01Fractional CTOExecutive leadership

Pinnacle Pathways · Fractional technology leadership

Fractional CTO and technology leadership.

I work as a fractional Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for mid-market companies. You get executive technology judgment, hands-on guidance for engineering and operations teams, and someone who connects technology decisions to business outcomes. I take a limited number of engagements at a time and commit focused time to each engagement.

Start a conversation See how the first 90 days work

Operating materials and systems records arranged for technology leadership work.

02The gapWhen tech shapes the business

When technology starts to shape the business

Mid-market companies reach a point where technology decisions shape the direction of the business. The company needs someone who can set direction, govern risk, lead the team, make architecture decisions, and translate between technical work and business priorities.

Many companies, roughly $10 million to $150 million in revenue, need that leadership before a full-time CTO makes sense. That is the gap I fill.

03CapabilityWhat I bring

What I bring

Strategy

Technology strategy and operating model

I help you clarify what the technology organization should do, how to structure it, and how to measure its performance.

AI adoption and enablement

AI support can include workflow review, tool selection, governance, and reviewed automation.

Platform

Platform and systems leadership

My background spans enterprise resource planning delivery, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, identity, and application portfolio management. I assess where you are, name the next few moves that matter, and lead the work.

Delivery

Engineering leadership and delivery

I work with engineering teams directly and alongside the people doing the work. I assess delivery methods, unblock teams, and improve how software work gets done.

Vendors

Vendor selection and governance

I help you evaluate vendors, negotiate terms, and build the oversight to hold them accountable.

AI adoption is one part of the practice. Some engagements need it. Others need platform decisions, vendor governance, team leadership, delivery discipline, cybersecurity, or application portfolio work first.

04FitWho I work best with

Who I work best with

Growing mid-market companies

Companies that are changing or modernizing and need technology leadership they do not have yet.

Private equity-backed companies

Companies that need a fast operational assessment and a technology leader who can assess risk and start leading quickly.

Series A to Series C companies

Companies that have a technical team and need an executive layer between engineering and the business.

Established mid-market operators

Manufacturing, distribution, professional services, or healthcare services companies working through platform modernization or AI adoption.

05First 90 daysHow it starts

What the first 90 days look like

The work starts on day one and builds toward clear technology ownership.

Day one

Take on the issues that cannot wait. I vet the team, review hiring needs, and handle pressing vendor decisions.

Weeks 1 and 2

Learn the business. I meet the leadership team, review the technology environment, understand the operating model, and find the top risks and opportunities.

Weeks 3 and 4

Deliver a clear assessment. You get a direct view of where the company stands, what needs to change, and in what order.

Month 2

Start leading. I take ownership of the highest-priority technology decisions and build the structure, relationships, and habits the company needs.

Month 3

Work with the team. I work alongside the people doing the work, and I stay useful to the executives reviewing it.

06EngagementHow it works

How engagements work

Retainer

I work on a monthly retainer.

Cadence

One, two, or three days a week, sized to the scope.

Length

Engagements usually run three to twelve months.

Focus

I take a limited number of engagements at a time, so each engagement gets focused attention.

07LocationWhere I work

Where I work

I am based in Ohio, with a preference for companies in the Cincinnati, Columbus, and Dayton corridor. Remote and hybrid engagements are available. I am open to regular travel for the right engagement.

Next step

Get the technology leadership right.

If your company is growing, changing, or modernizing and the technology leadership is not yet in place, start a conversation. If you know a company in that position, I welcome an introduction.

Start a conversation Contact Kalen