Fractional CxOs Get Our Undivided Attention - Michelle Caldwell
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
Release Date: 01/28/2025
The King of Data Migration Magic with Jordan (Uytterhagen)
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
Polaris is a production of – the transformation company. Synozur reimagines business for our clients, navigating the complexities of transformation and strategy with ease. In this episode of Polaris, Chris McNulty speaks with Jordan Uytterhagen, CEO of Cadence Solutions, about the critical role of data migration in the age of AI. They discuss the challenges organizations face when transitioning to modern platforms like Microsoft 365, the importance of information architecture, and the need for effective governance during migration. Jordan shares insights on user behavior, best practices for...
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UX Marks the Spot – Navigating the Customer Journey with Ginny Delaitre
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
Polaris is a production of – the transformation company. Synozur reimagines business for our clients, navigating the complexities of transformation and strategy with ease. Summary In this episode of Polaris, Chris McNulty interviews Ginny Delaitre, founder of VDS Digital Agency, discussing the critical role of user experience in marketing. They explore Ginny's journey from an iOS developer to an entrepreneur, the cultural challenges of establishing a business in the U.S., and the importance of understanding client journeys. The conversation delves into successful marketing strategies for...
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Synergy over Silos – the New Age of Knowledge
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
Polaris is a production of – the transformation company. Synozur reimagines business for our clients, navigating the complexities of transformation and strategy with ease. In this conversation, Chris McNulty and Gabriel Karawani discuss the challenges of fragmented information in digital workplaces and the introduction of Atlas, a knowledge assistant designed to improve productivity and knowledge management. They explore the future of AI in knowledge management, common misconceptions about AI, and the importance of integrating knowledge with AI systems. The discussion includes success...
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Two Miles High and Rising - Kelly Schuknecht
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
Polaris is a production of – the transformation company. Synozur reimagines business for our clients, navigating the complexities of transformation and strategy with ease. In this episode of Polaris, Chris McNulty speaks with Kelly Schuknecht, CEO of Two-Mile-High Marketing, about the importance of thought leadership in marketing. They discuss Kelly's journey from being an employee to starting her own marketing agency, the significance of establishing authority, and how to effectively connect with audiences. The conversation also covers the role of messaging, the benefits of podcasting, and...
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The Introvert’s Guide to Influence - Crissy Conner
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
Polaris is a production of – the transformation company. Synozur reimagines business for our clients, navigating the complexities of transformation and strategy with ease. In this episode of Polaris, Chris McNulty speaks with Crissy Conner, founder of the Visible CEO movement, about the complexities of developing leadership careers for women amidst gender bias. They discuss the importance of visibility, authenticity, and overcoming fear in order to succeed in leadership roles. Crissy shares her journey of becoming a visibility strategist and emphasizes the need for women to embrace their...
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Building Delight: Inside Microsoft Product Management
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
Polaris is a production of – the transformation company. Synozur reimagines business for our clients, navigating the complexities of transformation and strategy with ease. In this episode of Polaris, Chris McNulty speaks with Sean Squires, Principal Product Manager at Microsoft, about the evolving landscape of software development, particularly in the realm of content management and AI. They discuss the challenges posed by the massive data explosion, the role of AI in enhancing content findability, and the importance of customer empathy in product management. Sean shares insights into the...
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Not Too Big, Not Too Small – TechCon is Just Right - David Wilhelm
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
Polaris is a production of – the transformation company. Synozur reimagines business for our clients, navigating the complexities of transformation and strategy with ease. Summary In this conversation, Chris McNulty and David Wilhelm discuss the challenges of AI adoption in enterprises, emphasizing the importance of training and expertise. They explore the evolution of TechCon 365, highlighting the benefits of mid-sized tech events, community engagement, and the diversity of attendees. The discussion also covers the direct engagement opportunities available at these events and the upcoming...
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Bots to Books to Bucks – The AI Revenue Flywheel - Zack Zeller
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
Generative AI is reshaping the business world by accelerating sales and customer engagement. In this episode of Polaris, Zack Zeller shares how thought leadership and engaging content can fuel the AI-powered revenue flywheel. From practical frameworks to emotional resonance in marketing, Zack explores how AI can amplify authenticity, streamline content creation, and drive meaningful business outcomes. 📌 Key Takeaways AI as a Catalyst: AI is not just a tool—it’s a catalyst for deeper customer connections and more efficient marketing systems. The Revenue Flywheel: Thought leadership and...
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The Wonderful World of Mark Kashman
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
Polaris is a production of – the transformation company. Synozur reimagines business for our clients, navigating the complexities of transformation and strategy with ease. Summary In this episode of Polaris, Mark Kashman and Chris McNulty explore the evolution of the Microsoft 365 community, emphasizing the importance of personal engagement. They discuss the role of internal advocates in technology adoption, the excitement surrounding new features, and the value of the TechCommunity. The conversation also touches on automation, collaboration, and the significance of events like the...
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Strategy Unplugged: Dialogues with Dr. John Hillen
Polaris Pathways - a Synozur podcast
Polaris is a production of – the transformation company. Synozur reimagines business for our clients, navigating the complexities of transformation and strategy with ease. In this episode of Polaris, Chris McNulty engages with Dr. John Hillen, author of 'The Strategy Dialogues', to explore the complexities of business strategy. They discuss the common misunderstandings surrounding strategy, the importance of dialogue in strategy development, and how to bring strategic thinking into everyday business practices. Dr. Hillen emphasizes the need for clear definitions of strategy, the distinction...
info_outlineIn this episode of Polaris, Chris McNulty and Michelle Caldwell discuss the emerging trend of fractional leadership, particularly the role of fractional CxOs. They explore the reasons behind the rise of these roles, including the impact of the pandemic, the mass resignation trend, and the increasing acceptance of remote work. Michelle shares insights on the benefits of fractional leadership, such as flexibility and access to top talent, as well as the importance of defining success and cultural fit. The conversation also touches on the risks associated with fractional roles and how organizations can effectively engage fractional leaders.
Keywords
fractional leadership, CXOs, remote work, business transformation, talent acquisition, organizational strategy, executive roles, innovation, consulting, Synozur
Takeaways
- Fractional leaders provide strategic expertise without long-term commitment.
- The mass resignation trend has led to talent shortages.
- Remote work has made fractional roles more acceptable.
- Cross-industry exposure enhances innovation and creativity.
- Cultural fit is crucial for fractional leadership effectiveness.
- Fractional roles can help organizations test fit before full-time commitment.
- Fractional leaders often bring fresh perspectives and energy.
Sound Bites
- "We can find talent anywhere in the world."
- "Cultural fit is super important."
- "Fractional leadership is about flexibility."
References
The West Wing John Spencer played Leo McGarry, Chief of Staff for President Josiah Bartlet on the NBC drama.
Simon’s Sinek’s podcast, A Bit of Optimism | An inspiring podcast with Simon Sinek can be found on most major podcast platforms.
Events
- "SharePoint: From Concept to Creation to Impact + Live AMA" webinar with Jeff Teper | Jan. 29, 2025, 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM PST
- 2025 Trends Shaping Knowledge. Sponsored by ClearPeople, Katya Linossi, their CEO will host Marjan Hermkes (LIME), Barry Byrne (Novartis & the Knowledge Summit) and Chris McNulty (Synozur) to look ahead at knowledge, AI use cases, technology trends and more. January 30 at 8AM PST, 11AM EST.
- M365 Miami 2025 | Feb. 6-7, 2025
- Microsoft 365 Community Conference | May 5-8, 2025 (Vegas) Jeff Teper and Jared Spataro will be keynoting from Microsoft, along with many other speakers from Microsoft, Synozur, partners, customers and more.
- TechCon 365 Seattle | June 23-27, 2025 Synozur will be sponsoring and speaking at TechCon 365 Seattle.
Credits
Polaris is produced with the help of our friends at Riverside.fm. Our theme song, “Alternative Dream” is provided courtesy of Adobe.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Fractional CXOs
09:15 The Rise of Fractional Leadership
18:13 Defining Success in Fractional Roles
24:16 Synozur's Approach to CxOs
26:02 Retaining Fractional Talent
27:23 Things to know
28:14 Recommended Content
29:33 Upcoming Events in 2025
31:42 Wrap Up and Thank You