Fractional Hustle: Episode with Kate Howard

Guest: Kate Howard, Founder of Monday Digital
Host: Stephen Maher

In this episode of Fractional Hustle, host Stephen Maher speaks with Kate Howard, an experienced marketer and fractional CMO from Victoria, Australia. Kate is the founder of Monday Digital, an agency born from frustration with the traditional agency model. She shares how her in-house marketing background shaped a new kind of partnership-driven agency that acts as an extension of internal teams rather than an external vendor.

Together, Stephen and Kate explore:

• Why traditional agencies often miss the mark—and how Monday Digital fills that gap with true collaboration
• The importance of speaking the language of business impact over platform metrics and vanity KPIs
• How to vet ideal clients and walk away from partnerships that don’t align with your values
• Lessons from leading marketing at cult-loved brands like Sheet Society and Frank Green
• Navigating client relationships where empathy, honesty, and high EQ matter more than jargon
• The role of fractional work as both an accelerator for brands in crisis and a launchpad for sustainable growth
• The reality of building a portfolio career, taking risks, and balancing ambition with family life

Kate also opens up about:

• The emotional rollercoaster of starting a business with no safety net
• Why she values speed over perfection, and EQ over ego
• Her evolving role from fractional CMO to equity partner in the brands she believes in
• The power of directness, kindness, and vulnerability in high-performance environments

🔑 Episode Highlights

• "We're not agency people." Kate and her co-founder Emma approach their work as insiders—bringing a deep understanding of internal team dynamics.
• Beyond the brief: Monday Digital frequently advises on product development, team structure, and broader business strategy—not just performance marketing.
• High EQ = High Impact: Kate credits her success to emotional intelligence, direct communication, and leading with values.
• Motherhood & Business: Kate shares her honest experience balancing parenting with entrepreneurship and why “having it all” might not mean doing it all at once.
• Risk and Reward: Despite leaving her job with no income, Kate found financial stability through bold, fast action and a willingness to bet on herself.
• On partnerships: “If I’m going to be away from my family, I’m not f***ing around.”

🔗 Resources & Links

• 🌐 Website: Monday Digital
• 💼 Connect on LinkedIn: Kate Howard
• 📱 Follow: @kateonmondays on Instagram & TikTok