Straight answers.
What happens in the free working session?
A real conversation about a live issue, not a presentation. You bring the situation; I bring questions and an outside view. You leave with a clearer picture of the options and get a feel for how I work. From there, we can mutually decide if there is a fit and what the priorities are. If I am not the right person, I will tell you upfront and try to recommend another solution.
Why is the Senior Advisor/Sparring Partner your preferred starting point for clients?
Simply put, being well-prepared is the best, most cost-effective way to push through an M&A transaction or strategic agenda. The better I understand your business and goals, the more clarity we can achieve upfront and the smoother things will run in the execution phase. A move to a Fractional or Project role would be a natural evolution. You don’t always have the luxury to wait, so don’t worry: just schedule a free working session and we will figure it out together.
How do you charge?
A monthly retainer for the Senior Advisor relationship, a monthly/day rate for fractional work, or a defined scope for projects, all mutually agreed before we start and tailored to your specific situation. Keep in mind, in the majority of cases, I am not an employee, which means you do not have employment costs, benefits, or payroll taxes.
How quickly can you start?
For time-sensitive situations, we can have the first call within days. I keep a limited number of clients to allow me to jump in quickly, typically within a couple of weeks. If I can’t give a situation the attention it needs, I will tell you and try to point you to someone who can.
Is this a Fractional CFO or Fractional COO?
It depends on how you define it. Yes, if you are looking for a strategic sparring partner. No, if you want someone to do bookkeeping, monthly close, or site management. I have done those things. I understand those things. I have coordinated and led teams who do those things. My role is to provide senior support to the owner, which can include guiding or supporting your functional leaders, such as accounting or operations.
How is this different than my other advisors like accountants, lawyers, bankers or consultants?
I do not replace any of these advisors and often work alongside them. My commitment is to understand your perspective and ensure that your advisors focus on the right things in a cost-effective manner. In many situations, I will coordinate and communicate with them, so you can focus on the day-to-day without slowing down the strategic or M&A work.
How will you work with my internal team, executives, or board?
I do not replace your team. Each mandate is different; some require working with your team and some don’t. If involvement with your team is needed, I work in a complementary fashion, whether that means cross-functional coordination, providing support or direction, or leading training or strategy sessions. My entire goal is to ensure your business and your team are ready for the next steps.
Do you work globally and with cross-border clients?
I am based in Greater London, but support clients worldwide. Travel is possible for active clients. My entire career has been international with deep experience in the US, UK, and German-speaking markets. I have executed operations projects and M&A transactions in Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia. I worked for a Japanese bank, I did my MBA in France, and maintain a professional network in many regions. So, whether your business is already international or its future might be, I’ve got you covered.
Are you able to advise boards, private equity, and non-owner CEOs?
I focus on owner/founders and owner/executives because they are most often the people who don’t already have the breadth of experience or capacity in their business. I also love helping owners because I have been in their shoes. Of course, I can bring the same value to a board, non-owner CEO, or private equity firm if needed.
Do you also work with sectors outside of industrial and manufacturing?
In industrial and capital-intensive sectors, I am able to get up to speed quickly and anticipate issues given my extensive background in these industries. That said, my functional expertise, cross-cultural experience, and ability to get very different people aligned can help companies in any sector. I’m happy to have a chat about your specific situation to figure out if I am the right person to help.
