Interviu cu Dr. Cosmin Baiu, EMBA, despre fractional leadership, un model inovator de management care aduce valoare rapid companiilor din România.
Cosmin Baiu, EMBA, is the founder of Obsidian Finance and one of the promoters of the fractional leadership concept in Romania. It is a model well established in Western markets, but still relatively new locally. With over 20 years of experience in the private industrial sector and in executive management in the public sector, Cosmin has coordinated complex projects in financing, restructuring, and turnaround of distressed companies.
He is the author of two reference works in the financial field – Financial Management Made Easy, a volume containing more than 80 practical examples and case studies, and Applied Financial Analysis. Through Obsidian Finance, the company he leads, he provides consulting services for securing financing, solving difficulties in relations with banks, and implementing tailored financial strategies.
His contributions have had a significant impact on the local business environment, being involved in numerous projects that helped companies rethink their strategies and regain stability. Today, Cosmin Baiu actively promotes the roles of Fractional-CEO and Fractional-CFO as modern and efficient solutions for organizations seeking top expertise, flexibility, and fast results.
Fractional Insider: How was your transition from a traditional career to fractional leadership?
Cosmin Baiu: For me, it wasn’t a rupture but rather a natural evolution. I worked for over 20 years in traditional management roles, going through everything from complex financings to difficult restructurings. At some point, I realized that I could help many more companies if I made my experience available in a flexible way, adapted to their real needs. That’s how I came across the concept of fractional leadership – a solution that, instead of tying up resources, brings expertise exactly when it is needed.
Fractional Insider: What attracted you the most to this model, and what challenges did it bring?
Cosmin Baiu: I was attracted by the dynamics. Instead of being stuck in a single organization, you get the chance to work with different industries, diverse challenges, and to see quick results. Of course, the challenge in Romania is that people still look at this idea with skepticism – they’re not used to the concept of “renting” a CEO or CFO for just a few days a month. But this is exactly where my role comes in: to explain and demonstrate, through results, that this model works.
Fractional Insider: How do you choose the projects and clients you collaborate with
Cosmin Baiu: I pay attention to two things: the complexity of the situation and the openness of the management team. I like to get involved where I can make a real difference – it could be a company looking to secure significant financing or one that needs to rethink its relationship with banks. If the leadership team is open to change, then I know we’ll do good work together.
Fractional Insider: Tell us about a moment when you had a major impact as a fractional leader.
Cosmin Baiu: I remember an industrial company that was on the brink of collapse. There was tremendous pressure from creditors, and it seemed like every door was closed. In a relatively short time, we managed to reopen the dialogue with banks, renegotiate credit lines, and restore confidence. We practically transformed a crisis situation into a new beginning. It was one of those experiences that confirm why you do what you do.
Fractional Insider: What are the main differences between being a full-time executive and being fractional?
Cosmin Baiu: As a full-time executive, you are there every day, integrated into the company’s culture, with long-term responsibilities. As a fractional, you bring a fresh, independent perspective, without being caught in organizational inertia. It’s like bringing in someone “from the outside” to see things differently and propose solutions that the internal team may no longer notice.
Fractional Insider: How do you explain the value of a fractional to a skeptical CEO?
Cosmin Baiu: I put it this way: “You get access to my 20 years of executive experience, but you pay only for what you need, when you need it.” It’s like having a top surgeon who isn’t permanently employed by the hospital but comes in when a critical operation needs to be performed. Lower costs, maximum impact.
Fractional Insider: What are the most common mistakes companies make when working with fractionals?
Cosmin Baiu: The first mistake is expecting a fractional to become a “classic employee” and take over all the operations. That’s not our role. Our role is to guide and set the direction. The second mistake is lack of action – if recommendations remain only on paper, nothing changes.
Fractional Insider: How do you see the evolution of this career model in the coming years?
Cosmin Baiu: I am convinced it will grow exponentially. The current economic context forces companies to be more efficient, and the fractional model responds perfectly to this need. In Western markets, this model is already common practice. Romania will get there too – perhaps even faster than we think.
Fractional Insider: What advice would you give to a senior professional considering becoming fractional?
Cosmin Baiu: Build a strong personal brand and be ready to deliver value immediately. You don’t have the luxury of long adjustment periods. For example, I used the books I wrote – Financial Management Made Easy and Applied Financial Analysis – as a sort of professional business card. They were proof that I had something concrete to offer.
