Host Michelle, sits down with Chad Jardine, the founder of CMO Zen. Together, they discuss the world of fractional leadership and why more companies are turning to part-time executives for increased efficiency in their businesses. Their conversation highlights how quick strategic support can help early-stage companies grow out of fragile phases faster than traditional hiring models. 

Michelle and Chad talk about the realities of building a fractional firm. With real-life stories, they highlight the importance of acting quickly on good ideas and intentionally designing a business that supports both clients and founders. This episode is packed with practical strategies, honest reflections, and fresh insight into what it really takes to thrive as a modern fractional executive.

Chapters
[Start] The Importance of Speed in Early-Stage Companies: Chad and Michelle open the episode discussing why fast decision-making creates competitive advantage.
12:02 Partnerships and Company Growth: Chad shares how he was able to grow his company from a one-man firm into the agency it is today.
29:20 The Hardest Parts of Entrepreneurship: Discussions on cash flow, scaling challenges, taxes, hiring volatility, and the emotional resilience needed to run a business.
41:27 Don’t Wait on Good Ideas: Michelle uses her own life story to highlight the importance of acting quickly on good ideas.
47:42 Chad’s Rascal Moment: Chad talks about breaking out of his “lane” and embracing a more rebellious approach to leadership.

Links & Resources

CMO Zen

Connect with Chad Jardine: 

• linkedin.com/in/chadjardine
• chad@cmozen.com
• chadscalendar.com

Lean Sales Team Buildout
Ready to build a sales team that can scale without you? Michelle’s Lean Sales Team Buildout™ helps founders build their first sales team, exit the sales seat, or fix an underperforming team. We use AI to eliminate low-value sales work, build the right sales operating system, and put fewer, better humans in the right seats. Learn more and book a discovery call at revenuerascals.com/scalelean.

The Local Guild
Local business owner? Stop guessing your way through growth. The Local Guild helps you get more customers, use AI practically, and build predictable revenue without becoming a full-time marketer. Start the free 7 Day Sales Jumpstart here: revenuerascals.com/thelocalguild

Objectionly 14-Day Free Trial
If you are a founder or sales manager who wants to sell more and stop losing days to call review, Objectionly gives you back your time and puts accountability where it belongs. Grab your 14-Day Free Trial now: https://objectionly.com/?via=revenuerascals

Go High Level 30-Day Free Trial
The AI-powered business operating system. All the tools you need to capture, nurture, and close new leads into bookings, sales, reviews, and repeat customers! Grab your 30-Day Free Trial now: www.revenuerascals.com/ghl

Connect with Michelle:

• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• YouTube

Today’s Sponsor: Jason Markk
Get 25% off with promo code: REVENUERASCALS


Disclaimer: Some episodes of Revenue Rascals may include paid sponsorships or affiliate partnerships. We only feature brands, products, or services that align with our values and are relevant to helping founders, revenue leaders, and entrepreneurs grow. Sponsorships help support the show—opinions shared are always our own. 

Michelle Terpstra's Privacy Policy