# The Secret to Smarter Hiring: Tapping Fractional Executives for the Right Expertise, Right When You Need It

By suzy · Published 2025-10-10 · Updated 2026-05-19 · Engineering & Construction on MarketScale
Canonical: https://www.marketscale.com/industries/engineering-and-construction/the-secret-to-smarter-hiring-tapping-fractional-executives-for-the-right-expertise-right-when-you-need-it
Creator hub: Digital Artisans

> The rise of the “fractional” executive—leaders who lend their expertise to multiple organizations on a part-time or project basis—marks a major shift in how top talent engages with growing companies. As businesses seek agility without sacrificing expertise, fractional roles are becoming a powerful alternative to full-time hires. In fact, a report found that temporary business…

## Key points

- Fractional executives provide on-demand senior expertise, allowing companies to access top talent without full-time overhead.
- The model is gaining traction in engineering and construction, where project-based work aligns naturally with fractional engagement.
- Businesses can scale leadership capacity up or down based on need, improving agility and cost efficiency.

Block Field

The rise of the “fractional” executive—leaders who lend their expertise to multiple organizations on a part-time or project basis—marks a major shift in how top talent engages with growing companies. As businesses seek agility without sacrificing expertise, fractional roles are becoming a powerful alternative to full-time hires. In fact, a report found that temporary business management positions, such as fractional executive roles, have surged an astonishing [57% since 2020](https://www.forbes.com/sites/dianehamilton/2025/02/23/what-is-fractional-leadership-and-how-does-it-impact-your-current-job/)—a clear signal that the future of leadership is being rewritten.

But what does it actually mean to build a *fractional career*? How do professionals navigate the freedom and uncertainty that come with redefining traditional corporate paths?

In this episode of [*Crafted Journeys*](https://marketscale.com/shows/digital-artisans/), brought to you by [Digital Artisans](https://www.digitalartisans.biz/), host [Suzy DeLine](https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzydeline/) sits down with [Katie Walter](https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-walter/), CEO of the [Fractional Conference](https://fractionalconference.com/) and a seasoned Fractional Chief Marketing Officer based in St. Paul, Minnesota. Together, they explore Katie’s remarkable transition from corporate marketing at Thomson Reuters to independent leadership, the rise of the fractional economy, and what it means to “find your people” in a career built on flexibility and connection.

**Highlights from the conversation…**

**Redefining career success:** Katie reflects on leaving a 16-year corporate career to pursue more autonomy and balance through fractional leadership.

**The power of experience sharing:** She discusses how small businesses benefit from seasoned executives who bring structure, strategy, and perspective—without the full-time price tag.

**Building community:** As founder of the Fractional Conference, Katie explains how the event creates belonging for professionals who often work solo, helping them connect and grow together.

Katie Walter is a seasoned fractional Chief Marketing Officer and leadership coach who specializes in helping B2B technology and professional services companies build trust-first marketing strategies that connect directly to revenue growth. With over two decades of experience—including 16 years at Thomson Reuters leading communications, brand strategy, and marketing—she’s known for translating business goals into high-performing marketing programs and developing strong, capable teams. As CEO of the Fractional Conference and founder of Trellis LLC, Katie combines her strategic marketing expertise with executive coaching to empower leaders, strengthen brands, and shape the evolving future of fractional work.

*Article written by MarketScale.*

Tags: Crafted Journeys podcast, Digital Artisans, flexible careers, Fractional Conference, fractional leadership, Katie Walter, modern leadership, Suzy DeLine

---
Source: MarketScale, https://www.marketscale.com/industries/engineering-and-construction/the-secret-to-smarter-hiring-tapping-fractional-executives-for-the-right-expertise-right-when-you-need-it. Published for AI indexing and citation; cite the canonical URL. Site guide for agents: https://www.marketscale.com/llms.txt