Fractional Leadership refers to the practice of hiring seasoned executives on a part-time, project-based and/or contract basis.

This leadership model has grown rapidly in popularity, especially among startups and small to mid-sized businesses. It gives organizations access to top-tier executive talent while remaining financially agile and operationally flexible.

Increasingly, senior executives who have reached a point in their careers where work/live balance begins to take center stage, are stepping out of high-powered roles and opting instead to seek work on a “pay as you go” basis as fractional leaders. Post-pandemic shifts in work practices (such as working remotely) have also altered how many senior leaders think about time, values, and balancing priorities. For some, it is the allure of being able to continue to make significant business contributions on a more part-time basis balanced with the ability to work around personal and family priorities.

Direct contracting in healthcare, particularly between employers and providers, has been a growing trend driven by the desire to manage rising healthcare costs and improve quality of care via a more direct and transparent relationship between plan sponsor and provider(s). 

This approach allows a plan sponsor or employer to directly negotiate with healthcare providers, bypassing traditional insurance intermediaries like PPOs and HMOs. This model is particularly attractive to self-funded employers who bear the financial risk of their employees’ healthcare costs.

Mental Health is a vital component of overall well-being, yet not everyone has equal access to the care and support they need. Mental Health Parity encompasses the principle that all individuals deserve access to high quality, affordable mental health services. Achieving parity will require addressing systemic barriers, establishing inclusive, supportive elements that enable all individuals to seek the care they need in a safe and equitable manner.

Accessibility includes physical location, availability of providers, insurance coverage, and inclusive practices – reducing the stigma associated with mental health care seeking and cultural sensitivity for marginalized populations in need of services.

Change management has long been a leading consideration for forward looking organizations, but with the rapid pace of business transformation in recent years, it is becoming even more critical. New trends in change management are emerging, driven by things like AI and digital transformation, evolving workforce expectations, and the growing importance of sustainability relative to organizational strategy.

Healthcare organizations wanting to remain on the forefront of virtual care opportunities are well advised to take a fresh look at the future of telehealth with an eye toward formulating a more deliberate, strategic approach, particularly given the persistently higher rate of telehealth usage post-pandemic.