Fractionals United Blog

When I launched Fractionals United 17 months ago, having a blog to share opinions and content, which could then be reposted, was a well-established practice. To make it more sustainable and diverse, I decided to make it community-sourced rather than purely about my own thoughts. Now, after 17 months and 69 posts, I believe the blog has served its purpose. We have developed other channels for sharing and content, so as our communication strategies evolve, so must our approach. Those who know me well (and those who have heard John Arms speak of this) are aware that I wear a bracelet with the word "optimize" engraved on it. This serves not only as a reflection of my personal philosophy but also as a constant reminder that there is always room for improvement. What is valuable today may not be as valuable tomorrow. The optimal approach to any task today may require adjustments in the future as variables change and priorities shift. Recognizing this, it is time for FrUn to further

As a fractional CTO juggling the ambitions of three burgeoning startups, I’ve witnessed firsthand the accelerating race to integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into business portfolios. The AI rush, reminiscent of previous surges around blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT), is different in both its potential and its pitfalls. While the allure of AI is undeniable, it’s essential for companies to maintain a clear-eyed focus on their core products and judiciously apply AI where it genuinely adds value. AI is not just another buzzword; it promises transformative impacts across industries. From enhancing customer experiences with chatbots to optimizing operations through predictive analytics, the possibilities are vast. However, this excitement often leads to a frantic, almost desperate, scramble to embed AI into every facet of a company’s operations. This is where the danger lies. In the blockchain and IoT races, many companies leaped in headfirst, only to realize later that these

What is your full name? Karen Sergeant Please share a brief overview of your professional background and your current role as a fractional leader. My career chapters are wildly diverse: software product management during the heady days of the dot-com boom; counter-terrorism task-force management during the Global War on Terror (both in Afghanistan and at CIA HQ). And for the past 15 years, I've sustained a 100% referral-only, word-of-mouth business, with a 50%+ client renewal rate, acting as a fractional Chief of Staff, with a specific focus on goal-setting, decision-making, and team dynamics. My favorite clients are a best-selling anti-racist author, a socially-conscious yarn store, a performance coach to elite athletes, disruptors in early childhood education, in cannabis, and in aging-in-place — and abundant women CEOs. What do you consider your strengths? I'm a systems thinker, an adaptive problem-solver, and have an honest and direct communication style. I specialize in a