01
Understand the business
I work with you and your team to understand how things run, where work gets stuck and what needs attention first.
Fractional Chief Operating Officer · General Manager
A trusted
operations partner
for growing businesses.
You might be growing your business, looking for more time away from the day to day, or perhaps you feel stuck in a rut and want to break through to the next level. You need someone you can trust to share the load and help things run, while you focus on the bigger picture.
Let’s talk about your business
01Perspective
I work with owners and leadership teams on the practical things that make a business easier to run: clear responsibility & accountability, clear decision processes and operating systems that help people do their jobs more effectively. I can lead day-to-day operations and help improve how things work, including through technology and automation.
My experience spans owner-led businesses, software companies and consumer platforms. Based in beautiful Byron Bay, I work with clients locally and remotely, and travel to Brisbane and Sydney as needed.
Understanding the role
Senior leadership.
Part-time.
A fractional Chief Operating Officer works inside your business for an agreed portion of the week or month. You get experienced leadership to help the business run better, without a full-time appointment.
What a fractional COO does02Working with owners
When I can help.
You’ve built a business, you have revenue and a good customer base, but too much still depends on you. You need clarity space and guidance to achieve what’s next. Some of the below scenarios might sound familiar, these are things I can resolve for you.
Daily demands
Too many decisions and daily problems still come back to the owners.
Your next opportunity
You want more space to focus on your next opportunity, with confidence that the business is running well.
Team clarity
People are busy, but responsibilities, priorities and processes aren’t clear.
Connected systems
Disconnected systems make it difficult to understand performance and profitability.
Technology confidence
Technology and AI feel overwhelming, or you don’t have the time or expertise to work out what could help your business.
Sell or Buy
You’re preparing to sell or to grow, integrate an acquisition or modernise operations, and need someone to lead the work.
I help your team take on more responsibility and give you a clearer view of how the business is running. If technology or AI could help, I’ll work out where it’s useful and help put it in place.
That gives you more room to work on the business, pursue something new or spend time on life outside work.
03The way I work
How I work.
02
Make the work easier
We clarify responsibilities, simplify processes and put useful systems in place, including technology and AI where they help.
03
See the changes through
I stay involved as changes take effect and help your team take ownership of the improved way of working.
A different starting point
A life beyond
the desk.
During more than ten years in professional snowboarding, I founded multiple businesses, spanning media and talent development programs for Australia’s next best generation. Those experiences are part of who I am and the perspective I bring to business.
05A practical starting point
Work
with me.
A fresh perspective on your business.
When you’re close to the day-to-day, it can be hard to see what could be different. I bring fresh eyes and practical experience to help you spot what’s holding the business back and where it could go next.
Three ways to work with me
Advisory
Regular advice and strategic guidance for owners and leadership teams who need an experienced sounding board. I help you clarify priorities, work through decisions and keep the business moving in the right direction, while your team leads the day-to-day work.
Monthly retainer
Ongoing fractional leadership as an embedded Chief Operating Officer or General Manager, giving you senior support without a full-time appointment. Arrangements range from 1 to 3 days per week or 5 to 10 days per month.
Project-based
Hands-on leadership for a defined challenge, such as improving operations, integrating systems or introducing AI-enabled workflows. We agree clear goals, scope and a fixed budget. Work can run as an intensive sprint over a few weeks or months, or at a steadier pace over a quarter.
I provide my consulting services through my company Walking Fish. Reach me by email russell@walkingfish.tech or call 0414266747
Russell HoltByron Bay & beyond
Let’s talk.
If you’d like help running your business or figuring out what comes next, let’s talk.