That was one of the most memorable reflections from our recent CFO to Fractional CFO evening – an informal, insightful event designed for finance leaders considering a shift into fractional work.
Held on Thursday 23rd October at Juniper, the evening brought together a group of 20 CFOs for drinks, nibbles, and honest conversation. Whether attendees were fully employed CFOs curious about future possibilities, or newly minted fractional CFOs just getting started, the event offered practical advice and shared experience from those already on the journey.
A panel of lived experience
Our guest speakers (Innes Chalmers, Mairianne Stewart, and Stuart Christie) each brought a unique perspective on the transition, having navigated different stages of the fractional CFO journey. From winning that first client to managing multiple demanding relationships, their stories were rich in lessons learned.
Key takeaways from the evening
What should you consider when getting started?
- Don’t overthink whether the assignment is perfect—just get out there and start.
- Set aside a financial buffer to support yourself while building momentum.
- Be prepared to invest time in business development and networking (look out for events run by accountancy firms, legal practices and recruitment consultancies).
- Factor into your pricing that most clients will take up more time than they think!
How do you position yourself and win work?
- Your network is everything—most opportunities come through relationships & referrals.
- Think of yourself as running your own business, not just doing freelance finance.
- Be clear on your value proposition and the problems you solve.
What’s different about fractional work?
- Balancing 3–5 clients at once can be challenging, especially when they all need you at the same time.
- Time allocation is critical—fractional doesn’t always mean flexible. Weekends and late nights can be part of the reality.
- You’ll need to carve out time for your own growth, especially around emerging areas like AI.
Reflections from the panel
Each speaker shared personal stories—from the excitement of landing their first client to the tougher moments of juggling priorities and navigating uncertainty. The honesty and openness created a space for real peer learning.
One standout quote summed it up well:
“In the early days it’s just important to be on the pitch.”
It’s not about perfection—it’s about momentum.
The power of community
The relaxed and informal atmosphere made for a genuinely enjoyable evening. With drinks, nibbles, and plenty of networking, the event reminded us how valuable it is to step out of day-to-day delivery and reflect on what’s next.
At iMultiply, we’re committed to supporting finance leaders at every stage of their career—including those beginning to explore the world of fractional work.
If you’re a CFO thinking about your next step, we’d love to welcome you to a future CFO to… event. Keep an eye on our upcoming sessions.
If you are an established Fractional Executive or have already made the leap, then please consider joining our online community, The Fractional Quarter. Built exclusively for Fractional Leaders to share ideas, ask for advice and help make the move to self-employment not feel so lonely.
