How a Fractional Executive Can Take Your Business to the Next Level

Katie Murphy

Fractional executives fill an executive position in a part-time or short-term capacity. They are typically former executives or consultants and can be a great option for small businesses and startups.

I have been a fractional executive for the past five years. My fractional journey actually started with a full-time job when I oversaw a U.S. expansion project for a Scottish craft beer company called BrewDog. I set up all of their operations in North America. It was a lot of beer and a lot of fun — until I worked myself out of the job.

How to Kick Off Any Strategic Initiative With Success

Katie Murphy
Entrepreneurship, Business Growth, Small Business

In my 14 years leading strategic initiatives of all kinds, I see leaders make the same mistake time and time again. There is little-to-no intention during kick off. This typically results in missed milestones, goals, and team dysfunction. Have you already kicked the can on any of the strategic initiatives you had teed up for this year? Chances are you have — and you’re not alone.

How to Grow Your Business With Intention

Katie Murphy
Entrepreneurship, Small Business, Business Growth

So many entrepreneurs find themselves reacting to the growth of their businesses — so much so that some even regret growing in the first place. I am passionate about helping entrepreneurs grow with intention through business-building frameworks to avoid that unwanted future.

What do I mean by business building? It’s a process of designing a sustainable operating model at each stage of growth, anticipating required upgrades to systems, processes and technology before the growth occurs.

Three Reasons Your Growth is Slipping

Katie Murphy
Small Business, Entrepreneurship, Business Growth

Let’s first assume that you have a product or service that solves a problem, delights your customers and you know how to market it. I could write three different articles on those issues alone and there are others out there that would do a better job of it.

The issues I’m writing about today are just as important, but there is a lack of relevant information about them and how they are interrelated. For 14 years, I have been setting up and leveling up operations for startups to the Fortune 50. The top three reasons I see companies missing their growth targets are:

Your 'Growing Pains' Might Be Warning Signs. Here's How to Turn Them Around.

Katie Murphy
Business Growth, Small Business, Entrepreneurship

Business growth can happen suddenly and will put your infrastructure, people and sanity to the test. It’s common to refer to the undesired consequences of business growth as "growing pains." Sometimes they are temporary, but sometimes they are warning signs.

My company, Expansion Group, has specialized in addressing such growing pains over the past five years. Here is a quick questionnaire to help you determine if your growing pains are worth exploring further:

How to Pull Off the Most Successful Reorganization Possible

Katie Murphy
Business Growth, Entrepreneurship, Small Business

"Reorganization" can be a word that inspires dread — spreading fear and anxiety throughout your workforce — but it doesn't have to be that way. Reorganization is a natural part of a company's lifecycle and shows a commitment to improvement. Unfortunately, most mid-level to senior members on your team have likely been through a negative reorganization. It's time to reverse the stigma and help our teams approach reorganization with excitement.