Growth Insights for CEOs

Why MedTech’s Brilliant Innovators Must Also Become Commercial Architects
| Great technology is necessary. It is not sufficient. The graveyard of MedTech is lined with brilliant innovations that never found their market — not because of scientific failure, but commercial invisibility. |
I just returned from LSI USA ‘26 in Dana Point — the most impressive gathering of emerging MedTech talent I’ve witnessed in decades. The event convened 2,000 executives, 394 presenting startups, and over 500 active investors and strategics. The scientific ambition in that room was extraordinary.
Recent Posts

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.

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.
Stay up-to-date with the latest from Chief Outsiders

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.

Hiring at the Right Level: Fractional or Full Time?
Wed, Jul 10, 2024 — Finding the right leadership talent isn't just about filling a title; it's about matching skills and responsibilities to an enterprise's needs. The importance of strategic hiring decisions cannot be minimized. However, putting the right person in the correct position is critical, and sometimes, that may mean something other than a permanent, direct hire.

What to Do When Your Sales Team Isn’t Delivering – Advice for CEOs
Tue, Jun 11, 2024 — It’s one of the most challenging questions you’ll ever have to ask as a business leader – “why isn’t my sales team delivering the results we need?” Putting a microscope on your team sometimes yields some unpleasant truths, but this exercise is critical when revenue numbers are lacking and the sales pipeline is drying up. Changes need to be made. But before addressing the problem, you need to identify the root causes.

Boost Your Sales with Effective Cross-Sell and Upsell Strategies
Mon, Mar 18, 2024 — In today's highly competitive market, businesses must have a cross-sell and upsell strategy to boost sales and revenue. By offering customers additional or upgraded products or services that complement their original purchase—and presenting them at the right time during the buying process—businesses can take advantage of customer interest and increase the average transaction value.

Navigating Growth: The Role of Fractional Sales Leaders in Transformative Strategies
Thu, Feb 1, 2024 — Today’s trend of hiring fractional executives is gaining momentum among growth-oriented businesses aiming to enhance their management expertise and bandwidth cost-effectively. In this article, I will delve into the dynamic world of fractional sales leaders, exploring their pivotal role in driving revenue growth, providing specialized expertise, and offering flexibility to scale sales leadership based on organizational needs. I will reveal how these leaders contribute to strategic focus, mitigate hiring risks, and deliver quick results, drawing insights from real-world scenarios.

Full-time or Fractional? Focusing on the Next Generation of Your Company’s Leadership
Tue, Jan 23, 2024 — Nothing quickens the pulse or conjures beads of sweat on the brow of a mild-mannered CEO than the departure of a key member of the executive leadership team. Like it or not, the door to your company’s success swings in both directions, and often, you may find yourself on the drafty side, wondering how you’re going to replace that experience, counsel, and leadership.