There’s a growing narrative that women are “opting out” of the workforce. But according to today’s guest, that story misses the mark entirely.

In this episode, Angela sits down with Lynn Ducharme, a seasoned recruiter and talent strategist deeply embedded in the food, beverage, ingredient, and CPG industries, to unpack what’s really happening behind the rise of fractional leadership — and why it’s accelerating faster than ever.

From mass boomer retirements to women rejecting systems that no longer work for them, Lynn explains why fractional roles aren’t a step back, but a strategic evolution of leadership. Senior women aren’t less motivated — they’re seeking ownership, impact, and autonomy without the bureaucracy, ego, or burnout that often comes with traditional executive roles.

Together, Angela and Lynn break down what fractional leadership actually is (and what it is not), where both executives and companies often get it wrong, and why “brilliance one day a week” can be far more powerful than a full-time title with no traction.

They also dive deep into the realities no one talks about:
– Why trust is not transferable in fractional work
– Why fractional leaders must execute, not just advise
– How scope creep quietly destroys these relationships
– Why companies often hire fractional leaders for impact — but resist the truth they bring

And perhaps most importantly, Lynn offers unfiltered advice for women, working moms, and senior leaders considering this path — including why fractional leadership is not the “easy” option, why you must always be selling yourself, and why accountability beats ego every single time.

This conversation goes far beyond trends. It’s a candid look at the future of leadership in operationally complex industries — and the mindset required to succeed on both sides of the table.