Embedded Executive

Embedded fractional executive leadership that builds and runs the security and technology program your company needs to scale. You get the strategic leadership and hands-on execution of a senior executive, CIO or CISO, without the $250K-$400K salary.

Quick Specs

Investment: $10,000 – $14,000/month

Time Commitment: 10-12 hours/week

Minimum Term: 6 months

Cadence: Weekly leadership sync, bi-weekly team meetings, monthly board prep

Is This Right For You?

Best For

  • Founder-led or PE-backed firms ($3M-$75M revenue) experiencing a scaling inflection point
  • Organizations where the founder is the bottleneck for operational and security decisions
  • Companies 6-18 months away from a transaction, compliance event, or major growth push
  • Leaders who need someone to build and run the security program, not just advise on it

Not For

  • Organizations needing hands-on engineering work (I lead the people who do the work)
  • Companies expecting full-time availability or response SLAs outside scheduled hours
  • Leaders looking for someone to be “the answer” for every question
  • Organizations that need day-to-day MSP or vendor relationship management

What’s Included

  • Build and run the security/technology program of your business
  • Lead cross-functional initiatives from strategy through execution, not just recommendations
  • Own governance rhythms: leadership meetings, board reporting, vendor oversight, performance reviews
  • Develop your team: hire, coach, upskill, and build the bench you’ll need at the next stage
  • Serve as your external voice for security/technology with customers, investors, insurers, and auditors

How It Works

Weekly leadership sync, bi-weekly team meetings, monthly board prep.

1. Orient

Assess current state, establish governance rhythms, identify quick wins.

2. Build

Implement core systems, policies, and team structure.

3. Run

Operate the program, measure outcomes, develop internal capability.

4. Transition

Transition to Strategy Partner or hand off to internal hire.

Investment

$10,000 – $14,000 per month with a 6-month minimum commitment.

Pricing depends on organization size and scope: $10,000/month for straightforward engagements; $14,000/month for larger organizations, transaction complexity, or multi-function scope (combined CIO/CISO).

Compare this to a full-time hire: a senior CIO or CISO runs $250,000-$400,000 in loaded cost. You get the same strategic leadership and execution at a fraction of the investment.

If you completed the 30-Day Executive Impact, 50% of that fee credits toward your first month.

When Companies Typically Need This

Scaling Past Founder Dependency

You’re the bottleneck. Build the systems and team that let you step back and focus on growth.

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Responding to External Pressure

Auditors, insurers, or enterprise customers are asking questions you can’t answer. Build the program that passes scrutiny.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Building a real security program takes time. The first 90 days establish foundations: governance rhythms, team structure, and core systems. Months 4-6 operationalize what we’ve built and develop internal capability. Shorter engagements don’t deliver sustainable results.

vCISO focuses on security: risk management, compliance programs, incident response planning, security architecture, and board reporting on cyber risk. vCIO focuses on technology: IT strategy, vendor management, architecture decisions, and digital transformation. Many companies need both, and we scope accordingly.

I need a decision-maker available for weekly alignment (30-60 minutes) and team members for bi-weekly meetings. I handle the heavy lifting. Your main responsibility is making timely decisions on recommendations and funding approved initiatives.

Three typical paths: (1) Transition to Strategy Partner for ongoing optimization at lower intensity, (2) Transition to Executive Advisor for on-demand counsel, or (3) Hand off to an internal hire I’ve helped you recruit and develop. The goal is building systems so you don’t need me.

No. I lead the people who do the work, whether that’s your internal team, your MSP, or contractors. I build oversight structures and governance, not ticket queues. Your MSP relationship continues; I make sure it’s working for you.

Build What You Need

Building the security and technology program your company needs takes the right leadership. Start with The Operator’s Take to see if your structure is aligned with where you’re headed.

Get The Operator’s Take