Fractional Executive Leadership

Revenue clarity.
Growth that compounds.
Leadership that sticks.

We step into PE-backed and growth-stage companies as fractional CRO, COO and Chief Growth Officers. We build what you need, develop the people around you and leave the organization stronger than we found it.

Results from the operating table

$200M+
ARR Protected & Grown
15+
Years Operating Experience
$2M
Pipeline Built in 6 Months
107%
NRR Achieved Post-Acquisition
Fractional Leadership.
Full Commitment.

You get an experienced executive who has done this before, without the cost or risk of a full-time hire. We embed, we execute and we build something that lasts.

Fractional Role

Chief Revenue Officer

For companies where revenue is fragmented, the team lacks structure or the next growth phase demands a commercial architecture that does not yet exist. We build the GTM motion, the team cadence and the accountability culture from the ground up.

TechnologyHealthcareSaaS
Fractional Role

Chief Growth Officer

When the business has product and team but the growth engine is missing or stalled. We define the ICP, build the outbound motion, establish partnerships and create the operating cadence that moves revenue consistently.

PE-BackedGrowth StagePost-Acquisition
Fractional Role

Chief Operating Officer

For founders who need operational discipline to match their growth ambitions. We build the systems, the reporting structures and the execution habits that let the team scale without breaking.

TechnologyHealthcareManaged Services
Built on Operating Experience,
Not Just Advice

McCulloch & Williams was founded to give growth-stage and PE-backed companies access to senior revenue leadership that transforms organizations, without the timeline or cost of a permanent hire.

Our principal, Adam Williams, has spent 15+ years in operating roles at companies ranging from high-growth startups to complex multi-acquisition enterprises. He has built commercial teams from scratch, rebuilt demoralized ones post-acquisition and protected large ARR bases through ownership transitions.

His background in teaching and coaching shapes how he works. He does not just solve the immediate problem. He builds the capability around him so the business keeps winning after he is gone.

Edgelogix (2025–Present)First growth leader. Built full GTM engine from zero. Generated $2M pipeline in six months. Established AWS and Databricks partnerships.
LightedgeChief Customer Officer. ~2,000 customers, ~$200M ARR post-acquisition. Revenue erosion reduced to below 1%.
Connectria (acquired by Lightedge)Rebuilt post-acquisition. Churn reduced from 3% to 0.5% in 12 months. NRR lifted from 92% to 107%.
Liquid Web & NexcessFirst CRO. Unified two brands across $140M+ ARR. Built renewals and expansion infrastructure from zero.
Rackspace (2007–2020)Individual contributor to senior executive. Founded the Private Equity practice. Closed a $120M+ multi-year enterprise deal.
"I build people and systems equally."

High standards and genuine investment in people are not competing priorities. The companies that grow sustainably are the ones where accountability and trust reinforce each other.

We set clear expectations. We develop the leaders around us. And we build cultures where results are the natural output of how the team works.

Education
Washington and Lee University, BA
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
3-Year Captain, Varsity Wrestling
The Frameworks We Deploy

Every engagement is built on proven, repeatable systems. These are the frameworks we bring to every client.

Phase 1 · Weeks 1–3
Knowledge Capture
Goal: Capture current reality and identify structural foundations.
Week 1Engagement Alignment & System SetupScope + Kickoff
Actions
  • Leadership kickoff session
  • Confirm scope, success criteria and decision ownership
  • Establish working cadence and stakeholder interviews
  • Begin current-state sales mapping
Deliverables
Engagement CharterCurrent State Sales Map v1
Week 2Founder Sales NarrativeWin Patterns
Actions
  • Deep founder interview
  • Review recent deals — won and lost
  • Translate founder-led selling into structured process
  • Draft stage architecture
Deliverables
Founder Sales NarrativeDraft Stage Framework
Week 3Customer & Revenue MappingFriction + Risk
Actions
  • Customer conversations — sample set
  • Finance and RevOps alignment session
  • Early SWOT and risk assessment
Deliverables
Customer Friction SummaryEarly Sales SWOT
Phase 2 · Weeks 4–6
Process Design & Activity SMBs
Goal: Build the structural sales engine.
Week 4Lead-to-Cash ArchitectureEnd-to-End Journey
Actions
  • Lead-to-Cash working session
  • Define end-to-end customer journey
  • Clarify stage ownership and handoffs
  • Map required artifacts per stage
Deliverables
Lead-to-Cash Process Map
Week 5Activity Model & Reporting FrameworkLeading Indicators
Actions
  • Define activity-to-outcome behaviors
  • Define weekly sales operating cadence
  • Establish measurable leading indicators
Deliverables
Sales Activity ModelReporting Framework
Week 6Process Review & RefinementLeadership Alignment
Actions
  • Leadership review session
  • Pressure-test and refine stage definitions
  • Finalize entry and exit criteria
Deliverables
Sales Process Map
Phase 3 · Weeks 7–12
Foundational Delivery & Incentive Alignment
Goal: Finalize sales operating system and compensation structure.
Wks 7–8Seller Playbook DevelopmentHow We Sell
Actions
  • Develop qualification rubric
  • Define discovery structure
  • Create objection handling framework
  • Draft onboarding ramp model
Deliverables
Seller PlaybookCompetitive Battlecards
Wks 9–10Incentive & Compensation ArchitectureSIP Design
Actions
  • Incentive philosophy working sessions
  • Compensation plan design collaboration
  • Financial modeling review
Deliverables
Incentive Philosophy DocDraft Sales Incentive Plan
Wk 11–12Finalization & Executive SummaryLock + Transition
Actions
  • Leadership review and final sign-off
  • Executive alignment session
  • 30/60/90 forward roadmap
Deliverables
Final Process MapFinalized SIPExecutive Summary Deck
What your organization has at day 90
Sales Process
Documented and teachable
Activity SMBs
Tied to performance outcomes
Stage Ownership
Clear handoffs defined
Compensation
Structured incentive framework
Seller Playbook
Ready for onboarding and scale
Leadership Cadence
Reporting rhythm established
Type 1
SMB
Under $75K
Discrete, well-scoped engagement. Clear deliverable. Minimal discovery.
Type 2
Mid-Market
$75K – $300K
Multi-phase engagement. Requires discovery and scoping. Moderate complexity.
Type 3
Enterprise
$300K+
Strategic, long-cycle. Mid-Market organizational change. Executive sponsorship required.
The ruleDeal type drives how we resource, set time expectations and measure performance. Every deal gets classified at Stage 2. Update if scope changes — that is not a failure, it is useful data.
DimensionStrong (3)Moderate (2)Weak (1)
Problem SeverityDefined pain with measurable impactReal but not urgent or quantifiedVague dissatisfaction, no consequence
Budget SignalBudget confirmed or range acknowledgedLikely but not confirmedNo budget signal
Decision AuthorityEconomic buyer named and engagedChampion identified, buyer not in conversationNo decision-maker after two conversations
Timeline ClarityTimeline confirmed with hard driverRough timeline. No hard driverNo timeline. Exploring indefinitely
Multi-ThreadTwo or more contacts across functionsOne primary. Working to expandSingle contact. No access to others
Partner AlignmentPartner engaged and supportivePartner aware. Not actively involvedNo partner contact or unclear
15 – 18
Strong. Advance to Stage 3.
12 – 14
Solid. Advance with plan to close gaps.
10 – 11
Marginal. More discovery needed.
Below 10
Do not advance. Re-qualify or disqualify.
"This feels expensive."ROI concern
What they really meanUnsure of ROI or worried about internal approval.
How to respond
Re-anchor on what the problem is costing them now. Ask: what does doing nothing cost you this year? Connect the investment to that number.
"We need to think about it."Unvoiced concern
What they really meanThere is a concern they have not shared yet.
How to respond
Ask directly: is there a specific part of the proposal you want to revisit? Surface the real objection in the meeting.
"We're talking to a few other partners."Validation seeking
What they really meanThey want to validate you are the right choice.
How to respond
This is normal. Ask what criteria matter most. Position your track record, specialist expertise and responsiveness as specific differentiators.
"Your timeline seems too short."Internal readiness
What they really meanWorried about internal readiness on their side.
How to respond
Ask what their internal constraints are. Offer a phased approach if needed. Do not pad the timeline to win the deal.
"Can we get a lower price?"Negotiation signal
What they really meanThey want to feel like they negotiated something.
How to respond
Do not discount without approval. Ask what would make the investment feel right at this level. Sometimes the answer is phased scope, not a price cut.
1
Internal Readiness
Complete the qualification scorecard. Classify the departure reason. Confirm executive sponsor will make first contact. Log everything before any outreach.
Gate: Score 14+. Departure classified. Exec sponsor confirmed.
2
Executive Re-Introduction
Executive sponsor reaches out by phone or personal message. Goal: 30-minute listening call. No pitch.
Gate: Listening call scheduled or direct connection made.
3
Listening Call & Diagnosis
Deal owner leads. Ask what changed, what they are focused on now, what problems remain. No proposal in this meeting.
Gate: Active need confirmed or account closed as not ready.
4
Re-Engagement Proposal
Build a tailored proposal based on what was heard. Address the departure reason directly. Walk it live. Never email first.
Gate: Proposal delivered live. Decision received.
22 – 30
High priority. Pursue now. Executive opens the door within 10 business days.
14 – 21
Qualified. Proceed with care. Confirm partner status and internal contact first.
Below 14
Not qualified. Log it. Set a 90-day review. Do not initiate outreach.
Eligibility ruleA former client qualifies if their last engagement ended within 18 months and they score 14 or above. Beyond 18 months: log with a 90-day review, not active pursuit.
Eight stages from first contact to closed and invoiced. Each stage has defined entry and exit criteria, required activities and coaching triggers.
1
Lead
First contact to qualified opportunity
Pipeline
Required activities
  • Log within 1 business day of first contact
  • Confirm and document lead source
  • Initial outreach within 2 business days
Coaching triggers
  • No activity after 10 business days
  • Lead source is blank
  • No next action assigned
2
Nurture
Qualify the problem and name the buyer
Pipeline
Required activities
  • Structured conversation to understand business context
  • Identify and document the economic buyer by name
  • Log all touchpoints with next action and date
Coaching triggers
  • No logged touchpoint in 30 days
  • No economic buyer named after two conversations
  • No next meeting on calendar
3
Scoping / Proposal
Build, scope and walk the proposal live
Pipeline
Required activities
  • Formal scoping session with client
  • Walk the proposal live — never email first
  • Document mutual action plan
Coaching triggers
  • Proposal sent without live walkthrough
  • No executive sponsor identified
  • No mutual action plan documented
4
Contract Negotiations
Protect the deal through legal
Upside
Required activities
  • Assign a single internal legal owner
  • Set milestone billing structure before advancing
  • Escalate if legal exceeds 10 business days
Coaching triggers
  • Legal open 10+ days without escalation
  • Work started before contract signed
  • No single legal owner assigned
5
Committed / Awaiting Signature
Name who is holding it up
Commit
Required activities
  • Set and maintain the Waiting On field
  • Follow up with blocking party within 2 business days
  • Begin preparing handoff brief
Coaching triggers
  • Waiting On field blank or not current
  • 5+ days in stage without documented follow-up
  • Work started before signature received
6
Closed Won / Handoff
Pass the baton cleanly
Closed Won
Required activities
  • Handoff brief within 3 business days of signing
  • Introduce client stakeholders to delivery in writing
  • Log all four handoff criteria as complete
Coaching triggers
  • Handoff brief incomplete or late
  • Delivery team has not confirmed acceptance
7
Delivery Active
Stay visible. Surface expansion early.
Closed Won
Required activities
  • Track hours weekly against forecasted hours
  • Account owner reviews bi-weekly for health risks
  • Surface expansion before project ends
Coaching triggers
  • Hours not tracked weekly
  • Expansion not surfaced before project end
8
Invoiced / Closed
Invoice on time. Complete the expansion review.
Closed Won
Required activities
  • Invoice within 5 business days of milestone
  • Complete expansion review before closing
  • Document win notes and lessons learned
Coaching triggers
  • Invoice not issued within 5 days
  • Deal closed before payment confirmed
  • No expansion review completed
Leading indicators
Qualified opportunities
New deals entering Scoping/Proposal per week
Target: 2 per week
Average days in stage
How long deals sit before moving
Alert at 14+ days
Multi-thread ratio
Deals with 2+ named client contacts
Target: 80%
Pipeline coverage
Total pipeline vs. monthly revenue target
Target: 3x minimum
Close plan completion
Upside/Commit deals with active close plan
Target: 100% at Commit
Days to invoice
Contract signed to invoice issued
Max: 5 business days
Four stages covering account baseline through active recovery. Retaining and growing existing clients is a distinct discipline from new logo pursuit.
E1
Account Baseline
Document current state before anything else
Active Client
Required activities
  • Document all active contracts and renewal dates
  • Complete service coverage map
  • Establish relationship health baseline
  • Schedule first quarterly review within 60 days
Coaching triggers
  • No service coverage map after 30 days
  • Renewal date not documented
  • Share of wallet estimate missing
E2
Active Relationship Management
Monthly touchpoints. Quarterly reviews. Proactive expansion.
Healthy
Required activities
  • One meaningful touchpoint per month minimum
  • Quarterly reviews covering health, whitespace and renewals
  • Update relationship health score monthly
Coaching triggers
  • No touchpoint in 30+ days
  • Health score not updated in 45 days
  • Quarterly review overdue
E3
Expansion in Progress
Qualify and pursue the growth opportunity
Upside
Required activities
  • Qualify using same criteria as new logo Stage 2
  • Deliver proposal with live walkthrough — never emailed first
  • Log expansion as a distinct deal record
Coaching triggers
  • Proposal sent without walkthrough
  • No executive sponsor identified
  • Not logged as separate deal record
E4
At Risk — Active Recovery
Flag early. Respond fast. Document everything.
At Risk
Required activities
  • Written recovery plan within 48 hours of flagging
  • Executive touchpoint within 10 business days
  • Weekly touchpoints until flag resolved
  • Update health score after every recovery touchpoint
Coaching triggers
  • No recovery plan within 48 hours
  • No executive touchpoint within 10 days
  • Flag removed without documented resolution
Leading indicators
Relationship health score
Composite score: delivery, responsiveness, value, stakeholder engagement
Below threshold = immediate flag
Share of wallet
Client's addressable spend currently with your firm vs. competitors
Reviewed quarterly
Days since executive touch
Since meaningful interaction with a senior client stakeholder
Alert at 30+ days
Renewal date coverage
Active managed services accounts with documented renewal date
Target: 100%
At-risk account count
Accounts currently flagged with active recovery plan
Reviewed weekly
Expansion in pipeline
Active expansion opportunities from existing accounts
1+ per account per quarter
Every client account routes to one of three paths based on relationship health and contract status. Complete the snapshot and health assessment first. Save overrides Renew. Renew overrides Upsell.
Path A: Upsell
Upsell is not a pitch. It is a discovery and qualification process. Use the same rigor as a new logo opportunity: real problem, real budget, real timeline, real decision maker.
Qualify before you propose
  • Confirmed problem we can solve
  • Budget signal — not just interest
  • Timeline from the client
  • Decision maker identified and engaged
  • Legal and procurement path confirmed
Action sequence
1
Schedule discovery on identified whitespace
2
Qualify: problem, budget, timeline, decision maker
3
Identify legal and procurement path
4
Deliver proposal with live walkthrough scheduled
Path B: Renew
Renewal is not automatic. Start 60 days before the renewal date. Confirm scope, surface any concerns and deliver the renewal agreement no later than 30 days before renewal.
Readiness checklist
  • Renewal date documented in CRM
  • Conversation initiated 60 days out
  • Scope confirmed or change documented
  • Agreement prepared and delivered 30 days before renewal
  • Open delivery issues resolved
Action sequence
1
Initiate renewal conversation 60 days out
2
Confirm or document scope changes
3
Prepare and deliver agreement 30 days before renewal
4
Confirm client acceptance in writing
Path C: Save
Flagging an account at risk is the right call. Not flagging it and losing the account is the failure. Recovery plans must be created within 48 hours. Move fast.
At-risk signals
  • Client re-org or leadership change
  • Primary contact departed or reassigned
  • Consistent delivery complaints
  • Health score dropped below 3.0
  • No executive interaction in 30+ days
  • Invoice overdue with no follow-up
Action sequence
1
Flag at-risk in CRM within 48 hours
2
Notify leadership same day
3
Written recovery plan within 48 hours
4
Executive touchpoint within 10 business days
5
Weekly touchpoints until resolved
Relationship health score — how path selection works
4.0 – 5.0
Healthy and strong
Default: Upsell or Renew. Stay proactive.
3.0 – 3.9
Stable — watch closely
Default: Renew with caution. Executive touchpoint this month.
Below 3.0
At risk — act now
Default: Save. Recovery plan within 48 hours.
Health score dimensions
Delivery quality — we do what we said we would do, on time25%
Stakeholder relationship — key contacts trust and like working with us25%
Responsiveness — we reply quickly and communicate proactively20%
Value perception — the client feels the investment is worth it20%
Executive alignment — senior client leaders are engaged and supportive10%
Results That Speak Clearly

Every engagement is different. The standard stays the same.

2025 – Now
Edgelogix
Chief Growth Officer
Built the full commercial engine from zero. $2M pipeline in six months. AI-powered SDR program created scalable top-of-funnel activity. AWS and Databricks partnerships established.
2024 – 2025
Lightedge
Chief Customer Officer
Managed ~2,000 customers and ~$200M ARR post-acquisition. Rebuilt customer engagement from transactional to relationship-driven. Revenue erosion reduced to below 1%.
2023 – 2024
Connectria (acquired by Lightedge)
Chief Customer Officer
Churn reduced from 3% to 0.5% in 12 months. NRR lifted from 92% to 107%. Expansion share of MRR grew from 35% to 59%.
2021 – 2023
McCulloch & Williams (Advisory)
Founder & Principal
Revenue strategy and GTM advisory for PE-backed companies. Acting CRO for an ecommerce platform, building a national GTM team from scratch including recruiting, onboarding and performance standards.
2020 – 2021
Liquid Web & Nexcess
Chief Revenue Officer
First CRO following combination of two businesses. Unified sales, marketing and customer experience across $140M+ ARR. Built renewals and expansion infrastructure from zero.
2007 – 2020
Rackspace
Senior Sales & Marketing Leader
Ran sales and marketing for a $170M division. Inherited a broken Private Equity practice, rebuilt it from the ground up and helped win the largest deal in Rackspace history at the time.
Deep Experience. Focused Sectors.

Technology

  • SaaS and cloud-managed services
  • PE-backed technology platforms
  • Post-acquisition integration
  • Growth-stage technology companies
  • Enterprise and mid-market GTM

Healthcare

  • Health technology and digital health
  • Revenue cycle and patient engagement
  • Healthcare SaaS platforms
  • Provider and payer-focused solutions
  • Compliance-sensitive growth environments
Ready to Build Something That Lasts?

If your growth is fragmented, a transition is underway or the next phase demands something your organization has not yet built, this is the conversation to start.

Start a Conversation
adam@mccullochandwilliams.com