In this episode, Marissa and Lior dig into one of the hardest parts of running a fractional CTO practice: setting boundaries that actually build trust instead of eroding it. They unpack why overwhelm is usually a systems problem, not a capacity problem, and how saying “yes” to everything quietly turns you into a glorified gopher instead of a strategic leader. You’ll hear concrete examples of reshaping communication expectations, eliminating low-value standing meetings, defining personal non-negotiables, and knowing when a client has crossed a line enough times to become a former client. If you’ve ever felt like every client is a hungry child tugging at your sleeve, this conversation will help you design a calmer, more intentional practice.
You’ll learn:
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Why clear boundaries are essential to being seen as a leader instead of a doer across multiple clients.
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How to treat overwhelm as a signal to improve planning, meeting cadence, and alerting systems—not work more hours.
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The most common boundary mistakes fractional leaders make, from saying yes to everything to overcommitting on communication.
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How to respond when clients repeatedly cross boundaries, including defining non-negotiables and gracefully ending engagements.
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Practical first boundaries to set—like cancelling standing meetings and dropping “guaranteed” response times—to quickly relieve pressure.
If you’re a Fractional CTO—or any kind of visionary leader—this conversation is a must-listen.
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