Fractional CIO and CISO Services
The Guardantix Service Framework offers five distinct engagement levels, from a complimentary orientation conversation to embedded executive leadership. Each is designed for a specific situation and investment threshold. Most clients start with The Operator’s Take and progress based on what they learn.
The Guardantix Service Framework
The Operator’s Take
Free 20-30 minute peer-to-peer conversation to assess your situation.
30-Day Executive Impact
Structured diagnostic with prioritized roadmap in 30 days. $6,500-$8,500.
Embedded Executive
Embedded CIO/CISO building your security program. $10,000-$14,000/mo.
Strategy Partner
Ongoing strategy facilitation and continuous improvement. $5,000-$7,000/mo.
Executive Advisor
On-demand executive counsel. Bi-weekly advisory calls, leadership coaching, board prep, industry connections. 3-month minimum.
Explore Each Offer
The Operator’s Take
20-30 minute peer conversation. No pitch, no obligation. I’ll give you a senior-level read on whether your structure is aligned with where you’re headed.
30-Day Executive Impact
Know exactly where you’re exposed in 30 days. Prioritized roadmap, quick wins identified, and clarity on whether ongoing leadership makes sense. 50% credits toward retainer.
Embedded Executive
Embedded fractional CIO or CISO who builds and runs your security program. 6-month minimum. Own outcomes, not just recommendations.
Strategy Partner
Monthly strategy facilitation for continuous improvement. Half-day workshops, quarterly market briefings, ongoing async input. 3-month minimum.
Executive Advisor
On-demand executive counsel. Bi-weekly advisory calls, leadership coaching, board prep, industry connections. 3-month minimum.
vCISO & vCIO Services
Need security-focused leadership? Explore vCISO. Need technology strategy? Explore vCIO. Both are delivered through the Service Framework at the engagement level that fits.
How Clients Typically Progress
Most clients enter through The Operator’s Take, a complimentary conversation that helps us both understand fit. If there’s alignment, many start with the 30-Day Executive Impact to get clarity before committing to a retainer.
From there, Embedded Executive builds what you need: security programs, governance rhythms, team structure. Once systems are stable, clients often transition to Strategy Partner (for ongoing optimization) or Executive Advisor (for on-demand counsel).
The goal is building systems so you don’t need me at the same intensity forever. That’s how you know it’s working.
Compare to a Full-Time Hire
A full-time CIO or CISO costs $250,000-$400,000 in loaded compensation. At the Embedded Executive level, you get the same strategic leadership and execution at a fraction of the investment. At the Executive Advisor level, you get senior counsel for less than a junior hire.
The question isn’t whether you can afford fractional leadership. It’s whether you can afford to keep operating without it.
Start With a Conversation
The Operator’s Take is how most engagements begin. In 20-30 minutes, I’ll give you a senior-level read on your situation and help you understand which engagement level makes sense, if any.
