Bupa
Delivering Big Wins as a Fractional Consultant for a Global Health Provider
Neu21 recently teamed up with a leading global health provider to help them boost efficiency in their digital and product operations. They needed someone flexible, sharp, and ready to dive into the nitty-gritty without getting bogged down in full-time employee territory. Enter Kara, Neu21’s resident fractional powerhouse, who stepped up to deliver value and results across the board.
FRACTIONAL CONSULTING • TRANSFORMATION • LEADERSHIP • AGILITY AND WAYS OF WORKING • OPERATIONAL SUPPORT • ONBOARDING • RESOURCE MANAGEMENT • PROCUREMENT • PROGRAMME COORDINATION • RISK AND ISSUE OVERSIGHT • FACILTATION • PROCESS IMPROVEMENT • DIGITAL PORTFOLIO SUPPORT
THE OPPORTUNITY
At first, the health provider thought they needed a portfolio analyst to whip their financial tracking into shape across their digital space. They wanted a clearer view of their numbers and how their efforts were translating into real value. But, within weeks of Kara’s arrival, it became clear that there was a higher priority. Due to the rapid pace of change and high demand on the Digital teams, capacity was stretched, and existing ways of working and processes were slowing them down and limiting effective productivity.
THE SOLUTION
Kara quickly shifted gears from Portfolio Analyst and leaned into Program Coordination, with an initial focus to give the teams the frameworks, structure and oversight they needed to enable them to focus on the work that creates value. Kara enabled improved visibility and communication and introduced clearer structure around processes that supported getting everyone on the same page. Always having the client's best interest in mind, Kara not only provided advice and direction, she rolled up her sleeves and made sure things got done.
Her initial three-month engagement? You guessed it, that got extended—twice! Now, with her expertise delivering results, they’ve kept her on until the end of the year while they figure out their next steps. A permanent solution is on the cards, but for now, Kara’s got things under control, ready to not only hand over but support her client to find the best person and transition them into the role.
FRACTIONAL ADVANTAGE
One of the coolest perks of having a fractional consultant like Kara on the job is that she never loses sight of the bigger picture. She’s not distracted or consumed by full-time constraints or company politics. Instead, she brings a fresh perspective every week, backed by Neu21’s brain trust.
Kara wasn’t just going it alone, either. When the client’s flagged other areas of support requirements Kara was able to tap into Neu21’s specialists to offer tailored solutions. This kind of dynamic, real-time collaboration shows exactly why fractional consulting works so well—it’s like having a whole team of experts in your back pocket.
CONTINUOUS GROWTH & FLEXIBILITY
Fractional consulting doesn’t just benefit the client—it’s a win-win. Kara’s flexible schedule meant she stayed plugged into Neu21’s collaborative sessions, picking up fresh ideas, insights, and industry trends to keep things sharp. And when it came time for her to take a well-earned break (because hey, balance matters), another Neu21 consultant seamlessly stepped in to keep everything running smoothly. No drama just results.
Outcomes and Results —
The digital teams saw real benefits thanks to Kara’s input. Better communication, streamlined processes, and a renewed focus on delivery meant they were able to focus on what really mattered—creating value for their customers.
By embracing fractional consulting, the Digital Team with Karas support was able to:
Program Visibility and Inefficiency Reduction
Increase Program Visibility and reduce inefficiencies, having the right and up to date information available in a fast-paced environment.
Trust in the Process of Onboarding
Trust that new team members would be onboarded and brought up to speed quickly, allowing delivery to stay on track and that access and issues would be handled early to avoid delays.
Trust in Admin, Ops, and Business Support
Confidently trust that integral administrative, operational and business support expertise was available and provided timely.
WHY FRACTIONAL CONSULTING WORKS —
In today’s fast-paced world, fractional consulting is where it’s at—flexible, scalable, and built to deliver. Kara’s work shows how Neu21’s approach brings fresh eyes, serious expertise, and results that matter. It’s all about taking on the big challenges and getting it done without the weight of a full-time role.
“I love it, makes it easier to contract / justify the investment because sometimes fractional is all you need.”
Marcelo Menezes
Head of Digital Portfolio, Bupa
