5 Things I’ve Learned Since Starting SHED Fractional

Nikki Milgate
Aug 12
2 min read

Starting SHED Fractional, LLC has been one of the most transformative chapters in my professional life. It’s more than just launching a business—it’s about embracing a new mindset, redefining success, and staying grounded in service, strategy, and authenticity. Here are five key lessons I’ve learned since stepping into this exciting space:

People are hungry for flexible leadership.

Companies—especially mid-sized and scaling ones—are craving senior-level insight without full-time overhead. I’ve learned that fractional leadership isn’t a compromise; it’s a strategic advantage that brings clarity and momentum when organizations need it most.

Clarity beats complexity every time.

Whether I’m helping a founder align their team or designing a new operational workflow, I’ve seen how powerful simplicity can be. SHED has reinforced for me that cutting through the noise and creating structure is often the most valuable thing I can offer.

Relationships are everything.

Referrals, partnerships, and even moments of encouragement have all come from conversations and relationships I’ve cultivated over the years. Launching SHED has reminded me that staying connected and showing up generously matters more than any pitch deck.

Starting small doesn’t mean thinking small.

Launching with a lean, fractional model has allowed me to be agile, intentional, and bold. I’ve learned that a big impact can start with small engagements, and vision doesn’t need a massive team to be real.

Purpose fuels resilience.

There have been uncertain days, of course. But returning to my purpose—Helping people lead with clarity, connect through purpose, and grow through change—has kept me grounded. SHED isn’t just a business; it’s an extension of what I believe leadership should feel like.

Whether you're considering going fractional, launching your own business, or just recalibrating your leadership journey, I hope these lessons offer inspiration and a little momentum. SHED is still growing—and I’m learning more every day. What it looks like today is NOT what it will look like tomorrow or in the near future.