How it Works.
Let’s Walk Through the Playbook.
The Advisory Bench is not software, a directory, or a networking club where everyone pays dues and nobody calls back. We work directly with growth-minded CEOs to solve real business problems with the right mix of advisors, operators, and leadership talent. Sometimes that means building an Advisory Board. Sometimes it means recruiting key leaders. Often it’s both. Here’s how it works.
Most CEOs don't wake up thinking,
"You know what I need? An Advisory Board."
PLAN
We listen first to understand the CEO, the business, and the decisions carrying the most weight.
SOURCE
We connect CEOs with the experience, perspective, and leadership talent they usually can’t access on their own.
LAUNCH
We build the board structure, meeting cadence, and expectations that keep conversations focused and useful.
MANAGE
We stay involved to help guide discussions, catch things others may miss, and keep priorities aligned to the business.
OPTIMIZE
We continue refining the board and leadership support as the company grows and changes.
PLAN
We listen first to understand the CEO, the business, and the decisions carrying the most weight.
SOURCE
We connect CEOs with the experience, perspective, and leadership talent they usually can’t access on their own.
LAUNCH
We build the board structure, meeting cadence, and expectations that keep conversations focused and useful.
MANAGE
We stay involved to help guide discussions, catch things others may miss, and keep priorities aligned to the business.
OPTIMIZE
We continue refining the board and leadership support as the company grows and changes.
Sometimes the bench reveals a leadership gap.
We help fill it.
A company may need stronger operational leadership, a more experienced financial voice, or someone who has already guided a business through the next stage of growth. When that happens, we help identify and bring in the right person.
Solve Real Problems & Reduce Uncertainty
It all starts with a conversation about what’s keeping the CEO up at night. Usually, something needs to change, but it’s not always clear what matters most or who should help solve it. We help uncover the real problem, build the right bench around the business, and stay involved as the company moves forward.
“Listening works. Humility works.”
Chris Hessler, CEO
Why The Advisory Bench Works
The Advisory Bench
- Built around the CEO’s actual problem
- Ongoing involvement and management
- Tailored to the company’s stage and goals
- Access to operators outside the CEO’s circle
- Conversations stay practical and decision-focused
- Clear cadence, priorities, and facilitation
- Real-world operating experience
- Decisions tied to growth and execution
- Carefully selected operators who engage
- CEO gains perspective and support around the table
- Stay involved as the business evolves
Other Advisory Boards
- Built around titles and resumes
- One-time introductions
- Generic board structures
- Advisors chosen from existing networks
- Meetings drift into updates and opinions
- Little accountability or structure
- Theoretical advice
- “Nice to have” conversations
- Passive advisors
- CEO still carries decisions alone
- Set it up and disappear