The word “fractional” seems to be everywhere right now, but what does it actually mean? In this conversation, Emma Cossey and Katherine Pearse (née Hall) explore how this growing way of working is reshaping freelancing, leadership, and what it looks like to build a business today.
Emma first came across Katherine at a Berkshire Mummies networking event and was immediately curious. Having recently explored the term “fractional” herself, this felt like the perfect opportunity to go deeper and hear from someone living it day to day.
Listen to the podcast episode below, watch it on [Youtube], or scroll down for the summary!
Prefer to read it? Here are the main points!
Katherine explains that sometimes the easiest way to understand “fractional” is by looking at what it is not.
It is not an interim role, which tends to be short-term and project-based. It is not part-time employment, which still comes with the structure and responsibilities of being an employee. And it is not quite the same as consulting, which can often sit at more of a distance.
Instead, fractional work is more embedded.
It is about working with a business over time, contributing to strategy while also supporting implementation. There is a level of accountability that goes beyond simply advising. It is not just “this is what you should do”, but also “this is how we can actually make it happen”.
Why Fractional Roles Are Growing
This way of working is becoming more visible, particularly across roles like marketing, finance, and operations.
For businesses, it offers access to senior expertise without the cost or commitment of a full-time hire. For individuals, it creates space to work in a more flexible and sustainable way, without losing the depth of their experience.
It also reflects a wider shift.
More people are stepping away from traditional full-time roles and looking for something that allows them to use their skills differently. Fractional work sits somewhere between employment and freelancing, offering both structure and freedom.
More Than Strategy: The Human Side of Business
What makes Katherine’s approach stand out is how she combines the practical with the human side of business.
Alongside her work as a fractional CFO, she brings in systemic coaching and movement work. That means looking not just at numbers and data, but at the people behind the business, how they make decisions, where blocks might be coming from, and what is happening beneath the surface.
Because businesses are not just systems. They are made up of people.
And when people feel unseen, unsupported, or burnt out, it impacts everything, including financial performance.
Why This Matters More Than Ever
There is a strong thread throughout this conversation around how businesses are changing.
With the rise of AI and increasing pressure on productivity, many organisations are pushing for more output, often at the expense of people. But that approach comes with its own cost, higher turnover, lower morale, and more time spent replacing and retraining.
Looking after people is not just a “nice to have”. It is a smart business decision.
Fractional roles can support this shift, bringing in experienced support that looks at the bigger picture, not just quick wins.
What This Means for Freelancers
For freelancers, this conversation opens up an interesting question around positioning.
The term “freelancer” still works, but “fractional” is starting to carry a different perception, particularly at a more senior or strategic level. It can signal experience, ownership, and deeper involvement in a business.
That does not mean you need to change how you describe yourself.
But it is worth being aware of how language is evolving, especially if you are offering higher-level support or moving towards more strategic work.
Showing Up as Your Full Self
One of the strongest takeaways from Katherine is the idea that you do not have to fit into one box.
Her work combines finance, coaching, and body-based practices, which on paper might seem unusual. But in practice, it allows her to support clients in a much more complete way.
That blend is what makes her work distinctive.
And it is a reminder that your experience, your interests, and the way you see things do not have to be separated out. Often, it is the combination that creates something valuable.
If this has sparked your curiosity about fractional work or made you rethink how you position your own services, it might be worth exploring where your skills, experience, and interests overlap.
That is often where the most interesting opportunities begin.
If you’d like to explore Katherine’s work further, you can find her at Building Balance Services, where she supports businesses through a blend of financial strategy, systemic coaching, and embodied business practices.
Her approach brings together three core areas: fractional CFO support for clear, data-led decisions; systemic coaching to explore the unseen dynamics within a business; and embodied business practices that help reconnect you with your instincts and creativity.
You can connect with Katherine her also on social media: Instagram Facebook or by email: katherine@buildingbalanceservices.com
Discover The Freelance Lifestyle
Order my book: The Freelance Lifestyle: Your Friendly Guide to Starting a Freelance Business
Follow me on Instagram
Follow me on Bluesky
Email: hello@emmacossey.com
Come join us in the free Freelance Lifestylers Facebook group
Want more support? Check out the Freelance Lifestyle School courses and membership.
Join the Freelance Lifestyle Discord Community.
