Join us for an event exploring how fractional work offers a strategic solution for both employers and employees, enabling organizations to stay agile while professionals enjoy flexible roles that promote balance, variety, and skill growth.
Fractional Work is a strategic approach to talent for both the employer and employee. Every person at some point and time should experience a fractional/interim role where they can make an impact. Organizations are seeking ways to remain agile and access specialized skills on demand. Additionally, the gig economy’s growth has normalized flexible work arrangements, with many professionals seeking work that offers balance, variety, the opportunity to apply their skills across different challenges and most importantly learn new skills.
Amy Kapolnek stands as the visionary behind the fwrd group, a growth consulting firm specializing in high-impact advisory, strategic planning and Fractional CMO services for indie, female-founded brands. Serving as their Strategic Advisor and Fractional CMO, Amy leverages her expertise with small business marketing to craft innovative and results-driven strategies to attract more customers, expand market reach and drive revenue growth.
With an illustrious career, Amy has been the driving force of noteworthy achievements including the launch of Gucci Beauty and Burberry Perfumes (Coty); rebranding Olay, developing new product categories for Pantene, and launching five new brands within P&G Ventures (Procter & Gamble); leading brand development for Our Tone Band-Aid (Johnson & Johnson); and driving the expansion of AIREM Aesthetic Spa’s medical aesthetic locations.
Elizabeth Reid is a trailblazing communications and marketing leader who has helped shape some of the most prestigious global brands we know today. Over her 20-year career, she's led groundbreaking initiatives for iconic names like MAC Cosmetics, David Yurman, and Mulberry. What makes Elizabeth unique is her ability to master the art of blending creativity with consumer insights, consistently transforming brands through innovative strategies that deliver remarkable growth. Her career journey reflects a deep understanding that great marketing happens when powerful creative ideas are backed by real consumer understanding.
Now, Elizabeth is drawing on her marketing and communications expertise to scale startup and midsize direct-to-consumer brands, helping entrepreneurs transform their vision into market-leading narratives.
Nancy Ruzow As a Fractional Creative Director & Strategic Design Partner, I’ve spent decades turning complex ideas into award-winning, strategy-driven design. From a 300-page NFL rookie guidebook to a campaign helping the University of Oxford raise $240M, the work is more than aesthetics — it’s about impact— seamlessly integrating with marketing teams, translating complex ideas into compelling designs across branding, print, and digital collateral. With 82+ national design awards, a spot on GDUSA’s People to Watch list, and a marketing brain, she blends strategy, creativity, and precision.
Alicynne Sher is the Chief Commercial Officer for O.R.B, a company which represents US Manufacturers and small and medium sized retailers/brands who are ethically produced. She is a global, purpose driven commercial executive driving growth and expansion for companies that support principles of the circular economy through technology, re-commerce, B2B and B2C transformative business models. Alicynne is focused on working with companies that express their authentic commitment to sustainable business and partnership for the future.
April Uchitel Over 30 years, April has pivoted from Fashion to Tech to Beauty to Community. Starting with 25 years in Fashion, notably last at DVF. A CBO of tech start up SPRING where she led curation strategy and onboarded 1,600 brands in 3 years. As CEO of Violet Grey she increased sales 4x, priming the brand for acquisition. Currently the CEO & Co-Founder of THE BOARD she curates and matches world class talent with companies to scale business. She is the co-founder of DISH studios in DTLA, on the founding team of IAMVOTER, and sits on the style Board of GLAM4GOOD, she is an advisor/investor in tech platforms SHOP MY (influencer/affiliates) , TRY NOW (Try Before You Buy), CAKE (Private Membership Shopping Club), & MADA (Styling/Affiliates).
*Based on member feedback, we’re shifting our weekly café session to Fridays at 12pm ET, instead of Wednesdays. See you there!
Café Co-Lab's are small, weekly networking groups focused on specific topics. They are an opportunity for co-lab members to connect, share resources , and engage with other members.
All co-lab events are free to members. Zoom details will be posted on the day of the event in our private community Slack in the #cafe-co-lab channel. All questions can be directed to info@jointhecolab.com. To become a member and receive access to these exciting events, join us here.