Rolling admissions  ·  4–8 spots per cohort

From Executive
to Independent

A practical, personal program for experienced leaders asking “what’s next?” — whether you’re ready to leap or still figuring out if this path is right for you.

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Why I built this

I know what it feels like to wonder if going independent is actually going to work — with a mortgage, kids, and people depending on you. The anxiety is real. I’ve been there.

I’ve spent 30 years building and operating companies. I’ve made it work. But I didn’t have a manual, and it didn’t happen without mistakes and some uncomfortable moments of figuring it out as I went.

What I’ve noticed is that a lot of people with 20+ years of hard-won experience are finding themselves on the outside of corporate America — not because they ran out of steam, but because corporate America is running out of room for them. They have more to give. They’re not done. And they shouldn’t have to pretend otherwise.

“Whether you’re planning a full transition, testing the waters alongside a W2, or not entirely sure yet — this program meets you where you are. It’s practical, honest, and built for people who don’t need inspiration. They need a framework and someone who has been in the room.”

Hear it from me

A quick, personal introduction.

Who this is for

You’ve spent 20+ years doing the hard work. Now you want options.

This program is for senior professionals — VPs, directors, and functional leaders in operations, finance, marketing, sales, legal, technology, or HR — who are considering fractional or consulting work, whether as a full transition or a meaningful side income.

🏢

Still employed

Quietly wondering what life looks like without the W2 — and want to understand this path before committing.

🚪

Recently left a role

Realized the next corporate chapter doesn’t feel right. Ready to explore something different.

📈

Watching the market

Worried about opportunities for people your age and want to get ahead of it before you need to.

🔄

Already consulting

Have started but struggling with pipeline, pricing, or structuring engagements consistently.

ⓘ  A note on founders

This program isn’t designed for people starting a company from scratch. Founders tend to figure things out independently — that’s part of their wiring. This is for people who have been excellent inside a structure and want to take that excellence independent. If you’re a founder looking for coaching, I offer that separately — visit startupcxo.ericgrafstrom.com and we can talk about what makes sense.

Curriculum

A framework, not a playbook. Applied to your specific situation.

I’m not here to run a webinar series. I’m here to invest real time in a small group of people who want to actively participate and learn through conversations, not just material presented to them.

WEEK 01
What are you actually selling?
How to define your offer in terms clients actually buy — not your job title or a skill list. The specific outcomes you deliver and why someone would hire you over a full-time hire.
This is where most people get stuck. We start here for a reason. Followed by a private 1:1 call to shape your specific offer.
WEEK 02
Getting found and building pipeline
How your network actually works as a business development tool. LinkedIn, webinars, podcasts, and platforms like Upwork and Matchmaker.fm. A system you’ll actually use — not a strategy that requires a team.
Followed by a private 1:1 call to review your pipeline plan for your first 45 days.
WEEK 03
Pricing, structuring engagements, and getting paid
How to price with confidence. The retainer model versus hourly. What goes in a contractor agreement and how to protect yourself. The conversations most people avoid until they’re already in trouble.
We talk about real numbers — not ranges, not “it depends.”
WEEK 04
The real stuff nobody talks about
Managing multiple clients without burning out. Identifying the wrong client before you sign. The emotional reality of owning your pipeline. What I’d do differently — and what actually worked.
This session includes things I’ve never put in a document.
What you’ll walk away with

Not just ideas. Things you can actually use.

By the end of this program, you’ll have real, tangible things in hand — not just notes from a good conversation.

What’s included

This is a two-way investment.

I’m investing real time in a small group of people who are serious about making this work.

Investment

Straightforward pricing.

$2,500
Full payment · or split into two
Payment plan: 2 × $1,350
Next cohort forming
The payment plan exists because I understand that investing in yourself during transition is a real decision. I’ve been tight on cash before. The two-payment option is there if you need it — no questions asked.
Applying will schedule a call, and it is not an obligation to purchase.
What people say

From people who’ve made the leap.

“Eric provided clear, practical advice that was instrumental in launching my fractional executive career. His guidance saved me from costly missteps and gave me the clarity to move forward with speed and purpose.”
— Felipe M., Fractional Business Development Executive

“I’ve known Eric personally and professionally for three decades and have always relied on him for sound advice. Recently I found myself in the midst of a job change, and Eric was the first to point me in the direction of fractional work. Now I’m a fractional CFO with multiple clients, enjoying the variety and challenge of the work.”
— Joe B., Fractional CFO

About Eric
Eric Grafstrom

Eric Grafstrom

Fractional CxO & Startup Coach · Austin, TX

I started my career as the first person dumb enough to sell webcasting in 1996. It worked out — broadcast.com was acquired by Yahoo, and I spent years in Silicon Valley building and breaking things before figuring out what I was actually good at.

I’ve served as CEO and COO across dozens of companies. I know what it looks like when a business is working and when it isn’t. And I know what it costs — personally and professionally — to figure that out without a guide.

30+
Years operating experience
25+
Companies as fractional CxO
$2M+
Generated as a consultant
A few companies I’ve worked with: Coast · Owl Camera · Kiddom · Teespring · YourFranchise Pros · ExitGuide · Xobni · broadcast.com → Yahoo
  Connect on LinkedIn

Let’s see if this is a fit

Fill this out and I’ll send you a link to book a free 20-minute call. Not a sales pitch — a real conversation to see if this is right for you, and you’re right for it.

Be as honest as you want. This goes directly to me and nobody else.

After submitting you’ll get a link to schedule your 20-minute call directly on my calendar. I read every response before we talk.

About 3 minutes
Eric Grafstrom · Fractional CxO & Startup Coach eric@ericgrafstrom.com