Claim OwnershipWhat The Frac? | Your Fractional Executives
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© Nicole Zeno and Tamara Laine
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We are your Fractional Executives!
Breaking down marketing & tech for:
Business Owners, CMOs, Fractionals, & Marketers
Breaking down marketing & tech for:
Business Owners, CMOs, Fractionals, & Marketers
41 Episodes
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What does it take to turn a bootstrapped idea into a global brand?In this episode of What The Frac ?Live, Nicole and Tamara sit down with Eric Malka, co-founder of The Art of Shaving, author of On the Razor’s Edge, and managing partner at Strategic Brand Investments. From selling his car to fund the first store in New York to scaling into a $100M+ luxury men’s grooming brand later acquired by Gillette/P&G, Eric shares what it really means to scale smart, not just fast.Listen in as Eric reveals:Why execution beats ideas every timeHis Crawl, Walk, Run, Fly methodology for sustainable growthHow to prepare before chasing investorsThe difference between scalability and sellabilityWhy brand equity and IP are the most valuable assets you can buildThe biggest mistakes entrepreneurs make with money and growthIf you’re an entrepreneur, fractional executive, or investor, this conversation will reshape how you think about building businesses, partnerships, and long-term success.#ArtofShaving, #EricMalka, #startupgrowth, #businessscaling, #brandbuilding, #entrepreneurship, #executionvsideas, #crawlwalkrunfly, #exitstrategy, #investoradvice, #bootstrappedstartup, #brandequity, #luxuryconsumergoods, #WhatTheFracLive
In this episode of What The Frac? Live, Nicole and Tamara welcome Guy Barretta “The COO Guy” President of Beretta Consulting and seasoned executive with 25+ years in Fortune 500s, startups, and real estate franchises.Guy reveals why every small business should think about exit strategy from day one, and how a fractional COO can help business owners break free from bottlenecks, avoid burnout, and scale smarter.👉 You’ll learn:Why exit strategies matter (even if you’re just starting out)How to avoid being the bottleneck in your own businessThe difference between a consultant and a true fractional executiveHow automation and time management can give you your life backWhy succession planning is essential for long-term business valueIf you’ve ever felt stuck in the weeds, overwhelmed by daily fires, or unsure how to build for the future, this episode will give you clarity, tools, and encouragement.📩 Connect with Guy Barretta: LinkedIn – Guy Barretta | guybarretta@thecooguy.com#fractionalCOO #exitstrategy #businessgrowth #smallbusinessleadership #delegationtips #automationinbusiness #realestatefranchises #successionplanning #entrepreneurship #scalingbusiness #WhatTheFracLive #GuyBarretta
In this episode of What The Frac? Live, we sit down with Lindsey Carnett, CEO of the award-winning PR firm Marketing Maven, to uncover the real strategies behind effective LinkedIn marketing and executive visibility in 2025.Lindsey shares how most professionals are misusing LinkedIn—and how to fix it. From building authentic thought leadership to avoiding the biggest risks of using AI in content, this episode is a must-listen for founders, CMOs, and fractional executives who want to lead with credibility.💬 Topics we cover:The do’s and don’ts of thought leadership on LinkedInWhy executive visibility is more important than everSmart ways to use (and not use) AI in PR and contentControlling your digital footprint and protecting your brand reputationLinkedIn newsletters, targeting strategies, and algorithm insightsGet FREE Business Growth Tips and Strategies: https://clever-cow.kit.com/3b5666d529Connect With WTF?Website: https://whatthefracshow.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/whatthefracshowTT:https://www.tiktok.com/@whatthefracshowLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/what-the-frac-showYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@clevercow#LinkedInMarketing #ThoughtLeadership #B2BStrategy #MarketingMaven #ReputationManagement #AIinMarketing #DigitalPR #WhatTheFracLive
In this episode of What The Frac? Live, we dive deep with Adam Povlitz, CEO and President of Anago Cleaning Systems, to uncover the franchise strategy driving their explosive expansion—from $100M in revenue to a bold $300M goal by 2028.Adam breaks down how Anago’s unique 3-tier franchise system separates cleaning, sales, and operations to scale efficiently. He shares the backstory of Vision 2028, his multi-prong post-COVID growth strategy, and how he's empowering franchisees with tools like the CleanCom app, AI-driven service quality insights, and an e-learning system that improves training in real time.We also explore:Why franchising is a powerful but underused path to scaleHow to know if your small business is franchise-readyThe mindset shift needed to move from operator to strategic executiveWhy “growth is now our routine” at Anago—and how you can build systems to make that true in your own businessWhether you're considering buying into a franchise or scaling your company beyond the founder’s ceiling, this conversation delivers next-level insight.Get FREE Business Growth Tips and Strategies: https://clever-cow.kit.com/3b5666d529Connect With WTF?Website: https://whatthefracshow.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/whatthefracshowTT:https://www.tiktok.com/@whatthefracshowLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/w#Franchising #GrowthStrategy #MasterFranchise #BusinessScaling #CleaningIndustry #AIinBusiness #StartupStrategy #WhatTheFracLive #Leadership #Vision2028
What if your startup’s next great hire wasn’t full-time at all? In this episode of What The Frac? Live, we’re joined by Katy Murphy, founder and CEO of NEXT—an AI-powered, agent-led platform connecting startups with vetted fractional executives.Katy shares how the startup hiring model is shifting dramatically, why fractional leadership is the future, and how AI is eliminating the need for endless recruiting and misalignment. We dive into:✅ Why startups should never go full-time first✅ The power of AI agents in talent matching✅ What makes a fractional executive a perfect fit✅ How venture studios like Platform are reshaping entrepreneurship✅ The rise of the three-person unicorn (and what's next)Whether you're a founder, a fractional, or just startup-curious—this episode will transform how you think about building executive teams in the new economy.Get FREE Business Growth Tips and Strategies: https://clever-cow.kit.com/3b5666d529Connect With WTF?Website: https://whatthefracshow.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/whatthefracshowTT:https://www.tiktok.com/@whatthefracshowLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/what-the-frac-showYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@clevercow#fractionalexecutive #startupgrowth #AIhiring #venturestudio #KNEXPro #KatyMurphy #WhatTheFracLive #onepersonunicorn #entrepreneurship #startupfounder #leadershipstrategy #productmarketfit #techstartups #futureofwork #founderlife #marketingstrategy #scaleyourstartup #fractionalCMO #fractionalCOO
In this episode of What The Frac? Live, we're joined by Robin Emiliani, growth marketing leader at Catalyst, to talk about how AI is transforming the relationship between sales and marketing—and what leaders need to know to stay ahead.We cover:Why the sales-marketing disconnect still exists—and how to fix itHow AI chatbots like NAVU streamline customer journeys and drive conversionThe rise of AI-powered thought partnership in campaign strategyReal-world tools like Perplexity, Claude, and Freepik that are changing the gameHow AI can support leadership communication and employee developmentThis one is jam-packed with actionable tips, tool recommendations, and honest insights into what's working right now.🎯 Perfect for founders, CMOs, revenue leaders, and fractional execs who want to stay competitive and efficient.Get FREE Business Growth Tips and Strategies: https://clever-cow.kit.com/3b5666d529Connect With WTF?Website: https://whatthefracshow.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/whatthefracshowTT:https://www.tiktok.com/@whatthefracshowLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/what-the-frac-showYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@clevercow#AImarketing #salesenablement #chatbots #NAVU #Catalyst #RobinAni #Perplexity #Claude #Freepik #campaignstrategy #revenuegrowth #marketingautomation #thoughtleadership #startupmarketing #B2Bsales #CROstrategy #AIinleadership #customerjourney #WhatTheFracLive
What’s the real ROI of your personal brand?In this powerful episode of What The Frac? Live, personal brand strategist Toni Brown breaks down how entrepreneurs—especially women—can build authentic personal brands that drive visibility, trust, and revenue without becoming influencers.Hosts Nicole and Tamara explore:The real difference between branding and personal brandingWhy personal branding matters for investors, founders, and CEOsThe shift from branding to influence—and why it’s criticalHow to create boundaries between your personal life and brandStorytelling strategies that connect, convert, and inspireContent creation tips for introverts and non-creatorsWhether you’re raising capital, building community, or trying to stand out in your space—this episode will help you build a brand that feels right and gets results.Get FREE Business Growth Tips and Strategies: https://clever-cow.kit.com/3b5666d529Connect With WTF?Website: https://whatthefracshow.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/whatthefracshowTT:https://www.tiktok.com/@whatthefracshowLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/what-the-frac-showYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@clevercow#personalbranding #thoughtleadership #womenentrepreneurs #storytelling #executivebranding #brandstrategy #foundervisibility #businessstorytelling #marketingtips #ToniBrown #WhatTheFracLive #authenticityinbusiness #personalinfluence #startupbranding #contentstrategy
What legal mistakes could cost your startup everything?In this episode of What the Frac? Live, we’re joined by Jordan Denning, a seasoned business lawyer and legal strategist with 360 Business Law. He’s helped countless startups and small businesses avoid legal landmines and now he's sharing the legal essentials every founder needs to know.🎙️ In this conversation, we cover:The #1 legal step to take before you launchHow to protect your intellectual property (IP) earlyWhy ChatGPT contracts might be a ticking time bombWhat you need to know about NDAs, non-competes, and entity formationWhen to hire a lawyer (and how to do it on a startup budget)How fractional legal counsel works and why it’s growing fast💬 Whether you're raising capital, hiring, or pitching your product—this episode will save you time, money, and future stress.Get FREE Business Growth Tips and Strategies: https://clever-cow.kit.com/3b5666d529Connect With WTF?Website: https://whatthefracshow.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/whatthefracshowTT:https://www.tiktok.com/@whatthefracshowLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/what-the-frac-showYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@clevercow#startupfunding #businesslaw #legaladvice #intellectualproperty #AIlaw #whathefraclive #founderadvice #jordandenning #startupgrowth #fractionalexecutive
Why do most leaders fail at company culture—and what can we actually do about it?In this episode of What The Frac? Live, we sit down with Michael Sonbert, bestselling author of Rebel Culture and founder of Skyrocket Education. Michael breaks down why so many businesses suffer from toxic or unclear culture, and what it really means to lead with purpose and accountability.Whether you're a startup founder or a corporate executive, this episode is packed with real talk and actionable steps to help you build stronger teams, improve retention, and lead with clarity. From fixing communication breakdowns to embracing systems (yes, even the unsexy ones), Michael shares what actually works.Get FREE Business Growth Tips and Strategies: https://clever-cow.kit.com/3b5666d529Connect With WTF?Website: https://whatthefracshow.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/whatthefracshowTT:https://www.tiktok.com/@whatthefracshowLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/what-the-frac-showYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@clevercow#companyculture #rebelculture #leadershipdevelopment #startupgrowth #toxicworkplace #teambuilding #michaelsonbert #businesscoaching #culturereform #employeeexperience #founderlife #smallbusinessgrowth #corporateleadership #quietquitting #entrepreneurmindset
What if your customers didn’t just buy from you, but became your brand?On this episode of What The Frac? Live, we’re joined by certified master marketer, keynote speaker, and author Veronica Romney to explore the powerful world of identity marketing, a framework that taps into who your audience is and who they want to become. Veronica shares how her personal journey led her to develop the Identity Code Framework, a four-part strategy that helps brands move beyond surface-level marketing to create lifelong brand evangelists. We break down real-world examples, from Harley-Davidson to Volvo, and discuss how brands succeed (or fail) when aligning with customer identity.If you’re a business owner, marketer, or brand builder trying to make deeper, lasting connections with your audience, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Plus, we dive into influencer culture, integrity in marketing, and how identity intersects with aspiration.Get FREE Business Growth Tips and Strategies: https://clever-cow.kit.com/3b5666d529For more actionable business tips watch this playlisthttps://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYiidGpUlv1F2qvisrBy84trOZxVR-pja&si=z4exIjHdaC50vL8GConnect With WTF?Website: https://whatthefracshow.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/whatthefracshowTT: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatthefracshowLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/what-the-frac-showYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@clevercow
What separates a forgettable brand from one people fall in love with? In this episode of What The Frac? Live, we’re joined by Reilly Newman, founder of Motif Brands, author of Brandy: 101 Sips of Wisdom for Attaining a Successful Brand, and host of the Brandy podcast, for a fresh, human-first take on brand and rebrand strategy.We explore the psychology behind brand perception, the difference between branding and marketing, and why human behavior, not just data, should guide your business decisions. Reilly also breaks down how even small businesses can build long-term brand equity (without a Fortune 500 budget).✨ In this episode, you'll learn:Why branding is more about relationships than transactionsHow to know when it’s time to rebrand (and when it’s not)The biggest misconceptions about brand ROIWhat Liquid Death, Apple, and In-N-Out can teach youHow to start building a brand foundation from Day OneWhy strong branding helps you say no to the wrong thingsWhether you're a founder, marketer, or creative, this episode will help you think about brand building in a more strategic and more human way.#BrandStrategy #Rebranding #MarketingPodcast #BrandBuilding #StartupBranding #HumanCenteredMarketing #CustomerLoyalty #BrandPsychology #SmallBusinessGrowth #MarketingTips #WhatTheFracLive
In this jam-packed episode of What The Frac? Live, we sit down with James Archer — a former agency founder turned fractional CMO — to talk about redefining success, building a business that fits your life, and why so many seasoned marketers are ditching the traditional agency model. Nicole and Tamara dive deep into the realities of the fractional world, the emotional weight of entrepreneurship, and how to build long-term marketing strategies that actually work.You’ll hear James share his wild career journey — from learning HTML in the '90s computer lab to scaling a top-tier agency, working in-house at a tech startup, and finally launching his own fractional practice. We talk systems, pricing, dealing with imposter syndrome, and why bringing in a marketing leader early can make or break your business.Whether you're a founder, marketing exec, or aspiring fractional, this episode is full of hard-earned wisdom, real talk, and actionable takeaways.#FractionalCMO #MarketingStrategy #EntrepreneurLife #AgencyToFractional #JamesArcher #WhatTheFrac #StartupMarketing #BusinessFreedom #CMOInsights #MarketingLeadership #BrandStrategy #RemoteWork #MarketingPodcast #SmallBusinessTips #CreativeEntrepreneurs
In this episode of What the Frac? Live, we dive deep into the world of financial leadership with John Frank, founder and CEO of Third Road Management, one of the earliest champions of the fractional CFO model.With over a decade of experience in strategic finance, John breaks down:The real difference between accountants, controllers, and CFOsHow fractional leadership can revolutionize small and mid-sized businessesWhy not all revenue is good revenue—and what metrics truly matterBudgeting vs. forecasting vs. cash flow—and how to use all threeHow to prepare your business for scaling, funding, and long-term sustainabilityWhat to expect (and not expect) from a true fractional CFOThis episode is packed with insights for entrepreneurs, founders, and growing teams looking to improve their financial literacy, align strategy with operations, and finally understand where the money’s going.If you’ve ever felt anxious about your numbers or unsure how to confidently plan ahead—this is the episode you need to hear.#FractionalCFO #BusinessFinance #CashFlowStrategy #FinancialPlanning #SmallBusinessTips #Entrepreneurship #FractionalExecutives #BusinessGrowth #StartupLeadership #Profitability #Budgeting #Forecasting #WhatTheFracLive #ThirdRoadManagement #KPIs
This week on What the Frac? Live, we’re talking about the art (and science) of the pivot — and why the ability to shift direction might just be your most underrated marketing superpower.Our guest is Katy Thomas Young, founder of Bloom Consulting Firm. From occupational therapy to owning a thriving marketing agency, Katy's career is a masterclass in trusting your gut, reading the data, and knowing when it’s time to change direction — personally and professionally.💥 In this episode, we dive into:Katy's unconventional journey from healthcare to marketing agency ownerHow to know when it’s actually time to pivot your business or brandThe difference between intuition and shiny-object syndromeWhy brand identity updates are often the hardest (and most emotional) pivotsWhat to ask before hiring a marketing coach, consultant, or agency Whether you’re a founder, a fractional executive, or deep in marketing strategy, this episode will help you reframe pivoting as a strength — not a failure.#PivotWithPurpose #MarketingMindset #EntrepreneurJourney #MarketingConsultant #DataDrivenDecisions #FractionalMarketing #AgencyOwnerLife #WhatTheFrac
In this episode of What the Frac?k Live, Nicole and Tamara sit down with impact strategist and nonprofit founder ChristenBrandt to talk about how businesses — of any size — can infuse mission and meaning into their operations from day one. 💥Christen is the co-founder of She's the First, author of Impact, a member of the Barbie Global Advisory Council (yes, really!), and recently earned her MBA from the University of Oxford. From grassroots change to global strategy, she's been at the forefront of purpose-driven work.✨ Topics we cover:Why philanthropy alone isn’t enough — and can even be anti-democraticHow to authentically align your company values with real-world impactThe ROI of corporate giving (spoiler: it’s more than just good PR)Why founders should recognize when it’s time to pivot — and how to do it with graceWhat Barbie can teach us about brand responsibility and the power of reinventionPlus, Nicole drops some powerful stats on how purpose drives profit, and Kristen shares her personal story of leaving her own organization to grow even deeper into impact work (and across the ocean ✈️🇬🇧).🛠️ Whether you’re a startup founder, marketer, or aspiring fractional executive, this episode will challenge you to think bigger about your role in creating meaningful change — without losing your business edge.#PurposeDrivenBusiness #SocialImpactMarketing #BrandWithValues #AuthenticMarketing #MissionDriven #MarketingStrategy #FractionalCMO #WhatTheFrac
Founders, fractionals, and overwhelmed teams—this one’s for you.This week on What the Frac? Live, we’re joined by fractional COO and systems expert Ashley Berghoff of A Squared to dig deep into why every business—yes, even solopreneurs—needs intentional processes to scale.We tackle:Why founders shouldn’t run operations (and why it’s OK)The difference between “winging it” and invisible systemsWhat fractional COOs actually do (spoiler: it’s not just SOPs)How to build a process engine without killing creativityWhy automation might be your last step, not your firstThe truth about hiring VAs and project managers before you're readyWhat to watch for when hiring a consultant or fractional operatorWhether you're a visionary founder drowning in spreadsheets or a fractional exec building your ops muscle, this is your blueprint for scalable, human-centered systems.🎧 Tune in for real talk, unpopular opinions, and actionable steps to build better business engines—without the burnout.#FractionalCOO #OperationsStrategy #BusinessSystems #ProcessImprovement #Entrepreneurship #SmallBusinessTips #ScaleYourBusiness #TeamOps #AutomationStrategy #ClickUp #NotionWorkflow #AIinBusiness #WhatTheFracLive
Most marketers and founders know they need media exposure—but few understand how PR actually works or how to use it to drive real results. In this episode of What the Frac? Live, we sit down with Brett Farmiloe, founder of Featured.com, to break down a smarter, faster, and more accessible approach to media coverage and thought leadership.Brett shares how he built a double-sided marketplace that connects experts with journalists—and why smaller, niche publications might deliver more ROI than big-name logos. We explore how to turn quotes into SEO wins, how to activate your entire team (not just the founder), and how to use expert commentary to support sales, marketing, and even fundraising.👀 What You’ll Learn:Why traditional PR is broken—and how to simplify itHow Featured.com helps experts get quoted and discoveredThe power of niche media vs. mainstream logosHow to use PR content in your SEO, sales funnel, and investor decksTips for marketers, business owners, and agencies to start today🎯 Whether you're a CMO, fractional marketer, or founder looking to boost your brand’s visibility, this episode delivers actionable insights without the fluff.#BrettFarmiloe #FeaturedDotCom #WhatTheFracLive #MarketingFounders #PRStrategy #MediaCoverage #EarnedMedia #DigitalPR #SEOstrategy
What if your marketing was unintentionally excluding entire audiences? This week on What the Frac? Live, we’re joined by accessibility and inclusion expert Mai Ling Chan—speech-language pathologist, entrepreneur, and bestselling author—to explore the real meaning of universal design and why accessibility should be baked into every business and marketing plan from day one.Nicole and Tamara dive deep into:Why accessibility is a business advantage (not just a checkbox)The 8 actionable steps marketers can take to make content more inclusiveThe myth of the “accessibility overlay” and what really worksScreen readers, contrast, captions, and design tips you can implement todayHow accessibility improves UX for everyone—not just people with disabilitiesWhy representation in branding matters more than everTools, tech, and thought leaders to followWhether you’re building a brand, a website, or a global campaign—this episode will help you think bigger, serve better, and build more inclusive experiences.#Accessibility #InclusiveMarketing #UniversalDesign #AccessibleDesign #MarketingStrategy #DigitalAccessibility #DEIinBusiness #UXDesign #ContentMarketing #WhatTheFracLive
In this jam-packed episode of What the Frac? Live, we sit down with marketing powerhouse and Air Force veteran Michael “Buzz” Buzinski, a.k.a. “Buzz,” to dive into his incredible entrepreneurial journey—from musician and recording studio owner to founder of a multimillion-dollar creative agency, and now a Fractional CMO helping B2B businesses thrive with clarity and strategy.Buzz gets real about:Closing a thriving agency to escape entrepreneurial povertyThe secret to being 7x more profitable at 1/5 the revenueWhy small businesses need to prioritize profit over revenueHow AI can enhance authentic relationship-building on LinkedInThe truth about being your own boss (spoiler: it’s not for everyone)How to build community, trust, and real growth through strategyIf you’re a founder, fractional exec, or marketing pro looking for sustainable growth without burnout—this one’s for you.#B2BMarketing #MarketingStrategy #FractionalCMO#BusinessGrowth #EntrepreneurTips #SmallBusinessMarketing #DigitalMarketing #AccountBasedMarketing
In this episode, we're diving into the science and strategy behind recovery-based wellness with structural realignment expert and wellness entrepreneur Sophie of Active Bodyworks.We cover:✅ Why cold plunges, contrast therapy, PEMF & red light therapy are more than just trends✅ How corporate wellness impacts employee retention, productivity & bottom-line ROI✅ The real talk on burnout recovery (beyond meditation)✅ How high-performing leaders can create sustainable habits that enhance creativity, focus, and longevity✅ What to look for in a massage therapist when wellness is the goal—not just relaxationWhether you're a fractional exec, founder, or team leader, this episode will leave you with actionable ideas for boosting performance through wellness—and why it's time to stop treating self-care like a luxury.🔗 Plus: Learn how Nicole and Tamara are stacking habits, running half marathons, and redefining leadership through holistic health.#EmployeeWellness #CorporateWellness #BurnoutRecovery #WellnessForExecutives#StructuralRealignment #HighPerformanceHabits
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