Becoming the Fractional Consigliere…

Remember Tom Hagen from The Godfather? He’s the guy who’s always in the room, trusted by the family, but still just outside the Corleone politics. For those not up on mafia classics, Tom is the consigliere, the "family, but not by blood" advisor who solves problems, calls out mistakes, and gives the Don honest advice, especially when it’s uncomfortable.

Confession: Being a fractional leader is the Tom Hagen role in the business world. And I love it. (For the record, I’m Swede-Irish, not Dutch-Irish, but I think that might be close enough.)

In the Family, Out of the Fray

Tom’s at the table for every key decision, universally respected, loyal, always steady. No one’s worried he’s plotting a power play for Marlon Brando’s chair. He’s not a threat, he’s an asset. Because he’s “in but not of” the core, he’s the one who can give the bosses the real truth, no politics, no maneuvering.

That’s fractional leadership. You get direct access, real buy-in, and all the messy reality      without getting tangled in the ladder-climbing that keeps too many leaders silent at key moments.

Expert Perspective, Minus the Drama

Let’s face it, in a regular full-time exec gig, being too smart or too candid can be a career liability.  Bring too much “real talk” to a weekly staff meeting, upset the wrong apple cart, and you might wind up sleeping with the fishes (corporately speaking). I know, I’ve learned it the hard way and have worn the “corporate concrete shoes” a few times as a result.

But as a fractional, I’m actually valued for my outside expertise and ability to poke the bear (with love). CEOs want an honest sounding board. They want someone who’s committed, but not angling to run the place.      Tom played that role, and now I get to as well.

Commitment: With a Little Latitude

Would Tom Hagen take a bullet for the family? Absolutely. At minimum, he’d orchestrate a strategically placed horse’s head. Fractional leaders are the same: fully committed and all-in,      but with just enough distance to walk away clean if things ever go south. No need for witness protection or a dramatic LinkedIn post.  In fact, when it's      time for a full-     time CMO, I am happy to help my clients find just the right fit.

The Goldilocks Zone

Jason Bateman, actor, director, and co-host of the smash podcast “Smartless” often refers to this as “sexy indifference”: close enough to care, far enough to keep your head – a state that ends up being confident and attractive in the right settings. That’s what being fractional delivers. All the impact, priceless objectivity, and zero turf wars. You’re not a consultant who parachutes in and out. You’re not an exec playing career chess.  You’re a leader who delivers advice and results.

TL;DR

A fractional leader is your Tom Hagen: True, loyal, all-in for your business,      never in the way, and definitely not waiting for your job. Yes, I’d put a metaphorical horse’s head in the bed of a competitor to protect the business (editor’s note: metaphor only, no animals harmed). If you’re a CEO tired of invisible consultants and career climbers, maybe it’s time to meet your modern consigliere.