In this episode, Marissa and Lior dig into one of the hardest parts of running a fractional CTO practice: setting boundaries that actually build trust instead of eroding it. They unpack why overwhelm is usually a systems problem, not a capacity problem, and how saying “yes” to everything quietly turns you into a glorified gopher instead of a strategic leader. You’ll hear concrete examples of reshaping communication expectations, eliminating low-value standing meetings, defining personal non-negotiables, and knowing when a client has crossed a line enough times to become a former client. If you’ve ever felt like every client is a hungry child tugging at your sleeve, this conversation will help you design a calmer, more intentional practice.

You’ll learn:

Why clear boundaries are essential to being seen as a leader instead of a doer across multiple clients.

How to treat overwhelm as a signal to improve planning, meeting cadence, and alerting systems—not work more hours.

The most common boundary mistakes fractional leaders make, from saying yes to everything to overcommitting on communication.

How to respond when clients repeatedly cross boundaries, including defining non-negotiables and gracefully ending engagements.

Practical first boundaries to set—like cancelling standing meetings and dropping “guaranteed” response times—to quickly relieve pressure.

If you’re a Fractional CTO—or any kind of visionary leader—this conversation is a must-listen.

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