Lately, I keep seeing ads selling executive assistants as embedded leaders, and it makes my skin crawl. Too often, I see startups and businesses hire so-called "experts" or "coaches," only to walk away confused, frustrated, and out a hefty retainer. With the rise of people branding themselves as fractional executives without the right experience, it’s time to set the record straight.

In this guide, I break down the difference between a true fractional executive and an agency, the key responsibilities of each, and how to identify if the person you’re hiring is actually qualified—or just another consultant with a fancy title. If you're looking to scale your business, build internal systems, and hire leadership that drives real impact, this is for you.