When Teams Shrink, Opportunities Expand

If you’ve felt the recent pressure to do more with less, you’re not alone. I’ve been talking to leaders and teams across various industries, and damn-near everyone is navigating the same storm. Economic shifts, political uncertainty, reduced spend - whatever the cause, the business reality is clear - teams everywhere are hurting.

I’ve felt this firsthand. The agency I love working with recently had to make some difficult cuts, and as part of that, I’m currently in the process of being laid off. Honestly, I understand the decision. Senior talent is expensive, and businesses right now are having to carefully balance cost and capability. Keeping mid-level talent makes sense - they deliver consistent output at a manageable cost - but it often leaves these talented folks without the strategic guidance and mentorship they need.

That’s the hidden challenge of downsizing. While it solves immediate financial pressures, it creates a gap. Mid-level contributors - smart, capable, and hardworking - are suddenly asked to perform at a higher level, faster, and without the mentorship they relied upon. Early-career talent disappears (a loss in its own right), and senior leadership exits, too, removing key sources of strategic insight and stability.

But here's the good news: when traditional structures shrink, new opportunities open up. That gap in strategic leadership and mentorship? It can be filled in smarter, more flexible ways - ways that don’t require huge overhead or full-time hires.

This moment is ideal for fractional strategic leadership: experienced, empathetic partners who step in for focused periods, bringing clarity and structure when teams need it most. The benefit is clear: you get senior-level thinking and mentorship without the full-time commitment. Your mid-level teams gain critical support, and your organization gains flexibility, clarity, and momentum.

My goal, when I step in, isn’t to take control - it’s to set teams up to thrive independently. It’s about creating clarity, setting direction, mentoring your rising leaders, and leaving behind a structure that helps your team feel capable and confident long after I’ve stepped away. This isn’t about replacing your talent; it’s about empowering them.

If you’re feeling the pinch, facing difficult decisions, or struggling to find clarity, let’s talk. I can help you navigate this uncertain moment - empathetically, strategically, and collaboratively. Because even when teams shrink, opportunities to work smarter and more effectively can expand.

Reach out anytime at kris@reasonsmore.com