

Thursday Dec 19, 2024

In this conversation, Joseph Frost interviews Tom Daly, a Fractional Chief Revenue Officer, about the evolving role of C-suite leaders and the importance of transitioning from an entrepreneurial mindset to a visionary leadership style. They discuss the challenges of offboarding responsibilities, the value of fractional leadership, and how to select the right fractional leader for an organization. Tom shares personal insights from his journey and emphasizes the need for authenticity and trust in leadership roles.

Takeaways:

  • C-suite leaders must transition from doing to leading.
  • The visionary role is crucial for organizational growth.
  • Offboarding responsibilities is as challenging as onboarding.
  • Fractional leaders should aim to work themselves out of a job.
  • Authenticity is essential in building trust with clients.
  • C-suite leaders often wear too many hats.
  • Selecting a fractional leader requires strategic preparation.
  • Fractional leadership offers flexibility and expertise.
  • Building trust is key to effective offboarding.

Quote of the show:

To get from that entrepreneurial spirit of doing to the visionary where you're showing the way, that's a critical movement that all entrepreneurs need to do. – Tom Daly

 

Links

 

Ways to Tune In

 

Fractional C-Suite Retreat is produced by Frost Media Group

Learn more at https://frostmediagroup.com 

Read more

The Human Element in the Automated Age of Sales - Kristie Jones - Fractional C-Suite Retreat - Episode #64

Tuesday Jun 11, 2024

Tuesday Jun 11, 2024

In this insightful episode of the Fractional C-Suite Retreat, host Joseph Frost is joined by Kristie Jones, a seasoned consultant and upcoming author of "Selling Your Way In". They delve into the dynamic interplay between technology and human skills in the sales sector, emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human interaction and strategic personal development in achieving top sales performance.

 

Takeaways:

  • Importance of Human Skills: Despite technological advancements, human interaction remains crucial in sales.
  • Selecting the Right Sales Talent: Emphasizes the necessity of hiring top-tier sales professionals who can leverage technology without relying solely on it.
  • The Science and Art of Sales: Discusses the balance between data-driven sales approaches and essential soft skills.
  • Adapting to Buyer Changes: Acknowledges the evolving preferences and behaviors of modern buyers.
  • Impact of AI on Sales: Explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping sales strategies and efficiency.
  • Sustainable Sales Careers: Encourages sales professionals to align their roles with their personal skills and market needs for long-term success.
  • Building Personal Branding: Stresses the importance of salespeople developing their personal brand and community for career advancement.

 

Quote of the Show:

"Adaptability and continuous learning are non-negotiable in the evolving sales landscape." – Kristie Jones

 

Links

 

Ways to Tune In

 

Fractional C-Suite Retreat is produced by Frost Media Group

Learn more at https://frostmediagroup.com 

Read more
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