A Day in the Life of a Part-time CEO

The role of a CEO is often seen as all-consuming — a position that demands full-time presence, constant decision-making, and hands-on leadership. Because of this perception, the idea of a Part-time CEO may seem unusual or even contradictory. Many people have never encountered the concept, and even experienced professionals may not fully understand how a part-time leader can effectively guide a company.

Yet, for many scale-ups and small to medium-sized businesses, a part-time CEO can be one of the most valuable additions to their leadership team. They bring deep experience, an objective perspective, and high-level strategic guidance without the financial commitment required for a full-time executive.

To understand the value and daily life of a part-time CEO, we spoke with Simon, an experienced Part-time CEO and Non-Executive Director who has worked with companies across multiple industries. He shared insights into his routines, responsibilities, motivations, and the challenges and benefits of this unique leadership role.

What follows is a detailed, behind-the-scenes look at what a typical day looks like — and why the role matters so much to growing businesses.

What is the Role of a Part-time CEO

The concept of a part-time CEO may feel counterintuitive at first. After all, the CEO is widely viewed as the central decision-maker and visionary leader of an organisation. How could such a role be fulfilled on a part-time basis?

To understand this, it’s important to recognise that not all companies need or can justify a full-time CEO. Many SMEs and scale-ups need leadership, structure, and strategic direction, but they are not at a stage where a full-time executive is necessary or financially feasible.

A part-time CEO steps in to fill this gap. They provide high-level leadership and direction without needing to be involved in every daily operational detail. The existing management team continues handling day-to-day responsibilities while the part-time CEO guides the broader strategy.

Aims and Motivations of a Part-time CEO

According to Simon, the purpose of a part-time CEO can be summarised simply:

A part-time CEO exists to help build a robust business plan and lead its delivery.

This goal requires the ability to stay strategic rather than getting drawn into granular operational details. While the internal team handles execution, the part-time CEO focuses on the big picture:

• Where is the organisation headed? 
• What strategic direction will deliver sustainable growth? 
• How should the brand, offering, and pricing evolve? 
• Which opportunities are worth pursuing? 
• What risks must be managed? 

The part-time CEO’s broad view allows them to see challenges and opportunities more clearly. Their distance from daily tasks helps them think objectively, setting a clear direction and ensuring the company stays aligned with its long-term goals.

A Typical Day for a Part-time CEO

When asked whether he has a typical day, Simon laughed and admitted that no two days are truly the same. But he did share what a structured working day looks like with one of his clients, Jericho Writers.

He spends at least one full day each week at their office, and while each visit varies, there is a predictable rhythm to it.

Interaction is at the heart of his schedule.

Simon focuses on talking to as many team members as possible, whether through quick informal chats, team meetings, or one-to-one sessions. He always begins his day by meeting face-to-face with the business owner to discuss priorities, concerns, and ongoing strategic initiatives.

Beyond that, he connects with the team in multiple ways:

• Team catch-ups 
• Individual meetings 
• Performance check-ins 
• Discussions on project progress 
• Informal conversations to gauge morale and culture 

Simon lives by a personal working mantra:

Carefully controlled time for admin and screen. Maximum time for human interaction.

This approach ensures he stays connected to the people driving the organisation forward while avoiding sinking too much time into administrative work.

While his role is part-time, communication happens every day. Simon checks in via mobile, email, and online platforms — always ensuring the team has access to his guidance. He keeps a close eye on internal communications to spot issues early and stay updated on developments even when he’s not physically present.

He is involved in major strategic initiatives and continually assesses whether the company is moving in the right direction.

Challenges Faced by a Part-time CEO

The biggest challenge, Simon explains, is ensuring complete focus.

A part-time CEO must know the business as well as a full-time CEO. They must understand the team, culture, products, customers, challenges, and opportunities. But they must deliver this depth of understanding in fewer hours.

This requires discipline.

Simon emphasises the importance of staying focused on delivering maximum value. The role demands:

• Strong self-management 
• Quick absorption of information 
• Fast decision-making 
• Clear prioritisation 
• The ability to zoom out and see the big picture 

The part-time CEO cannot afford to get bogged down in daily issues. Their value lies in long-term vision, objectivity, and powerful decision-making — not in completing tasks the internal team can handle.

Benefits Delivered by a Part-time CEO

Despite the challenges, the value a part-time CEO brings to a business can be transformative.

Simon points out several major advantages:

High-level strategic support at a fraction of the cost of a full-time CEO
For many SMEs, hiring a full-time CEO is financially unrealistic. A part-time CEO gives them access to the same calibre of leadership without the full-time salary.

Greater objectivity
Because they operate slightly outside the organisation, part-time CEOs avoid “company bubble” thinking. They bring fresh perspectives, identify blind spots, and challenge assumptions.

Bold and innovative thinking
Their broad experience across industries allows them to introduce new ideas, approaches, and solutions the internal team may never consider.

A catalyst for growth
Part-time CEOs often help companies break through plateaus by:

• Clarifying strategic direction 
• Restructuring operations 
• Developing strong business plans 
• Improving product or brand positioning 
• Enhancing margins 
• Strengthening leadership culture 

Their impact goes beyond strategy—they often inspire confidence across the team, improving morale and decision-making.

 

Also Read: What Does an Outsourced CFO Do?

The Value of Other Part-time Executives

Part-time CEOs are just one part of a broader trend. Many businesses benefit from bringing in experienced part-time executives such as:

• Part-time Operations Directors 
• Part-time Commercial Directors 
• Part-time Strategy Directors 

These leaders bring depth of experience and strategic insight without the need for full-time salaries. For growing companies, this flexibility can be a game-changer.

Conclusion

A part-time CEO may not spend every day in the office, but the value they deliver can be immense. With a clear focus on strategy, culture, and long-term success, they help companies navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build strong foundations for growth.

They provide experience that many SMEs cannot afford full-time, combined with objectivity and innovative thinking that help drive the business forward.

Their role is not to run daily operations but to ensure the organisation is moving in the right direction, staying aligned with its vision, and building momentum. Through close communication, strategic oversight, and relationship-driven leadership, a part-time CEO can be one of the most impactful figures in a growing company.

FAQs

What does a part-time CEO do on a typical day?
They focus on strategic leadership, team interactions, performance discussions, and working closely with the business owner. Their goal is to ensure the organisation stays aligned with long-term strategic goals.

How can a part-time CEO be effective with limited hours?
They stay focused on strategy rather than daily operations, maintain daily communication, and use their experience to make quick, informed decisions.

Is a part-time CEO suitable for all businesses?
They are most effective for SMEs and scale-ups that need strategic leadership but cannot justify the cost of a full-time executive.

What challenges does a part-time CEO face?
Balancing limited time with the need to deeply understand the business, staying focused on high-impact work, and maintaining communication across the team.

What are the main benefits of hiring a part-time CEO?
Cost savings, access to senior-level expertise, fresh perspectives, objective leadership, and strong strategic guidance.