Why Hiring a Growth Strategist, Operations Strategist, and Marketing Leader Rolled Into One Person is a No-Brainer for Smaller Companies and Funded Startups

sushi rolls
sushi rolls

In today’s economic climate, every dollar matters. Small- to mid-sized companies are being squeezed from both ends—rising costs and the urgent need to grow. But here’s the truth: cutting your way to profitability only goes so far. Growth is non-negotiable. You need someone who can drive it—strategically and affordably.

Enter the triple threat: a growth strategist, operations strategist, and marketing leader all in one. It might sound too good to be true, but it’s one of the smartest, most cost-effective decisions a lean company can make. Why? Because you’re essentially getting three experts for the price of one.

What’s in It for You?

  1. Strategic Growth Without the Overhead
    You need to grow—but not haphazardly. A growth strategist helps define where the company is headed, how to differentiate, and which levers will actually move the needle. Add operations strategy to streamline execution and marketing leadership to drive visibility and leads, and you have a comprehensive growth engine.
  2. Execution Without Chaos
    It’s not just about having good ideas—it’s about making them happen. A leader who understands marketing, sales, and operations will eliminate silos, reduce inefficiencies, and align all functions toward the same revenue goals.
  3. Revenue, Not Random Activity
    With this kind of leader, you won’t waste money on scattered tactics or shiny objects. Every action—from messaging to process to platform—is mapped to ROI. This person doesn’t just cost money—they make money by creating structure, clarity, and strategic momentum.

The Cost Comparison: 3 Roles vs. 1 Strategic Leader

Let’s break down the math:

RoleAverage Salary (U.S.)
Growth Strategist$150,000–$200,000
Operations Strategist$130,000–$180,000
Marketing Leader (CMO level)$160,000–$220,000
TOTAL (full-time salaries):$440,000–$600,000+

Now compare that to hiring a single expert—someone who brings all three of these capabilities in one senior-level, cross-functional role for a fraction of the cost.

That’s $150,000–$200,000/year—less than half (and often a third) of the combined cost of three separate hires. And that’s not inclusive of cutting these costs by 66%: payroll taxes, benefits, expense reports, retirement plans, PTO, life insurance, disability, recruitment costs, training costs, professional development, and more. 

Why This Role Is a Steal

In this economy, you need to spend smart, not small. Hiring a growth + operations + marketing leader isn’t a luxury—it’s a competitive advantage. You get:

  • C-suite-level insight without the C-suite price tag
  • Strategic planning and hands-on execution
  • A cross-functional approach that breaks down silos and accelerates progress
  • Immediate traction—no months-long onboarding or waiting for multiple hires

The Bottom Line

You don’t have to choose between hiring a strategist, a marketer, or an operations lead. You can get all three in one proven expert—someone who will more than pay for themselves by aligning your team, building your pipeline, and driving smart, sustainable growth.

In a time when most companies are either cutting back or treading water, this is your chance to get ahead.

One person. Three roles. Massive ROI.
It’s not just a smart hire—it’s a growth move. And it frees up your time to be good at what you are good at and leave the rest to me.