Aroop Bhattacharjee, Global Lean Design Lead at ABB E-Mobility, shares insights on transitioning to fractional leadership, its challenges, and the value experienced leaders bring to growing organizations.
As the Global Lean Design Lead at ABB E-Mobility, Aroop Bhattacharjee covers most aspects of the business, starting from Product Design till Manufacturing. This helps create not only a smooth transition with the organization but is also saves time and money. He has been doing this type of work for most of his 30 years career.
Fractional Insider: How was your transition from a traditional career to fractional leadership/consulting?
Aroop Bhattacharjee: Not easy, as most leadership roles prefer a permanent position. But at my age, I will accept fractional roles.
Fractional Insider: What attracted you most to this model, and what challenges did it bring?
Aroop Bhattacharjee: As shared earlier, it was due to situational conditions. At a certain age, it is not easy to get a permanent role. But we have experience, so it’s a balance.
Fractional Insider: How do you choose the projects and clients you work with?
Aroop Bhattacharjee: I tend to choose projects that I know I can complete within my time frame. As this build credibility. Unlike some who tend to over-promise and try keep extending their contracts.
Fractional Insider: Tell us about a moment when you had a major impact as a fractional leader.
Aroop Bhattacharjee: Leading as an outsider has its advantages and disadvantages. This depends on the organization itself.
Fractional Insider: What are the main differences between being a full-time executive and a fractional one?
Aroop Bhattacharjee: Full-time leaders need to make the organization succeeds, whereas the fractional only needs to make sure the assigned task gets done.
Fractional Insider: How do you explain the value of a fractional leader to a skeptical CEO?
Aroop Bhattacharjee:A fractional leader is someone who can show a different perspective and challenge the leadership without fear of career consequences.
Fractional Insider: What are the most common mistakes companies make when working with fractionals?
Aroop Bhattacharjee: Most do not take the fractionals seriously enough, often the mindset is quite fixed and the fractionals can only do a small shift in the mindset.
Fractional Insider: How do you see this career model evolving in the coming years?
Aroop Bhattacharjee: With more start ups and more small companies growing, they need some guidance. This is where 1 fractional COO (like myself) can easily steer few companies.
Fractional Insider: What advice would you give to a senior professional considering becoming fractional?
Aroop Bhattacharjee: Networking is the only way.
Aroop Bhattacharjee’s journey shows that fractional leadership is not a step back, but a mature form of professional contribution. As organizations increasingly seek clarity, direction, and applied experience, fractional leaders can deliver objective perspectives and real impact without the constraints of permanent roles.
