Going Portfolio

Every step of my path has been driven by the same principles that underlie this approach - seeking purpose, making calculated choices and staying open to change. I haven't always known where each decision would take me but I've always trusted in the power of learning, resilience, and connection to move me forward. Following a career in HR Leadership in the NHS, I learned that great teams need more than just policies; they need leaders who understand and appreciate the human side of business. My career took a turn when my then-employer invited me to move from HR into operations management - a chance to lead from the centre, overseeing the 'back 12 office' while managing revenue-generating activities. It was here that I gained hands-on experience in areas beyond HR, like managing IT projects and relocating an entire dealing room. These years shaped my business acumen and taught me the importance of agility and a broad skill set - qualities I now see as critical for anyone pursuing a portfolio career.

• Contents ForewordPrefaceAcknowledgementsContributors Chapter One Welcome to the work revolution: Your guide to thriving in a portfolio career Journey to a portfolio career: Lessons from John Marsland Chapter Two A tapestry of talents: Unpacking the portfolio career Reasons for choosing portfolio working Key takeaways from this chapter Chapter Three Seizing the moment: Why a portfolio career is today's ultimate employability strategy Shift in employment patterns and preferences Technological advancement and globalisation Changing perspectives on career longevity and retirement Key takeaways from this chapter Chapter Four Crafting your unique blend: Unearthing skills, passions and interests for your portfolio journey Identifying what you value Identify your passions and motivated talents Identify your skills - Map your skills against those required in the market Navigating your portfolio life: Lessons from David Mellor Key takeaways from this chapter6 Chapter Five Creating your portfolio: Strategic planning Start early by developing your network Explore your options and develop your skills Get a side hustle Get a mentor Navigating your portfolio life: Lessons from Sue Mandelbaum Taking the plunge Key takeaways from this chapter Chapter Six Valuing your expertise: A guide to pricing and practicalities Admin angst Your business structure Accounts advice Navigating your portfolio life: Lessons from Barry Joinson Don't forget insurance A word on IR35 Key takeaways from this chapter Chapter Seven Presenting your best self: Mastering personal branding and promotion Skills needed to sell yourself and market your offerCrafting your elevator pitch: you in 30 seconds Telling your story Drafting your online presence Personal branding checklist Navigating your portfolio life: Lessons from Mike Grant Key takeaways from this chapter Chapter Eight Cultivating connections: The art of networking and relationship building The 6Rs of good networking Navigating your portfolio life: Lessons from Carol Ashton The role of social networks Key takeaways from this chapter Downloading your LinkedIn contacts Chapter Nine Mastering the clock: Effective workload and time management strategies7 Lessons on managing time Strategies to tackle procrastination The support you have and need Navigating your portfolio life: Lessons from Michaela Henshaw Look after your health and work-life balance Key takeaways from this chapter Chapter Ten Never too early: embracing the portfolio career as a young professional Six steps to your portfolio career Things to watch out for Key takeaways from this chapter Chapter Eleven Boardroom bound: Venturing into non-executive director roles in your portfolio journey Guidance for getting your first NED role Navigating your portfolio life: Lessons from Mark Sismey-Durrant and Paul Mussenden Some words of warning Trustee and other roles Key takeaways from this chapter Chapter Twelve Volunteering: Giving back The benefits of volunteering Where to find opportunities How to get the gig Strategically plan your volunteering Key takeaways from this chapter Chapter Thirteen It's all about you: What's next? Write your own adventure Chapter Fourteen Concluding thoughts: Designing your future with a portfolio career Appendix One: Access to Fuel50 Appendix Two: Our stories -notes from the interviews referenced References