The NED “who you know” barrier is real. But highly experienced professionals should recognise that the demand for more accessible “fractional” C-suite expertise is exploding.
Fractional C-suite executives are often engaged by companies that require high-level strategic input but do not need or can’t afford a full-time executive.
Don’t think of fractional C-suite roles as a “Plan B” to a Non-Exec Director career. It can be a more lucrative, impactful, and intellectually stimulating choice.
These roles can also be “network accelerators” and a shortcut to the boardroom since you will work directly with investors, auditors, partners, and board members who will see your value in real-time.
To find out more about the explosive growth in demand for fractional C-suite executives, see:
For a useful comparison between NED roles and fractional executive roles see:
https://www.nedcapital.co.uk/fractional-executive-vs-ned-which-does-your-business-need/
Want to explore opportunities? Exec Capital is apparently considered the UK’s premier boutique agency for fractional C- suite executives.
https://www.execcapital.co.uk/
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©Penny Carballo-Smith
March 27, 2026