Engagements are structured in phases. Everyone starts with a Diagnostic.
We don't propose solutions before we understand the problem. That sounds obvious.
In practice, most firms skip this step. We don't.
01 — Diagnostic
3–5 weeks | Fixed scope | Fixed fee
The Diagnostic is the foundation of every engagement. It is not a rubber stamp — it is a structured investigation designed to surface the real problem, not the stated one.
What happens during a Diagnostic:
- Executive and stakeholder interviews
- Process observation and mapping
- Data and systems review
- Root-cause analysis using proven operational frameworks
What you receive at the end: A clear, quantified picture of what is actually causing the breakdown — and a decision-ready roadmap for what to do about it, with prioritized options and projected impact.
The Diagnostic is designed to give you everything you need to make a confident decision — whether that means moving into implementation with Fulcrum Advisory or taking the roadmap in-house.
Diagnostic investment: $15,000–$35,000 depending on scope and organizational complexity.
02 — Design & Implementation
PHASED | FIXED FEE | EXIT CRITERIA DEFINED UPFRONT
If the Diagnostic confirms there is work to do and we are the right fit to do it, we move into Design & Implementation. This phase includes:
- Process redesign and documentation
- System alignment and configuration
- Change management and stakeholder communication
- Defined KPIs and performance tracking
We don't hand off a plan and step back. We stay active through implementation — adjusting where the work requires it, maintaining momentum, and holding the line on what needs to change.
Engagements close when ownership is fully transferred and results are stable. Not before.
Implementation investment: structured as a percentage of measurable value created. Typical engagements range from $40,000–$150,000+.
03 — Sustainment (Optional)
3–6 months | Monthly retainer
For organizations that want continued support after implementation, Fulcrum Advisory offers a structured sustainment period. This includes KPI monitoring, executive check-ins, and light-touch tuning as the changes settle into normal operations.
Sustainment is not dependency. It is a defined, time-bound arrangement with a clear end.
Sustainment investment: $5,000–$12,000/month.
A note on how we engage.
Fulcrum Advisory takes a limited number of engagements at any time. Every project receives the full attention it requires — that is a non-negotiable operating principle.
We require a named executive sponsor with authority to act. We need the latitude to reframe the problem if the evidence points somewhere unexpected. And we work exclusively with organizations that are prepared to implement, not just analyze.
If that fits where you are, we should talk.