More on Fractional Product Leadership

with Aakash Gupta (the one and only)

and

Jul 30, 2024

Okay, so you loved the episode with Ben talking about how he transitioned from a full-time product leader to a dad and fractional product leader, juggling it all like a pro. In this episode with Aakash Gupta, we go deeper: Aakash interviewed 20 fractional PMs and laid it all out—how fractional product managers get started, how they price their services, how they build with an end in mind, and how they avoid committing to goals they can’t deliver. Get ready for some serious insights and a few laughs along the way.

Fractional Product Leadership: The New Cool Kid on the Block
Who wants to commit to a full-time job when you can be a part-time legend? In all seriousness, if you want to consider part-time product leadership, get your notebook and listen to this one.
Crisis Management: The Fractional Way
Fractional leaders are often called in during a company crisis, like a product team getting wiped out faster than your favorite TV show gets canceled. They’re the ones who bridge the gap when the founders realize they can’t handle the workload alone. Talk about being the adult in the room!
Context is King (or Queen)
Quick tip: if you’re a fractional leader, don’t just regurgitate what worked at your last gig. Every company is different, and applying old playbooks without context is like trying to fit a square peg in a round hole—awkward and messy!
Set Days, Not Hours
Unlike those hourly-billing lawyers who make you feel like you’re being charged for every breath, fractional leaders typically work set days per week. So, you can count on them to be there when you need them, without the guilt trip of an hourly rate hanging over your head.
When to Go Full-Time?
If you find yourself spending more on fractional leaders than you would on a full-time employee, it might be time to rethink your strategy. Unless you enjoy the thrill of playing financial hopscotch, that is.
Experience Matters
Thinking of jumping into a fractional role? Make sure you have at least 5 years of product management experience under your belt, preferably 15 if you want to be taken seriously. Otherwise, you might as well be selling lemonade at a stand.
Higher Rates, Fewer Hours
Fractional roles often come with a 40% higher hourly rate. But don’t get too excited—this is to cover all the time you’ll spend marketing yourself and chasing your next gig. It’s like being a freelance artist, minus the paint splatters.
Flexibility is the Name of the Game
Many fractional leaders choose this path for the flexibility it offers. If you’re a parent trying to juggle work and kids, this might be your golden ticket. Who wouldn’t want to work less while still making decent money?
Test Drive Before You Buy
Fractional roles allow you to “test” companies before committing to a full-time position. It’s like dating—get to know them before you decide to move in together. You don’t want to find out they leave their socks everywhere!
Expert Insights from Aakash Gupta
The podcast features Aakash Gupta, a former VP of Product who interviewed 20 fractional PMs. He’s like the Indiana Jones of product leadership—digging up treasures of knowledge from the field.
Listen here: