Most leadership teams still measure capacity through head count. They track open positions, hiring speed, and vacancy rates. This approach misses the real question. The question is not how many people you employ. The question is whether you have access to the right skills when you need them.

Fractional leadership is often presented as a pragmatic answer to organizational needs in transition. The model allows companies to secure executive expertise without committing to a permanent hire. On paper, it promises flexibility, targeted insight, and the possibility to reinforce governance precisely when required.

This morning at The Links, we felt compelled to revisit some compelling insights from a recent McKinsey report.