Unlock the secrets to thriving in the dynamic world of fractional consultancy with our latest conversation featuring the financial wizardry of Jennifer Ternay. Together, we delve into the exciting yet challenging realm of part-time, temporary consulting roles that can reshape businesses. Jennifer, with her rich experience as a fractional CFO, shares her unexpected entrepreneurial journey and how it led her to become a guiding light for companies in need of her financial acumen. Our candid discussion peels back the layers on how professionals like us can harness their skills to not only fill interim positions but also leave a lasting impact on the organizations we serve. The podcast is a treasure trove of insights into the art of leadership in temporary roles. I recount the nuanced differences of contract durations—from brief three-month stints to year-long commitments—and their profound effects on professional development and team cohesion. We tackle the delicate task of steering a team as a temporary captain, managing doubts, and the finesse required to translate previous experiences into securing new ventures. The conversation is punctuated with practical tips on navigating the waters of interim engagements and using discretion to maintain a respectful distance from sensitive information. Finally, we wrap up with a robust discussion on the balance between soft skills and hard results, particularly in technical fields like finance. I reflect on my own transformation into "Zen Jen" and how adopting a softer touch has been instrumental in boosting morale and tackling high turnover. We laugh over the classic tussles between finance and marketing departments while recognizing the power of tangible evidence in showcasing the value of soft skills. For those aiming to construct a successful lifestyle business, this episode is a goldmine, offering strategies for packaging your expertise in a way that aligns with your life and connects deeply with clients. Join us and be empowered to make a leap into fractional consulting with confidence and style. In this episode, you will hear: The concept and nuances of fractional consulting, including the differences between interim and ongoing roles in finance. The importance of understanding financial flows for business improvement and the journey from accidental entrepreneur to fractional CFO. Strategies for handling team dynamics and skepticism as a temporary leader, and the significance of discretion when leveraging past experiences. Pricing and packaging services for client engagements, maintaining confidentiality, and integrating personal lifestyle into work. The balance of soft skills and hard results in technical fields like finance, and the transformation from a strict to a "Zen Jen" leadership style. Challenges in measuring the impact of soft skills and the role of tangible evidence like books or talks in establishing credibility. Tips for building a successful lifestyle business in fractional consulting and securing diverse income streams. Connect with Me on Social Instagram LinkedIn Facebook Twitter YouTube Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.