Behind the Scenes of a Fractional Executive’s Journey
With a career rooted in B2B enterprise technology, manufacturing, and private equity operating companies, Lauren Wambold Patel has built a consulting practice that helps leaders unlock major growth opportunities. Based in Austin, Texas, Lauren is the founder of Keenan Reid Strategies, an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private business, where she works as a strategic partner and Fractional CMO.
“We help B2B execs ‘find the yes’ for 8-figure+ investments”
The Leap Into Fractional Leadership: Lauren’s Career Pivot
Lauren Wambold Patel’s decision to go fractional was born out of frustration with traditional corporate structures.
“I was still told to wait in line for a big promotion, despite doing everything asked of me. It was when I realized that if I put in as much work on my own, I would be twice as successful.”
That leap allowed her to channel her expertise into high-impact consulting, working with VPs and GMs who need strategic leadership without waiting on internal approvals.
Superpower in Action: Lauren Wambold Patel's Strength as a Fractional Executive
“I can make something complex sound simple for decision makers, allowing my clients to ‘find the yes.’”
This talent has helped clients secure significant investments and align their strategies to drive measurable outcomes.
Breaking the Myths: What Fractional Leadership Really Looks Like
Lauren has seen firsthand that Fractional leadership can create impact far beyond early-stage companies.
“Fractional work isn’t just for startups. I’ve seen VPs and GMs at Fortune 500s unlock huge impact by bringing in fractional experts at key moments, especially when they need strategic capability, but don’t have strategy headcount.”
Wins That Define Their Fractional Journey
“Keenan Reid Strategies, my consulting practice, made it to the INC 5000 List of the Fastest Growing Private Businesses in the U.S.”
That recognition reflects not just growth, but proof that her model delivers results at scale.
Lessons from the First Few Months in Fractional Work
Looking back, Lauren wishes she had approached her finances with the same rigor she applies to her clients.
Lauren's Advice for New Fractionals
“I wish I would’ve known from the very beginning about using tax deductions to plan for retirement and manage my own investments. If I could go back, I would actively work on my tax strategy early on and get that compound interest.”
Her biggest advice?
“Run your business like a business from day one. If you know how to manage and grow businesses, use them for your own business.”
Beyond the Resume: The Real Lauren Wambold Patel
Lauren’s leadership style is people-first, guided by the belief:
“Work the people as hard as the problem.”
Outside of her consulting practice, she’s a passionate basketball fan, courtside at University of Texas women’s basketball games and a devoted supporter of the Houston Rockets.
One Quote That Sums It All Up
“The secret to success is doing the simple things uncommonly well.”
It’s a principle that defines Lauren’s consulting work, her leadership philosophy, and the way she helps executives turn vision into action.
