--- title: Independent Director date: 2025-06-16T11:33:00+01:00 author: Ashley Dutton canonical_url: "https://www.connectd.com/us/independent-director" section: Pages --- ### Training and mentorship Complete our CPD-accredited Academy to learn how to apply your expertise in fractional positions. Throughout your journey, access 1-to-1 mentorship from seasoned portfolio professionals to refine your approach and navigate the nuances of fractional leadership. 01 ### Gain experience Get the hands-on experience you need with a guaranteed role at a startup or scaleup. This allows you to apply your skills in a fast-paced environment, building the proof and real-world case studies needed to validate your fractional services. 02 ### Grow your portfolio Leverage your experience to secure paid fractional, advisory, and Independent Director roles through our global network. Gain full access to a consistent stream of opportunities and a curated community designed to support your long-term career evolution. 03 ### Independent Director Transition into high-level governance and strategic oversight. Use your advisory and executive experience to provide the independent challenge and rigorous board leadership needed to protect long-term shareholder value. ### Board Advisor Offer targeted mentorship and strategic guidance without fiduciary risk. Leverage your industry-specific network and insights to help founders navigate growth hurdles as a trusted external advisor. ### Fractional CMO Help shape the growth of startups and scaleups. Provide strategic support and develop marketing strategies that align customer acquisition with a growing businesses’s long-term commercial objectives. ### Fractional COO Become the integrator for high-growth ventures. Apply your operational expertise to implement the systems and team structures required to turn a founder’s vision into a functioning, scalable business. ### Fractional CTO Lead technical evolution from the top down. Provide the architectural oversight and product roadmaps needed to ensure a startup’s tech stack is scalable, secure, and ready for institutional investment. ### Fractional CFO Bring financial rigour to the early-stage ecosystem. Manage burn rates and lead fundraising rounds to build sustainable financial foundations for companies looking to scale rapidly. ### Fractional CIO Master internal digital transformation. Optimise data strategies and technology infrastructure to ensure a company’s internal operations drive a distinct and sustainable competitive advantage. ### Fractional CHRO Shape the future of high-performing startup cultures. Lead organisational design and people strategies that allow scaling companies to attract and retain top-tier talent as they grow. ### Fractional CISO Define the security standards for the modern enterprise. Establish the robust cybersecurity frameworks and compliance benchmarks needed to protect assets and build resilience against evolving digital threats. [ Apply now ](https://www.connectd.com/us/agents/us-ned-rr-direct) ## Connect with more than 3,500 engaged startups and build your experience Previous Slide Next Slide ## Frequently asked questions ### Can I pursue fractional roles while still in full-time employment? Yes, most of our members hold a full-time position. This programme allows them to plan for their future and transition into a portfolio role, when they are ready to finish full-time employment. ### What is a vesting period and how will I be compensated as a fractional employee? Companies, especially startups or early-stage ventures, often compensate fractional employees with equity rather than cash. This approach helps conserve capital while aligning interests, offering a stake in the company’s future success in exchange for expertise, guidance, or part-time leadership. To manage risk and ensure continued contribution, this equity is typically granted over a vesting period, meaning it is earned incrementally over time or upon meeting certain performance milestones. A time based agreement might be that a certain amount of shares will vest over an agreed period (commonly between three and five years), whereas performance milestones will typically be measured on key metrics (for example when a revenue target or profitability is met). ### How does the Academy work? Is it recognised by an official provider? The Connectd Academy offers on-demand video content alongside practical follow-up exercises designed to help you build a successful fractional career at your own pace. Simply log in to the platform to access a wide range of modules covering both hard and soft skills. All content is created and curated by subject matter experts and is fully CPD-accredited, allowing you to leverage your learning outcomes as you expand your fractional portfolio. ### How can Connectd guarantee my role? We provide a guaranteed pro bono placement for every member who finishes the online Academy for a particular pathway (Fractional C-suite, Advisor or NED). This Academy provides the knowledge and skills necessary to undertake the placement, which in turn provides you with the practical, hands-on experience of working with a dynamic company, building your skills and competencies and allowing the company to access your expertise. We have hundreds of high-growth companies, in over 100 sectors, actively seeking the talent they need to drive success. The Connectd platform intelligently matches fractional talent with companies looking for their specific skills and experience, meaning you will have access to a number of highly relevant opportunities; our placement team guarantees that we will find the right pro bono placement for you - and your career progress. What’s more, once your pro bono placement comes to an end, you can continue to work with the startup if agreeable to both parties, providing the opportunity to negotiate your remuneration as you move forward in the engagement. ### How long is a reasonable time to transition into a fractional portfolio career? Building a diverse and rewarding fractional portfolio can take several years, primarily due to the need for hands-on experience across the three to four core roles that typically define a successful fractional career. Our Transition to Portfolio programme is designed to support this journey while you remain in full-time corporate employment. Through the Connectd platform, you'll gain practical experience across these roles by working with a range of partner organisations within the Connectd community - accelerating your development, delivering lasting value to companies, and advancing your career trajectory. ## Check out the latest insights, resources, and guides from our global network [ For Experts### Can Retired Executives Become Independent Directors or Board Advisors? Retired executives filled 54% of new S&P 500 board seats in 2026. Here’s how to land yours. ![](/uploads/Images/_876x552_crop_center-center_90_none/pexels-vlada-karpovich-7433910-1.jpg) ](https://www.connectd.com/us/article/retired-executive-independent-director) [ For Experts### Become an Independent Director: skills, expectations and how to prepare This guide breaks down the specific skills boards look for in Independent Directors, how to develop them, and how to demonstrate you're ready for the role. ![](/uploads/Images/_876x552_crop_center-center_90_none/Blog-image_10_1030-x-690-@118dpi.jpg) ](https://www.connectd.com/us/article/independent-director-skills) [ For Experts### How to blend fractional c-suite, advisory and independent director roles Today, experienced professionals are increasingly shaping deliberate, carefully structured careers that allow them to combine operational leadership with strategic influence — and a high degree of personal autonomy. ![](/uploads/Images/_876x552_crop_center-center_90_none/Blog-image_23_1030-x-690-@118dpi.jpg) ](https://www.connectd.com/us/article/how-to-blend-fractional-c-suite-advisory-and-independent-director-roles) [ Go to the Knowledge Hub ](/learn) ## Ambition needs expertise. Bring yours. [ Book an appointment ](https://www.connectd.com/us/agents/us-ned-rr-direct) ![](/dist/images/blob-red.png) ![](/dist/images/blob-red.png) ![](/dist/images/blob-red.png)