What is the Fractional Twinning?

The concept of "fractional twinning" is revolutionizing the traditional C-suite landscape, offering businesses flexible access to seasoned executive expertise without the commitment of full-time hires. This emerging trend involves highly experienced professionals providing targeted skills and services to senior leadership on a part-time basis, delivering top-level insights and leadership while maintaining flexibility.

The rise of fractional leadership is evident, with LinkedIn profiles mentioning this role skyrocketing from 2,000 in 2022 to 110,000 in 2024. Fractional twins are stepping into various high-level positions, including Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), Chief Marketing Officers (CMOs), Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs), and Chief Technology Officers (CTOs).

Sara Daw, Chief Executive of the CFO Centre—a firm specializing in fractional placements—has successfully positioned over 700 CFOs across 18 countries, covering expertise in 30 industries. Since 2020, her company has experienced a remarkable 150% growth in the UK and Ireland, a surge she attributes to the increasing demand for flexibility and specialized knowledge.

According to Daw, "Employed C-suite professionals must be on top of their game, all the time. Their list of role requirements is rapidly growing, and it's not feasible to have all these skills wrapped up in a single individual. Fractional twins don't need significant oversight or training up, which frees up the employed C-suite to focus where they can add most value. Also, they are not after the top job."

Fractional twins offer support ranging from a few hours a month to several days a week, depending on business needs. They often manage organizational changes or specific projects, allowing incumbent C-suite leaders to decide between bringing in similar skills to complete key initiatives—referred to as an "identical twin"—or opting for a "non-identical twin" with complementary skills to fill experience gaps and introduce new capabilities.

This career path appeals to seasoned professionals, particularly those in their fifties and sixties, seeking to transition from full-time corporate roles. While the compensation can be substantial, reflecting their senior skillsets, experienced fractional twins recommend having a financial buffer equivalent to a year's salary to cover the time required to establish oneself in this new capacity.

Chris Thomas, a portfolio CFO currently collaborating with the insurance advisory firm Partners&, emphasizes the importance of alignment with full-time leaders. He notes, "You don't want two CFOs giving divergent messages, so you need to be very aware that your role is to support the full-time leader." Thomas also highlights that while the work is rewarding, it can fluctuate, especially during the initial stages, necessitating patience and adaptability.

As the demand for fractional twins continues to grow, Daw has authored a bestselling book, "Strategy and Leadership as Service: How the Access Economy Meets the C-Suite," aimed at guiding professionals considering this career shift. However, she cautions that the role can be more demanding than many anticipate, requiring a high degree of self-management and resilience.

In summary, fractional twinning presents a viable solution for businesses seeking specialized expertise without long-term commitments, while offering experienced executives a flexible and impactful avenue to apply their skills.

The Bottom Line

The rise of fractional twins is reshaping how businesses access top-tier leadership without the constraints of full-time hires. In an era where agility and expertise are paramount, fractional executives bring specialized skills, strategic insights, and flexibility, helping companies navigate complex challenges without long-term commitments.

For seasoned professionals, this model provides a rewarding way to leverage experience, maintain work-life balance, and make a high-impact contribution across multiple organizations.

At UberFractional.com, we connect businesses with top-tier fractional who can bring invaluable expertise and governance to your organization. Join us today and unlock the boardroom expertise you need—without the full-time commitment. Visit UberFractional.com today!