Behind the Scenes of a Fractional Executive’s Journey
With a career built on transforming emerging brands and technology startups, Kayla Dillon has established herself as a bold and innovative marketing leader. Based in Wellington, Colorado, she is the founder of Torched Collective, Inc., where she works as a Fractional CMO helping multi-unit and high-growth companies find clarity, alignment, and measurable results. Known for building bridges between brands, people, and technology, Kayla brings a fearless approach to driving growth without relying on broken systems.
"Bridge-building marketing leader who transforms chaos into clarity. Passionate about connecting brands, people, and technology to deliver measurable growth with courage and impact.”
The Leap Into Fractional Leadership: Kayla Dillon's Career Pivot
Kayla’s leap into Fractional leadership came from realizing the system was broken, and choosing to build a better way forward.
"I wasn’t built for ladders. I build bridges from scars and grit, bridges strong enough for all of us to rise together."
Kayla Dillon’s move into Fractional work wasn’t just a career change, it was a rebellion against broken systems. After being told she wasn’t a “long-term culture fit” despite driving sales and savings, she realized the ladder wasn’t built for her, or for many others. So, she torched the ladder and built a bridge instead, one designed to create access, alignment, and results for brands that need real solutions, not more noise.
Superpower in Action: Kayla's Strength as a Fractional Executive
Every Fractional brings a unique strength to the table. For Kayla, it’s all about transforming overlooked chaos into unstoppable growth.
“I call my superpower the Cinderella effect, I take the chaos and the overlooked, and turn it into the thing everyone suddenly can’t ignore.”
This ability to uncover hidden potential and turn it into lasting impact makes Kayla a powerful partner for brands ready to rise above the noise and claim their place in the market.
Breaking the Myths: What Fractional Leadership Really Looks Like
Fractional leadership can sometimes be misunderstood, and Kayla is quick to clear the air.
“People assume Fractionals just step in to give advice, but it’s more than that, we’re accountable, we execute, and we drive outcomes.”
As Kayla explains, Fractionals don’t just point out the path forward, they walk it alongside their clients, ensuring strategies turn into measurable results.
Wins That Define Their Fractional Journey
One of Kayla Dillon’s proudest projects has been guiding fast-growing startups through the chaos of early scaling.
“I helped a founder-led team transition from scrappy marketing efforts to a structured growth engine, building the systems, processes, and brand clarity they needed to compete at the next level.”
For Kayla Dillon, these wins go far beyond marketing. They represent creating stability, unlocking growth opportunities, and giving leaders the confidence to scale with purpose.
Lessons from the First Few Months in Fractional Work
Looking back, Kayla reflects on the importance of clarity and boundaries early on:
Kayla's Advice for New Fractionals
Define Your Role, Don’t Let It Define You
A common mistake new Fractionals make is letting the company shape their role reactively. Kayla emphasizes the need to set expectations from day one, what success looks like, how decisions get made, and where her expertise has the most impact.
“You’re not there to be a catch-all. You’re there to bring focus, leadership, and strategy that moves the business forward. Without clear boundaries, it’s easy to blur the line between being a consultant and being the leader they actually need.”
Beyond the Resume: The Real Kayla
Kayla builds bridges for growth. After breaking free from a broken system, she’s made it her mission to connect emerging brands and tech startups with the right people, products, and strategies.
And outside of business? Kayla once went to Vegas on Halloween with strangers, ended up on stage at the Hard Rock Hotel in a killer bee costume, and won the contest.
"I once went to Vegas on Halloween with strangers. I ended up on stage at the Hard Rock Hotel in a killer bee costume, and won the contest. That pretty much sums me up: I take risks, I say yes to opportunities, and I dance through the chaos with a tequila in hand if that’s what it takes. It’s not about fitting in, it’s about being bold enough to stand out. That’s how you win and exactly how I lead."
One Quote That Sums It All Up
"I’ve walked through fire, been told I wasn’t enough, and still, I rise. I wasn’t built for ladders. I build bridges from scars and grit, bridges strong enough for all of us to rise together."
That single line captures Kayla’s approach to leadership, marketing, and life: breaking from broken systems, building bridges where none existed, and turning overlooked chaos into lasting results.
