Hire the Best Strategic Planning Specialists

Companies start looking for a Chief of Staff when the business is growing, but execution isn’t keeping up. You have direction, you have priorities - but turning that into clear plans, ownership, and consistent follow-through is where things break down. That’s where I step in - I work directly with founders and leadership teams to take strategy, and make it real across the business. • Turning direction into clear plans and timelines • Establishing ownership and accountability across teams • Driving cross-functional execution without creating drag • Surfacing risks early and bringing solutions, not just problems I'm most effective when: • Priorities exist, but don’t translate into execution • Initiatives start strong but lose momentum • The founder is the bottleneck for decisions and direction • The business feels harder to run than it should Within the first 30 days: • Priorities stabilize and translate into execution • Ownership is clear across key initiatives • Work moves forward without constant escalation • Leadership has visibility into what’s actually happening My role is simple - bring structure, pace, and follow-through so the business can scale without all the chaos. If that’s the gap you’re trying to close, we should talk.

I am an Expert-Vetted Project and Operations Specialist with close to three decades of experience helping organisations improve execution, operational structure, and delivery consistency across construction, finance, e-commerce, technology, and professional services. I work with founders and leadership teams when priorities become fragmented, ownership is unclear, and delivery begins to lose momentum. My focus is on aligning people, processes, and systems to create clearer ways of working and more controlled execution. I have managed a £550M portfolio of 375 projects over five years, established PMOs, implemented earned value management, and introduced process and system improvements to strengthen control across time, cost, and quality. On a £1.2B healthcare programme, I restructured a stalled design process and increased completion from 53 percent to 96 percent within five months. I also bring strong experience in contract and change management. In one case, I supported a client facing a $60K contractual claim. By reviewing the contract in detail and identifying key breaches, I established a clear contractual position that resulted in the claim being withdrawn and avoided escalation, saving the client a significant cost exposure. Alongside large-scale programmes, I support organisations transitioning from reactive operations to more structured and scalable ways of working. This has included operational transformation work within a major financial institution in Dubai, where I reduced fragmented processes, established a PMO, and onboarded close to 100 staff onto Monday to improve coordination and visibility. As a Fractional COO, I have implemented operating frameworks (EOS), standardised SOPs, improved cross-functional alignment, and rationalised technology stacks to create more efficient delivery environments. I have also introduced practical AI applications to support research, analytics, and operational workflows. In e-commerce, I managed the recruitment of staff, liaising with suppliers, ensuring stock was on hand, coordination of an in-house team of specialists, and the launching of three multilingual websites, along with Facebook and YouTube ads within a two-week period in preparation for Black Friday/Cyber Monday, contributing to measurable sales growth year on year. I have also supported startups and SMEs in developing scalable operating models and structured delivery processes. I am a Certified Monday Partner, have direct hands on experience with ClickUp, Miro, Notion, and am a Primavera P6 super user, amongst other systems. I am currently working towards PMP certification and an MBA, while continuing to expand my capabilities in AI and automation.

Hey, I’m Gabriela - a Top Rated Plus & Expert-Vetted Market Intelligence Consultant with 370+ completed projects and 3,000+ hours on Upwork, having worked with 250+ clients ranging from high-growth startups to Fortune 500 companies like Unilever, Nestlé, GSK, and Snap Inc., delivering investor-grade research and strategic insight that drives real business decisions. ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ I specialize in feasibility studies, market intelligence, competitive analysis, and TAM/SAM/SOM modeling — turning complex data into clear, decision-ready strategy. My work supports M&A evaluations, market entry, growth strategy, and board-level reporting across the US, EU, and MENA. 🏆 Clients work with me because I go beyond data. I challenge assumptions, validate models, and translate research into commercial direction. 🏆 🏆 Core Areas of Expertise (and beyond): ⭐️ Market & Industry Intelligence ⭐️ Feasibility Studies & Commercial Validation ⭐️ Competitive & M&A Research ⭐️ TAM / SAM / SOM Modeling ⭐️ Growth & Market Entry Strategy ⭐️ Investor & Board-Ready Reporting ⭐️⭐️⭐️ and much more customized research & analysis needs I take pride in being reliable, analytical, and easy to work with. If you need sharp insights tailored to your goals, I’d love to hear more about your project.

Expert-Vetted Freelancer in Business Plan, Growth and Financial Planning With over 26 years of experience in management consulting and financial services, I am here to help you take your business to the next level. As an Executive MBA graduate from Warwick Business School ranked 10th by QS and 30th by Financial Times I bring world-class expertise and a results-driven approach to every project. What I Can Do for You: 🔹 Financial Planning, Modelling & Forecasting – Transforming numbers into actionable strategies. 🔹 Business Plans & Feasibility Studies – Creating investor-ready plans that set your business apart. 🔹 Market Research & Marketing Plans – Unlocking insights to drive your success. 🔹 Funding Strategies – Guiding you on loans, equity, and attracting investors. 🔹 Startup Mentoring & Coaching – Empowering entrepreneurs to achieve their goals. Why Work with Me? I’ve successfully delivered projects for clients across the globe from Australia and the Middle East to Europe, the US, Canada, and LATAM. My expertise lies in crafting compelling business plans, accurate financial models, and thorough market analyses that inspire confidence in banks, investors, and stakeholders. But it’s not just about the numbers it’s about understanding your vision, listening to your needs, and delivering solutions that exceed your expectations. I’m passionate about helping businesses thrive and am committed to ensuring your success. Your success is my priority. Let’s make it happen! Send me a message today, and let’s discuss how I can help you achieve your goals. Together, we’ll turn your dreams into a thriving reality.

Helping founders, leadership teams, and SMEs navigate growth, fundraising, and transformation through hands on execution, cross functional leadership, and alignment across operations, technology, finance, marketing, sales, and organisational growth. ✔ Advised 200+ startups and SMEs globally ✔ Supported fundraising initiatives exceeding $25M+ ✔ 10 years in leadership roles at GE ✔ Top Rated with 100% Job Success Score ✔ Startup Mentor at Surrey University and Ignyte Since 2019, I have worked full time as a Strategic Advisor and Fractional COO, partnering with founders, leadership teams, investors, and portfolio companies across growth, fundraising, operational transformation, and scaling initiatives. I combine the discipline, governance, and execution rigor developed during 10 years in leadership roles at GE with the agility and hands on approach required in startups and growing businesses. Unlike specialists focused on a single function, I operate across the business with a 360 degree perspective, aligning people, processes, technology, finance, operations, culture, and governance around common objectives. My role is often to act as the glue between leadership, investors, teams, and external stakeholders, ensuring priorities are clear, communication flows effectively, and execution remains on track. How I Help ✔ Fractional COO and Operational Leadership ✔ Strategic Planning and Execution ✔ Startup Growth and Scaling ✔ Fundraising Readiness, Financial Modelling, and Investor Materials ✔ KPI, OKR, and Performance Management Frameworks ✔ Business Transformation and Process Optimisation ✔ Cross Functional Leadership Across Product, Technology, Operations, Finance, and Commercial Teams ✔ Stakeholder Management Across Leadership Teams, Investors, Boards, Clients, and Partners My Approach I do not just provide recommendations. I work closely with leadership teams to drive execution, remove bottlenecks, align stakeholders, improve communication, establish accountability, and ensure initiatives translate into measurable business outcomes. I am highly data driven, hands on, and comfortable operating in ambiguous environments where priorities evolve quickly and information is incomplete. Whether supporting a startup preparing for its first funding round or a growing business navigating a complex transition, my focus is always the same: helping leadership teams make better decisions, align priorities, and execute with confidence. If you need a strategic partner who can operate across the business, connect strategy with execution, and help your organisation move forward with greater clarity, alignment, and momentum, let's talk.

With over 15 years of experience and recognition as a Top 1% Expert-Vetted Freelancer on Upwork, I am your trusted partner in turning visions into victories. From crafting compelling business plans to building financial models that investors can't ignore, I specialize in delivering results that matter. 🎯 Here’s What I Bring to the Table: - Strategic business planning that drives growth. - Feasibility Studies/Market Research - Investor-ready pitch decks that captivate and persuade. - Tailored business proposals designed to win. - Financial Modeling - Expert Virtual CFO services for seamless financial leadership. Having empowered over 200 companies worldwide, I’ve consistently transformed ideas into success stories, setting benchmarks for excellence along the way. Let's create something extraordinary together! 🚀 What sets me apart? Beyond the top-tier ranking, I hold the prestigious Expert-Vetted status on Upwork—an accolade whispered about in large enterprises. It's an exclusive nod to my prowess, visible only to those seeking the absolute best. I don't just crunch numbers; I orchestrate financial symphonies, turning complexities into opportunities. —let's redefine success together.