Navigating the World of Fractional Leadership with Matt from 3 Sheets Consulting
What if the key to career fulfillment wasn’t climbing the ladder, but choosing a different one altogether?
In this episode of The Glass Sessions, we’re joined by Matt Croteau, a seasoned finance executive who left the corporate grind behind to become a fractional CFO. Together, we dive into what it really means to take ownership of your time, your talent, and your trajectory through fractional leadership - a growing trend that’s changing how ambitious professionals work.
What Is Fractional Leadership?
Think executive-level work, part-time hours, full-time impact. Fractional leadership allows experienced professionals to contribute their expertise to multiple companies without being tied down by a single 9-to-5 job.
Matt explains how this model benefits both sides:
Companies get high-caliber leadership without the full-time cost.
Fractional leaders design a career around freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment.
Matt’s Journey: From WebMD to the World
After years in traditional finance roles at companies like Bloomberg and WebMD, Matt made a bold leap - one that led to diverse work with clients in software, sustainability, and even waste management. Now, he balances his professional life with travel, adventure, and meaningful time with his family.
Spoiler alert: his office can be anywhere, from a beach in Greece to a cabin in the woods of New Hampshire.
The Reality Check: Challenges of Going Fractional
Going fractional isn’t just about freedom; it’s also about ownership. Matt keeps it real about the challenges:
Constantly communicating your value
Selling yourself (yes, sales is part of the job)
Navigating company cultures as an “outsider”
But with clear boundaries, strong networks, and a growth mindset, the rewards far outweigh the hurdles.
Why This Model Is So Appealing Right Now
Courtney, Lauren, and Matt explore why this shift is gaining momentum, especially with a generation that values autonomy, purpose, and balance. Whether you're burned out by corporate politics or simply craving more space to live your life, fractional work offers a path forward without burning bridges.
Could This Be Your Next Career Move?
If you’re in your 20s, 30s, or early 40s and feeling like the traditional playbook doesn’t quite fit anymore, this episode is a must-listen. Fractional leadership isn’t just for CFOs, it’s a mindset shift that can apply to marketing, operations, HR, and beyond.
🎧 Listen now to hear how redefining success might just start with redefining your schedule.
For more honest conversations about modern careers, reinvention, and designing a work life that actually works, subscribe to The Glass Sessions. And if you’re ready to make bold moves in your own career, contact us for guidance grounded in real-world experience.
