As AI continues to evolve, so does the fear that it might replace entire professions. But what if the real story is more nuanced...and more hopefull?

In this episode of Wholly Fractional: the Podcast, host Andrew Graft speaks with Alex Rasmussen, a veteran data systems consultant and founder of Bits on Disk, to unpack what AI is actually capable of today, what's being overstated, and how it fits into the long arc of technological progress.

Alex brings two decades of experience in infrastructure and distributed systems, along with a gift for making complex ideas surprisingly understandable. While the conversation leans toward software and tech, the implications are far-reaching, especially for professionals navigating a fast-changing future of work.

Together, they explore:

• What AI does well (and where it still falls short)
• Why thoughtful skepticism is more useful than hype or fear
• How today's tools fit into a broader history of innovation
• Why the human element remains essential -- even in a world of automation

Whether you're in tech or not, this episode offers clarity and perspective in a time of rapid change.

In this episode of Wholly Fractional, Andrew sits down with AARP Utah State Director, Alan Ormsby, to tackle an issue that affects nearly every working-age American: caregiving. Whether you're already in the role or haven't yet thought of yourself as a caregiver, this conversation will open your eyes to what's ahead, and how to prepare.

Alan shares his personal story of how his grandfather's experience with fraud led him to dedicate his career to protecting and advocating for vulnerable adults. He explains the mission of AARP, the crucial role of state-level advocacy, and why recognizing yourself as a caregiver is the first step toward easing the journey.

Key Moments & Insights:

• Why caregiving often begins before you realize it, and why you should identify as a caregiver early

• The demographic reality of Baby Boomers, Gen X, and Millennials, and how it will shape the caregiving landscape

• Essential planning steps to avoid family crisis moments

• Why household safety and fall prevention are among the most critical (and overlooked) issues for aging loved ones

• The rising threat of fraud, how scammers target older adults, and practical tips to protect your family

• Resources you can access immediately, from AARP's guides to local Area Agencies on Aging

Alan reminds us that while caregiving can be overwhelming, it is also an opportunity to deepen bonds and find unexpected joy in helping those we love.

What does it really mean to grow — as a leader, a solopreneur, or just a human trying to do meaningful work?This week's guest, KC Hildreth, has navigated that question across a career that spans founder, CEO, CTO, consultant, and investor. But today, he brings those lessons to bear as an executive coach working with high-achievers at a crossroads.In this episode, KC joins host Andrew Graft for a deeply honest conversation about:

• How success can quietly become its own trap
• Why burnout isn't failure, it's feedback
• What fear actually is (hint: not a thought)
• How to shift from tension into presence, and why that's where confidence lives.

This isn't an episode full of hacks or hustle. It's a reminder of something more essential: that the hardest work we do often starts with getting out of our own way.

This week on Wholly Fractional: the Podcast, we're joined by Elles Skony — fractional Chief People Officer and founder of Fractional People People, a thriving Slack-based community for HR solopreneurs. What started as a small peer group has grown into a trusted space for 600+ experienced HR professionals navigating fractional work, business building and the realities of solopreneurship.In this episode, we explore: - Why so many HR leaders are moving toward fractional roles - How FPP became "the coworkers you wish you had" - What HR and community-building have in common - How values like abundance and joy guide the community culture - The mindset shift from in-house identity to independent brand Elles shares candid insights from her own career, including the moment she transitioned herself out of a Chief People Officer role and into her first fractional engagement. Whether you're in HR or simply curious about what community looks like in the world of solopreneurism, this episode offers a thoughtful look from a gifted connector & fractional visionary.

In our milestone 10th episode, co-hosts Andrew Graft and Todd Hines pull back the curtain on what it really took to get Holy Fractional off the ground, and why this show matters to the growing community of fractional professionals. From heartfelt reflections and early lessons to guest recaps and bold aspirations, this episode is part celebration, part strategy, and all heart.

Watch as we highlight standout moments from past guests, share our learnings from launching this show, and talk openly about everything from impostor syndrome to the future of work. If you're building your own fractional career, this one's for you.

Thanks to our founding cohort of guest speakers:

1. Mark Jackson – Founder of Besolo

2. Dipti Patel – Fractional product executive and coach

3. Sal Imami – Fractional Chief Revenue Officer

4. Drew Burdick – Founder of StealthX

5. Fatima Alam – M&A consultant, investment banker, coach

6. Kurt Rudsinski – Fractional team builder and coach

7. Heather Leek – Fractional business adviser

8. Meg Niman – Coach focused on overcoming impostor syndrome

From redefining leadership to navigating imposter syndrome, each guest has brought something unique to the table -- the kind of immeasurable value and insight we could only hope for when we started down this "fractional" path.

So whether you're a loyal listener or just now discovering Wholly Fractional, this episode is a great way to catch the essence of the series. And to our amazing and talented guests: thank you. You are -- and will always be -- the heart of our show.

What does it really take to move forward when self-doubt is screaming in your ear? This week, I sat down with Meg Niman — a creative director turned solopreneur, coach, and fractional brand strategist — to unpack one of the most common (and under-discussed) realities of working for yourself: imposter syndrome.

Meg brings a rare blend of honesty, warmth, and strategic insight to this conversation. We explore the concept of microrisks — small, intentional actions that help build momentum even when confidence feels elusive. We talk about noticing as a mindfulness practice that sharpens creativity and builds emotional resilience. And we dig into how solopreneurs can redefine success not by external metrics, but by alignment, fulfillment, and joy.

One of the most meaningful takeaways? That self-doubt doesn't just ask us to be patient with our insecurities — it invites us to reclaim the track record we've already built. To remember what we've already done. Meg reminds us that stepping forward sometimes means simply owning our strength.

We also explore the three types of imposter syndrome Meg sees most often in solo professionals — and how to move through them with grace.

Check out these free resources from Meg:

Imposter Syndrome from Niman Design

microRISK Method from Niman Design

What happens when you stop undervaluing yourself and start taking strategic career risks?

Andrew sits down with Fatima Alam, Executive Director at Woodside Capital Partners and President at Chrysalis Labs. Fatima's unconventional path—from self-taught engineer to investment banker—offers a masterclass in career pivots and personal branding.

You'll Learn:

• Why "knowing your superpowers" is more valuable than any degree or certification
• The exact pricing mistakes that kill fractional businesses (and how to avoid them)
• Two proven strategies to overcome imposter syndrome, even in prestigious environments
• How to handle "pick your brain" requests without giving away free expertise
• Why taking strategic career pauses can accelerate your success

Key Takeaways:

• Don't negotiate down your prices—if they don't see your value, they won't value your outcomes
• The "Questions Strategy" for protecting your expertise from free advice seekers
• How to build an "alter ego" to push through limiting beliefs
• Why being kind to yourself is the foundation of professional success

Whether you're considering fractional work, struggling with pricing, or battling imposter syndrome, Fatima's insights will help you recognize your worth and command it in the marketplace.

Contact Fatima on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/thefalam/

In this episode of Wholly Fractional, we sit down with Kurt Rudsinski — an experienced business strategist, leadership coach, and founder of Kurtis Coaching & Consulting — for an honest conversation about what it really means to build a successful business.

Kurt shares how he's spent his career helping leaders understand that sustainable growth comes from developing people first. From his early days as a company builder to his evolution as a coach, Kurt's insights center on the intersection of leadership, culture, and values. We explore how aligning leadership with a company's mission and values doesn't just improve retention — it transforms organizations from the inside out.

Our conversation covers a wide range of topics: coaching, mentorship, faith, family, legacy, and the very personal motivations that drive our work as fractionals and solopreneurs. Kurt opens up about his own journey of figuring out what matters most, how he measures success, and why giving back has become such an essential part of his story.

Whether you're a fractional leader, a founder navigating growth, or someone wrestling with the deeper "why" behind your business, this episode is a reminder that success isn't just about the bottom line. It's about the impact we have on others — and the leaders we empower along the way.

Tune in for a thoughtful, heartfelt look at leadership, business, and the joy of helping others thrive.

In this episode of Holy Fractional, Andrew Graft interviews Drew Burdick, founder of StealthX, who shares his journey from freelancer to corporate leader and back to entrepreneurship. Drew reveals how he's building a company focused on execution over strategy in industries that others overlook. Key takeaways include:

• Why execution matters more than strategy in today's AI-powered business landscape
• How to leverage AI tools to dramatically shorten consulting timelines and deliver more value
• The importance of narrowing your ICP (Ideal Customer Profile) to stand out in a crowded market
• Drew's "Clients, Content, Community" strategy for sustainable business growth
• Why relationship-building beats traditional sales tactics for fractional professionals

Drew shares his "Core Four" qualities for high-performing team members and explains why he's building SEAL teams rather than traditional consulting structures. For fractional professionals feeling overwhelmed by AI disruption or struggling with business development, this episode provides actionable insights and a fresh perspective on building a sustainable practice.

Connect with Drew on LinkedIn or at stealthx.co to learn more about his approach.

In this episode of Wholly Fractional, we sit down with Heather Leek, a data strategist, customer experience leader, and proud spreadsheet enthusiast, to talk about her journey from corporate operations to thriving as a fractional professional. With a career spanning audit, analytics, rev ops, and customer success, Heather's path is anything but linear—and that's exactly the point.

Heather opens up about the power of reinvention, her belief in lifelong learning, and the very real presence of imposter syndrome, even for accomplished executives. She shares why she left behind full-time roles in favor of autonomy and creativity, how she structures her days for success, and what it means to truly choose your clients and projects.

🎧 In this episode: ✔️ Heather's "portfolio of pivots" and how she's built a career on curiosity ✔️ Learning to live with fear and still take action ✔️ Why middle management is disappearing—and why that matters ✔️ How Heather uses data to transform customer experiences ✔️ Embracing the freedom of fractional work without losing your edge ✔️ Managing imposter syndrome—even when you're crushing it

🔗 Resources & Links: Learn more about Heather's work: AscendGSLLC.com Connect on LinkedIn: Heather Leek