Online spin-off session - Ops career evolving to fractional: The good, the bad and the ugly

This session was part of our cONference 2025 online spin-off series: five events on the theme of resilience, each exploring it from a different angle. -- Top Takeaways 1. Fractional is flexible, not fixed A fractional career can take many forms - from short-term projects and retainer agreements to advisory roles. It doesn’t have to be permanent. For some, it’s a bridge between full-time positions or a way to test new ways of working; for others, it evolves into a long-term portfolio career. 2. Intentionality is essential Fractional work rarely happens by chance. Success comes from being proactive - defining your skills, clarifying where you add value, and building genuine, trust-based relationships with potential clients. 3. Define your value, don’t dilute it Operations leaders should be clear about the specific problems they solve and the tangible results they deliver. Strong positioning, clear messaging, and confident pricing build credibility and ensure engagements are rewarding for both client and consultant. 4. Boundaries and balance matter Managing multiple clients demands discipline and clarity. Setting clear expectations around time, availability, and deliverables not only prevents burnout but also reinforces professional trust. 5. Build a reputation, not just a résumé Your personal brand is the story others tell about you when you’re not in the room. Investing in your reputation, through consistent, high-quality work and authentic relationship-building, creates lasting opportunities and long-term career sustainability. -- ​About the host 👋 Frederick Hare ​Freddy works with a number of FMCG businesses (including TRIP, Monday Muse, and Feisty), providing fractional operations support across strategy, supply chain, people, and finance. He began his career at Vitl, where he spent 7½ years and became COO, before transitioning into fractional roles. He also completed The Portfolio Collective’s Catapult Course, which shaped his approach and toolkit for working this way.