Engagement tiers

Advisory. Engaged. Embedded.

Every package is available at three engagement tiers. The package defines what North & Noble works on. The tier defines how deeply North & Noble is involved in the execution. Price increases with depth of engagement.

Recommendation process

The right tier is the right outcome.

The assessment findings inform the tier recommendation. North & Noble never upsells a client to a higher tier if the lower tier will produce the outcome they need. Integrity in the recommendation process is a non-negotiable brand standard. A client recommended to Advisory who is sold into Embedded when Advisory would have sufficed is a client who eventually feels misled — and does not refer others. The right tier recommendation is the most powerful business development tool North & Noble has.

Tier 1

Advisory

The thinking.

Strategy, assessment, and recommendations. North & Noble delivers the thinking, the framework, and the roadmap. Client owns execution entirely.

North & Noble provides

Comprehensive assessment and diagnosis
Strategic framework and recommendations
Written roadmap and priority matrix
Executive findings presentation
Monthly check-in sessions during engagement
On-call advisory via email — 48-hour response
Access to all North & Noble tools and frameworks

Choose Advisory (Tier 1) when

The client has a strong internal team capable of executing with guidance
The primary need is a clear strategy and roadmap — not implementation support
Budget is the primary constraint — Advisory delivers the highest value per dollar
The client wants to move at their own pace without external accountability pressure
The engagement scope is focused — a single function or defined problem

Tier 2

Engaged

The thinking plus the doing alongside you.

Strategy plus active implementation support. North & Noble works alongside the client team through execution — providing oversight, tools, and course correction.

North & Noble provides

Everything in Advisory, plus
Bi-weekly implementation sessions with leadership team
Active workstream management and milestone tracking
Direct team facilitation and workshop delivery
Draft and review of all implementation documents
Real-time course correction as execution unfolds
On-call advisory — 24-hour business day response
Monthly executive progress reporting

Choose Engaged (Tier 2) when

The client has a capable team but needs active support to stay on track and move faster
Previous attempts at implementation have stalled without external accountability
The scope is complex enough that course correction during execution is essential
Leadership wants North & Noble in the room during key decisions and milestones
The most common tier — recommended as the default for most Growth Framework™ engagements

Tier 3

Embedded

The thinking, the doing, and the owning of outcomes.

Fractional leadership or deep integration. North & Noble operates as an extension of the client's organization for a defined period — owning outcomes alongside leadership.

North & Noble provides

Everything in Engaged, plus
Defined hours of on-site or embedded presence per week
Attendance at leadership and department meetings
Direct management oversight of implementation workstreams
Fractional executive function — COO, CMO, or VP role
Team coaching and individual leader development
Priority access — same-day response during business hours
Quarterly board or investor reporting capability

Choose Embedded (Tier 3) when

The client needs a functional leader — not just an advisor — for a defined period
A leadership gap exists that cannot wait for a full-time hire
PE-backed company with a 100-day mandate and no time for a slow implementation
Post-acquisition integration requires a seasoned operator embedded in the business
The stakes are high enough to justify the deepest level of North & Noble involvement

Not sure which tier fits?

Start with an assessment. We'll recommend the tier that matches your team, your timeline, and the outcome you need — nothing more.

Request an assessment