Guest:
Jennifer Clark
Fractional CXO | Startup & Growth Strategist
LinkedIn
Host:
Melissa Aarskaug
Executive Connect | Website
YouTube: @ExecutiveConnect
Episode Overview:
In this episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, Melissa Aarskaug sits down with Jennifer Clark, a seasoned fractional CXO with over 25 years of cross-industry experience. Together, they explore the growing influence of fractional leadership in today’s business world—and why more companies are turning to flexible models for top-tier executive support. Jennifer breaks down the difference between fractional and full-time roles, shares how these models benefit both companies and executives, and explains what it really takes to make the shift from corporate to fractional.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Meet Jennifer Clark and her fractional journey
03:20 – What is a fractional CXO anyway?
07:00 – The pandemic’s role in reshaping leadership structures
10:45 – Why companies are embracing part-time executive expertise
14:00 – The pitfalls: internal resistance and communication gaps
18:30 – How to make fractional roles work: clarity is everything
23:50 – Future trends: the rise of flexible leadership
27:00 – Jennifer’s career pivot and lessons learned along the way
Connect With Us:
Podcast Website: https://www.executiveconnectpodcast.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ExecutiveConnect
Social:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-aarskaug/
Podcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-executive-connect/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@melissa_aarskaug
X: https://x.com/melissaaarskaug
