Own the operating rhythm — a structured cadence of virtual CEO group support sessions, 1:1 advisory, portfolio reviews, and hands-on support between meetings, designed in partnership with a top executive coach
Leverage your expertise, your network, and Palm's network to help founders move through the milestones that matter in D2C — ranging from validating the business thesis, to finding first customers, to nailing message-market fit, to proving unit economics, and scaling channels profitably.
Interface with Palm leadership to share insights, proactively flag concerns, and inform portfolio-wide strategy and platform evolution
Spot gaps in resources, expertise, and/or experience and connect CEOs to the right resources fast, whether that’s Palm’s platform teams (legal, finance, recruiting), or a difference-making industry expert.
Coach founder-CEOs at regular cadence and as-needed, providing hands-on support — making decisions with balanced urgency and psychological safety.

10+ years of senior operating experience (i.e.founder, CEO, COO, Head of Sales or CMO) in D2C digital/service, CPG, retail, and/or education
Experience scaling consumer brands from first customer through proven channel and 2x+ ROAS
Expertise in brand positioning, performance marketing, CAC optimization, and retention
Strength in operational planning — resourced plans, pricing, merchandising, forecasting, inventory, and cash flow
A thick rolodex of functional and industry experts you've called on to solve problems fast
The instinct to read tea leaves, move fast without shortcuts, and have fun helping founders de-risk stage-appropriate decisions

A Leveraged Way to Help Compelling Companies Win. The highest possible leverage on your time
helping other CEOs working on compelling things win.
Challenge, Variety, Fun. A diverse portfolio of companies at different stages, not one problem on repeat.
Equity, Board Trajectory, Expanded Scope. Relationships that open doors to future stakes, formal board roles, and more full-time work with Palm.
Network and Community. A tight, Austin-centered community of founders, investors and operators, backed by Palm's 30-year track record and startup studio infrastructure.

Operating Partner – Fractional

Key skills