Fractional CAIO vs Fractional FDE
Two complementary models for deploying AI into growing businesses. The CAIO sets the strategy and governance. The FDE builds and ships the systems. Richard McKellar offers both — here's how to choose.
Quick Decision
Which One Do You Need?
Choose CAIO if…
- → You need AI strategy and a roadmap, not just tools
- → Your C-suite needs alignment on where AI fits
- → You need governance, risk frameworks, and vendor selection
- → You want measurable ROI tied to decision gates
Choose FDE if…
- → You need AI agents built and deployed, not just planned
- → Your existing stack (Salesforce, NetSuite, HubSpot) needs integration
- → You want shadow → production deployment on real workflows
- → You need hands-on build, not a slide deck
Side by Side
Full Comparison
| Fractional CAIO | Fractional FDE | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Strategy, governance, executive alignment | Implementation, deployment, iteration |
| Who They Work With | C-suite, department heads, board | Operators, IT, frontline teams |
| Output | AI roadmap, policies, governance charter, vendor selection | Deployed agents, automations, workflows, runbooks |
| Methodology | C.A.P.™ Model (Council → Align → Perform) | Audit → Evaluate → Deploy |
| Timeline | 90-day cycles | 2-4 week sprints, 3-12+ month retainers |
| Pricing | Starting at $5K per 90-day cycle | $7.5K diagnostic · $20K-$40K pilot · $12K-$25K/mo |
| Best For | Mid-market companies needing AI leadership without a full-time hire | Companies that need AI agents built on existing systems, fast |
| Stack | Governance frameworks, vendor evaluation, executive reporting | Salesforce, NetSuite, HubSpot, SAP, custom APIs, Hermes |
Better Together
The Full Stack: CAIO + FDE
Most growing businesses eventually need both. The CAIO ensures you're building the right things. The FDE ensures they actually ship. Together, they cover the full AI adoption lifecycle — from boardroom to production.
CAIO Sets the Roadmap
Executive AI council, governance charter, use-case prioritization, vendor selection, 90-day operating plan.
FDE Ships the Systems
Workflow audits, agent design, shadow → production deployment, integration with existing stack, team training.
The Combined Engagement
The CAIO works with leadership to define where AI should go and why. The FDE works with operators to build and deploy the systems. Learnings flow both ways — FDE deployment data informs the CAIO roadmap, and the CAIO strategy guides FDE priorities.
Result: A complete AI operating model — governance and implementation in sync, from strategy to production.
Pricing
Investment Overview
Both services deliver ROI that significantly exceeds a full-time hire at $150K-$300K/year. Start with the $999 AI Audit to get a clear recommendation.
$999 AI Audit
1 workflow, 1 system, 5-7 days. Get a findings doc with a clear recommendation: CAIO, FDE, or Capital & Advisory.
Start with AuditCAIO: From $5K
90-day cycles. Governance, roadmap, executive alignment. No full-time hire needed.
Explore CAIO →FDE: From $7.5K
Diagnostic audits, pilot builds, embedded retainers. Working agents on your existing stack.
Explore FDE →FAQ
Common Questions
Should I hire a Fractional CAIO or a Fractional FDE?
If you need AI strategy, governance, and executive alignment, start with a Fractional CAIO. If you need someone to build and deploy AI agents into your existing systems, start with a Fractional FDE. Many clients benefit from both.
Can I start with one and add the other later?
Yes. Most clients start with whichever solves their most urgent problem. The two services are designed to work together — strategy plus implementation. You can start with either and layer the other when ready.
What is the $999 AI Audit?
A diagnostic engagement covering 1 workflow in 1 system over 5-7 days. You get a findings document with a clear recommendation: Fractional CAIO, Fractional FDE, or Capital & Advisory — whichever path fits your situation.
How do the pricing models compare?
Fractional CAIO starts at $5K per 90-day cycle. Fractional FDE ranges from $7,500 diagnostics to $20K-$40K pilots and $12K-$25K/month embedded retainers. Both deliver ROI well above a $150K-$300K/year full-time hire.
Not sure which path is right? Start with a 30-minute call.
We'll map your situation and recommend the clearest path forward — whether that's CAIO, FDE, both, or something else entirely.
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Consulting Practice for Artificial Intelligence Adoption & MCA Platforms