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Pete Hayes
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Recent Posts
AI Search is Here – And it’s Reshaping the Buyer Journey
Part 1 of our four-part series exploring how AI search is transforming visibility, SEO, and digital strategy - and what CEOs need to do now to stay competitive.
| Executive Takeaways |
| Declining web traffic isn’t random - it’s a symptom of changing search behavior. AI search is already impacting over 25% of user journeys - and growing fast If you’re not being cited, you’re missing opportunities-period. |
The Midmarket CEO’s Guide to Hiring a Fractional Executive
Mon, Aug 25, 2025 — Different Kind of Hiring In a business climate where agility is currency, fractional executives have moved from a niche solution to a strategic growth lever. For midmarket companies—large enough to require senior leadership, yet lean enough to feel every overhead dollar—fractional executives offer an appealing mix of expertise, flexibility, and speed.
Go Time? Or Just Another Head Fake? How Mid-Market CEOs Should Move Forward Now
Wed, Jun 25, 2025 — Six months ago, we diagnosed a condition gripping mid-market companies across the country: Waitflation. Leaders were holding back—not because of financial hardship, but because of economic ambiguity. Interest rates were high, forecasts were fuzzy, and confidence was low. The result? A national game of “wait and see.” Now, as we enter a volatile summer, it’s time to ask: Is it go time?
Waitflation: The Hidden Cost of Economic Paralysis
Fri, Apr 11, 2025 — The New Economic Fog We’re not in a recession. Not in a boom. Inflation isn’t gone, but it’s no longer spiking. And yet, everywhere you look—executives are hesitating. The markets are twitchy, customers are cautious, and leadership teams are frozen in Waitflation: the tense, uncertain space between reaction and resolution.
Combining Passion and Expertise for Effective Nonprofit Leadership
Wed, Dec 4, 2024 — In this episode of CEO Growth Talks, Pete Hayes interviews Michael Waxman-Lenz, CEO of the American Technion Society, who reflects on his shift from corporate to nonprofit leadership. He stresses the need to modernize philanthropic approaches and shares valuable insights on managing crises, adapting to generational shifts, and integrating corporate metrics with mission-focused, trust-building practices. He also underscores the significance of mission-driven initiatives, effective management, and fostering open communication as vital for success across various sectors in today's changing landscape. See full video here.
Financial Resilience: ITR Economics’ 15-Year Forecast to Help You Through the 2030s
Thu, Nov 14, 2024 — The below article from ITR Economics, a valuable and trusted resource for Chief Outsiders, details steps you can take to prepare for the economic depression coming in the 2030s. If you aren't confident that your business can weather the downturn, it may be a good time to reach out to one of our Fractional Chief Marketing Officers and Chief Sales Officers. They can provide the agile, adaptable support required to quickly pivot marketing and sales strategies as economic conditions evolve.
Why Hiring a Fractional CMO or CSO Isn’t Always the Right Solution
Wed, Sep 18, 2024 — Over the past several years there’s been an explosion of companies turning to fractional Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs) and Chief Sales Officers (CSOs). Why? For their expertise and flexibility. They offer high-impact strategic guidance and operational support without the long-term commitment of a full-time hire. But while fractional executives are incredibly valuable, they might not always be the best fit for every organization at every point in time. In this article, I’ll dive into why a fractional CMO or CSO might not always be the right solution and how it compares to the value of a permanent executive.
Beyond Leadership: Exploring Business Performance and Culture
Tue, Sep 17, 2024 — In the latest CEO Growth Talks episode, Pete Hayes interviews Kyle Buckett, CSDO and Co-Founder of Stealth Energy Startup, Co-Founder of Culture Force, and author of “Leadership is Overrated.” Kyle advocates for self-led teams and a culture of collaboration, drawing on his Navy SEAL experience. He emphasizes that empowering teams and improving culture are crucial for long-term success and employee satisfaction. See full video here.
Building Business Resilience: Lessons in Leadership, Financial Savvy, and Strategic Growth
Tue, Sep 3, 2024 — In the latest CEO Growth Talks episode, Pete Hayes interviews Cameron Brown, Co-Owner of Einstein Moving Company. Cameron talks about their journey in scaling Einstein Moving Co., highlighting key lessons learned along the way. He discusses starting in different industries and overcoming growth challenges and stresses the importance of clear communication, financial savvy, and constant innovation for maintaining success during fast business growth. See full video here.
Defining the Future of C-Level Fractional Support
Thu, Aug 1, 2024 — In the latest CEO Growth Talks episode, Pete Hayes interviews Ellen Wood, CEO, founder, and president of VCFO. Ellen reflects on her 28-year journey pioneering the virtual CFO concept. She discusses the company's growth, overcoming initial skepticism about the fractional model and its acceptance as an industry standard. See full video here.