#36: Stop Hiring Executives The Old Way. Do This Instead.

Chip Royce, Flywheel Advisors

Look, I get it. You need senior leadership, but you’re tired of expensive mistakes.

You’ve been there: The perfect candidate on paper who turned into a 6-figure severance package. The rockstar who couldn’t actually move the needle. The “experienced leader” who couldn’t lead your team through a coffee break.

Something’s broken in the traditional executive hiring model. And you’re not alone in noticing.

What Smart CEOs Are Doing Instead

Here’s what I’m seeing across my client base: The smartest CEOs are taking a “try before you buy” approach. They’re:

1. Starting with fractional leadership to test fit
2. Adding mentorship/advisory roles to fill knowledge gaps
3. Building internal capabilities while external expertise guides the way

Is this disrupting the traditional executive recruitment model? Absolutely.

Should you care? Absolutely not.

Why This Works Better

Think about it:

• Lower initial risk
• Faster time to value
• Easier to adjust course
• Real-world proof of fit

Instead of betting everything on a single full-time hire, you’re testing approaches and relationships in real time.

The Hidden Advantage Nobody Talks About

Here’s something most won’t tell you: This approach helps you become a better leader.

Working with fractional executives forces you to:

• Get crystal clear on what you actually need
• Focus on outcomes rather than time served
• Build systems that work without total dependency
• Learn from expertise without surrendering control

A Warning Story

Just recently, I was working with a CEO on a full-funnel analysis to derisk their 2025 plan. Then they hit the brakes – budget freeze, expense reductions.

The irony? That’s exactly what my analysis would have helped them optimize – finding wasted spend and inefficiencies in their revenue operations.

Don’t make that mistake.

What To Do Next

• Look at your biggest leadership gaps or problems to solve
• Consider whether you need full-time or just better
• Test fractional leadership in one key area
• Measure results, not hours
• Scale what works

The Bottom Line

The old model of executive hiring isn’t coming back. And that’s good news for you.

Because while your competitors are stuck in endless recruitment cycles, you can access the expertise you need, when you need it, without betting the farm on a single hire.

Smart? Yes.

Disruptive? Definitely.

Working? Ask my clients.